Who: Melanie De Luca, Triton and Raiden Nakashima What: Little Italy Festival When: Saturday afternoon/evening, September 25, 2011 Where: Little Italy, NY Warnings: Cuteness?!
Raiden was excited to be shown such kindness from her brother. She'd made some progress with her father and that had her ecstatic! Like her younger half-ling brother she already adored Poseidon. She'd seen his gruff and offensive behavior, his harsh words, but years of being built up to believe he a better man there was a thick wall to knock down in her happy, determined mind. She'd dressed in blue while she waited in downtown Little Italy after spending an hour wandering around China Town. So many little shops without the huge expense! She'd found a few Chinese dramas she'd been looking for and tucked them away into her purse while she waited for Triton and his girlfriend.
Mel clung to Triton's hand, her fingers lacing with his in a tight squeeze as they walked. She was glad to get to spend time with him. So often he was busy now with family matters that she felt she hardly got to see him anymore. There were the occasional texts, the phone calls, but she missed having him to hold close. She was so glad he'd decided to join her for this little festival. She'd heard good things from him about Raiden, so she hoped that this was a fun day.
[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 01:04 am UTC (link) Track This Triton did feel bad for spending so much time away from Mel. He would fix that, but he had to run after errand family members and make sure no one ended up dead. It was exhausting. So he hardly minded taking Mel to this festival, and introducing her to Raiden. He hoped the two would hit it off.
He smiled down to Mel and returned the squeeze before noticing Raiden. He raised his free hand in a wave before moving to where the girl stood. "Afternoon Raiden." He smiled to her, "Raiden, this is Mel. Mel, meet Raiden." He also hoped Mel's encounter with his father would sober Raiden a bit.
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-26 01:19 am UTC (link) Track This The girl's eyes lit up the moment she saw her brother and she jogged softly toward them with a grin a mile wide. "Hi!" she said waving then giving her introductory bow, clutching her purse with both hands.
Mel gave an equally sweet smile. She'd heard from Triton about the girl, hoping as well that she would wise up to what her father really was. It was hard to crush the poor girl's dreams though when she saw that happy face. "Nice to meet you," Mel said still keeping her hand interlocked with Triton's.
Raiden gasped suddenly remembering the little stone dolphin she'd found in one of the China Town shops. She pulled it out and handed it to Triton. "I found that in one of the shops."
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 01:41 am UTC (link) Track This Gently he took the dolphin, "it's very pretty. Is it for father?" He hardly got gifts, unless Mel surprised him, and he assumed the girl was still planning to impress Poseidon. He didn't have the heart yet to tell her how that would be pointless.
"Either way, I figure I'll let you girls decide where all to drag me to. Oh, Raiden, Mel lived in Japan for a while so I'm sure you both have that in common." He smiled again.
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-26 02:01 am UTC (link) Track This The girl was pretty, really pretty Mel thought as she shook her hand politely. She released her grip on Triton when Raiden handed over the gift. She smiled softly, rubbing his arm softly. "I think she's giving it to you," she nudged.
Raiden's sea colored eyes lightened and she shook her head. "Mmmm, yes, it's for you big brother."
The girl seemed even more ecstatic when she found out about Mel. "How long where you there?" she asked.
"About three years, I left just before the big quake hit." It still saddened her to think about. So many of her friends were still there.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 02:15 am UTC (link) Track This "Oh," smiling he took the gift a bit more securely. "Thank you Raiden. It is very nice. I just don't get a lot of gifts." He gave Mel a smirk, "and yours don't count." He leaned down for a kiss before letting the two girls talk.
"Lead the way girls. Raiden I spoke to Veronica, Bernie's mother, and she looks forward to meeting you. Just during a weekend. Apparently our brother is eager to meet you."
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[info]the_birds 2011-09-26 02:28 am UTC (link) DeleteTrack This Triton was the only one who had been so welcoming to her, aside from Thetis since she'd been in the city. Raiden felt he deserved some sort of trinket for his taking care of her in this last week. She trusted him easily, and though he warned her often about her father she wasn't going to let it break her heart. Not yet anyway.
Raiden and Mel stepped forward chatting away about Japan for a bit before Triton chimed in and Raiden paused to clasp her hands together. "I'm excited to meet him too! How old is he?" she asked softly. It seemed her and Bernie would have even more in common and she'd never had a little brother before. It had always been just her and her mother.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 02:32 am UTC (link) Track This He kept himself besides Mel and Raiden, hardly minding being in the middle of the two. One arm was around Mel's waist, never shying from showing his affection for his girlfriend. He was very different from his father in that regard.
"Almost nine. I don't know how much you'd enjoy a nine year old's birthday party, but you are invited. Father is too, but I doubt he'll show."
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[info]the_birds 2011-09-26 03:32 am UTC (link) DeleteTrack This Mel blushed lightly. It was part of Triton's charm, his affection. It was what helped save her after that run-in with Poseidon. If anything had happened, if the worst had came upon her, she would have lost all her faith in men---including Triton. She snuggled up next to his side as they walked.
"Wow!" Raiden exclaimed, "I've never had a little brother before. Or an older one," it was kind of overwhelming to have so much family so soon. Even if her 'sister' had the same stance as their father. "Not at all?" she said with slight disappointment.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 03:34 am UTC (link) Track This He shook his head, "I wouldn't count on it. He'll be reminded, I'm sure, but if he'll actually show?" He shrugged, "doubtful. I hope I'm wrong though. I know it sounds cruel, but it's who he is." he glanced around the place with some curiosity. He didn't have the affinity his father had to this culture but it was still nice.
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-26 04:06 am UTC (link) Track This As they walked down Mulberry Street passing little shops, Mel's eyes drew towards the shiny trinkets in one window where they sold glass ornaments. She'd seen them listed on the website earlier that morning. They would most definitely have to get a cup of Italian coffee later, and visit some of the other restaurants for lunch. She hadn't spoken up yet, just paused in her step while Raiden and Triton chatted.
"Maybe I could convince him?" Raiden said pridefully with a smile, though she wasn't sure her father had completely warmed up to him. She was so optimistic about this situation than any of them, which made it hard to ignore her pleasant traits.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 04:11 am UTC (link) Track This He glanced to Raiden, "I doubt that Raiden. It's more then his dislike for you, it's the fact he simply doesn't care all that much." He shrugged, "you must learn to accept that. And take it from me, the more you try and convince father of something, he usually does the opposite." He smiled at her, "I know you want him to be what you think he is, but I'll tell you know you'll have more luck finding diamonds in trees."
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-26 04:22 am UTC (link) Track This It was still a wonder this bubbly, thin girl was a child of Poseidon. Even though Triton was the opposite of his father, Mel knew he held his own anger, a trait that was carried over from his mother as well. He'd been horribly angry after what Poseidon had done to her, and she grew very quiet as this conversation continued. Looking at Raiden she seemed to hold none of those traits.
Raiden still wanted to believe that there was hope. She was determined despite the odds. "Does he care for anything?" she asked. Mel wanted to snap in and say no, that he was a cruel man but she held her tongue feeling all too biased on the subject. She could see what it did to Triton, how much it hurt him to see his mother hurt. While part of her hoped for reconciliation she too had had a first hand account.
Melanie changed the direction of the conversation when she pointed to the glass balls hanging in the window. "Why don't we go inside?" she said tugging on Triton's arm.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 04:25 am UTC (link) Track This The willful ignorance of this girl was almost tiring. She refused to see the truth, even when faced with it. He squeezed Mel's waist and gave her a sigh before shaking his head to Raiden, "not really. Power maybe." He spoke out of experience. He'd learned very young the kind of man his father was.
At Mel's request he smiled and nodded, holding the door open for the two. "lets."
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-26 04:38 am UTC (link) Track This Raiden's vibrancy could almost be akin to her father, who was currently in a good mood considering. It was months ago she'd fell into a depressed state, but she had not clearly figured out how her moods were affected because of Poseidon. There was still a lot to learn, a lot of years behind her to deviate between. She still had not talked to her mother since finding Poseidon. She didn't know how to ask 'why did you lie to me?' or that she was determined to be optimistic.
When Melanie changed subjects and Triton didn't continue there was a pang of guilt that she was causing more pain than good with her wishful thinking. She followed in quietly, holding her head up. She brushed a strand of hair from her face and walked around, eyes intrigued by many different things. She left Mel to Triton for a moment, she didn't want to take up all their time together.
When Raiden seemed to be at a distance Mel picked up one of the glass pieces turning it in her hand. "She's sweet," she told Triton. Mel was still somewhat distant as the conversation had brought up bad memories.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 04:43 am UTC (link) Track This He knew Mel and set a hand on her shoulder, "hey, it's alright." He kissed the top of her head and smiled to her before nodding and glancing to Raiden, "a little too sweet. She's going to get herself hurt." He sighed, "she has an image, and she won't let it go. Stubborn, runs in the family."
He glanced to the piece Mel was holding and smiled, "get what you like, alright? My treat." He liked spoiling her. It felt nice to get her what she liked." Smiling he kissed her, "and Raiden needs a friend or two. I was hoping you wouldn't mind hanging out with her until she is more familiar with the place."
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[info]the_birds 2011-09-26 04:50 am UTC (link) DeleteTrack This "She's just nineteen, I'm sure she has her own elaborate fantasies to how the world is." She waved off what must have been a depressing look on her face. "I'm sorry," she said softly trying to smile through it. Raiden was even more cheery than herself, she wasn't sure that was possible, but she had to wonder how much the girl held in. Melanie's arms circled around Triton's waist leaning her cheek against his chest. She always felt safe when he was around. She felt her eyes water but she wasn't going to let this day be spoiled because of some re-surfaced memories, some of which had nothing to do with Poseidon. Laughing lightly Mel looked up to him taking that kiss he so generously gave her.
"Triton you don't have to get me anything," she insisted but her eyes went back to the pretty blue, green and red colored glass ornament. When he asked her to be helpful in this overall family situation she really couldn't resist. He'd done so much for her, it seemed trivial to say no. "Okay."
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 04:54 am UTC (link) Track This He often forgot how young mortals could be. He was jaded in some areas, age being one of them. "I guess I forgot. Old bones and all," he shrugged and returned the hug, "don't be."
Then he laughed and picked up the ornament, "I like doing this Mel. Go see if Raiden has her eye on something if you could? Tell her it's my treat. I'm here to spoil both of you girls."
(Reply to this)(Parent) (Thread) soooo cute! [info]the_birds 2011-09-26 05:00 am UTC (link) DeleteTrack This She ran her hands against his shirt, tugging on it slightly. She didn't really want to run off just yet. Leaning up on her tippy toes she kissed him again.
"Okay," she promised biting her lip. The shop was small, so finding the girl wasn't hard. With her hands clasped behind her back Melanie watched as the girl was transfixed on a blue and white blown glass ornament. "See anything you like?" she asked causing Raiden to turn with a giant smile. "Triton says to pick out anything you like, his treat."
"Really?" the girl seemed shy about accepting such an offer.
Mel nodded softly. "That one's pretty. Looks like the ocean." Raiden shook her head up and down.
"I know, it's gorgeous."
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 05:07 am UTC (link) Track This He returned the kiss before letting Mel go run off to find Raiden. He hoped the two would get along. He tried his best to keep his siblings happy, seeing their father often wouldn't. He had more time now, but he also had to play a lot more damage control.
He took the piece and walked to the counter, leaning on it as he watched the girls, making sure the person behind it knew that whatever Raiden decided to get, he would pay for it.
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-26 05:14 am UTC (link) Track This It wasn't that Melanie didn't like Raiden, far from it, she just needed a moment to recollect herself. The girl had hit territory without realizing it, as what came with innocence. She was so bright and determined, admirable traits, but somewhat naive, especially concerning Poseidon. Melanie had a feeling that when the bomb was dropped and the girl was torn to pieces, Triton would be right there to pick her up.
Raiden's little fingers grasped the little blue ornament and smiled as she brought it to the counter. "Thank you, oniisan," she spoke politely, Melanie following behind her giving Triton a sweet grin.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 05:18 am UTC (link) Track This He frowned, not really understanding the reference but he knew Mel would tell him if it was something bad. So he just smiled, "don't worry about it. What are big brothers for?" He nodded to the clerk and paid what the girls wanted before handing them the bags.
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[info]the_birds 2011-09-26 05:21 am UTC (link) DeleteTrack This Melanie gave him a little laugh. "It means brother," she grinned. "Am I going to have to teach you some Japanese now?" she teased him.
Raiden bowed thanking him again and happily bouncing out the door down the street. She pulled them both to various other shops before lunch rolled around.
"Anyone hungry?" She didn't want to seem rude. This was Melanie's outing, in a way she felt she was taking it over.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 05:23 am UTC (link) Track This He smirked to her, "probably, I don't want to look stupid." He set his hand back around her waist as he followed Raiden, not at all bothered to just follow the two.
He glanced to Mel, "up to you love."
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-26 09:29 pm UTC (link) Track This Melanie wrapped an arm around his waist, rubbing a hand softly against his stomach. "I'll help, I only know a little, think she could teach us both. But I'll give you the basics," she grinned with a wiggle of her nose.
"Sure," she said to Raiden comfortingly, "then we can go for some Italian coffee?" she looked up at Triton.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-26 11:03 pm UTC (link) Track This He nodded, untangling from Mel so he could open the door for them. "I'd like that I think. I can't promise to be very good, but I'll certainly try. Smarter then I am for knowing such a language. Took me ages to learn this one."
"Of course."
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[info]the_birds 2011-09-27 12:49 am UTC (link) DeleteTrack This "You'll do fine," Melanie patted his chest softly, stepping into the doorway. "English?" Sometimes she forgot English wasn't his first language. Now she was curious to learn Greek.
Raiden stepped in before her brother as he held the door. The food smelled so good, a complete difference from China Town. She wasn't big on Italian food, but by the smell of it alone she bet she could change her mind quickly.
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[info]wreathed_horn 2011-09-27 12:58 am UTC (link) Track This He nodded, getting them a table and sitting down. "English has some words Greek doesn't, and visa versa. I'm still not always used to it. Languages are not my strengths."
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[info]emerald_odyssey 2011-09-27 01:29 am UTC (link) Track This Raiden took her seat happily. "I can help you oniisan!" she promised. In fact she'd teach him a few words right now!
The menus were placed out in front of them offering more traditional Italian food than most of the fancy restaurants in town.