TEW

The atmosphere during the bath was strange, even slightly awkward. Yet when it was over, and she was wrapped in the huge, incredibly fluffy lavender towel, she felt little once again. Her long hair falling about her in a matted mess, and her skin both bright and beautifully fragrant. Before she was ushered out of the bathroom, she grabbed Norman, lest he fell forgotten. She stared at herself and Marriko in the foggy mirror, and had an overwhelming desire for Marriko to laugh with her as she brushed her hair. Then, she lit up when she saw Kotei standing in the bedroom. Bashfully, she offered a little wave of her fingers. "Yes sir. We both did. Thank you very much."

She had, long ago, come to terms with the idea that there were many people she would encounter who would take pleasure in her pain. Her personality not yet fully developed and lacking any discernable guile, she was often the victim of cruelty in the circles within which she often found herself. The girl did not lack life experience. So much the opposite, that when faced with the genuine kindness and authenticity of her new circle, she found herself unable to effectively communicate and subconsciously regressing. She had, however, not thought that the scars she bore would cause such a reaction in Marriko. The reaction caused her to feel self conscious, and she blushed deeplyas she attempted to cover herself. As she was bathed, as now on high alert, Marriko would uncover many other signs of the girl's former life. A small medical scar on her left wrist, with two identical scars on the right - from having her wrist fractured. The right had two small pins in it. A scar from 11 stitches above her right eyebrow from the corner of a glass ashtray. A left elbow incapable of fully extending. Her eyes repeatedly darted to Norman, hoping that he didn't feel lonely in the sink by himself.

Many times throughout her life, Ciara had been in vulnerable positions and subsequently hurt. She had learned, through painful experience, to be aware, to be afraid, and to be tense... So that she could escape if need be. And yet, as she is manhandled easily by Marriko, she feels none of the fight AND flight instinct that had been so instrumental in het survival for 20 years. Instead, she felt a great debt to Marriko, for putting get in a vulnerable position but still making her feel safe, and important, and... Human. When Marriko chuckled at the state of her diaper, Ciara grew red. A deep crimson that began in her neck and didn't stop until it reached her hairline. Though she made no attempt to hide her wetness. In fact, the chuckling ultimately soothed her some, as she realized that Marriko saw her at her most vulnerable and recognized the intrinsic differences between them... And there was something comforting in that. However, as the diaper came off, something else would be visible to Marriko. Along Ciara's inner thighs, hidden from anyone not in the position Marriko was currently in, were a number of old, scarred places. They looked like hard centers with discolored scarring around them. They were old cigarette burns. Years old burns that Ciara, while never forgetting about, was not currently thinking of as she was undressed.

Ciara couldn't help herself. She found that she instantly respected this woman and the direct, honest way that she was being spoken to. It was warm and considerate, but also firm and serious. This feeling was something that Ciara had honestly never encountered before, and she found herself not wanting to be far from Marriko. When she turned to start the water, Ciara glanced down to Norman and was thrilled to discover that he had picked up on it too. So it wasn't just her! She squeezed his little flipper in solidarity, but was shocked to find him trembling. She tried to understand the source of his anxiety, seeing as how they both felt that Marriko was very nice. She could not, for the life of her, figure it out. As she raised her arms obediently, and waited for Marriko to remove her nightgown, she stared up at Norman, now held aloft over her head. What was bothering him?!? Ah! The thought as he finally leveled with her. His days as a world champion swimmer were long since over, after the traumatic flipper incident of 2004. Norman had sworn off the water forever, and the tub was making him nervous. Never one to neglect a friend - especially a best friend like Norman - Ciara walked over to the sink and placed him down on it. Her tender spirit was on full display, as she gently rubbed his back and placed a demure kiss on his horn, before returning to her position and holding her arms to once again.

Obviously nervous, the girl blushed a deep crimson and pink. How to say that she was sorry for completely dusting up this nice woman's life, without warning or invite. For coming in like a meteor and shattering the structure of what she had built? For having a need to do so? She fought back tears as she tried to find the words; words that would convey what she wanted to say without being either overdramatic or flip about it. She just lacked the social skills to have such a moment - much less with the language barrier. Nonetheless, she tried. "Watashi ga mondaidesu..." She fumbled out, trying to remember her online lessons, before adding "Takusan no mondai". She was clutching Norman so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. However, with her other hand she was anxiously squeezing the hem of the nightgown she was dressed in.

The moment required nothing less than the absolute epitome of tact, and the definition of grace. That's why she had led with Norman. Being something of a gentleman and a scholar, she knew that he would be best suited to breaking the ice between them. While there had been no formal introductions made, Ciara was no idiot. She could clearly tell who this woman was, and she softly chewed her bottom lip as she was suddenly struck by the inconvenience of her sudden coming, and the imposition that she may in fact be, on their lives. She felt selfish, and impetuous, and.... bad. Bad about herself and her myopic approach to this entire situation. Yet, as she was gently pulled into Marriko's arms, she wondered at just how much had been discussed prior to her arrival - and how much had been discussed after, while she slept. Being pulled into the bathroom gave her an inescapable feeling of impending doom. Indeed, she felt as little as one possibly could, and with the clear stature difference between them, she was absolutely sure that she and her compatriot were heading for a scolding. And while she was plenty sure that she deserved the condemnation of Marriko for her rash behavior, she was fairly certain that Norman had done nothing to warrant reprisal. Though, having just met him, there was no way she could be sure that was the case. With a quizzical look, she searched his face, and found that she believed him to be innocent. Ciara smiled as Marriko addressed Norman. Clearly he was not to be scolded, and that made her feel better. She was incapable of hiding the genuine smile that crossed her face and lit up her eyes when Marriko addressed Norman so beautifully. That one act, small and insignificant though it probably seemed to the Mafioso princess, was enough to endear her forever to the young, scared, and vulnerable Irish flower. Though her actions had been rash, and clearly impetuous, Ciara was no idiot. She had done at least some research before travelling, knowing that it would be necessary to bridge a gap at some point, even if it was only to buy fruit. So, she had practiced a simply saying over, and over, and over again until she was absolutely positive that she had it right. As luck would have it, this appeared to be a perfect time to use it. "O....ai dekite ureshikute…." she began slowly, clearly unsure like a small dear proceeding out onto a frozen pond..... "and... gomen'nasai"

The morning came upon them silently, and without fanfare. Indeed, it was quite the shock to little Ciara, and it was a very unsettling experience for her as well. He had gotten up before either of them and had left them sleeping. At some point they had, in their sleep, embraced one another and slept like that. It washow they would wake up, simultaneously, embracing one another... Strangers opening their eyes together at the same moment, both feeling an instant panic before slowly settling down. ----- For Ciara, the events of the day before seemed a dream, or perhaps an illusion was more appropriate. She had crossed the planet, only to be embraced by the warmth of an altruistic person and taken into, what seemed to her, a castle. The first thing that she noticed were the smells that greeted her. Gone was the rancid smell of New Orleans' French Quarter. Absent was the putrid, stale odor of the campground in Gary, Indiana. The Noise... Was gone. She noticed the warm and inviting earthy tones that welcomed her to the day. The mix of exotic wood and flowers. The still silence of peace. As she stared silently into the woman's eyes beside her, she wondered... Did this woman notice these things too? Or had years of acceptance dulled their luster in her eyes? ----- This young child was staring at her, and no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember her name. The light spilling from the window fell upon the girls hair, showing just how unkept it actually was. Her nails were short and rough. In that moment, she decided to help the girl today. After all, she knew her husband would want her healthy, happy, and clean. She offered the little one a smile, as she struggled to find words that would sufficiently rob the moment of its awkwardness. ----- For a long moment they both lay there, perfectly still, measuring one another. Until Ciara, as children are prone to do, became exasperated with the awkward silence and broke it, the only way she knew how. She reached down into the covers, blindly searching for something... Before finally smiling and pulling it from the depths, only to thrust it into the beautiful face before her. "NORMAN..."

(( You're fine. I will open the day for us here if you want to focus on the other. I'll try to write something substantive. ))

She smiled and sighed, then nodded slowly. It had already become clear to her that there would be almost no room for detachment with this. Reserving judgment and simply observing was not entirely impossible, but it was going to be very, very difficult. Her husband would be seen differently when the sun rose in the morning, and it was impossible to know just how differently he would be seen. The one thing she knew, was that he would need her to support him - especially considering she might be the only one propping him up. She yawned softly before reaching over, across Ciara, and patted his hand. "Absolutely anything you need from me. You know that I love you more than anything." She barely uttered, before rolling over as finally closing her eyes. She wondered what tomorrow would look like.

Watching her husband do something for the first time was a rare treat for her. Truthfully, she couldn't remember the last time that she had enjoyed such an opportunity. In watching him, she realized that he would always be himself, regardless of the arena in which he found himself. Whenever he felt uneasy, or perhaps unsure was a better word, he had a tendency to lean on strict professionalism and humorless precision. She knew it was really a way to tap into his inner strength during times of uncertainty, as she found it incredibly endearing. Dutifully, she handed him every item that he requested, never offering any criticism or commentary. Rather, she simply supported him quietly and steadfastly. Once he was done, she decided to break her allegiance to the sideline, and gently reached down to collect the now clean Ciara in her arms, before laying her softly in their large bed and pulling the covers over her. As she climbed into bed beside her, positioning her between them she smiled and leaned over to kiss her husband's softly. "I think... I think this may be okay" She offered, almost in a whisper, before laying her head against her own pillow and staring up at their vaulted ceiling.

She would watch, closely, every movement that her husband made. For, one thing was certain - her father would have no end of questions for her about this. For her to be able to answer him and assuage any concerns he may have, she would also have to assuage her concerns. He would know if she was false, or attempting to cover her husband's choices with warm counsel. Already, she noticed his efforts to demonstrate his strength. She smiled softly, to herself more than anything else, because even in strong, confident movements, she could see his soft affection for the child. She stood quickly and nodded in agreement, standing by the bags and awaiting further orders. She would, as she often did, keep her thoughts to herself.

Like some kind of strange, exotic animal, this woman had come into her life abruptly and completely unrestricted. She wasn't prepared, and like a strange new animal, she wasn't sure if this thing was dangerous, or violent.... Or poisonous. Then there was the other itch in the back of her mind - that even the best animals, were often dangerous when they were starving. What would the introduction of this child mean to her existence? She tried to measure the risk as she stared, blankly. She realized, with a start, that she had the natural urge to run her hands through the girl's hair. However, she consciously resisted this impulse. She watched, as her husband went through the most basic and mundane tasks; she wondered what changes she would begin to see in him, as well. She wanted to see how he handled this first interaction, and she fully intended to gauge and measure every movement.

She paused to consider his question. She instantly disliked it because it was not nearly as simple as he made it sound. She had only just been introduced to this world tonight, and was stepping miles outside of herself even extending this offer. It was the look of compassion and caring in her husband's eyes that had encouraged her to take a step... Yet now she felt he was requesting she take another. "Perhaps as we develop. But tonight, i feel that all three of us well benefit from you handling that. Though i will certainly stay in here while you do it." She offered with a warm smile, before reaching over as rubbing his arm lovingly.

She slept soundly, maybe for the first time in her entire life. The wetness didn't bother her peaceful respite, nor did the unfamiliar surroundings. In truth, this place was already more welcoming and warm than any she had ever dared to dream of in the United States. She felt cared for, protected, and most of all - SEEN here. His gentle motions did little more than lull her into a deeper rest. It was at this time that Marriko appeared silently standing in the doorway. "Will you be bringing your child to bed? Or did you intend you should both become ill, staying here all night?" And there was that peaceful aura once again come to visit her. Had she been asked, Ciara would have said it was the best sleep she'd ever had.

How many of us have had our dreams influenced by our surroundings while we slept and never knew? Does it happen easily, or must one be at the peak of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion to be truly affected? In her slumber, she heard the voice of the woman, though no discernable words penetrated the veil of sleep that had descended upon her. Rather, it was the quality of her voice that impacted Ciara. Like a feeling defined not by words, but by colors. Vibrant greens flanked by soft and reassuring yellows and gold. Her dreams became of flowers. And a lone horse whose main almost reached the ground. In response her breathing became deeper and more steady. Her heart rate slowed, just enough to even out. And as she departed the room, the aura left with her, causing Ciara's had to reach out and grab at the air after her. But then, it was gone as she was once again ensnared by the overly creative yet often disorganized machinations of her own mind. Norman and she were pirates. Sailing with the wind in their face. Of course, being playful - like everybody knows narwhal pirates are, he knocked her overboard before coming to her rescue. After much deliberation they decided to abandon the ship and carry on together, her riding her friend into new and mysterious waters. Her Daddy, an un aware participant in her dream, undoubtedly felt the ramifications of their decision. Norman's actions would affect even Daddy, as the warmth filled her diaper and began to slowly trickle out onto the sofa.

For a long minute, she really didn't know what to say. Partly because of all the situations that various men in her life had put her in over the years, she had never experienced or even anticipated anything even close to this. The other, and far more startling reason that she was speechless was that, at least in this moment, it all seemed to connect. Obviously this creature before her posed no threat to her marriage, as if she was an enemy operative, it was the most bizarre form of attack she had ever even heard of. So... For now at least, this seemed to connect well enough that she nodded kindly to her husband and even chanced a smile. "Norman?" She asked with a soft chuckle. "I see." As she rose, she paused as stared into her husband's eyes, intending to reassure him that there was no ill will, even if there were healthy amounts of both confusion and skepticism. "My role with her will discover itself. For my part, I will try. But for now, see to your ward." And with that she left the room; in a manner far more elegant and composed than the manner in which she had entered it.

Breathe. That's the key to thinking and making rational decisions. Just breathe. When you lose control, the first thing you lose control of is your breath, followed by your ability to think. Breathe. "Ok" She said, plainly and simply. Letting it hang there for a pregnant pause before continuing. "So what happens if we decide to have a baby? She goes into the streets? Or back to America? Because that does not feel right to me at all. Secondly, what is my role here? Simple blind tolerance? Sterile conversing with this woman when she's feeling the adult? What? Is she a part of our family, or an odd hobby for you when you feel like escaping?" Her words were not intended to be harsh, but they were intended to be severe. These were important issues that must have resolution... Or at least, as close as they could come to resolution before she woke. "And what the hell is that She's clutching?"

She nodded in understanding. Yes, something about the girl said exactly what her husband was describing. There was a aura of abandonment, of loneliness, and of fragility that emanated from the girl. She could certainly understand wanting to be kind to such a creature, and wanting to share ones love and resources with one in need. However, after the explanation offered by her husband, her next question seemed the logical one. "Why this? Why like... This? Why haven't you spoken of this to me? We love each other... You once said timeless love was ours. Why have you not spoken of this to me before this girl appears in my home - a proverbial "Baby in a Basket"? This question came from more selfish feelings... Those of inadequacy.

She listened. If there was a single characteristic that she possessed, for which she could credit her successes in every arena of life, it was her ability to listen. To understand and to hear. That was her greatest strength, and the one that she exercised more than any other right now. When he was done, she clapped her hands together and stared at her perfectly manicured fingertips. What was she supposed to do? What would her father say? What would the community say? Would they be seen as weak... and vulnerable? What did this offer him that she could not? Why hadn't he come to her with this? Who was he? She tips herself that she would ask him each of these questions, and not stop until he had given a valid answer to each. That was necessary, for him and for her. But as she stared at the weak, vulnerable thing in front of her, She decided the best way to eat this elephant, was one bite at a time. With a deep sigh, she began. "Where is this girl's family? Do they know?"

The abrupt way in which he had left earlier caused Marriko to worry that something was wrong. Times had been tense between the different factions of their family, and several other families were constantly encroaching on their territory. There had been blood. And bullets. Enough to last a lifetime. So when her husband darted from the house unexpectedly, without so much as a reason or a word of assurance, it caused her to become concerned... And being concerned caused her to prepare. In fact, she had already made several calls and was, herself, pacing in their bedroom with an AK47 when he came back home. Indeed, when he called her name, she was already headed toward their sitting room. It was, though, when she actually entered the room, that for the first time today she felt anger. "What...in...the...hell.....is wrong with you?!?" She shrieked, surprised that it didn't wake the sleeping woman. In his arms lay a sleeping woman of ivory skin, with long flowing red hair that bordered on being wavy. She was slender, but not garish. Most importantly... She was asleep on her husband's chest. "We are at war. Now more than ever. Times have never been so hard, never been so desperate, never been so... Tense. And now...this?!?!? What in the hell is THIS anyway?!?"

(( no worries. I'll give it my best shot. ))

She rocked a bit in understanding, allowing herself to be guided to his lap. His entire being seemed to embrace her as she lay there, gently rubbing his pin. It felt more dense than it looked at first blush. In fact, it almost seemed... heavy. She supposed it probably was, and was thrilled that while she could touch it, She didn't have to wear it. She did reckon it would look very dashing on Norman though. And the creature had already proven himself a stalwart ally in the airport. She secretly promised Norman that she would ask about it, once they were, all three of them, settled in. She stared up into his eyes for a moment and felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her body and spirit. With heavy eyes, She stared at the window and watched as the scenery slowly began to change. Light came in brief intervals and then, out of nowhere, everything went black and stars filled her vision. Stars everywhere, like a sky filled with candles. And Norman... Riding a Clydesdale that was... Dressed like a clown? Chasing a ufo between the stars? She was silent as she slept, though her hand never released its grasp of the arm of his suit.

She would stare at the pin for a long moment, wanting desperately to reach up and touch it, but instead choosing to adhere to the sage advice of Norman and leave her hands planted firmly in her lap. She did, however, nod her understanding. But how could she ever really understand? She felt stupid. Ignorant. Foolish. Exposed. She had been desperate, and had attempted to take control of her dismal life. Now, she was on the other side of the planet with a Mafioso, scared to death that as his newest inconvenience, she would wind up sleeping with the dishes.... Or fishes....fishes? Yeah, fishes. No Narwhals. But how could all of that be true, and he be gently rubbing Norman's head to comfort him on his new journey? The two seemed ill suited to one another. Indeed, the aura he gave off was completely counter-intuitive. Maybe.... But how...... She stared at her feet, wishing they were a rocket that could blast her out of the car and far away. But then, his arms wouldn't be around her anymore. And Norman would be absolutely terrified. "So... I messed up?"

She nodded in agreement. It HAD been a rash decision. But how do you explain the way that indifference, coldness, and isolation can be suffocating to someone like him? The way that you stare into the shadows, and try to maintain silent conversations with your subconscious when you can't sleep? It was this rash action, she firmly believed, that would keep her alive... She had to believe it. With everything she had... And was. The thought of him having been dishonest with her made her feel uneasy in her stomach and made goosepimples race up and down her arms. Oh God, what had she given herself into? Surely, it couldn't be THAT bad... He was just being melodramatic. Right? I mean... Right? In her rush to answer, both her own insecurities as his statement, she blurted out thec only thing that she could think.. Instantly blushing after the words escaped her lips. "Like... A politician?"

The familiarity with which they are able to be around one another envelops her like a warm blanket as the car pulls away. The tension of the men is not lost on her, and indeed, she intended to ask about it. However, as he takes a parental role with her, her heart seems to beat both harder and faster, while her pulse seems to slow to a minimal thump. Completely irrational. But perhaps that was the best way to describe her feelings. "N...No sir. I...I'm...I'm good..." She barely manages, before fixing her gaze on Norman. Norman would bridge the gap between her feelings, Norman would slow things down. Norman would be her constant, no matter how outlandish her feelings or thoughts became. After all, What else are Psychologist Narwhals for?