The Sins of Our Fathers

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
He shook his head, suddenly feeling bad about his little outburst. The sight of Thom laying his hands on Edna like that had just made his blood boil. “Nothing important. He’s petty and can’t stand hearing someone telling him no.” He pulled his keys out of his pocket and started the ignition. “People like that are liars. You can’t trust a word out of their mouths. They enjoy tearing people down. I hate people like that.”

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna still felt horrible. She sighed, then buckled her seat belt, "I'm still sorry you had to deal with it." She rubbed her hands over her face, "I should have never asked you to come. This wasn't your problem... And I'm really sorry for whatever Thom said to you. " she turned to meet his gaze, "I don't think there's even a way I can make this up to you."

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna still felt horrible. She sighed, then buckled her seat belt, "I'm still sorry you had to deal with it." She rubbed her hands over her face, "I should have never asked you to come. This wasn't your problem... And I'm really sorry for whatever Thom said to you. " she turned to meet his gaze, "I don't think there's even a way I can make this up to you."

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
“But Edna…” Maverick said, turning his truck around to leave. “You don’t have to. I’m glad I came. I got to help you for once. Or at least, I hope I did…?” He peeked at her, suddenly worried. It was possible she was mad at him for behaving so badly. Was she upset with him now? Did she not want to come to dinner? His confidence went out of him in a rush, leaving behind the uncertain, submissive Maverick she was used to.

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna felt a tear track down her cheek as she turned to Maverick, "Oh... don't do that." She said, "You didn't do anything wrong. And I'm glad you were there. I shouldn't have brought you, but II'm glad you were." She wiped at her cheek, sniffling a little, "You talk about guardian angels and such... well, you're now mine." She said softly.

@ Aikofox
Azana/Victoria
"I understand." Azana said softly. "I knew that you liked her but with how things had sounded I really thought that you didn't have a chance. And I was hoping that we had a chance that we would get back together afterwards. We had been getting along so well and our breakup was really over a silly reason..." Azana let out a sigh before glancing over at Victoria. "But of course I want you to be happy and if Victoria makes you happy..." Azana cleared her throat a little. Her heart was breaking slightly but she was able to keep herself together.
Victoria kept her mouth shut. Though honestly she was happy that she was right about this and had not just been going crazy. Victoria shifted in the chair as she looked up at Matt. Well now what? Did she still have to try and be friends with Azana or could she leave?

---

Kyra
"I like knowing about the world but I just do not find it relaxing. What I am saying is that I wouldn't be able to read that type of thing before heading off to bed." She told him as she continued with her meal. "But yes that book you are reading does look interesting. At least the parts that I have read seem good. I might actually read that one when I get the chance."

---

Murel/Die
Murel looked over at Max with gentle eyes. That sounded like a rather harsh childhood but at least they had all stuck together and had been able to make it out alright. She reached over to him and lightly laid her hand on top of Max's, giving it a little squeeze. At the end of the story Die was quiet for a few moments before giving Max a small nod. He was surprised by the man's past but was impressed by how his family was able to work with such a bad situation. "Sounds like you and your brothers are brave." Die said softly.

---

Ben
Ben let out a small grunt when Murel punched him once again. Luckily it was not hard enough to cause any real problems. "I would be happy to have a girl protect me as long as it was you." Ben told Murel with a grin. While he did not believe that he would need protecting, he would not be ashamed if Murel did so. There was no problem with being protected by a female. Especially not when the female in question was like Murel. She was strong for any gender.

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
He turned to her in alarm at the sound of her crying. “Edna, don’t!” He said, wiping her face. “Don’t cry, it’s okay. All I wanted to do was help you like you’ve helped me.” He pulled over on the side of the road and put the truck in park, then leaned over to hold her. “You deserve to have someone watch out for you, you know? Not smother you like they want to, but someone to be a friend. That’s all I was trying to do, just…don’t cry?”

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

Matt
Matt hung his head and sighed. “I think…we should go. I’m sorry, ‘Zana. I didn’t mean to give you a bad impression. Victoria, you go ahead. I’m just…gonna catch a cab back to my hotel, okay?” He felt stupid and blind for not seeing this. It was a vicious reminder that he saw the world differently from most people. Not everyone lived in the same kind of bright world that he did where everyone could get along and be friends. He couldn’t be mad at them for it, that was just the way they were. But that didn’t mean it didn’t suck.

---

Maddock
Maddock shrugged. “I guess I just don’t have much of an imagination. I see things the way they are, not how they could be.” He’d always been that way, even as a kid. There was no time for play. Not when there was work to be done and mouths to feed. He worked hard so the others could enjoy themselves. The others said he was too serious, too much of a realist, but that was just him.

---

Max
“Everyone’s got their own pasts and issues,” Max said, shrugging it off. “We made the best of our lot, and if that makes us brave, then okay. But I bet you had your problems too, right? And I think that’s enough of this gloomy talk! After all, that’s the past, this is the present!” He grinned at the two of them. “And right now we have delicious food!”

---

Murel
“Flattery gets you nowhere, techie boy,” Murel said, sniffing. Though she was secretly pleased. “And anyways, I’m more likely to be the one holding the axe than be the savior! Or hadn’t you noticed? I’m the bad guy! Bad. Guy.” She stuck her tongue out at him and grinned. “But I’m bored now. Entertain me!”

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna gave a little laugh as he pulled her into his arms. She shifted the belt off, then scooted closer, allowing herself to just take in his presence. She'd always been the strong one, the one who never looked to another, but this time she wrapped her arms around Maverick and leaned into him, "I'm not... it was just one tear, Maverick. Of frustrastion, really. And because I'm embarrassed for my family."

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
Smiling in relief, Maverick held her. “Still, I want you to know you don’t have to be the only strong one. I can help. I want to help. I adore you, you know that? I like a lot of people, but I don’t trust many. And I trust you. And when I care about someone like that, I want to help them. Got that?” He grinned and set her back in her seat. “Besides,” he added in a sing song voice, “I know what to get you for Christmas, now!”

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna felt her tummy do a little flip when he said that he adored her, but when he continued she told herself to settle. It was as a friend. Nothing more. Then she frowned at his next words and stared at him, "What do you mean?" She asked, not sure what he was talking about. How on earth did anything from that lunch translate to a Christmas present? An insane asylum, yes, but not a gift...

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna felt her tummy do a little flip when he said that he adored her, but when he continued she told herself to settle. It was as a friend. Nothing more. Then she frowned at his next words and stared at him, "What do you mean?" She asked, not sure what he was talking about. How on earth did anything from that lunch translate to a Christmas present? An insane asylum, yes, but not a gift...

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
Maverick waited for her to buckle up once more before pulling back out onto the road. “Ah, ah, ah! That’s for me to know, and you to find out! It wouldn’t be a surprise, otherwise!” That, and he hadn’t quite worked out all the details yet. He knew what he wanted to do for her, but he doubted her stubborn pride would let her accept it so easily. So he had to present it in a way she wouldn’t refuse. And after meeting her family, he felt he understood her a bit more. He had to talk to Max. With his help, he was sure he could figure it out.

@ Aikofox
Victoria
A deep frown came over her face when Matt wouldn't even have her drive him back. Though she suppose she understood why he wanted to be left along at the moment. Victoria stood up, giving him a little nod. "Goodnight." Victoria said softly before heading out of the apartment and heading to her car. Matt was hurt and he wanted to be alone. She just hoped that he would be okay tomorrow.

---

Kyra
"I see nothing wrong with that." Kyra told him gently as she smiled softly. "It's best to have a good understanding of reality. Plus it keeps people's feets n the ground." Someone grounded was exactly what Kyra needed even though she personally did not realize it. Once finished with her food Kyra laid the fork down on the plate and moved her hands into her lap. Moments later the waitress came over and picked up her empty plate before heading off again.

---

Mehki/Die
Mehki smiled a bit when Max was ready to change the subject. This was something she was thankful for. It was nice to be able to move onto something more pleasant. Die on the other hand did not break into a grin but he too was fine with the change in atmosphere. "Yes let's talk about the present." Die said before taking a large gulp of his beer. "What is going on with you two? Are you two in a relationship or just fucking?"
Mehki's eyes opened up widely, a little astounded by the sudden question. In fact she knocked over her glass of water that she had been reaching for. "Die!" Mehki said as she then clumsily tried to pick up the glass before more water could spill. The water traveled down the table, going over the side and spilling onto Mehki's lap. She immediately pushed back her chair, ramming it into a waiter. Being caught by surprise the waiter dropped the tray of food onto the ground. Mehki's face instantly turned a bright red.
(Not kidding. I have seen this happen. XD )

---

Ben
Ben reached down and lightly tapped her on the nose. "No you're not as bad as you make it seem. Well at least you are not bad to me. I just can't see you chasing me around the apartment with an axe in your hands" Ben said with a grin. "And alright you are bored. What can I do to help alleviate your boredom?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

Matt
Without a goodbye to either of them, Matt left the apartment, hands in his pockets. Ignoring the guys waiting in the hall, he headed towards the stairs, deciding a run would help clear his head. Boy, were things complicated. This wasn’t what he wanted at all!

A few hours later, Matt returned to his hotel room, tired and sweating. He still didn’t have any answers, but he’d worked off his imp’s anger in the gym. He desperately wanted to see Victoria, but after what had happened, how could he face her? He felt ashamed and foolish. He should have seen this coming!

---

Maddock
Maddock nodded. He’d often wondered what it was like, seeing the world from a dreamer’s perspective. Of his siblings, Matt was the biggest dreamer, his complete opposite, but though they got along, they rarely ever saw things the same way. Max, however, was a slightly more realistic version of Matt, and Maddock got along with him best of all. Max always saw the world differently, but was able to connect to Maddock’s sense of realism. Kyra, he thought, was much the same. One foot in reality, one foot in dreams. But it seemed to him, at least, that she’d been pulled too far towards reality, likely by that Nick character. Maybe he could help?

---

Max
Max yelped, pulling his napkin from his lap and using it to stop the flow of water. “Napkins!” He called to the waitstaff. “We need napkins!” He started moving things out of the way automatically, but was forced to step back when the staff arrived. He then went to help Mehki. “Oh no,” he moaned once he was sure she and the unfortunate waiter were okay. “Your clothes are soaked!”

---

Murel
She bit at his finger. “You’re right,” she grumbled playfully. “I wouldn’t bother chasing you, I’d just straight up shoot you. Much easier. Less mess, too.” She sighed dramatically. “And I don’t know, that’s why I said entertain me!”

Thanksgiving Day
It was starting to head towards suppertime, and the others should be arriving soon, along with Abigail to pick up Adam for dinner at his grandmother’s house. Mark was in the kitchen preparing side dishes, as Max had demanded to make the turkey. He’d talked his brother out of fixing everything, since he still had to work that day as well, but hadn’t been able to make him back down on the turkey. He’d called Maddock, who was bringing the pie, and Mariah was helping him, though as usual he’d weaseled out of most of the work. Murel wasn’t bringing anything and hadn’t offered, though he hadn’t really expected her to. Maverick had arrived a bit ago with Edna, and was currently upstairs changing. He could tell that something had happened at lunch with her parents, but hadn't asked. He’d just put the casserole in the oven when the doorbell rang. That would be Abigail, everyone else would just walk in.
“Adam!” He called as he headed towards the door, dodging Angel as she dogged his heels as she had all day. “Your mom’s here!”

@ Aikofox
Tony and Edna

Tony was in the kitchen, a blissful smile on her face. She skipped around the kitchen, messing up food recipes but not even caring. This whole family thing was great. Everyone was here... Though Edna had been fairly quiet. When Mark called out for Adam she turned and followed him from the kitchen, heading to the door with him.

Edna sat on the stool in the counter, head down a bit, as she just... Tried to rearrange her mind. She'd never changed from her dress and now she sat there... And tried to find her holiday cheer. But she couldn't. She still felt so horrible that Maverick had been forced to go through that.

Faye
Faye kneeled over the toilet, just finished being sick. She sighed, groaning a little as she rested her forehead on the cool ceramic. She hated this morning sickness business... And that she seemed to have it at all times of the day.

@ Jaguar's Heart

Mariah
“Here.” A fresh cup of water waved in front of Faye’s face, Mariah’s other hand busy holding back her hair. “Rinse and spit.” He was getting used to this routine, helping Faye each time she was sick. He felt bad for her, hating the way her pregnancy was affecting her. He’d been reading up on the stages of pregnancy so he’d be better prepared, wanting to do everything he could for her. “Think you’re done?”

---

Maverick
He’d just finished changing out of his tux when he heard the bell ring. Abigail was here. At least with Adam gone for the evening there wasn’t a chance of Edna accidentally seeing something she shouldn’t. But other than that, he wished the boy could stay with them, be part of the family. He headed downstairs, grimacing at the sound of retching coming from the bathroom. Poor Faye. At the sight of him reaching the bottom of the stairs, Angel bounded over, away from Mark, jumping up happily. “Off!” He said with a smile, pushing her down. She was putting weight on fast, and it wouldn’t be long before her jumping really hurt. But that wouldn’t be his problem. Angel only had a few more days. He stroked her ears as he walked into the kitchen, noticing Edna was alone. “Hey,” he said, sending the dog over to say hello, “cheer up. The bad part’s over, time to have fun.”

---

Mark and Adam
Mark opened the door right as Adam came flying in, a joyful cry of “Mommy!” on his lips. He raced past Mark and barreled into Abigail’s legs, clinging to her with one arm, the other wrapped around Caesar. “I missed you so much!”
Mark smiled at Abigail and Adam, then noticed the man standing beside her. “Hello,” he said, offering his hand as he took the man’s measure. “You must be Peter. I’m Marcus Maledire, this is my girlfriend, Antonella. Nice to meet you. Adam’s told us all about you. Come in.”

@ Aikofox
Faye
Faye took the cup, swishing the water in her mouth before spitting it out then flushing the toilet. She's at back on a sigh, turning to Mariah, "I'm sorry." She said softly, "I don't understand why the smell of whatever was cooking down there set me off... I hate this." She closed her eyes and leaned back into him.

Edna
Edna turned to Maverick, giving him a little smile, "Sorry. I just... I know that you don't mind that Ypu went... But what they said and did still bothered me. It was just... Rude." She sighed, "But you're right. It's time to have fun."

Tony
Tony smile at Peter and Abigail, "Hi. And it's good to see you again, Abigail. How's your baby?" She asked, smiling at Adam's antics. It was good to see that the kid really did love his mother... And he was happy to see her. She shook Peter's hand, her colored cast - thanks to Adam - a familiar weight now.

@ Jaguar's Heart

Mariah
“Nah, don’t worry about it,” Mariah replied, rubbing her back. “You’re pregnant, no apologies. You just hang out here with me until it goes away, then we can try heading downstairs, okay? Or if you want, we can stay up here until everything’s done. I wouldn’t mind, for one, let Mark do all the cooking. Though with Tony helping I’m not sure how good everything’s gonna be. To be safe, let’s stick to turkey and pie tonight, what do you say?”

---

Maverick
Maverick nudged her shoulders, grabbing a piece of ham and slipping it into Angel’s waiting mouth. It wasn’t her first such little tidbit, he’d wager, he’d thought he’d seen Mark slip her something when they arrived. “Exactly. Fun time now. Hug the dog. Cheer up! All this food looks great!”

---

Mark and Adam
Abigail shifted Evelyn in her arms as she knelt down to hug her son. “I missed you too, sweetie pie! And what’s this? That’s an awfully big toy you have there! Where did you get it?”
“Mark got him for me at the zoo! His name is Caesar and he’s my best friend!” Adam held up the toy proudly for inspection as he followed his parents inside.
Peter shook hands, letting Abigail and the baby enter first before following behind. “Nice to meet you, Marcus, Antonella. Abigail’s told me a little bit about you, but not much I’m afraid. Has Adam been good?” He wasn’t too happy with the situation, especially that Abigail had gone and done this without speaking to him first.
“Adam’s been great,” Mark said. “And you can call me Mark.” He closed the door and led them further into the house. “We’ve had our bumps along the way, of course, but we’re working on things.”
“Tony!” Abigail exclaimed, noticing her arm. “What happened? Are you alright?”

@ Aikofox
Faye
Faye sighed, nuzzling a little closer to Mariah, turning to him more fully, "I think we'll be okay," she said softly, "Or I will, at least," she opened her eyes and tilted to look up at him, "And depending on how that food looks I think that's a good plan. I'm worried about the content of the food. I think she was messing with a jar of pickles earlier..."

Edna
Edna smiled and pet Angel, eyeing the food with worry, "Yeah... It looks good... But I'd be cautious with anything Tony touched. She's not the most.... Knowledgeable in the kitchen..."

Tony
Tony looked at her aem and then smiled at Abigail, "Nothing bad, really. It's a clean break and is only going to be in a cast for a few more months." She smiled at Peter, "And you can call me Tony. No one calls me by my full name. Not really." She gestured to the kitchen, "Can I get yoy guys anything? Snacks? Drinks?"