ᴀʟʟ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅs ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴄʀᴜᴇʟ (twili) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2016-03-13 22:36:00 |
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The home of the Darzi (her surname carried some Middle Eastern traces, also perhaps a reason why Midna had taken to learning Arabic so well, as a way to reconnect) family was grand. There was no other word to describe it - situated in Beverly Hills, of course, five bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. Mediterranean touches were added in the year 1930, so the design had been in that family for awhile - beautiful glass, fireplaces, so much character and style as it was added onto and refurbished over the years; they even had their own gardener and pool boy, no joke, a whole staff on hand to maintain the immaculate grounds. Midna hadn’t been back in awhile. Not since she was freshly turned eighteen, a young adult without a clue, who had been blackmailed and extorted as somewhat of a ‘welcome to the world of responsibilities’ present. Here and there, she’d wondered if her family had missed her - but she’d given no way for her parents to contact her, no way for them to find her. She became a ghost, disappearing into shadows, and it had been that way for about six years - now, they had to have known she was alive, due to the press coverage of Zelda’s court battle. There weren’t a ton of ‘news’ articles about Midna, but the gossip rags that did mention her talked about how she was a fallen starlet, estranged from her Hollywood circle, now a stripper, possibly a druggie, definitely bad news. It affected her more than she’d let on, but hey, them’s the breaks. The focus had been on getting Zelda through it. They’d weathered that storm and here they were. Outside the front gate of the sprawling manor, Midna a stranger to her own family. She’d been too nervous to press the call button to ask for permission to enter. “They might not even be home,” she pointed out, about two steps away from dashing back to the car. Nevermind that she’d dressed for the occasion. An actual business suit, one tailored to her perfectly, orange hair twisted into a fancy updo. Something like what she’d wear to work nowadays, something that would show her parents she wasn’t some trashy bitch shaking her boobs in people’s faces. It was just a matter of summoning up that courage a little more. No business suit for this one. More of a ‘girl next door’ ensemble, with a very simple ivory sundress with some lace accents, wedges, and light makeup - nude colors, a splash of pink to her cheeks. There was a tray of raspberry-lemon cream puffs in her hands, carefully tinfoiled in a cheery tray. Zelda promised these, didn’t she? And she wanted to make an impression. A good one, and help temper the flames of tension between her and them - if there were any, that is. Hard to tell what direction they’d take. Regardless, she wasn’t budging, and was rather proud of her shadowy half. Running from this would always be easier than facing it. But it was time to return back to her roots, and she knew Midna missed them. Time to stitch the familial tapestry that’d been torn because of Zant, may the Goddesses be clawing his soul into shreds. “There’s a car here that isn’t even ours,” she retorted calmly, taking that smidge of a step closer to the redhead in case she bolted. Midna wasn’t going anywhere. Let it be known that this princess would sacrifice those cream puffs she slaved over and perfected to pin her down to the ground. “It’ll be fine. You look beautiful, and your breasts are where they should be, and they’re going to love seeing you again.” A kiss to her girlfriend’s cheek. There. Not the cream puffs! Midna wouldn’t want Zelda to ruin those - because the Twilight Princess wanted to eat them. Get into her mouth, delicious desserts. Watching her figure was still very much a thing because of her tasteful burlesque dancing gig (it was a routine with other ladies, a show, entertainment, and she wasn’t nude) since looking like a hippo in all that corset gear and layered tulle, ruffles and bows, just wouldn’t be a good idea - but she could indulge here and there. Stress eating. Yeah, that was a thing. “We can discuss where you want my tits to be after this,” she smirked - as in, providing a cushiony home for Zelda’s face. Midna wasn’t worried when it came to her parents caring about their daughter dating a woman - in the elite Hollywood circles, it wasn’t like that was a big deal. Unless you for some reason had to hire a beard or marry someone for appearances sake, but whatever. Midna didn’t need to hide that she was into chicks, she wasn’t gunning for movie roles or some shit. “But...fine, alright. Here goes.” She pressed the button at the gate, and in a minute or so there came the voice of the family’s personal assistant - secretary, butler, organizer, nanny, whatever you wanted to call her, but she’d been around for awhile. And there was a definitely pause when Midna announced who had arrived for a visit. “Is this a joke?” The ‘fallen starlet’ rolled her eyes. “No, it’s not, I swear, just...can I come in? Please?” The gate began to creak open, granting her and Zelda access. Crystal blue eyes rolled, fondly. Yes, later, they could discuss a different sort of placement for those breasts, but right now they needed to present themselves in a mostly respectable fashion. Zelda was quiet as a mouse when the voice on the other side greeted them, and shifted the tray to balance it with one arm while her now free hand captured Midna’s for a tender squeeze. “Who was that?” Oh, she was curious. So curious to know what her family was like and, sure, there were articles about them, interviews about the Hollywood family but if there was one thing the Princess of Light had grown to realize? The media was bullshit. Zelda wanted to meet them and know who they were from experience, not a tabloid magazine found in the grocery store. Or Wikipedia, for that matter. But they were beyond the gates now, down the winding lawn, all the way until they reached those doorsteps. And maybe, just maybe, her grip on her dancer’s hand tightened. As a way of saying don’t you dare think of running. “Agitha,” Midna responded, squeezing Zelda’s hand in return - don’t worry, cowgirl, she wasn’t running off. Hell, she’d come this far. May as well see it through all the way. “Kind of like mom and dad’s personal assistant and organizer of their lives - books all the appearances and parties and shit. Sorta funny now that I think of it - in the dreams, she was a crazy bug collector and would trade with Link, insects for rupees.” Maybe there was something to be said for the idea of reincarnation, all of them being born again as new versions of themselves (wasn’t that even what living here tended to show you?). Just like there was something to the idea of shadows and light being part of the same coin. Years ago, Midna wouldn’t have believed as much. They got to the doorsteps and she knocked, trying to find a balance between quiet and...insistent. Strong and brave? Ugh, whatever. Then Agitha herself opened the door - she had a very young face despite her true age, and was obviously sporting a look of surprise. “Midna?” “Yeah, it’s me.” She even spared a hug for the woman before introducing her companion. “This is Zelda, my girlfriend. Are mom and dad - “ They appeared then, her parents. Skin that same mocha shade but pale now, the color drained due to their shock at seeing their daughter who had just vanished from their lives with hardly an explanation. Her father stood back a little but her mother rushed forward to hug her, tears in her eyes - then eventually her father joined in, to wrap both arms around the women and make a family feels sandwich that seemed to last for an eternity. “I don’t even know what happened or why you decided to show up now, Midna, but I’m just - “ her mother blubbered. “I wanted to introduce you to Zelda, actually.” The Twilight Princess wriggled out of her parents hold. “Uh, so...these are my parents. Eldin and Sola. Mom, dad, this is Zelda - we’re like, together.” Which they probably already knew - the tabloids liked to print words about it. Zelda could be amused by the Princess of Insects existing here a little later - first, there was a very touching moment to witness. Choked her up a little bit too, honestly, because in one swift moment she could see all the emotion pour out of their exchange. That unconditional love parents should have for their children, and she was relieved to see that they did embrace her. Even with what happened they clearly loved her, and wanted their daughter home safe and sound. “Hi,” she greeted, all smiles - maybe a little shy, but smiles. She didn’t know how much they actually followed the news, but if Midna was involved, she would assume a lot, and hoped they wouldn’t jump to too many odd conclusions? “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so many things - I mean, good things. Good things, I promise.” Blah, potential word vomit. Press conferences had helped her master eloquence. Meeting the girlfriend’s parents had her a wee bit flustered, and she stretched out the tray of goods. “I made cream puffs. I didn’t know what to exactly bring, but I didn’t want to come here without anything for you.” “Oh - “ Midna’s mother was a little flustered herself, and still teary, but she took the tray with a thank you. “These look good, it’s so...it’s nice to meet you. Here, come in, let’s sit down.” She led the way into the living room, a large and bright space, the centerpiece an artsy coffee table of crushed, polished aluminium set in glass. It was flanked by cushy seating and gilded side tables, all on a contemporary and custom-made rug that probably cost more than the average person made in a year. But that was the Darzi house for you - they were Hollywood elite, a long lineage of those who had dominated the entertainment industry either behind the scenes or out in the glow of lights. Midna settled on the sofa, remembering to sit up straight and look somewhat professional. She was still a little nervous and her heart was beating mercilessly against her ribcage, but there were cream puffs so that always made everything better. “Would you like something to go with these - coffee, tea, Agitha could you let the kitchen staff know - “ Sola trailed off, as she set the tray down. “Tea’s good,” Midna spoke up. Preferably spiked - though she wouldn’t ask for that. “So, you and dad have been...fine?” Blah, awkward. Her father was still trying to process all this - obviously the height gene came from him, because he was a towering figure, large in stature. “We would have appreciated a phone call sometime,” he said, lifting an eyebrow. “But - “ A sharp look from his wife cut off that inquisition, “...are just glad to have you here. It’s been busy for you both?” Obviously they followed the news yet knew to take the sensationalism with a grain of salt. Even with money, Zelda would admit to herself that she felt a little out of place. Extravagance wasn’t exactly her thing, but this home was the utmost definition of it. Tastefully, of course, not that she meant to think it was something terrible, but perhaps she shouldn’t get wound up by her own awkward internal dialogue. A breath of air was sucked in, a deep inhale into her lungs to help quell the nerves of this meeting - and it worked. She was here for Midna. And to meet her potential in-laws, of course, but this was Midna’s way of building a bridge between the family she tried to protect and herself. It was a long time coming and a long time from being away from home. “Tea, thank you,” she politely agreed and smoothed the skirt of her dress before sitting next to her other half. Zelda made a point of keeping their hands linked. “And we...have, actually. It’s been a crazy couple months, and I don’t think I would have been able to handle it without her either. You have a very fiesty daughter.” Feisty indeed. Midna grinned proudly - sitting close to Zelda with their hands linked, light and shadow intertwined, was also helping her stay calm. The last thing she needed was stress; not like her powers flared up under duress or anything, but still a good idea for someone with the ability to morph into a giant spider to not feel overwhelmed. “She gets that from her father,” Sola laughed, selecting one of the cream puffs to sample, wrapping it in a napkin - she loved sweets, no shame in that. “But we’ve been following, sort of. Mostly just to see Midna, even in magazines, since it’s - “ Well, she wouldn’t dwell on how much her daughter leaving had hurt. There was a reason, and whatever happened was buried in the past - they could start fresh again. “It’s been difficult on this end too. I’m so glad she had someone with her though, glad that you had each other.” Yeah, yeah, sappy. Midna rolled her eyes fondly. “I didn’t want to leave, okay? I love you, mom. You and dad. But I wanted to protect you from Zant - he’s gone now though, so it’s better. It can get better and I just...want to make you proud again.” Part apology, part baring her heart and soul - but she meant it, every word. There was a moment of silence, then Eldin chimed in with a gentle sort of joke. “I don’t know, we might just keep Zelda because of the cream puffs.” Zant was the definition of gone. As in, dead and body disposed of somewhere else - some other dimension, maybe, knowing Midna’s abilities. His disappearance had been a controversy throughout the trial, but without physical evidence they couldn’t prove a crime was committed. Gone in the wind, a mystery unsolved. Maybe there’d be a criminal documentary on Netflix about it in a couple years, who knew. “I’m pretty sure that’s half the reason why she keeps me around,” Zelda smirked a little, turning her head to pop a kiss against Midna’s ear. Eldin’s response was a good sign after all that, and she also figured the family would have a more private discussion with the three of them to hash out certain details. But being introduced to them was a way to break the ice, and she wanted to let her parents know that this princess of shadows was in good hands. Because she was smitten, and devoted, no matter what she’d done in the past. And the dancing skillset was a perk for the personal chambers. Once the tea came she mixed it to her liking, stirring with that tiny spoon, and took a tentative sip before continuing. “She’s taking classes, and works as a personal assistant at the Romanian Consulate.” Minus the detail where she worked closely with the actual Dracula, of course. Agitha had done her duty and brought the tea in, then retreated to leave the family to talk amongst themselves, the doors sliding shut behind her. Midna added some cream, some spices - cardamom and cinnamon, just a touch. She liked the Middle Eastern flavors in her tea, the minimal times she actually drank it (mostly she was about coffee). “Classes?” her mother asked, lifting her eyebrows over her own cup of tea. “What sort of classes?” Midna was a chubby bunny, her face stuffed with cream puffs - the middle filling just about squirted out, and she grabbed a napkin to sheepishly prevent a mess. Super classy. “Arabic. I’m learning the language, my boss inspired me - you know, the one I’m an assistant for at the Consulate. I finished all the classes offered at the Lingual Institute in the OC, so I’m probably going to volunteer at an Arabic organization to get more practice in.” Where she’d find the time for that, who knew. She did her part-time Burlesque act at Victrola and as much as she loved it, she’d cut back even further on that if she had to. Mostly she just wanted to explore her skillsets and get all sorts of experience she could put on a resume. Her parents seemed happy, though. “That’s...well, that’s good news, Midna,” Sola smiled. “Now that you both are more settled do you think you could come visit more often? I’d love to have a proper dinner or something, we can meet Zelda’s family too.” Whoa, geez, mom. But Midna wouldn’t protest too much - her parents would have to meet Impa eventually, and she knew it was her mother’s way of asking if the relationship was serious. It wasn’t a ludicrous request, wasn’t it? Midna had been pulled into a televised trial she’d been involved in an intimate level - with what happened to Zant, and Dragmire, everything they’ve gone through from sharing souls and guarding their respective pieces of the Triforce, they had gone through a lot. More than they ever imagined since their reunion at the Rear End, in that private room. “I think Impa would be delighted,” Zelda laughed, assuming that they knew who her family consisted of now - her backstory of how her father died, the lack of mother, it’d all been relevant to the scandal that unfolded in the courtroom. Impa had mothered her, raised her, taught her many things. A parent in every sense of the word. “She’s fond of Midna. And helps with her Arabic sometimes, so she’d be excited to meet you two.” This was...strangely enthralling, in a way. After everything what happened to get to this point? Having some sort of family event that was meant to be pleasant, and neither of the men who haunted their dreams were around for attempted murder or extortion. It was nice to finally get to this point. Zelda’s response was pleasing to Midna’s mother and father - the Twilight Princess could tell, judging by the way they looked at each other (like they had a way of communicating with their eyes, as did many couples who had been married for eons). “Oh, then we’ll have to check the schedule and see when would be a good time,” offered Sola. “Eldin, we don’t have much coming up, do we?” “Mm, no. Even if we do and if it’s anything Kardashian-related, I think we can cancel that.” He wasn’t fond of those weirdos - then again, who was? It kind of made Midna nervous, the idea of the families meeting, but in a good way. Guess that meant her and Zellie really needed to talk about cohabitating in a more serious manner - Midna was ready, finally. She was eager to get away from her cardboard box of a place in Fountain Valley. “Just, you know, we can come out here,” she suggested. “Orange County is kind of, uh. Well, global warming gets it a lot.” The Kardashians. Zelda blinked wide for a minute - not a clan she expected the parents to be connected to but then again, it was Hollywood. Everyone knew one another even if they didn’t like each other. A dainty cough helped clear her throat, as well as the gentle pat on her chest as she set the tea down. “It can get a little…stormy out there,” she contributed, carefully. Lately their streak had been a bit much. There was always a calm between the storms anyway, but luck would have it something ridiculous would happen the moment her parents decided to visit. “But once the weather lets up, we’ll have to have you guys over. We’re currently house-hunting as it is - maybe you guys can give us some ideas how to furnish it, too?” Yes, we. Didn’t Zelda make it clear before that she wanted to pull her out of that area, anyway? The neighbor was still bringing a questionable amount of cough syrup into their apartment. Meth labs were stations waiting to explode. Well, that kind of said a lot, didn’t it? Midna supposed they’d be going full steam ahead with that house hunting now, which was fine with her. “Yeah, mom and dad are pretty good at decorating,” she grinned, motioning around them. “I mean, it doesn’t look completely unfortunate, right?” “Thanks, Midna.” Her mother sighed, in a fond way. “But we’d love to help get you settled in your new place. Perhaps even a housewarming present?” Knowing her and her husband, it’d be something extravagant - a crystal chandelier or a set of Fabergé eggs that cost millions. But their hearts were in the right place - the Mister and Missus just wanted to jump right in and be a part of their daughter’s life, however they could. Midna stuffed another creampuff into her mouth - you could dress up the girl, but you couldn’t take the impish hog out of her, sadly. “We’ll definitely plan on that too. Fun party.” Awww, don’t worry, Midna. Zelda would never want that impish hog to go anywhere - she was a little squirrel for those desserts, weren’t they? Just try not to choke, honey. “If you insist. We’d love anything you give us,” she promised. Gifts weren’t necessary, but she didn’t want to be rude, and this was the first step towards a positive relationship with them. Whatever it was she’d find herself to be emotionally attached to anything they’d give them. She was always sort of a sap like that, really. Sigh. “I’m mostly looking forward to...seeing you guys more often,” the princess cleared her throat again, trying not word it in a way that didn’t seem terribly silly. “Midna missed you. A lot, even if she’s a little stubborn to admit it sometimes.” Zelda was totally a sap, but Midna loved her anyway - and they had always balanced each other out nicely. But the yin to her yang was right, she’d missed her parents. They were good parents, good people overall. They hadn’t been sucked up into the vicious cycle of Hollywood bullshit, hadn’t been druggies or raised one - all things considered, Midna thought she came out pretty damn well. “Yeah, what she said,” the non-sappy one of the two chimed in. “I did. I mean. You know. We don’t have to be up each other’s asses but I promise to call more often now. And Skype or whatever.” Her father shook his head, chuckling. Oh, Midna. “We would like that, my wife and I,” he said. “Thank you. And thank you for visiting today, both of you.” ‘Up each other’s asses.’ The eloquence was astounding, but that was also part of Midna’s charm, wasn’t it? That and calling her breasts ‘knockers’ or something. Zelda chuckled, clasping a hand over her girlfriend’s knee. “And thanks, for having us. I promise our visits will come with some type of baked goods, too.” Something homemade and from scratch - cream puffs forever if they liked them so much. But this was good progress. Steps towards the right direction. Like Midna said, they didn’t have to be ‘up each other’s asses’ all the time, but to know that the connection was there, and that they were involved in their lives? It made all the difference in the world. |