thunderbolt

The War Room

I've never been one for family. For most of my life, at least, it's been nothing more than sharing a last name. And the one time I tried to make it mean something more, Jacob disappeared for years without a trace. So, seeing him stand at that podium and act as if nothing has changed causes this slight twitch of my brow.

"I'd love some!"Whatever feeling that might have been falls out of focus. Instead my attention shifts onto Troy, whose eagerness for candy is full of wonder as he stuffs the colorful snacks inside his mouth. I'm taken aback by the way his eyes widen at the sudden wave of flavor catching him by surprise.

"Troy, you're too much." I press my hand against my chest, trying to get the words out as I laugh at this animated child of mine. He's something else, but I'm unable to reign him in before the meeting begins. Why, because @catalina_liafador decides she ready to address a situation that should have been left alone.

"Did I plan on inviting you over?" Of course not, I don't say. I didn't even know you existed prior to hearing your sister and dog argue like siblings, I don't continue with. "Are you upset that I did?" My eyebrows nearly knit themselves together as my genuine look of confusion results in answering a question with another question. An evasion tactic I learned from the most dubious New York City playboys.

I'd like to point out that during this entire predicament, the entrance of @feral_nova should have been a godsend. Zoe is someone I lost contact with after Jacob disappeared. I figured staying in Los Angeles was pointless, considering our relationship existed on the sole basis of my cousin being around, but I always considered her good company.

Sadly, any perception I might have had of Zoe comes off as outdated when she looks in my direction. I'm not sure what to say. I thought we left on good terms. Thankfully, the tension in the room is quickly alleviated when Jacob starts speaking. "Thank you, God." I mutter between heartfelt sound bytes.

"Watch me work, Cat!" I flash her a smile before standing up and making my way to the stage. During my trek, Troy gets on top of his chair to cheer for his dad. The level of confidence in this kid...that's his mother through and through.

"Nice job, Jacob." I pat him on the shoulder as I take the ring with my other hand. "I'm flattered." I joke as I slide the ring onto my left middle finger. I even eye it for a brief moment, checking if it's real.

"I think we should all be flattered by this man, am I right?" I turn around to an audience larger than that time I tried standup comedy in Brooklyn, but it shouldn't be too hard. I've been forced to speak in front of people for longer than I can remember. That was the life of a New York senator's son.

"Jacob has given us all a chance. A chance to do better for ourselves. A chance at redemption. It's maybe even a chance at doing something other than binge watching Netflix." I briefly pause, the only noise to be heard is my fingers tapping on the podium. "For me being a part of WAL is about being with people who share the same struggles." I look at Catalina. "It's about being with people who will support you no matter what." I look at Jacob and Zoe. "It's about wanting to be a part of something larger than yourself." I look at @cellular_dog, because that's one cute dog.

"WAL is something I didn't know I needed until I had it." My son is in the room and I don't feel like talking about my experiences with depression and overwhelming anxiety. I refuse to validate Clarice and mention her impact on my life. I just won't do it. My son deserves someone who's strong and proud.

"I don't know what else to say. Other than the fact that I'm happy to be here with all of you." I scratch the back of my head. My usual awkward self isn't sure what to do next. So, I clasp my hands together and smile.

"How about you, Cat? Are you happy to be here with me? I mean us?" I stick my tongue out at her, making light of this meeting in hopes of making it more comfortable for everyone involved.

i want you to keep this momentum going! i want meison to be even stronger character wise than Animus!

you got this!

@santera said:

:(

AHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Hey, we've all had our fair share of demons. Some are easier to talk about more then others, but you're here now." Looking at the side of her face even as she avoids looking at mine. "It's what you do next that matters." I can't speak on what she's experienced. I don't even expect her to explain, but the mere mention of death is troubling. If I was anyone else, I'd probably use this moment to take my leave. Except that I'm not that kind of guy.

"I've dealt with telepathic intrusions. I've dealt with the weight of the world on my shoulders, but I'm here now. And if there's any consolation, I'm here with you. I know we've only just met, but I've got your back if you've got mine. Us newbies gotta stick together, am I right?" I sit next to Catalina and I place my hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her that everything will be fine. I mean what could possibly go wrong?

"I'm sure Jacob wants the best for us too. I'm sure we wouldn't have been invited to WAL if he didn't. So, don't sweat it. LIGHTEN UP!" I try to take a cue from Troy and attempt to lighten the mood. I don't know if it'll work, but I take my hand off her shoulder and I clasp my hands together in case the situation becomes awkward. In the meantime, as we wait for @last_guardian to speak, I look at Catalina once more, only seeing the best of she's presented to me. A strongly convicted young woman doing her best to be better than her past. It's something that I can respect. It's something I'm well aware of. I just hope she's not like me and let's self-doubt plague her more than it should.

"HI, UNCLE JACOB!" Troy yells from his seat, startling me as he feverishly waves his arms to get his uncle's attention.

@catalina_liafador: (TA DA!)

"Hi, Miss Cat!" Troy slides through the space between my hip at the doorway's frame, trying his best to push his father aside. Once he's free the boy doesn't waste any time to flex. My face reddens at the fact that I've raised such a bold boy, but I'd be remiss to say that I'm actually proud of his confidence. It's almost inspirational. Almost.

"We're going to a meeting. You should come with." He walks around Catalina and marches onward, hoping we'll follow him into the first ever WAL team meeting. He's proud. Meanwhile, I'm stuck telekinetically turning off the lights and closing the doors. I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting to wash the dishes, but no one has to know. Instead I lend out my hand and insist on Catalina start walking.

"After you, ladies." I walk side by side with Catalina and Tassi while Troy continues his trek. "And to answer your question. I joined for me. It sounds of kind of selfish, but I don't get to do a lot of things for myself. I've spent too much time living on everyone else's terms. So, WAL is a good change of pace. Y'know?" I lick my lips, swinging my arms about as we walk to the meeting room.

"How about you? Trying to make a change with WAL?" I laugh, very much unaware of what brought her to Luna Island.

@catalina_liafador

The Meeting

"It's almost time to go. Daddy's got a meeting he can't miss." Troy's eight years old going on nine. He's far more trustworthy than most children his age, but I'm not ready to leave him alone. Luna Island's security be damned. The thought of losing another moment with my son is not something I want to do.

"Troy, let's go!" A sudden knock at the door breaks my focus and I'm pretty sure it's Cat. I'm shocked, but then I'm quickly reminded why I shouldn't be. She was probably busy with her sister and now she's here. I almost feel bad for assuming the worst. I should have known better.

Okay, okay. Y'know what? I can work with this. I just have to pull myself together and answer the damn door. Don't keep her waiting, Noah.

"Hey, Cat." I smile and it's a cheesy smile at that. It's the only expression that comes to mind when I see her. I'm thinking I must look like an idiot. A real dumbo. Whatever the case might be, one thing is for certain. My food is going to get cold.

"HI, TASSI." I look at the small one and gleefully wave. Children love me. It's an irrefutable fact. I'd probably argue with anyone that said otherwise.

"It looks like our date....I mean dinner is cancelled." Great save dumbass. I looked right at Cat too.

"But since you're already here then maybe we should go together?" @catalina_liafador

I asked @catalina_liafador to come by the apartment twenty minutes ago. I've been dancing around the kitchen for the last five. From preparing the table to pulling drinks from the fridge, I've been trying my best to set the right mood.

"Troy, please lower the music."

Most people wouldn't understand the rate my heart is beating at. My son thinks the answer is music and it's kept me distracted long enough to make the kitchen immaculate. However, the thought of Catalina. I don't know what this feeling is, but it's different.

"Troy, it's time to eat. Don Omar can wait." He's wearing tinted sunglasses with his button down being mostly unbuttoned. With a loaf of bread in hand, Troy's heartfelt concert dedicated to Star the Dog comes to an abrupt end. Afterwards, he jumps the down from the couch and begrudgingly makes his way to the kitchen table.

"Miss Cat probably would have loved it." He says, plopping himself onto the chair.

"Well Miss Cat isn't the one who made you this food. And if you love your dad, you'll eat it like a good boy."

.......Anyways

I'm back.

where's Val??? *eyeglass emoji*

"I'm sorry, Catalina. I thought you might have known where she is." At first her flair of attitude goes unchecked. I chalk it up to the fact that I'm a stranger. I'd be irritated too if some stranger knocked on my door. So, I have no problem overlooking it and moving on. I don't think Catalina minds either, considering the fact that she's kind enough to entertain my son's advances.

"I'm relatively new to Luna Island."My response is overshadowed by Troy's actions. He loves being the center of attention and I can't blame him. He's the coolest kid I know. "You have a cute baby, Miss Cat." He says, before his attention is once again wrapped around the dog. During this time I can be seen trying my earnest to maintain my composure, because these kids are hilarious.

"I'm cooking carne guisada. I mean beef stew with rice." I'm not sure if she's Latin so I translate. "I have enough to share if you and Tassi haven't eaten." Honestly, I don't mean to invite her over, but I was raised better then to not offer food if it was available. I figure if Zoe isn't going to show up than I might as well share. No harm, no foul if she refuses.

"Totally up to you. I've already intruded enough, but it was nice meeting you (@catalina_liafador)." I wave to the tiny baby and then to who I presume to be her mother. Afterwards, I quickly tap my son's head. "Come on, Troy. Say goodbye." He pouts, hugging the dog one last time as if they'll never have this chance again.