Francois gains a look of concern as Tara takes her leave, one hand lifting off the arm of his chair as if to try halting her, though he seems to think better of it and bites his tongue, merely watching until she disappears into the next room. A heavy breath escapes him once she's gone, frown crossing his features. He stares at the opening to the kitchen in silence until Sofia speaks up, causing him to turn his focus to her.
#Leah'sHouse – November 29, 2020
"Wh-... no." he offers, expression softening. He props up some semblance of a smile and shakes his head. "No, sweetheart." he repeats. "She just-..." he stammers, not even sure where to begin. He has no idea what Sofia knows. But it's not as if Tara's 'situation' is particularly subtle. Even if it wasn't for the social awkwardness, she wears her past on her face. Literally. Scars and branding for all to see. After a quick
consideration, he seems to decide that Sofia must at least have a basic understanding, either explained to her by his daughter or by Nathan. "...She's still trying to figure things out. Figure herself out..." he corrects with an apologetic tilt of his head. "Figure out... where she fits in all of this." he adds with an idle gesture about. A sadness slips into his smile that he's not quite able to conceal.
Leah's cheeks only grow more red as Mendez continues to speak, looking like a ripe tomato by the time he's finished. Her eyes are the size of saucers as he reveals he overheard them. Not that she doesn't share pretty much everything with him everyway- they are best friends, after all- but being put on the spot like this, especially in front of Livia, summons a look of dread from her. It takes her a moment to unfreeze before she
finally speaks up. "Wha-... no, no, no~" she offers in a panicked, sing-songy tone that slips into awkward laughter to try and conceal the embarassment that's written all over her face.
Mendez gives Nathan a stern nod. His sister's shushing and Leah's panicking causes him to furrow his brow, glancing back her way. "Oh come on. You think she gives a fuck?" he asks with a nod towards the woman on the other end of the call. "Just saying you two can stop dancing-..." he begins before he is very rudely interrupted by a hand clamping over his mouth. A few more muffled syllables get out before devolving into a deep sigh.
He slowly turns his head- Leah's hand clamped over his mouth- back to his omni-tool interface with a look on his face that's somewhere between exasperated acceptance and utter unamusement.
Leah quickly leans right back over Mendez' shoulder, slapping her hand over his mouth before he can embarrass her any further. She shoots a panicked look to Nathan. Then to Livia. Then back to Nathan. "That's-... that's enough out of you~" she snickers awkwardly to Mendez, maintaining that same overly-cheery tone as she turns her attention back to the omni-tool interface and offering it a big, bright, 'I'm not embarrassed'
When the image unfreezes this time, Livia has a pained look on her face, forehead wrinkled as she's forced to experience a healthy dose of second-hand embarrassment. There's a short silence as she sits there speechless before clearing her throat, gaze turning towards Nathan through the lens of of her omni-tool interface. "It's... nice to meet you, Nathan." she offers politely in an attempt at cutting through the awkwardness.
Tara pays no mind to the conversation in the dining room as she disappears down the corridor, walking fast but quietly. She's heading straight for the bathroom in the hopes of getting away. Getting a moment's respite. It's better than shutting down. The bathroom was the only acceptable excuse she could think of. It took her a little while, but she learned to stop asking for permission to go to the bathroom around the same time she
Nathan just continues to maintain the large, awkward smile on his face, staring directly at the omni-tool interface. "Nice... to meet you too. As you can see, I fit right in with these lot." He gestures with his free hand to the pair besides him, a small chuckle escaping him. He's starting to notice a pattern of being introduced to people in rather... strange circumstances or ways. At least since he's been on Aite. He
reaches over to try and gently pry Leah's hand away from Mendez's face. "The, uh, jig is up. Let the man breathe."
Sofia hums and brings her knees up to her chest, draping her arms across them with a small sigh. She hasn't directly asked about Tara's history, not to her brother or Leah. But she also wasn't stupid. She's heard calls that Nate has had to take in the past, she know's what he used to do. It wasn't difficult to put the pieces together and to figure it out. It's part of the reason why she's trying to be her friend. But
she's never had to interact with people who have been through so much, who come from such dire circumstances. She's not sure how to approach it beyond being herself. She glances towards Francois and gives him a small nod. "Yeah. You're right. It's just... I don't know." She sighs.
Francois nods softly at Sofia's words. Her efforts at getting Tara to warm up to her throughout the night haven't gone unnoticed. Regardless of her success rate, the intentions are certainly appreciated. "This is her first Christmas..." he muses aloud, gaze turning to the lights strung up by Tara, scanning across them and the numerous other decorations they put throughout the house. To the tree, at the base of which is a mound of
presents. He can't even begin to imagine what it all must be like for Tara. Everything is so new. There's so much to take in. So much to learn. So much to remember. When his eyes turn back to Sofia, he props up that kind smile of his in an attempt at providing some semblance of comfort to her. "She will come around to you." he nods, lookin very sure of that fact. "Just... be patient. She's not used to-... well, any of
Livia chuckles, offering a shake of her head. "Well, on behalf of my family I'd like to apologize for my brother." she offers with an exaggerated sense of sincerity. "I promise we're not all assholes."
Mendez mumbles something, the hand over his mouth muffling it too much for it to be audible which just causes Livia to offer an amused, "Hm?"
Leah scrunches up her nose, giving Nathan a quick side-eye as she reluctantly removes her hand from Mendez' mouth.
Mendez gives Nathan just about the most frustrated look of appreciation possible before browbeating the woman on the screen. "I said-..." he pauses to bring a hand up and wipe at his lips, "Fuck you." he repeats for his sister's benefit.
Leah snickers, a bit of the red draining from her cheeks. She brings her hand back up to Mendez' face in a playful threat to re-cover his mouth, but when he leans away she doesn't bother following through. Instead, she merely leans back against Mendez' shoulder and reaches over to grab her cup of hot cocoa and takes a quick sip.
Nathan smirks and gives a dismissive wave of his hand. "Naw, he's not an asshole. Most of the time anyway." He gives Mendez a sideways grin before looking back to the screen. "But just between you and me, you're the more social one," he says in a stage-whisper, an overly dramatic wink accompanying it. He leans back and hefts the tray of drinks. "Now, I won't interrupt family time anymore. I've got a tray of hot cocoa that
Sofia hums softly. "First Christmas," she mutters under her breath, a sense of disbelief still in the undercurrent of her tone. She knew Francois was right, in regards to patience. She was certainly putting too much pressure on both herself and Tara. "Well, hopefully she's alright with recieving gifts. Otherwise you'll have to figure out other traditions for Christmas." She smiles slightly, a small laugh escaping her.
Francois snickers in response before waving off the young woman's apologies. "Nothing to be sorry for." he assures her, that kind smile never leaving his face. "Well, patience is one of those skills that, ironically, developes only with time." he says. After a brief consideration, he dismisses his own words with a wave of his hand. "Ah. You are still young! Plenty of time for patience when you're my age." he jokes, smile growing a
bit more sincere. "But-..." a tired grunt escapes him as he presses a hand against the arm of his old, well-worn chair and pushes himself to his feet, "...if you will excuse me for just a minute, I should probably go and-..." he gives a small dip of his head in the general direction of the bathroom as his smile tempers back, assuming Sofia will pick up his on his intentions to go check on Tara.
Livia gains a grin, studying her brother as Nathan speaks. "You might be giving him too much credit." she responds. When he announces his departure she gives a nod, lost to the static of the call. Thankfully the audio quality is better than the video quality. "Okay, Nathan. Nice to meet you, too." she says. It's not until he turns to leave that she calls out after him. "Merry Christmas!"
Mendez merely rolls his eyes at the banter between his sister and Nathan. But once Nate is out of the picture, his attention shifts to Leah expectantly, as if curious why she's still there.
Leah lags behind, continuing to lean over Mendez' shoulder with a dopey look on her face. But once she's hit with his glare she scrunches up her nose. "Fine!" she mopes, quite offended, "I can tell when my presence isn't wanted." she continues with an overly dramatic flair.
Mendez continues to stare at the woman beside him. "Only took you how many years?" he asks in a mutter, though he's unable to hide the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Leah jerks her head back, almost looking genuinely offended this time, but soon enough that big bright smile slips back out as she gives a roll of her eyes. "Okay! Okay! I'm going!" she scoffs, standing up a bit straighter. "Bye, Livia!" she offers as she backs away from Mendez, mug of hot cocoa cradled against her chest. "And you need to hurry your ass up and come visit us again!" she adds as something of an afterthought. As she
continues to back away, she leans to the side enough to remain visible over Mendez' shoulder, giving the palm of her hand a couple quick kisses as she bids Livia her final farewell with a raise of said hand. Turning on the balls of her feet, she moves to follow Nathan.
Nathan calls back to her over his shoulder, "Merry Christmas," lingering for a few moments to allow Leah to play catch up with him. His smiles grows at the banter between Mendez and her, watching for the moment before she finally joins him. "You're such a shit-stirrer," he teases, giving her a playful little bump before returning to his journey back towards the living room.
Sofia uncurls her legs and almost springs back to her feet, unable to quite allow all that boundless energy from petering out, no matter the situation or topic. She giggles softly, giving Francois an appreciative nod of her head for his understanding. "Of course," she says, looking in the direction he gestures to. "We'll see you in a moment then?"
Leah scoffs, returning the bump with a little nudge with her hip. "Hey, he started it!" she argues, scrunching her nose up in distaste.
Francois gives a few small nods. "Merci." he offers before gesturing to the television and, subsequently, the remote Tara left behind as he rounds the coffee table towards the kitchen, "Feel free to put on whatever you like." He passes a brief glance towards the pair emerging from the dining room before disappearing down the hall.
Mendez' voice can still faintly be heard, his words lost beneath the Christmas tunes as the pair make their journey back to the living room.
Nathan snickers at her, his gaze turning to Francois as he wanders by. "Hey, Frank, got some cocoa here!" He holds out the tray, indeed displaying the remaining mugs of hot beverages, steam still wafting from within. "Got enough here for everyone." He quickly flicks his gaze to the living room and its only occupant, a brief look of concern flashing over his features before looking back towards their host. "Everyone," he
Sofia dips her head. "Danke," she returns as Francois heads off in search of Tara. Seeing the other pair emerge causes her to give a small, if somewhat awkward wave. No doubt a question or two will be asked of the absence of Tara. She returns towards her seat, leaving the remote well enough alone. She brushes the wrinkles out of her clothing, softly humming to herself.
Francois stutter steps as he's addressed, halting in the hallway opening, one hand resting against the wall as he shoots a quick, friendly smile to Nathan. The sort that you spare when you're in a little bit of a rush. "Oh! Merci!" he says appreciatively, though he doesn't reach out for the offered beverage just yet. "You can just-..." he shoots a quick look back towards the coffee table before turning his focus back to Nathan,
"...put mine on the table. I'll be back in a moment." With a small dip of his head, he continues on his way.
Leah continues alongside Nathan, Tara's absense from the living room immediately noticed. After his interaction with Nathan, she calls out after her father as he disappears down the hallway, "Hurry up! Time to open presents!" She drops into Tara's previous seat, doing her best not to displace Zoe in her blanket cocoon as she does. With a sip of her cocoa, she looks Sofia's way, brow briefly furrowing. "...Where'd Tara go?" she
Francois makes his way towards the bathroom. As he reaches it, he takes a position just beside the door, leaning a shoulder against the hallway wall. He hesitates for a moment before drawing in a breath and rapping his knuckles against the door. "Uhh-... are you alright, sweetheart?" he asks, brow furrowed. Given the proximity and the music, his voice is drowned out to those in the living room.
Leah continues alongside Nathan, Tara's absense from the living room immediately noticed. After his interaction with Nathan, she calls out after her father as he disappears down the hallway, "Hurry up! Time to open presents!" She drops into Tara's previous seat, nudging aside the blanket nest as she does. With a sip of her cocoa, she looks Sofia's way, brow briefly furrowing. "...Where'd Tara go?" she asks curiously
The door opens quickly upon Francois speaking up, probably giving away that Tara wasn't really using the bathroom. Her expression as the door opens is awkward and apologetic, gaze downcast and head tilted respectfully. She nods, although it seems more like an expected response than an honest one. "I-... I'm sorry."
Nathan perks an eyebrow, before shrugging and spinning on the balls of his feet. He marches into the living room and walks over to set both his and Tara's drink down on the coffee table. He hands a mug to his sister before taking the final one and walking over to pinch the seat next to Leah. He remains silent as Leah speaks, instead sipping at his drink with a satisfied sigh. Good stuff.
Sofia thanks her brother, taking the mug tenderly between her hands. She looks over to Leah, giving a small, awkward smile before she flicks her head in the direction that Francois went. "She... went to the bathroom. I think she was feeling a little overwhelmed," she says, her tone of voice carrying a tone of guilt within it. "So your father has gone to check on her." She fidgets a little, taking a small sip from the cup.
Francois studies Tara, moving away from the wall to stand up straight. Her response garners a quick series of headshakes. "No, no, no, no, no. You have nothing to be sorry for, Tara." he assures her, careful to keep that kind, patient smile of his propped up despite the tug at his heartstrings. "What is wrong, sweetheart?" he asks with a small tilt of his head, her response seemingly doing little to quell his concerns, "You know
Leah sucks in her lips, gaze turning towards the entrance to the kitchen as a quiet, "Oh..." escapes her. Her instinct is to go to Tara. Make sure she's alright. But her father is there, and that would just undermine him. The truth is, Tara needs to know that she has more than just Leah in her corner. She's unable to stop a frown from crossing her face, a bit of guilt settling into her chest over having pushed to have everyone
over. This should be a happy day for Tara. Not a day where she needs to feel uncomfortable in her own house. She lets out a deep sigh, knee bouncing. "She-... uhh-..." she begins quietly, reaching up with her free hand to brush the floppy puffball from her Christmas hat out of her face, "...was worried about having people over. She's worried that you guys-..." she draws in a breath, the thought alone causing another pang of
Tara looks uncomfortable when Francois persists, eyebrows furrowing a little. She swallows and goes silent, hugging herself a little. She doesn't seem all that eager to talk, and her gaze stays on the floor.
Nathan blinks at that and turns to peer at Leah, cup raised half-way to his lips. "Has she met us?" He asks with a perked eyebrow. He doesn't even look like he's joking at that statement. Everything they've seen and done, he knows for a fact that they're probably the strangest people this side of the Terminus. "Why would she think that?"
Sofia tucks a stray lock of white hair behind her ear, eyebrows furrowing faintly. "Nate's the weirdest person anyone will ever meet." She gives him a smirk before looking back at Leah. "But for real, why would she think that? Because of... y-y'know?"
Francois allows the silence to take over for the moment, his smile slipping slightly. "I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong, sweetheart." he offers cautiously, giving a small shrug of his shoulders. He's unable to shake the feeling that he's been here before. Trying to convince Leah to tell him what's wrong when she was little. She had a track record of running off and hiding away from everyone else when she was upset,
Leah isn't able to quite muster up a laugh, Nate's joke instead garnering little more than a small puff of air, the smile that accompanies it not quite reaching her green eyes. Her gaze falls to the coffee table and she gives a small shrug of her shoulders, warm mug of cocoa cradled in her lap. "She knows that she's... different." she says softly. It's a feeling she's all too familiar with. "Just wish she would realize that-..."
she gains a sheepish look, green eyes darting Nathan's way, as if growing a bit self conscious, "...different doesn't have to be a bad thing..."
Tara seems to shrink a little in place, her uneasy expression almost a grimace, indecision written all over her face. "I'm-... it's-..." she trails off into a quiet, unhappy noise, struggling with what to say. Her failure to provide an acceptable response just seems to trouble her further, and her gaze darts up to look at Francois for a moment before she tilts her her head. "I'm sorry. I will do better." she says, posture stiff and tone
Nathan hums and leans back into the sofa, folding a leg over the other. He sips at the hot cocoa, letting his gaze lull lazily over to her. "It's difficult for her. To go from one extreme of life to the other. She'll come to understand that different isn't bad. Different is... an adventure. Unique." He smiles lightly. "She's surrounded by people who like different. I think when she realises that, she'll be more
Sofia falls silent as she looks to her brother, listening to him talk with a small tilt of her head and a curious perk of her eyebrows at him. She gives him a look that seems to not quite belief that it's him saying these words. However, she cradles her cup and takes a small, delicate sip, eyes turning to Leah.
Francois' smile finally falls away fully, brow furrowing as he studies Tara. "Sweetheart-..." he offers softly, words catching in his throat. "I-..." he stammers, coming to a full stop for a moment. His gaze briefly turns towards the floor before settling right back on Tara. His posture changes, weight shifting from one leg to the other as he brings a hand up to place it gently on her shoulder. "There is no better." he says,
a hint of sadness entering his eyes as he searches out Tara's. "You're perfect-... parfait." he corrects himself, feeling the need to emphasize it in his native tongue, "Just as you are." This, too, hits a little too close to home for him. Memories of long, emotional talks with Leah. "We don't want you to-... do better." he explains, something of a defiant scoff slipping out. "We just..." he shrugs, "...want
Leah listens to Nathan's words in silence, green eyes fixed to a small scratch on the coffee table. As he finishes speaking, she casts a small glance his ways, green eyes meeting his. "Yeah..." she says softly, watching him fondly. Slowly, but gradually, a small smile begins to resurface and, eventually, she lets a deep breath out. Despite his words obviously hitting their mark, she can't quite shake that pull to go and check on
Tara herself. But she silently reminds herself that her father can handle this. He knows just as well as she does what Tara is going through. He's got this. There's nothing she can do that he can't. And someone has to keep their guests entertained. Yeah. Right. She nods to her own internal dialogue a few times before tossing it in the trash, leaning forward, and setting her mug down on the coffee table. "I'm just gonna-..."
she glances towards the kitchen entrance, "...make sure she's alright." she winces as she stands up, her concern for Tara winning out over her desire to not be a rude host. Tara will always win out. She's family.
Tara 's gaze lifts when she feels the hand on her shoulder, looking up at Francois. She doesn't seem sure how to react to his words, her face twisted in confusion like what he's saying makes no sense to her, but her blue eyes turn shiny as she blinks repeatedly. Her attention falls briefly and she shifts in place, but she fails to recover by the time she looks up again, sucking in her lips as her frown shifts. She looks on the verge of
tears, and she sucks in a sharp, uneven breath through her nose, shaking a little, the motion felt in her shoulder more than it's seen.
Nathan looks towards her with an understanding look. "Good idea," he says. He honestly can't say he'd be any different in her position. If it was Sofia hiding away upset, he would've gone to her without a second thought. He leans forward to give her a hand a quick squeeze of support before he settle back in the chair. "Don't worry, we'll still be here when you come back," he muses with a small upwards tug of his lips.
Sofia also gives Leah a small nod, a silent show of support. In her eyes, caring for family isn't a sign of a rude host. They can be left alone for a few minutes. "I'll make sure he behaves."
Francois gives Tara's shoulder a gentle, comforting squeeze, a small, sad smile returning to his face as he continues to study her. He extends his other arm out to the side in a silent offer of a hug.
Leah returns the gesture, turning her hand over just in time to briefly grasp Nathan's. Sofia's addition gets a small snort and a glance her way. She starts to take a step towards the kitchen before coming to an abrupt stop in front of Nathan. Her nose briefly scrunches up in indecision before drawing in a breath and turning to face him. Sofia-be-damned, she leans over, hands coming to rest on his thighs for balance as she presses
a short-but-sweet kiss against his lips, eyes briefly closing. As she pulls away, she sucks in her lips, big green eyes meeting his once more. "Thanks for-... umm-..." her gaze drops momentarily before she gives a small shrug. "Just... thanks." she decides, offering him a small smile and holding his gaze for but a moment longer before heading off.
Tara just needs the slighest of prompting to lean against Francois as she blinks in vain against the tears that start to slip out. It's an awkward hug to start with, considering that her arms are still wrapped around herself and she's more or less headbutting his chest. She's shaking with each uneven breath, still trying to rein in her reaction best she can.
Nathan is about to take another sip of his drink when Leah materialises in front of him. He blinks in surprise, but doesn't resist the impromptu kiss, his own eyes closing. He peers at her as she pulls away, a small dopey smile on his face as he gives her a small shrug. "Anytime," he muses, eyes trailing after her as he walks out. He turns back to his drink, mug raised to his lips when he catches his sister's shit-eating
Sofia snickers. "You get such a dopey look on your face," she teases, drinking her own hot cocoa. "It's hilarious."
Nathan sighs and flicks his middle finger towards his little sister, finally taking a slurp of his own drink.
Francois brings his arms around Tara as she leans against him, giving her the gentlest of squeezes once he does. "It's okay, sweetheart. Let it all out." he offers softly, willing to remain right as he is for as long as she needs.
Leah makes her way down the hall, giving a look in each direction when she reaches the intersection, first left- towards Tara's room- then right. When she spots the pair, a small frown peeks back out. Drawing in a breath, she straightens her posture and starts down the hall. When she catches her father's eye, she forces a small, restrained smile back into place. "Got room for one more?" she asks softly as she approaches the pair,
Tara 's shoulder bounce a little as her crying intensifies, muffled sobs replacing loud breaths. Her arms soon unfold and wrap around Francois as she returns the hug. Leah's voice causes her to lift her head a little, glancing down the corridor. Her eyes are red and she lifts a hand wipe at a tearstained cheek - a futile gesture while more are still rolling. There's embarrassment in her face, and it's mixed with... guilt? Frustration?
Whatever it is it's outweighed by gratitude as she nods and sniffles, extending an arm towards Leah. The next sob makes her grimace, whole body stuttering slightly.
Francois gives Tara another gentle squeeze when she returns the hug, cheek pressing against the top of her head as he watches Leah approach. Soon, he mimics Tara's gesture, extending an arm out to the side to make room for Leah.
Leah lets a breath out through her nose as she steps into the family hug, one arm extending around Tara and the other around her father. She presses her forehead against the side of Tara's head, the pom of her Christmas hat falling to one side as she does. "You alright, kiddo?" she asks, failing to hide the concern in her voice.
Tara doesn't answer right away, a few more sobs filling the corridor before she nods. There's a couple of hitched breaths before she manages a proper, deep one. She lingers for a moment before lifting her head, a sniffle following. Not for the first time in the last few days her face is a bit of a mess, and she's left Francois' Christmas sweater tearstained. She flashes a small, genuine but embarrassed smile and nods again, reaching up to
Francois loosens his hug as Tara starts to pull back and he, too, steps back to give her a little space. He doesn't even pay any mind to the mess on his sweater. His gaze shifts between the two, his gentle smile reinforced despite the slight glassiness that has settled into his tired eyes.
Leah however, doesn't pull back. When Francois steps out of the hug, she remains at Tara's side, the hand that was draped around her now resting against her upper back, gently rubbing back and forth in an attempt at comforting her. "You know that we love you, right Tara?" she asks, her tone implying that, by now, she hopes that goes without saying.
Tara seems to appreciate the soothing contact, her body still tense, and for a moment she just remains in place as she tries her best to get her breathing back to normal. She shoots Leah another shaky smile, but her words make her look down. She sucks in her lips, a bit of the awkwardness returning, but then her gaze darts first to Leah and then to Francois before offering the tiniest of nods, even if she doesn't quite understand why.
The smile returns, a little sturdier, but the embarrassment is still there. "I'm-..." she tries, voice hoarse, and she has to clear her throat. "I'm sorry... I-... I have distracted..." she says in little more than a mumble, looking down the corridor. From the celebration. From the guests.
Francois folds his arms across his chest, just to have something to do with them. "No..." he assures Tara with a shake of his head, "...This is exactly what this day is about." It looks like he has more to say, but Leah beats him to it.
Leah is quick to nod in agreement with her father's words, gaze turning from him to Tara. "Family." she adds, propping her smile up a bit firmer. And that's what Tara is on no uncertain terms. Family. Unconditionally.
Francois holds his tongue as Leah chimes in, offering a slow nod. "Family." he repeats softly, eyes still on Tara.
Tara 's gaze shifts between both of them before falling again, a flustered look on her face. She chews on her lip, trying to find the right words, and for a moment it looks like she's going to say something, but instead she offers a series of small, rapid nods, looking a little overwhelmed, unable to look at either of them, her attention on an arbitrary spot on the wall between them. Her hand has found its way to her other arm now that