A few days before Solstice

"I got that impression ... Last time we spoke he accidentally slipped up and I nagged him until he at least told me a little bit," a faint chuckle escaping his lips at the memory. He was happy for Andrew, because for a long time the brute had seemed so unhappy. But he could see how he interacted with Mars, and while he maybe didn't want kids himself, it sure seemed like he longed for some sort of relationship with meaning.
The mention of Simeon made him frown. He had never told her that the daemon had once sought him out, questioning his intentions with Elora. It was like saying that to her would just make her blame herself, and that was the last thing he wanted her to. "You're happy that he's gone?" he asked, knowing that the intricate relationships between each Aelius sibling varied so much. He wasn't going to blame her for hating her brother, but in his eyes being happy that someone died wasn't really an option.

"He might have realized that it's a waste of time to keep secret. Raziela was full on ready to make sure that the lycan wouldnt ever come near him or the bloodline ever again," she said with a scoff, which essentially was a fine way of saying that Raziela was ready to kill Valerie. It was only something that she herself used as a reminder that something like that was never going to be for her. She just couldnt bear thinking what her family would do if she hadnt just burrowed her feelings for James away when she had. The question made her frown but she shrugged and sighed. "I thought for a long time that I would be happy if he died. But seeing Raziela's mental deteriorate at a faster rate than usual really hurt. So I guess I'm relieved for my own sake... but sad," she said, looking at him with unsure eyes. It was always a touchy subject in the past for her, but she had gotten better at talking about it. At least she wasnt running away or finding a way to wiggle herself out of answering.

"Hey, hey, it's alright," he assured her, wrapping a free arm around her, just pulling her close for a while. He could feel how sad she was thinking about all of this, and he wanted her not to worry. "She's gonna be alright, she's your sister, so she must've some of the strength you have, right?" he said, wondering if he made any sense, or perhaps even managed to make her feel better. Taking a sip of his tea, he rested his cheek against the top of her hair, just standing there.
"Besides, it's her life ... I know you care about her, even if part of you wish you didn't, but in the end she has to figure this loss out for herself," he sighed, but it sounded more like something he had told himself over and over. He hadn't dealt properly with the loss of Cecilia, but he was getting better. In the beginning he had found that getting out of bed had been a chore, that no matter what he did his heart was aching, and yet he had to be strong for Mars. "Maybe it's time you start focusing on yourself more, right? I mean no-one is holding you back from doing what you want anymore," it was good advice, something he might've needed to follow himself if he wasn't so stupid.

Not only did she feel sad but then he had to go and comfort her and that just made her feel a little pathetic. Because to her, wasnt it supposed to be the other way around? And he was right, it should have been the time now where she would get her own life up and running... But it seemed like fairy tale thinking to her. "..She came home the other day with her arm fucking missing.... mumbling a bunch of shit about him coming back," she whispered quietly but also in a dreaded kind of tone. Because if Simeon was coming back then life would go back to being a hell again. "I dont hate her, I never could. I just really worry that she will do something that will hurt herself," she said, looking down to press her forehead against him. It was true that the twins hadnt ever been the same after Raziela had to force Elora to change, but it hadnt ever made Elora hate her sister, even if it seemed so at times. But then again, no one beside the Aelius children knew what had happened the day Elora changed and it was supposed to stay that way.

Gritting his teeth as she told the story about what Raziela had said he breathed out in a deep sigh. "If he does there's no way I'll let him near you," he muttered, even if he couldn't decide what she did with her life, he refused to believe that her oldest brother would mean anything good. "Besides, daemons can't just get resurrected, right?" he added, looking out in to the room. He cared about her, so why would he ever see her be that hurt again?
"There's no way," he muttered once again, but this time in a softer tone. the thought of losing Elora would break him. It would shatter his world, and he didn't know how to say that without confessing something that might ruin their friendship.

He let go of her as she moved away, feeling it sting a little, but it was always like that with her. He knew she wasn't much for physical contact of any kind, but she seemed to put up with it when it came to him. James was a very loving person, and he wasn't afraid to show it through touch. Distracting himself he took a sip of his tea, smiling as she seemed to assure him. "I'll trust you on that," he said, standing just leaned against the kitchen counter.
"Enough about all this sad stuff," he just said cracking a smile, leaning away from the counter and walking over to sit down at the kitchen table. "I know you don't really need to eat and all, but is there anything you'll need for Solstice? Like can I buy something festive for you to consume?" He asked with a genuine smile.

James looked at her as she sat down by his side. He liked that despite her having moved away from his embrace, she still sought some sort of closeness. She described what he suggested was roasted potatoes, and he chuckled at the mention of chocolate. Mars had gotten a small taste of chocolate once in a while, maling the kid always beg for it when he was sick or anything like it.
"Well I'll be giving a shot at some mean potatoes for you ... But I usually prepare lamb, it's what we had most often in my childhood, and Mars likes it too," he smiled. Lamb was perhaps what they ate around this time because of the big sheep population in Aurvandil. "And then I'll make some sauce, some greens and I was thinking of making chocolate pudding for dessert," he added, humming as he nodded to himself. He would be making quite a lot of food, mostly because he ate a lot, but also Mars growing more and more made the kid eat a lot.

She hummed at the food he spoke off. She wished that she could still taste how good food could be once in a while. "Lamb is also fine. I'll eat anything you serve," she said with a small nod as a reinforcement to her words. She had been brought up with her mannerisms in check, just like the rest of the Aelius children. "If you need any help making anything, let me know. I know a few things when it comes to cooking," she said with a soft chuckle, taking a sip from her warm tea. She leaned a little back and kept her hands around the mug to warm her hands. "Of course, I'm not promising anything professional. But Valerie seems to like it when I cook something for her," she shrugged.

"Yeah, it would be a great help actually," he said with a relieved smile as she had offered to help out. He frowned a little at her shrug, but he quickly pulled up in a smile. "No need to be modest, I'm sure you're the greatest cook this side of Central, and you're just hiding it," poking her side slightly as a tease. He of course never meant anything bad about it, he was just the type of person to tease the people he cared about. Taking another sip of his tea he sighed, it wouldn't be long before he had to pick up Mars. Not that he minded the little rascal running around, but sometimes he just needed some time off.
"I was actually hoping you could help me out with something?" he let out a small sigh, shaking his head a little as it was perhaps silly. "It's nothing weird, I swear, but I'm not really good with planning - you know that - but I want to get some holiday pictures taken of him and me ... You know as a family photo?" he sighed, rubbing his face a little. It felt weird, but he also knew that the pictures of their little family were almost three years old at this point. "I know you know your way around town, and maybe you knew a photographer or something, I don't know - I'm silly, I should've just looked it up online, I'm sorry," he said shaking his head no. He needed to be independent in this, but it was like every time he picked up the phone he hung up again, so he never got around to making an appointment.

There was a rush of relief as she squeezed his hand reassuring him that she knew someone, making him nod as he just looked down in to his mug. Her hand always felt so nice against his skin, but that wasn't really something he could say out loud. "I don't know, some standard pictures I guess; Just something that we can look back on later and smile at," he said. James was simple in that regard, he liked pictures because it was like capturing a memory. He even had a few pictures of Elora around the house, some from old parties and others just from random events.
"Mars has been really in to space lately, so maybe something with stars would be fun for him?" he pondered, looking to his hand and realizing she hadn't removed it. He felt guilty in liking it so much, his thumb caressing the side of her palm before removing his hand. Instead he just placed it on his lap, taking a deep breath and looking in to the room once more. "He's growing up so quickly, and I feel like I need to capture every state of his life," he chuckled, but it also made him feel sad. Sad because his mother wouldn't be able to see him grow up. "I guess I'm really turning in to one of those lame dads, huh?"

"Yeah, yeah that would be good," agreeing to her showing him some of the work that the photographer had done. Not that he didn't trust her, but he wanted one that could capture Mars in the right way, because the kid was full of energy and it would take some patience for all involved.
Chuckling softly he felt like his hand was suddenly so empty after letting go. But how could he linger on it when all it would do was make his heart beat louder? "Well that's just the job of a dad, isn't it?" he mumbled. Of course he knew not all would be so lucky to have a upbringing like him or Mars, but he still believed that you should be there for ones kid. And if you couldn't, it was your responsibility to hand the kid over to someone who could handle the job. "You're still cold, huh?" he chuckled, moving his leg to be up against hers, letting her have some of his warmth. "I have to pick up Mars soon ... Do you wanna stay here for dinner or do you have plans?"

"Good thing I'm your personal radiator then," he chuckled, feeling her cold easily, but it didn't bother him. He just wanted her to be comfortable. The notion that she had no plans made him smile, humming as he thought about dinner. "Well I had planned to just make some simple spaghetti bolognese, but I think I forgot to take out the mince from the freezer this morning," he said in a pondering tone. It wasn't that bad, but just a bit annoying. He had been so busy with going out to see Elora that he had just forgotten about it. "I think I might as well order something," he scoffed. James wasn't the biggest fan of take out, but he was grateful for it when he had busy work days. "I mean if Mars gets nuggets he'll be happy for the rest of the week," he chuckled.
He eventually had to get up, emptying his mug and telling her to just stay put, perhaps go in and warm herself in the couch with a blanket as he went to go get his kid. He also asked if she could place an order at some place for delivery.

James left, luckily the kindergarten that Mars went to wasn't too far off, so it only took about 20 minutes to pick him up.
Returning he let the kid open the door, proving how big he was getting before running in to the living room, throwing himself on Elora. "Auntieeeeeeee," the little boy chuckled, nuzzling his face in to her chest as his tiny arms tried to wrap themselves around her. He started giggling, and James came running after him, grabbing him and lifting him up over his shoulder, making the kid scream out laughing as the big lycan swung him around. "You rascal, what did I tell you about shoes in the house?" James chuckled, looking Mars in the eyes, making him all forlorn. Mars pouted, "shoes for outside," he muttered, making James pinch his nose, "that's right, so shall we go get them off so you can hug Ellie right?" This question made the toddler nod fast, gritting his teeth in a grin making James chuckle as he helped Mars out of his shoes and jacket.
Now out of it he walked over to Elora, standing in front of her, reaching his tiny arms out for her to pull him in to a hug.

Waiting wasnt too bad for Elora. She was quite used to not be doing anything, so boredom didnt really get to her at all. She eventually heard the door open and a collection of small stomps before she saw the little guy come running for her. She wasnt even ready to take him in, but a soft happy smile did spread on her lips, mumbling a small It's alright as James took him away. By the gods she wasnt the type of person who really found kids cute, but there was something about Mars that made her feel like her heart could melt. As he once again approached her she without a doubt lifted him up into her lap and wrapped her arms close around him. "Hey tough guy! It's been a while," she said, leaning back to look at him. "You're really just sprouting from day to day, I can see that you definitely cant wear all the clothes Andrew found for your birthday," she chuckled, adjusting his shirt before she looked at him. "A little bird whispered in my ear the other night and told me you've made your own toy list for Solstice gifts? Is this true?" she asked, tilting her head a little curiously.

Mars was a happy kid, not really remembering his mother, but he had a lot of grown up people in his life that he trusted. Elora was one of them, along with Andrew of course. He giggled as he got picked up, nuzzling his cheek against hers as he liked being held close. It was a sort of grounding thing for the little lycan. He smiled proudly as Elora spoke about him getting bigger, nodding with vigor as he showed off the motif on his shirt. "I'm big boy," he said proudly, grinning as James came over and sat down beside them on the couch. The little lycan's eyes lit up at the mention of toys and Solstice, nodding even more vigorously. "Daddy helpeded," he said, clearly hadn't figured out his grammar yet, but it would come soon enough. He was learning a lot from just being around other kids his age.
"Auntie Ellie is coming over for Solstice," James finally disclosed and the lights in the kid's eyes as he heard it made him jump a little as he sat on Elora's lap. He spoke fast gibberish, making James chuckle, but he soon saw his kid get a little frustrated with wanting to speak. "Alright, alright," he said, grabbing Mars, hugging him close, giving him a squeeze. "Deep breaths, can you do that for me?" he spoke softly, his demeanor quite different when handling Mars like this. Mars nodded, taking deep breaths as he was shaking a little from frustration. It was common among lycan kids to have too many emotions for their tiny bodies. James pulled away, looking at his son, cupping his face. "One more and this time the biggest one," he said, guiding his kid through an episode that could've become a trantrum. "Now, look at Ellie, and try and say what you want to say," he said, helping his kid settle down. Mars looked at Elora, his eyes were a little watery, but he was smiling regardless. "You really gon' have Solstiseese wif us?"[/color] he asked, his worlds still a little shaky, but he was more calm than he had been before.

"Yes you are! A very big one indeed, you must be the tallest in the whole kindergarten" she agreed with a brighter smile this time. She looked at the motif of his shirt, before she spoke of the list. She knew he was most probably quite proud of it, as any kid who had done something, even if it was just dotting the i's, would they be proud. Seeing how happy Mars was getting about her coming over with the flood of gibberish made her chuckle softly, but as he got frustrated, she let James take him. She wasnt that well-versed in preventing a tantrum from happening. So she sat by and watched as James made him calm down. She just patiently waited till Mars was ready to talk, leaning a little closer as she had a curious spark in her eyes, just to show that she was actively listening to him. "Well, your father did say that you had to give me permission, now that you're the big man in this house," she said with a wink, giving his cheek a gentle squeeze. "So what do you say buddy?" she asked, looking at him through the coloured contacts. "But I am going to need that list for an extra gift, just for you from me and uncle Andrew," she said in a soft chuckle.

Mars smiled brightly at the words, looking at his dad as if to check if what she said was true, but of course it was, making him giggle happily as his cheek got squeezed. "Yes!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms out to the side falling backwards with a giggle, making James chuckle. "You're a crazy kid," he said, ruffling Mars' brown curly locks. He really did look like a mini copy of his father. "Uncie Drew coming too?" he asked, his mouth wide open as his eyes widened even more, but he didn't seem to wait for a reply as he struggled to get off the couch, running and half tripping over his tiny feet to get to his room.
James sighed, leaning back against the soft seat, closing his eyes for a while. "Thank you for doing all this, Ellie," he muttered, opening his eyes to peak at her. He got up from his seat as there was a knock at the door, knowing it was the food. Mars came bolting back in to the living room with a big piece of paper, throwing it up on the couch and crawling up after it, sitting down next to Elora as he pointed at his homemade drawings next to a bunch of mismatched letter - but thankfully with James' translation beneath it. "Firstwe; I reawwy want a wocketship," he smiled, pointing at a big rocket with stars around it and a little stick figure inside, clearly an astronaut. "I'll just unpack the food," James said walking through the living room to the kitchen. Mars chuckled, shaking his head as he went on to point to other drawings. He was clearly wishing for a lot of things space related.

The kid really just was a bundle of joy wasnt he? She chuckled as he couldnt hide how happy he was, though the mention of Andrew made her sigh as she thought it through. Obviously she couldnt just say no, so she would have to do some convincing. But surely Andrew wouldnt mind if Valerie hadnt planned out something for them that day. She watched Mars run off, scoffing at James' words. "Dont worry about it. He's a great kid," she said, just to let him know that she didnt mind.
She heard the door too but Mars was far to quick, coming back with his paper that she helped hold so it wouldnt crumble when he climbed the couch. She sat a little closer, holding out the big paper so all he had to do was point. "That is a very nice rocketship," she complimented him, looking up as James spoke, nodding before she looked back at the drawing. "Actually, I think the first gift I've gotten for you and your father will be just the thing you need. Now, I cant say that it's anything on this list, because I know you're smart and you'll just guess it," she said, poking his nose carefully before looking back at the list. "But it's a big selection, far too many things I want to choose. Maybe two gifts will be needed. Dont tell your father, he cant know I'm spoiling you," she said, whispering the last part as she signaled with her index over her mouth that it was their secret. "Now, did I hear a rumble from your stomach? And I'm also getting veryyy hungry! Isnt it time for us to get some food?" she asked, and if he let her, she would pick him up and walk out into the kitchen after placing the drawing on the coffee table where it was safe.

Mars was a very happy kid, but he was also very smart. He could pick up on things rather quickly, but his biggest enemy was his attention-span. However it was clear that as soon as he spoke about his wishes he was burning with passion, smiling proudly as Elora complimented his drawing. He looked at her curiously as she said that she had already bought something, giggling as she called him smart. However as she said that he should keep it a secret that she might get him more than one gift he lifted his hands to his lips, pretending to sip them up and lock the key; Clearly something that James had taught him. "Our secwet," he nodded. The notion of food made him rub his stomach, pouting ad he nodded a few times, wrapping his arms around her as she picked him up.
Out in the kitchen James had unpacked the food, placing the plates down on the table and as Mars saw the nuggets he started moving in Elora's arms, clearly excited. "Nuggiessssss," he cheered, clapping his hands licking his lips. "Auntie Ellie thought you might like that; But first you gotta wash your hands, alright?" James said, moving out a small stepping stool that the kid could crawl up on to reach the sink. James helped him, along with drying off his hands before helping him in to his chair. "What do we say?" - "Fank you auntie," he said, smiling at Elora before digging in.
James sat down beside Elora, placing their food down as well, smiling as she seemed to remember his order quite well. "What do I owe you?" he asked before he himself took a bite of his burger.