#nathanielmcl

It didn’t take long for her to put her glasses on, change clothes, brush her hair, brush her teeth, make sure Serenity had food and water and get into the elevator. When the elevator stopped on the floor beneath her apartment, Nora stepped in. Nora looked at Alana and smiled. “Good morning, Mels. Today must be the day.” Alana grinned. “Yeah. She’s already in the lobby.” Nora looked puzzled. “Why didn’t she just go to your apartment?” “If Seraphina was the one dropping her off, she would have gone there. But, it’s Kai and he refuses to release her to anyone but me... He’s mad at me, so he’s being an asshole and not moving from the lobby.” “He’s gonna get hurt with how he talks to you.” “I put him in his place the last time when Castiel was here. He knows better than to talk down to me this time.” “He was pretty steamed about that. I wonder why he’s like that...” Nora pondered. “It’s for several things. Remember, Kai is the cousin that accidentally got his fiancee pregnant only for his fiancee to force him into a shotgun wedding... Which ended in divorce just a couple of years later.” “Oh.” “Yeah. Since Ravenna’s birth, he’s become a more pretentious parent than Brian Griffin... Even though he’s a flaky parent. Seriously, he works all the time, and when he’s not working, he’s on his damn game systems. Seraphina and Kirk are raising his child for him.” “It sounds like he shouldn’t have been a dad...” Alana shook her head. “The child isn’t the problem. It’s that he married someone who used him to get away from her family. The problem is that he wasn’t more responsible with the situation. That and the women’s center they went to was a front for a religious group instead of being an actual medical center.” “Seriously? They went to one of “those” places?” “Yep. And now Ravenna is an innocent casualty in their idiotic existence.” “Why don’t you just pay the lawyer off?” Alana shook her head. “Because, idiocy must not be rewarded. In fact, I sent Chrystal the bill for the money I put towards the down payment on the wedding dress that she never wore.” “How well did that go down?” “She bitched to Kai and Kai bitched to me. Something about how I have “more money than god” and shouldn’t be worrying about a hundred gold... And, he’s right to a certain extent... I do have access to quite the account and really shouldn’t be worrying about such trivial matters... But, it’s the principal of the thing. Seraphina ended up selling the dress behind Chrystal’s back and sent me the money.” “That was sneaky of her. What did you do with it?” “I stuck it in a college fund for Ravenna.” “Awe. That’s sweet.”

When the doors to the elevator opened and Alana stepped out, she was immediately shoved back by a little force. “MELS!” the little girl cheered as she wrapped her arms around Alana. “Hey kiddo! You ready?” Alana beamed. “Yeah! I can’t wait!” Alana looked at Kai who was glaring at her. “You’re gonna have to get over yourself, Kai.” “Just have her back here at a decent hour, Melody.” “Fine, but I want Sera to be with you when you pick her up.” “Fine.” Kai turned to Ravenna. “Aren’t you gonna give me a hug?” “But, Daddy, I wanna hurry up and be with Mels!” Alana looked at Ravenna. “Go give your dad a hug Kiddo. The movie isn’t going anywhere.” She smiled. Ravenna beamed at Alana then ran to her father and hugged him. “I love you daddy!” “Be good for Mels! I love you too!” Kai smiled at his daughter before walking out. Nora looked at Alana. “I see what you mean.” “Yeah.” Alana looked at Ravenna. “Hey, Kiddo, let’s go to the Cafe. I haven’t eaten breakfast yet.” Ravenna smiled. “Sure!”

As they walked through the park on their way to the cafe, a familiar silhouette appeared. “Good morning Nathaniel!” Alana smiled. “Good morning Alana.” Nathaniel beamed. Ravenna clung to Alana. “Oh! Where are my manners? Nath, this is my cousin, Ravenna. She’s Kai’s daughter. Ravenna, this is Nathaniel... He’s a very good friend of mine.” Alana introduced. Nathaniel looked at Alana, confused. “Kai’s daughter? When did he?” Alana shook her head. “It’s a very long, convoluted story that I don’t really wanna go into right now.” “Alright.” Nathaniel nodded before turning to the child. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ravenna.” He smiled as he got to her level and held out his hand. Ravenna looked at Alana, who was looking at Nathaniel, lovingly, then looked at Nathaniel and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you too Nathaniel!” she beamed as she shook his hand. She then turned to Alana. “Is he an important friend, Mels?” Alana looked at Nathaniel, blushed, then looked back at Ravenna. “He’s a very important friend.” She grinned. “So? What are you two doing this morning?” Nathaniel asked. “Mels is taking me to see Captain Marvel!” Ravenna bubbled. “But first, we’re going to the cafe. Kai brought Ravenna to the Tower before I could even get some breakfast in me.” Alana sighed, her stomach rumbling. “You should join us, Nath!” Ravenna burst. Nathaniel looked at the child, then at Alana, shocked. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t be intruding?” He asked. “Nope! I like hanging out with Mels’ friends!” Ravenna chirped. Nathaniel smiled and looked at Alana. “May I?” Alana grinned, tiredly. “Come on. I’d like to eat before my blood sugar decides to bottom out.”

When they got to the cafe, the chose a table and sat down. It didn’t take long for Hyun to walk up to them. “Hey Alana! What can I do for you?” He asked. “Can I get a large white chocolate, hazelnut, frappe with an extra shot of coffee, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for my drink. For my food, I’d like three large croissants and if you have a bit of hazelnut spread that I can put on them, that would also be highly appreciated. Oh, get Nathaniel a glass of water and a banana nut muffin... And Ravenna will have a chocolate muffin.” She ordered. “Alright! I’ll have that out for you in a jiffy!” Hyun smiled as he finished writing the order down and went back into the cafe. “Alana, you didn’t have to order me anything.” Nathaniel muttered. “You’re right, I didn’t have to. But I did. When was the last time you actually ate anything healthy?” Alana queried. Nathaniel looked down, silently. “That’s what I figured. So, for once, Mr. Jacott, you’re getting a somewhat healthy breakfast.” She smirked. “Look at you trying to take care of everyone... I thought you had stopped that.” Nathaniel grinned. “I did. Now I only take care of those who matter most to me. And you, dear sir, happen to be on that list.” Alana huffed. “Thank you.” Nathaniel blushed. “Alright, here you go!” Hyun began as he repeated the order and placed everything on the table in front of the respective people. “Thanks!” Ravenna chirped as she took the muffin and began eating. “Thanks Hyun. Can I go ahead and pay now?” Alana asked. “Sure. Let me just go get the bill.” Hyun smiled as he walked off. Alana dipped her hand into her pocket and pulled out a small compact. “Your meds?” Nathaniel inquired. “Yep. You know I have to take them every morning.” Alana stated as she began taking sips of her coffee and taking her medicine. A flash of sadness crossed Nathaniel’s face as he looked at her. “I’ll be okay, I promise.” Alana sighed as she took another sip of her coffee and began spreading the hazelnut spread across one of the croissants. Hyun quickly reappeared with the check. “I see you’ve got your cousin again.” He chatted. “Yeah, I’m taking her to see Captain Marvel today.” “You sure love those superhero movies.” “Of course. They’re cool.” “Considering you’re a real life superhero, that’s kind of funny.” “I may be super, and considered a hero by various people, but I am no superhero.” Alana and Hyun chatted as she paid the bill. “Well, it was great seeing you! You should come around more often!” Hyun chuckled. “Maybe when I have a lot less responsibility. It was good seeing you too.” Alana grinned. Nathaniel clenched his fists as Hyun walked off. “Calm down. I’m pretty sure everyone in this city knows that there’s no one for me but you.” Alana blurted out. Nathaniel and Ravenna looked at Alana in shock. “Oh, come on! As if you didn’t already know that!” Alana gasped. Nathaniel grinned and stroked her cheek, gently. “Yeah, I know. I just wasn’t expecting you to say it like that.” A look of realization appeared on Ravenna’s face. “Mels? By saying Nath is your “very important friend”, do you mean that he’s your “special someone”?” She asked. Nathaniel and Alana looked at each other, lovingly. “It’s complicated.” Alana replied. “It doesn’t look complicated to me.” Ravenna stated.

After they finished their food, they headed to the movie theater. Alana bought three tickets to Captain Marvel and they sat down in their seats. “Alana, before the movie starts, can you give me some context?” Nathaniel requested. “Sure. For the final end credits scene to Infinity War, Nick Fury pulls out a modified pager to contact someone before he turns to dust. The pager is seen on the ground with Captain Marvel’s symbol on it’s screen before the scene ends. This movie is to properly introduce her to the Marvel Cinematic Universe so that we can know more about her before seeing her in Endgame. This movie is set to take place in the Nineties, so we’ll be seeing younger versions of Fury and Coulson.” Alana explained. “Isn’t Coulson the guy who died in the first Avengers movie?” “Yes. But, if you follow the show Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D, you find out that they brought him back to life. I stopped watching the show a while ago, so I’m not sure his actual fate at this point.” “Ah. What do you know about Captain Marvel?” “I know she’s insanely powerful. I know she’s been called Binary a few times when her power is at it’s max. I know she’s got Kree powers, and fights the Skrull. I also know there’s a ton of speculation that she might be the one to wield the Infinity Gauntlet and restore everything in Endgame... But, that’s about it.” “So, you really don’t know much about her.” “Not really. This is my true introduction to her.” “Okay then.”

Throughout the movie, Nathaniel would occasionally look at Alana and Ravenna, who both seemed to be having a great time. At one point, he lifted the armrest between him and Alana and she relaxed into his chest. “This is peaceful.” He thought. As Captain Marvel looked at Yon-Rogg and said “I have nothing to prove to you.”, His eyes flashed to the girls. Ravenna’s eyes were filled with wonder. Alana’s were filled with understanding. “It kind of reminds me of when she looked at Azrael and said “There’s nothing left for you to take from me.” when Azrael brought the Crown Jewels to the gym a few months ago.” He thought. He knew why Alana loved comic book movies, heck, this wasn’t the first one she’d taken him to. Each film was a story about a person overcoming impossible odds, pushing past their limits, and achieving new heights while saving everyone they loved, even Deadpool and Venom had attributes of that. “Now I see why she dragged me to the first Avengers movie all those years ago... She’s always loved that kind of thing, the difference between then and now is that she is more like the heroes and antiheroes she loves than she used to be...” He thought. He then realized why she was always buying superhero toys for Ravenna and showing her stuff like that. It was because she wanted the child to believe in herself and be a strong, confident, powerful, helpful, person. “Some things never change.” He thought as the movie ended. “Mels! Let’s go!” Ravenna urged. “Ravenna! I know you’ve seen enough Marvel movies to know we HAVE to stay through the end credits.” Alana retorted. Ravenna thought for a minute, realized Alana was right and sat back down. “Sorry.” She muttered. “It’s okay, just don’t be so impatient.” Alana sighed.

When the final end credits scene ended, they got up from their seats and left the theater. “THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED!” Ravenna boomed. Nathaniel and Alana started laughing. “It was very impressive!” Nathaniel cheered. “I’ll admit, it wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was definitely great!” Alana approved. “Mels! With short hair, you’d look like Captain Marvel!” Ravenna laughed. “Oh? Maybe I should cosplay as her!” Alana suggested. “I would love to see that.” Nathaniel replied. “Yeah! You’d look super cool!” Ravenna agreed. “You know what? I just might!” Alana smiled. “I like Goose.” Nathaniel commented. Alana busted out laughing. “OF COURSE YOU’D LIKE GOOSE!” Her laughter rang through the street so loudly that people looked in their direction. “Goose is awesome! And she proves that cats are definitely the best! Then again, we already knew that!” She laughed. “I want a cat like that!” Ravenna cheered. “It would be super cool!” Alana commented as they walked towards the park.

When they got to the park, Ravenna immediately ran to the playground and started playing. Alana found a bench near the playground and sat down. “This is nice.” Nathaniel cooed as he sat down next to her. “Yeah, I just hope Kai isn’t a pain in the ass when he comes to pick her up.” “Can you tell me about that now?” “Sure.” Alana then preceded to tell Nathaniel about Kai, Chrystal, Ravenna’s entrance into existence and what happened when Kai picked Ravenna up from the Tower when Castiel was present. “Wow. I never expected that from him.” Nathaniel commented. “Yeah, so, now he thinks it’s perfectly okay to disrespect me if it looks like he’s being a “good father”. When, in all actuality, it’s driving his daughter away from him. I can understand his discontent with the situation, but he doesn’t need to take it out on me. I have enough stress without him adding to it.” “Just, wow.” “Yeah, and to make things more interesting, Ravenna occasionally calls Sera and Kirk momma and daddy. Honestly, it feels like Kai only acts like a father because it gives him something to brag about. Like, look! I made this beautiful little girl! I’m a great daddy! Look at my “Fuck Trophy!”. Which makes it worse considering he’s dating again.” “It sounds sleazy.” “It looks like it. I wouldn’t have as many issues with it if he wouldn’t attack me when I don’t act the way he deems “good” around his kid. Excuse me for not conforming to what the average woman is expected to be. I may be the “Patron Saint of Lost Children”, I may be good with Ravenna, but I’m not the maternal sort just yet. I’m honest with Ravenna, I don’t sugar coat it just because she’s a child. When she asks questions that she shouldn’t know the answer to just yet, I say “You’ll find out when you’re older.”. Anger flashed across Nathaniel’s face for a split second. “He shouldn’t treat you like that, Alana.” “What’s worse is, I’ve talked about it with Sera. When I explained it to her, I compared how Kai acts with Ravenna and how he treats people when she’s around to a parasite destroying it’s host. No, I don’t think Ravenna is a parasite, but I think Kai acts like she’s one and he’s the host. When she’s around, he goes from cool young adult, to pretentious, bullshit, parent. I don’t ever remember my mother doing anything like that. He’s not even doing it in a “protective parent” way. He tells Sam and me what to say, do and think when he and his kid are around. The thing about Sam in that situation is that she’s never really around, and when she is around, Ken usually shuts Kai up. You’d think that what I’ve become would tell him to give me the basic respect I deserve, but he refuses to remotely acknowledge it. And Sera excuses it because Kai is young. I’m five years younger than Kai and even I know that that’s not what you do in his situation.” Nathaniel shook his head. “I had no idea things between you and him had deteriorated so badly.” “There’s a lot of relationship shit that’s gone on in my family that you don’t know about yet.” Alana sighed.

A couple of hours later, Ravenna walked up to the bench singing a little tune. “Mels and Nathaniel, sittin’ in a tree...” She began. “K-I-S-S-I-N-G...” Alana mused as she winked at Nathaniel. Nathaniel grinned at Ravenna, smirked at Alana and kissed her head. Ravenna laughed playfully. Alana laughed as she felt her phone vibrate. She checked to see what it was. “Well, shit.” She sighed. “What?” Nathaniel asked. “Seraphina just texted me. They’re at the Tower, waiting. She says Kai is PISSED.” Alana rolled her eyes as she put her phone back in her pocket. “Come on Ravenna, Daddy and Gran Gran are already at the Tower. And Daddy is throwing a temper tantrum.” Alana stated as she looked at the child. Ravenna looked down. “I don’t wanna go home if he’s gonna act like that.” She muttered. “Don’t worry. Gran Gran and I aren’t above putting him in his place.” Alana sighed. “Do you want me to walk with you?” Nathaniel asked. “I’d very much appreciate it.” Alana muttered.

When they got back to the Black Tower, they realized that Alana’s assumptions of Kai’s temper tantrum was correct. “Nathaniel, guard Ravenna.” Alana commanded. As they opened the doors, Kai, who was pacing and cursing up a storm looked at them, rage filled his eyes. “I TOLD YOU TO HAVE HER BACK HERE AT A DECENT HOUR!” He yelled. Without replying to Kai’s yelling, Alana stormed up to him, kneed him in the gut and bitch slapped him so hard it made her hand hurt. “How DARE you speak to me in such a manor! Kai Cambridge! This is twice that you’ve disrespected me in my own home! Not once, TWICE! You are a disgrace as a father, a member of this family and as a man! It’s MY aunt who is raising your child. And what have you done to thank her for that? Not a GOD DAMN thing! Instead, you have disrespected both Sam and me, proven to your OWN DAUGHTER that you are nothing more than an insolent animal who thinks it’s okay to mistreat people when they don’t give you precisely what you want when you want it. As for how long we were out, we were only out a few hours. Long enough to get something to eat, see the movie, and have her play at the park. As for Nathaniel being present, Ravenna insisted he come when I introduced them because he’s one of my friends. We weren’t out obscenely late, we didn’t do anything irresponsible or bad. We ate, saw a movie and went to the park. How about you focus less on what kind of cousin I am and actually focus more no not being a SHIT FATHER!” Alana’s voice boomed through the lobby. Several lower R.D.R recruits, who were passing through the back of the lobby stopped dead in their tracks. The phrase “Holy shit!” could be heard coming from their direction. Kai slowly got to his feet. “Come on Ravenna! You’re never coming back to this wretched Tower again!” He demanded. “NO!” Ravenna cried as she continued to cling to Nathaniel. “Kai Cambridge THAT’S ENOUGH!” Seraphina boomed “But Sera!” Kai whined. “No! Mels has been a good influence on your daughter! You may be her father, but while you live in my house, you will live by my family’s rules! You need to grow up and treat Mels with the respect she has earned! She has not earned this animosity from you! As it is, look at what you’ve done! You made your daughter cry! Ravenna, Mels AND Nathaniel deserve apologies for your actions!” Sera grabbed her step-son and pulled him straight. “Gran Gran, I wanna stay with Mels tonight!” Ravenna pleaded. “Kiddo, I have training tomorrow and School on Monday. I can’t keep you this weekend.” Alana explained. “But Mels!” Ravenna cried. “Remember what I said in the park? Our family is full of strong women. Sera will make sure your dad knows and understands what he’s done.” She yawned. “Oh... Okay. I love you Mels! I’ll see you soon!” Ravenna sighed as she hugged Alana. “It was very nice meeting you Nath!” She smiled at Nathaniel and hugged him. “Be good munchkin. It was nice meeting you.” Nathaniel smiled. He shot Kai a look that said “If you EVER do that again, you’ll regret it!”. “It was good seeing you again Nathaniel.” Sera commented. “Likewise Sera.” Nathaniel took the hand Alana used to slap Kai and kissed it. “How badly does it hurt?” “Not as bad as it could.”

As they watched Ravenna, Seraphina and Kai leave the Tower, Alana yawned then looked at Nathaniel. “Do you wanna go upstairs and watch Infinity War?” She asked. Nathaniel looked at her and grinned. “How about we start with the first Iron Man movie.”

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04/27/19

HOLY CRAP! I was NOT intending on this to focus more on Kai vs Alana! But, here we are! I wanted to do a Marvel themed blurb this week to celebrate Avengers: Endgame being released. I also wanted this to be the prelude to Alana cosplaying as Captain Marvel... I think I did well....