((Richards-Dakora Family Quarters Deck 6, USS Artemis))
Natasha could tell her friend was hurting, she slid Aven into a play chair and grabbed the other plate.
Cole:
::sitting down next to Sam:: Everyone thinks being strong means holding
it together. Sometimes… it’s just saying “yeah, that hurt” and letting
someone see it.
You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to,
I’ll still be here either way.
Richards: Talos made a lot of promises, you know? To be here, take care of them. Watch them grow up. ::shaking her head:: So far… It’s just not what I had hoped for.
Natasha’s face twitched slightly as she pushed the feeling of anger for her friend bubble. To her it sounded like Talos was the type to go and get milk and disappear from their life. It almost made her appreciate the Commander … almost. Granted his exit from the Artemis was quite literally at the same time she arrived aboard.
Cole: Sounds like he realized her couldn’t measure up to the challenge of fatherhood, and bolted before he was caught holding his d… ::raising a fist to her mouth as if to plug it::
oO don’t say it, do not, there are children present Oo
Natasha paused for a moment, letting out a breath through her nose.
Cole: I’m sorry Sam, that really sucks, absentee fathers tend to bring out … harsh reactions from me.
Richards: That’s the crazy thing. I never would have expected this from him. His own history with his own father… He never wanted to be that guy. ::shrugging and looking towards the babies:: Maybe it's genetic, something deeply rooted that even science can’t explain.
Cole: I am your friend, and if there is anything I can do to help, I’m your girl. Need a distraction, ::waves her hand:: need a partner for creative problem solving, ::waves her hand::
Richards: Shaking her head:: I just don’t get it. How could he want to be away from them? Away from me? ::voice trembling:: Was it something I did that made him want to be gone so often? ::Looking to Nat:: Maybe he doesn’t love me anymore. ::Glancing down to the pastry:: Are you going to eat that?
Cole: ::laughing as she handed her the second plate:: of course you can have this one too.
Richards: Not many people get the honor of watching me cry and shame eat in the same setting. Count yourself lucky.
Cole: ::laughing:: I am honored, and I won’t tell a soul.
Richards: I’m sorry you had to be the unfortunate one to watch me turn into such a mess. ::Shaking her head:: I haven’t really talked about it much.
Cole: I’m just happy I was able to help.
Richards: Thank you. For being here.
Cole: It comes with the title. If someone is only your friend at your high points, they're more of a tourist friend then a true friend. Plus … ::getting up:: I can’t let you eat alone.
Richards: If that’s the case you best come eat dinner with me every night. ::beat:: But being here with these pastries will do for now.
Walking over to the replicator and tapping it to replicate a cherry pastry for her.
Cole: These are meant to be eaten with someone.
Richards: You’re a pretty great someone to share them with.
Sitting back down getting herself situated before taking a bite and closing her eyes letting the flavor wash over her.
Cole: So … ::chewing:: what do we want to do?
Richards: Well, since both the kiddos seem to be in a relatively good mood, I thought about taking them out around the ship. They haven’t met Jovenan yet. ::Looking between Nat and the babies:: Wanna join us?
Natasha sat there having just put another bite into her mouth making a face to imply she was not sure, she had already made her mind up, she just wanted to tease her friend a little.
Cole: hmmm ::swallowing her food:: I would love too.
Richards: I’m just going to change them into their cute little planet outfits their Aunt Robin helped pick out and we can be on our way.
Cole: ::smiling:: that sounds adorable.
In one quick motion, Sam got off the couch and scooped Leera up before turning towards her.
Richards: By all means, if you want to help! Even with Leera’s less-than-useful leg, getting her dressed is like wrestling a very tiny but strong bag of snakes. ::smirking:: But I think you can handle her.
Natasha tilted her head slightly, and squinted at Leera making a face at her.
Cole: Sounds like she’s just feisty like her mom.
Richards: Response
Cole: ::to Leera:: be gentle, I’d hate for it to get out that I got beat up by a newborn. ::giving Sam a wink::
Richards: Response
Natasha was making silly noises and wiggling her fingers distracting Leera while Sam dressed her. Offering an occasional ‘oof’ as Leera flailed a little followed by a smile.
Cole: Almost got me.
Richards: Response
Tags/TBC
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Lt. JG
Natasha Cole
Security Officer
USS Artemis-A
Writer ID A240205NC4