2024-03-12: A Year Gone By

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<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.


This is not the same apartment Eight stayed at while Magallanica was setting up initially, located in the old dormitories for the employees of the Vist foundation. She's moved since, somewhere closer to business--like the office of the Magallanica Defense Force. While a part of her would like to just stay on the ship...

It's not always practical. So, today, they are at Eight's apartment in Magallanica, and she is expecting company. Some may already be here; some may be just arriving.

It's a lovely place, though; the entrance to the complex is out onto the sidewalk, and Eight lives on the top floor, with roof access. At the moment, though...

The nameplate says 'Orlodhari'. The living area sees Eight seated, with the green Aarmi on her lap; Aarmi has blonde hair like her mother's, and it's really started to grow in! She's dressed in bright colors, and hugging onto her mother t the moment rather than facing other people. Zaress, whose skin is more like Eight but whose hair is more like his father's, is on the floor playing with some toys that go wheee and bang.

Eight's in casual attire; it's a day off for her, but her husband isn't home.

The TV is on a kids' show that nobody is actually watching, but it provides some background noise. Eight hears a knock at the door-

"Come in!" she suggests.

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

It's good to take a break every now and then. And with Eight having the day off too, it seemed like a good idea to stop by and see how everyone's doing. And so, with the arrangements made, Anita finds herself at the door to Eight's apartment... and announces herself with a knock!

"Hey, Eight!" Anita greets with a smile and a casual wave. "Aarmi, Zaress."

She accepts Eight's offer, moving on inside and taking a quick glance around.

"Nice place." She compliments, approvingly. "How's everyone doin'?" 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Magellanica is fairly out of the way, for Liam, but it's worth it to see a good friend. In this case, several good friends!

        Liam follows Anita in. He's dressed for Fall, in a cozy grey hoodie, jeans, and boots--and the stubble on his head is a tiny bit longer. It's on its way to becoming a sort of fade, now. An actual hairstyle. Progress.

        "Good to see you again, Anita, Eight," Liam says, and his face lights up at the sight of Zaress and Aarmi. "And look at you two! You're both so big!"

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.


Eight smiles at both arrivals. "Annie," she says warmly, "And Liam! You could make it after all!" A beat, "You're looking goo!"

"Aaann!" Zaress says to Anita, waving happily from where he was playing with his toys, and then smiles big. Then Liam also greets them both, and he stretches out his arms. "Lii! Ah!"

Aarmi finally peeks out from where she'd been buried out against Eight and stares outward at the others. "...aa..." Eight strokes her back gently. "It's okay," she says. "They're our friends. Aren't they? HEre's Annie, and Liam!"

Aarmi blinks owlishly at the others, a little dubious to start. Perhaps it's an opportunity!

"Feel free to come and have some seats," Eight says. "I'm happy for the company. Lavhi had to work late..." 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        Shinji's behind Annie and Liam, inobtrusive as he tends to make himself. He sees Eight pretty regularly, being a frequent babysitter for Aarmi and Zaress, and while Eight has done an exemplary job over the last couple months distracting him from the anniversary of that incident, the passage of time inevitably sank in. He's been more withdrawn than usual lately. This is especially so with Liam around. Nothing against Liam--he's a good friend--but he was also there, that day.
        
        Their chance encounter at the PPL, which was actually closer to the anniversary of that day, only underscores it.
        
        Thus it's only after Annie and Liam have walked in that Shinji slinks in too, hands tucked in the pockets of his hoodie. He looks around, somewhat unnecessarily. He's been here many times; he knows what the place looks like. Zaress is happy as usual, while Aarmi is reserved. It's funny how even this young, they act differently... Shinji wonders how young he was when his personality started coming out.
        
        He takes a seat and watches the others for the moment.

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Yeah, good to see you too." Anita greets back to Liam, before offering a smile back at Eight. And then, Zaress greets her! Anita can't help but grin at that, waving right back at him. And Aarmi finally peeks out, too! She seems a little hesitant. Anita can't blame her. So, as Eight reassures her Anita leans down a little, to meet her at eye level.

"Hi, Aarmi." Anita greets with a smile in what she hopes is a reassuring tone. "Yeah, we're friends."

She nods, though, as Eight says to have a seat, and moves in to grab one for herself. She keeps a brief eye on Shinji, making sure he gets in alright - but doesn't push him to interact.

"He did, huh...? That's a shame, but I guess it can't be helped." Anita replies, massaging the back of her neck as Eight explains that Lavhi's working late. "Guess our timing was pretty good, then!" 

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        Eventually following after Anita, Liam, and Shinji is Lucine, dressed in her casual preference of a jean jacket, a belted pink tunic, and black leggings. While her features haven't changed too much from the last time Eight, Shinji, and Anita have seen her, her hair is slightly longer, now falling below her shoulders in a slight wave, the sides pinned back with the pins.

        "... Sorry, had to answer a message from my mom," she explains to Liam, with a slight grin. Her eyes track from Liam to Anita, who she greets with a nod and a small smile. "I haven't seen your face in a while... It's good to see you, Anita." She sees Shinji, her eyes focusing on him for a brief moment, as if to assess something, but instead she nods, still smiling. "... It's good to see you too, Shinji."

        Then, turning to Eight, she breathes a sigh. "My mom wanted to know how your little ones were doing... she thought the meetup was yesterday. Mars and Earth times... sometimes gets screwy. How are you doing, Eight?"

        And then, there's the little stars of the show, one of which is very shy. "... Ah... you're shy too?" Like Anita, she kneels down, and laughs when Zaress reaches out to Liam. "... Ah, looks like you have a fan, Liam." 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        As Zaress tries to form names--and does a damn good job, honestly, for a one-year-old--Liam melts. "Y--yeah," he says, his face a perfect picture of familial care."I do," he adds, to Lucine, before turning back to Eight. "Is it okay if I hold him?" Liam wants to pick Zaress up and snuggle him and zoom him around while making spaceship engine noises, but he's Eight's kid. He can't just do that on a whim.

        "And how are you, Aarmi? You're looking more like your mom and dad each day."

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.


"Hi, Shinji," Eight says to him as he comes in. She knows he's more withdrawn, and she even knows why, and it's something that hurts to see him go through. But she doesn't try to force him into interacting.

Aarmi blinks with big eyes at Anita, and then a little smile snakes onto her face. "Ann!" she says. She's almost on full words. Almost.

Zaress is delighted to be waved at, and waves back again! More waving!

While Eight says, "Yeah. I'd hoped to spend some more time with him today, but..." Oh, well. Not much to be done now; neither of them can get away from the many things they have to do all the time.

"Oh, I'm sorry we missed her," Eight sys to Lucine, with a smile. "But I'm glad you could make it. I'm doing well! The interviews for the new crew have been coming along; we're not quite at full capacity again yet, but I've been taking my time, too. The Ra Mari II can run with who it has, at least. You should meet my new XO sometime."

Aarmi is shy! But she looks over at one boy hiding from everyone else and reaches with one hand, still holding the other onto Eight. "Shiii," she says, looking right at Shinji.

She doesn't know (care?) that he's feeling bad. She wants to see him again! His quiet ways soothe her.

She looks for a moment at Liam. "Mm... Mm!" But then back to Shinji!! But luckily, Liam is already being spoken for by Zaress. "Sure," Eight invites, as Zaress continues to hold his arms open until Liam picks him up. "Uhh!!"

Eight laughs softly. She seems to forget what she was worried about, at least for a moment, watching her twins. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        Shinji appreciates that Anita isn't someone who pushes. It's that trait of hers that lets him have some trust for her, even though they aren't otherwise all that close. He looks over a Lucine when she enters and gives her a subdued nod. Liam had been talking about moving into a new place with her... but Shinji doesn't know how to bring that up unprompted, so he doesn't.
        
        "You too," he murmurs instead. "Mars and Earth time differences must be hard to deal with..."
        
        He looks over at Liam. He continues to look good, and he looks excited to see the kids. It really is good to see him doing better... So why can't he be happier for him?
        
        That might have led to a private spiral--except then Aarmi sees him and reaches out a chubby hand for him. Shinji's cheeks pinken at the sight, and he can't help but smile a little. He flicks his eyes towards Eight. "Hi," he says belatedly. "Um, if you want, I can hold Aarmi for you for a bit..." 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Aarmi, though shy, still manages to greet her. Once again, Anita grins widely. They're both getting so big, and now Aarmi, at least, is almost on full words...!

She hurriedly takes her seat, wiping at her eyes while her face is turned away. It's okay - the progress just makes her a little teary-eyed, is all.

"Hey, Lucine! Yeah, it's been a while... good to see you, too. You look good." Anita greets from where she sits.

"Yeah..." Anita agrees with a shrug as Eight admits she'd hoped to spend more time with Lavhi. "I'm sure you two'll be able to find some time for each other soon."

She listens as conversation continues. Interviewing for new crew for the Ra Mari II... Anita's already familiar, of course, but it's interesting to see how others react...

...And she grins, as Zaress insists on Liam picking him up. Shinij volunteers to hold Aarmi, too. 

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.



         "Time flies by fast." It's hard to remember the last battles she's been in with many people, including Anita. Perhaps, that's a good sign, though she wonders what it could mean for pilots in general. "I wonder--" --how long this peace will last. "--...how long it's been."

                  Lucine chuckles and shakes her head at Eight's comment. "... You wouldn't have been able to greet her either way, with the time difference. But I'll pass along the well wishes either way." Shinji's words soften Lucine's gaze. "... It can be, but... sometimes it means we both have a chance to figure out what we want to say to each other."

        She's glad Shinji's heart hasn't changed, despite the the dark clouds of emotion surrounding it.

        As Aarmi goes to Shinji, Lucine's eyelids lower, watching the cute scene. "... Ah, Shinji, she sees you as having a soothing aura, I think, if... I'm interpreting right." Perhaps it's a bit of cheating to reveal a child's emotions, but it may be a worthy card to show to Shinji right now. "It's amazing, how much they've changed already... The way they think, and experience the world..." Still kneeling, she continues her thought, now turning to Eight. "... I can't sense their thoughts of course, but their emotions... there's a difference. I suppose I've never had a chance to really know, and... since I don't see them every day, I'm not seeing the gradual parts of that change."

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam glances back at Shinji, but doesn't press the issue by addressing him. It doesn't feel good to know that his presence beings up traumatic memories, but the alternative is... not being here, seeing his friend and her children. Is Shinji getting the help he needs...?

        The smile returns to Liam's face as Shinji offers to hold Aarmi. Liam picks up Zaress, and settles him against his chest, his forearm serving as a seat of sorts. "There you go," he says. "Hey, Zaress. You want bounces?" To demonstrate, he bounces Zaress gently, up and down. "You and your sister are so lucky. So loved." Liam's grin turns a little bashful as Lucine speaks up, and once she's done, he adds: "I think we'll land the apartment soon. Rena and Eight have been a huge help. Maybe then you can come and visit us...?"

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.


Eight smiles when Shinji does--and when he makes that offer. "That'd be great," Eight says. "My arms are a little tired." They have been hurting lately; it's not even a lie! She just tends to deal with it.

She notices when Anita looks away--and she has some of that feeling, herself. Seeing everyone interact with them like this...

"Yes," Eight agrees about Lavhi. "Are things good for you and Rena? Finished moving in yet?"

Anita, of course, will have met Amina Maina already, and more besides. But the others, maybe not!

Time flies, though... How long has it been? Hmm. "They're already over a year old," Eight says. "It's... amazing, watching them grow like this. Tiring. But amazing, too."

"Thanks," she says to Lucine of passing on the well-wishes. But when Lucine ventures her thoughts on the twins' thoughts...

"Shinji here has watched over them a lot," she explains. "I really appreciate his help." Then she smiles at Liam, too.

Zaress, in the meeantime, does want bounces. He says so with a, "Nces!" He makes a fist!! Cheerful, he laughs along.

"...I'm the lucky one, I think," Eight says softly. But then she says, "I'm glad you're almost there. I'd be happy to come visit!" 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        Eight accepts the offer, and Shinji gets to his feet and walks over to accept Aarmi. At first, he'd been terrified of holding a baby, but--it's amazing what someone can get used to, isn't it? Those little legs and the back of that little head will get plenty of support as he takes a new seat next to Eight rather than returning to the couch. He knows Aarmi will want to stay close to Mom, and so he doesn't think twice of doing just that. It also lets him turn to let Anita come get a closer 'hello' if she wants too.
        
        He blinks wide when Lucine talks about Aarmi finding his aura 'soothing'. "Y-you think so? Maybe it's just because I've been babysitting for her and Zaress so much..." As Eight too mentions. His gaze grows a little distant as Lucine mentions having the time to think of what she wants to say to her mom, but he opts not to say what he's thinking. "That's nice," he says instead.
        
        He looks over at Liam and Zaress. They seem to be getting along swimmingly. Liam seems like he'd be a great big brother, Shinji reflects. He's kind and strong...
        
        But his thoughts falter. He remembers that 'big brother' of Liam's own who'd tried to drag him back to Crucible 'for his own good.' Family... it's mind-boggling how many forms it can take, positive and negative. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Yeah, things are going great! We're still kind of in that 'settling-in' phase, but... it's nice." Anita replies to Eight, and then chuckles, making an uncertain gesture. "Well... I'd say we're getting close, but you know how it is. You think you're almost done, then, 'oops, forgot that other thing'. ...So, I'm not holding my breath just yet."

Lucine comments on how time flies by, and Anita nods.

"Yeah, it really does..." She replies.. Lucine cuts herself off - and Anita isn't going to guess at what thoughts she left unsaid. Instead - she laughs. "Who knows?"

She grins, though, as Liam plays with Zaress and comments on the apartment to Lucine.

"Oh, hey, that's good to hear. Congrats, you two." Anita comments.

Eight, too, has something to say about time flying - and Anita laughs.

"I imagine. For me, it's just, like - it feels like only yesterday they were so tiny. And now... geez. Look at 'em both." She says brightly.

Anita, herself, doesn't have to look far - with Shinji seated next to Eight, Aarmi is right there.

"You're getting to be so big." She praises. It's true, though - Shinji does seem to be good at taking care of them, and they do both seem to like him... It's nice to see.

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

                 Pardon Lucine a moment, as she becomes distracted by Liam handling Zaress with gusto. "Mm-hm." Pause. "Ah- right, yes. The apartment... Yes. It was hard choosing; every time we walked into one, I kept going back and forth. But... yes, we found one in a nice neighborhood, easy access to transit, ah... lots of room, a very nice view with lots of sun--" It's going to be filled with plants. "A very nice kitchen, ah, there's a nice cafe nearby too..."

        This is getting to be too much information, as Lucine gets distracted again by Liam bouncing Zaress.

        Eight explains some of the reason for Aarmy's preference for Shinji. "... Aww... Shinji, I'd say you just have as much of a big brother instinct..."
        
        His awkwardness, along with Lucine's own comments, makes the Martian realize her mistep. ... Oh, right. Shinji's own mom is--

        Let it go, she tells herself. Don't try to investigate Shinji's emotions to draw your conclusions; the vagueness of them can lead to a trap.

        She's content to sit on the floor, right now, watching the two little ones enjoy their time with Liam and Shinji. "Eight," she begins, with a slightl smile, "Do you ever find yourself going into mom mode around the new recruits?" 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Oh no, Shinji, you're being praised! Liam offers a little smile, but doesn't chime in otherwise. Instead, he gives Zaress all the bounces he wants, while being careful to support his head and neck. "Whee!" Liam says, and he's getting so into it that he keeps making that noise with every throw, until Lucine brings up--

        "Yeah, it's gorgeous." Bounce. "I didn't think we could afford it, but..." Bounce! "Do you want me to do this all day, Zaress? I can, but I have other things to do. But you're so cute. Aren't they both so cute, Lu?" Liam leans in to nuzzle his nose against Zaress' forehead. Another pause. "Anita, Lu, do either of you want a turn with him? I don't want to hog all the fun."

        Fun. It's fun because if he starts crying he can pass Zaress back to Eight. (He'd do what he could to help, more seriously.)

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.


Eight is careful, but not too careful handing Aarmi over; she doesn't have to sweat over it anymore, it's easy by now. Aarmi indeed is happier staying close to Eight though. It may not be obvious, because of how she immediately moves to hug Shinji. "Shii," she says again.

"Ha, I see," Eight says to Anita. "I know how it is. How many times have I moved lately? It feels like all the time." So she gets it.

"That's definitely part of it," she says to Shinji, and their comfort with him. And she smiles back at Annie again. "I know! I used to be able to hold them both so easily..." She laughs, but there's a sigh in it too. "It's nice to see them grow, but they were so cute that way, too.."

Aarmi turns her head from Shinji to look at Anita, intense as ever. "...!" She seems surprised by something--but what? It's hard to say. Either way, she makes a little laughing noise.

But Eight doesn't comment on brother insitncts. Instead--

"Oh, I do," Eight answers Lucine. "Often, lately. And I'm not that much older than they are. But it seems to work out anyway."

Zaress enjoys bouncing... for a while. He laughs happily at Liam's 'whee' each time. Until--

"Aaaah..." He presses his lips together. "Maa," he says, and wriggles, starting to turn towards Eight. He wriggles some more! "Aah!"

He might start crying imminently if not cared for! 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

        Shinji wouldn't ask Liam not to come see Eight and the kids anyway. They're sweet babies, and it's nice getting hugged by Aarmi. It really is good that Liam and Lucine are getting that shared apartment soon, though.
        
        "Yeah... the year really blew by," Shinji comments quietly to Anita. "It's almost like it was on fast forward or something."
        
        Is he getting the help he needs? Honestly, he's never given serious thought to reaching out to a professional. Something he has in common with his father, perhaps.
        
        He double-takes at Lucine when she seems to read his mind about Liam being big-brotherly. She can't actually read his mind, can she?? Or is he just that transparent...? Assuming the latter, he murmurs, "Um, thanks." And, because the topic has finally come up naturally: "Congratulations on finding a nice apartment, by the way. I hope you and Liam can... lock it down, I guess?"
        
        He's lived various places, but he's never actually had to handle the paperwork of moving into a new apartment. He wonders for a moment when he'll have to do that--who he'd turn to for help. Eight is the obvious answer, but... he can't help but think of Misato.
        
        He looks down at Aarmi and offers her a finger to clutch as Anita praises her. When Liam offers Lucine and Anita a turn with Zaress, he looks up, then looks at Anita. "Oh--yeah. If you want to hold Aarmi..."
        
        Though it sounds like Zaress wants to go back to mom first. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Right? Maybe it's just because a lot happened..." Anita agrees with Shinji with a small laugh. Some years just feel like that, she supposes.

Lucine describes the apartment, though, and Anita nods along with interest.

"That sounds really nice. I'm happy for you two." She comments, offering Lucine and Liam both a smile. It sounds like they've picked out a winner - she's just hoping everything works out for them.

"Seriously." Anita replies with Eight with a shrug. She knew that if anyone here could sympathise, it'd be Eight. She grins, then, at Eight's lament. "Yeah, they were. I guess that's just how it goes, though..."

The passing of time...

But Aarmi sends that intense look her way, looking surprised by something - and then, laughs. Anita can't help but smile and wave back.

Liam, meanwhile asks if she wants a turn. Anita considers it, but right as she's about to agree...

"Looks like I might need to take a rain check on that one." She comments. Shinji offers, in a way, for her to hold Aarmi. "Sure, that'd be great."

...Though that, too, may need to wait. Such is the way when babies are involved. 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        "Soon they'll be big enough for shoulder rides," Liam says, with a smile. But Zaress throws him a curveball, and the bouncing immediately stops the moment the child starts wriggling. "I think he wants mama," Liam says, flushing a little--between Lucine complimenting him and Zaress getting upset, it's a bit of a Moment. He steps over some of Zaress' toys, and passes the youngster back to his mother.

        "Here you are," he says. "I hope you feel better, Zaress. Your mom's gonna help."

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        "... Who knows? Maybe a raise is around the corner for one of us. But... as it is, it's still within our budget, thankfully..." Especially if they avoid visiting that cafe in favor of a nice homemade meal at home.

        .... She's already beginning to plan it all out. Is that... something people do?

        Liam nuzzles Zaress' forehead, and Lucine laughs. "Ah, don't get any ideas just yet," she teases. "... I think we should try to see how we deal with plants, first. Then, maybe a fish?" No, Lucine, you just want an excuse to have lots of plants. "Ah, but plants don't giggle and give hugs like that, do they?"
        
        When Shinji doubletakes, Lucine does too; she rubs her head with an apologetic grin to him, but doesn't call attention to it. Though, maybe she doesn't seem *too* apologetic, if it meant Shinji got to hear one compliment that he never seems to hear from the one family member in his life--

        Like Anita, Lucine considers, but then smiles instead. "... I'm happy to just see them; I imagine they'll let us know when they're tir--"

        Zaress begins to fuss, just a moment later. Lucine grins. "... Ah, we forgot the true star of the show here, and it's mom."

<Pose Tracker> Eight Orlodhari has posed.


Like fast forward... Eight can't entirely disagree. She's trying to hold on to the precious moments of peace they have, while her children are still this young. But she's looking forward to what's to come, too. Time doesn't wait, after all.

She'd be willing to help with moving, of course. And when Annie is offered Aarmi, "That's a nice idea," Eight gives her blessing for handing her daughter over. She smiles at her best friend. "She likes you too, after all."

"They don't," Eight says of plants to Lucine. "But you do have to go through a lot to get to this point," she warns with a grin.

Liam is right, though; Eight takes Zaress back, and considers him a moment. "Ah!" she says. "He's hungry. ...Excuse me a moment, everyone. Annie, you have the conn."

...She's joking, right? She's probably joking. But she does stand up with her son and make towards the other room. "Don't worry," she says. "Just a moment..."

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