Dinner In The Fox Den

The luscious flowering landscape that surrounded the main house of the compound filled the air with it's springtime fragrance as the flowers were signaling to the rest of the foliage to end their winter slumber. A recent addition from times past, the garden was alive with large winter blooms, masking the flower boxes that were generally filled with more spring flowers. The bonsai trees lined the perfect lawn in their wooden boxes, holding memories of their owners care in their well shaped branches. Near the center of the complex there was a large pond with flowering lily pads and a wooden bridge that crossed the middle so you could look down at the koi fish swimming freely about. The Branch Master smiles softly as she watches the orange and white dragon of the water swim blissfully inside the pond, a past time she has enjoyed since she was a child and something that brought her peace of mind.

It has been some time since Samarra had been home for a family dinner with all her siblings, what with their busy lifestyle and numerous endeavors. But the idea of sitting down for a meal with the ones she loved warmed her heart more than the setting sun ever could. The gentle sound of footsteps along the pebbled path around her caused her to turn her head away from the water and smile as she laid eyes on a familiar face. "Well don't you look dapper?"

The man in question unbuttons his blazer and takes it off, only to place it gently around Samarra's shoulders. "I just finished work, I'll change into something more comfortable before dinner." Masato said as he rubbed the sides of his sister's arms beneath his jacket. "You know you shouldn't be out here without a jacket, spring has only just begun, you could catch a cold."

Samarra grabbed hold of the new garment and pulled it more over her body as she giggled. "But that's why I have my older brother to look out for me. So I don't get the sniffles." She laughed and checked her phone to see what the time was. The blinking digits told her there was less than an hour till her love would be here and dinner would be ready; her eager stare hoping to speed up the clock proving futile as she returned her phone to her pocket. "I'm glad you could be here Masato, it's been awhile since we've hung out, especially long since you've seen Theo. What is it? You don't like hanging out with your little sister? Or is Kalina the favorite sibling here?" Samarra teases as she puts on a playful pout and begins walking towards the main household before turning back and smiling, gesturing for her brother to follow.

"Ah Sammy, you know I don't choose favorites." Masato says with a soft smile as he walks to his sister's side. "Work has just been busy. Father has been wanting to expand our delivery reach to more rural areas, so I've been having meetings with clients almost every day trying to organize that and modify our system to handle the longer journeys." Masato lets out a big sigh as he ruffles the back of his hair, a habit he picked up from their dad. "I'm sorry, I will make sure to set aside a weekend to come spend time with you and Theodore once this all settles. Fair?"

Samarra looks up at her brother's sincere expression and nods her head in turn. "Fair. It'd be good for you anyways, you need to take breaks from work or else all that stress will turn your hair gray!" Samarra said her brother reached forward to slide open the wooden door to the side of their Edo style household. "I can't have that happen to my favorite brother, how will you ever find a bride that way?" Her brother's scoff behind her made her smirk at how easy it was to push his buttons; teasing that she had to catch up on for how long it has been since she has seen him in person. "I am your only brother, and please don't speak of my love life. You know that isn't something on the horizon's for me right now, and I don't need your teasing Sammy."

Samarra walks to their kitchen to see some of the appetizers sitting among their granite countertops. Filled with many aromas, Samarra couldn't help but smile as the fragrances spoke directly to the best of their family memories together. Waving her hand as if swatting away Masato's indifferent tone to romance, Samarra grabbed the tooth picked olive from a tray before saying, "Lighten up bro, I'm only teasing. I know you have different priorities, but some of us keep ourselves open to love. I mean look at Kali! Her and Yukiko just had a beautiful daughter that I can't wait to see again!" Masato smiled and nodded, following his sister's footsteps and plucking an olive off the tray. "I am eager to see our niece again too. Speaking of loves, when are they getting here? And your boyfriend, where might he be?"

A knock on the door answer his question, on the other side of said door was a tall, red-haired man. His mane was shaggy though he'd tried time and time again to comb and brush it into a more well-kempt looking state it always seemed to fall back to its natural shape atop his head. He could only hope they would accept it as they had accepted him. He pulled at the front of his jacket to better cover himself, though he knew he wouldn't need it once he entered the house the early spring night still brought with it it's fair share nipping chill. Under his temporary jacket was a light blue button up, having spent some time and even having considered calling Samarra to make sure wearing her family color's wouldn't come off as forced or like he was trying to suck up to them.

Normally, such thoughts would be the furthest thing from his mind but tonight was different, not only because almost her entire family would be present but also because of the talk he wanted to have with Aldrich before the night's end. Looking back on it now he definitely thought the lightning gold tie he'd picked out was a bit overboard and they were sure to notice it even if the cyan shirt managed to slip past them. When the sound of footsteps approached the door, he readied himself to greet whoever answered it.

The wooden door opened to reveal the eldest son of the Inari siblings with a curious look on his face that softened into a soften expression as he opened the door wide and gestured for Theodore to come in. "Theodore, welcome. So glad to see you again. Have you been well?" Masato says politely as he shakes the hand of the fellow mage. The bright colors of the red head was a stark contrast to Masato's monochrome attire and made him smirk as his sister came bounding up to the door.

"I must have a special kind of summon magic I didn't know about!" Samarra laughs out as she hugs her boyfriend, taking in the warm scent of his cologne. "We were just talking about you, and now here you are! You look handsome as always." Samarra said as she leaned up to give him a peck on the lips and a warm smile.

"Oh my, I wonder what you might have been saying?" He chuckled before returning her peck with two of his own, one against each cheek before turning his head to face Masato, "Better than ever as I'm sure you can see," his head playfully motioned toward Samarra.

"But what about you? How have you been? It's been some time since we last met up but you look like you've been holding up nicely. Grow a little taller? Put on some muscle?" Theodore teased with a smile on his face.

Masato gave a crooked smile at Theodore's questions, finding how his sense of humor matches so well with that of his sisters. "Yes I apologize that it has been some time," He starts with a slight bow of his head. "As I was telling my sister, the company is in the works towards expanding to reach more rural areas with our products, so it has been quite the whirlwind traveling to different places. I see why the life of a branch mage can be appealing though, so many new things and experiences you get to have while traveling around. What about you Theodore, how have you been?" Masato asks politely as the group moves themselves towards the family room to sit on the couches as they wait for the rest of the attendees to show.

"I've been well, with Alice handling the majority of the Vroman's affairs I'm mainly tasked with attending meetings and sealing deals as you likely very well know that my sister is not fond of the more social aspects of our family business. That said, she's always been better at getting a good deal than I've ever been." He explained before wrapping an arm around Samarra, "Spending time with this precious little fox has been my favorite way to spend my days however but I'm sure you know just how entertaining your little sister can be."

Though the rafted roofs, large windows, and wooden floors would lend itself to the Edo Style home that the exterior was modelled after, the Inari's family room had touches of modernism well mixed in with the more traditional décor. The couches were a warm gray color that were getting darker as the sun set outside the large window. Bookshelves laid in the corners of the room with numerous books and photos capturing family events and memories that looked on as the group sat down to continue their conversation. "Masato said that he would come and visit us for a weekend though, which I will be holding him to..." Samarra said as she gave a teasing stern look to her brother on the couch across from her. She put her feet up on the couch and tucked them into herself as she used Theodore as her pillow, leaning into his side as she wrapped an arm around his waist. "And babe, of course I was saying all nice things about you! I was trying to sell my brother on the idea of love, and what better example of love than you!"

Theodore placed a hand on Samarra's upperback as she lay against him, his eyes falling upon her with a warm and soft-lipped smile. "I've little doubt you had nothing but nice things to say but what I'm truly surprised about is you teasing your poor brother about his love life." He shook his head in feigned disappointment, "He's a busy man working hard for his family. I remember a rather handsome, intelligent, red haired fellow that used to be like that. Love was somewhere in the books but far from the front page... until he ran into a beautiful, bright, strong, young mage in a bookstore someday." He told the story of the day he and Samarra had gone on their first 'date' together. Being painfully obvious about the two he was talking about and only avoiding their names for the sake of the tease.

Samarra smiles warmly as Theodore recounts their first encounter, something she remembers fondly as a meet-cute that brought her many moments of joy in the dates that followed. "You are still just as hard working Theo, trying to provide as much as you can for those you care for... luckily I am part of that equation now." Samarra laughs as she pats the well defined muscles of his chest.

"My point being, sometimes the greatest things that'll ever happen in your life just... happen. Whether you're looking for them or not." He gave a wink toward Samarra before turning back to her brother. "Now this weekend thing, that piques my interest. If you really made that promise I'll hold you to it as well. Come over, hang out, we could go out for a night on the town. Few things would make me happier than to see you cutting loose." A sharp exhale of amusement at the thought escaped Theodore's nose.

"You know seeing you two together sometimes makes me want to give dating a shot," Masato said with a shake of his head at their cute antics. "But I feel like my family's luck in the love department has been used up by my lovely sisters in finding such wonderful people to share their hearts with." A gesture of his hand emphasizing the cuddling couple before him. "And as far as the weekend goes, I am a man of my word, don't worry. But cutting loose..? I feel you and I differ on what that entails, and I am not sure I am too prepared to handle it..." Masato says as he wrings his hands together leaning back against the couch. Looking at Theodore with a perplexed expression, he asks, "Aren't we a bit too... prominent? To be galivanting around the town? I don't think it would be too good of us to look ill in front of the public."

"Oh hush Masato, Theodore is only wanting to spend time with you. You aren't going to be getting drunk out on the town, right babe?" Samarra says as she looks up with a raise of her eyebrow towards Theodore. "But you know I wouldn't mind you two having a guys night one of the days. I really think you guys could become good friends if you made the time for each other." Her smile beaming as she looks between the two important men in the room.

"Drunk? Of course, if you mean drunk on the atmosphere that is," He joked with his beloved.

He shook his head to Masato, "Never fear. I have more than enough reasons to never tarnish the names of either of our families. When I say cut loose I meant to get away from all the tedium our jobs and status entail to enjoy some of the simpler things life has to offer. Like eating at a small corner restaurant downtown, a picnic in the park not far from here with the family, visiting those lush gardens in central Unianim, boating in the lake, or if you're feeling a bit adventurous you could always try out one of those karaoke places in the entertainment district. The ones with the private rooms, it's definitely a lot more fun with good friends." Theodore elaborated on what he'd meant in regards to cutting loose.

"Of course Samarra and I always enjoy the arcades, nothing like a little fun and games with someone like her to remind me I have a better chance of making it on the Toranku fifteen than I do beating her at skee-ball." He covered his mouth to stifle a laugh before the front door opening caught all of their attention.

The sounds of two people talking as they entered the house, closing the sliding door behind them followed closely by the sound of a coat being hung up on the rack. followed by a small voice saying "Mama".

**...**
"I hope they haven't started without us," Yukiko said, holding the small baby Olivia in her arms as the little one reached out to play with her mother's snow white hair.

"Mama." Olivia spoke out, having only spoken her first words a few weeks ago and having been fixated on that word since.

Yukiko turned her head toward the one year old, making playful faces at the girl while Kalina finished hanging up her coat.

Tilting her head to the sound of the soft chatter, Kalina puts her hand on the small of her wife's back. "I don't think so, sounds like most people are in the family room. Now let's go say hi to your aunty and uncle!" Kalina says in a baby voice as she takes her baby's hand and wiggles it back and forth.

The two enter the room where all eyes turn towards them. "Ahh, look how cute you've gotten!" Samarra is the first to say as she stands up and goes over to ogle her niece as she places a kiss on her head before offering to take her from Yukiko's arms. "Aw I thought you were talking to me, you know, you're little sister??" Kalina says as she receives a tongue from Samarra that she laughs off. Masato raises from the couch as Kalina moves over to him to give him a quick hug, before moving to Theodore to do the same. "I would be careful Theodore, looks like my sis is having baby fever already!"

Theodore returned Kalina's quick hug, greeting her with a smile before her teasing words made him chuckle. "Do you really think so? Once Sammy puts her mind to something she usually gets what she wants. Thanks for the warning, Kali, I'll make sure to be careful."

"Ah, and never fear, if you got any cuter we wouldn't know what to do with you." Theodore playfully pinched the cheek of the younger Inari sister before greeting Yukiko who returned his wave with a nod of her own as she handed off Olivia to Samarra.

"I apologize for the tardiness, Olivia wasn't a fan of the pretty dress we wanted to put her in." Yukiko pulled at the end of the sparkly blue dress the one year old Olivia wore. The young child too transfixed on her aunt to notice, making noises that sounded like an attempt at words.

Theodore approached Samarra from behind, Wrapping his arms around her as they held the young Olivia in their arms together, her eyes quickly switching between the two people holding her with joy and amusement in her eyes. "We only arrived a few minutes ago ourselves. Besides, look at her... seeing little Olivia all dressed up like this was worth a far longer wait than what we paid. Wouldn't you agree, Love?'

"I couldn't agree more." Samarra said in a voice laced with the unyielding affection she had for her niece and the arm body pressed up against her. It made her wonder if this is what it would be like when her and Theo decided to finally settle down and maybe have one of their own... A soft knock on a nearby wall brought their attention to the threshold of the room as a tall man stood with a crooked smile.

"Well it just warms these tired bones of mine to see all my kids in one room again." A burly laugh coming out of the dark haired man, who's roots were starting to gray from his growing age. Aldrich walks between Yukiko and Theodore and puts his arms around their shoulders. "And of course I mean you two as well. But aren't you just the cutest little thing in your sparkly dress! Come to grandpa, Olivia!" The man says as he steals his granddaughter away, Olivia being a bit dazed from being passed between so many people. "Ah what a beautiful girl, you'll make a fine Inari yet! Be swatting away all kinds of proposals with your beauty!" The elder laughs out as he dances around and bounces the baby in his arms.

"Hello father, I presume the conference went well? Are they on board with designing the new trucks?" Masato says, giving a bow to his father as his eyes filled with questions about what had held his father back in their home office so late. Aldrich looked at his son with a stern expression, "Now what did I say Masato, no work talk at home. You need to learn to relax or you'll be more gray than I am by the end of the year!" He smiled. "But yes, they are on board, to answer your question. So I apologize to everyone for being away on a call. But enough about that, let's head to the dining room for some food!" The man said as he bounced along with Olivia smiling in his arms.

The dining room was elegant in a minimalist sort of way, yet still echoed the natural world outside the manor. The table dominated the space, an elongated ellipse of oak with the raw bark at the edges. The tree had been a victim of a violent storm a few years back, upended root ball and all coming out of the Inari Compound. The chairs had come from the same tree, each one beautiful in its simplicity, all clean straight lines and high backs. The floor beneath it all was a granite tile slab, and with the cream walls and tall mullioned windows it was a fitting place for casual conversation and first meetings. On the table laid out a wide spread, running the length of the ever growing table to allow for numerous options for picky eaters. The aroma beckoned all of them to sit and enjoy while the food was still hot.

The smell of lamb and duck permeated throughout the room, the table set for a large gathering. Theodore noted that there didn't seem to be a single main dish so much as several different choices of meat based dishes ranging from chops to legs, ribs, and even kababs. All alongside an array of side dishes and a cherry cheesecake dessert that he couldn't help but notice on the far other end of the table. Theodore took in the scent, the delicious smelling food, the company, and the atmosphere was nearly intoxicating in its own way. As though he could sit down and be lost in this room with these people for far longer than a single dinner. His eyes fell over to the woman at his side as even among the room filled with powerful and important people she radiated a different and far more illuminating light in his eyes though as they flickered to her father he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous in his presence despite the words Aldrich had spoken earlier.

When they took their seats, Theodore made sure to playfully brush his shoulder against that of Samarra's, winking at her when their eyes met. He'd done so partially to be cute but deeper down he knew it was to calm himself, feeling a bit silly for it if he were to be honest with himself. Not since his first meeting with her father had he felt like this, and given his earlier words Theo knew that Aldrich nearly if not completely accepted him as family by this point. Still, it didn't stop his heart from pounding even as he sat with a smile on his face.

"No matter how often I visit I'm always left in awe at the beauty of your home. It has always felt so much more welcoming than the halls of the Vroman estate. Like a home," He explained to Samarra as they sat, indeed feeling more warmth in this place than he ever had in long, maze-like halls of his own childhood home.

"Well I'm glad it feels like a home to you too. And the Vroman house is welcoming..." Samarra paused as she reflected on the few times she had been over there to visit Theodore or his sister. It had always felt like she was stepping into a university, with history and knowledge imbedded in it's walls. "But perhaps more welcoming to students than to those looking to relax." She laughed out as she brought her hand up to his cheek and stroked it gently with her thumb. "But I will say that the Vroman estate does produce pretty amazing men." She said as she returned his wink from earlier.

The head of the family who sat at the end of the table cleared his throat to gain the attention of everyone as he raised up his glass of water. "As our lives continue to speed up and we get lost in the business of day to day life, I am thankful that we are all able to find time to enjoy a meal in good company. I am grateful that I have been able to add so many more seats to the table as the years go," Aldrich continued as he gestured with a smile to little Olivia who seemed to be waving her hands up and down in the highchair seated between her moms. "And so I would like to just say our little toast: May those that love us, love us long. May those we love, live as love as our love." The other members at the table joined in the last line, with smiles that hold the memories of each meal those words have christened. "And may our love live through time and weather alike!" They all raise their glasses with a gentle clink to each other.

Masato sat on the opposite end of the table as his father and gave a gentle shake of his head as he took a sip of water. "Must you say that every time we sit down to eat as family? This isn't a holiday or anything." His voice was laced with a teasing tone, though some would mistake his steady facial expression for that of a serious jest. Aldrich just laughed if off, "Well of course my boy! It is always a cause for celebration when I can get my kids back under one roof! You have to celebrate the little moments, for you never know how often they may come around! Now, all, please dig in!" The elder says as he grabs the plate of lamb and portions some for himself before passing the place around.

As the food was passed around and everyone was able to receive their portions, Yukiko took the time to reach down into their bag to pull out the food she'd prepared for Olivia, the things at the table still a little bit too much for such a young baby to be eating. Instead opting to pull out a jar of some sweet potato mush and a tiny spoon with cartoon fox faces on it.

"Everything looks delicious as always, Aldrich. It's always a pleasure to join the Inari family for dinner in any capacity. The fact that so many of us are here this time only heightens the joy in the atmosphere. Perhaps sometime in the future you could join the Vroman's for Christmas? I've little doubt they'd be thrilled to have you all in attendance."

"Oooh that would be fun! It would be nice to have a super big Christmas like that!" Kalina perks up, wiping off some of the food that dribbled out of Olivia's mouth as Yukiko was feeding her. Aldrich nodded his head in agreement. "A fine idea indeed. We hardly see the Vroman's outside of a professional setting, so having a relaxed gathering would be lovely. Your family wouldn't be bothered by it? I mean aside from Masato, I know we are a bit of a talkative bunch," His burly laugh escaping his lips as he reflects on his meetings with members of the Vroman estate. "And I feel that might get on the nerves of your elders if their stone faces were anything to judge by when I met them before. I mean all in kind, of course, they are lovely people to work with." Aldrich says as he clears his throat, hoping for no misinterpretation.

"I think they would surprise you dad." Samarra says with a soft smile. "They are all wonderful people, and I would love for the chance to spend the holidays with both families together!" She looks towards Theodore and leans to give him a kiss on the cheek. Standing up gently, setting her napkin on the table, Samarra gives a slight bow of her head. "Please excuse me for second, I have to use the ladies room."

Theodore watched as Samarra left the room, continuing the conversation as not to let it fall by the wayside or allow Aldrich's question to go unanswered by himself. "I have little doubt they'd love to have you there. I cannot promise they'll be any less stoic but the holidays have a way of lightening up just about anyone." He laughed, letting out a content sigh when he heard the click of what he assumed to be the restroom door closing.

"Aldrich, I admit that I'm not entirely sure if this is the appropriate time or place but I was hoping I might ask you something pertaining to my relationship with Samarra? I understand if you'd rather wait for another time, I'm just not sure if I'll get another chance to ask tonight." Theodore asked with a clear hint of hesitation as eyes fell onto him. Everyone surely drawing their own conclusions as to what he might wish to ask while Samarra was away.

"Of course Theo," Aldrich said as he set his glass down to give the red head his undivided attention. The sudden shift in the aura of the question drew the attention of the other Inari's at the table, as both Samarra's siblings cast their gaze upon Theodore to see what the question could be regarding their sister. "If it is of such pressing matter, than no time like the present!" The man laughed out as he put his hand on the other man's shoulder with a smile to ease his tension, the elder already having a feeling as to what would be coming. "What is it?"

For but a moment Theo almost hesitated, the sudden draw of eyes to him made him feel a bit nervous even at Aldrich's kind words. But he pushed through, knowing time wasn't on his side and there was indeed no time like the present. He cleared his throat and smiled before finally pushing the words out of his mouth. "Aldrich, Samarra and I have been together for some time now, most certainly some of the happiest moments of my life have been had with her at my side." He started off, nodding his head toward all of them. "For some time now I've been thinking of taking the next step in that relationship, worrying if it was the right time or if she would want to move forward with something like that. I didn't know and I admit that I still don't know but if there is one thing I'm certain about it's that I wanted to do this right."

"I love your daughter, from the depths of my heart and everywhere in between." He continued on, rising from his seat as he felt it would be rude to ask such an important question while sitting so casually at a dinner table. "I'd like your blessing to marry Samarra. Not to bring together two noble families or anything of that sort but because I'd like for the both of us to spend long, happy lives together as husband and wife." He lowered his head slightly in a bow, worried he might be acting just a little too formal but when the possibility that Aldrich could very well say no, he wanted to extend every courtesy to the man he hoped would be his future father-in-law.

Squeals could be heard from Kalina's lips as Theodore wrapped up his proposition to her father, and the excitement she felt for her sister could be seen in the way her body and legs were bouncing up and down in her chair. Masato was of similar elation, but only showed it through the soft smile and nod of his head as Theodore bowed, finding comfort in the courtesy he showed to their family and their father. But the most important approver was slowly getting out of his chair and stood to meet Theodore with a soft expression on his face as he put his hands on the red haired man's shoulder and let him meet him face to face.

"There is nothing I want more than my daughter to be happy. With the way she looks at you, I know there is love overflowing from her heart, so I know there is no one she would rather spend her life with. I admire your courage to ask me for my blessing, but it is Samarra you must win over. I already consider you my son, so I would wish nothing more than a man of your character to continue to make my eldest smile for the years to come." He said as he grabbed Theodore's hand in firm shake that shifted into a quick hug with a pat on his back. Taking his seat back at the table he glances down the hallway to make sure the coast was still clear. "So does that mean I have the possibility of more grandkids on the way?" He says with a loud laugh as he wakes his hand in a joking manner.

Masato shakes his head at his dad's antics, but the smile hasn't gone from his face. He turns to his future brother in law and asks with a tilt of his head. "Do you plan to propose soon? Or were you waiting on my father's blessing before getting a ring?"

Theodore's cheeks flushed a bit at Aldrich's comment about grandkids, brought back to Firdaus by none other than the most level headed of the Inari family himself. Theodore was elated, beaming almost at the acceptance of Aldrich and the blessing to marry his daughter should Samarra agree to his proposal. "I'd like to propose soon, yes. But I didn't buy a ring. I was given one by my mother, a heirloom in our family. The ring given to my grandmother by my grandfather which I would now like to see on Samarra's hand some time in the near future." He explained to the others, his hopefully future in-laws.

"I have it stored safely at home, I didn't want to get it out until I'd gotten Aldrich's blessing. Popping the question might have been too tempting otherwise I'm embarrassed to admit." He chuckled, a beaming smile on his face at the warmth and acceptance he felt from those around him.

Yukiko wiped up some of the baby food from Olivia's cheeks, the baby likely having little to no idea of what event was going on around her but she could feel the energy of the room and had been reaching her arms up as if to cheer from the moment Theodore had finished asking for Aldrich's blessing.

"I'm sure you're aware the Inari's can be quite the handful, not in the bad way of course. But a handful nonetheless." Yukiko explained, looking across the highchair toward her wife with as warm a smile the icewoman could muster. "I'm sure the two of you will make fine newly-weds. But perhaps I'm biased as I side with Aldrich on this one, it would be quite nice for Olivia to have someone to play with when she gets a little older. Who better for that job than a little cousin?" She spoke, only a partial tease.

Theodore and the others didn't have time to answer before the nearby sound of running water from the sink could be heard from down the hall. The man instantly sealing his lips about the topic, wanting to keep the proposal a surprise.

The sound of the door opening down the hall perked all the ears at the table and eyes darted to try and search for any conversation to cover up the previous talked about details of the proposal and Kalina was the first to speak up. "-and she seemed to find the baby lotion rather interesting and she decided to use it as a means to repaint the nursey with it..." Kalina shakes her head as she laughs it off, encouraging the others to follow along with darting eyes across the table as her sister comes into view. "I would say our nursey STILL smells, that stuff penetrates deep! So now we are very well aware of things within grasp of little Olivia." Kalina smiles as her sister gives a kiss to her boyfriends cheek and takes her seat back at the table.

Samarra takes a sip of her water as she tunes in to the conversation. She had heard murmurs before while she was in the restroom, but now the conversation seemed much more lively as her sister told the story of her niece. "Well if you ever need a break sis, I'm sure Theo and I would love the chance to babysit little Lili, huh?" She says as she bats her eyelashes at the handsome man next to her, begging him to agree.

Theodore reached up a hand to gently stroke the cheek of his beloved, looking back at her with a sweet and loving smile. "Of course, how could I possibly disagree with a face like that? Besides, I'd like to think I'm good with kids." He answered in the affirmative before turning back to look at the little Olivia who was more than content to continue chewing on the baby food in her mouth.

"I'd certainly hope so," Yukiko spoke up, a sly smile on her face that caught Theodore's eye, knowing she was referring back to the other conversation they'd had rather than their current one. "What do you think, Kali-Q? Maybe Samarra and Theodore could watch over Olivia for a weekend some time in the near future? If Sammy really does end up catching baby fever like you suggested then it might be good to give them a sneak peek of what the little ones are like, wouldn't you agree?"

"Oh completely!" Kalina perked up, smirking coyly back at her wife before turning towards the future newlyweds. "Plus it will give Yuki and I some alone time together, which is much needed after these sleepless nights." Kalina sighs with a huff, leaning back in her chair as she pushes her empty plate forward.

"Ah yes, the first year is always the worst with bed time. I remember I would fall asleep feeding you kids because of how often you would wake me up at night!" Aldrich laughs out, pointing his finger at the middle child across the table from him. "Why I remember Masato here being the worst. His crying was so loud that it would wake Sammy up, and then we had two screamers on our hands! Your mother and I had quite the handful. Luckily we waited a few years before little Kali here, cause man, I would have lost all my hair that first year." He smiled as he took the last sip of his drink. Turning to Samarra and Theodore he gave a genuine smile. "But don't let our tireless tales discourage you, kids are a wonderful thing and there's no greater honor than to raise them." Looking at his two other kids at the table he felt his heart warm at how they've grown before him into their own strong characters. "I know your mother would have been just as proud as I am with the men and women you have grown to be."

Samarra reached over to squeeze her dad's hand for a minute. "It's only because we were raised right by you two. You two were quite the power couple, and I hope to have a love like yours one day. Though I think I have already found it..." Her smile moved from her father to her boyfriend as she made it a bit more cheeky, "Guess I should have prepared you better for the sappy family talk huh?" She laughs. "Sorry babe, you know how dad can be!"

Theodore tilted his head at his beloved, a warm smile on his face. "Don't apologize, Love. It makes me feel like family to be around these sorts of conversations. Besides, seeing dear ole dad like this makes me remember back to how nervous I was to meet him for the first time outside of a meeting room. I was sweating bullets, I swear. But now I can't look at any of you without feeling like I'm looking at someone I've known all my life." He let out a content sigh, a warm feeling in his chest at the events of the night, receiving Aldrich's blessing, and spending time with what he hoped would soon be his future in-laws.

"The food was as wonderful as always, Aldrich. Thank you, for everything." Theodore turned his attention toward the man a smile and a nod to express his unending gratitude toward the man who'd treated him like a son.

"Of course my boy," Aldrich says as he stands and gives a pat on the arm to the redhead. "You're always welcome here Theodore. And do come visit more often, I could use the distraction from work!" He said with a laugh as he began gathering up the empty plates. Samarra put a hand on her father's wrist, "Dad don't worry about that, we can take care of the dishes!" Aldrich waves as he holds the plates closer protectively. "No no no, don't you worry. You kids all chat while I finish up, let this old man feel useful."

Masato stood up as well adjusting his sleeves back to their original position before bowing to the table. "I must apologize to you all, but there are actually some matters I must attend to at work, so I really should be heading back." Kalina gives him a pout, sad at the short time she got to see her older brother. Masato turning to the eldest sibling and her boyfriend, giving them a smile. "Don't worry I will honor my word and come have a 'guys night' with you Theodore. I actually look forward to it." He says as he flattens the hair on the back of his head.

"As do I, just give us a call whenever you're free, I'm sure we can arrange something." Theodore responded to Masato, rising up from his seat, reaching over to give the man a pat on the shoulder as well as a respectful and knowing nod of his head. "Best of luck with the matters you need to see to."

Theodore then turned to Kalina and Yukiko, the young Olivia being cleaned up by the former while the other packed up the baby food. "I'm sure Sammy wouldn't mind us taking in little Olivia for a weekend. What's a few sleepless nights to give you two a chance to spend some time together? Besides, getting the chance to hang out with such a little cutie? Who would pass that up?"

"You wanna spend some time with aunty Sammy and uncle Theo, Olivia? Do ya?" He spoke to the child in a cutesy voice, Olivia giggling at the weird tone of voice, pushing up on her highchair as though trying to stand up on it. "It's a good idea, right?" He asked his beloved.

"That it would! We will spoil you to death little Olivia!" Samarra follows up with her boyfriend's cute talk. She grabbed hold of Theodores's arm and rests her head on his shoulder and gives her brother a wave as he heads out the door. "How about you and Yukiko look at your calendars and shoot me a text when you both want us to pick up the little one. It'll give us some time to baby proof our house in time as well." Samarra laughs out as she squeezes Theodore's arm.

"Sound's like a good plan! Plus maybe going shopping for baby stuff could prove useful for the future too. So why not start shopping now?" Kalina says with a smirk as she slings the baby bag over her shoulder and pats it to emphasize her point. Kalina looks to loved ones and gives a nod of her head to the door. "We should probably get going too though and put this little one down to rest. Sleep schedules are one thing you do NOT want to mess with." She laughs as she brushes back her daughters hair.

"Of course, of course. The little princess must retire to her chambers at exactly bedtime or she may throw a fit." He teased the baby as Yukiko lifted her from the highchair to rest the child on her hip. Though Olivia didn't seem tired he knew that could change in a matter of moments once the time she was normally sat down to bed rolled around.

Reaching over with the arm opposite the one Samarra leaned against he tickled the underside of her chin. "The little princess heads off to bed. What of my darling queen? Perhaps she'd like to retire as well? Though it doesn't appear you're lacking on beauty sleep." Theodore spoke in a playful manner, his sky blue eyes meeting her own robin egged orbs. His face softened considerably, the image of the woman at his side in a white flowing gown brought a blush to his cheeks.

"I love you. You know that, right?"

Samarra looked at her beloved with a tilt of her head and a soft smile of her face. She put her hand up to his cheek and leaned up to give a soft kiss on his lips. The lingering tingle of his lips spread to her chest and filled it up with the warmth that has been with for so long. A warmth she wouldn't want to live without. "Of course, and I love you too." She says warmly as she rubs her thumb on his cheek. "But we should probably head home as well, so we will bid you two goodbye until next time sis." Samarra said as she turned to her sister and gave her a hug, giving Yukiko the same before turning to Oliva and kissing her head. "It was nice to get everyone together in such a long time."

"It was good seeing you as well, we don't meet up like this enough. Maybe once we're all old and retired we can spend the rest of our days sitting around like this." Yukiko bid fairwell to her sister in law with a smile on her lips before she and Kalina said goodbye to their father and made their exit with promises to meet up again.

Theodore gently ran his fingers over his own lips, left giddy by the still present warmth lingering on his lips from her kiss. He let out a sigh of content, the two saying their fairwells to to Aldrich, Theodore once again expressing his gratitude for everything before the two collected their jackets and began their journey home hand in hand.