10 August 2032
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Daniel McMurran John Crowley Adam Crowley Feemerson Crowley Renasi Reium Jessica Crowley Sasha Hailie-Johnson Ernest Randall Erik McMurran

Daniel: So, um… Did you have an awful dream…?
John: Yeah, I'm still in it right now.
Daniel: How did I know you were going to say that?
John: Because we're BFFs?
Daniel: Julius is my BFF. And Ernest is yours.
John: It's not what you wrote on that one picture.
Daniel: I did write that. Grins. But I was mostly joking. It's funny 'cause you hated me, ha ha. A fairly good impersonation of John's voice. I never hated you.
John: I wasn't going to say that. Kind of quickly said, since he was going to say that.
Daniel: Laughs. 'Least I don't get drunk like Ernest…
John: Don't.
Daniel: Don't think I can anymore.
John: I don't want to talk about it is what I'm saying.
Daniel: Ohhh, right. What're you doing for your anniversary?
John: You don't want to know.
Daniel: You're going to kill Jessica.
John: Only in the French sense.
Daniel: That's all you're doing? Having sex with her?
John: Nope.
Daniel: What else?
John: None of your business.
Daniel: You know I'll watch anyway 'cause I'm a masochist.
John: You'll find out when it happens then
Daniel: Oh, I love surprises.
John: I hope she does too.
Daniel: …I'm not tellin'.
John: I know you're not.
Daniel: You just sleep all the time.
John: I didn't for a day. Speaking of sleeping, I guess I should wake up. Pinches himself.
Daniel: You're a meanie.

John: Awake.
Adam: Stares at J.N. from across the dining room table.
John: Looks well-rested!
Adam: Did you sleep alright, Dad?
John: Nods. I did. Thanks Adam.
Adam: Smiles and takes a sip of milk.
John: Stands up and stretches. Sleeping sitting down is going to be the death of him.
Adam: Looks much healthier! Cheeks have a good color to them and eyes look bright. Had a haircut this morning, too! Looks well-rested and alert.
John: Things are looking up again!
Adam: …Do you know where Feemy is?
John: Probably in Renasi's room. Doesn't know, really. Or vice-versa.
Adam: Nods and drinks the rest of his milk. Gets up, taking the last bit of cookie with him. Thanks. Smiles. See you later, Dad. Off he goes.
John: Nods back. Bye Adam. Watches him leave.

Feemy: Is indeed in his room!
Adam: Knocks on Feemy's door.
Feemy: Stops playing guitar. Door's open!
Adam: Peeks in and enters. Hi Feemy… Renasi. Bows.
Feemy: Adam! Good to see you.
Adam: Smiles and goes over to him. What are you doing?
Feemy: Just practicing guitar a little and hangin' out with Ren.
Renasi: Smiles at Adam.
Adam: Smiles back. A bit shyly. …You said when I got better, I could play with you…
Feemy: Smiles, remembering. That I did! You're feelin' up to it?
Adam: Nods eagerly, grinning a bit.
Feemy: Stands, goes to his closet, and gets a guitar strap, so he doesn't have to sit and play.
Renasi: What do you play, Adam?
Adam: I can play the piano.
Renasi: Laughs. If we get a drummer, we can start our own band huh, Feemy?
Feemy: Sounds good! Y'know anybody?
Renasi: Thinks. Hmm… Nope.
Feemy: Worth a shot. Ah well.
Adam: To Renasi. What do you play?
Renasi: …I can sorta sing…
Adam: Nods. Looks to Feemy. Are we going to the music room?
Feemy: Nods! …Actually… Renasi can sing really well! You should hear him sometime.
Adam: Smiles a little. I'd like that.
Renasi: Blushes. Yeah, yeah… Gets up off the bed.
Feemy: And it's off to the music room!

Adam: Sits down at the piano when they get there and practices a few scales.
Feemy: Practices a bit as well, trying to get accustomed to standing and playing.
Adam: Once he's warmed up, looks to Feemy. What should we play?
Feemy: Hm… Well, what's a song you know?
Adam: …Canon in D minor.
Feemy: Heheh. Might have to improvise a little…
Adam: I can't really play by ear, but if you have notes, I could do that.
Feemy: Don't you worry. I can play by ear. Been trying to come up with my own stuff for awhile now, y'know?
Renasi: Laughs. We're gonna be the best rock band ever… "Hey guys, now it's time for Canon in D minor!!!"
Feemy: Heh… It's better than some of the stuff Ernest left me. Some of it is just downright lewd. Laughs.
Renasi: Well he left you one good one at least. Smiles.
Feemy: Smiles back. …That he did.
Adam: Are you two in love or something?
Feemy: Heheh… Hey, did you ever learn Heart and Soul?
Adam: I don't think so… but if you have the music to it…
Feemy: It's real basic stuff, but it has a nice tune… and it's a duet, I think!
Adam: Nods. I can try…
Feemy: Sees if he can write down the musical notes to it!
Renasi: To Adam. Can you sing?
Adam: Frowns. My voice breaks.
Feemy: …Happens to the best of us 'round your age.
Adam: Blushes.
Feemy: Finally has the musical notes for him. It's a simple song, with one part being much more prominent than the other!
Renasi: Just means you're becoming a man… One day, you'll wake up and you'll be taller than your sister. Grins.
Feemy: Pft, I think in two years the twins will be taller than her.
Renasi: Then one day, you'll wake up and you'll be taller than Feemy. Grins.
Adam: Takes the music from Feemy and studies it a bit.
Feemy: …Hey! Only if he's lucky!
Renasi: Yeah… Only the luckiest majority of males get to be taller than Feemy. Laughs.
Adam: Puts the music up and tentatively begins to play.
Feemy: Leaves the hard part for Adam. Just plays the tune of the song, preferring to support rather than take the lead.
Adam: Gains a bit of confidence as he plays… Isn't bad! Some of his tempo is a little off, but despite what he said, he does have a bit of an ear for music.
Feemy: Smiles as he hears Adam play… and, being the mischievous being he is, suddenly, at least to best of his by-ear ability, starts playing the same part Adam is playing, leaving him tuneless!
Adam: Struggles a little, stumbling a bit here and there but catches back up presently, concentrating.
Feemy: Not trying to be mean really, but why not challenge Adam a little? You're pretty good at that, Adam! Can yammer and play at the same time, unfortunately.
Adam: Doesn't mind being challenged. Blushes a little, but concentrating too much to really respond.
Feemy: Hangs his head a little, letting his hair fall over his face as he plays, moving in an exaggerated fashion, as if he were some swaggering rock star.
Renasi: Grins.
Adam: Just concentrates. An intense kid.
Feemy: That intensity is going to help you succeed! Swaying hips, oh yeah.
Renasi: Laughs. Shall I throw my panties at you, Feemy?
Adam: Not sure he wants to know.
Feemy: Sure, but I don't do encores regardless of the underwear you toss my way.
Renasi: Laughs. Sorry, Adam… We'll try to keep it PG-13.
Feemy: Heh yeah, best we do!
Adam: Stops playing.
Feemy: Will you play Canon for us now?
Adam: Um… Sure… Gets out the sheet music and plays. Much more confident with this one, having played it before, and his tempo is much better.
Feemy: Just listens for now, wanting to hear his brother play!
Adam: Practiced this one. Sounds much smoother and doesn't have to concentrate as much.
Feemy: Still listens, since he has to get the hang of the tempo and the sound before he can just jump right in. That sounds really good!
Adam: Blushes and smiles.
Feemy: Has finally started to play along. Though instead of trying to mimic the tune, he tries to accentuate it!
Adam: Likes playing with his big bro.
Feemy: Also likes playing with his brother! I must be more enjoyable than your stuffy teacher. My competition isn't very stiff, eh? You ever try playin' something you made up?
Adam: Shakes his head 'no'. I can't play by ear.
Feemy: You should give it a shot sometime. It can be pretty fun!
Adam: …I'll try… I do have a lot of free time now.
Feemy: That's great! I'd like to hear it sometime.
Renasi: Sings. This night we pray our lives will show this dream He had each child still knows. We are waiting… We have not forgotten… Laughs. That's a Christmas song.
Feemy: Heh… Well, you sing it well anyway! We're going to shake the rock scene with our carols and classical music!
Renasi: Grins. Nothing wrong with being different.


Feemy: Packing up his room!
Renasi: …I really liked the night before last.
Feemy: I did too…
Renasi: …I've never felt so… wow.
Feemy: Nods. I know what you mean…
Renasi: …How do you think I'd look with long hair?
Feemy: Considers this. Hm…
Renasi: Smiles.
Feemy: I think you look just fine nooow… but I also think you'd wear long hair really well too… Juuust keep it out of your face, is all!
Renasi: Grins. Just wanna look even prettier for you. Laughs.
Feemy: Well, you're already plenty pretty. Should I grow some facial hair to look more manly? Grins back.
Renasi: Naaah… I like it smoooth. I can't even grow facial hair.
Feemy: Good, then you don't have to shave.
Renasi: Yeah… Man, Feemy…
Feemy: …What?
Renasi: I can't get you out of my head since then…
Feemy: …Nights like that don't come by often, I think.
Renasi: When I close my eyes, I see your face… When it's quiet, I hear your voice. I feel your hands on me…. I feel warm and happy and safe and fluttery… I smell you and taste you hear you and… need you…
Feemy: Sets down what he was packing. …I need you too, Ren… That's why I've already started packing… I mean, it's awhile before we depart… but… It's hard to describe… You did better than I did…
Renasi: Smiles and sits up, blushing a bit. You think this is the real thing? Laughs a bit.
Feemy: …Well, I think it is. I feel like it is… I really don't have any doubts at all.
Renasi: Smiles. We've known each other a long time…
Feemy: There's no one I trust more than you…
Renasi: Smiles and takes Feemy's hand. And I trust us.
Feemy: Smiles back warmly. …I love you, Ren.
Renasi: Blushes. I love you too, Feemy.

Jessica: Sneaking up behind John, holding her skirts to keep them from rustling on the ground.
John: Unaware!
Jessica: Right behind him.
John: Is successfully sneaked up on.
Jessica: Surprise hug!
John: Jumps a little, but soon leans a little back too.
Jessica: Got'cha.
John: …Whatever shall I do?
Jessica: Ooo praaay…
John: Have mercy on me.
Jessica: Lets him go. How's your day been, Mr. Crowley?
John: It's been alright. Just counting the minutes is all…
Jessica: Counting the minutes…? Until what?
John: Until I see you again.
Jessica: Laughs. How many minutes did you get up to?
John: One.
Jessica: Laughs.
John: Now intentionally being sappy. Couldn't focus. Just kept being distracted by thoughts of you.
Jessica: Grins up at him and blushes. Buries her face in his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding him close.
John: Hugs her tight, a hand just lightly stroking through her hair, twirling a little around his fingers as well.
Jessica: Mmm… You seen the kids today? The girls are probably already in bed… or should be.
John: I saw Adam earlier. He went to hang out with Feemerson… and the girls I made sure were tucked in.
Jessica: Smiles. I'm sorry I didn't get to see much of them today. Trying to catch up on work since yesterday.
John: They understand how hard their mom works.
Jessica: Smiles. I'd like to retire one of these days.
John: Not going to retire himself any time soon. You've worked hard enough, I think. You'd deserve to retire happily.
Jessica: I think Adam's still a bit too young.
John: Nods. Of course. It's kind of hard to keep in mind that he's going to be taking over.
Jessica: I think he can do it… I think he'd do a fine job of it… I don't know if he has the strength to do it, though.
John: …I think he'll grow into it. Has a lot of faith in Adam.
Jessica: Sighs. I just don't know if he's going to get stronger as he gets older or weaker… Frowns.
John: Frowns a little as well. …He's looking much better now, though.
Jessica: …He still has a bug in him…
John: …I know.
Jessica: Sighs. I don't mean to worry you, John. I shouldn't be thinking negatively.
John: I understand.
Jessica: So Adam's with Feemy then?
John: Last time I checked.
Jessica: Alright.
John: …Did you need to speak with Adam?
Jessica: Was just wanting to see how he's was doing. I passed by his room but he wasn't there… I'm sure he's fine if he's with Feemy.
John: Nods. I'm sure he is, too.

Ernest's Door: Opens!
Sachi: Walks through.
Ernest: Soon hugging her tightly. …I thought you'd left me!
Sachi: Hugging back tightly. I… thought about it… but I missed you too much. Resting her head on his shoulder. …I don't know why I do these stupid things… I just get so angry sometimes and I take it out on you when it's not your fault… and it's not an excuse and I don't expect you to forgive me for walkin' out… Hugs even tighter. …I don't even know what I was thinkin'… You wouldn' hide anything from me, you're not like that, Ernie… You're not like other guys… and I should trust you… Buries her face in the crook of his neck. Too tough to be seen crying.
Ernest: …Hey, hey, hey… Baby… Don't cry, you're much prettier when you're smilin'.
Sachi: Laughs a little. That's what I missed.
Ernest: Tilts Sachi's chin up gently. C'mon… let me see your beautiful smile… please? Smiling too.
Sachi: Does smile, but still is crying. Mood swings. …Ernest… I wanted to talk to you about your drinkin' though…
Ernest: …And this was going so well!
Sachi: Don't try lookin' confused… I saw the cans in the recyclin' bin… I'm really worried about you, Ernest…
Ernest: I don't always drink that much… I just thought that you'd left for good.
Sachi: Oh, like that's any better, knowing that if things somehow fall apart, you're just gonna drink yourself stupid.
Ernest: …Sachi… Can we please not do this..? I'm just glad you're back…
Sachi: It's important! I'm not trying to crawl you, really… I've been tryin' not to… Just… try not to drink so much? I've tried changin' for you… so… maybe you could try to change for me… Just a little?
Ernest: …Okay, I'll try. Promise.

Adam: Enters the castle, quite covered in blood!
Jessica: Stares. …Honey.
John: Would be quite horrified, if it didn't click quite quickly what was probably going on.
Adam: Smiles a little. I'm okay, Mom… To the bathroom he goes.
John: And watches him go.
Jessica: Any other mother would have fainted.
John: …I should go see if he needs any help with bandages.
Jessica: Nods and kisses him on the cheek with some effort, standing on tiptoes. I'll be in our room, love.
John: Alright, dear. Kisses her forehead in return and departs to possibly assist Adam.

Adam: Sitting in the bathroom, down to his underwear, washing the blood off himself.
John: Knocks first, at least.
Adam: It's occupied. I'll be out in a second… Starts going about this a little quicker.
John: Just wanting to know if you need help with the bandages. I figure you're going to patch yourself up, at least.
Adam: Um… Come in…
John: Does so.
Adam: Looks up and smiles a little, then back down at himself. …You didn't have to come help…
John: If you don't need help, I could just wait for you outside… I'm not trying to intrude or anything… Just thought maybe you might need a hand.
Adam: …I wouldn't mind you helping… It can be sort of difficult… Once he's clean of blood, picks up a roll of bandages morosely.
John: When he gets to bandaging, helps him!
Adam: Thankful to have him. His father can wrap them much tighter than he can. Finishes up and then puts on the change of clothes he brought. Thank you, Dad. Looking pale again.
John: …No need to thank me, Adam. Any time you need help, just ask.
Adam: Sinks to his knees… Always the most blood loss when the wound first opens. Tries to get back up but feels lightheaded and sinks back down again… Doesn't want to faint.
John: Offers him his hand.
Adam: Shakes his head. If he stands, he'll faint.
John: …If you want to lie down in your bed, I can carry you.
Adam: Nods.
John: Kneels down and gently scoops Adam up into his arms.
Adam: Puts his arms around John's neck to take a bit of the weight off, though isn't very heavy. …Sorry, Dad… I'm just feeling faint…
John: It's alright, Adam. There's nothing for you to apologize for.
Adam: …You have to carry me.
John: That doesn't bother me in the least.
Adam: …I feel like a damsel in distress. Laughs a little.
John: Everybody needs a little help sometimes. I know that quite well.

Feemy: Knocks on the door to Jessica's room.
Jessica: Who is it?
Feemy: It's me, Mom.
Jessica: Puts on her robe. Come in…
Feemy: Enters! Hey, Mom.
Jessica: Hello, Sweety… What do you need?
Feemy: Well… You know how Ren is going home soon…?
Jessica: Nods.
Feemy: …I want to go with him.
Jessica: …You want to visit him?
Feemy: Shakes his head. …I want to stay with him.
Jessica: ….Forever?
Feemy: I'd like to live with him, is what I mean.
Jessica: Are you sure…? You only just started dating…
Feemy: I'm sure… I mean… I know it seems sudden… but I don't want to be apart from him, Mom… and I couldn't ask him to live here… It's not my choice and his family is just now back together…
Jessica: Sighs. Doesn't look very happy.
Feemy: Seeing his mom look like that doesn't make him feel too happy about it either. …I'm sorry, Mom…
Jessica: Sighs and shakes her head. It's okay, sweety… I mean… I kind of forget that you're an adult now… I still think of you as my little boy. If he makes you happy, then you should be with him.
Feemy: Nods a little… Looks pretty sad, actually. It's a lot harder to let go than he thought it was going to be, though he's never realized that he has never really had to let go of much. His room filled with whatever was given to him through his childhood is a testament to that.
Jessica: Strokes his arm. It's okay, sweety… I'll miss you but… You are an adult. I don't want you to just stagnate here. You should go out and have new experiences.
Feemy: …I'm gonna miss you too, Mom. Voice is kind of shaky. Kind of wishes that he'd brought Ren with him, as these things were easier to say with him around.
Jessica: Hugs him close. Don't worry about meee. You can always come and visit.
Feemy: Hugs tight, kind of clingy. Still kind of a mama's boy, even after all of these years.
Jessica: Strokes his hair. Don't feeel saaad, sweety. I want you to be happy.
Feemy: I know… but… I'll really miss everyone…
Jessica: We'll all miss you, too. But you'll be with Renasi and Thanasi and her family, too and they're all very nice and you'll make new friends and, like I said, you can always come and visit us.
Feemy: Nods again. I'll visit really often…
Jessica: Smiles.

Adam: When did you need help?
John: After my lung transplant, for one…
Adam: …Mom helped you, right?
John: She did and so did Julius.
Adam: …King Julius?
John: Indeed.
Adam: Hugs close. You're so strong and smart. Whenever something bad happens, you seem to find the inner strength to get through it without moping or feeling sorry for yourself, so… I try to be like you.
John: …It took a long time and a lot of effort from others to get that inner strength, Adam. Hugs, though is very uplifted by the thought that Adam wants to be like him.
Adam: …You weren't always like that?
John: Indeed… I wasn't always like this.
Adam: Having trouble imagining it! …What were you like before?
John: It seems like a whole different lifetime… Sighs.
Adam: Blinks up at him curiously. Doesn't know much about his dad before he met him.
John: …I'm not proud of how I used to be. I was bitter and resentful. I hurt a lot of people. Not physically… but with how I acted. I didn't respect them and I made that known.
Adam: Frowns. Why were you like that?
John: I'd felt betrayed by the two people who I grew up loving and trusting unconditionally.
Adam: …Who?
John: My parents.
Adam: Frowns. Looks up at him. Why?
John: I felt that it was because of them, I lost my lung. The house wasn't… safe and I got seriously hurt in it… Trying not to go into details about gasses and detectors and the such.
Adam: Frowns up at him. Are you still mad at them?
John: I forgave them a long time ago.
Adam: That's good… Takes his father's hands. What made you change?
John: …People didn't let me shut them out. They just kept trying and trying to reach me… and finally, they did.
Adam: Smiles up at him. Mom? A love story.
John: Nods. Yes, your mom.
Adam: Smiles. A love story and a happily ever after ending!
John: …She very much helped me become the man I am today.
Adam: Did you help her, too?
John: I would like to think I did…
Adam: Smiles. My mom came into my dad's life and made it all better and made him happy and they fell in love and got married. How did you first meet Mom? Wants to hear the love story. Looks up at him, smiling.
John: I met her when I visited Atlantis for the first time… I asked her for a light for my cigarette and she supplied one.
Adam: Blinks. …You smoked?
John: I used to.
Adam: Why?
John: …I started when I was young. Thought it would relieve stress. All it did was make my breathing problems worse.
Adam: Nods.
John: …I guess I was also just feeling self-destructive.
Adam: …Was it love at first sight?
John: …Your mother was… married, Adam.
Adam: Looks confused for a second. Forgot that little detail. …Oh.
John: Smiles a little. …It wouldn't be for awhile until we'd love each other…
Adam: You knew, um…
John: …Your father?
Adam: You're my father.
John: …Your dad, then?
Adam: You're my dad.
John: …Sorry for interrupting you then. What were you going to say after, 'knew'?
Adam: …Daniel McMurran…
John: Yes, I knew him.
Adam: …Did you like him?
John: He was a great man.
Adam: Blinks. He was a king of Atlantis. Thinks this is what J.N. means by, 'great man'.
John: I always just thought of him as Dan.
Adam: …but…
John: …I also wasn't very pleasant to him at first.
Adam: Looks up at his dad.
John: …I wasn't a very good person…
Adam: Squeezes his father's hand. …It just scares me a bit.
John: Squeezes in return. …Why does it scare you?
Adam: I feel like… I can't be sure of myself because… There's some part of me that's… a complete stranger. So, I wish I was your child… I mean, I wish you and Mom together had created me… Then I guess I could be more sure of who I was… Because I know you and Mom. I don't know much about him… Except what I've read or you or Mom told me… but you both haven't said much because I haven't asked because… I don't like thinking about it. Bites his lip.
John: Squeezes his hands a little bit more. …You could ask Jessica if you truly wanted to, Adam… She knows him far better than I ever did.
Adam: Looks up nervously. …Actually… I wanted your opinion because… you always tell the truth. Not that I think Mom would lie… but she was… probably, in love with him… which can kind of… color the truth a bit, I guess.
John: …I meant it when I said that he was a good person. He was even willing to put up with someone like me for as long as he did… He even gave me one of his lungs.
Adam: …Why did he give you a lung?
John: He thought I had a future.
Adam: Chews on the side of his mouth, thinking.
John: …And I did… and I still do.
Adam: But he couldn't've predicted this would happen…
John: …I don't suppose he could have.
Adam: Was there something in it for him?
John: …No. I was also a jerk to him for most of the time.
Adam: Why? Was he a jerk to you?
John: He wasn't.
Adam: Then why did he give you his lung?
John: Because he wanted to help me.
Adam: Why?
John: It was just the way he was.
Adam: If you thought he was a good or great man, why were you a jerk to him?
John: Because I only realized it too late.
Adam: …Why did it take you so long to realize it? Blinks.
John: I was still a bitter person… I didn't trust him.
Adam: Nods. …Do you think I'm like him?
John: You are definitely the spitting image of Daniel.
Adam: Blinks and thinks.
John: …As far as how you are… I would say I can see Daniel in you.
Adam: …How?
John: Smart, responsible, kind…
Adam: Blushes a little. …Do you mind me asking you these questions?
John: I don't mind at all.
Adam: …What were bad things about him?
John: …Well… He didn't like Middler all that much?
Adam: Why not?
John: To be honest, I don't really know. Middler used to be much more… strange.
Adam: Nods. Did he drink or smoke or anything?
John: I'd never seen him do so.
Adam: Thinks. Can someone really be altruistic like that?
John: I'm sure he had his flaws… but they weren't very apparent.
Adam: How did you meet him?
John: …He invited me to a party. At the bus stop.
Adam: Raises an eyebrow.
John: I didn't even know him. I blew it off at first. Then I figured I could see what he was playing at.
Adam: …A party at a bus stop?
John: No, we were both at the bus stop and then he invited me to a party at his house.
Adam: …He didn't even know you and he invited you to a party?
John: Correct… and I showed up. No one else was there though. I figured I'd humor him. I kept insulting him and it just bounced off.
Adam: Blinks. Bounced off? Was he really stupid or something?
John: It didn't bother him in the least.
Adam: …Why not?
John: He was just like that.
Adam: …Was he stupid?
John: No… I just don't think he minded. Maybe he thought I was just joking. I can't be too sure.
Adam: Why did you insult him?
John: No reason.
Adam: …You kept visiting him after that?
John: No. He asked for my address and I gave it to him. Figured I'd just lock the door and see how long he'd knock when and if he arrived.
Adam: …But you let him in?
John: After awhile… Then just insulted him more.
Adam: …And he kept visiting?
John: …Yep. He even eventually brought Julius with him.
Adam: Nods. And you went to Atlantis?
John: After awhile. I didn't think they were serious about the place.
Adam: What did you think of it?
John: I thought I'd been drugged.
Adam: Now kinda interested in both of his fathers. …And you met my mom for the first time…
John: Nods.
Adam: And she visited you, too?
John: …Not me, specifically. It was around that time Julius brought Feemerson from… wherever he got him and it was decided he needed a motherly presence… so I guess Jessica was invited over.
Adam: …Feemy lived with you?
John: Supervised by Daniel… He avoided work pretty often, I guess.
Adam: Blinks. …What did you think of Mom?
John: I thought she was nice, intelligent, and good looking.
Adam: Smiles. …Was she pregnant with me?
John: Nods.
Adam: Smiles. Then I sorta did know you all my life?
John: …In a way. Before, when you used to live in the U.S., I watched over both you and Elijah. Eric and Bridget raised you… but I would check up on the two of you and tell your mother how you were doing. Even Gwendolyn visited my house.. Unfortunately.
Adam: …Queen Gwendolyn?
John: Indeed.
Adam: When did you begin to like… Him?
John: …Took the better part of a year. Despite him annoying me, it was pretty easy to have an intelligent conversation with him. We spoke a lot and I listened to what he had to say at times.
Adam: Nods. What did you talk about?
John: A lot of different things.
Adam: Nods.
John: …Some of it sank in, too.
Adam: …Sank in?
John: Some of the things he spoke about involved me and my life. How I handled things… Thinking back on it, he could sometimes be as crass as I was.
Adam: …Crass? How so?
John: He told Middler to his face that he flat out didn't like him. Not in those exact words, though.
Adam: Blinks. He was honest or just mean?
John: Honest, I suppose. It upset Middler enough though. I can't figure out why though. Gwen nearly murdered him and he seemed alright with it.
Adam: …So Middler didn't like him? Strange sentence to say… Middler seems to like everybody… If someone who likes everybody doesn't like you, then… that's not good.
John: They seemed to get along fine afterwards.
Adam: Stares. Why?
John: They spoke. I wasn't privy to it
Adam: …Did he apologize?
John: I suppose he did. I still don't understand why he got so upset. Gwen set him completely ablaze. I thought he was dead. Not a word to her though. Obviously doesn't like Gwendolyn that much.
Adam: Stares. You could ask Middler…
John: It's none of my business… Though it never occurred to me to ask him.
Adam: Nods.
John: Beyond that, there's not much time I spent with Daniel.
Adam: …So he was honest, like you? Blinks.
John: I feel he was. Though I could be wrong!
Adam: Nods. …So you think I shouldn't worry that I might be like him?
John: I don't think it would be a bad thing at all.
Adam: …When was the first time you met me?
John: It was a little after you were born.
Adam: …What did you think of me?
John: …You were small, squishy, and stared a lot. Smiles a little.
Adam: Smiles.
John: …And you tried to pull my chin hair off.
Adam: Looks really confused.
John: You used to grab my chin a lot… Chuckles… now is fondly remembering!
Adam: …Did you love me?
John: I grew attached to you pretty fast.
Adam: Smiles and hugs him. So you've always been my dad
John: Smiles. It's so great to hear that.
Adam: And you always will be. Thank you for telling me about… Him.
John: It's no problem, Adam… I'd be proud if you grew up to be like Daniel, too.
Adam: I… I want to be like you when I grow up. Fair and honest and intelligent and empathetic. I'm glad you're my father… I wouldn't have it any other way.
John: Smiles. It means a lot to hear you say that, Adam…
Adam: Hugs him tight.
John: Hugs back tight, though does make sure not to crush him.
Adam: Gives his father a kiss on the cheek. I should let you go to bed.
John: I suppose I should get to bed… and let you get some rest as well.
Adam: Thank you again for telling me… Lies down.
John: No need to thank me, Adam… Have a good night's rest.
Adam: Good night. I love you, Dad.
John: Love you, Son. And departs so he can rest!

Jessica: Asleep on top of the covers in her new black lacy lingerie.
John: Barges in without knocking. Aw, she's cute. Undresses down to his pants and lays beside her. Early night's sleep!
Jessica: Mumbles in her sleep… John…
John: Puts an arm around her carefully and closes his eyes to go to sleep.

Daniel: Well hey there.
John: Oh goody.
Daniel: You can not dream about me if you want.
John: I know. How are you?
Daniel: Heh… Um… I'm okay… I guess… How about you?
John: Doing well. Is poor Dan in a droop?
Daniel: Yeah, 'cause my kid is like, "My dad could be evil or somethin' and I don't wanna be like him."
John: I told him otherwise.
Daniel: Thanks, John.
John: No problem.
Daniel: You're so empathetic.
John: Totally. Don't look now, but Middler's eating a maid on your screen.
Daniel: He is not.
John: Oh darn. You've seen through my clever ruse
Daniel: 'Cause I'm so crass.
John: You can be.
Daniel: When I want to be.
John: I know.
Daniel: …Do you think Adam's good looking?
John: I don't think so. He's got this really bad condition… I don't know what's wrong with him. He just… I'm sorry to say this… Looks exactly like you.
Daniel: Not exactly.
John: Close enough.
Daniel: So you think he's ugly?
John: No, I think he's very handsome.
Daniel: Smiles.
John: At least he will be until he gets to be around 40.
Daniel: Why 40?
John: I thought that was about how old you were.
Daniel: I'm telling Adam.
John: Heh, I'm making fun of you, not him. I think he's going to look just fine.
Daniel: Good. I wonder if you have part of my soul, too.
John: Me?
Daniel: Yeah.
John: Why would you think that?
Daniel: 'Cause I gave you my lung.
John: You think so?
Daniel: Maybe… Adam has always had an attraction to you and liked to be held by you.
John: And it can't be because I'm a good father?
Daniel: I mean when he was a tiny infant.
John: He liked my chin hair, I thought.
Daniel: Shrugs. And you are a good father to him.
John: I hope so.
Daniel: I know so.
John: Thanks.
Daniel: Don't think even I could do a better job than you have with Adam.
John: Thanks.
Daniel: You seem to kinda… understand each other…
John: In a way, we do. Though I don't presume anything.
Daniel: You're both kinda quiet types who don't really need to say anything to well… connect. I think that would just sort of frustrate me and I'd probably get on his nerves talking a lot. I did have that sort of connection with Elijah though, I guess…
John: I could see that.
Daniel: Because Elijah talks a lot too. Laughs.
John: He's more like you these days. 'Least, it seems like it. With how well he went over with The Twins. That's saying something, since Danielle is hard to appease.
Daniel: Laughs. You're saying I'm good with children?
John: I am.
Daniel: And I don't think you should refer to your daughters as "The Twins" all the time… They're individuals, you know?
John: I do know.
Daniel: My unwanted parenting advice.
John: You're also a master of the obvious.
Daniel: And I didn't even go to medical school.
John: Great. I still want to try to get them to grow apart sooner.
Daniel: They probably will when they're teenagers, but I've never had twins… Ask my dad, he had twins.
John: Still.
Erik: I only lived until they were nine, so I wouldn't know. Rebecca would beat up Eric all the time
John: I chose a wimpy name for my sword master then.
Erik: They started living in separate rooms since Daniel was born… but they would've had to anyway, since they were a boy and girl.
John: They're hard to separate and I just don't want them to have dependency issues.
Erik: Nods. Well, don't force it on them all at once, just start small. Begin treating them like individuals. Ask each of them separately about things… How their day was, what they did today, what they would like to eat… Encourage them both to explore different things that interest them. Take one out on a trip one day and another the next.
John: The last part is going to have to wait. They get antsy not being around one another for extended periods of time.
Erik: Nods. Gradually… Give them different chores to do. Like I said, start small… Just little bits of their day away from each other. Getting to know them individually will also help a lot… If you know Rose is scared of the dark or something and she likes to be with Danielle because it makes her feel braver, then you can try to remedy her fear of the dark.
John: Do you really want me to explain the nuances of the twins to you? Or should I just apply it when I'm conscious?
Erik: When you're conscious, I suppose… I forget that you won't remember anything we tell you. Oh well…
John: I get inklings every now and again.
Daniel: Could always have Adam tell you.
John: No. I know I'm no master, but I was thinking about at least introducing Rose and Danielle to magic.
Daniel: That'd be a good idea.
John: Maybe schedule them for different times. Fortunately, I thought about this sometime in the evening, not just now.
Daniel: Maybe you could teach them swords too. Laughs.
John: If I could, I'd get Elijah to do that. Definitely not Katen though.
Daniel: Katen taught Elijah.
John: Yeah, but he also wouldn't hit my girls with a pole either.
Daniel: Yeah. Elijah looked like we had beaten him.
John: Then I would want to strangle Katen. And that wouldn't be good for my health either.
Daniel: I guess I'm a bad father 'cause I didn't strangle Katen.
John: Just different. My children don't have to learn to fight with swords. I wanted to punch Hana just for talking about Adam as if he only mattered because he was a Riser. I know I would do something stupid if someone hit any of my children.
Daniel: Aww, you're an overprotective dad.
John: …Maybe a little.
Daniel: Even if someone punched Elijah?
John: Yes, though I also think Elijah could handle himself much better than I could.
Daniel: I could understand Celena 'cause she's a lady and Adam, who's a little sick boy and your daughters 'cause they're ladies and small children… but Elijah and Feemy are men. Laughs. But yeah, I'd get pissed, too.
John: …Feemy isn't a very tough guy. But I guess he could take care of himself.
Daniel: He could just ram 'em with his horns. I bought me a cat, my cat pleased me. I fed my cat under yonder tree. My cat said fiddle-i-fee.
John: Cats say anything.
Daniel: I miss Eric. He was the best older brother ever.
John: Why don't you haunt his dreams then?
Daniel: I don't know. I guess I should've left Adam and Elijah with you though, in retrospect.
John: Why do you say that?
Daniel: Since you would go on to eventually being their father.
John: Oh. I suppose…
Daniel: Of course, at the time, I didn't think you would've appreciated me leaving a teenager and a infant baby to you.
John: I wouldn't have been able to take care of them.
Daniel: Kind of a big responsibility to dump on someone who's not ready for it.
John: Indeed. Eric did a good job.
Daniel: Yep. Nerves of the steel that one.
John: Yep. Maybe I should visit him sometime.
Daniel: I'd appreciate it if you did and Elijah and Adam would probably like to see him again and vice-versa.
John: If I can remember, I will.
Daniel: Maybe Elijah will ask to.
John: I wouldn't doubt it. At least everyone in the family is getting together now.
Daniel: Yeah… Eric's like 50-something, so he probably looks old now. Poor Eric.
John: Heh.
Daniel: I used to dream about being with Jessica in Heaven before you two fell in love.
John: How do you know what Heaven will be like?
Daniel: I dunno, ask Gabe-Gabe what's it's like.
John: …Hm. To be truly blissful in Heaven, I'd probably need my entire family there.
Daniel: Would you need me there?
John: It would be nice, but I think you know the complications therein.
Daniel: Yeah. We could always share.
John: Would you want to? Or would Heaven put us in some sort of transcending bliss that we wouldn't care anyway? It's kind of confusing.
Daniel: Awesome threesomes.
John: We wouldn't be Angels, would we? Or would we just be… dead people?
Daniel: No, you'd pretty much be what I am now. But I think you get to change your clothes in Heaven.
John: Perhaps. That would be good. Your dress is out of style already.
Daniel: I know, man… But if I somehow got to Heaven, I'd probably leave you and Jess alone to your happiness.
John: That doesn't make sense then. How can you be in Heaven and unhappy at the same time? Seems kind of like a raw deal.
Daniel: Not really sure since I've never been there.
John: Oh well.
Daniel: Ask Gabe-Gabe but he'll just say, "I don't gooo where the souls are." Fairly alright impersonation of Julius' voice.
John: Hyena.
Daniel: I'm not a hyena.
John: You imitate voices pretty good.
Daniel: Well. But thank you. Sorry, thought I'd try out being a grammar Nazi.
John: I know. It doesn't fit.
Daniel: Julius' voice affected me.
John: Really?
Daniel: Laughs. No. I do miss the guy.
John: It's a shame he's gone.
Daniel: Nods. Best friend I ever had.
John: Too bad what happened.
Daniel: Yeah… At least Gabe-Gabe is taking care of Nathaniel.
John: That is a good thing.
Daniel: And you're taking care of my little lovelies, so I can't complain.
John: I try.
Daniel: Though Celena just cried buckets yesterday.
John: I know. There's nothing that could be done about that though.
Daniel: Yeah… Hard to believe she's marrying Middler.
John: I kind of figured it was going to happen after the second year, really. I just didn't think it'd be so soon. She surprised me, really. I thought once she reached 16, she was going to find some boy her age or something.
Daniel: Well, like I said, she takes after me.
John: Heh.
Daniel: But I guess she really loves him.
John: Still weird seeing her date someone she's had a crush on since she was eight or so. Guess I really don't have any room to talk about age, though.
Daniel: Love is blind.
John: In Celena and Middler's case, yeah.
Daniel: My daughter is a beautiful rose.
John: I agree. I love my daughter and think she's beautiful.
Daniel: Sighs. I'm sorry.
John: Nothing to apologize for. Does Middler still squick you?
Daniel: I guess he's okay. He seems to have "grown up" some.
John: Time does that, I suppose. He barely looks any different. That still bothers me about the Elves, though. Stasis is creepy.
Daniel: Jessica doesn't look much different and you've known her for like… 12 years.
John: It's a little weird. I've seen Ernest, Eugene, Curt, Mom, and Dad age. I bet I've barely changed too
Daniel: Well you already looked kinda old, so it's no biggie with you. Grins. You actually de-aged, I'd say.
John: …I'm inclined to agree with you. Looking back at the picture from my wedding, I look better now than I did then. Frowns.
Daniel: Laughs. Your hair looks good. Can't compete with mine though. Grins.
John: Can't win them all.
Daniel: Waves his hair about all sexy-like.
John: …I need to shave this off. Rubs his chin.
Daniel: I like your chin hair, but not that long.
John: It'll grow back anyhow. Shrugs.
Daniel: I thought you looked cool with the beard in the hospital.
John: When they stole your lung?
Daniel: No one stooole iiit.