Butterfly, butterfly, where you gonna go tonight? Wish I was just like you, maybe then you'll take me high Away from it all again Away from my troubles and my sins Away from the fears inside Away from the tears I try to hide away
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ Su was so taken aback by the sudden appearance of the elder Afolayan's that they completely missed the sound of the floo and as such, was startled by the voice of Mr. Dris. His words made it seem like Su could dictate whether to allow their grandparents into the home ( they flushed slightly at the "lovely contribution" part) and after only a few seconds, gave their assent. Thokozani just nodded allowing his wife to step inside ahead of him while Afua kept her eyes solidly on their grandchild. An awkward silence followed before the teen suddenly cleared their throat. “Not that I'm not happy to see you both, because I am!, I'm still really confused. You never replied to my letters but now you're just suddenly...here." they trailed off rather lamely, fiddling idly with the elongated sleeves of their jumper. Thokozani zeroed in on the fidgeting and seemed to stiffen slightly while his wife huffed.
“We are here because we thought you would have dealt with this foolishness sooner rather than later. Yet even after your seventeenth birthday, you insist yourself upon this family with your dramatics." Afua explained curtly, eyes slightly narrowing. Su flinched as the fear of imposing was thrown back at them by their own grandmother causing their breath to hitch even as they stayed silent.
“It is our understanding that you left home due to some...troubling information coming to light. And while we could understand needing space, continuously avoiding your home and family to then attach yourself to another is an indiscretion we can no longer ignore." Thokozani intoned quietly but sternly. "Childhood rebellion is a normal stage of adolescence. If anyone besides us can certainly understand it would be Mr. Abrams here," he paused to gesticulate slightly towards the taller man, "but is not an excuse for your current behavior. We thought that time would show this, but clearly we were wrong." Once again, Su felt pain from the weight of their grandparents' words and disappointment.
“I don't...I still don't understand. What is it that you want?" The teen was mortified that their voice now held a warble and they could feel tears growing around their lash line. Truly this moment was shaping into a horrifying moment that even their boggart hadn't thought to shape into. Their hands dropped to their sides to force themselves to stay calm while making sure to not drop their eyes like they wanted.
“What we want-"“What we want is for you to stopping shacking yourself up with a young man and parading yourself around their home like a cheap harlot!" Afua could no longer contain herself and interrupted her husband's quiet coldness with sharp ringing anger.
"We've taught you better! I know we've taught you better! To see the child of my heart fall to such despicable lengths-! You don't think this hurts me? Or your grandfather?! Have you thought of no one but yourself? Have you nothing to say for your selfishness?!" Afua had now stepped closer to the teen, arms gesturing to emphasize her harsh words. All the while Su finally lost the internal battle and had tears streaming steadily and their breaths becoming grasping.
“I'm so-I'm so-sorry. I'm so so-sorry." they kept repeating, bringing their arms to wrap around them in a loose parody of comfort as they sobbed.
“We don't want you to be sorry, we want you to come home." Thokozani spoke pointedly and authoritatively.
'Cause I just want to make you smile, but I know that'll take a while 'cause I'm I'm tryin' to find myself I just want to make you proud, but I think that I'm runnin' out of time To figure it out
Lewis was shocked by this turn of events. Not only were Su's grandparents here, but dad had so casually invited them into their home!? But what was worse was that Su seemed genuinely afraid of their anger. And that, well, that was inexcusable. Su stumbled through a question, asking why they were only now there. They'd sent countless letters, all without a single reply, yet now they had the absolute, unmitigated gall to show up unannounced and uninvited?! Absolutely the heck not. As they stepped inside a bit and closed the door (y'know, so the neighbors wouldn't hear and call the cops....) Lewis continued standing beside Su. If they tried anything, well, he'd utilize that O in Wandless Magic he kept getting.
Su's grandma (hereto forth known as "The Old Bag",) started off saying that Su was insisting themselves upon the Abrams family. He was about to return fire, but Dris gave him a subtle look. Then Su's granddad (now to be called "The Grumpy Geezer",) spoke up, claiming they'd waited for Su to "come to their senses" or whatever old people nonsense. They even said that it wasn't fair that Su was "attached" to the family, then tried to appeal to Dris, who shook his head. "No, see. Teenage rebellion is going to a party or sneaking out past curfew. Any child that feels their only option is to run away for three years.... that's not rebellion. That indicates problems well beyond their control. Not only that, but I must reiterate that Su is - under no circumstance whatsoever - absolutely and always welcome in this home. Su is a wonderful young adult, and while you may have had your hand in raising them, trust me, they've been able to flourish these past few years." If there was one thing Dris hated, it was people insulting his kids. Any of his kids.
When Su's voice shook, Lewis stepped closer, his dark eyes narrowed in a glare as his hand subtly curled into a fist. But then, ohhhhh but then, The Old Bag interrupted Grumpy Geezer to insult Su in a horrific sort of way. He glanced at Su, his anger broken by surprise for a moment before Old Bag continued. Suddenly, Lewis started to see red - in a more figurative sense. "Oh, ******** not. First off, if you think Su's anything like your child, it wouldn't have taken you THREE GODDAMN YEARS to come find them. You didn't write, you didn't call, ergo, you clearly don't give enough of a care. If you cared, you would've been begging Su to come home because you loved and missed them. Secondly, how DARE you say anything ill of Su? You don't even know them."
His glare was back, and the tall teen took a step forward. "Su is nothing of a harlot. And if you ever so much as think that about them again, I'll tie you to the ceiling rafters. Also, y'know what's selfish? Ignoring your grandchild for three years so you could - what - clean up and maintain the stupid, stuck-up, bullshit social image you think that you have?! If you love Su even a miniscule fraction that I... that we do, you'd be on your knees groveling for your arrogance, selfishness, and absolute gall. How very dare you?" Lewis only stopped in his tirade when Dris set a hand on his shoulder.
After the words settled for a second (and the deep red swirls had left his vision), it was Dris' voice that chimed up next. "See, when you inevitably leave, preferably without Su, here, I want you to remember that you no longer have a say. Su is one of mine now, not yours. And if you think that your attempt to coax them home is anything less than a pathetic power-play, you're very wrong indeed. Su is welcome to stay until they're ninety-three if they so choose. So if you truly, genuinely want to make amends, you've got about a minute before your welcome is worn out." He stepped forward, hands behind his back. He was most definitely not pleased, but his resting face was eternally soft and kind in nature. Thankfully, Puck wasn't here - otherwise these.... "guests" would've found themselves in the business end of a woodchipper.
Butterfly, butterfly, where you gonna go tonight? Wish I was just like you, maybe then you'll take me high Away from it all again Away from my troubles and my sins Away from the fears inside Away from the tears I try to hide away
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ Su was cognizant only in a familial way that Lewis was staying close beside them to probably lend some comfort. As needed and endearing as it was, it was also unfortunately overlooked by the slow desolation seeping into them. This whole thing was completely unprecedented. Despite what Lewis might now think of them, Su knew of all the times the elderly couple had been there and had guided and loved them when they needed it. To have it all be thrown back at them in such a horrendous way, and in front of people who had opened their home in such a lovely way, it was heartbreaking.
Thokozani hadn't reacted vocally to Dris' response regarding Su's apparent rebellion but the teen could see how his nostrils had flared and lips purse to show his displeasure at the other's words. What they never ever would've possibly imagined would be their seemingly loving grandmother speak to them in such a way, but also that Lewis would completely and utterly lose his top! His yelling had actually startled them into stopping their sobs and just stare in shock as he tore into the older Afolayans mentioning the letters that had gone unanswered, threatening them if they spoke out of turn as they had, throwinng back they they had been the selfish ones and Su was the one in need of an apology. Su had never seen their friend this incensed in...ever! Not even during Rosa's worst had he ever been this agitated and seething.
Only his father had been able to calm him, but just barely from their perspective, before Mr. Dris decided to take his own turn. The teen glanced away from the two Abrams to finally peek over at their grandparents and winced at the equal looks of shock and rage that were evident there.
“Young man! It would behoove you to learn how to speak to other adults in a respectful fashion! I cannot believe-!"
“The carelessness of your words! And your threats? Are you out of your mind?! How dare you speak to us like this!"
Everything was quieted by Mr. Dris' calm but firm words, the contents causing the tears to return but in a different fashion. As much as Su might've hoped that the feelings they had might've been reciprocated by the Abrams and had allowed themselves to become almost complacent with the way things were, they had never dared to dream that they would've felt way he was speaking about. The second they heard the words "Su is one of mine now," a fresh crack echoed within their chest and for once, a warmth began seeping into their very soul. They belonged somewhere. Actually truly belonged.
“We've tolerated this foolishness far longer than our patience requires and we are done! You speak of things you have absolutely no knowledge and understanding of and I can see any attempts of speaking with you as a respectable fellow would be wasted. Souleymane is not your family, and if I have any say about it will most definitely not be remaining here." Thokozani's voice had raised to an imposing thunder as his fingers prodded into the other father's chest with emphasis. Afua nodded in agreement with her husband as she swung her attention back onto Su.
“Souleymane! Listen to your grandfather and start collecting your things. Your rebellion ends here. Now. Today." She lifted her hands in an effort to physically shoo the teen into compliance but was instead surprised when Su took a definitive step back away from her.
“No." Su shook their head.
“Souleymane!"
"No! You can't just decide that you want me again! You don't get to do that! Not after seventeen years!" they yelled, their voice finding purchase. Both grandparents froze to look at them, stunned.
"You ignored me and threw me away, the second I no longer complied. I expected that out of mother and father, but you were supposed to be different! How many times have I come to you in tears over what they used to call me? How many times had I sobbed onto your laps about how I just wished they loved me as much as I tried to love them? How many times have I come to you and begged to stay with you? How am I supposed to believe that you want the best for me, that you love me, when you come and say all these awful things. In someone else's home!" Their chest was heaving from the force of finally saying everything that had been building for nearing two decades.
“Souleymane-"
"You already mentioned that I'm now an adult, so I don't have to listen your 'suggestions' anymore. Not unless I want to, and I don't." Su's voice lowered to a quieter, almost monotonous tone their arms wrapping tighter around themself. "Even if I decided to leave, I wouldn't be going with you, not now and...I'm not sure if ever again. You both need to leave."
Afua's eyes watered as she took in the sight of her grandchild, finally seeing what their harsh words and attitudes had done to them and a hand was raised to cover their mouth. Thokozani was also as affected but was attempting to keep collected. "Souleymane, ododo wa-" he tried in a strained voice.
"I'm not asking. Please leave." Su quietly said turning away completely from the couple. "Please make them leave?" Their voice shook at the request as they directed it towards Mr. Dris.
'Cause I just want to make you smile, but I know that'll take a while 'cause I'm I'm tryin' to find myself I just want to make you proud, but I think that I'm runnin' out of time To figure it out
Things were painfully, suffocatingly tense. Lewis did not like tense moods. In fact, he often did anything possible to prevent them. In this case, instead of resorting to kind words, he'd yelled! He stood up for his friend and he yelled! He didn't do that... ever! In fact, he was certain if mum was here to hear his language, she'd either be super proud... or scold him for language. Oh well. Dad was here, and he seemed equally unhappy. He was just better at controlling his emotions. But then the Oldie Brigade™ turned on him! How rude of them! Lewis was about to snap back, but good ol' dad did first. "Hey, you don't get to scold my son. You can't even control your own dang kid. I will handle him, but thus far, he's spoken to you with the exact amount of respect you deserve. If you want him to learn to speak respectfully, perhaps you should set the example." No one. Absolutely no one was allowed to speak to his family like that.
When the Oldies popped off about "tolerating" the "foolishness" for longer than anticipated, Lewis rolled his eyes so hard they could practically be heard from space. When told that Su wasn't their family, Dris sent a look that spelled certain danger for treading further into that. When he was poked, the already tall man stretched to his full height. "Touch me again and you'll lose more than your fingers." His voice had lost any trace of the soft, sweet tone it usually held. Steely blue eyes would've caused the man to explode where he stood... if it were possible.
Lewis was about to let loose whatever spells his mind could think to conjure when Old Bag demanded Su go collect their things.... but a stern voice cut him off. Su had said no! Heck yes! As much as Lewis wanted to verbally tear them a collective new butthole, this was, after all, Su's battle. They started getting traction, shouting out all their anger from so, so many years of pent up frustration. Su's voice eventually dropped, not even giving them so much as cadence to their tone. Grumpy Geezer tried to speak to them, but Su shut them down quickly. And then they asked to make them leave. Dris offered a kind smile to the teens, shooing them deeper into the apartment. "Can do, kiddo. Why don't you two sneak some ice cream. I won't tell mum." Aaah, good ol' dad indeed.
With a deep breath, the rage swirled back into Dris' tones. "Well. You've heard what Su's got to say. They don't want you hear, I don't want you here, and frankly, I'm trying to teach my kids that they'll always, always have love, so long as they're my kids. Since you're ruining my vibe and making me late back from lunch, I'm going to make sure you know something. If you ever, and I do mean ever try to hurt Su again, or speak ill of my family in any sort of way... I have more connections. I have so much family that you'll never be out of my reach. Now leave before I change my mind on allowing you to leave peacefully." He pointed at the door, a fire raging in his eyes. In no way whatsoever was he playing games now. He didn't want to have to sage the house because of their bad energy (or whatever Puck's mum would advise).
Butterfly, butterfly, where you gonna go tonight? Wish I was just like you, maybe then you'll take me high Away from it all again Away from my troubles and my sins Away from the fears inside Away from the tears I try to hide away
. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ Su would've been a puddle of embarrassment at the way their grandparents were treating the Abrams had they not also been in complete shock at the tone switch of Mr. Dris. In all the time they'd been around him, he had never sounded anything less than kind and genteel. So to hear him speak so steely and angered-for them!-filled them with a surprising amount of comfort. After saying their piece and turning their backs on the elder Afolayans, Mr. Dris instructed them to have ice cream with Lewis, most definitely a ploy to get the two teens out of the room for whatever last remarks that were about to be said. They could only give him a watery grin and nod before walking quickly away, afraid for whatever else the couple might say.
Having never turned back, they missed defeated looks that were traded between Afua and Thokozani and how the older woman still had a hand out as if to reach her grandchild. This was of course, physically thwarted by the imposing figure Dris was now presenting to them then figuratively by his words. They held no qualms to believe he wouldn't do exactly as he said and after their own brief research into the Abrams clan, they knew there members in just about every branch of society. Still, as it should've been in the beginning, their sentiments only lied with their granddaughter's well-being.
“We...apologize for harsh words and attitudes today. We will send a check in the upcoming days for anything they might need, as well as to compensate your family for all that you've done." Thokozani quietly offered.
“If you don't believe it will be too much trouble, could you perhaps suggest for Souleymane to write to us again? We would like the chance to make amends, but only if she allows it." Afua softly pleaded with the father, her eyes still trained on the teens' retreating figures.
Once away from everything and in the kitchen, Su physically deflated and sagged against the nearest surface. This was all way too much emotional melee for just one person all in one day. The only feeling weighing out the exhaustion was the bitter shame writhing in their chest, grown by their grandmother's crude words. They couldn't even look at Lewis despite all that he had said and done in their defense. Before they could even think of a response, they were suddenly enveloped in a tight hug, so suddenly that it literally took them nearly five seconds to realize it was Rosa.
"I'm really sorry your grandparents were assholes but I'm really really glad that you're staying." The younger teen's voice was muffled from where she had pressed herself against Su's shoulder but they could still understand and chuckled, finally hugging back.
“I shouldn't really be surprised that you were listening, should I? Also, you know you're not supposed to be using that kind of language." they softly rebuked knowing it wouldn't really register with the girl. And indeed, Rosa just shot them a smirk as she turned her head.
"Lewis said waaaayy worse than I just did. To their faces! It was actually pretty metal, I'm kinda surprised." Rosa's way of turning her words into a backhanded compliment had Su give a startled snort of amusement as their tears slowed and they unconsciously clung tighter.
'Cause I just want to make you smile, but I know that'll take a while 'cause I'm I'm tryin' to find myself I just want to make you proud, but I think that I'm runnin' out of time To figure it out
As his gaze watched to make sure the teens had left the room, Dris once again allowed himself to be harsh. While it was something he could do, it wasn't something he enjoyed. Heck, he didn't even like scolding the kids! He much preferred learning opportunities to outright anger. Perhaps it was just how he was raised. After his words finished, Su's grandparents looked heartbroken. Pretty immediately, his demeanor fell, a soft exhale leaving him. Thokozani spoke first, offering an apology for their harsh words and attitudes, then an offer for financial compensation. At that, Dris shook his head. "Instead of that, perhaps consider setting aside those funds for Su. Maybe for a first house or... whatever career path they decide to explore. If you send it to me, I would do the same. Su isn't a burden on our home at all, and in fact, is a great help."
He offered a small, yet sincere smile about the teen in question. Su was always finding new and interesting ways to entertain (and subtly teach!) the kids, plus they were always on top of grades and chores, so he was glad to keep them under the Abramses collective roof. Then Afua spoke, softly asking about seeing if he could get Su to write them letters. At that, Dris nodded. "It... it may not be soon. I'm not going to push burdens on Su anytime soon. But, it would probably go a long way if you wrote the first letter. Read all of them that Su has sent. I know their heart hurts just as much as yours."
He glanced back toward the kitchen before looking back at the other Afolayans. "I'm not guaranteeing anything, but I'll talk to them. Su is a really, really good kid, but it takes so long to mend a broken heart. Trust me, I know." He subtly fidgeted with his wedding ring, remembering the excruciating pain he'd felt after his and Puck's big fight. Oh man, she was going to be so mad she'd missed all the drama.... "Well, you've got our owl address. Maybe someday we can do lunch or something. Either way, you should go. Put some thought, some heart into that letter. For now, I've got some kids to cheer up. And... I apologize for Lewis getting snappy. He's incredibly protective over his family." He nodded, making sure to send them out before he leaned his forehead against the wall and let out the hugest sigh.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
After the chaos, Lewis wrapped an arm over Su's shoulders and led them into the kitchen. He was still shaking from anger, but now that he was out of the situation, he looked up at the ceiling to try and implore his eyes not to make tears. Conflict stressed him out so much, especially when he felt a need to get angry. Plus Su probably wanted him to skedaddle. After all, he'd been so mean to their family! Sure, they turned out to be a couple of prudish buttheads, but still! He didn't look away until Rosa spoke up and Wen wrapped his short lil arms around him. Lewis crouched down and gave his brother a proper hug. He also shook his head slightly when Rosa said that Su's grandparents had been assholes. Su chided softly, but Rosa immediately redirected it. Of course, she was saying that he'd said far worse (which was true) and it was metal.
Lewis chuckled, pulling Wen and Rosa tighter into the hug with Su. "Speaking of you two listening, Wen... I told you not to listen in. To distract Rosa and stay up in her room. Didja forget that part?" Wen's paler cheeks flushed a soft pink. He laughed nervously, before letting out a soft whistle through his teeth. "W-well, see. I went up there... b-but Rosa just knew chaos was going on! A-and we did stay in her room... just in the doorway part... aaaaand... you guys were loud?" He ran a hand through his hair, hoping his little lie didn't get noticed. He didn't mention they'd used Extendable Ears... but they did technically stay in her room!
"I definitely, totally believe that." Lewis nodded seriously before laughing and further ruffling his brother's hair. Wen never had been able to keep secrets, especially when it came to perceived safety of his family. Thankfully so, otherwise he and dad may've been too late to help Su. "For what it's worth, I'm real glad you're here too. You're probably my best friend, 'cept for Bryn... 'cause he's my age and all. And we know you're Lewis' 'cause otherwise I don't think he would've gotten so upset. He didn't even yell that one time I accidentally spilled paint on one of his big projects. So that means your extra special." Man, his inability to not blurt stuff out was going to be the downfall of this family... or at least Lewis' ability to not get all flustered.
"Eh, he's been that angry before. When he was seven or so and Rosa was maybe just three, I took 'em to the park. Some kid pushed Rosa out of the sandbox. I swear the second she started crying, Lewis was in a dead sprint. Used his first bit of accidental magic to send the kid into a tree." Dris said with a soft chuckle as he walked into the kitchen. "I remember that! His mom slapped you so hard, then we had to call the obliviators. But then we stopped for ice cream to celebrate." Lewis recounted, a smile of his own forming. "Speaking of which, why don't I cook lunch, then instead we'll go for fancy dessert after dinner. If we can convince mum, we'll do nice dinner too." He gave Su a slight squeeze too, making sure all the teens felt better after the chaos.
Dris - DeepSkyBlue Lewis - #E31230 Wendel - #FFA812
xx✯ Wʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴍ I?Home - Studio xxx✯ Wʜᴏ ɪs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ?Dad xxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ?Trying to talk xxxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ'ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs?What is happening?!
It had been something of a whirlwind summer. From Su's grandparents being generally horrible to himself and Su making head students and having a veritable feast to celebrate, it had been a lot. But now that the dust had settled and summer was ticking to a close, Lewis had one more goal to complete. What should be the easiest for anyone else was probably the most stressful task he could imagine. And where else for it to take place but the studio room? It was always cozy and safe... so during a big talk, it should remain.... right?
"Hey dad, can we talk?" He asked softly, looking over at the paint covered man in the room with him. Thankfully Wen and Rosa were distracted by some sort of puzzle Su'd come up with to entertain them. If they learned more, well, he'd never hear the end of it. "Sur Lew. What's up? Need a color?" Good ol' dad, of course he'd think it paint related. "Um, no. Not currently, anyway. I wanted to ask about some relationship.... stuff." Well, here went nothing.
He hadn't been expecting Dris to look at him..... and laugh? "Ah, finally ready for it? Let's hear it. Who's got your heart in a knot? Or is what Rosie told me true? Heh, she said you've got three people you're after." Lewis dropped his gaze, a frown settled on his lips. "Yea, that's actually what this is about." Another laugh?! What was his deal?! "So it's true? Goodness sakes, usually the Abrams charm makes us extra awkward, but that's just... wow. Really? Which three, then?"
"Dad, it's not funny. This is serious!" Lewis tried pleading, but when the man laughed harder, he huffed. "It's not, kiddo. You're still in school. Romantic stuff can wait. But honestly, three? Hah! Wait til I tell dad that Rosa's right on." For the second time in only a handful of weeks, Lewis felt his frustration building. "DAD! Seriously?! You're not even going to try? What good is the parent-child relationship if you refuse to do your job?" That cut off the giggles. "Hey. Don't yell at me, Lew. It's not that serious. Not like you're going to run off and get married tomorrow."
"Seriously?! Do you even give a damn about your kids or did you just have us because you were bored?! I actually need to talk to ******** about-""Hey! You do not get to talk to me like that. I do not allow that sort of language, nor the belief that I don't care about you guys bec-""NO! Don't cut me off to scold me! I'm an adult too, dad. I tried to talk to you like a ******** person and this is what I get?! No! It's not fair! You never take me seriously and I'm sick of it!"
By this point, both of them were stepped away from their work. Lewis had his hands on his hips, sending over a sharp glare toward his dad. Dris had his arms crossed over his chest, one eyebrow raised as he regarded his son. "Lewis Jackson Abrams. You do not speak to me like that. I know you know better. I let it slide in the heat of the moment earlier, but that does not mean you're all high and mighty. Seventeen is far from a grown adult." He quipped back, his own tone rising. "This is what I'm talking about! You just.... are you just incapable of taking me seriously?! All you do is tease me, then ask me to babysit or clean or some other s**t. I'm an adult, like it or not!"
oOoOoOoOoOo
Out in the hallway, a younger set of ears had overheard the latter bit of the conversation. After it got louder, Wen did what he did best.... found a grown up! In this case, Mum was probably best, so he hurried to her side. "Hey, 'member how last time there was yelling you were real mad that you missed it? 'cause... um... maybe you should go to the art room 'cause Dad and Lew seem reeeeeeaaaaaaallllll angry." Wen hated fighting, and this was a surefire fight, right in their house!
Dressed up to the eyes It's a wonderful surprise To see your shoes and your spirits rise Throwing out your frown And just smiling at the sound
Sαłeм'š Ałυм ▨ Mυggłeвøяи ▨ Ѕет Dеѕіgйея
☯⚝ϟ Puck was enjoying her semi-relaxing day at home with everyone together but entertaining themselves separately. Dris was tucked away into the art room, Su had the younger two occupied with some wooden puzzle that would unlock a side quest? She wasn't altogether sure but Rosa seemed incensed-in a good way!-about it so she just let it be. And Lewis...actually, she wasn't all too sure what her oldest was doing. He'd been dealing with some feelings issues for a while and since she didn't want to be the over the shoulder helicopter parent, she was letting him handle it in his own way while waiting for him to (hopefully) come to her about it. Puck didn't know the full situation, just that the poor kid tossed himself out the closet in a rather spectacular fashion, but he was a smart kid so she wasn't too worried.
She was on her laptop researching birthday ideas for Su; their birthday came after they were already back at school so usually she and Dris just sent a package and called it a day. This time though after explosive visit from The Grandparents, she figured something special was in order for the older teen. She was wondering if a photobox table arrangement would be themed "too much" when Wen came rushing up beside her rambling about how Dris and Lewis were apparently fighting. Puck frowned and now that she was paying attention, she could hear the raised voices but not the words causing her frown to deepen. "Su, could you do me a favor and take Wen and Rosa out for a bit? Maybe a movie? I feel like this is gonna be messy." She grimaced imagining the discussion she was willingly walking into.
Luckily, Su agreed and after pushing some money into their hands and waving them out the door, Puck stomped over to the work room and slammed it open. "HEY! Have both of you lost your minds?! We could hear you from the living room, I had to send the others out so they weren't brought into whatever mess this is. Both of you," her eyes narrowed as they shifted between her husband and son, "better start acting your age and not your shoe size before you end up tossed a** backward, do I make myself clear? Bedroom. Each of you. Ten minutes. Now." Her last words were nearly growled out and her eyes flashed in the way that dared them both to try and fight her as she waited for them to go to each of their bedrooms.
It's such a gorgeous sight To see you in the middle of the night You can never get enough Enough of this stuff It's Friday I'm in love
xx✯ Wʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴍ I?Home - Studio xxx✯ Wʜᴏ ɪs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ?Dad xxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ?Trying to talk Getting Grounded xxxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ'ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs?Why not
Tensions were heightening on both the older Abrams boys' heads. Dris because he was frustrated by yet another accusation of being a bad parent, and Lewis because he felt actively ignored.... again. While the two of them continued their bickering, volumes and tempers increasing on both sides.... before the door was slammed open. Lewis shifted, now looking at the door where mum stood, looking ready to throw down. Great. Another parent to not care about his issues. She said she'd had to send the others out because they'd gotten too loud, making Lewis wish for the second time that he'd just kept quiet about his thoughts and figured them out on his own.
Of course, then she told them to go off to their bedrooms, which only exacerbated the problem! Yet again, he was being treated like he was seven, minus the teen. He looked between his parents, wishing he could feel, for even a moment, valid in his feelings. Instead, he huffed loudly, pushing past to go sit in his room. His door was slammed behind him before he sat on his bed. This might as well happen. Why not? Why shouldn't a simple conversation asking for help end with him being trapped in his room for a week? This was stupid.
Back in the studio, Dris let out a sigh as he looked at his wife. How had things gone that sideways? And why was Lewis so.... on edge lately? It was a perpetual stress. "I don't know what's happening with him of late. Snapping at everyone, and oh! Using language! Where did he learn that one?" He started off, pausing with the loud echo of a slammed door. His paint covered hands curled into fists for a second, before he drew in a deep breath. Of course, Puck still looked mad, so he sighed. "I'm going to our room.. but on my own volition. I need to cool off." Dris nodded, gently kissing his wife's crown for a second before walking to their room to try and relax for a moment.
Dressed up to the eyes It's a wonderful surprise To see your shoes and your spirits rise Throwing out your frown And just smiling at the sound
Sαłeм'š Ałυм ▨ Mυggłeвøяи ▨ Ѕет Dеѕіgйея
☯⚝ϟ Puck watched as Lewis puffed himself up before brushing past and slamming his bedroom door shut (gee the apple is certainly not falling far from the tree there) while Dris took this time to vent. She didn't say anything, still too worked up and annoyed by the whole thing, and could only give a look with a raised eyebrow when he made the correct call to go to his bedroom "of his own volition." Whatever helped him sleep better. She did though appreciate the gentle kiss and though it softened her, she was pissed that he allowed himself to get just as volatile as their teenage son.
After she was sure both her hotheads were cooling down in their own space, she went to the kitchen to start boiling milk and grating the special block of dark chocolate she hid from general populace (she was sure one or two had discovered it nothing really stays a secret here but they were at least smart enough to leave it be) and gathered all her other ingredients to make hot chocolate. When it was all combined, she left it on a back burner on the lowest setting to keep warm before deeming it safe enough to start her rounds. Puck went to Lewis bedroom door and knocked, only letting herself in when she heard his allowance and made sure to keep her body language loose and non-agitated. Last thing she needed was him thinking his parents were ganging up on him. "Can I sit on the bed too or do you want a bit of space for this." she wanted him comfortable for this obviously uncomfortable situation. "Alright. Let's start from the beginning. What started all of...that?" Puck gestured her hand in the air at "that."
It's such a gorgeous sight To see you in the middle of the night You can never get enough Enough of this stuff It's Friday I'm in love
xx✯ Wʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴍ I?Home - Studio xxx✯ Wʜᴏ ɪs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ?Dad xxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ?Trying to talk Getting Grounded xxxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ'ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs?Why not
While sitting in his room was often fine, since Lewis spent a lot of time there reading or doing whatever else, it was currently cloying. He felt trapped by the four walls, like a bird locked in a cage. Not only that, but he was sure he'd get in trouble for slamming his door. He also had a moment to be glad that the kids and Su were out. He was still frustrated that Rosa and Wen had seen his temper snap last time... but this time was at their dad! Like.... would Rosa start up ever more drama by telling the family? And would Wen look at him with those sad eyes he'd gotten so good at using? Pushing to his feet, Lewis paced around for a moment, before stopping to thunk his head against the wall a few times. All of this could've been avoided by just continuing to bottle up his feelings and push 'em waaaaaaaay down deep.
When he heard the soft orange footsteps headed toward his door, Lewis sat back down on his bed. It was probably mum, and if so, sitting was probably a better bet. He'd grown a lot, and awkwardly towering over people could be misconstrued as threatening.... so he'd try his best to make himself small, as he so often tried to do. When she walked in, she asked about sitting down. Lewis sighed softly, moving a pillow out of the way before patting the bed beside him.
Then came the question he'd known was coming. She missed the argument.... or rather, the half-a-question he'd tried to ask before things flared up. "It's so stupid. I just..." He huffed, flopping back and crunching down a bit. "I just... I needed to talk to someone. So I picked dad, 'cause, y'know, he's my dad and all. But then I started and he jumped into teasing me. Again. That's literally how he handles any conversation with me! Does he still think I'm five?! Or does he genuinely just not realize how much it sucks!?" The teen started, words getting more stressed and clipped as he spoke, before stopping himself with a heavy sigh. Dark eyes looked away from his mum, the teen trying to hide the glimmer of tears in his view. This was all so dumb.
Dressed up to the eyes It's a wonderful surprise To see your shoes and your spirits rise Throwing out your frown And just smiling at the sound
Sαłeм'š Ałυм ▨ Mυggłeвøяи ▨ Ѕет Dеѕіgйея
☯⚝ϟ Puck really screwed herself making kids with big ol' eyes didn't she. Seeing Lewis look so sad and attempting to make himself smaller made her heart hurt so when she was allowed, she took the seat on the bed next to him and gently took one of his hands in hers. Then came the word vomit about how he'd tried to talk to his dad about what had been bothering him, how the older man had begun to tease him which was not well received and then the rest...well she heard the rest. "I'm not going to make excuses for you dad, it does suck that he took what was supposed to be a serious moment and turned it into a joke. That said, and you're definitely not gonna like this, you still shouldn't have talked to him like that. It's not to say I don't get it! Your dad and I were raised different and he doing it the way he saw and felt worked for him, the same with me. Every talk with my moms were serious talks; it felt like I was either constantly in trouble or constantly in a college lecture. It didn't change until I was...s**t, until I was a bit older than you." she couldn't help admitting.
Puck sighed and wiped a hand over her face as she thought over her next words and saw Lewis duck his head down trying to hide his own face. "Oh, beautiful boy, don't hide from me." she cupped his face with both of her hands to gently bring it back up. "As sucky as it is to say this, you have to understand Lew, we're in a bit of a learning curve. You're our kid, our first kid. We joke and tease but at the end of the day, that is always going to be the most important thing. To us, it literally was just a few days ago that you were this little kid who loved tagging along with us everywhere and who could be mollified with some hot chocolate and a hug."
"Now, you're a young man who's freaking graduating, and talking about love and relationships...it's allot. It's not an excuse, I will never ever try to make you excuse our behavior, but to just, sorta see it our way." Puck wiped at a few tears that escaped her own eyes as she huffed out a laugh. "Don't tell your dad this, but I was sorta planning for something like this to happen. 'Plan' sounds like a bad word, 'expecting' more like it. Maybe not so explosive but, you always kept everything together. It was easier for us to think you were ok than for us to make sure you were, and I'm really really sorry."
It's such a gorgeous sight To see you in the middle of the night You can never get enough Enough of this stuff It's Friday I'm in love
When offered mum's hand, Lewis took it, though the gesture reminded him something of when he was a tot. He used to spend all his time with his parents, divulge to them all his thoughts, but lately.... well, he'd been keeping those thoughts trapped inside. The only time he'd felt any better was talking to Tàmhas, but now the older teen was graduated and probably off having fun. But then Mum started talking, so he looked over at her. She started off saying that she wouldn't make excuses for dad, but then immediately did just that. Of course, Lewis wasn't dumb. He knew that much of the Abrams/Wakefield/whomever family handled important things with humor, but one would think he could have one (1) serious conversation.
She also told him he shouldn't have spoken with dad like that, causing Lewis to just sigh. Of course he knew that. And in fact, prior to the big confrontation with Su's grandparents... he never would've dreamed it. But something about finally letting out his voice felt so empowering! Mum was explaining that her household had been the contrast. Every conversation was a serious one, and it sounded awful as well. Perhaps there should be something like... a middle ground? But then he spoke again, before trying to hide. It was really, really difficult to hide when one was nearing seven feet tall. But his mum's soft voice told him not to hid. She even turned him back toward her.
He listened as she explained the learning curve, that they were trying to figure all this out too. Apparently it was just the perks that came with him being the eldest child. He was about to comment when she noted that it seemed just a few days ago he was a little kid. After all, that was the whole entire problem! He simply wasn't a little kid by any means. But she continued. She noted that he was a young man all set to graduate, but that was just a lot for them. He wanted to continue, to say he hated that he'd been born first. He hated that he had to be their learning curve, but her little laugh gave him pause.
Lewis sat up a bit when she said she'd been planning - or rather expecting - something like this to happen. But she apologized for not making sure he was okay, which did help ease some of the burden. "I just.... I'm tired of being treated like I'm five, mum. Dad does it, you too, sometimes. But he's worse about it. Like, yea, I get not wanting kids to grow up or whatever, I do, but at the same time, I hate that I'm the 'learning curve'. I'm trying to learn everything too! A-and when I try to talk about anything even vaguely teenage-ish, I get laughed off and told I'm not old enough to need to worry. But I am! And..." he sighed, not sure if he should continue. If he did, it had the potential of hurting his mum and dad.... but at the same time, he was tired of hiding behind a happy face and compliances. "I've been trying to deal with this for a couple years. Any time I bring it up it's just 'there's time for that when you're an adult' or 'those things can wait'... but how long am I supposed to just ignore my own thoughts? Do I have to be graduated and moved out with a steady job before I'm allowed to have regular teenage thoughts? Do I have to have a... a retirement fund before I'm allowed to have questions?!" His voice rose and fell, the teen cursing puberty again for the awkward breaks in his voice.
Pushing himself up to a full sit, Lewis looked at his mum for a second. Maybe she'd be better to have the talk with? She at least sounded rational right now. "I always just feel so... mollycoddled. I know you guys just want to protect me and keep me safe, but... Either way, I'm still in my upper teens. And I feel like having those weird, stressful relationship talks are supposed to be par for the course. So why do I just keep getting told I'm not ready for those talks? Do you guys seriously think I'm not mature enough... old enough.... whatever enough? I feel like I've been pretty good this whole time, and maybe it feels good to get some of this off my chest. It feels good to not have to mind my manners all the time because the kids look up to me and I have to be their role model. All it's taught me is that my feelings aren't allowed to matter, mum. I can't keep bottling up these conversations. As we've seen... my bottle's full up."
Dressed up to the eyes It's a wonderful surprise To see your shoes and your spirits rise Throwing out your frown And just smiling at the sound
Sαłeм'š Ałυм ▨ Mυggłeвøяи ▨ Ѕет Dеѕіgйея
☯⚝ϟ Puck could see that while her words were getting through to Lewis-sort of-a bigger part of him was still holding back, which as much as it hurt she could understand. She could apologize and say all the right things about how he was their practice baby and that they just weren't ready to loosen the reigns, but what did all that really mean to a kid (a young man she had to remember) who was still hurt by it? Gods above, she really did make a miniature version of herself. All the best and worst parts it looked like.
Puck wasn't surprised to hear that he was tired of being treated like a little kid and being told to wait until he was older. The worst part was, she hadn't even realized she had been doing that to him. She had felt like she had to be made responsible for everything so early on when it was just her and her mom. Things somewhat got better when Nora came into the picture but it just came with added responsibility when it came to Chanda. She had wanted to avoid doing that to her kids, wanting to take all that pressure off and just let a kid be a kid! But then Lewis had taken to being a big brother like a duck to a lake and, the littles all loved and looked up to her, and he was just so good with everything-! "Well I ******** that right up." Puck muttered not knowing she had spoken her thoughts out loud.
"You're right Lewis, you're absolutely right. We haven't handled this the way we thought we had and you got caught in the crossfire. You're allowed to ask questions about any and everything you want to know about, and most importantly you're allowed to your own thoughts and feelings. Look," she sighed and took one of Lewis' hands into both of her own. "we can't change what we did. Not without serious world bending chaos type power and I'm pretty sure your Nan isn't gonna lend that to us just so we can try and be better parents. What I can offer is to at least do this part and all the future parts right. Specifically, a repeat of this talk with your dad. If you still want to, of course." Puck knew that teen her would've ******** right off and probably either hide in her bedroom or couch surf with friends rather than try a similar talk with her moms, but she was desperately hoping Lewis was better than her.
It's such a gorgeous sight To see you in the middle of the night You can never get enough Enough of this stuff It's Friday I'm in love
xx✯ Wʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴍ I?Home - Bedroom xxx✯ Wʜᴏ ɪs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ?Mum xxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ?Trying to talk xxxxx✯ Wʜᴀᴛ'ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs?This is not a fun conversation, but at least she seems to understand
While Lewis was spilling his soul and trying to explain why he had been feeling super crummy lately. He tried to reiterate that he was an adult now, and -to her credit- mum didn't just laugh and push aside his feelings. Heck, she even said that she'd messed up! It was wild, and he didn't know what to do. After all, every bit of this was uncharted territory. "You didn't ******** up, mum." He awkwardly pat her shoulder, before sighing at her next round of words.
She said they hadn't done a good job with handling the childhoods. Or course, he knew that he got kinda... the short end of the stick. She reassured that he was allowed to talk about any of his feelings, and that he was allowed to have his own feelings. At that, he huffed softly. She stole one of his hands, his long fingers curling over her hands. Mum then went into explaining that they couldn't change what had already been done and said, even joking that Nan held the power to time-travel. It did seem like something Nan would have. But then she continued. She said that she could get him a repeat of this conversation, then do better in the future as well.
"I don't know. I don't even know if it's one of those dad and me conversations or maybe it's supposed to be one with both of you. Or maybe with no one and I'm supposed to ask my friends. One of them just said I had to be introspective, but I've tried that for the whole time and I still don't know what to do." After all, introspection was supposedly just thinking really hard about stuff, but since it'd been just trapped in his brain the whole time, that was basically the same thing. "I also just.... if dad's just gonna tease me, I don't want to try again. I'm tired of being treated like a kid." He loved his dad very much, and he always would, but at the same time, he just.... didn't have the energy.
"Heck, you said yourself that I'm close to graduation! And not only that, but the head professors trusted me enough for prefect and head student. They don't just give that to anyone. Actually, both older kids you've had hands on raising got those titles. And yet, you and dad somehow treat Su as more of an adult than me. It's just... it's not fair, mum. I just wanted to talk about romantic stuff, preferably without Rosa just... laughing at me, but I really thought the conversation would've gone different. Something more grown up, instead of telling me I'm too young for dating or whatnot." He sighed, dark eyes looking off into the distance. He hated feeling like he wasn't mature enough for this sort of stuff, especially when third years were dating and stuff. Why should he have to wait until after he graduated?
