#bromomlog

[09:00] TT: *the past week, derek hadn't really been himself. distant, especially quiet, and very clearly angry. but even so, he sure as hell wasn't going to completely isolate himself from roxanne and russet -- and russet especially, so that roxanne didn't have to skip out on her work to watch her. he had only briefly made mention of dirk being upset with him, spending the rest of his time quiet about the whole ordeal and moping around roxanne's room.*

[09:08] TG: *Roxane had certainly noticed that Derek wasn't really feeling all that great. She knew he and Dirk didn't have the best relationship and thought maybe it was best not to poke a sore subject, letting the two of them sort it out, but as the days went on and Derek's mood not improving in the slightest, Roxane came to the conclusion that maybe it was time to intervene. Right now she was sitting on the floor with Russet, playing some sort of game with her that consited of Roxanne holding up a certain amount of fingers and Russet trying her best to keep up with copying (Anything to keep her more quiet and occupied since the LAST thing Roxanne ever wanted to deal with again was her snide, rude neighbor complaining about noise and talking shit about her kid again) Once in a while Roxanne would look up at her moping boyfriend just to try and gauge his mood or what he was thinking.* So I was thinkin'bout tryin' to braid russet's hair sometime, or do somethin' different with it but its pretty curly. what do you think? *Roxanne holds up four fingers (One finger on one hand, three on the other) for Russet to repeat as her mom tries to ease into the conversation she had planned.*

[09:16] TT: ... *okay, that is definitely something that gets his attention and he peers over at them from the bed where he was currently brooding. silently, he gets up and moves to their side, sitting cross-legged beside them*

[09:16] TT: Shed look cute with braids.

[09:20] TG: *Russet is gurgling happily as her dad joins them, getting distracted long enough to forget why her fingers are up shortly before starting to put them in her mouth instead. Roxanne is also very pleased with Derek joining them on the floor, and she scoots herself a bit so that she is facing him a bit too.* It would be some effort to get 'em in, but I think having them would also help her keep her hair from gettin' tangled until she is old enough to take care of it herself. 'cus by then she can do what she wants with it so long as its clean. *She smiles at Derek, trying to figure out how to segway over to "So you and your son."*

[09:50] TT: *nods along with her, but avoids her gaze and instead fixates his own on russet, playing with her hair and experimentally seperating it.* Sounds good. I got some beads we can put in her hair too.

[09:52] TG: She'll look super adorable if we do. *Okay Roxanne is just going to plunge into it. She is gonna bite the bullet, take it straight on.*

[09:52] TG: So. . . .how are things?

[09:59] TT: *he just shrugs, stubbornly keeping quiet, brows knitted as he gets right into braiding russet's hair. he might be a little too rough about it, though.*

[10:12] TG: *At first Russet doesn't seem to notice, but it doesnt take longer for her to start complaing with whines.* Derek, maybe we can do that later. *Roxanne, not wanting him to braid their child's hair with anger, puts her hand on his* i know you're still botherd about whats goin' on between you an' dirk an' if you want to, i dunno' talk about it? we can. or we don't have to, but you might feel better if we do.

[11:00] TT: ... *he pauses, staring at her hand silently for a moment before he finally looks to her, letting go of russet's hair* I dont know what to say.

[11:00] TT: He hates me.

[11:00] TT: I deserve it.

[11:00] TT: All there is to say on the matter.

[11:01] TG: I don't think he /actually/ hates you. *She is only guessing though. But Roxanne can't see dirk hating anyone. He is the good child who thinks she is cool.*

[11:14] TT: I dunno. He was pretty real with me. *he lets out a sigh, trying to relax. he'd really rather not be that surly around the baby and reaches out to pet russet's hair gently, hoping that helps calm him down*

[11:15] TG: *Since Derek is gentle this time, Russet will allow it while she fiddles with little felt puppets.*

[11:16] TG: But how do ya'know he was being real with you?

[11:26] TT: *shrugs* ... Dunno it just felt like it was shit he needed to get off his chest that he finally did.

[11:27] TT: Far as Im concerned if he doesnt come at me again then theres no reason to think he wasnt bein serious about...

[11:27] TT: Writin me out of his life for good.

[12:08] TG: I dont think he was serious 'bout that. i mean, how can he be, you two are stuck on th'same ship? he cant write you out completely.

[09:05] TT: *grumbles* Yeah I spose not. Hes done a real good job of avoidin me thus far though.

[09:06] TG: Well thats "thus far" an' you can be so sure to jump to forever like that.

[09:07] TG: Forever is a real long time to stay mad at someone. not that i can say i haven't tried but heck, i haven't met someone who has managed it yet.

[09:18] TT: ... *more defeated grumbles, but what she has to say does at least help him feel a little more hopeful and a little less stubborn* You think I should give him some more space or what?

[09:20] TG: That might be a good idea, yeah, for the time being. but don't hide from him too long i think? *She doesn't really know their relationship enough to make a final call on this, she can only theorize.-

[09:21] TG: Just wait until you both cool down a bit more and have some time to think. i doubt dirk ment what he said, but hes clearly goin' though stuff and he might just need time before he's ready to have you step in ta'help.

[10:25] TT: Yeah. Hes goin through some real intense shit. *runs a hand over his forehead, knocking his hat back a bit* Probably shouldnt get into it too much. Got a feeling hed really pummel me if I did.

[10:29] TG: You don't have ta'then. i understand. -She pulls Russet into her lap because the little todler seemed to start to get figity.-

[10:30] TG: I really think that you two are gonna' make up. things just need to blow over, an' i dont think you do yourself any favors by beating yourself up over it in any way.

[10:31] TG: -She starts to redo some of the braids Derek had angrily made in Russet's hair.-

[10:34] TT: *scoots his butt over to them so that he can lean against her a bit* Guess not.

[10:34] TT: ... Im kinda sick of doin that anyway you know? Shits exhausting.

[10:35] TG: *She takes one hand away from brading to reach over and cradle his cheek as he leans on her.* I can imagine it is, which is why im glad youre gonna'stop doin' it.

[10:35] TG: Also sorry i haven't been around much, im gonna' start making more effort to spend more time with you two.

[10:59] TT: Eh its all good. Weve missed havin you around of course but you gotta do your thing. We understand. Right lil girl? *reaches over to nudge at russets cheek with his hand while leaning into roxanne's palm himself*

[11:00] TG: *Russet of course takes the hand nudging her cheek and guides it towards her mouth on instinct.*

[11:00] TG: Yeah i know, but still i've missed you guys a whole hecking much.

[11:01] TG: The lab aint the same without a grub on my shoulder, an now that russet is bigger i can't really take'er with me anymore.

[11:26] TT: *oh NO, he's being eaten alive. what a nightmare. he does nothing about this.* What sorta things you been workin on lately anyway?

[11:29] TG: Th'usual stuff. growin' cell cultures, workin' on developin' functioning organs. and tryin' to keep the bears in stasis until i can figure out what to do with 'em. its not like i can drop them off in my lab anytime soon. *Russet is just going to teeth very gently on her dad.*

[11:41] TT: Im tellin ya. We keep the bears around to fight people.

[11:41] TT: Securitys got dogs. Why cant shipmen have bears?

[11:42] TG: Yeah but im pretty sure those dogs are bred for helpin' people, these bears are just plain lusi the only thing they are gonna' wanna' do is scoop up their favorite troll kid, an' then i'm gonna' have angry parents on my hands.

[11:46] TT: Ok well that doesnt entirely rule them out as something for me to fight.

[11:46] TG: *Snrk.* Why would you wanna' fight them? they're bears.

[11:56] TT: Thats exactly why Id wanna fight a bear.

[11:56] TT: You cant be a champion until you beat a bear.

[11:57] TG: I'm not lettin' ya' fight my bears. i had to fight th'one i made these from, ya' dont want to fight them.

[11:57] TT: Ro...

[11:57] TT: Listen...

[11:57] TT: You cant be a champion untill you beat a bear.

[11:58] TG: Then that makes me th'champion i guess.

[12:01] TT: Oh shit it does.

[12:01] TT: I knew there was a reason I liked you so much. *cheeky grinning*

[12:03] TG: So fightin' bears is a quality ya' look for in a girl? *She is grinning right back. Russet is smiling also as she coos and covers her dad's fingers in spit.*

[12:18] TT: Well of course. I know its a pretty high standard to hold a person to but shit. Worth it. *scrunches up his face a little at the excessive drooling, retracting his hand to wipe on his pants and reaches for a puppet to replace his fingers with. chew on this instead, please.*

[12:22] TG: *Russet is more then happy with the switch and yanks the puppet out of her dad's hands before inserting its head into her mouth.*

[12:23] TG: *Roxanne is sill braiding away, smiling at the two of them.*

[12:23] TG: Clearly, heck i should start making it a rule that i only date people who have fought bears.

[12:28] TT: Okay now youre just giving me more reasons to fight those bears. Im less inclined to believe now that you dont want me to.

[12:29] TG: You ain't gonna'fight them, i'm just gonna' have ta' except that fightin' bears is too high of a standard.

[12:37] TT: Come on now. Thats not fair.

[12:37] TT: But knowin Id fight a bear for you has gotta count for something right?

[12:38] TG: I thought you wanted ta'fight a bear to be a champion?

[12:38] TT: ...

[12:39] TT: Both reasons can be true.

[12:40] TG: So ya' are fighting one bear for me, an' one to become champion.

[12:40] TG: Thats two whole bears, derek.

[04:42] TT: *waves a dismissive hand and pfffs* I can take em.

[04:44] TG: Ya' sound so sure that im tempted ta let ya' fight two bears derek. was this your plan all along?

[05:01] TT: The ultimate goal will always be to fight bears whether my awesome powers of persuasion brought us there or not.

[05:03] TG: Tell ya'what. get the okay from th'captain and ya'can fight my bears how 'bout that. *Roxanne doesn't think he actually will try, or that Eridan will say yes, but stranger things have happened.*

[05:34] TT: The captain? Piece of cake. *smirking* Were tight. *that is entirely a lie. he's probably spoken to eridan twice since he's been here.*

[05:35] TG: Cool, then I guess ya'will get to fight bears then. *She is so being sarcastic while she gives him the smuggest smile and nudges him a bit with her shoulder.*

[05:49] TT: *his smirk broadens into a grin and he nudges her back* Gonna knock your socks off with my ursine wrestlin prowess. Youll see.

[05:51] TG: *She lifts her foot (Which is in fact sock clad) and wiggles her toes a bit.* Well until then these babys are stayin' on.

[05:52] TG: *As if on cue of hearing the word "Baby" Russet is quick to chime in with a synphony of clicks as she crawls over to her dad's knee to deposit the slobbery puppet there.*

[06:14] TT: *points threateningly at the socks* Dont get comfortable. *suddenly the baby is demanding attention and he gives her just that, looking down at her and wrinkling his nose at the slobber, but he lifts russet into his lap all the same*

[06:17] TG: *Roxanne fakes a gasp at the threat against her socks, and Russet clings to her dad almost just as well as she did when she had actual claws. The small child just loved to be held.*

[06:18] TG: *Roxanne reaches over Derek a bit to keep up the braids she has started.* So if we are gonna' do her hair like this, what color beads?

[06:43] TT: Hmm. Well all I got on me is orange... But Im thinkin shed look good with maybe pink or purple too. *scoots a little closer to make braiding easier on roxanne* Whatchu think?

[06:44] TG: Hmmmm, *She thinks it over a bit while crosing a few more strands of Russet's thick fluff.* honestly im diggin' all of those colors.

[06:45] TG: If you got the organge beads do ya' wanna' show me how to put 'em in before i do anymore braids?

[07:27] TT: Sure thing. *fishes the beads, some rubber bands and a beader out of his sylladex* Its real simple.

[07:27] TT: *quickly starts threading the beads through the beader, then the end of one braid through the loop at the end* Aaand... *pushes the beads off the beader onto her braid, tying up the end with a rubberband and a bead to keep the rest on* Viola. *he did it all so fast, it might be hard to retain.*

[08:14] TG: Immmmm gonna need to see that at least three more times to get it, hun.

[08:14] TG: :I

[08:37] TT: What? Okay fine. *does it again but TRIES to slow down a little. keyword being "try."*

[08:40] TG: Nope, rewind, -She makes the rewind gesture with her hands.- one more time.

[08:41] TG: *Russet is being so good through all of this and has taken to sucking on the puppet again.*

[09:11] TT: Christ okay. Once more. In slow motion. *dramatically slows himself way the fuck down, to unnecessary levels. it would be impressive how he actually appears to be in slow motion, if he wasn't being a smartass*

[09:13] TG: Thanks bud, i'm appreciating this super slow mo. *And she is because when he FINALLY finishes, she is holding her hand out for the suplies.* 'kay im ready.

[09:55] TT: Aight. *smirks and hands the goods over to her* Dont even worry about it. Youll get the hang of it right away.

[10:04] TG: Well now it sounds like ya' are expecting me ta' mess up right away. *Which she does on the first try with just setting the beads up. However on the SECOND attempt she got it right, even if it took twice the amount of time it took Derek.* look'it that its gorgeous.

[10:04] TG: Just like her.

[10:31] TT: Yeah. I knew itd suit her. *smiles a little, rubbing a thumb over russet's cheek* Shed prolly look cute with any look though.

[07:41] TG: Yeah duh, that is an absolute given just look'it her. *She gives Russet's other pudgy cheek attention with soft pinching.* i bet when shes all grown up shes still gonna' be cute as heck.

[07:57] TT: Naturally. I dont raise no ugly kids.

[07:57] TT: Course I can attribute that mostly to my killer genetics but the principle remains.

[08:03] TG: Neither do i but hey ya' can't claim genetics on this one, she's adopted.

[08:03] TG: She's fab all on her own.

[08:37] TT: Okay but she still kinda looks like me lets be real. *snickering while working on russet's hair some more. what a patient baby. it's all very relaxing, especially after having been so angry and stressed not that long ago. those feelings might crop up again before things get hashed out with dirk, but some respite for now is definitely welcomed*

[08:42] TG: *All acording to keikaku. Which means plan. And yes Russet is the most patient baby, the worst fussing she does is occasionally fidgit and make some whining gurlgles when she doesn't like the tugging. But she is going to be the most stylish wriggler so its all worth it.*

[08:43] TG: *Roxanne really was happy that Derek was laughing. She may not be great about talking to her kids, but Derek stood a decent chance with his kids and she had high hopes for them.*

[08:44] TG: We are gonna'do a photoshoot after this so we can brag about how gorgeous she is right?

[09:20] TT: Oh shit thats a great idea.

[09:20] TT: Gonna shove the photos in everybodys faces and theyll be like damn that baby puts my baby to shame. Better pack up my fucking bags of expectations for havin the most beautiful child cuz I sure as shit do not.

[09:20] TT: ... Dove is an exception though. She can share the title. *especially since he thinks she looks just like him*

[09:22] TG: Hahah, i can except that. *She puts a few more beads in Russet's hair and starts the final last few of the braids.* i haven't seen her yet, dove that is. im sure she is cute as heck though, can't wait to be blessed with her baby face.

[09:42] TT: Oh shit we gotta arrange a meeting sometime. She looks just like her granddad. *he looks so proud*

[09:46] TG: Dang what a handsome baby then. *She leans over and gives him a kiss on his cheek and then jazz hands because all of Russet's braids are done.* look now we can see even more spots, or freckles then before.

[10:23] TT: *small smirk because yes, give me attention and affection. he rubs a thumb over one of russet's spots, tilting her head to look at him while he also shifts a little to get a better view* Damn. What a face.

[10:23] TT: But thats enough doting for now. Dont wanna spoil ya. *he's totally playing. as if he could stop.*

[10:24] TG: *Russet's attention is directed away from her puppet and to her dad, which results in her giving him a big, sharp toothy grin.*

[10:24] TG: 'Bit late for that i think. but if she aint spoiled by now, then heck its not possible.

[11:11] TT: *he smiles at little back at her and plays with her beads* Yeah youre right.