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Post by Dina Doo on Oct 18, 2016 13:58:07 GMT -8
Poor poor Timothy. "Kaleb," Gabriel started, taking over for his son. "I'd like you to meet Timothy Harrison, my son." Despite himself and their company, Gabriel couldn't help but lull back into Malcolm's hold. "Ah, I would hate to make it out like I knew nothing about having a son until recently before running into him at work but... that is exactly how it happened. And I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has grown into."
At that, Anderson couldn't help but smile. He tried wrapping his arm around Kaleb. "See, Kaleb? It's a father's job to be proud of his kids. Even the ones that get away from them," he said, trying to tousle his son's hair.
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Post by clouds just clouds on Oct 18, 2016 17:34:11 GMT -8
Timothy reached up to pinch between his brows. A wave of embarrassment washed over him like heat, but he felt it. The truth in his father's words. That only made his cheeks grow redder, and his stomach to twist up even more. A small part of him wanted to act like a child and throw himself at his father and cry. He opened his eyes to explain, It's a long story... Except decided against it. Like a coward, he backed away and leaned back against the wall. Gods. He looked like such a fool.
"Dad," Kaleb muttered, his cheeks bright red. "Don't say silly things randomly," he laughed softly. Reaching up, he wrapped his arms around his father and gave him a close hug. "Thank you." He whispered, before he pulled away. "How old are you, Timothy?"
"Well," Malcolm spoke up, "Timmy's sixteen!"
"Malcolm's lying," Timothy said quickly. "I'm ninety-nine." Ish. The sad truth is that Timothy probably only has a guesstimate of his birthday. Unless his mother managed to write it done somewhere. "A-And I..."
"Oh! He's older than Kenneth," Kaleb said, visibly surprised.
"Kenneth..." Timothy repeated, then shock filled his face and he straightened. "Excuse me, but, Kenneth, as in, Kenneth McCarther?"
"Yes!" Kaleb's spine straightened. "Kenneth McCarther! He's my older brother. And he's amazing! He's great, he's super strong. And kinda stubborn, but that works for him! Sometimes." He paused, and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry... I got off track. How... did you find out you had a son, Gabbie?" Kaleb turned to look at him. He could probably go on about Kenneth for hours but no one really needed that. Certainly not Kenneth's ego.
And if anyone's curious, Kaleb fully believed that Gabriel pooped out a child and didn't know he did because he couldn't see it.
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Post by Dina Doo on Oct 21, 2016 19:04:04 GMT -8
Oh, there was a lot Anderson could have said about Kenneth following Kaleb's comments, but thank the gods the subject had to move on. And yes, Anderson had every right as a father to be annoyed with his children. It said so in the official parent handbook. Luckily, though, Gabriel started speaking before Anderson's train of thought could wander any farther. "Well, I actually met him on a recent assignment of mine," the oldest ketsuki began. "We were paired together to investigate and...," he motioned down to his now younger than normal body. "We ran into some unanticipated trouble. Needless to say, we both made it out. But Timothy was the one who made the connection. Apparently he and his sister had made his way to my old home." His brows pushed up ever so slightly at the memories of a home long abandoned. "And.. came across some of my belongings. A blood test confirmed our relation." Gabriel slowly shrugged his small shoulders. "So here we are."
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Post by clouds just clouds on Oct 22, 2016 0:23:19 GMT -8
"My.... sister and I were lost from Gabriel as children," Timothy explained. He didn't want the strangers thinking his father had sex with some random harlot. "We found traces of who our parents were, and tried to seek them out. Only to meet a dead end. For... about seventy or so years. Until... now." Timothy blushed and stared down at his toes.
"So, you two are... kinda strangers." Kaleb observed them thoughtfully. "Gabbie! I'm with my dad." He smiled brightly and leaned against Anderson. "I know it might be a little awkward for you, to get to know each other, but I know that Timothy already trusts you a lot, so it'll be okay!"
Ah. Another affinity. Timothy wondered if his blush was ever going to die. At least there were worst things that could be discovered. Timothy eyed Anderson and hoped that he didn't have an affinity for anything else embarrassing.
"Gabbie," Malcolm whispered mischievously. He liked the nickname. "Timmy's really awkward," Malcolm said a bit louder. "But Gabbie is too. A little." A giggle burst from Malcolm. "They're trying~ I think."
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Post by Dina Doo on Oct 22, 2016 11:10:55 GMT -8
Gabriel shut his eyes for a brief moment in an attempt to suppress an eye roll, even if his smile was playful. "Gabbie?" He echoed, perking a brow. "But yes, we're trying."
"What are your plans now?" Anderson inquired out of curiosity. He tried wrapping an arm around his son. For a brief moment, Kaleb reminded Anderson of when both his sons were little, how they used to hang from his legs or hide behind them like children tended to do.
The older ketsuki did not answer right away. "I.. don't know," he said truthfully. "I'm afraid that I don't exactly have any plans presently, or any jobs coming in the near future." His smile remained, though it fell and twisted into something that could only be a soft and silent bitterness. "What with being asked to retire and all, there aren't many prospects left." Which worried him to no end even if said worry remained hidden. His time in the Order had been his lifeline and now even that was coming to an end.
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Post by clouds just clouds on Oct 22, 2016 16:47:36 GMT -8
"What!?" Kaleb blurted, disbelief filling his face. "Retire--but!" He shook his head. "But... you're a hero. How can they tell a hero to retire?" He unconsciously pressed himself further against his father.
"The company is evolving. They think technology is important--but I think my mistake was the final blow. It had nothing to do with my father's skills," Timothy said, his voice tight. "On our latest mission, I made a mistake which lead to..." He waved a hand towards his father.
(option 1)
"Gabbie's one of the greatest people I know, Timothy," Kaleb flashed him a soft smile. He paused. "Why don't you travel with me for a bit? We're going to Calder. You can have a vacation with your son! I mean, there's a lot of people... but it might be fun. And Uncle Clyde's harmless right now." He grinned. "My dad will put him in time out if he bothers you."
(optional 2 [the only difference is the mention of Damien])
"Gabbie's one of the greatest people I know, Timothy," Kaleb flashed him a soft smile. He paused. "Why don't you travel with me for a bit? We're going to Calder to get Damien and Elijah. You can have a vacation with your son! I mean, there's a lot of people... but it might be fun. And Uncle Clyde's harmless right now." He grinned. "My dad will put him in time out if he bothers you."
"Wait, excuse me, Damien?" Timothy shifted his feet. "Do you... know of his last name?"
Kaleb paused and looked up at his father. "Do you know Damien's last name?"
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Post by Dina Doo on Oct 28, 2016 12:24:23 GMT -8
(You said option A so yes)
"If by timeout you mean more child size footsie pajamas, then yes," Anderson mused. "But my son is right. You're welcome to travel with us until you decide where to head next," he said, smiling softly as his gaze flickered up to Gabriel's. "And you've met most of the people who travel with us anyway. And my brother, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy your company. But it's your choice."
It was a tempting offer. Gabriel had been with the group when they were staying at Clyde's house. Wandering with a group seemed a better option than wandering alone as he tried to decide on what his next step would be. Only, he realized that it was not a choice he could make for himself anymore. His clouded gaze flickered first to Malcolm then to his son. "What do the two of you think? Would you be comfortable with traveling in such a large group?"
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Post by clouds just clouds on Oct 28, 2016 17:11:11 GMT -8
Gabriel probably knew well enough of Timothy's thoughts, the idea of traveling with an enormous group of strangers. He shifted his feet and muttered, "I'm not used to traveling with a lot of people, but I don't have any oppositions. If... if you don't mind, I am... happy as long as I am with you." He turned his red face away from them to stare out at the window. His cheeks burning bright red.
"I like Kally!" Malcolm chirped. "And Mr. McCarther," he added more shyly. "I want to! It sounds like a lot of fun. I-I... I've never been outside of Eloria..." He rocked with Gabriel and looked at Kaleb thoughtfully.
Hesitating, Kaleb smiled, "There's also kids you can play with! Austin and Aeryn would love to play with you!" Then he laughed, "I bet Sammy would too, and Alec!"
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Post by Dina Doo on Oct 29, 2016 11:19:49 GMT -8
Honestly, Gabriel wasn't sure if his son could get any more adorable and yet it seemed like Timothy reached a new height with each passing day. And more than anything, he also understood his son's hesitation and his anxiety. Even with his old age, there were some things one could never really outgrow. "Then I suppose we will be tagging along with you, Kaleb. Thank you for having us. If it is alright with you, we'll spend the night here and meet with you in the morning."
"You seem rather comfortable," Anderson chimed in. "I can have Kaleb text you when we're leaving and we can all migrate this way. It's not like your hotel is out of the way from ours."
The older ketsuki let out a quiet breath and flashed Anderson a grateful look. He felt too comfortable and too tired to think about getting ready the next morning, especially if Kaleb's group wasn't leaving yet. "I rather like the sound of that idea. Thank you."
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Post by clouds just clouds on Oct 29, 2016 13:45:58 GMT -8
(Gabriel wishes he had a data sheet to document these outstanding records.)
Happiness filled Kaleb and he clapped his hands together. "I'm so happy!" He cried out and rushed away from his father to Gabriel. He crawled onto the bed to wrap his arms around both Malcolm and Gabriel. The child giggled at Kaleb's sudden excitement and wrapped a single arm around the other. "I'm really, really happy, Gabriel! We can hang out, lots! Of course, I won't try to bother you a lot--but I 'm super happy!"
Giggling, Malcolm said, "We're happy too~"
Leaning back, Kaleb smiled softly and he says, "I'll let you get some rest now, Gabbie. We can see each other tomorrow."
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