The Sins of Our Fathers

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna froze a little at the kiss. She was always the one initiating the contact... but this time he did it. She lifted her head and met his gaze, staring at him. She liked the contact... a lot more than she should. Maverick was just a great guy. An awesome guy... and a guy that she really liked. She gave him a small smile, reaching out and taking his hand, "You're right... though I don't think our holiday really started out all that fun, huh?"

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
"Who cares? All that matters in how we end it. We're with good people now. Nice people. A real family." Maverick squeezed her hand. "They won't be mean or nasty unless they're playing. My family likes you. Except Murel. I'm not sure about her. But she'll be nice if I tell her to. So let's have fun, okay?"

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna blinked, "They do?" She hadn't really expected them to like her... but hearing it made her feel better. She gave him a smile, "I don't really think Murel likes anyone. At least not to their face. Expect maybe that guy she brought. This is the second time he's been here, yes? That must be a new one for her." She bit her lip, meeting his gaze, "Do you really think we'll be able to find Angel a home?"

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
"Yeah, it is a new one. A little scary, too." So much for just being neighbors. Had Murel found her soulmate? But she was so young! She needed a chance to live life before she was tied down like that. She was only twenty! Sure, he'd been younger than she was when he'd gotten married, but still. She was his baby sister. He'd changed her diapers! She wasn't allowed to grow up!

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna noticed the look on Maverick's face and gave his hand a little squeeze, "Hey, what's wrong?" She asked, frowning a little, "Maverick?" She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, "Murel having a boyfriend isn't all that scary... I mean, she's had to have one before."

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
Edna's voice pulled him from his thoughts and he looked down at her. "Actually, no. Ben is the first boy she's ever brought home. She's only twenty. Just a baby. A sweet, innocent, slightly psychotic baby." He didn't really make a habit of looking into his siblings' love lives, so he had no idea if she'd ever really dated. But even if she had, this Ben seemed like more than a boyfriend.

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna smiled, "She is young... and that means this is probably really special." She nudged his shoulder with hers, "Which means you better be nice. This guy probably means a lot to her and since you and your brothers do too...." She shook her head, "You don't want to put her in a position that she'd have to choose."

@ Aikofox
(Sorry that I was not on yesterday. It was my birthday and my friends brought me out.)
Victoria
Once her guitar was placed into the car she slid into the front seat. "To my apartment then." She told him as she pulled out of the parking spot and headed to her home. Luckily her house was not too far away from the practice room. Less people would see them and it was a better chance that the paparazzi would not find them. Victoria glanced over at him for a moment, a little smile on her lips. "So I think this is the last night we have this little secret, at least from the guys that is. I feel like we should tell them before we get on the tour bus."

---

Kyra
After watching the kittens get picked up and played with she headed over to Maddock. "It seems you will not have any problem giving the kittens away." She said with a little smile. It was clear that those with the kittens really did love having them around and she was excited that they were going to a good home. Kyra turned to him again and lowered her voice a bit. "They should be able to take them home once they are given their vaccines and I would really prefer to do that myself if you and the others wouldn't mind."

---

Ben
Setting down his empty bowl, Ben reached over and took the kitten from Murel's hands. He held onto the small thing carefully and smiled as he cuddled up into his chest and lightly purred. "Kittens have always been one of the sweetest things." He said with a grin before carefully putting him back into Murel's arms. Ben enjoyed animals and he would have kept the kitten longer if it wasn't so obvious that Murel just wanted to hold him.

@ Jaguar's Heart @ Mother.Of.Dragons

[I LIIIIIIIIVE! Happy birthday! I dissappeared for the same reason Wednesday and Thursday, then I went to petsit for my brother, who has TERRIBLE internet connection, but I'm back now!
Maverick
“Hmm…” Maverick made a noncommittal sound. “I wouldn’t make her choose. Besides, if it’s as serious as I think it is, she doesn’t much have a choice. He’s stuck with her. Good luck to him.” It still worried him. Murel wasn’t very mature, and had terrible control. Could she have a real relationship? It wasn’t the first time he or his brothers had discussed it, and they’d all hoped she’d be left free to develop just a little bit longer. But life didn’t always go the way you hoped.

---

Mark, Maddock, Mariah, and Murel
Maddock held the final kitten, his favorite one, as he obediently left the room, leading the others. “All but this one,” he whispered back. He needed to talk to Mark and Tony about her, or Max and Mehki. It pained him to see her go most of all. She was his favorite, reminding him so much of Sterling. But he couldn’t keep her, he reminded himself for the millionth time. He’d probably offer her to Mehki, since Mark already had the new dog in the house. He hadn’t heard the dog was a half-starved pit bull. Though he could see what Mark had said about the effect she had of Maverick.

“You, too,” Mark said, smiling into the kiss even as he refused to yield. “Why don’t you go get to know everyone. Especially that Ben character. I didn’t really get a chance to talk to him last time. I was inclined to believe her when she said he was her neighbor and she needed a ride, but now…I wonder if he isn’t her soulmate. She really seems to like him.” He couldn’t hide the brotherly worry from his voice, which wasn’t all an act. Hopefully Tony would fall for it, giving him a chance to fix some of the dishes without her noticing.

Murel snuggled the kitten, grinning at Ben as they trooped out of the kitchen. “Aren’t they? I’ve never had a pet before, I’m half afraid I’d forget to feed it.” She knew how forgetful she could be, the messiness of her home was a testament to it. But she was trying to get better! “Hey, Maddock, does this one have a home?” She asked as the kitten started to climb her shirt.
“Yep.” Was the reply. “First one claimed.”
She hid her disappointment. Too bad. Oh, well, it was just a thought, anyways.

Mariah glanced dubiously at his fiancé. This was her first time meeting Murel, she had no idea. Fortunately, she was on good behavior, hopefully she’d stay that way. She was always better when surrounded by family. A distraction was in order. “So what’re you going to call him?” He asked, chucking the kitten under the chin.

---

Matt
“Probably a good idea,” Matt sighed. “Ah well, it was fun while it lasted. Sneaking around is fun, and I’d like to have you to myself a little longer, but that isn’t possible in this job. We should actually think about how we’ll tell people, I don’t want the press getting ahold of things.” He grimaced, thinking. “Any ideas?”

@ Aikofox
(Well happy late birthday to you too! ^.^ )

Kyra
She looked down at the kitten, a little smile on her lips as she reached over and lightly pet her on the forehead. She was a beautiful kitten. "I am sure you will have no problem finding a home for her. Though I wish you could keep her for yourself. It is so obvious that you like her the most." Kyra gave him a little smile. "And if not then I wish that I could take this sweetheart off of your hands for you." Kyra desperately wanted a pet but Nick just would not have it.. She let out a little sigh.

Ben
Seeing the disappointment on her face caused Ben to head over and throw an arm around her shoulder. He did not want her to be upset like this. Though Murel could not have the kitten if it was already taken. Ben gave her a little smile. "Hey just be happy that this little guy has a home to go to. Besides you can always get a pet if you want one. Heck if you forget to feed it I will make sure that he gets fed." Ben chuckled a bit. He always liked animals but he had only had one pet.

---

Victoria
Victoria giggled softly before looking over at him with a large smile. She did enjoy keeping it to themselves but they did have to tell the others at some point. Then the rest of the world. "I have no idea how we should announce this. Though you are right I do not want the press being able to just do what they want with our story." Victoria pulled up to the parking ramp and went to her spot. "We'll figure something out."

@ Aikofox
((Happy birthday!))

Edna
Edna smiled at Maverick, shaking her head, "I don't know if I would go that far. He obviously likes her, so I doubt that he's feeling 'poor'." She grinned now, "Do you want to go back down? I'm sure everyone has settled now, but I doubt Angel is going to." Even now the dog was still barking. Not as frantic as she was before, but still not settling down, "Unless you want to just... hang here."

Tony
Tony pouted, dropping back down on her heels with a sigh, "You're being mean." She stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest, turning from him, "Fine. But you better make it up to me. Tonight." She sent a little smile over her shoulder to him, "Deal?"

Faye
Faye blinked and looked up at Mariah as the kitten mewed, "Name? Why would I name the kitten?" She asked, frowning a little, "I don't... I'm not..." she swallowed, "I don't understand. Is Maddock allowing people to name them for him?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons @ Jaguar's Heart
[yay, birthdays all around!]

Maverick
Maverick glanced at the bedroom door in a pitying fashion. Poor Angel really hated being left alone. He could understand. After all, she’d been alone for so long. “It might be easier on her if we left, she can probably hear us outside and doesn’t know why we won’t play with her.” He clambered to his feet, then reached down to her. “We don’t have to be social if you don’t want to,” he added, not really caring either way. It was his family, so he’d like to spend time with them, but with all the new people he wasn’t really sure what to do. But whatever happened, as long as Edna was with him, he didn’t care. He could handle it.

---

Mark, Maddock, Mariah, and Murel
Maddock withheld a smirk at Murel’s reaction. Little did she know that she was the home he’d mentioned. He couldn’t wait to see her face on Christmas. He looked at the kitten in his arms. “Looks like her mom,” he said by way of explanation. Though while the similarity was what had initially drawn him to this particular kitten, her budding personality was also winning over his heart. It was hard to stay objective when she chewed on his finger.

“It’s a date.” Mark leered at her as she left, waiting until she was safely gone before turning back to the food. It was too late to start over completely, but maybe he could salvage some of it? He set to work, throwing out some, remaking what he could, and fixing the rest. He was getting that damn woman cooking lessons for Christmas!

“Well, considering he’s yours, I’d think you’d want to name him,” Mariah said offhandedly. “I told you, he’s your Christmas gift. Can’t take him home yet, but yeah, he’d yours.” He looked away, as if embarrassed by the show of kindness. He was so used to being the tough one. What was it about her that made him act this way? He liked seeing her smile. He glanced around the room, then caught sight of Ben hugging Murel. Protective brotherly instinct flared up and he thought of how to stop it. Her eye, what had happened to her eye? “Hey Murel, hit a doorknob or something?”

Murel snorted, going for amusement to hide her sadness, rather than her typical anger. “And what do I need another pet for?” She asked him. “I already have you!” Though if they were being truthful, she was more like his pet. He was the one taking care of her lately, feeding her, driving her places, tending her wounds.
She was snapped from her thoughts by Mariah’s tease. “That reminds me!” She announced, handing the kitten to Ben. She marched over to Mariah, hands on hips as she glared at him. She watched alarm flash over his face as he stepped away from Faye, getting her out of the line of fire. Smart man. She cocked back her fist, faked at his stomach, then socked him square in the jaw. “No, I did not hit a doorknob!” She snarled. “I hit your fist, jackass! That’s for the black eye, and this-“ she snapped out a kick to his solar plexus that left him wheezing- “is for the cracked ribs! Be lucky I don’t break your knee.”

---

Matt
“Hmm…” Matt thought a moment. “The record label makes me keep a twitter account and some other social media stuff, I’ve seen other people do that to announce things. It’s a little tacky, but it works?” He waited until the car was off and the coast was clear before stepping out of the vehicle and moving around to her side.

@ Aikofox
Kyra
Kyra have him a little nod before looking at the others. Her head turned to Ben and Murel, who were cuddling the kitten. She smiled as she watched them and started to turn to the others when Murel stomped over to one of the other men and started to pound on him. She gasped, covering her mouth for a moment before gripping onto Maddock slightly. It seemed out of nowhere and it frightened her a bit.

Ben
He held onto the kitten as Murel started to beat on her brother. While he was not quite used to the violence yet Ben did not try to stop her. Already he knew better than to get into the middle of that. Besides it was her brother so Ben was trying to give her some leniency. Though he hoped that this wouldn't be a common thing. Ben moved the kitten closer to his neck as he lightly stroked it.

---

Victoria
"Plus it wouldn't be too big of a hassle that way. We tell people were together and maybe answer a few questions through the account and all is done." Victoria smiled a little before taking his hand and leading him to the elevators. She hoped thst the fans would approve of their relationship. She knew she did. Once the elevators door opened up Victoria headed in with him.

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna took his hand and stood, giving him a smile, "Either way." She shrugged, "Talking with your family can't be worse than talking with mine." She kept his hand in hers, giving it a light squeeze, "And I really am sorry. I can't... there's no way I could ever make it up to you." She shook her head, "I know you keep telling me that it's fine... but it's not. They were rude and mean and... it's unforgivable."

Antonella
Tony practically skipped into the other room, grinning like a fool, "So what are you all talking ab-" She broke off as Mural attacked Mariah, then grinned, "Ah. We're talking with our fists now. This will be fun." She happened to be right next to Faye and grinned at the shocked girl, "Wanna play?"

Faye
Faye was staring up at Mariah in shock. She hadn't really thought that he'd meant for them to keep it. She'd been about to respond when Mural attacked. Faye automatically stood, ready to step between brother and sister, when Tony approached her, "Huh? Play what?"

@ Jaguar's Heart

Maverick
“Then let me get payback at Christmas,” Maverick said firmly. “Not just for me, but for you. They were a lot worse to you, especially considering you’re family. You don’t treat family that way. And I don’t care what they say, cheating is wrong.” He squeezed her hand, leading her back down the hall to rejoin the others downstairs.

---

Maddock, Mariah, and Murel
Maddock sighed. “Here we go.” He handed the kitten to Kyra, who seemed shellshocked at the sight of the diminutive Murel whaling on Mariah, who while not as broad as Maddock, was just as tall and muscular. “Don’t worry, you’re safe.” He walked over to his youngest siblings, grabbing both by the backs of their necks and giving them a little shake.

Murel immediately went limp at the feel of the big hand on her. She looked up at Maddock. “What!” She protested. “He deserved it! He had me laid up in bed for a week until my ribs healed, and my eye still hurts!” She pointed to the ugly bruise that covered half her face. Of course, she’d knocked him around almost as much, but now she didn’t have a pissed off imp to deal with. “It’s just a little payback!”

Mariah wheezed in his brother’s grip, doubled over as he tried to catch his breath. “Sorry!” He gasped. “Forgot about that!” He’d been in such a state over Faye and his pissed off demon, he hadn’t given any thought as to what he’d done to Murel when he’d woken. “My bad, I deserved it!” He eventually managed to suck in a breath, stepping away from his siblings as one arm clutched his stomach, the other cupping what would be a spectacular bruise if he didn’t ice his cheek soon. He gave Faye a half grin. “Told you she was crazy.”

---

Matt
Matt followed, hand in hand. “So that’s how we’ll do it, but wait until after we tell the guys. It wouldn’t be fair to them otherwise.” His thumb stroked the back of her hand as he waited for the doors to close. Once they were alone, however, he pulled her to him, mouth crashing down on hers as he released the day’s pent up ardor. “Much better,” he whispered against her lips as he broke to let them breath. “I’ve been thinking about doing that to you since last night.”

@ Aikofox
Kyra
Kyra relaxed once Maddock got in the middle of the two and pulled them apart. She smiled a little before looking to the girl besides her, asking about a game. "A game? Not if you mean a game with our fists." Kyra said as she cuddled in the kitten closer to her. She had no interested in fighting. Besides why would she want to punch a stranger? She came here to enjoy her thanksgiving, not to cause trouble.

Ben
Once the two were ripped apart from each other Ben stepped towards them. He wouldn't fight them but he would convince them that enough was enough. "Alright I think you both were able to get your shots in at different times. It seems that you're even and we can just leave this behind us yes?" He looked to Murel, hoping that she would agree with him.

---

Victoria
Victoria smiled brightly, looking at him like she was lost in love. After a small breath Victoria leaned forward and pressed a small kiss against his lips. She hummed against him before pulling out and kissing his cheek lightly. "Once we announce it you won't have to wait to kiss me." Victoria said warmly. The doors then opened and Victoria pulled Matt to her room.

@ Aikofox
Edna
Edna bit her lip as she followed Maverick down the steps. Before they joined the others she pulled him to a stop and turned him to face her, "Thank you." She said, "You stood up for me when you didn't have to," Her eyes watered a little, "And you're right. Cheating is wrong. My mom allows it, because it's all she's known..." She shook her head, "But I can't."

Antonella
Tony turned as Maddock stopped the fighting and frowned, "Darn. And I didn't get to join." She looked at Murel, "You've got to teach me some of your moves. I have plans to use them on Mark when he least expects it." She shrugged, "He needs to keep on his toes... so I figure I can help him with that," She teased.

Faye
Faye stared at Mariah with wide eyes, "You... why did you attack her then?" She shook her head, "I wouldn't say that she's crazy... not if you gave her that black eye." She reached out and took his hand, bringing him closer again, "And Mariah... you don't have to give me a kitten." She kept the kitten cuddled to her chest despite her words, not wanting to let him go, "I mean... we don't even have a place and I'd have to ask Mark if he can stay her and... and..." She looked down at the kitten and sighed, "I think I want to name him Tux..."

@ Jaguar's Heart @ Mother.Of.Dragons

Maverick
“I pity her, then,” Maverick said, eyes turning sad. “Everyone should have the chance to be with someone who truly loves them.” Even if he didn’t get that chance. “I hope you’re luckier than me and your folks. You deserve the best.” Though why didn’t he like the thought of her happy with another man? He was just feeling over protective.

---

Mark, Maddock, Mariah, and Murel
Maddock released them, then frowned at Tony. “No fights,” he grumbled. Family tussles were one thing, he didn’t mind those. No matter how aggressive his siblings might get with each other, they’d never cause real damage. Not like Kyra’s fiancé. They knew each other’s limits. He pointed Mariah to the kitchen to get ice for his bruise.

“Well, at the time I was a little out of my head.” Mariah swirled his finger next to his ear and gave a cuckoo whistle, hoping she’d figure out what had happened. “I didn’t know where you were and woke up fighting.” He steered her towards the kitchen, obediently obeying his brother as he went for an ice pack. “Tux, huh? Tux he is.” He opened the kitchen door, announcing, “Hey, Mark! Can Faye have a kitten? Yes? Okay!”

Mark glanced over his shoulder and frowned, then closed his mouth without speaking as Mariah dug in the freezer. “What did you do to upset Murel this time?” He asked patiently.
“Revenge for when my imp thrashed her.”
“Ah. You deserved it, then.” He went back to his cooking, dismissing the two, then paused. “Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling?”

Sighing dramatically, Murel walked back over to Ben. “It’s not like I hurt him, or anything. Just knocked the breath out of him. Geeze, you people would think I’d tried to put him in the hospital or something!” She gave Tony a feral grin. “Sure! But just so you know, he taught me everything I know! Guy’s a hand to hand genius. Doesn’t need bulk like the behemoth,” she jabbed her thumb over her shoulder at Maddock. “But pick a time, I’m happy to spar!”

---

Matt
“Mm, benefits of publicity,” he said, for once not worrying about how the paparazzi would take to them. He followed her down the hall to her apartment, curiosity getting the better of him as he waited to go inside. He wanted to know how she lived. He wanted to know more about her. Hell, he wanted to know everything about her.

@ Aikofox
Kyra
Now that the fighting was over completely Kyra calmed down. It was clear now what had been going on. Especially since she was listening to the others. It had only been a family tussle and that was something she was more comfortable with. While she never had any sister she had friends who did have siblings. Sibling fights was something that she had seen a few times and heard quite a bit about. Anyways Kyra headed over to the couch, sitting back with the kitten as she listened to the others. Her ears and eyes peeked up quiet a bit when she heard a word she had never used before: imp.

Ben
"I know that you wouldn't actually hurt him.' Ben assured her as he moved the kitten into her arms. While she had the chance Abel wanted Murel or keep spending time with the kitten. She cared about the kitten quite a bit and he wanted her to enjoy him when she could. Too bad someone had already claimed him. Murel would have been a good pet owner...

Victoria
A little smile came over her lips once they were finally at her door. She opened it up and stepped inside, slipping her jacket and shoes off at the door and setting them where they belonged. Once Matt was in she closed the door behind them and headed deeper inside. The apartment was rather large-well at least it was a bit big for one person. Though despite that the whole area felt cozy. It had a very lived in feeling without the apartment being considered a mess. All around she had different artwork, books, sheet music, family pictures ect. The only thing that wasn't full of it all was the kitchen for the mere fact that it was an area to cook and she didn't want things to get dirty. When Matt came in the rest of the way she turned to him and wrapped her arms around him.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

[gonna wait with the others]
Matt
Matt looked around, kicking off his shoes and setting them with hers. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, smiling as she distracted him before he could start snooping. He ducked down to kiss her again, this time not nearly so frantic but just as passionate. He ran his tongue along her lips, begging entrance.