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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 2, 2009 21:02:43 GMT -5
He looked up from wiping a dish dry, and he smiled, shaking his head, trying to hold back a chuckle. "Hey, Em." "Hey, Mac." The bashful woman approached the counter, sitting on a barstool and leaning on the counter, eyeing him with a teasingly threatening eye. "Don't look at me like that. I can't help it." His eyes flickered up to the retro clock. "You realize it's twelve at night...?" He snickered. "Shut your lips, you oldie," she retorted hotly, pulling back a smile. "Just 'cause you've known me since before I could walk doesn't mean you can make fun of me when I make babies." He laughed. "What d'ya want, then?" Emma pulled her lips in in thought, already kind of knowing her answer from her walk over here. "Grilled cheese." He cocked a brow. "Hey," she snapped with a grin, "I didn't feel like making it, didn't feel like waking the husband to make it, and you're open twenty-four hours. Now get to the grill and do your job." Exchanging a laugh with her, he shook his head again, and started on her order.
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 2, 2009 22:18:05 GMT -5
Saikoro came out from the back room, all in uniform....and an apron. "Mac, everything all done. Hope you don't mind if I head out in an hour or so." He said as he came up to where the man was working on the grill. When he opened his mouth to continue, something caught his eye. He turned and and then had a crooked grin as he walked over to where Emma was. "Hey Emma!" He greeted cheerfully as if he was perfectly fine. He leaned over the counter, hoping Ollie might be there or something. When he saw it was just Emma, he stood straight again. "A little late to be out and about, isn't it? How have....um... you been....I mean....since I saw you......a while ago......a very long while ago?"
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 2, 2009 22:21:54 GMT -5
A familiar--but strangely perky--voice came from the back room, and she picked up her head, craning her neck to see who it was. She knew everybody who worked here--had they hired someone new? Well, she just had to introduce herself. Then she saw that there was no need.
Mirroring his smile, she sat up straight. "Hey!" she replied, folding her hands, glad that her bump was hidden under the counter for now. She chuckled. "Yeah, well. I'm a night owl, I guess. You know me." His stammers made her arch a brow. "Fine. Yourself?"
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 2, 2009 22:32:35 GMT -5
Saikoro didn't know her at all anymore. But he nodded and chuckled a bit. "I'm good, you know.... busy......washing dishes and stuff. Taking care of Molly, Addy, & Shay as much as I can.....and Amarie." He paused with a smile. God, he loved that woman. Yes, she was a woman to him.
"I don't know if she told you yet.....she's having triplets!" He said with excitement. Saikoro was really excited about that. Heck, he didn't even care that he'd be fatigued and have to change diapers like crazy. He just missed having something that he helped make. He missed...Ollie.
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 2, 2009 22:43:59 GMT -5
Nodding, she kind of wished Mac would hurry up with that grilled cheese so she could have an excuse to think up suitable responses to Saikoro. One wrong phrase could sent this whole thing spiralling downward... No, that wouldn't happen. He was so happy now. She couldn't help but mirror his smile, missing those times when she got to see him glow like this in this kind of elation. It was so good that he was finally happy with his life and the way things were going for him. She was proud of him.
"Yes, she did," she chuckled. "Congrats on that. You're gonna have your hands full with that." She sent him a playful grin.
"Here y'go," Mac said absently, serving up the grilled cheese in front of Emma. "Keep the little kicker goin', huh?"
"Thanks, Mac." She forced a dry chuckle and immediately got to eating.
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 2, 2009 22:58:26 GMT -5
He just smiled as if there was nothing wrong in the world. But it seemed the moment Mac finished that phrase, all that glowing, all that cheer......disappeared. It was as if that realization of Emma & Cian's baby still being just sucked all that happiness right out of his bones, leaving him with an empty, hollow feeling. One moment he had been smiling and laughing, the next, he had a frown and was staring at his feet.
At loss of what to do, he began washing the counter though it had already been washed. He scrubbed at the spot that the light reflected off, as if there was something there. Sai took a moment to distract himself long enough to actually think of something to say.
"So....uh....how's..." He paused. Should he really be asking this? Was it his place at all? Saikoro swallowed and then looked up. "How's Oliver been?" His voice had returned to the way it sounded before. Not the cheery carefree one, the depressed, lonesome one.
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 2, 2009 23:02:50 GMT -5
Her smile had disappeared as she bit into her sandwich, but she tried to play off Mac's comment by replying to Saikoro's a little more freely. Amidst a nod and swallowing a bite of the grilled cheese, she answered, "Good. He adores our little puppy, Luna. And he still sleeps with the teddy you got him." The frown on Sai's face made her realize she had to try harder to cheer him up again.
Sighing, she didn't know if it was her place to bring up Mac's remark. Should she start talking about that? No need to apologize for it, but at least reassure him that it wasn't a big deal, no need to dwell on it? And why did it upset him so much? She wasn't angry or depressed that he was having triplets with her best friend after already fathering Emma's son. What was bugging Sai about this baby?
"You okay, tiger?" she asked, using the nickname she gave to any and every male. It had become second-nature now.
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 2, 2009 23:27:31 GMT -5
He blinked and looked at her. "Y-Yeah...sure. It's just that.....eh.....nevermind." He sighed with a deep breath. He then tipped his head to the side, looking semi-pleased. Did she just say that Ollie slept with the teddy he got him. That almost managed to make him smile and that was obvious he was trying on his face. But then the day in the Museum hit him and he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well...I'm glad he likes it." He said with a half smile, and then looked away, muttering, "Though I bet he doesn't know I gave it to him. He doesn't really remember who I am anyhow." It was now clear why he had gone so stiff. This Lawrence baby only seemed to cause him distress because he wasn't even allowed to see his own. He didn't like playing this facade of being "a friend that used to come around". Not to mention, Ollie didn't even remember him. Even Molly recognized Cain and she was young when he died. Ollie was older when he had left......yet it was as if they wiped the little guy's memory. "I just.....I just miss him." Saikoro sighed, looking up at Emma. "A lot."
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 2, 2009 23:40:16 GMT -5
"No, he does," she quickly insisted with a nod or two. "He remembers a lot about you. I mean, more than you think. He still knows who you are...how you were part of our family at one time." Licking her lips, she found herself less hungry than she was before, having only taken a few bites, though. Idly playing with a strand of hair from her ponytail, she sighed, not wanting to think about this right now. It was midnight, and she was in a diner, eating a grilled cheese. Not the ideal time to be thinking of such complex issues that had already passed.
Emma met his eye, seriousness all over her face. "I know you do." It hurt her to keep them away from each other sometimes...but Oliver needed stability, not to have to understand step-parents and biological fathers at four years old. They'd meet again someday. "And...I think he misses you, too, sometimes. He remembers..."
Her mind wandered back to the day he was born, and she looked at her sandwich in sudden disgust, not hungry at all anymore. To think, in three months... She bit her lip, the slightest of tears coming to her eyes.
No. Stop.
"But," she began stronger, looking up at him, "you have a family of your own now." She smiled.
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 2, 2009 23:56:58 GMT -5
He listened to her, managing to feel a tiny bit better. But still, he still had that ache in his heart that he would be waiting years to see his son. He still had years of that painful feeling of loss to endure. And he didn't want to endure it. Saikoro wanted to say "Sure....but he doesn't remember he used to call me daddy." but he held it in. However, his face seemed to show it none the less.
"Yeah....but Molly still get's to see Cain." He said bitterly and then frowned. "I'm sorry....I meant....I knew how it felt and I let him. Heck....Molly can't even call me dad anymore. But she does nonetheless. I think she likes it though."
Saikoro smiled a bit at the thought of Molleigh. He loved that silly little girl. He then looked at Emma. "I just keep wondering if he'll hate me when he finds out....if he'll even care. Will it even matter to me by then.....will he actually believe it? I wonder if I'll even be in New York by then. Amarie knows how much we're going to need a big house with lot's of space for the kids and Bernie. I thought it'd be good to look for a nice house in the country. Away from all of...this. Once I get a better job and more money, we'll probably go looking."
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 3, 2009 0:02:27 GMT -5
She never thought it would hurt her so much to hear him say that. Oliver just had to be open to meeting him, Saikoro had to remember, it had to matter to him... No, that wasn't true. He didn't have to, neither of them did. It would be up to both of them. Biting her lip, she slid a hand to rest on top of his on the counter. "Don't think too far ahead. Everyone's still got time. Things change."
As much as she hated to admit it.
He started to talk of moving away, and she was reminded of the many rants she'd gone on about moving out to the country, so her kids could grow up to see the stars, like she had never been able to. But getting out of New York wasn't an option right now. She needed to stay by her and Cian's work, and Colette, and Dean (though Dean had once talked about moving far, far away because of all of this Anti and Lucifer business...), and Oliver's familiar environment.
"Oh," she answered quietly, looking down and taking her hand back. "That's good, I guess. Moving forward."
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 3, 2009 0:17:32 GMT -5
Things change?
Honestly..... since when? Things hadn't changed. They were still awkward around each other. He still missed his son and being his dad. "If me and Am moved, we would be coming back....ever. It's just too hard for both of us here; especially for me." He said and then looked down. He chuckled a bit, putting his hand in his pocket and grinning.
"You know, every day, Addy always asks when Ollie is coming over to play. And I gotta admit, I'm running out of excuses. I mean....she still knows about everything. She's saved one of her stuffed horses to give to him. She walks around the place saying she can't wait to see her brother and give him a great big hug." Saikoro told her with a grin. "I don't know what to tell her. I can't just say, "Addy, you don't have a brother yet" She wouldn't believe that."
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 3, 2009 0:22:57 GMT -5
Never come back? Well, that was their choice. If he wanted to get away, that was fine. If Oliver or him in the future wanted to see each other, they would take the measures to find a way to see each other. She wouldn't stand in her son's way once he knew the truth. For now, though, it was still too early to be talking about this.
And...what did he mean it was too hard for them here?
Emma arched a brow. Every day? Addy remembered Oliver from seeing him one day? Not knowing what to say, she looked at the counter, then up at Mac, who held up a hand, telling her it was on the house. This disappointed her some--digging through her pockets for money would've given her an excuse not to reply to Saikoro yet.
"I, um..." she sighed, looking at Sai again, "that's sad, I guess. I mean, I feel bad for her. She's still so little." Keeping her hands busy, she clasped them on the counter. What was she supposed to say to that? "Guess I should be going."
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 3, 2009 0:30:19 GMT -5
"Yeah I mean, I try to tell her not to blab to Shay & Molly about it but....I mean, she's Addy." He sighed and then nodded. Yeah, maybe it was time for her to go. He hoped it didn't matter that Molly & Shay might know a bit. He then wiped his hands a bit and then blinked.
He raised a hand in question and asked, "Do you need any help? I mean, it's dark. Did you walk here or did you drive?" If she walked, he was willing to walk her home safely. He didn't want her to get hurt of course. Why would he not help out?
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 3, 2009 0:32:42 GMT -5
Help? Well, not help walking, but...she had to confess that she would enjoy the company. Standing from the stool, she looked over to him with a coy smile, nodding. "Yeah, thanks. I walked." Outside was unusually quiet tonight, so she figured maybe they could hold at least a decent conversation on the way there--maybe something non-Oliver or non-baby related.
Still, there was something she had to ask of him. Just in case she didn't see him before Oliver got any older. Just...just in case.
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 4, 2009 12:32:32 GMT -5
Saikoro smiled a bit and then quickly asked Mac if it was alright if he called it a day now. After receiving approval, he walked to the door and opened it, waiting for Emma to go through. "Ladies first." He said with a half grin.
Deep down, Sai hoped like crazy that no trouble would come upon them when he walked her home. After all, the both of them....seemed to be a danger beacon. But then again, no one was after him anymore....or so he hoped. Maybe they could talk a little bit....actually have a normal conversation for once in a very long time.
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 4, 2009 12:37:35 GMT -5
As he opened the door, she smiled at him when he allowed her to go first. Clearly being with Amarie--maybe even being away from Emma--had really benefitted him. He was a real gentleman. Going through, she waited for him outside, the cool mid-February air feeling good against her feverish skin. Her temperature had only risen carrying this baby, so despite the risk of catching cold, she didn't wear a coat, liking the way the breeze cooled her down.
Emma put her hands in her pockets. "So, how's Amarie?" she asked softly, keeping her eyes on the ground, hoping he didn't think she was being unfriendly asking. "I mean, having kids of your own must bring back memories." I know it does for me.
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 4, 2009 13:07:03 GMT -5
Saikoro walked beside her, listening to her question. It took him a moment to respond. After all, the comment had shocked him. "I mean, having kids of your own must bring back memories." He breathed softly. What memories? You took that chance from me before I could enjoy it. He was gland he had merely thought that and not actually said it. Instead, he put on a smile and said, "She's wonderful.....we're both equally excited. I mean, how often does one get triplets, you know?"
Don't brag, Sai......let's not be rude. Sai looked forward and then sighed, "I guess....it kinda brings back memories. Not many of course....seeing as I didn't get many memories. Mostly just memories of Analine and how excited she and I had been before she died unexpectedly." Sure, it brought up more than that. Such as....memories of him and Emma. But Saikoro had already forced himself to try and forget those memories. All of those memories simply just upset him, so why bother to remember memories with Emma?
"At least Molleigh gave me enough experience with babies to last an entire lifetime." He continued and then grinned a bit. "She was a handful....but triplets can't be much harder. It's so much easier helping Amarie....she's a great mother."
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Post by Emma Lawrence on Oct 4, 2009 13:14:45 GMT -5
It was good to know Amarie was in good health. At least she wasn't going through what Emma had when she was having Oliver, and what she was going through now. She dared to say this pregnancy was worse than the first in the way it took its toll on her body.
Nodding, Emma smiled. "Yeah, you're a lucky guy. Triplets." Six kids. Jesus, she didn't know if she was going to be able to handle two, never mind six. Maybe she and Cian would get there someday...
No, they wouldn't. They couldn't.
It didn't necessarily disappoint her when he didn't bring them up, knowing that it still hurt both of them. "I know, not many, but," she cut in softly, "you were there for some of it. You saw him being born. That's something." Shrugging one shoulder, she sighed, biting the inside of her cheek. A hard kick brought a gentle hand to her stomach.
She chuckled as he spoke of Molleigh. "Yeah, she's a cutie," she agreed. "It's so much easier helping Amarie..." What did that mean? She'd been hard to take care of? Frowning, she looked down, not really sure what to say. She conjured up the first thing that came to her mind. "I'm really happy for you. You're both going to be great parents. You're good for each other."
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Post by Saikoro Kohana on Oct 4, 2009 13:33:40 GMT -5
"You were there for some of it. You saw him being born. That's something."
Some sorrow distorted Sai's face for a moment and he gave a weak nod with a bit of a shrug. Yeah, he knew he had been there. Cian wasn't there, was he now? No. I was there. I was the one who escaped death to see that moment. Yet in Ollie's eyes.......Cian's getting that credit. Damn it, Emma, why did you have to bring that up!? His brows narrowed a bit and he looked at the ground. Loosening up a bit, he sighed without any emotion in his voice, "Y-Yeah...I guess I saw him being born. I guess that's....s-something."
Is not. For both Emma & Cian have taught Ollie that I wasn't there. Sure, I made him waffles and gave him a teddy bear.....but I wasn't there. She always does this! How does she always manage to make things difficult? Naturally, Saikoro's breathing increased a little bit and surely Emma would feel his frustration. "But sometimes.....I regret it. I mean...if I would've just finished Azrael back then, things would've been easier. Maybe, we'd....still have a chance.... or you'd trust me enough for me to see Oliver normally."
"I'm really happy for you. You're both going to be great parents. You're good for each other."
Why was that so difficult for him to buy? Maybe it was because she had brought up such a sensitive subject with a man who was normally quite unstable. He swallowed and then sighed randomly, "Azrael made it hard to spend time with both of you.....I didn't.....I didn't want anybody ripped apart, which is why I spent so much time trying to destroy him. I didn't want to watch another person die like that."
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