Ask Adrian (and Co.)

Colin’s cheeks darken in embarrassment.

“One would likely assume that it would have been Ely, and... that’s not to say he didn’t try to put the moves on me, because goodness knows he did. It was hard to keep him out of my personal bubble, to be honest.”

He laughs quietly, and fidgets shyly at his ear.

“I wasn’t sure if he was just that big a flirt or if he was genuinely into me. Or maybe he just liked seeing me get so flustered, I dunno. Being scared as I was at the thought of falling for someone again, though, I couldn’t bring myself to play along, out of fear. I didn’t want to invest my feelings in someone who didn’t really reciprocate; I’ve been down that route too many times.

But the more I pushed away, in spite of how I really felt for him... the more I began to realize he seemed hurt by it. So he eventually just kind of stopped. And one day we went to visit his mum at the ward. I left to go get something to drink, and when I came back, I overheard them talking inside the room. He was just... gushing about me, and wondering what it was he was doing wrong. His mum asked him, do you love him?

And that moment between the question and his response felt like forever. I finally heard him chuckle, and respond with a very faint yeah, and I just kind of came unglued. I had to walk away for a while and compose myself. For the first time in my life, someone felt for me the same way I felt for them, and that just... it rocked me to the core. It’s such an unexplainable feeling.

Some time later, I went back to hang out at his place for a while. Nothing we wouldn’t typically do, but he was really quiet, and his demeanor was a bit different than usual. And I could hardly focus on anything after what I’d heard him say at the hospital.

When the night wrapped up, he gently suggested that I could stay, but I... I couldn’t bring myself to do it. And when I declined, his face fell to that bittersweet smile I’d started to see so often, and it broke my heart. I realized that in pushing him away the way that I had, he probably felt as hopeless as I’d felt all those times. Having your feelings denied is just... *sigh* I’ve felt that pain so many times, and it killed me that I was doing it to him.

But he took me to the door to let me out, and I... I almost went. I’d even started heading back to my vehicle before I caved and went back. I’ve never knocked on a door so frantically in my life. I made some shoddy excuse so he’d let me in, and then I... I hesitated for a moment, but when I saw the look in his eyes, I just... went for it. And then this ridiculous feeling set in, and I pulled away, and apologized, but he just smiled this warm, sweet smile, and cupped my face, and pulled me back in.

Gillian lights up like a giddy little schoolgirl.

“Oh goodness, I am SO ready to be an auntie! Cute, squishy babies to play with and spoil and send back home to mum and dad all sugared up after I babysit! And I dunno why, but something tells me it’s only a matter of time before that happens.

Su may deny it, but I just know she’s gonna’ be a fantastic mom when the time comes. After all, she was basically the mother figure in our house growing up. She says she’s not sure she’s ready, but I know she’ll do just fine. And grouchy as Saryn is, I know he’s gonna’ be just as fitting a father.

“I suppose I had planned to go into the medical field, like Saryn, once I completed my training under him. I want to help to heal others, which is why I trained under him in the first place. But it’s safe to say that I hadn’t anticipated actually entering into a relationship with him, either.

It’s thrown a small wrench into my plans, but I don’t think it’s shattered any of them, either. I just want to kick back and enjoy our relationship for a while before I dive head first into any of my plans. But I’ve been helping Elysar and Elycia, so I’m still getting a small dose of what I may be dealing with in the future. And it feels nice.

As far as a family goes, though, I haven’t given it too much thought yet. I... I don’t know if that’s something Saryn wants, should we get that far into things. But that’s not to say that I doubt we will. I suppose we’ll discuss that if and when the time comes.

He fidgets nervously for a moment as he ponders his response.

“If I’m honest, until recently, my plans didn’t really involve her. And perhaps that’s why the process of accepting that I had developed feelings for her was so hard to swallow at first. I had my plan. It involved her finishing her apprenticeship, us separating ways, and me going back to the Academy to teach, maybe being a bit of a recluse on my own time.

I don’t think either of us anticipated a relationship would actually come to fruition.

If anyone had told me some months ago that I’d ever even be with her, the way that I am now, I would have probably laughed. Not that I didn’t want to, but I’m honestly still surprised that I mustered the courage to act on my feelings. There are a lot of days I wake up next to her and it’s still sinking in.

I’ve done the whole marriage thing before, and though I’ve learned a lot since the separation, I’m still worried I won’t be a good enough husband. So I’m not in any particular rush to go through with anything like that.

But in eventuality, if things go smoothly enough, and she doesn’t tire of a grumpy old codger like myself, I... I wouldn’t hesitate to marry her. When I was younger, I always wanted a family, but... it’s been so long since the thought had even crossed my mind... it’s scary to think about now.

Colin’s cheeks and ears grow warm, and he smiles sheepishly, rubbing nervously at the back of his neck.

"I was overwhelmed with so many emotions that I can’t even begin to put it into words. I love kids. I mean, I work with them on an almost-daily basis. I always wanted a family of my own so much, but I never thought I’d finally find someone who’d want me as a mate. And then he came and proved me wrong. But even then…

I’d known I couldn’t carry children for some time… it was just another tick on my list of inadequacies. Just as some humans suffer with infertility, so do some of us dreman. I was told that while I’m incapable of carrying a child, there was a slight chance that I could still produce one. But what were the chances of that? No one would ever want to bear the child of someone like me. And he proved me wrong again.

He offered to carry our child. I was surprised, and humbled, and so… I was so inexplicably happy. To know that he loves me so much he wanted to start a family with me. To know that he loves me so much as to actually offer such a selfless thing. Especially for someone like him, heh. But even so, given my low sperm count, it… took a lot of trying. Which was awkward at first, because prior to that, well… I mean, we’d swapped roles before on occasion, but I was usually the one on the, er… receiving end, if you catch my drift.

We weren’t sure it would ever happen, honestly. But one day the symptoms started to show, and… I can’t begin to express how overjoyed I was. I’m pretty sure I burst into tears and just flung my arms around him.

Colin smiles warmly.

"At first, I wasn't sure what to think. I'd heard stories about his history with Saryn and Sulia from Gillian, but... I mean, I always try to give every new person I meet the benefit of the doubt. Everybody I meet starts with a clean slate when they meet me. After I met him, it was obvious he's got a lot of pride about himself, but he didn't strike me as a bad person. But I'm also told he was considerably more humble than he was in past years by the time we crossed paths.

But to say I thought we'd grow half as close as we did, well... that would be a lie. Not that I'm complaining. He always has a way of trying to reach out and include me in things. I've never been sure as to why, but... I'm glad.

I think I've taught him some humility and tolerance, and I think he's helped to boost my confidence a bit. Given all my shortcomings, compared to others of my species, I... I'm not the most popular guy. Feeling like someone actually wants me around... it's nice once in a while.

They haven't met in the story yet, but I'll answer this as Elysar would after a friendship has been established between them :)

His cheeks take on the faintest dark hue.

"You mean Colin, I presume? I never would have thought I'd have grown so close to someone like him. Though I hardly thought I'd be where I am now... just goes to show you; opening your mind opens the doors to new opportunities. It's lucky that those two were merciful enough to give me another shot.

Colin, though... he's a good man. He... he's very kind-hearted and accepting, and he's very sweet and gentle natured. But he doesn't think much of himself. He talks down about himself constantly, and it bothers me more than it probably should. Because, I... I think the world of him.

He's my opposite in many ways. He doesn't come from riches or a reputable family, he's not terribly distinguished. He was born with no inclinations towards the magics whatsoever, and yet he always keeps such a positive outlook and treats everyone with such warmth. Unless it's in regards to himself. His lack of self esteem drives me crazy. And when he starts on about all of his inadecquacies, and puts on that ridiculous, sulky expression, I just..."

His cheeks flush more intensely and he lowers his gaze. His voice drops to a hushed whisper, barely audible.

Elysar remains quiet for a long moment before he begins to speak.

"It didn't really sink in at first. It felt so surreal; to actually be stood up to... especially by him. After he and Sulia had left the venue, the reality started to hit me. People kept looking at me, scathing and critical, and whispering amongst themselves. It didn't feel nice. I imagined it wasn't unlike what they felt like when I spread those nasty rumors about them...

The night continued that way, and it stuck with me when I went home as well. I felt so alienated and unwanted afterwards. It... wasn't a nice feeling. And it kept up after the Ceremony. I was given a cold shoulder at most any Academy affair. For the next few weeks. And then, I really started to stew on what I'd done... not just at the dance, but... everything I'd ever said about them or done to them... and I felt like an arse.

But the closer I got to wanting to give them some form of an apology, the more things started to fall apart around me. I got suspended from the Academy for my poor conduct, and my so-called 'friends' started to distance themselves... my mother's fallen ill, and I don't have any real friends left to turn to in my time of need.

Elysar's cheeks take on a slight flush.

"I can honestly say it's not a predicament I ever imagine I'll be in. That would mean someone would have to think highly enough of me to actually want to be with me. And considering the downward spiral my life has been on these last few months... that's a shot in the dark.

But, to address the second part of your query... depending on the male's sexuality, and his family's standing on the social hierarchy, a fair amount of our males do undergo a certain procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Which... I've never personally understood, because... our method of mating doesn't yield surprise results. Once it is decided which partner will carry the child, they mate accordingly. But... we also have contraceptive measures that our species can use, rather than go to such extensive measures as to undergo this procedure. To each his own, though, I suppose.

Becca laughs, smiling to herself.

"We quickly learned the difference between cooperating and being a team.”

"And there is a whole world of difference once you become parents, let me tell you. Because it’s not about the two of you anymore.” Adrian enforced. “Because when you become parents, cooperating isn’t enough. You have to become a team. Not just a couple. If that even makes any kind of sense…?”

"A small team, but a team nonetheless. Working together, towards the same goal. Which is taking care of our child effectively and, with some practice, efficiently. Instead of bickering about duties, we just do whatever needs done. If one of us forgets to do something, we don’t spat about it; we just do it. It’s not about who owes who a favor. It’s about the well-being of our child.”

"That’s what team work is supposed to be."

"… oh crap! Speaking of which-"

"If it’s the diaper bag, I already packed it." Adrian interjects.

"Wha- you’re awesome!"

Becca fidgets with the silver chain on her neck and smiles sheepishly.

"This is probably still one of my absolute favorite gifts from him. It's nothing even terribly fancy, but it's the meaning behind it that makes me smile whenever I even think about it. It was sort of an anniversary and birthday gift rolled into one, since the two occasions are pretty close in date.

My birthday is July 1st, so my birth stone is ruby. He stopped at the jewelry stand at the mall one day and just happened to see them; all kinds of birthstone pendants. They had a series of Umbrella shaped ones, and it was just perfect. Sort of a throwback to the red umbrella he shared with me way back when. I was so pathetically overwhelmed with emotions when I saw it. I think I burst into tears."

"Worth it." Adrian quips.

"Stop it! I'm getting misty-eyed just thinking about it."

"... seriously?" He leans in to investigate her claims, only to be pushed away.

"Stobbit, goof. It's your turn."

"I see how it is." He chuckles, backing away and reclining a little further into his seat. "Let's see... my favorite gift from her... well, technically, it wasn't just from her... I remember when we first moved into our home, it was a bit of a fixer upper. Most of our initial budget went into fixing the shell, and it wasn't until a couple of years later that we had saved any money to work on the interior. She was pregnant with Abby, and I was working a LOT during that time. We didn't have the money, time, or man-power to work on the house

But blondie here had a few aces up her sleeve. Namely Russell and Jeremy. I was too tired and oblivious to realize anything was going on right under my nose. Until I came home on our anniversary that year, and she called me into what, last track I had, was our sloppy, cluttered little storage room. Her father and Jeremy had put in the hours and materials and turned it into the study I'd so wanted since we moved into our own place."

"With a closet where we could more discreetly hide said clutter."

"Haha, true. Words can't describe how humbled and happy I was that day, though. At a time when we had little meat on the bone, she, her dad, and Jer pulled through and... just... wow."

"He was so stressed out at that time. He really needed a room where he could focus when he needed to, and unwind when that was the more necessary thing to do. He was kinda' gettin' to be a real grump ass."

They look at one another and smile.

"Abby." They both blurt in unison, each of them breaking into a small fit of laughter.

"Not so much a little moment, but the whole adventure that raising our little girl has been." Becca clarifies.

"Which has actually come with quite a few little moments of its own." Adrian chimes. "Most of which involving changing diapers, and either one of us wearing baby spittle. That kid's got a talent for spitting up at the most inconvenient times."

Becca slaps his arm playfully and he chuckles.

"Seriously, though..." he continues. "We've had our share of our own little moments before she was even thought of, but they all seem to pale in comparison... once Abby was born, she basically became the center of our worlds. You never realize how much you can really learn from children until you have one of your own. It's crazy."

"- About Abby. About ourselves. About one another. About our outlooks on life." Becca added. "It's been interesting, to say the least. But I love watching them together. It's so cute."

"I could say the same thing."

"Hehe. It's just a lot of fun learning and growing together as a family. I never could have imagined all this, but I am so glad to be so blessed."

An enigma wrapped in a paradox and shrouded in a conundrum.

Saryn's cheeks darken and he lowers his eyes for a brief moment, raising his hand and covering his mouth as he clears his throat.

"For technicality's sake, I must clarify that I did not 'acknowledge' her, at least in the ways I assume you're implying, until the course of her apprenticeship. When she was my student at the Academy, there was certainly no interest of that kind.

To indulge your query, though, I'd have to say that it was during our stay in the wilds on Concoraadia. We had been staying at an old Field outpost while we studied the biology in the area. I recall that evening clearly now; Sulia was making dinner, while I went out to collect a few more samples. And in turn, I had the misfortune of running into a rather nasty little creature with an equally unsavory venom. And when I saw the markings on its body, I knew I was in quite a predicament. The symptoms set in almost immediately. I felt light-headed and so very weak. My vision begun to fade in and out.

I struggled to get back to our post, but when I did, Sulia was quick to act. She knew something was terribly wrong. If I'm terribly honest, I thought I was done for; I was almost certain. There was only about a 25% rate of survival after being bitten by one of those... things. And considering that we were pent up at an old outpost... I wasn't very optimistic. But... I can't really say that I cared too much... I wasn't terribly concerned with what happened to me at that point in my life. No one would care regardless, I had convinced myself.

I remember all these thoughts going through my head as my vision continued to fade. I could barely even make out her blurry silhouette or her muffled voice calling out to me, frantic as she was. And then everything just went black. But I wasn't quite unconscious; it was as though all of my senses shut down for the time. I couldn't see. I couldn't hear. I couldn't feel. As if my body had shut down, but my brain was taking longer.

But then I opened my eyes. I balled my hand into a fist, and grasped at the bed sheet. I could feel. I could see. And as I looked around to see where exactly I was... I saw her sitting in a shoddy old folding chair at my bedside, her folded arms resting on the mattress, and her head tucked away inside them. She'd done it. She'd really saved my arse, heh.

And I remember her stirring awake to find me that way; she was so relieved and so happy. She greeted me with a big smile, telling me how she was so scared I was gone. She was so frightened, and so overwhelmed. But she'd tried her best. She's used the knowledge she'd acquired from me and the knowledge she'd harnessed on her own and she did it. "You're alive," she'd admonished. "But, that thing could have killed you!"

He lowers his eyes, growing silent for a long moment. His face takes on a different expression; one of almost a shameful nature.

"And after all of that... after all she'd done for me... I had the nerve to ask her, 'and what if it had? Who would care? What have I got to live for?'

I remember the smile fading from her face, the empty feeling that suddenly swelled inside me as the tears welled up in her eyes.... good Heavens, the tears.

In all the time we'd known one another, it was only the second time she'd ever allowed herself to cry in front of me. The first was the night I found her in the mine. The night that I later learned was the same night she lost her father.

'Idiot!' She had called me. 'You're nothing but a selfish idiot!'

She lost all her composure. She just... broke down crying. She scolded me for such cold, thoughtless words, and continued to sob like a mad woman.

And I had the gall to ask her why. Why was she crying?

She explained that she cared for me a great deal, and that my words were very hurtful. It's clear as day to me now; why else would she have fought so greatly to keep me alive? I don't know what frame of mind I was in at that point. But she was finally snapping me out of it.

I raised a hand to place atop her head in some strange gesture of comfort, and when she looked up at me, I smiled a bittersweet smile. I wasn't aware there was actually someone out there that gave half a damn. And when I told her that, she flung an arm around my waist and buried her face into my side. I can't begin to tell you how long she cried there. I rubbed her back, in an attempt to soothe her, and she only nestled closer. I called out, but she didn't answer.

I knew I'd hurt her a great deal, and it finally began to sink in just how poorly I'd treated her. This girl who'd dealt with me and my cold demeanor and short temper for years. This girl whose skills I'd admittedly questioned. This girl who I'd put through the wringer during her time studying under me. This was the same girl who had just saved my life. And it finally sunk in; she's the only reason I'm alive right now. And I'd treated her in such a manner.

All in a moment, it hit me. All of her hard work and patience; how knowledgeable she really was. Everything she'd dealt with at my expense. Yes, that's when it hit me; this woman deserved my utmost respect and appreciation.

But more significant than that even, was the fact that I realized just how much she actually cared for me. She regarded me as important enough in her life, not just as her mentor, but just as a being, and a friend, that she'd go to such great lengths... she'd seen me for who and what I really am when no one else did. And she cared enough that it had reduced her to a sobbing mess.

I remember leaning in and wrapping an arm around her as she cried. I felt horrible. All I could bring myself to say to her was I'm sorry. I honestly lost track of how many times I said it to her, but it never felt like enough. Because I wasn't only sorry for my cold, callous words. I was sorry for everything else as well.

His brow furrows for a long moment, but he gradually breaks out into a smile and works up to a full-scale grin, and begins to laugh infectiously as it sinks in. After a moment, he calms down and breathes a sigh of contentment.

He fidgets with one of his studs for a second, his face contorting as he ponders his answer.

"They’re actually not too significant, though a lot of people tend to think they are. It was done on a whim; you could call it a fit of teenage rebellion, I suppose. Against what, I don’t know, but we’ll go with it.

I remember it was summer vacation, between our Sophomore and Junior years in high school. Emilio’s cousin Marcia was aspiring to be a tattoo artist, in visiting the family for a few days. While he was pretty pumped to be getting some free ink, and while she was more than eager to use us as guinea pigs, I wasn’t ready for such a permanent commitment. But tattoos and piercings go hand-in-hand, and I wasn’t opposed to getting a few holes punched in my ears. Atleast those were easy to remove, I reasoned.

She asked what I wanted, and I don’t even remember what I told her. But this is what I wound up getting. And to this day I still like them.

Jeremy wasn’t too happy about them at first, but he was less concerned with the piercings themselves, and more concerned with them getting infected, haha. He thought just because she was ‘aspiring’ meant that she lacked skill and know-how.

I remember the ridiculous look on his face, and the way he started wringing his arms. "Couldn't have you atleast snuck off to a legitimate establishment to get those damned things?!" Haaaa.... heh.