[ But then Hob notices another entering. That sounds like Natasha, even before he spots her. Since another house member has arrived, Hob pours a third cup of coffee and sets it on the counter for her, along with milk and sugar should anyone want to add something to their brew.
Once Natasha joins them, Hob greets her with a smile. ]
Hello, Natasha. Lovely to see you again.
[ Wait, so it's really him and two gorgeous women in a situation like this? The universe is poking fun at him or something. That must be it. ]
Oh, yes, I thought Violet might work for her name, but it's not set in stone. Coffee?
[Taking her time to wander a little deeper into the house, Natasha absorbs her surroundings the best she can for now. Inhaling deeply as she tries to mentally prepare herself for meeting with the two people she's going to be acting like a family with for the next month. This should be nothing to her.
Her life has been a series of acting jobs since she was a child, but for some reason she can't fall back into the life she knew since arriving here. Nat's been off-kilter since her death. Shaking it off, she plants a wide smile on her face and wanders into the kitchen.]
Hello, Ororo, Hob. It's good to see you both again.
[Eyeing the purple child, Natasha lifts a brow. That wasn't quite what she was expecting, but it still brings a chill to her bones knowing that she's supposed to be a stay at home mother to it. What does she know about babies. At least it seems to like Ororo. Natasha takes the coffee with a nod, and settles against a countertop.]
Naming the baby? I- I'm still a little shocked by all this. I have to admit. My smallest consolation is that at least I know both of you.
[ Ororo manages a quick smile for Natasha, wanting to greet her properly, but is clearly a bit more preoccupied with The Baby. It, or she, chooses that moment to fuss a little more, a little loudly and Ororo is startled by it. Her skin prickles with a visible, blue-white static charge. ]
Oh! Oh, hush now Violet, we'll have the bottle ready soon. [ ... Was she just talking to the baby?
She looks a little sheepish as she glances at them both, rocking the baby gently. ]
Well. It will not be too small a consolation, if either of you have any experience with small children.
[ Natasha seems a bit rattled. Maybe she's more comfortable with fighting giant snakes than playing house. Given what he already knows about her life, this is not what she's used to, but Hob will do what he can to help her feel comfortable until this is over.
The momentary light from Ororo has Hob blinking, wondering if he saw what he thought he saw. Odd. But the bottle is ready, so that should help things. He takes it out of the warmer and turns it over to deposit a couple of drops onto his arm. Not too hot. ]
Here you are.
[ He offers the bottle to Ororo. ]
Oh. Well, I haven't prepped many bottles, but I saw that bit on television.
[Watching the way Ororo's skin fluxes tells Nat that the other woman isn't that comfortable in this role either. It's almost calming in a way. Nat lets out a breath that's probably a little louder than it should be from her seemingly relaxed pose against the counter.
Taking another sip from her coffee, she does her best to let the warm brew melt the ice that has formed knots inside her. The baby moves and sounds far too real for it to be some android. It reminds her a lot of Connor, and while he was curious-- he was quite real in many ways. ]
I don't normally lead conversations with any of this information, but I have no experience with family beyond a three year spy gig when I was in elementary school, and even then I was already trained to be... not a normal child.
[It seems that Hob is the most relaxed in this setting. It makes a sort of sense to Natasha who also felt immediately at home around him when they met. He has that relaxing presence. ]
[ The bottle's taken with a grateful smile, but Ororo spends another moment just holding it and looking down at the baby, who she's shifted to cradle in one arm. That's familiar enough to start, of course, but... ]
I've helped with children before. But... This one is realistic, yes, but hardly real. [ Should she just give it fluids...? Won't it do something to the circuitry, if it's a robot baby?
She doesn't have time to wonder, as the baby takes the moment to cry out, again, and Ororo finally drops the bottle to its mouth. It quiets down. ]
I can't recall-- did the instructions we receive say anything about consequences for not caring for it?
It's a good thing we're in this together, then. We can help each other.
[ Ororo may seem a tad reluctant, but Hob thinks she's a bit of a natural. Having helped with children before does come in handy at a time like this. The idea of not caring for the baby, even if it's fake, clearly bothers Hob. ]
I don't think I can just ignore it. Does something happen if we don't participate in the missions? This is the first one for me.
[ But since they're sharing, maybe he should be a little more forthcoming. ]
I have cared for a baby before, but with some help involved. They also gave me a job to go to. I'm supposed to be a tailor, but the most I can do is sew on a button.
I don't know, but I'm supposed to somehow be a stay at home mom. I mean, I guess that's what a house spouse is. I don't know the first thing about any of it. I can care for myself, but I don't really cook or do much else. I act, so I guess I can figure it out, but children...
[She looks down, extremely uncomfortable about it all. Natasha doesn't like feeling like this. Not even in this situation. She should be placing herself in the role and waltzing around like she owns the space. It bothers her deeply that she can't. There's an expected depth to this mission and after what happened on the last one, she's extremely leery as to what the consequences might be if this doesn't succeed. ]
I'm rather leery about not doing what they say. I don't trust anything, obviously. They are masters of manipulation, as we well know given the last mission but what might our torments be if we don't do this.
[Taking a deep breath, Nat lets it out slowly working to clear her mind.]
What about this other child here, the one with a name. Is he another person that was on Etraya with us. I know there are several children about.
[ Just as the baby's latched onto its bottle, there's a knock at the door.
Riz knows, functionally, that this is his assignment and he can stroll right on in. He also knows functionally that he's strolled into a suburb not so different from the ones back home, and just barging into something that's clearly someone's home like this is just impolite, so he knocks anyway and quietly counts down from sixty underneath his breath. After sixty seconds, he reasons, then he'll walk in.
But it's not empty after all, and once someone answers the door, they'll look down to see Riz standing there. He's short - no more than 3'5" - with green freckled skin and large, bat-like ears, with a fanged underbite and clawed hands clutching onto a briefcase completing his very formal little number, with a full vest and tie. Peeking out from underneath his rolled sleeves and onto his hands are scattered, senseless tattoos.
He wasn't so worried about the Labyrinth. Having to live with a bunch of strangers (other than Ororo; he'd been relieved to see a name he recognizes on there) does have him worried, though. Dealing with people is always a little harder than dealing with monsters. ]
Um, hi. [ His lips spread in an awkward smile, waving his free hand at them. ] I was told I've been assigned here too...?
I may have been assigned a job Natasha, [ Ororo starts, turning to the other woman to regard her seriously. ] but that does not mean I'll leave you alone with this. Neither of us will - if you don't mind my saying so, Hob. [ She glances quickly at Hob; she knows she has a habit of speaking for others, but usually for larger matters, bigger groups. This was a small and intimate setting, and they were all relative strangers. ]
We have an advantage in numbers here; between three adults, surely it won't be so difficult putting on all this... blending-in asked of us, the tasks, and care for children. Especially since one of them is already... [ In here, apparently. Ororo looks up as Riz comes in. Her very serious expression shifts into a warm smile at the familiar face. ]
... Here. Hello, Riz. [ Please don't mind the lavender colored baby in her arms. ] As confusing as all this is, I was glad to see your name.
[There's a nervous snort of laugh from Nat at Hob's statement. ]
That's good, because I'd burn it. I can microwave popcorn, and order out really well. I know how to kill wild game and cook it over a fire. I can survive if I have to, but this isn't exactly that either...
[Glancing over at the newcomer, she smiles but it's a little forced. It's not because of him, it's because she's still feeling all out of sorts about this. All she wants right now is to go back out and prepare her mind for this as if she would a real mission and walk back in. Being handed a slip of paper and finding out she had to be some sort of mom is still running her mind in circles.
She keeps putting off every vibe that it has to do with her lack of skills (which she truly has none of), but buried deep, deep inside it has to do with the fact that this is the life she always wanted, but never dare let herself think of. Nat had to give all this up because of who she is and what was taken from her when she was young.
Even her thoughts of really finding true love were taken because she never thought she'd have a family, or be capable of it. This strikes so hard at so many of her issues.
Apparently Etraya knows exactly where to stick the hot poker to make it hurt most.]
Yes, together, of course. I know that. I am sorry if it sounded like I was ever discounting you all. I wouldn't. I know that we will work well together. You are both kind and wonderful people.
[Finally turning to the newer person, the name she'd mentioned only a moment ago she waves.]
Hey, I'm Natasha. Nice to meet you. Looks like we're all here now.
[ Okay. Okay, so it's him, three adults, and one... is that a robot baby? Riz peers at it, a little unnerved but unwilling to say something about it on the chance that one of the three people greeting him is actually its mother, and he steps inside, glancing warily from face to face to face. Thank god Ororo is here too. They don't know each other well, but she's cool, and she's nice, so that means this won't all be awful. Natasha seems a little put-off, he thinks, but that's fair. Anyone would be in the scenario they've found themselves in. ]
Hey, nice to meet you. I guess you already saw my name on the paper, but I'm Riz -- Riz Gukgak.
[ Natasha, Hob, Ororo. They're going first name basis, then. He can work with that. He clears his throat, making sure his posture is straight and tall, as proper and polite as he can be. ]
I'm not gonna lie, this is pretty weird. But since we're stuck with each other for the time being, I hope we can all work together. [ A little quieter, to Ororo alone, entirely earnest: ] I was happy to see your name too.
[ Okay. Step one: make himself useful. Always a good start. ]
I overheard you guys talking about cooking? I can cook, a little.
I see at least one of us can. [ It's easier to smile when there's a benefit to it - it wouldn't do to make Riz uncomfortable, and she'd want to make him feel most at home, most of all.
She glances at Natasha, clearly rattled, and Hob, relatively together, and makes an executive decision. It helps, she figures, if she'd treat this as it was: a mission, where a team must do well. And a team would definitely need a field leader. ]
Why don't you and Hob take a look at the kitchen, Riz, and see if there's anything simple to make? Natasha and I can see what we can do for the... baby, and see what other rooms we have, and settle sleeping arrangements.
[ They have to check the rooms. She hopes they can have a room each, because she wasn't sure if she's ready to share that much space with anyone here. ]
If there's anything we need, we will make a list, and make a trip to the grocery. There are two vehicles in the garage - we can take one to pick up supplies. How does that sound?
[ Hob did not feel discounted, so Natasha doesn't need to worry about that. This is a little strange for all of them, even for Hob, though he's lived a domestic life before. He'll do whatever he can to assist. It's not like he's a guy with superpowers that lets him fight enemies the way others in this realm do, so he'll be as useful as he can in a situation like this. Boring and normal? Hob can handle that.
When Riz volunteers to help with kitchen duties, Hob smiles. ]
Then we'll all pitch in.
[ Hob doesn't mind that Ororo takes charge. In fact, he prefers it and can't help but admire her strength in the situation. ]
Brilliant. Let's see if we can whip up some lunch, Riz. And get to work on that shopping list.
[ The house does seem big enough, but Hob won't object to sleeping on the couch, if he has to. ]
[Normally one to take control, Natasha knew that she was out of her element here and allowed Ororo to handle things for the time being. She could let her mind settle and adapt to the situation at hand while taking stock of what was provided for them. That was the smartest thing to do.
If she were to be a stay at home 'mom', then she'd need to make sure that everyone had the things they needed, and that the house was well supplied. Natasha was good at that type of thing. She knew what people needed to survive, and comfortably for a while. ]
Don't forget to put together a list of wants or needs, like clothing, games, or anything else you think you'll want. I'm sure I'll end up making a trip to some of the stores they have here to see what I can pick up for the house, and you all.
[Glancing around, Nat makes eye contact with everyone, doing her best to let them know that she's trying to be supportive in this new situation. This isn't all about her, and like with all the other groups she's worked with, she needs to support and foster teamwork to make things run smoothly.
It will be the same with the space in the house. She's shared her space before, and if she has to do it again, she will-- just not with the baby.]
Should we go look around, Ororo and then meet back here for lunch when we're done. I want to see what's set for the.. baby, uh, Violet and what she might need as well.
[ It's how he has his apartment set up back in Etraya too, where everything is decidedly human-sized but him -- which is fine by him, really, considering that's how they've got everything set up back home too.
All things said and done, though, this is all feeling a little too domestic for Riz. It's eerie, being dropped in the middle of this slice of suburbia that isn't so different from the one back home, and instead of getting to work investigating, they're... shopping.
But this is the mission. Playing along might be the most direct way to figuring out the ins and outs of what's expected of them around here, as much as Riz is itching to set down his things and charge right back out there, and getting to know his new teammates isn't going to kill him. ]
But... okay. Sounds good. You guys let us know what you see out there, and before Mr. Hob and I get started on lunch, I'd like to case the place, maybe look to see if there's any hidden cameras around. [ Maybe he's being a touch paranoid, but he figures if it's ever warranted, it is now.
Step stools, alright. [ Would he need anything else? Ororo didn't want to presume, but she didn't want him to feel too shy to ask for things that would help him navigate the house. ]
Case the place... [ Ororo smiles, remembering how he'd approached the Nova City on Etraya too. ] Feel free to - but I don't believe there are any hidden cameras in here. I would have seen them by now if there were.
[ As for the baby... Ororo looks down - right, she's still holding the baby. ] It's-- she is part of the mission. We're meant to care for her throughout our stay.
[ And they've named her Violet. Because she's... violet. ]
[ Hob doesn't need much, personally, and will prefer to look for his own clothes and such, but there are probably some things they could use for the house. ]
See if you can find where the diapers are kept. We're going to need one. Soon.
[ Babies don't wait long after a meal before doing their business, in Hob's experience. With the bottle finished, he offers to take it from Ororo so it can be cleaned and sanitized. Naturally, formula will go on the shopping list, too. ]
Hidden cameras? God, I hope not.
[ As if this wasn't weird enough already. Since they have their tasks, Hob goes into the kitchen to start looking through the fridge. ]
I don't assume that surveillance will be anything so easily detected. If they are advance enough to warp us from one planet to another, and force emotions on us, I have a feeling they'll be watching what they feel like. That's only my thought process whatever it's worth, but maybe they don't think we're worth watching either. Who knows.
[Realizing then that she might be alarming the others, she adds the last bit. Natasha has felt like there's little that can be done about being watched from the beginning. She's done her part to sweep around places for any type of typical bug she'd know about, and she knows a lot, but there's been nothing that she's been able to detect. However, she's been monitored through a lot of her life by people.
It's not time to get into that though. She merely smiles and nods at Hob.]
I am hoping that we can find some things like diapers and those .. um, pacifier things, and blankets and a crib upstairs, when we go look at rooms. I've got note of the few things we need, and I'll make a larger list so I can go shopping later.
For now, heading upstairs.
[Giving another curt nod at the males, Natasha turns and wanders back out the way she came, allowing time to give the house a once over with Ororo whom she assumes has followed her out as well.]
If you, uh, need time from the baby. I- I guess I should get used to figuring out how to hold her. I've just never done it.
[Now that she's away from everyone else, she can admit this to Ororo]
I'm familiar with arcanotech. But... I'll just feel better if I check, [ Riz says firmly. It's not that he doesn't trust Ororo, or that Natasha's dismissal of his instinct is wrong, per se, but he knows he won't be able to relax until he's investigated all of the rooms of the house for himself. Anything else, and he'll just get itchy.
And sure, maybe this is because certain recent revelations have him perpetually worried about being surveilled, but that's neither here nor there! ]
Um, for the record? Cooking and cleaning I can do, no problem. But I've never even so much as held a baby before, so... [ Robot babies probably aren't nearly as delicate as the real thing (it would be pretty fucked up for them to built that way, he thinks), but he can't say he wants much to do with it. ] I'll be right back!
[ So while Hob goes through the kitchen, Riz does a quick sweep of the whole house. Nothing as thorough as he'd like to do later, but just enough to give him a little peace of mind and to get an eye for the layout (he'll have his own room away from the baby, thank whatever gods are listening), and it's not long before he's rejoining Hob in the kitchen. ]
All clear, as far as I can tell. You find anything good?
[ Ororo's eyes see patterns and pathways of energy, both electric and magickal in nature. But she saves this information for later, not wishing to interrupt either one of their personal investigations. She can understand the need to see things for themselves.
So she just lets Riz take a look around as he wishes, turning her attention to Natasha instead as she, for the moment, seems a little more strung out than the sixteen year-old poking around the house. ]
It's not difficult. The baby isn't a newborn, so we do not have to be so terribly careful. [ There's no need to mind the head, support the neck since... the baby is, in the end, just a robot one.
Still, Ororo comes over to place the baby carefully into Natasha's arms. No time like the present to practice. ] I do agree, however, that you ought to familiarize yourself with holding her. And if the the Natasha Romanoff I am familiar with at home can assemble a sniper rifle in record time, I'm sure you can handle handling an android baby just as easily. [ She doesn't let go or go too far, helpfully arranging Nat's arms for her as necessary. ]
In fact, you will have to, because I seem to have early morning shifts... And as I understand it - Hob will have work as well? [ She turns to look through the doorway where Hob may have heard her. ]
[If Nat realized how readable she was being, she might have been more than slightly mortified. Still, she's learning to deal with her new reality and how to adjust with all the changes around her while accepting that she's no longer alive in her universe. It's a disadvantage, but not a completely terrible one.
Maybe it's not so difficult, but Natasha likes to do things perfectly the first time, and she'd rather have had time to prepare for this out of the eyes of strangers. This is the best she's going to get, apparently. Taking the rather strange looking infant, Natasha cradles Violet in her arms. Her heart flips over slightly, and pounds oddly in her chest.
The baby begins to fuss a little, but Natasha instantly tucks her in closer and moves in a rocking motion. ] Shhhh, My little Malishka. No fussing now. I'll put you to bed soon, and maybe tell you a little story.
[Pink colors Natasha's cheeks when she looks over at Ororo. It seems like this is a lot easier than Nat always figured. It's one of her most hidden desires, but she would never let herself think about it because of all the things in the way.]
I- yes, I know that you both work. I am the house person. Hob knows a little of my background. We talked some after I saved him from a snake. [She says the last part quietly, not wanting to let it be known that she did the saving, but both her and Ororo are in the business, and know how it is with most people-- large serpents aren't everyday things, but men also need their pride now and then.]
Should we go upstairs and see about the rooms then? Maybe we can get this one down for a nap. Then come together and talk about everything else. I'd like to get to know Riz some too. I know I was stressed back there. I- know some personal thoughts were plaguing the back of my mind. We'll figure this all out.
[She smiles softly, eyes warm as she turns to the other woman of the house, hoping that they can be friends.]
[ Hob isn't going to object to more checks for something like that, though he does trust none will be found. Still, it's best to verify. And then Riz rushes off to check things out. The young man is certainly energetic! Given the number of adults in the house, he's sure they can spare Riz from baby duty, as well.
When Riz returns, Hob has laid out a loaf of bread, ham, cheese, and mustard. ]
We've got some basics. Would you like to start assembling these while I prep the lettace and tomato?
[ Riz simply hops up onto the counter to start preparing the sandwiches (and he's quietly relieved that they're just sandwiches; he's volunteered to cook, but he knows that his grasp on cooking skills is largely relegated to the very basics), quietly taking to spreading the condiments on the laid out slices of bread, a single slice of ham neatly placed smack dab in the middle of them.
It feels a little like... he should probably be getting to know these people, he decides. ]
So, um... Mr. Hob - [ right, he was introduced with no mister ] - what've they got you doing here? I know I'm supposed to be going to school, so they probably wanna put you guys to work.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
100more) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
etrayalogs2024-07-20 12:46 pm
yup!
[ But then Hob notices another entering. That sounds like Natasha, even before he spots her. Since another house member has arrived, Hob pours a third cup of coffee and sets it on the counter for her, along with milk and sugar should anyone want to add something to their brew.
Once Natasha joins them, Hob greets her with a smile. ]
Hello, Natasha. Lovely to see you again.
[ Wait, so it's really him and two gorgeous women in a situation like this? The universe is poking fun at him or something. That must be it. ]
Oh, yes, I thought Violet might work for her name, but it's not set in stone. Coffee?
no subject
Her life has been a series of acting jobs since she was a child, but for some reason she can't fall back into the life she knew since arriving here. Nat's been off-kilter since her death. Shaking it off, she plants a wide smile on her face and wanders into the kitchen.]
Hello, Ororo, Hob. It's good to see you both again.
[Eyeing the purple child, Natasha lifts a brow. That wasn't quite what she was expecting, but it still brings a chill to her bones knowing that she's supposed to be a stay at home mother to it. What does she know about babies. At least it seems to like Ororo. Natasha takes the coffee with a nod, and settles against a countertop.]
Naming the baby? I- I'm still a little shocked by all this. I have to admit. My smallest consolation is that at least I know both of you.
no subject
Oh! Oh, hush now Violet, we'll have the bottle ready soon. [ ... Was she just talking to the baby?
She looks a little sheepish as she glances at them both, rocking the baby gently. ]
Well. It will not be too small a consolation, if either of you have any experience with small children.
no subject
The momentary light from Ororo has Hob blinking, wondering if he saw what he thought he saw. Odd. But the bottle is ready, so that should help things. He takes it out of the warmer and turns it over to deposit a couple of drops onto his arm. Not too hot. ]
Here you are.
[ He offers the bottle to Ororo. ]
Oh. Well, I haven't prepped many bottles, but I saw that bit on television.
no subject
Taking another sip from her coffee, she does her best to let the warm brew melt the ice that has formed knots inside her. The baby moves and sounds far too real for it to be some android. It reminds her a lot of Connor, and while he was curious-- he was quite real in many ways. ]
I don't normally lead conversations with any of this information, but I have no experience with family beyond a three year spy gig when I was in elementary school, and even then I was already trained to be... not a normal child.
[It seems that Hob is the most relaxed in this setting. It makes a sort of sense to Natasha who also felt immediately at home around him when they met. He has that relaxing presence. ]
no subject
I've helped with children before. But... This one is realistic, yes, but hardly real. [ Should she just give it fluids...? Won't it do something to the circuitry, if it's a robot baby?
She doesn't have time to wonder, as the baby takes the moment to cry out, again, and Ororo finally drops the bottle to its mouth. It quiets down. ]
I can't recall-- did the instructions we receive say anything about consequences for not caring for it?
no subject
It's a good thing we're in this together, then. We can help each other.
[ Ororo may seem a tad reluctant, but Hob thinks she's a bit of a natural. Having helped with children before does come in handy at a time like this. The idea of not caring for the baby, even if it's fake, clearly bothers Hob. ]
I don't think I can just ignore it. Does something happen if we don't participate in the missions? This is the first one for me.
[ But since they're sharing, maybe he should be a little more forthcoming. ]
I have cared for a baby before, but with some help involved. They also gave me a job to go to. I'm supposed to be a tailor, but the most I can do is sew on a button.
no subject
[She looks down, extremely uncomfortable about it all. Natasha doesn't like feeling like this. Not even in this situation. She should be placing herself in the role and waltzing around like she owns the space. It bothers her deeply that she can't. There's an expected depth to this mission and after what happened on the last one, she's extremely leery as to what the consequences might be if this doesn't succeed. ]
I'm rather leery about not doing what they say. I don't trust anything, obviously. They are masters of manipulation, as we well know given the last mission but what might our torments be if we don't do this.
[Taking a deep breath, Nat lets it out slowly working to clear her mind.]
What about this other child here, the one with a name. Is he another person that was on Etraya with us. I know there are several children about.
hello, hope it's okay for me to hop in here...!!
Riz knows, functionally, that this is his assignment and he can stroll right on in. He also knows functionally that he's strolled into a suburb not so different from the ones back home, and just barging into something that's clearly someone's home like this is just impolite, so he knocks anyway and quietly counts down from sixty underneath his breath. After sixty seconds, he reasons, then he'll walk in.
But it's not empty after all, and once someone answers the door, they'll look down to see Riz standing there. He's short - no more than 3'5" - with green freckled skin and large, bat-like ears, with a fanged underbite and clawed hands clutching onto a briefcase completing his very formal little number, with a full vest and tie. Peeking out from underneath his rolled sleeves and onto his hands are scattered, senseless tattoos.
He wasn't so worried about the Labyrinth. Having to live with a bunch of strangers (other than Ororo; he'd been relieved to see a name he recognizes on there) does have him worried, though. Dealing with people is always a little harder than dealing with monsters. ]
Um, hi. [ His lips spread in an awkward smile, waving his free hand at them. ] I was told I've been assigned here too...?
nat > riz > ororo > hob, if that's cool!
We have an advantage in numbers here; between three adults, surely it won't be so difficult putting on all this... blending-in asked of us, the tasks, and care for children. Especially since one of them is already... [ In here, apparently. Ororo looks up as Riz comes in. Her very serious expression shifts into a warm smile at the familiar face. ]
... Here. Hello, Riz. [ Please don't mind the lavender colored baby in her arms. ] As confusing as all this is, I was glad to see your name.
no subject
[ Hob is clearly joking for Natasha, trying to lighten the mood a bit, but he's concerned again at her other words. ]
They would torment us if we don't do as they say? That's barbaric.
[ Ororo's additional reassurance to Natasha gets a firm nod from Hob. ]
We're all in this together.
[ And then they're joined by the final member of their household. Hob gives the newcomer a warm smile. ]
Welcome. I'm Hob. Nice to meet you, Riz.
no subject
That's good, because I'd burn it. I can microwave popcorn, and order out really well. I know how to kill wild game and cook it over a fire. I can survive if I have to, but this isn't exactly that either...
[Glancing over at the newcomer, she smiles but it's a little forced. It's not because of him, it's because she's still feeling all out of sorts about this. All she wants right now is to go back out and prepare her mind for this as if she would a real mission and walk back in. Being handed a slip of paper and finding out she had to be some sort of mom is still running her mind in circles.
She keeps putting off every vibe that it has to do with her lack of skills (which she truly has none of), but buried deep, deep inside it has to do with the fact that this is the life she always wanted, but never dare let herself think of. Nat had to give all this up because of who she is and what was taken from her when she was young.
Even her thoughts of really finding true love were taken because she never thought she'd have a family, or be capable of it. This strikes so hard at so many of her issues.
Apparently Etraya knows exactly where to stick the hot poker to make it hurt most.]
Yes, together, of course. I know that. I am sorry if it sounded like I was ever discounting you all. I wouldn't. I know that we will work well together. You are both kind and wonderful people.
[Finally turning to the newer person, the name she'd mentioned only a moment ago she waves.]
Hey, I'm Natasha. Nice to meet you. Looks like we're all here now.
no subject
Hey, nice to meet you. I guess you already saw my name on the paper, but I'm Riz -- Riz Gukgak.
[ Natasha, Hob, Ororo. They're going first name basis, then. He can work with that. He clears his throat, making sure his posture is straight and tall, as proper and polite as he can be. ]
I'm not gonna lie, this is pretty weird. But since we're stuck with each other for the time being, I hope we can all work together. [ A little quieter, to Ororo alone, entirely earnest: ] I was happy to see your name too.
[ Okay. Step one: make himself useful. Always a good start. ]
I overheard you guys talking about cooking? I can cook, a little.
no subject
She glances at Natasha, clearly rattled, and Hob, relatively together, and makes an executive decision. It helps, she figures, if she'd treat this as it was: a mission, where a team must do well. And a team would definitely need a field leader. ]
Why don't you and Hob take a look at the kitchen, Riz, and see if there's anything simple to make? Natasha and I can see what we can do for the... baby, and see what other rooms we have, and settle sleeping arrangements.
[ They have to check the rooms. She hopes they can have a room each, because she wasn't sure if she's ready to share that much space with anyone here. ]
If there's anything we need, we will make a list, and make a trip to the grocery. There are two vehicles in the garage - we can take one to pick up supplies. How does that sound?
no subject
When Riz volunteers to help with kitchen duties, Hob smiles. ]
Then we'll all pitch in.
[ Hob doesn't mind that Ororo takes charge. In fact, he prefers it and can't help but admire her strength in the situation. ]
Brilliant. Let's see if we can whip up some lunch, Riz. And get to work on that shopping list.
[ The house does seem big enough, but Hob won't object to sleeping on the couch, if he has to. ]
no subject
[Normally one to take control, Natasha knew that she was out of her element here and allowed Ororo to handle things for the time being. She could let her mind settle and adapt to the situation at hand while taking stock of what was provided for them. That was the smartest thing to do.
If she were to be a stay at home 'mom', then she'd need to make sure that everyone had the things they needed, and that the house was well supplied. Natasha was good at that type of thing. She knew what people needed to survive, and comfortably for a while. ]
Don't forget to put together a list of wants or needs, like clothing, games, or anything else you think you'll want. I'm sure I'll end up making a trip to some of the stores they have here to see what I can pick up for the house, and you all.
[Glancing around, Nat makes eye contact with everyone, doing her best to let them know that she's trying to be supportive in this new situation. This isn't all about her, and like with all the other groups she's worked with, she needs to support and foster teamwork to make things run smoothly.
It will be the same with the space in the house. She's shared her space before, and if she has to do it again, she will-- just not with the baby.]
Should we go look around, Ororo and then meet back here for lunch when we're done. I want to see what's set for the.. baby, uh, Violet and what she might need as well.
no subject
[ It's how he has his apartment set up back in Etraya too, where everything is decidedly human-sized but him -- which is fine by him, really, considering that's how they've got everything set up back home too.
All things said and done, though, this is all feeling a little too domestic for Riz. It's eerie, being dropped in the middle of this slice of suburbia that isn't so different from the one back home, and instead of getting to work investigating, they're... shopping.
But this is the mission. Playing along might be the most direct way to figuring out the ins and outs of what's expected of them around here, as much as Riz is itching to set down his things and charge right back out there, and getting to know his new teammates isn't going to kill him. ]
But... okay. Sounds good. You guys let us know what you see out there, and before Mr. Hob and I get started on lunch, I'd like to case the place, maybe look to see if there's any hidden cameras around. [ Maybe he's being a touch paranoid, but he figures if it's ever warranted, it is now.
And now he's got to ask. ]
...um, what's with the baby?
no subject
Case the place... [ Ororo smiles, remembering how he'd approached the Nova City on Etraya too. ] Feel free to - but I don't believe there are any hidden cameras in here. I would have seen them by now if there were.
[ As for the baby... Ororo looks down - right, she's still holding the baby. ] It's-- she is part of the mission. We're meant to care for her throughout our stay.
[ And they've named her Violet. Because she's... violet. ]
no subject
See if you can find where the diapers are kept. We're going to need one. Soon.
[ Babies don't wait long after a meal before doing their business, in Hob's experience. With the bottle finished, he offers to take it from Ororo so it can be cleaned and sanitized. Naturally, formula will go on the shopping list, too. ]
Hidden cameras? God, I hope not.
[ As if this wasn't weird enough already. Since they have their tasks, Hob goes into the kitchen to start looking through the fridge. ]
no subject
[Realizing then that she might be alarming the others, she adds the last bit. Natasha has felt like there's little that can be done about being watched from the beginning. She's done her part to sweep around places for any type of typical bug she'd know about, and she knows a lot, but there's been nothing that she's been able to detect. However, she's been monitored through a lot of her life by people.
It's not time to get into that though. She merely smiles and nods at Hob.]
I am hoping that we can find some things like diapers and those .. um, pacifier things, and blankets and a crib upstairs, when we go look at rooms. I've got note of the few things we need, and I'll make a larger list so I can go shopping later.
For now, heading upstairs.
[Giving another curt nod at the males, Natasha turns and wanders back out the way she came, allowing time to give the house a once over with Ororo whom she assumes has followed her out as well.]
If you, uh, need time from the baby. I- I guess I should get used to figuring out how to hold her. I've just never done it.
[Now that she's away from everyone else, she can admit this to Ororo]
no subject
And sure, maybe this is because certain recent revelations have him perpetually worried about being surveilled, but that's neither here nor there! ]
Um, for the record? Cooking and cleaning I can do, no problem. But I've never even so much as held a baby before, so... [ Robot babies probably aren't nearly as delicate as the real thing (it would be pretty fucked up for them to built that way, he thinks), but he can't say he wants much to do with it. ] I'll be right back!
[ So while Hob goes through the kitchen, Riz does a quick sweep of the whole house. Nothing as thorough as he'd like to do later, but just enough to give him a little peace of mind and to get an eye for the layout (he'll have his own room away from the baby, thank whatever gods are listening), and it's not long before he's rejoining Hob in the kitchen. ]
All clear, as far as I can tell. You find anything good?
no subject
So she just lets Riz take a look around as he wishes, turning her attention to Natasha instead as she, for the moment, seems a little more strung out than the sixteen year-old poking around the house. ]
It's not difficult. The baby isn't a newborn, so we do not have to be so terribly careful. [ There's no need to mind the head, support the neck since... the baby is, in the end, just a robot one.
Still, Ororo comes over to place the baby carefully into Natasha's arms. No time like the present to practice. ] I do agree, however, that you ought to familiarize yourself with holding her. And if the the Natasha Romanoff I am familiar with at home can assemble a sniper rifle in record time, I'm sure you can handle handling an android baby just as easily. [ She doesn't let go or go too far, helpfully arranging Nat's arms for her as necessary. ]
In fact, you will have to, because I seem to have early morning shifts... And as I understand it - Hob will have work as well? [ She turns to look through the doorway where Hob may have heard her. ]
no subject
Maybe it's not so difficult, but Natasha likes to do things perfectly the first time, and she'd rather have had time to prepare for this out of the eyes of strangers. This is the best she's going to get, apparently. Taking the rather strange looking infant, Natasha cradles Violet in her arms. Her heart flips over slightly, and pounds oddly in her chest.
The baby begins to fuss a little, but Natasha instantly tucks her in closer and moves in a rocking motion. ] Shhhh, My little Malishka. No fussing now. I'll put you to bed soon, and maybe tell you a little story.
[Pink colors Natasha's cheeks when she looks over at Ororo. It seems like this is a lot easier than Nat always figured. It's one of her most hidden desires, but she would never let herself think about it because of all the things in the way.]
I- yes, I know that you both work. I am the house person. Hob knows a little of my background. We talked some after I saved him from a snake. [She says the last part quietly, not wanting to let it be known that she did the saving, but both her and Ororo are in the business, and know how it is with most people-- large serpents aren't everyday things, but men also need their pride now and then.]
Should we go upstairs and see about the rooms then? Maybe we can get this one down for a nap. Then come together and talk about everything else. I'd like to get to know Riz some too. I know I was stressed back there. I- know some personal thoughts were plaguing the back of my mind. We'll figure this all out.
[She smiles softly, eyes warm as she turns to the other woman of the house, hoping that they can be friends.]
/parts the thread for now?
When Riz returns, Hob has laid out a loaf of bread, ham, cheese, and mustard. ]
We've got some basics. Would you like to start assembling these while I prep the lettace and tomato?
sounds good!! \o/
[ Riz simply hops up onto the counter to start preparing the sandwiches (and he's quietly relieved that they're just sandwiches; he's volunteered to cook, but he knows that his grasp on cooking skills is largely relegated to the very basics), quietly taking to spreading the condiments on the laid out slices of bread, a single slice of ham neatly placed smack dab in the middle of them.
It feels a little like... he should probably be getting to know these people, he decides. ]
So, um... Mr. Hob - [ right, he was introduced with no mister ] - what've they got you doing here? I know I'm supposed to be going to school, so they probably wanna put you guys to work.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)