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Nayeli let out a slow breath as she remained splayed out in triangle pose. Arm fully stretched, she pushed against the resistance of her leg to feel the full stretch through her obliques. It was so easy for her to get lost in such things, and all the easier when she had such pleasant company.

To her surprise, a young man, just older than her Niamh, had come requesting his company for breakfast. It was unfortunate that she had to tell the man he was not in, but he was welcome to come in and wait. As the hours slipped by, they talked about her little Niamh and his creative and expressive soul. She shared stories of all the mischief Miri and Niamh would get into; taking apart her wardrobe and putting on fashion shows. Oh, how she missed the days when her little ones were home. Now she barely sees them, even when they are home.

She had put on some tea and as the conversations died out she found herself missing out on her daily yoga and meditation... so she offered for him to join.

"Honestly, I can't believe he isn't back yet." She murmured as the breath escaped her lips, "It is quite unlike him to miss out on any appointment." she lingered in the pose a few more breaths and continued, "Though, he wasn't in the best mood when he left." Shifting slightly into half moon pose. it was then she caught a glimpse of blue moving across one of the walkways, "Niamh? Sweetie, you have company~" She chimed, trying to get his attention. The door to his dwelling slammed in response to her calling. Taking in another deep breath she righted herself and released her air, "I'll go after him~" Nayeli sighed as she excused herself from the garden, "There's tea left if you're interested, help yourself."


Niamh crawled through his covers and buried his face into his pillow. Kaj made him so upset every single time he saw him. The man was a user and he was just letting him walk all over him and his family. It was assinine, but he couldn't bring himself to tell anyone; especially Miri. If she knew that she let that man into her crew after what he did to Niamh it would destroy her... and she would destroy him. The thought of what she would do to him had she known almost gave him enough courage to confront her, but that was for another time. Right now, He just wanted it all to go away.

“This day… Just needs to start over.”


"Baby~ You have company..." Nayeli said while peeking into the sliding door to his home, "You were meeting someone for breakfast or...." she trailed off as she watched a flurry of limbs and cuss words go whirling around his room again. "Honey... Niamh. I'm coming in now."

Niamh threw himself from his hiding place and wiped the make-up from his face with a trembling hand. "Sunova-" he began as he stripped off his clothes, changed, scratched out his knots-for-braids. He'd have to redo those before going out there anyway. Running a brush through his hair he reached for some string to tie his braids in when his mother stopped him.

"Niamh Lorcan~" She cooed as she scraped the trembling mess of a boy into her arms, "Calm down. You are getting yourself all worked up about nothing." Whatever happened at work had Niamh in a tizzy and then to throw this on top... He was breaking down.

"N-Nothing?!" He clutched tight to his chest as he forced out each breath, "I-I just le...Left my-Forgot my... I can't-"

Nayeli brushed the wavy mop of teal out of her child's face and kissed his forehead, "We're just fine, Niamh." She reassured him while coaxing him to calm down with a gentle rub of his back, "You have nothing to be this upset about. I'm sure Leukos will understand you had something come up. Just apologize and start the day over again, okay?"

Niamh gave a soft smile to his mother and wiped a tear from his eye, "I-I'll do that, right after I can breathe again." It had always surprised him how understanding and mellow his mother was. She could face down the worst tropical storm with nothing but the clothes on her back. The woman's resolve was unshakable. She had a way of reassuring you that everything was fine; he had yet to find a situation where it wasn't.

The two shared a laugh and Nayeli gave him a tight squeeze, "Get yourself properly dressed and don't take too long on your hair, it's beautiful as it is. We'll be in the garden having tea when you're ready." she righted her boy and gave him another peck on the cheek to keep a tear from falling. Then she slipped out the door and proceeded back to the garden.

Taking a moment to get his breathing under control, Niamh did his best to shake off the morning and focus on the afternoon... To his surprise, Leukos had actually come over for Breakfast! Even though Niamh wasn't around, he stayed; if only to give him s**t for being late, but he cared enough to wait it out. That meant something, right? Using that momentum of positivity, Niamh braided his hair and did what was necessary to prepare himself to grovel for forgiveness.

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Nayeli descended the few steps from the gazebo to the garden and crossed the bricked path to where Leukos had been waiting with refreshments. Taking the cup with a smile she thanked him, then gave a pause as she examined him carefully; She knew something was up. Leukos had been such a genuine man, kind and courteous... but before her, she saw a facade to his sadness; something he had been trying to hold back. Sitting beside him she paused a moment, being a mother of two, she had wanted to say something, be comforting and gentle, but at the same time she had only met the young man and didn't want to be too forward.

For the moment they hung in silence, mainly because Nayeli was struggling with what would be appropriate to say, but as she came to the bottom of her glass, she placed a hand on his and squeezed gently, "I won't pretend to know what you've been through, but I want you to know..." she paused a moment, "If ever you are in need... you can return here." she was sure to meet his eyes so he understood. She wanted nothing more than to provide a safe place for the young man. The hollowed look in his eyes she had glimpsed from across the garden, the darkened aura that plagued him, made her heart ache. After a moment she gave him a warm smile and released his hand. Rising from her seat she gathered the pot, and breathed, "Niamh should be out momentarily... The poor boy has always been so self-conscious of his image... Takes him ages to get ready~ I'll prepare more tea."

Nayeli returned to the house to give Leukos a moment to let that process. Sometimes it can be difficult; having a safe place, people who care, and pure compassion and understanding. What she told him, it can make people uneasy, provoke a lot of emotion... She knew it had to be said, but wanted to give him some space to handle it in his own way before her son returned.


As the minutes ticked by, Niamh finally emerged from his room. Dressed in a deep plum with soft pink and fuschia petals dancing down the end of his pants, and sleeves. His hair was wrapped up into a tight bun with the aid of a silk red scarf, a brown woven leather belt in a 'v' shaped cross pattern hugged his waist, and ruby silk slippers just barely clung to the tips of his toes. For makeup, he went simple~ Mascara, and a smidge of highlight in the cheekbone/eye area to try and brighten up the bags under his eyes.

Darting down the path, he crossed the garden and did his best to hide his frustration with himself, "I am... So sorry." Taking a seat beside Leukos he continued, "I can honestly say I don't think I can apologize enough for how terrible I feel." He tried to keep his posture upright but his shoulders still slumped from guilt, "I overslept... The shipment I had been waiting on Finally came into port... and I can honestly say I had a personal stake in this one, so I had to be sure to ream the b*****d myself." Niamh's cheeks were flushed with frustration as he reflected on this morning's events, but none of that mattered now; it was handled. Right now he had a lot of a** kissing to do and- Niamh paused and met Leu's eyes with a hint of suspicion, "Are... You okay?"

He looked back to the main house as if it held some answers to what had transpired and then to Leukos as he scooted closer and wrapped an arm around him, "I'm so sorry I left you here... But I have to say~" he grinned and gently pulled Leu closer, "I am thrilled you are still here~ and I promise to make up for it."

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"Inexplicable?!" Niamh snorted tartly, "I explained myself! It may not have been what you wanted to hear, but it was the truth." Or mostly the truth... The most he was getting within the walls of the Lorcan residence. “Well, I do believe we will have the main house to ourselves.” He continued while rising to his feet, and offering an arm to escort him to the kitchen, “And it’s due time we get some food in your belly; lest you waste away on me~”

As he made his way to the house Nayeli was just coming back out, “I’ll be in the garden continuing my meditation; promise I won’t be a bother~” She laughed nervously while cautiously eyeing Leukos as she passed. Nayeli was glad he seemed to come around after whatever sort of an episode he had earlier; she would do her best to avoid the topic in the future, “There is tea steeping inside and I had Lydas bring over the ingredients you scribbled down last night, they’re in the chiller box in the cellar.”

Niamh arched a brow at his mother’s cautious glance, eyes following her as she proceeded passed them to the garden, “what the-” He murmured under his breath. Niamh and his mother were pretty close so he knew something was up. Not willing to dwell on it, he proclaimed, “Well!” while tying his sleeves up with some silk cord he had tangled in with his belt, “Let’s get this brunch thing started~”

Stepping behind the center island he pulled the mesh sack out of the tea and placed it in a bowl. Then poured off the steamy brew into a pot and placed that on the island as he fished out a pair of saucers and cups, “Smells like Mate~” he purred. It wasn’t as fruity or bitter as other teas, and definitely put a spring in your step; best blend for the morning in his opinion, “This blend is pretty similar to coffee, but not as strong tasting and doesn’t make you shake.” Did everyone shake from coffee… or just him? One cup and he can’t even write for at least an hour.

”Missmisnomer”

XD I had better post or I’m just going to type them all the way through brunch without you getting a word in edgewise ^~^'

On a side note~ -scurries off to make tea-

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"No, no-" Niamh insisted while gesturing for Leukos to sit, "It shouldn't be long~ What I can make is fairly simple and cooks quickly." He added while moving from cupboard to drawer gathering the utensils necessary to prepare his meal. Snatching the pot from his cluster of items placed off to one side of the counter, he scurried off to what appeared to be a pantry door, "I'll... be right back~" Niamh chimed while opening door to reveal a set of steps leading down to an underground storage room.

Niamh cautiously searched out each step with his slipper before committing until he felt soil under his feet. Reaching off to the right he felt a lantern and a box, striking a match he lit the nub of a candle left in the glass contraption, "Dammit mom... You should switch this out when it's this low..." he grumbled while struggling to light the tiny wick. As the room around him brightened with an orangish glow of the flame he started passed the wine racks to the chiller box where his fresh ingredients awaited him. opening the top compartment he collected the burlap tote and a closed the door. As he slung the straps over one shoulder he traveled to the opposite side of the cellar. In the far corner to the water pump, he cranked the handle a couple times to get the water flowing into the bucket placed around the spout. Pouring off what water he needed into the pot he placed the bucket back around the spout, he crossed the cellar floor, blew out the candle and started up the stairs.

Placing the pot of water on the flat wood stove surface he let out a breath, "Whew~ That's done..." gently placing the bag next to his collection of utensils he pulled out Chives, a wedge of cheese, a mild pepper, a hot pepper, and eggs. reaching for a small dish and a grater he started shredding cheese off the wedge, "bet you can't guess what I'm making~" He taunted jokingly~ It was quite obvious, "Dad always said..." Niamh puffed out his chest and did his best impression of his father " "Listen here Niamh, If you want a-" " He paused mid sentence, chest deflating as the breath was sucked from his lungs. Niamh's mouth formed a somber smile; his mimicry ended, " "woman in your life; pay attention..." " Niamh's eyes softened as he set the grater aside and reached for a chef knife to begin chopping the produce, " "I'll teach you to make the best breakfast that will have 'em crawling back for more~" " he snorted as he slid the diced chives aside and reached for the peppers, "Not quite what I'm going for, but I'm sure the sentiment's the same, right?"

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Placing the final slice into the green pepper he paused a moment looking at Leukos, trying really really hard to contain his laughter. He set the knife on the counter and rested his hands along the edge, "So, You met my mother, right?" He asked, his lips curling into a smile as a few chuckles broke free, " She has got to be one of the freest spirited, whatever will be; will be sort of earthlings that I have ever met... ever." Grabbing the eggs he gently lowered each one into the water that was warming, but not quite boiling yet, "Oh, my father knows and despite his protest and overall discomfort with the fact- he can't say s**t." Niamh wiped his hands on a white cloth and pointed outside, "Because the only things that can sour that woman's mood is when one of her children is upset. And as burly and brutish as my father looks, he will crumble if she so much as shoots him a glare."

They had a funny kind of love like that... Nayeli is absolutely harmless. She could never do anything to hurt someone; she's not that kind of person. But if Sarkis were to upset her in any way- It would hurt him, and he loves her, so he gives in. Nayeli is able to live the way she lives because she has a strong man who loves her and will do what is necessary to keep her happy; even if it is letting his one and only son be a little... Different.

Grabbing some black pepper corns from a container on the counter, he ground the small pellets into a semi coarse granules and placed that in a dish along side the salt, then placed the mortar and pestle next to the grater on the counter, "You don't have to worry about a thing here, Leukos." he affirmed in a soft, gentle tone. Grabbing hold of the knife, he took one of the spicy peppers and began slicing it into rings, "Except for maybe too much of this~" He joked, his playful grin returning, "How spicy do you like your food?"

Looking to continue toward the lighter side of this conversation, Niamh bit his lower lip while searching for something new to talk about, "So, What sort of things have you been up to with your time in Matori?"

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Despite the shift in topic, Niamh couldn't help but feel as though he was making Leukos uncomfortable... It's true, The man he had met last night and the one before him now are two completely different people, but he had chalked most of that up to his tardiness, the fact the man had been stuck with his precious-but-oh-so-awkward mother for a few hours; to which he felt horrible for, but surely they should have rebounded from that by now- he forgave him quick enough.

So that only leaves one of two options- both of which perfectly acceptable, but nonetheless disappointing; Either he said some things that hurt him, or he was terribly uncomfortable with his living situation. Sliding the pot over and placing a pan on the flat top he plucked a ladle from his pile of utensils and a fork with the other hand to slice off a pad of butter to slap into the warming pan. Using the ladle he scooped out three egg and individually placed each into a bowl. If he offended him in some way, Niamh really felt it better to get it out in the open, but judging on his meticulous curiosity of his surroundings, he's either never been in a kitchen before or wants to be anywhere but here.

Doing his best to shake the negative thoughts from his head, Niamh focused on the conversation.
"Alola" he shivered with a grin, "They creeped me out as a child... Just a mention of their name and I would feel their sticky little pads crawling on my bare skin." The sensation was unlike anything he had experienced and for some reason gave him the jitters, "I don't quite scream like a little girl when one lands on me anymore, but the sensation is still something I'm working on getting used to." Hopefully, someday he won't have quite as jumpy of a reaction; they are pretty common.

Cracking the three eggs into a bowl he added a pinch of salt and pepper, then thoroughly whisked the mixture with a fork, "It's awesome that you were able to get out and enjoy the islands though, there are some fantastic beaches on the mainland." He found himself in Setal quite often, usually on business, but it can't be all work and no play, right?

Returning to the pan he swirled the melting butter around and then turned back to prepping his ingredients. With a thin wood flipper in hand, he slowly poured the mixture into the pan, giving the eggs a vigorous jostling before allowing them to firm up a bit. he worked the flipper around the forming egg saucer, and when the sides were just turning a soft gold, but the center a bit squishy yet, he added the cheese and more than half the hot pepper, at leukos's request. Giving it a few more seconds he folded one side over the other to create a flattened egg funnel, then retrieved a plate to slip his created masterpiece on to. Niamh placed two sticks of green pepper on top and sprinkled a fair amount of chives on top, then slid the plate to where Leukos was sitting, "There~ one down, one to go."

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Niamh gritted his teeth at the thought of that little furry amphibian sticking its little sucker mitts all over Leukos... and did his best to hide a shiver when he imagined meeting the charming creature. Though given the opportunity to venture to Leukos's room, not even the Alol would keep him away~

Plucking the last three eggs from the water he cracked, seasoned, whisked and poured them onto the skillet, "Heh, You're too kind~ It's really not too hard as long as you follow the steps in the right order." Niamh said while jostling the mixture, "Most of the things we had last night were waaaaaay too complex for me to even begin to try. The amount of skill and knowledge about flavors and seasonings, how they work with the various foods, etcetera." with a wave of his hand he trailed off. Adding the cheese and a few bits of pepper, he folded the egg and slid it onto a plate.

Graciously accepting the tea he took a sip of the cooled brew and smiled, "Repay me, eh~" Niamh purred as he set the cup down and cut pieces off his omelet, "Well, I do suppose I can come up with something. I am quite clever~" He mused, eyes fluttering to fixate on a man more familiar to him, 'There you are~'

Straightening up he continued, "Well, It would be a shame to let this brunch I slaved over go to waste, so afterward I have a perfect plan for our next activity~" His eyes glistened with mischief as he began eating his omelet.

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"Don't get too excited~" Niamh urged as he cut a few more pieces out of his breakfast, "I was only going to ask if you would retrieve the bucket with the remaining water left in it for dishes." He took another bite of his omelet with a toothless grin, "I felt bad excluding you from the meal prep, but I felt like, and wanted, to make up for being absent all morning. I wanted to be here, I had every intention of being here, and literally the only possible thing that could ever drag me away happened." He shook his head in disbelief."I can't apologize enough." Niamh frowned as he stabbed into an oblong square of egg, a twinge of guilt compressing his chest.

"And in all honesty, I'm terrible at giving direction when I'm not entirely comfortable doing it myself. I may have bluffed my way through saying I can make an awesome breakfast... or maybe it was the alcohol~ Regardless, I wanted to see you again and it worked." He declared triumphantly. The omelet was just something he knew how to make from another round of father/son bonding time. In the past, he had pulled it off to make something resembling what his father had instructed; it was even edible too! It was pretty hit or miss~ "So, Since you didn't get to help out much with the prep, and I hate cleaning... Maybe we can do it together and make a less appealing task a little more fun; Hell, at the very least it'll go faster." Taking on the rest of his omelet, Niamh waited until he swallowed to wash it down with the remainder of his tea.

Letting out a contented sigh he gave a laugh, "This house is anything but common." Wincing at how p***k-ish that sounded, but continued, "Most have some sort of cool storage for various goods that could spoil out in the open, but my mom went through a weird phase a while back... She would make all sorts of wines out of whatever she could get her delicate little fingers on, so that prompted my father to dig out a section of the house and make an indoor cellar." and he surely wanted to test his ingenuity to see if it was something he could capitalize on, "And if he was making a cellar it might as well be in the kitchen, right? Not to mention the ice keeps better down in the cellar... its at least 10-20 degrees cooler down there; given the time of day."

Of course, his father's genius plan worked, but they weren't in the housing business- though he should consider convincing his father to sell the idea to someone who was for a pretty penny; maybe gain a partner... think of the business opportunities there~

After letting his stomach rest a moment, he stole the pot from the wood stove and set it on a folded over towel on the counter, "Since this water is already warm I'll soak the grater and get to washing..." Niamh trailed off as he fluttered his lashes in Leukos's direction, "And if you would be so kind as to hoist that ever-so-strenuous bucket of water up here and rinse and dry the dishes I would be forever in your debt~" Half way through his pathetic plight he bit his lower lip to keep from giggling. This brunch was coming around, once the dishes were put away, maybe they could enjoy a stroll on the beach, or just finish the tea out on the deck... Enjoy the gardens, the flowers, the view~