[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Ykr0chB.png[/img]      [img]https://i.imgur.com/zCtOt85.png[/img]       
[h1][color=ff7360]Loni Rodriguez[/color], [color=15A663]Moriah Motta[/color]
[color=19FFBA]Kiki Motta[/color] & [color=E4FFD9]Little Sister[/color][/h1]
[h3]Tuesday. Midday.[/h3][sub]with [@AtomicEmperor][/sub][/center]
[right][code]New Leopold Building.[/code][/right][hr]
The three ascended the stairs and made it back out into the mall without trouble right around the time Momo got a text message.
[color=15A663]”Ah, your buddy’s here, Lon.”[/color] Moriah chuckled as she slipped the phone back into her pocket.

And the “buddy” wasn’t far off either. She could be heard from dozens of feet, her echoing voice singing the most melodramatic Italian opera she could. People stared, people gawked, but Kiki Motta was everything that Loni ascribed to be in terms of sociability. Utterly confident, she traipsed across the tile floor of the mall barefooted in something like a greco-roman toga with lace… [i]Wings? Curtains?[/i] Accessories, banded in gold, that stretched from the main gown to the bangles on her wrists. Her mass of black hair was tied up into a braid that wrapped down her neck and tucked itself into the straining fabric around her chest.

And with her, a face that Loni had only seen a scant few times while visiting Momo at home. It wasn’t clear immediately, given that the one called Little Sister usually had a covering over her eyes to render her physically blind. But, she seemed to be free of that for now, and even dressed like she actually had possessions of her own! Loni had been told that, by her own choice to study directly at the feet of a great Matriarch, she relinquished all of her own holdings beforehand.
But today, her hair had been styled in a bun, and she was wearing a beautiful red dress that held itself aloft with plenty of lacey ruffles. Just as used to being barefoot, and equally shameless in her Joy as per the teachings of Culla, Little Sister had no problem indulging in her time outside her cloistering with equally enthusiastic singing. 

The two held hands, letting the union swing between them as good and decent people stared with rapt confusion. Even anger, over the fact that they weren’t properly following social dress codes. But, Kiki knew best: There were no rules about shoes in this mall. And Momo loved that. She could only smile at her life-loving baby sister acting as a fantastic role model for her only real student.

[color=19FFBA]”Is [i]that her!?[/i]”[/color] Kiki called out from maybe fifty feet off, pointing at Loni and Luci with a shaking hop. 
Little Sister could only match Kiki in enthusiasm, her grasp of what was happening exactly falling away almost instantly. But, she was a great copier, and pointed directly at Loni and Luci as well with great excitement!

After the talk with Momo, Loni was feeling much more comfortable- or at least safe with present company. She didn’t have the ability to throw away social norms quite as much as the other two, but she shifted Luciana to one arm to wave enthusiastically. 
[color=ff7360]"Kiki! Hello!"[/color]

“Tea!” Luci wriggled in Loni’s arms, hands grasping forward. She flailed her limbs all over the place.
"Mama, down! [i]Dooowwwnnn[/i]!"

[color=ff7360]"I’m lettin’ you down, Baby, you don’t gotta struggle like that!"[/color] Loni wasn’t so worried, as she knew exactly where Luci was going to run. Still, as she put the toddler down on the floor, she prepared to follow right behind her. 

Luci immediately barrelled towards Kiki with outstretched arms and excited giggling.

There was a near imperceptible moment where Little Sister’s entire Matriarchal body tensed up. A massive influx of Green Lux washed across the floor of the mall, and for a split second Little Sister’s right leg shifted to catch her weight pressing down. Readying like a coiled spring to protect Kiki from the approaching [i]something.[/i] Obviously a child… But as a Matriarch, one was never told to idly presume.

But Kiki’s own leg flicked out, and there was a slapping noise as bone impacted bone. Two dogs snapping at one another without making more than a cursory motion. Of course, Little Sister couldn’t have known… But Kiki loved Luci just about as much as Momo did. She wasn’t going to let anyone even come [i]close[/i] to posing a threat. 
Her tall frame crouched down, legs spreading and showing off far more than they should’ve. But, again, shame simply didn’t exist for the Motta clan. Scooping Luci up, Kiki stood back up to full height.

[color=19FFBA]”That’s the giiiiiiiiiirl!!!!!!”[/color] she shouted, nuzzling in and starting to approach Loni.
[color=19FFBA]”What’s up beautiful bitch!?”[/color] she laughed, holding out her free arm to wrap around Loni.

Loni had sensed the Green Lux washing over her, immediately panicking with nothing she could do about it… But it was fine! Kiki made sure there wasn’t a problem, and Loni relaxed again. She leaned into the hug, returning it with one arm while the other reached up to ruffle her daughter’s curls.
[color=ff7360]"[i]Heeyyyy[/i]- Mo’s just been taking me shoppin’! Well, we ain’t done much of it yet, but still! And Lu gotta chocolate from a Turkey earlier!"[/color] 

“Ta-di!” Luci giggled excitedly, hands slapping against Kiki’s face. Thankfully, Loni had made sure to clean them of chocolate and then dry them off after their trip to the basement. 

[color=ff7360]"That’s right, Turkey!"[/color] Loni laughed. Still smiling, she stepped away a bit to look at Little Sister. She still didn’t have a complete understanding of how things [i]worked[/i]- but Momo tended to just act like a super strong, slightly odd person. There probably wasn’t any special greetings required, right?!

[color=ff7360]"Hello, we ain’t properly met before! I’m Loni, and this is Luciana. Say hello, Mijita."[/color]

Luciana was pretty distracted slapping Kiki’s face and pulling at her cheeks, but she just about heard her mother. 
“Oh-lah!” 

Little Sister’s blank face said everything about her grasp of the English language. Her Matriarch had elected to withhold language training from the young heiress. An old but stubborn tradition, most were left to learn any secondary language on their own through whatever method they could manage. 
But English was in such profusion around her, she couldn’t help but hear some of it. Whatever it actually meant, she never bothered piecing together. 

[color=E4FFD9]”C-che?”[/color]
Though, there was an instinct to look toward the child. Any of them brought joy, but this one seemed connected. Little Sister could feel the Green and Black Lux swirling around her even in the earliest youth.

[color=E4FFD9]”Ehh… Bambina tu figlia?”[/color] she pointed from Luci to Loni.

[color=19FFBA]”Si, si! Lei è Ispanica, non Italiana, Sori.”[/color]

Sori, short for Sorella as the Italiano for Sister, instantly nodded. She turned back to Loni and frowned.

[color=E4FFD9]”Eeeenglish bad. Girl you? Ehhh… Cyoot. Very nice.”[/color] she said, giving Loni a big thumbs up as her expression became a smile.

[color=19FFBA]”Ella Luciana, e Alondra… Luci? Loni.”[/color] Kiki pointed from the baby in her arms to the woman in front of them.

[color=E4FFD9]”Ahhhhhh…-”[/color] she emoted, her hands moving to point passively at Loni again.
[color=E4FFD9]”-No Italian? Luciana, Alondra… Italian!”[/color] she concluded, the only logic in her brain leading to that conclusion.


There were some very vague similarities between Italian and Spanish. At least, a couple of the most basic words were the same. In her time at Sin Sisters, Loni [I]had[/I] picked up a tiny bit of Italian. But she'd also picked up words from about ten other languages… 

[color=ff7360]"Uh… Mexican! Not Italian, not at all, that'd make things easier…"[/color] Loni trailed off, scratching the back of her neck and glancing up at Kiki. While she didn't really mind the whole gestures for words thing, and was used to people who didn't speak fluent English… Basically not understanding at all was extra difficult!

“Meh, meh!” Luci had no such compunctions about the whole language situation. She barely recognised the difference right now, Spanish and English and the bits of Italian she got all mixing into one in her little brain. She leaned forward in Kiki's arms, waving her little hands at Sori. She babbled away in a language none of them could understand. Even Loni didn't know what she was saying, she was just adept at reading her daughter's body language. 

[color=ff7360]"Oh… She wants to say hello properly! Like- Like her Aunt Momo taught her. Uh… Salve?"[/color]

Momo smiled and grinned.
[color=15A663]”Yes, but ciao is better in this case. Less stuffy.”[/color] she explained.

[color=19FFBA]”Right… Sorella here isn’t established enough to be concerned with how others address her. You’re higher on the totem pole than she is, Loni…”[/color] Kiki giggled, letting Luci bumble toward Sori with all of the childlike curiosity she held inside. 
[color=19FFBA]”Go on Luci! Ciao! Ciao!”[/color] she added, pointing the girl toward Sori.

In turn, Sori’s eyes welled up with both fear and admiration. Nobody else seemed scared of the little Black Lux bomb… She remembered Loni’s magic only vaguely, and inborn anxiety over the Hound’s light made it hard to understand why she was allowed around… Just the fact that she was Green? 

But a child was a child.

[color=E4FFD9]”Ahhhhh!!! Si! Si, ciao bella! Ciao bella, bambina!”[/color] Sori grinned widely, her hands coming up and grabbing at Luci playfully.
[color=E4FFD9]”I hold!?”[/color] her head spun to Loni with a wide smile of adoration.

[color=ff7360]"Si, si, you can!"[/color] Loni agreed readily. She wasn't worried at all about someone Momo trusted. In the end, she trusted that Momo would never let anyone near her daughter that could hurt her.  

“Ow! Ow!” Luci was doing her best to imitate what Kiki said, leaning towards Sori and trying to grasp her face with chubby little hands. She giggled happily, completely comfortable with this relative stranger. She was an easy child… And she was always influenced by the mood of people around her, especially her Mama. 

She was trying to get her little face right next to Sori's, giggling and squealing the whole time. 

Loni was overcome by warmth and joy watching her daughter, a little question bubbling up from innocent confusion. She pointed a finger at herself, glancing at Momo and Kiki. 
[color=ff7360]"I'm higher up the totem pole than anyone?"[/color]

[color=15A663]”Hey now… There’s plenty of girls and guys who’ve shown up since you joined. It’s mostly seniority, but there [i]is[/i] a reason for us to consider your abilities.”[/color] Momo explained with a giggle.

[color=19FFBA]”Nothing you’d ever be burdened with unless some kind of big disaster came back. Then, it’d be relevant for whatever other Cullans were around to support us.”[/color] Kiki nodded.

Sori wasn’t shy about getting as close to Luci as she possibly could, their cheeks rubbing together as her eyes closed like a satisfied cat. There was a tremendous amount of Italian babble being cooed into the child’s ear, which didn’t seem much different than Momo. They were both Motta, after all: It was expected that Sori would have the same instincts as their Bloodmistress. The eldest Motta, even to the current day in the Canon of Culla’s faith, is the arch-mother and pinnacle of maternal instinct…

A trait that, perhaps, skipped generations on occasion. But, not here. She seemed natural with the child, a thousand years of holding babies at one point or another kicking into overdrive. She released another burst of Italian toward Momo and Kiki, her grin splitting her face in pure bliss. They both laughed, with Kiki replying before Momo had the chance to explain.

 [color=15A663]”She’s happy. This is the first time she’s had a chance to hold a child. It’s not uh… I guess that’s not really… [i]I wonder if that’d be something to do intentionally?[/i]”[/color] Momo started, but very quickly pulled herself into a vague introspection as she clearly began to consider a new idea.
[color=15A663]”I mean… She looks so happy! Look, Loni! Motherhood! They should be exposed to that! They are, I mean, in the Commendatore! We feel matronly over our auxiliaries and shit, so… Of course she’d respond to this!”[/color] she snapped to attention in her eyes.

Luciana was babbling away in response to Sori- a conversation where neither side could really understand the other. She paused her babbling just to shout another “ow, ow!” before stretching up to see through her initial plan… Smacking a wet kiss on both of Sori's cheeks. 

[color=ff7360]"Exposed like… you wanna start handing out babies?"[/color] Loni asked with a little confusion, though it didn't dampen her joy. She knew the feeling… She'd held a couple of children before having her own, and it was part of why she was so determined to have her daughter. She remembered as well when Vin held Luci for the first time- it was their first baby experience too. They'd looked so soft, somehow… It was such a rare expression on them. 

She grinned brightly at Luci and Sori.
[color=ff7360]"But, I mean, who wouldn't love holdin' her? She's the cutest lil girl in the world, ain't she?"[/color]

Luci was starting to wriggle a lot more in Sori's arms, limbs flailing as she leaned her body down towards the ground with grasping hands.

[color=19FFBA]”She’s pretty fuckin’ awesome!”[/color] Kiki snickered, motioning her hand to Sori. 

Without hesitation, Sori squatted down and let Luci plant her feet on the ground and stood back up to height. An already long arm just kept stretching as her hand held tight to Luci’s. She didn’t want her to sprint away, of course, but walking bent half over would be terribly uncomfortable! So, it was easier to just [i]let the arm grow![/i] From the shoulder to the elbow, then the elbow to the hand, until she could easily stand without any discomfort, the limb proportionally stretched with the same kind of eerie elasticity that had marked the wretched doppelgangers a few days prior. 

Momo’s face went blank, but she hoped to the Deer and all the forests that it would be subtle enough in a little girl’s mind that she’d hardly pay it any mind. Though, if she didn’t, there was a small piece of Momo that still preferred desensitizing the little girl, as opposed to letting her fear and panic rule her. Each time a new strangeness happened with magic, she was tilted closer and closer toward being able to perceive it all completely, after all… The burgeoning Emotional Field of a Third Eye Open was still better than the weak and soft belly of a Blind.

[color=E4FFD9]”We bring her eh… Giocattoli?!”[/color] Sori asked with tremendous sincerity in her eyes.

[color=19FFBA]”Toys? You and what money?”[/color] Kiki replied in English, causing Momo to laugh in spite of the nerves.

Thankfully, Luci didn't seem bothered by the extra stretchy arm. It was that terrifying face that had stuck with her the most, the rest hidden from her when she hid against her Mama and then Elena. She wasn't even really looking at the alien arm, doing her best to tug on the hand holding hers so she [I]could[/I] run away. She had a little pout when she realised the grip was unyielding. 

Loni had been ready to catch, then comfort, but was relieved when she didn't have to do either. 

[color=ff7360]"My money! She is [I]my[/I] daughter after all!"[/color] She pulled out a credit card proudly, completely contrasting what she'd said to Momo earlier about having no money. Technically she didn't in her bank account… but that wasn't a problem! That was what a credit card was for! What was the point if she didn't max it out?!

Still, she was a little nervous about something else, gesturing to Sori's lengthened arm and the little girl straining to run against it. 
[color=ff7360]"Should… Can't other people see it. What if-"[/color]

“Mama, uhn! Uhn!” Luciana interrupted with a stomp of her little foot, giving up and shuffling round to stand between Sori and Loni. 

[color=ff7360]"No, Baby, you can't run here. Mama'll lose you…"[/color]

Sori took two pumping steps to catch up with the little girl before scooping under her arms and sprinting off. The copper band wrapped around her spine radiated Green Lux, and she was hunting for the signature of carved wood, whose corpses still resonated with residual Green Lux in the distance. Little horses, toy soldiers: She’d trained to see with Green Lux alone. The walls couldn’t stop her, and the people certainly couldn’t prevent her from passing between them on a mission.

Momo’s eyes widened, and she grinned with a shake of her head.
[color=15A663]”Well, she knows what that meant, I guess. Intention reading through the binding energies, probably. C’mon, let’s catch up!”[/color] she grinned, grabbing ahold of Loni’s hand and tugging her along.

A few shops down, Sori was standing outside a rich beacon of life… [i]Pets[/i] was sprawled above the entryway in big letters, and inside was a cacophony of life’s domestic noises. As the girls approached, Sori pointed in with one arm.

[color=E4FFD9]”Per favore!?”[/color] she asked with a childlike intonation. 

“Peh fah!” Luci imitated, waving her arms towards Loni and giggling away. 

[color=ff7360]"They… They gotta pet shop this big?!"[/color] Loni was shocked as she turned to stare into the shop too. She'd expected them to have some kind of pet shop of course, but not one this big. She'd never seen one this big… not that there were really proper pet stores in the South anyway! Loni had to get most of the stuff she needed for her bugs online. 

She turned to look at Momo with wide, shining eyes, joining the increasing ranks of excited children. 
[color=ff7360]"Can we go in? I promise I ain't gonna spend hours in there- Please? Per favore?!"[/color]

[color=15A663]”Oh, well… I [i]do[/i] love an all-you-can eat buffet.”[/color] Momo grinned evilly as she made it next to Loni. One hand patted her back, and the other swung forward to usher her inside the store.

Sori made sure to hold on tight to Luci, doing her best to impart an understanding upon the girl despite the language barrier. She couldn’t help but coo away in Italian, instructing the girl to be still and good to the Deer’s smallest and most vulnerable creatures as the domesticated animals of Humanity. None of this would translate, of course… But perhaps good intentions made things easier.

[color=ff7360]"Please don't eat any of em!"[/color] Loni whispered to Momo with wide eyes, before rushing in after Sori and Luci. 

Luci was squirming again in Sori's arms, all her limbs stretching towards the floor. She didn't really understand what was being said, just that her eyes were suddenly filled with cute creatures and she still wanted to run. 
“Down! Down! [I]Maammaaaaaa[/I]!”

She started properly kicking now, inching towards throwing a bit of a tantrum. 

[color=ff7360]"You, uh, you can put her on the ground!"[/color] Loni was quick to say, squatting down in front of Sori and patting the ground. She wasn't so worried in here… At least, she was confident enough in her ability to keep an eye on her energetic daughter. It was one of her best talents! 

She just had to ignore the sign pointing to insects… Not let her eyes stray… she'd look at them later. 
[color=ff7360]"We just need to watch her carefully! But I ain't worried."[/color]

[color=15A663]”There’s not a lot that could peel Little Sister away from our [i]littlest[/i] sister. The Baby’d have to Kindle and start blasting Hound magic, which… Not zero percent chance, but [i]very[/i] low. Comprehension is an important part of Kindling, so…-”[/color]

[color=19FFBA]”-Oh, Mistress… You’re so talented at comforting people.”[/color] Kiki giggled, shaking her head.
[color=19FFBA]”We won’t lose Luci, Lon. It’s a practical impossibility.”[/color] she added, tossing an eye-roll at her eldest sibling.

A thick burst of Italian spewed from Momo’s mouth toward the rapidly disappearing Sorella, catching her attention and bringing her back to heel in a very slow fashion. Instinctively, she allowed the exploring child to “explore” her way back to the group. Thankfully at floor height, most of the animal enclosures were full of creatures that preferred to remain unseen, otherwise it may’ve taken longer…

[color=15A663]”Well, these two are clearly just here to play zoo… So, what are we buying, Loni? I hope there aren’t going to be any purchased creepy crawlies in my hotel?”[/color] she asked knowingly.

[color=ff7360]"No, they wouldn't get outta their enclosures. Someone would have to let em out!"[/color] Loni said, immediately caught in her desire to increase the amount of insects she had. Especially now that she had a bit more space to work with! The little apartment she shared with Vin was filled with so much things for Luci that it was hard to find space for her tanks outside of her bedroom… And Vin's, but they were very adamant they weren't going in there. 

She glanced over at her daughter, content in her safety for now. Luci obviously wanted to run around and look at everything, letting out little excited coos. Her little hands came to pat Loni's legs after she'd bravely returned with Sori from the tiny venture. 

“Mama, ipe!” The rest of what she said was complete nonsense, and she squatted on the ground and hit it with her hands. 

Loni shook her head with a light laugh. She was surprised that Luciana could put together the presence of furry animals and her love from chasing Vin's fluffy tiger tail…
[color=ff7360]"No stripes, Baby. Just lookin'! Maybe you can pet some of ‘em… But you gotta listen to your Aunt Kiki and Sori."[/color]

Loni gestured to the two, though she knew Luciana at least knew who Aunt Kiki was. Luci pouted, which quickly disappeared as she ran back over to Sori to reach up and tug at her skirts. Clearly wanting to go back to exploring. 

Loni turned back to Momo with a bright smile.
[color=ff7360]"I gotta get substrate for my new millipede! He's gonna be a real big fella, and I gotta fill the whole new tank I got with it… Uh, I wanna look at what they got too. Just a look."[/color] As she said that, she hit Momo's with the most cute, wide eyed begging face she could muster.

[color=15A663]”[i]Just look.[/i]”[/color] Momo’s gentle neutral expression peeled into a well knowing grin.

Leaning in toward Loni, Momo let both of her hands tuck behind her back to coyly match the expressed posture.

[color=15A663]”The rules were clear. [i]If I find any outside of their enclosures, they join the Tithe.[/i]”[/color]

In truth, they were the Deer’s creatures just like everything else was. She’d no sooner wish the insects that Loni stewarded harm than she would the humans which she herself played steward to. Keeping pets just grew in complexity the more necessity was involved… But, she had to make sure there were certain boundaries that remained. Primarily, pets were [i]not[/i] allowed in the New Leopold Building. Neither were living plants, nor anything that wasn’t in some non-living component form. 

It was a sterile environment. Cleaned up of Green Lux and the deer’s influence purposefully. It was no Temple to her grace, nor was it a sacred ground. The Lugar Apartado beneath was so deep that the water table around it pulled energy from the nearby parkways. There was purpose to that, of course: Magical Entities hunted Lux signatures, meaning any great deal of Green Lux would tip off the Deer’s enemies of Her temples.

No… The only time the NLB was a temple was when its Mistress was presiding. There, she was in a constant state of overwhelming joy, thus surrounding the place in Life’s energies by her own merit. Thus, when she wasn’t there, her main livelihood would have no direct association to her Ancient… Crude Luxal camouflage.

[color=15A663]”Because they’re noooooooooooot-”[/color] she waited for Loni to finish her sentence.

Meanwhile, Kiki heard something about stripes, and couldn’t [i]possibly[/i] deny her niece the pleasure of what she could only assume was some basic physical change. Her gaze turned to Sori, and she grinned conspiratorially.

[color=19FFBA][i]”Loni says the kid likes when her twin turns into a tiger.”[/i][/color]

[color=E4FFD9][i]”Oh? Uhhh… I’m not familiar with animal form…”[/i][/color] Sori responded, tucking her head slightly embarrassed.

[color=19FFBA][i]”To be fair, your favorite animal is an Elephant. That may scare her, and it’s definitely not as subtle as a cat tail.”[/i][/color]
As Kiki’s Italian rattled away, there was a hardly noticed appendage unfurling from beneath her dress.
[color=19FFBA]”Damn… It’s too long…”[/color]

Reaching back, there was a small shredding sound. Then a look of relief formed on Kiki’s face as, from behind, a black furry tendril lifted its way into a curl by her shoulder. Then, uncurling, the tip flicked back and forth. At the same time, Kiki’s ears had grown slightly, rounding off while her face was subtly framed by thickening black hair. She grinned at Sori, and her teeth were terribly sharp.

[color=19FFBA][i]”There we go… She’ll love the monkey tail.”[/i][/color]

Sori’s face lit up like her world was brand new. The expression of fascination became admiration.

[color=E4FFD9][i]”Deer be praised! I had my doubts that you could get much more attractive, Kiki… But your face is-”[/i][/color]
As Sori gushed, Kiki shook her head and her face flushed with embarrassment. The tail, with a vague mind of its own, was now pulling the ghost shoulder trick on Luci, tapping one shoulder and then ducking from her vision in playful repetition.

“Ipe! Ipe!” Luci let out peals of laughter, chubby face lighting up with delight. She spun from side to side as she tried to follow the tail, hands coming up to try and catch it. She played a similar game all the time with Vin… Or just chasing the tail across the floor like a little tiger herself. 

She was absolutely delighted, her joy contagious as she jumped up and tried to catch Kiki's tail. 

[color=ff7360]"... Allowed?"[/color] Loni finished for Momo after a moment's thought and brief distraction by her daughter's loud laughter. But she'd started to wander away towards the Insect section at the same time, eyes scanning the wide variety of substrate and other enclosure items they had. 

[color=ff7360]"Archie's only ever escaped when Vin left the enclosure open! And he's an extra smart millipede."[/color] Loni defended her insect care, as if she wasn't the one who forgot to close it half the time. But he was much smarter than millipedes probably should be… the ways he managed to sneak out… 

[color=ff7360]"I ain't brought him anyway cause've the rule."[/color]

[color=15A663]”Exactly! Good, you get it. So, I would be very careful and selective about [i]looking[/i] at new friends while this crisis is going on!”[/color] Momo nodded simply, clapping her hands together.

[color=ff7360]"I know…"[/color] Loni pouted, hanging her head a little bit. She understood, of course. But… 
[color=ff7360]"I got plenty more space at home right now cause I ain't living there! It ain't like I gotta keep all that space for Luci to run around! Oh, now would be a perfect time to install a bunch've enclosures [I]on[/I] my walls to use up all've that wasted space. Oh, but Vin said they've been savin' to move somewhere bigger when Luci's too big to share a room with me… Hmm…"[/color]

Like an addict told she couldn't buy more crack, Loni was doing her best to try and find a reason she could definitely buy more insects here. She paused at one of the glass enclosures, face getting real close so it was practically pressed up against it. Stick bugs… She loved them. They were always so hard to spot too, especially when they were still. 

[color=ff7360]"Ooo, look, there's one!"[/color] Like a child, she pointed to the relatively well disguised insect as one of its legs waggled around.

Momo could only shake her head in vague disbelief. Loni wasn’t dumb; never had been. But this? The reaction was so much stronger than normal. Was it nerves? Should she enable it?

[color=19FFBA]”Oh, speakin’ of finding a bigger place… Ain’t no way you guys are thinkin’ of sticking with the South, right? You [i]have[/i] the means to live up here, even if it’s a roommate situation. You and Vin, then if she was cool with it, Me and Panda could join and we’d have [i]four[/i] different people chippin’ in. Plus, Ma’am wouldn’t ever let us starve.”[/color] Kiki let her tail playfully flick Momo’s hair.

[color=15A663]”The two of you together are devious.”[/color] Mo replied simply, staring into the little enclosure at the stick bug.
[color=15A663]”It looks like dry spaghetti.”[/color]

[color=ff7360]"Don't say that!"[/color] Loni gasped. 
[color=ff7360]"They're not food, Mo! Well maybe in some places- but not these ones!"[/color]

With another little pout, awfully similar to her daughter before she got a tail to chase, Loni moved on from the stick insects to the large selection of substrate. As much as she wanted to look at all the isopods they had… and the millipedes… how would she resist?

[color=ff7360]"Uh… I dunno, Kiki. Vin suggested somewhere in the Circle. They got real nice houses there, even for the South. It ain't like it's a bad place, y'know? We just don't get the funding. Vin says if people like us move away it'll only get worse cause then there really ain't any money."[/color] Loni said with more hesitation than she generally had. She loved Kiki. She'd love to live with her, but… 
[color=ff7360]"Vin ain't ever gonna want to move up here. And I can't leave em! They really don't have anyone else."[/color]

Which meant Momo would be investing in a set of school at some point soon… There wasn’t a world where she’d let Luci be educated in a system that didn’t want her to begin with. She dared not suggest the alternative, not wanting Loni to feel like there was some effort to isolate her from the outside world. 
They weren’t a cult, they were a [i]Coven.[/i] Her urgent desire to assist came directly from a place of love, and wanting the best for her dearest Loni.

[color=15A663]”You know we only want the best for you both, Lon. Well… Sometimes I imagine you need someone to save you from yourself, so I have to accept that it’ll ultimately be Vin before it’s me. Y’know… Your Coven Matron. The person you can go to for [i]anything[/i]. Just… Y’know, reminding you. In case, not that I thought you’d forget, but one can never be too sure.”[/color] she gave the [i]exact[/i] same pouty face back, having studied it and stored it in her mind a thousand times over.

[color=19FFBA]”That Vin of yours can be so [i]stiff[/i] sometimes. She’s great, nobody you can count on quite like her… But it's rough! We [i]all[/i] love you! So, how come she don’t love us back, Lon?”[/color] Kiki half-bumbled, still focused on what she wanted, rather than what reality was dictating.

[color=15A663]”[i]They[/i] just aren’t comfortable with our bougie lifestyle, Keek.”[/color] Momo replied simply, emphasizing a fact that her sister just never seemed to get right. 


Loni nodded at Momo's words, though it wasn't only. Vin hated the North. Not everyone in it, but what the divide represented. They had done since they were children. 

[color=ff7360]"Vin's just slow to warm up to people… Always has been. Like Momo said, they ain't comfortable with that kinda thing. It ain't that they don't like any of you! Well…"[/color] Loni glanced at Momo awkwardly, expression falling a bit. 

Vin really didn't like Momo. Loni didn't understand why Vin disliked her so much. 
[color=ff7360]"And- And- I do go to you! I do! I'd never forget that! You're- It ain't the same as how Vin is to me! I love them, and I love you, and I love everyone in the coven and club!"[/color] She was getting a little upset. Just a little bit. She didn't want Momo to think she wasn't a massive part of Loni's life. Integral! Sure, she'd be managing if it was just her and Vin… but she wouldn't be thriving like she was! 

[color=ff7360]”You’re both different types of important to me."[/color] Her head hung a bit. 

[color=15A663]”Of course we are, Honeysuckle! You ever gonna get used to me teasin’ you?”[/color] she asked with a loud laugh, poking Loni in the stomach and wriggling her thick finger to make sure she felt the tickle. Kiki also hugged around her for good measure.

[color=19FFBA]”We love you Loniiiii… We love Vin too, even if [i]they[/i] feel weird about us. That’s fine, ‘cuz we’re never gonna give ‘em a reason to be [i]right![/i]”[/color] she clapped behind Loni’s back.

At the same time, Sori longingly stared at the small cuddle puddle with every ache of a young woman starved for affection.

“Mama, Ahn ahn, ah-bahh!” Luci excitedly threw up her hands and bounced her way right into the pile, hugging at their legs.

Even the child was confident enough to simply take what she wanted… So, there was no reason for her to wait. As Luci slipped in between the other ladies, Sori closed the last little gap and snuggled herself up to Loni.

[color=E4FFD9]”I [i]love you![/i]”[/color] her half-broken accent mumbled out.

Warmth replaced the slight anxiety Loni had felt. How could it not, surrounded by so many people filled with joy. She stooped down slightly to scoop Luci up so that she wasn’t having to hug their legs, letting the little girl properly join. 

[color=ff7360]"I love you all too."[/color] Loni said quietly. 

“Wuhhhhh!” Luci echoed as best as she could when she couldn’t form most of the sounds in the world. To prove her point, she lovingly patted each face she could get to from Loni’s arms. 

[color=ff7360]"And you- you don’t tease like I’m used to, Momo! Even then… I still don’t always get it with Vin, and I grew up with ‘em!"[/color] She added a bit louder, easily back to her normal bouncy self. It was easy to get her to swing back, unless something really major had happened. Quick to get upset, but just as quick to get over it.

[color=ff7360]"Mama used to always say I was a lil special cause’ve it. Dunno quite what she meant by that, though."[/color]

[color=15A663]”You’ve got a big heart, emotionally speaking. And, it’s full of love! That’s definitely what she was on about.”[/color] Momo confirmed, a grin on her face.

Though, she still felt a little bad. Couldn’t help it when Loni got like that…

[color=15A663]”C’mon… Arthur ain’t gonna last forever, right? Lets get him a pal to train, or… Some new obsession. There’s a whole other section with desk pets and creepy crawlies. Save the logistical bullshit you need to carry for when we’re ready to go.”[/color] she patted Loni’s face, tilting her head to motion them along.

Kiki hadn’t put the monkey getup away, however, and was still happy to let Luci absentmindedly play with the temporary appendage. In truth, her main task was to keep Little Sister safe, meaning at this moment she could at least slack a bit. With Mo here, everyone could slack.

Loni’s eyes immediately lit up. She didn’t even notice Luci wiggling in her arms to be put down at first, until her daughter patted her face with an indignant, “Mama!”

[color=ff7360]"Sorry, Mijita- there you go, go back to playin’ with Kiki’s tail."[/color] 

Luci giggled with delight, immediately jumping up to try and catch it. 

[color=ff7360]"His name’s Archie! Honestly, he’s older than I expected- properly kept millipedes can live up to ten years, but he ain’t exactly good stock… I got him from some guy down the street. Dunno how he got em all, but he’s still going strong. I’d worry he’d kill a pal- not that millipedes are aggressive or anythin’. He’s just a special lil guy."[/color] Chatting away, Loni’s feet led them all towards the section Momo had pointed out.

The millipedes were quite far in. To get to them, Loni had to get past a massive section of isopods… Which of course, she couldn’t do. She loved isopods. All insects, really, but there was something extra adorable about their plate armour like bodies and the way they curled up. 

Being such a large, successful shop meant they had a massive variety. From the more standard isopods at around five to ten dollars, all the way to some insane ones that cost [i]a thousand[/i] dollars. All of the ones with a price tag above three hundred seemed to be some kind of spiky variant. 

Loni excitedly pointed to some, priced just over three hundred, with a distinctive white stripe down the middle of an otherwise brown body. Their spikes were almost goofily blunt looking. 
[color=ff7360]"These are Thai Spikey Isopods! They’re pretty rare… At least in the wild now. They ain’t super easy to look after either… Some y’can just leave and they’ll thrive. These ones you gotta water and stuff. I’ve always wanted some kinda Spikey but… There’s so many!"[/color]

And they were pricey, but Loni hardly saw price when it came to things like this. 

[color=15A663]”Forbidden popcorn, Gods… Look at them, imagine dipping you hand in and just-”[/color]

[color=19FFBA]”-Mistress, [i]please[/i]. I fear [i]I’ll[/i] be sick.”[/color] Kiki interrupted Momo’s joke, shaking her head with a sheepish grin.

[color=15A663]”Ask yourself what the Deer made these poor things for! They’re the planet’s nanomachines. Fodder for the beautiful processes. They make dirt, they clean dirt, they fuckin’... Are little potatoes. Why shouldn’t we cultivate them to eat?”[/color] she asked, her voice becoming somewhat sincere until she saw the price tag.

[color=15A663]”Oh! OOOOOOAH! Imagine by the pound? You’d die, your wallet would turn into a bomb and explode in your pocket!”[/color] she laughed, pointing before turning her head to Sori and babbling in Italian. Her finger pointed at the price tag again, to which Sori only shrugged.
[color=15A663]”Ahhhh, you don’t know fuckall, you’re right. Still, [i]damn[/i] Loni. I ain’t even know they came this expensive.”[/color]

[color=ff7360]"They [i]are[/i] rare. And in high demand cause’ve how they look! They ain’t all that expensive. The spikys are the priciest. Does mean if you’re lucky enough to get a guy and girl, and they have babies, then you could make a fortune!"[/color] Loni grinned. Not that she’d ever sell a single critter she ended up with. 
[color=ff7360]"Also… Nobody buys em by the pound! Normally you get a couple… Cause they ain’t for eating!"[/color]

But as much as she loved how these ones looked, she wasn’t planning on getting them. She knew how to look after isopods, and had already done so with a few local species she’d just picked up… But she didn’t want to risk messing it up. Not with Momo pointing out the cost!

She moved along, stopping with a gasp. Her hand went up to cover the sign saying the species, turning to the others with a grin. 
[color=ff7360]"Guess what this ones called!"[/color]

These isopods weren’t spiked. They were much more flat, with the plates curling out against the ground, especially at their front. The front plate was yellow compared to the dark brown of the rest of the body. They had two goofy looking black eyes above another bit that stuck out, an awful lot like a beak…

[color=15A663]”Brick shithouse the bug!”[/color] Momo piped up without thinking, her face pressing up tight to the glass to watch the sizable isopods rattle around inside.

[color=19FFBA]”Uhhhh… Duckhead Wigglers?”[/color] Kiki offered, jumping slightly when Luci grabbed a little too hard at the tail.

[color=E4FFD9]”Che?-”[/color] Sori asked Kiki, who turned and spouted a bit back.
[color=E4FFD9]”-Oooooh! Cyoot-e-pie?”[/color] Sori finished with an enthusiastic nod, her face getting close to Momo’s to peer in at the summation of life within.

[color=ff7360]"Not so hard, Luci."[/color] Loni chided her daughter gently, rubbing the top of her head. Really, she couldn’t blame her- Vin didn’t mind the roughness. Encouraged it, even, as much as she tried to stop them. 

But that thought couldn’t keep her from the excitement surrounding the little creature she’d been showing off. 
[color=ff7360]"Heh heh heh… Kiki was closest! They’re called Rubber Ducky Isopods! Cause y’know, they kinda look like a rubber duck! Ain’t they cute?! I’d be worried if I got em Lu would start mistaking em for her duckies and wanna take em into the bath."[/color]

“Du-ee?” Luci repeated, little head tilting to the side. She pushed in between Sori and Momo, trying to see what they were looking at so intently.

As if they were the same person, Momo and Sori both mindlessly responded with the [i]exact[/i] same little scoop and tuck motion that would’ve brought Luci up perfectly to see. But, because they did it from opposite sides, they only managed to absentmindedly turn Luci into a tug-of-war chain.

[i]Not long enough that anyone got hurt, of course.[/i] For little Luci, it would’ve been as quick as any other motion to get her to move somewhere, and utterly indistinguishable from that. Sori felt the opposite tug, and instinctively yielded to the Greater Dame presiding. Having not had the chance to notice herself, Momo just brought Luci up to look at the little duckies, blissfully unaware of Sori’s reactions at all.

[color=15A663]”There you go, Bambina… See ‘em? Duckies?”[/color] Momo’s finger traced along the glass, and all at once the entire cage of isopods were sprinting toward where her finger was. Big ones, little ones, all running over one another trying to get up to the natural source of good vibes.

“Du-ee!” Luci shouted excitedly, banging the glass and causing some of them to freeze up before curling into balls. 

[color=ff7360]"Careful, Mijita."[/color] Loni said quietly from behind. 

“[i]Du-ee![/i]” She tapped the glass with a bit less force, head tilting back to look up at Momo with the brightest grin. Then she went back to staring at the little creatures, making soft cooing sounds. 

[color=ff7360]"I think… I’m gonna have to get some of em, ain’t I?! You really like em, don’t you, Baby? So, for you?!"[/color] Loni couldn’t help herself as she also wriggled in between Momo and Sori to get the same sight as her daughter was. 
[color=ff7360]"God, they’re so fucking cute!"[/color]

[color=E4FFD9]”Cyoot!~”[/color] Sori grinned and nodded.

[color=19FFBA]”What eats ‘em, Lon? Worms? Spiders?”[/color] Kiki asked, still not quite as enthused about the little creepy crawlies as her pal was.

[color=ff7360]"Not worms! But a mixture of creatures. Spiders are right- also centipedes, beetles, reptiles and small mammals. I dunno what eats this type specifically! That ain’t the kinda info in my books, it’s more generic than that! I know Vin says they look… extra tasty when they’re in their Pangolin form. Again, not these ones, just the kinda ones you see out and about in the city."[/color] Loni talked like they were walking around like humans, going to work or shopping, rather than insects scurrying into homes.

[color=19FFBA]”Add Matriarchs to the list…”[/color]

Kiki couldn’t help but giggle as Momo dragged her finger back and forth, causing the surging gaggle of little fellas to waggle from one end to the other like they were doing the safety dance. Momo mumbled something in Italian; asking Sori if [i]she[/i] felt any sort of inclination to eat the little creatures… Which she looked a little appalled over. Most Motta were hedonists, which made Sori’s vague sensitivity toward the Deer’s life a bit odd.

But, they couldn’t broadly add Matriarchs to the list of predators if they weren’t all interested, could they?
[color=15A663]”Nah… Little Sister won’t eat them.”[/color]
[color=E4FFD9]”Cyoot, not eat!”[/color] she replied adamantly.

[color=19FFBA]”What’re those tree-dwellers with the long ass finger? Like, they all have one fuckin’ bat finger? Think they eat these?”[/color]
If there was anything poor Kiki was lacking in, it was actual schooling. The drive and impetus toward dominant success had tapered off by the time she’d come around, and she’d long slipped through the cracks of the education system with promises that she’d go to a magical tutor later.

But, in truth, she liked not knowing things… She got to ask questions herself; agency she felt she was demonstrating in her actions by bothering to at all.

[color=ff7360]"Uhhhh…"[/color] Loni tilted her head as she tried to think. While she was an absolute expert in insects because of her interest in them, she didn’t know so much about other animals. That had been Vin’s thing. Well, dangerous or interesting animals. This one… Well, she tended not to look into specific predators of what she loved. 

And it wasn’t like she’d paid any attention in school either. She’d spent more time by the end skipping it than not. She had deep knowledge in the few areas she loved- mostly from her own reading, with it being one of the reasons she could read quite so adeptly- but was lacking otherwise. 

[color=ff7360]"A… Uh… Long fingered tree… Possum…"[/color] Loni completely made up a name, clearly not confident in it at all. She waved a hand. 
[color=ff7360]"Probably! Isopods climb a surprising amount! Some even live in trees! It’s pretty cool… It’s why you gotta have a proper lid on the enclosure. While they live in soil and stuff, they do like climbing things."[/color] 

[color=19FFBA]”Long fingers was my name in High School.”[/color] Kiki was quick to joke.

[color=15A663]”You didn’t [i]go![/i]”[/color] Moriah whined at her, finally pulling herself away from the enclosure with Luci still in her arms. Kiki was playfully smacking her cheeks with her tail, trying to get Luci to smack Momo too.

[color=19FFBA]”Aw, shucks, you caught me.”[/color] Kiki shrugged with a smug grin on her monkey face.

Momo gave a skeptical grunt. 
[color=15A663]”So, Lon? These the ones? You shopping around more?”[/color] 

[color=ff7360]"I dunno… Let’s look around more. Maybe they’ll have the isopod of my dreams!"[/color] Loni exclaimed, before starting to laugh as Luci did just as Kiki had hoped she would. 

Her head had tilted from side to side watching the tail, before giggling. Little hands started to smack Momo’s cheeks like they were drums, in an irregular rhythm. 

[color=ff7360]"These ones would be for [i]Luciana[/i] anyway."[/color] Loni continued with a playful little smile, which turned to Kiki. 
[color=ff7360]"Also, highschool’s overrated! Ain’t much you get outta it… Well…"[/color]

She trailed off, giggling with a little blush as she started to further down containers upon containers of isopods. 
[color=ff7360]"I [i]did[/i] meet my boyfriend in High School."[/color]

[color=19FFBA]”The one who you said used to give other kids swirlies?”[/color] Kiki asked, doing her best not to laugh as Momo’s free hand quickly but gently snapped up both of Luci’s.

She’d done this before, of course: Had to. Thousands of mothers were contributing their instincts to hold onto Luci’s arms in a way that was [i]least likely[/i] to freak her out and cause her to tantrum.
[color=15A663]”Ahhhh, babababa… No hitting, Luci. Not nice, Bambina, not nice.”[/color]

It was the quickest little motion, redirecting the child’s hands into the mane of black hair where they could tug and explore without care. Though, she managed a glare at Kiki, who tucked her face into one hand to stifle another giggle.

Luci tilted her head with a little bit of confusion. Her Tio never moved her hands like that… But she gave as solemn a nod as a toddler could, as if Momo was revealing some big information to her or she really entirely understood what was being said. Then, she went right to playing with her hair.

[color=ff7360]"Nooo, I broke up with that guy months ago!"[/color] Loni replied to Kiki with a disappointed shake of her head, as if it was easy to keep track of her boyfriends. It wasn’t like she changed them [i]super[/i] regularly… There just weren’t so many long periods where she was single. She was always looking for the [i]one[/i]!

Though it was seeming less likely to happen. It was a shame she couldn’t make a family with a woman… Then it’d probably be easier. 

[color=ff7360]"He’s far too sensible to do something like that. He’s the real smart type like, reads a bunch of fancy books and knows a bunch of complicated math. Nothing like my ex."[/color]

Momo hated nothing like she hated a “smart” man. “Smart” men were usually hiding some very base level fetish, or otherwise had tendencies toward narcissism that weren’t desirable traits. She was a [i]master[/i] at hunting, tracking, identifying and isolating genetic markers which she found in correlation to mental health issues. And with the closest thing Green Lux had to prescience, the process of transferring genetic memories through the Deer’s light had allowed her to prove herself right time and time again.

[color=15A663]”Smart type… Reading a video game strategy guide doesn’t make him a bright boy, Lon…”[/color] Momo chided.


[color=19FFBA]”If only that was for us to decide…”[/color] Kiki responded hesitantly.

[color=ff7360]"He doesn’t [i]play[/i] video games. I seen the books and couldn’t understand anything in em, so they gotta be smart books."[/color] Loni replied firmly. She wasn’t really upset, yet. She was used to Momo questioning things about her boyfriends. And she wasn’t telling her to break up with him yet! So she just wanted to correct things, because Momo [i]was[/i] wrong here. 

[color=ff7360]"He’s a [i]Math teacher[/i]. You gotta be real smart to be a Math teacher."[/color]

[color=15A663]”Ohhhhh, a [i]South Side[/i] mathematics teacher. So, he knows long division?”[/color]

It was easy for Momo to insult other people’s intelligence. If she wanted to know something, she tasked a Pink Lux user with gathering all possible relevant information, cataloguing it into what was essentially a mental file, and utilizing their connection to transfer the necessary knowledge over the course of roughly ten seconds. And, thanks to her anatomy, the supercomputer that was her brain could not only store more in the forward memory for short term recollection, but had a deeper access to the recesses of her brain through the Deer’s Light. 

Not to mention her various contributing Matriarchs, whose own contributors formed an unbroken chain of intrinsic knowledge a thousand years old. Being an elementary school math teacher in a school zone more than likely unaccredited by the Department of Education didn’t impress her.

[color=19FFBA]”More’n I know… I used to count my own money at the end of the night ‘till you installed those special bill scrapers, Ma’am.”[/color] Kiki mentioned calmly.
[color=19FFBA]”Now, I’m startin’ to forget what numbers that ain’t one, two, five or zero look like.”[/color] 

[color=ff7360]"He knows more than long division!"[/color] Loni retorted indignantly, though she didn’t entirely remember [i]what[/i] long division was. She didn’t remember much about Math. It wasn’t like they taught them much useful… and they could use calculators! The classes had been so boring most of the time. 

[color=ff7360]"Sure, there ain’t much funding down there, but they don’t let just anyone become a high school teacher. You gotta know your stuff! [i]Some[/i] kids [i]do[/i] go to University outta South Side schools. They ain’t gettin’ there without teacher’s who actually know stuff. He’s shown me the textbooks he teaches from for the smarter classes, their real complicated stuff. Well beyond anythin’ I was able to learn."[/color]

She folded her arms with a frown. 
[color=ff7360]"I only know any Math cause’ve him anyway. Everyone else said I was unteachable."[/color]

Kiki's half-running noggin was picking through what was being said with the efficiency of a gold miner panning with a colander. She only barely caught this nugget with the tips of her fingers.

[color=19FFBA]”Wait… You met this guy in High-school? Or, you met him in [i]a[/i] High-school?”[/color] she blinked rapidly, suddenly confused by what could only end up being the craziest double switch up she'd ever seen.

[color=ff7360]"In highschool?"[/color] Loni tilted her head, not quite understanding what the difference was. They hadn’t re-met at a highschool or anything. It had been a coincidence really.
[color=ff7360]"He was my math teacher."[/color]

[color=19FFBA]”Oh, for fuck's sake, Lon!”[/color]

But Kiki's reaction was hardly the one to worry about. As if someone had turned on a switch, the entire store descended into momentary chaos. Every animal in the place would be able to feel the bomb blast of Green Lux that shuddered its way from the epicenter that was Momo. Snakes smashed off their glass cases, insects ravaged one another. Birds in the big cage plucked their own feathers from their bodies in brief mania. 

Sori, feeling her Matron's reaction with intrinsic understanding, rapidly tensed herself in turn. Her skin, from the outermost extremities inward, began to bubble and crack like burning bark. But Momo's awareness hadn't up and left her completely, at least… A hand raised, waving Sori off before finally taking a deep breath.

[color=15A663]”Usually in this situation, I fly off the handle. I tell you a thousand times this ain't it for you, and you get all stubborn and do what I tell you not to, ‘cuz that's in your blood. I ain't gonna do quite like that, see. I'm just… Gonna express to you firmly, that it's imperative you break up with that man and find someone else, Alondra.”[/color]

Full names only came out in those moments where Momo was proving to be short for Mother's Mother. Only the most intense version of her care was expressed like this.

[color=ff7360]"Why?"[/color] Loni sensed the bomb of Green Lux- heard it in the animals. Luciana started absolutely wailing at the chaos that suddenly unfolded around her, leaning out of Momo's arms with hands waving towards Loni. 

Loni stepped forward to take her, staring at Momo with confusion rather than stubbornness. She really didn't understand. What was so bad about it? They were both adults. They'd both been old enough back then too! Sex education had been pretty lacking, but one thing her Mama had pushed (aside from condoms) was that sixteen was when it became alright. So why was Momo so upset? Why was it [I]imperative[/I] that she break up with him? 

[color=ff7360]"I don't understand. Why's it so bad? Cause he's too smart for me?"[/color]

Yes… But not in the way she was thinking.

[color=15A663]”Kiki?”[/color] Momo gritted through her teeth.

She was already annoyed enough that her reaction had been uncontrollable, and felt great shame that her first thought was a fantasy of something evil that gave her enough joy to cause the reaction. So, rather than take the opportunity to express her emotions toward the situation in the raw, she trusted her sister to get things taken care of.

[color=19FFBA]”Uhhh…-”[/color] Kiki started, having a hard time finding an angle to come at this from. Her low grade transformation faded over a few seconds, a string of monkey tail bones clattering off the floor below her.

[color=19FFBA]”-Dating this dude's like dating Moriah. Sure, you like her. She may like you too. But, she's someone who has an intrinsic advantage over you. There's a power dynamic there that isn't appropriate, and it makes it so you'll never be equal in the relationship.”[/color]

She let the moment hang for a second to let Loni process up to that point, but not so long that she'd get a word in edgewise.

[color=19FFBA]”And, no. It's not how smart you are or aren't. He [i]was[/i] your teacher, and you were a teenager when you met him. You weren't prepared to make an adult decision, and rather than being a man who was willing to push you away, or better try to help you learn your self worth at the time, he gave into his animal instincts. It's not a good look.”[/color] she finished, grimacing in fear at the reaction.

Loni was still a bit confused. She was doing her best to understand what Kiki was saying. Trying to compare it to Momo… But she hadn't thought until now that that would be something inappropriate either. She frowned thoughtfully, while simultaneously trying to comfort her daughter. At least Luci had stopped wailing when the animals did, and was just curled up against her. So Loni held her and gently bounced the little ball that was her daughter.

[color=ff7360]"But… I wasn't in school when we started dating? That was only a month ago? And he wasn't [I]my[/I] teacher when we slept together then? I had someone else for eleventh grade Math. So it ain't like he could've failed me or somethin'... Not that I passed anyway… And it ain't like I ever cared much what teacher's told me? Not like I care bout what Momo does… Most've the time…"[/color]

She just looked confused, overwhelmed, and uncertain. Questioning things as she tried to process it. Did he have advantage over her? Sure… Probably… But it felt that way in a lot of her relationships, cause she didn't always get things. She wasn't the brightest. But had he taken advantage of her on purpose? She wasn't sure anymore.

[color=ff7360]"I thought it was okay, so long as I was sixteen? Mama said so long as we was sixteen and used protection, it was fine. That ain't right? I don't… I don't know… nobody ever said somethin' like that could be wrong?"[/color]


[color=19FFBA]”Jesus… Uh…-”[/color]
Had her Mother consented? That was a whole other bag of worms.
[color=19FFBA]”-Yeah. Like, sixteen ain’t really it, sis. Like, sure, if you’re doin’ it with another teen. But, this guy was [i]a[/i] teacher. Maybe not yours, but, like… That doesn’t really matter. It ain’t…-”[/color]

Looking at Momo with a lost look, Momo returned the expression with frustration.

[color=15A663]”Is it a problem if she’s not traumatized by it?”[/color] Momo asked simply.


[color=19FFBA]”As a moral principle? Yeah. Your first reaction wasn’t good, so don’t try to play moderate at this point.”[/color]

Momo’s eyes turned to Loni with quiet sadness.

[color=15A663]”When you were a teenager, he was a man. He’d gone to college, and was hired by the school to teach, mentor and protect his students. To have their best interests at heart. At sixteen, you were a minor and one of those students he was meant to protect. Maybe he’s never made you feel like there was anything wrong about it, but that’s only because he’s not willing to provide you context.”[/color]

There wasn’t going to be shouting. There never was with Loni… She just didn’t have the speed necessary to ramp Momo up toward that kind of frustration. And besides, there wasn’t any point in screaming at someone unless you knew they understood and just weren’t accepting. She had to be considerate of the fact that Loni, often, simply didn’t [i]get it.[/i]

[color=ff7360]"Oh…"[/color] Loni didn't have anything to immediately say for once. It was a lot to process and think about. Her head dropped, face pressing into Luci's curls as she gently rocked the quickly calming child. 

It was making more sense now. She didn't think it had affected her negatively… but she'd never known it was supposed to be wrong? And maybe it didn't make her life any worse, but thinking back, he hadn't made any effort from then to make it better. Only those two years as her actual math teacher where he hadn't quite given up like all the others… He didn't just concentrate on the few bright kids who actually tried. She'd trusted him. Or at least, not felt so judged like she did by all the other teachers. Or dismissed. But had it all just been so he could… take advantage of her…?

[color=ff7360]"So… He should have helped me do better at school when I went to him, instead of that? He said it was alright cause not everyone was made for it… I dunno, it helped at the time, but maybe…"[/color] She trailed off, frowning. Her face tilted even further downwards until it was completely buried in Luci's hair, next words coming out muffled. 
[color=ff7360]"I'll break up with him."[/color]

[color=19FFBA]”But, you’re right! That was the line of thinking… And, him saying something like that? Like… He actively [i]dissuaded[/i] you from pursuing education, and the only alternative he offered you was carnal. Maybe he’s different now, but…-”[/color]


[color=15A663]”-if he’s old enough to have taught you in the last six years, he’s at least in his thirties. I’ll bet, older than twenty-five… Meaning, naturally, his mind should’ve been fully developed. There’s [i]no[/i] excuse for manipulating and grooming a teen girl just to show back up later and pluck the fruits. That doesn’t fill you with disgust?”[/color] Momo asked Loni very plainly.

[color=ff7360]"I don't know."[/color] Loni answered honestly. She was feeling too many things, it was impossible to parse out a single feeling. Most of all she felt… lost. Sure, this was probably the most influential incident. The one that came back later to ‘pluck the fruits' like Momo said. But it wasn't the only one. 

How could she have known then? The only person who really ‘protected’ her was working from the exact same base of knowledge as her. By the time she was sixteen her Mama was much too sick to do anything but work to keep the roof over their heads. Had her Mama even known something like that was wrong? Would it have mattered if Loni told her? Loni tried to remember what she knew about her upbringing. Not… Good. 

[color=ff7360]"Should I? I- I don't know. I don't feel manipulated… Didn't… Now I ain't so sure…"[/color] As much as it was understanding the problem, it was difficult for her to step back and think about the possible negative effects on herself. Because she was happy with her life. Content. But that didn't stop it from being wrong, did it? 

[color=ff7360]"I think…"[/color] She frowned, glancing down at Luci. At those big brown eyes staring up at her now, red from tears but quickly brightening up. 
[color=ff7360]"It does. I don't want someone like that around my Baby. But there was never anyone around to tell me somethin' like that's wrong…"[/color]

Kiki threw an arm around Loni without hesitation, kissing her cheek.
[color=19FFBA]”It’s kinda like the snake tricking Eve into eating the apple. Like, yeah, the knowledge is great. But, it's also cursed. You don’t ever look at people the same after you get it, things aren’t ever as shiny.”[/color]

Not that she knew much better… But she’d been around the Whispering Flesh’s culture her whole life. The Male gender was already looked down upon based solely on their usefulness to the establishment. Her various wild interactions with the Men outside that circle, unfortunately, had never disproved the need for healthy skepticism.

[color=15A663]”I’d like to meet this individual… I want to ask some questions that you never thought of asking, Loni.”[/color] Momo quietly admitted.

[color=ff7360]"Oh- Oh- Okay."[/color] Loni stammered out with slightly wide eyes, leaning into Kiki a bit. 
[color=ff7360]"You're not… gonna hurt him, are you?!"[/color]

“Mama, eye?” Luci piped up, hands coming up to pat at Loni's cheeks. Then a bit higher to just underneath her eyes. They were a bit red… 

[color=ff7360]"No, no, Baby, Mama's not gonna cry! If I did it'd be happy tears, hmm? Cause I got the most beautiful daughter of all, yeah?"[/color] Loni diverted for a moment, shifting Luci in her arms so she could gently tickle her. Luci giggled, catching Loni's hand and squeezing it. 

Fingers playing with her daughter's much smaller ones, Loni looked back up at Momo.
[color=ff7360]"I was meant to meet him tomorrow, cause he's busy today. I'm gonna break up with him then so… you could come along?"[/color]

Kiki cleared her throat.
[color=19FFBA]”Let me, Ma’am… How’ll it look if you do something foolish?”[/color] she asked, knowing her sister full and well.

There was a long silence in the middle of that aisle until she finally nodded.
[color=15A663]”I can’t promise I won’t hurt him, Lon. Will you accept Kiki being there?”[/color] she asked quietly.

[color=ff7360]"Of course! I ain't gonna say no to something like that!"[/color] Loni declared, like she hadn't been stubborn about things a million times before. 

“Ah meh!” Luci threw her hands up, smacking Loni in the face. 

[color=ff7360]"No, Baby… You gotta keep Aunt Momo company."[/color]

“Ahn Mo?” Luci tilted her little head, before babbling towards Momo with her hands flailing about everywhere. Probably something along the lines of what great company she was. Not that she had any understanding of what was going on. Thank God… Loni would protect her from the things no one was there to keep her safe from. 

[color=ff7360]"I'm sorry that I was so stubborn about it…"[/color] Loni admitted.

[color=19FFBA]”Oh, Lover Girl… You ain’t stubborn. If its somethin’ you don’t get, you won’t even ask questions! Never mind listening to what other people have to say about it. And besides, [i]I[/i] know you’re just looking for someone to love you. It’s hard to get away from that feeling when it’s been given to you!”[/color] Kiki admitted, her hand coming around Loni to squeeze her tighter. 

There was only a brief moment before the hair framing her face became thick again, and the same long, curly black tail moved back up for Luci to play with. Kiki only smiled admiringly at Loni.

[color=19FFBA]”As much as Our Lady wishes she could be your one and only savior, you need [i]someone[/i] outside our system… And the day you find the right one? Well, that’s the day us bitches’ll have nothing to say about it.”[/color] she nodded.

[color=15A663]”It’s settled then? We’ll make sure he knows what’s wrong without harm. Got it?”[/color] Momo asked with her usual matronly sternness. It was the same tone she used over [i]any[/i] of Loni’s boyfriends.

[color=ff7360]"Got it, Coven Matron."[/color] Loni replied with much more formality than she normally would. It was only ever Momo or Mo, unless Loni [I]really[/I] wanted her to know she was listening. That she really did agree and wasn't just brushing something off like she often did. 
[color=ff7360]"I really do this time."[/color]

Luci had started to wriggle in her arms, beginning to get bored with all of this adult conversation, but then there was a tail again! She giggled, swaging from side to side as she chased it with her hands, trying to snatch it. 

At the same time Loni leaned into Kiki, onto her tiptoes to press her cheek against her friends. 
[color=ff7360]"If only I could find someone like you, Kiki. Then it'd be way easier!"[/color]
 
It wasn't obvious [I]what[/I] exactly she meant. Someone with Kiki's personality? Beefed up with Green Lux from birth? A woman? Technically, there was nothing stopping the first or third point… Just that the former wasn't the type she tended to go for, and the latter… Well, she was just as attracted to girls as she was guys! But sleeping around was one thing, dating another. It was expected to date a guy right? 

Pushing aside her internal thoughts, Loni smiled again. 
[color=ff7360]"The next one'll be the one! I feel it! Someone who loves me, loves Luci, ain't ever been my teacher, and wants to have lotsa kids! And likes my bugs!"[/color]

[color=19FFBA]”Right! Right… The whole thing…”[/color] Kiki replied with a pang of hurt.

It wasn’t the first time Loni was saying something like that, and she knew it wouldn’t be the last. Loni didn’t make good decisions; if she did, she’d forget about the hunger for someone else in her intimate life. She’d realize that she’s the only one she needs, and that all the other bullshit could be cursory if she treated it that way. But she was desperate, lost, and it almost always pissed off Kiki to no end.

After all, [i]three[/i] years didn’t seem all that bad! At least they could’ve been students at the same time, for fuck’s sake! [color=19FFBA][i]I can make a cock! What the fuck am I missing!? Why doesn’t she-[/i][/color]

[color=15A663]”Why not try Joe? Joe Mura?”[/color]
Joe was Momo’s head of security for Sin Sisters’, until he was recalled to the Roanoke Coven for special assignment. Now he was back in town, but no longer looking for work… Momo couldn’t necessarily abide this kind of lazy behavior, and hoped that maybe, if she wanted a slightly older man, she’d be interested in someone Momo could at least vouch for.

[color=15A663]”You know Rachel; they broke up because he was leaving! I’ve never seen that guy present a flag lower than lime green.”[/color] she admitted happily.

Loni made a face at that suggestion. She was completely oblivious to any hurt feelings on Kiki's part. She had never been the best at reading things like that unless it was… well, Vin, and then her daughter. She was empathic, but certainly not observant. Never noticed something unless it was right in her face- and right now that was Momo's misguided suggestion.

[color=ff7360]"Joe Mura? But he's so [I]boring[/I]. What would we even talk about? We ain't got much in common, do we? I ain't sure he'd be all that excitin' in bed either."[/color]
She remembered liking the guy enough when he was the club's security head, but not like that. He was attractive enough, but there'd never been that [I]urge[/I] like she'd had with all her exes. That undeniable attraction! Sure, she wanted stability and someone who'd love her daughter… but she also wanted love and excitement! 

[color=ff7360]"Also, he ain't workin', right? Last time I dated someone without a job they got me pregnant and left. I ain't riskin' that again."[/color] Loni declared, as if someone Momo trusted was in any way the same as the freeloader that Luciana's father had been. As if suddenly her decisions were sensible… or just stubborn, maybe. 

But she shouldn't entirely write it off, if only to keep Momo happy…
[color=ff7360]"Maybe if that changes and I'm still single, I'll try a date or somethin’."[/color]

Momo’s head tilted, grin on her face wavering as she tried not to laugh aloud at what she’d said about him not having a job.

[color=15A663]”Well… Yeah! Sure! Honestly, Honeyplum, I’d rather you be single anyhow! I ain’t beatin’ that horse again, you heard it plenty, but-”[/color] 

[color=19FFBA]”-Anything’s better than some deadbeat asshole, Lon. You’re damn right. ‘Til then, how ‘bout you just uh… Try on me! Not, not kissin’ or anything, but, like, [i]uhhhhh[/i]-”[/color]

Kiki had interrupted Momo in what was usually a no-go move. The kind of impulsive behavior that was telling of her late arrival into the family. The least amount of time with their Lady meant she’d received the least amount of etiquette training. Not helped by Momo’s inherent distaste for mundane social posturing, of course, the girl rarely had any guidance short of the eldest Adeptal sibling. 
It had been Gia’s job to raise Chessa and Kiki through puberty into adulthood. All she’d really done is “set them up for success” by maintaining the status quo after both their parents had disappeared. None of them ever really adjusted.

Now, even Momo had her limits. Normally, she’d have taken the initiative back. However, what Kiki was saying specifically piqued the interest of the Matriarch. She’d felt little whispers in her Green Lux, usually whenever Loni and her were performing together. The magic was a little stronger. The Pink, which she was so unfamiliar with but pervaded so deeply across the rest of her family, always flared in an amplification effect that brought Joy and Love to peaks.
She was peaking now. Blushing slightly as she tried to stammer out the words.

[color=19FFBA]”-Like… Like… I’ll… I’ll come up and live with you at the Leopold! We’ll get cozy domestic, you can observe how things are, and when you see a trait you like, or a trait you don’t like, we can hash it out! What else is Pink magic for, than for getting crazy mind things going! I can [i]totally[/i] simulate anyone else you can think of!”[/color]

As was the nature of an Adeptal Changeling. Her predilection for shapeshifting was second only to her ability to store and recreate simulated minds. Pink Lux psionics, the splitting of the consciousness and formation of secondary or even tertiary biological additions to her mind, allow her to be the [i]perfect[/i] infiltration and interrogation specialist. Not that she [i]often[/i] was, but if she had access to your mind and could see you? It hardly tested her abilities to [i]become[/i] you.

[color=19FFBA]”We can start with Joe still… [i]Just[/i] in case? If Mistress ordered him to, I’m sure he’d open up his mind to me.”[/color] she admitted.

Though, what good was it if she’d never be able to be herself? It didn’t matter; she’d do anything to be by Loni’s side for just a few extra hours…

Loni tilted her head. She didn't really understand why Kiki was offering something like that. It wasn't like it could ever be permanent. She didn't want something temporary! Well, she did get real lonely when she was single… but it shouldn't be as bad living at Leopold like she was right now? At least, plenty of people around! 

[color=ff7360]"I ain't so desperate I'd make you do something like that, Kiki!"[/color] Loni rejected the idea after thinking. Though, the thinking had more been trying to figure out the why. It wasn't something she'd ever be happy with… But she got that Kiki was just tryna be a good friend. A best friend! 

[color=ff7360]"That ain't fair! And it ain't like I'm just lookin' for company… I don't wanna make you pretend to be other people like that! Not for somethin' like that- or at all! But especially somethin' that ain't ever gonna work out-"[/color] Cause they were both women. And friends! 
[color=ff7360]"That ain't fair on you… I'd rather [I]you[/I] just come round more often cause I'll be lonely. I don't wanna lose a friend cause you're doing somethin' like that for me. Why would I want you to become someone else?!"[/color]

Loni shifted Luci in her arms as she spoke, the little girl still mostly distracted by Kiki's tail. But she did reach up to pat Loni's face, nodding as if in agreement. 

[color=ff7360]"Is really nice you'd be willin' to do somethin' like that for me… But I wanna real relationship, Kiki. I don't wanna just fill a bunch've time like that… if I did I'd be happy spendin' loadsa time with friends, and fuckin' whoever!"[/color]

The tail [i]did[/i] slack for a moment. It wasn’t like she was the type to spiral from a rejection, but she’d certainly underestimated Loni’s inability to separate one from the other. It was understandable, of course; she’d never exactly been a [i]hypothetical[/i] kind of person. Direct, forward, frankly what else could Kiki expect?
But she knew how she felt inside, and knew that hearing [i]ain’t ever[/i] in context to their union still hurt. She simply wasn’t convinced, whether because of her generally hedonistic surroundings or a lack of situational empathy, that Loni was straight. 

[i]Nobody[/i] she hung out with was straight. Even Ryan Kaber, the three-chick-a-day playboy who had a weekly rotation of ladies he spent his time with, had demonstrated that [i]preference[/i] did not mean exclusivity. That everyone had their ratio, and that it just took a special person to slide into that slot perfectly.
How could she find out what Loni’s ideal traits were? Ask? She didn’t even fuckin’ know! Besides the previous qualifiers, all of which Kiki felt she fulfilled, there could be a billion different turn offs and turn ons. What mattered was purely based on interest.

[color=E4FFD9][i]”Kiki… You’ve got a fever coming on, and your Lux is welling. Are you distressed?”[/i][/color] Sori asked innocently, having also been lazily playing with Kiki’s tail alongside Luci.

Momo broke into a grin, laughing and shaking her head. It was hard now, with [i]everyone[/i] staring, for Kiki to explain herself. She could only thank God Loni hadn’t picked up Italian from a magical source.

[color=19FFBA][i]”I’m fine, Sorella. Don’t concern yourself with it.-”[/i][/color]
Swapping back to English, she put on her best fake smile. The one she used when she didn’t want to make Elay worried.

[color=19FFBA]”I totally get it… You can bet on it then; I’ll be up every day if you’ll have me. I’ll even watch Luci for you, y’know if Vin or Our Lady can’t.”[/color] she nodded, letting her tail slip forward to brush Luci’s cheek before playfully tickling her nose.

Luci giggled, her whole face scrunching up as she playfully tried to bat the tail away from her face. 

[color=ff7360]"Awww, you're the bestest friend I could ever ask for!"[/color] Loni brightened right up again, shifting Luci to one arm so that she could throw one around Kiki in a tight hug. 
[color=ff7360]"Course I'd have you every day! Well maybe not every day cause if Vin's there they get all grouchy… but otherwise! Ain't that right, Lu? Gonna get to spend loads more time with Aunt Kiki too!"[/color]

“Ahn Ee!” Luci giggled, hands throwing into the air towards Kiki. Then towards Momo too.
“Ahn Mo!” 

[color=ff7360]"That's right, Mijita, loadsa time with Aunt Mo too."[/color] Loni giggled. 
[color=ff7360]"And… with some rubber ducky isopods! You want those, huh, Baby? It's only fair you get some and I get some after your Aunt Mo made me break up with someone, ain't it?"[/color]

Momo laughed.
[color=15A663]”Show me the text telling me you want to see him tomorrow, and you get [i]anything[/i] you ask for. Deal?”[/color]

Loni's whole face lit up, and she grinned. 
[color=ff7360]"Deal!"[/color]
[hr] 
In the end, Loni ended up [I]only[/I] getting a small colony of Rubber Duckie Isopods and some Armageddon Spiky Isopods- which she got incredibly excited about. 

Since buying them required buying two new glass enclosures (though smaller than Archie's), and a bunch to fill them, they didn't actually have the Isopods to immediately take home. Instead, it would all be delivered to the Leopold building at a time slot that suited. Of course, Loni wanted her Isopods [I]right[/I] away, but she was enough of a bug lover to also want what was best for them too. 

Excitingly for Luciana, there was also a little ‘Petting Zoo' area deeper into the massive pet store where she got to play with and pet some incredibly docile rabbits and guinea pigs. 

But all that excitement, and the subsequent toy shop trip, tired her out. It wasn't so obvious when they came out of the shop, with the little girl giving Momo and Sori an enthusiastic wave when they went to find a toilet- but she was growing more limp by the second. Her little head nuzzled into Loni's neck, legs dangling. She was heavier like this, somehow, though Loni didn't particularly mind holding her. 

[color=ff7360]"Let's go find somewhere to sit! It ain't like we gotta go far, Mo'll find us- we can text her!"[/color] Loni suggested brightly to Kiki, shifting the quickly napping Luci slightly so her weight wasn't entirely on one side. Sure, Momo had basically said she'd get them back there, but it wasn't like they'd go far.

[color=ff7360]"There were plenty of cafes with like… Sitting areas outside've the actual cafe! In the hall! Then we'll be extra noticeable! And Lu's gonna need somethin' to eat or she'll be down for the next couple hours."[/color]

Too bad for Loni, Kiki wasn’t particularly thoughtful at that point. She’d been able to stifle her previous problems at the cost of a slight dissociation. Something Momo had noticed coming on long before Sori had to use the facilities. Tithe had to be collected; something Momo didn’t need to be there for at home, but couldn’t risk spilling into the city’s actual sewer systems. Too dangerous to have Matriarchal biological material circulating in a place where enemies of Culla could lurk, after all.

But she was happy to leave. To force Kiki to sit with the emotion again, even if she couldn’t perceive exactly what it was. She had a good feeling after noticing the Pink outburst, however, and knew that if she was stuck with it, she’d pull through.
The short absence hadn’t given her much to say yet, but she was listening more intently at least. Not just listening to Momo and Loni talk about the logistics of keeping insects in the New Leopold Building. 

[color=19FFBA]”I could do with a frozen [i]something.[/i] Frosty Brew is an, uh… You know, [i]Frozen Milk[/i] cafe.”[/color]

She could never forget the courtesy of learned behaviors, however. She was simply too courteous of an individual to forget how Luci acted whenever she heard [i]ice cream[/i]. Maybe Loni wouldn’t mind her having some, but the benefit to this place was that they didn’t do the crazy ice cream counter. It was pretty subtle, still focusing mostly on the drinks one could make with the frosty component. Kiki, sweet tooth supreme, wanted nothing more than to suck down on an espresso milkshake with two double shots. 

[color=19FFBA]”They’ve got coffee and stuff too, pastries and the usual cafe cra- Stuff.”[/color] she hesitated slightly, not wanting Loni to think that she was annoyed with the suggestion.

[color=ff7360]"Sure!"[/color] Loni nodded. She wasn't too worried about Luci going rabid over ice cream right now, considering her daughter could barely keep her eyes open. A little shut eye then some ice cream would probably perk her right up. At least, for another hour or two before she [I]really[/I] needed to nap. 

Obliviously cheerful, Loni would've grabbed Kiki's hand to drag her onwards if hers weren't full. Instead she just had to settle for bumping her shoulder against her friend, before venturing forth to find Frosty Brew. 

Which wasn't so hard when one person knew where they were going, and they walked right past a map too. It was a little further away from the spot they'd been waiting at than they probably should've strayed, but… the exhausted kid was always a good excuse! And it wasn't like Loni and Kiki were kids themselves that needed to be watched. 

[color=ff7360]"Normally I ain't the milkshake sort at this time've year- y'know, it's a summer drink!- but I dunno, somethin's pretty appealin' about it today."[/color] Loni said as they reached the place, having talked away without much pause the whole way there. Mostly about whatever came into her mind, constantly distracted by the things around them. 

Thankfully Frosty Brew wasn't super busy. Loni was able to snatch them a four person table where it'd be pretty impossible to miss them while walking past. Sitting down, she moved Luci so she was curled up sideways on her lap with her head on Loni's chest. 

[color=ff7360]"You want some [I]ice cream[/I], Mijita?"[/color] Loni asked in a hushed tone, pinching one of her daughter's cheeks. Luci let out a whining protest, turning to hide her face against Loni's body with a sleepy mumble. Loni tilted her head up towards Kiki with a grin.

[color=ff7360]"All'a that really tired her out! Bet it was cause've chasing your tail so long… Soon as there's some in front of her she'll wake up I bet."[/color] She was filled with joy and motherly love, rocking her body gently as Luci basically drifted off into a light sleep. 
[color=ff7360]"Uh… You wanna get your stuff first? Then we can swap, she ain't gonna complain much if I give her to you for a lil bit."[/color]

Kiki smiled and scrunched her nose. She loved listening to Loni just go on and on, only half-realizing when she was actually done. It was soothing most of the time, having her there to just [i]talk.[/i] Motta kids didn’t say much. Chessa and Cammy were both so career focused that Kiki felt their bonds fraying. Every time they saw one another, there was usually some kind of tiff now. Usually telling her to find something better to do than [i]dance.[/i]

What was better than dancing? Pervy old people, pervy young people, all drunk, all with the same attitude problems and loneliness that called their wallets up to the podium. She loved watching them financially gut themselves over her. It was a rush, and one that she couldn’t understand her siblings being bereft of. Maybe Elay would’ve, but that relationship was even worse. She hadn’t seen him recently, and the last time she did, he was so drunk that he didn’t even recognize her. Just slurred at her to get away from him before the nice cat ushered her off.

At least Loni couldn’t judge her for that. Wouldn’t. Understood, mostly, even if their reasons [i]for[/i] dancing differed. 
But she knew she didn’t want to part like that. Not even for a second.

[color=19FFBA]”You’re cute. Why’d we ever order separate? Momo’s gonna get a hot coffee, and Sori doesn’t eat dairy so I’ll get her the same thing that all Matriarchs like. Two things that won’t melt while we wait.”[/color]
She stood up, holding her arms out.

[color=19FFBA]”But, I’ll still take the baby… If you want.”[/color] she smiled gently, wagging her fingers.

[color=ff7360]"Wanna go to Aunt Kiki?"[/color] Loni giggled, rocking Luci up and down. There was absolutely [I]no[/I] response. She'd fallen asleep just like that… Loni would be amazed if she hadn't seen it so many times before. 

[color=ff7360]"Here, I ain't gonna be able to order her… You got longer arms!"[/color] Standing again, Loni carefully shifted Luci into Kiki's waiting arms. She let out a sleepy mumble, before curling up against Kiki just like she had been for her Mama. 

[color=ff7360]"What's it that all Matriarch like? Or is it a secret?!"[/color] She asked as he made her way over to the counter, staring at the written options for milkshakes with wide eyes.

[color=19FFBA]”Water…”[/color] Kiki replied simply, tucking Luci up so she curled into the crux of her collar and shoulder.

Loni's eyes widened, then she giggled. Water! Of course. Still giggling she went back to looking at the menu.

She was getting more used to these kinds of places, but was still often shocked by the sheer selection in North Side cafes and restaurants. In the area she grew up in it was either the cheapest fast food joint, or something small owned by a local. Of course it was more normal in the better areas like the circle… But Loni had fond memories of the guy down the road who sold pretty crappy ice cream he'd made at home. She was pretty sure now it had been to cover up his dealing so local gangs didn't find out… He was pretty dedicated to make the ice cream and all. 

[color=ff7360]"Ugh, I dunno if I should get somethin' with coffee in it or a milkshake [I]and[/I] coffee. Probably that, so Luci can have some've my shake… She ain't gonna eat enough it's worth gettin' her somethin'... Boring's safest when you gotta child!"[/color] Loni declared as they reached the front of the short queue. She quickly ordered herself a chocolate milkshake and a coffee, turning to Kiki with a grin. 

The person at the counter seemed to know Kiki’s face, and it wasn’t a good look that passed from her. She could never know what it was specifically that made this girl seem to hate her, but she had a guess that it was about the [i]usual order.[/i]

[color=19FFBA]”Frozen quad espresso, extra whip cream; can you put-”[/color]

“-No. I can’t put three scoops of protein and a scoop of oats in. We’re out of both.” she readily snapped in return. 
Kiki frowned a little bit, feeling the pushback.

[color=19FFBA]”O-oh… Okay, I’m sor- Rrrrr…-”[/color]

No. [color=19FFBA][i]Fuck you.[/i][/color]

All it took was a little flick of her middle right toe, the ring around it reacting against the cold tile of the parlor. Immediately, the woman seized up in front of them, and Kiki gritted her teeth as she oriented herself firmly in the Blind’s brain. This asshole… 
[color=19FFBA][i]Because you have to clean the machine after? Because of the oats?[/i][/color]

This is why she couldn’t date in her own wealth bracket. This girl was the [i]same age[/i] as Kiki, and came from some lower-middle household in the Fifth Ward. [i]Just the right bracket[/i] to breed spoiled and entitled people without them being so far removed from wider society that their tendencies could be hidden. This girl had to go out and work, because her Mother told her to. Because it was [i]expected.[/i] She didn’t want to be here, for money or fulfillment.

Which had been the most obvious part, but Kiki needed confirmation before she did the next thing…

[color=19FFBA]”I said: Frozen quad espresso, extra whip cream. Three scoops of chocolate protein powder, and one scoop of maple oats [i]please.[/i] I’ll also need a double-quad espresso [i]hot[/i], black. And the biggest cup you can get me filled with ice and water.”[/color] she spoke with great purpose and intention, and wordlessly the blind thrall started in on her tasks, no longer with an attitude.

[color=19FFBA]”There we go… Nobody’s gonna be rude to us.”[/color] she quietly intoned to Loni, satisfied with her own handling of the situation.

Loni watched with wide eyes, before carefully watching the worker going about her job. Just to make sure she didn't seem… in pain or anything! She hadn't really grown up with magic like the Mottas or some other coven members had, and before joining had only her Mama to learn from. Pink magic hadn't really been part of the learning… 

Just carefulness with Black Lux. It wasn't to be used on living people. 

What was it that Momo had said about this kinda stuff? Controlled responsibility or something… this seemed pretty controlled! Kiki clearly wasn't hurting her! Sure, Loni maybe sympathised with the worker, but she'd also never be like that… she couldn't imagine being so comfortable you didn't just do everything a customer wanted! Especially here! Wasn't she worried about something happening?! Really, Kiki was doing her a favour! Helping her! Not even throwing a tantrum or shouting at her or threatening to hurt her or anything! Not reporting her to the manager! Ruining her life! 

[color=ff7360]"G- Good! Hopefully she'll learn so no one ruins her life or anythin'..."[/color] Loni said after reaching the conclusion Kiki hadn't done anything wrong, but in a strangely extreme way. 
[color=ff7360]"Some customers can be really dangerous! Ain't it better to just always be nice?! Cause it's a job!"[/color]

She nodded, though she struggled to ever view herself as the [I]customer[/I]. If it had been her, she would've immediately apologised and assumed the worker was correct… It was the same at work. Loni would always bend over backwards to keep her customers happy, cause she didn't want to lose them. Even though Momo was so firm that she didn't need to worry about that… 

[color=ff7360]"It can't be easy to get a job in a place like this, can it?"[/color] Loni continued to ask in a hushed whisper. 
[color=ff7360]"I know a bunch've people from the South work in grocery stores and the like here, but I bet they ain't lettin' many like us into such a fancy place. The place I worked as a teen was just over the river and they were super fussy bout how we acted."[/color]

That was information Kiki could easily peel out of this girl’s skull directly!
[color=19FFBA]”Our friend’s impression seems to be similar. People working here live up here. Seems to be a Mall policy that you have to prove North Cloverfield residence, exceptions being the national chain outlets, like the Cheers department store. I guess they have enough stock in the mall that they can probably out-contract whoever owns this place. Lawyer bullshit, leave that for the Third Ward.”[/color] she waved her hand as if to wave off the problem.

Truthfully, she wished more South Siders could work in places like this. The service would be better, and people who actually needed the money would be taking it home to feed their families… But that would also mean more people making the crossing, which… The bridges were already dangerous enough to cross in the morning and evening rush. She couldn’t imagine the foot traffic that would build up alongside all the vehicles. Tramplings, or worse people just downright rioting and bowling over the checkpoints. 

Them being gone wouldn’t be bad either, but there were better ways of making the city even… Like actually investing in wards below the Ninth. There were eighteen districts in this city, for fuck’s sake, but it seemed like only a few of them ever got attention. The best, and then the worst.
The hot stuff, or temperature non-specific stuff, came first. Peacefully, quietly, the girl behind the counter slid the entire cup of espresso onto the tray, as well as the massive water and Loni’s own hot coffee.

“M-milkshake… co-m-ing r-right up.”

[color=19FFBA]”Hey, thanks girlfriend. Sorry about the machine, I know it’s a bitch to clean ‘cuz of the oats.”[/color] she said knowingly, the grim dishonesty in the action giving her a modicum of pleasure in this.

[color=19FFBA]”Gotta sell it. For the others in the back.”[/color] she giggled, shaking her head.

[color=ff7360]"What others?!"[/color] Loni asked, looking behind her with the assumption someone would be watching. Which they weren't… Oh… 
[color=ff7360]"Oh, hypothetical? Not actual others in the back? Unless someone's magically watching?!"[/color]

Kiki narrowed her eyes, pointing to the person handling the other register next to them.
[color=19FFBA]”Coworkers, Lon.”[/color] she giggled, still slowly letting her torso swing back and forth to keep Luci placid.

[color=ff7360]"... Oh!"[/color] Loni laughed in response, because it was a bit ridiculous her first reaction had been someone else watching them. But Kiki never judged her for the way she thought or reacted. 

After a little bit they got their two milkshakes, with Loni's more simple chocolate one coming before Kiki's machine destroying monster. Loni insisted on carrying the tray, since Kiki was carrying the sleepy toddler! Right back to the table Loni had chosen when they first came in. 

[color=ff7360]"Wait! I forgot to text Momo! Did you?!"[/color] Loni didn't wait for an answer as she pulled her phone out to shoot off a text- better for her to get two instead of none! Once that was done she put it down on the table, pulling her coffee towards her first. It had cooled enough to get immediately drinkable- at least to Loni- while they waited for the milkshakes. 

[color=ff7360]"I can take Lu back, if you want! I'm an expert at eatin' around her nowadays. She ain't allowed any of your shake, either, so if you keep her you gotta not let her snatch it if she wakes up."[/color] Loni giggled, smiling brightly at Kiki. It wasn't likely to happen, with how contentedly Luci was curled up against Kiki right now. Drifting in and out of snoozing… 

It was so cute that Loni couldn't help but pull her phone back up, snapping a photo. 
[color=ff7360]"Aw, you're both so fuckin' cute! Look! She's so comfy with her Aunt Kiki, almost as comfy as she is with her Mama!"[/color] She turned her phone towards Kiki to show her the photo.

Kiki made sure to pose slightly, tucking her own face into Luci’s curls and planting a kiss on the top of her head.

[color=19FFBA][i]Remember this, remember this, remember this, remember this, remember th-[/i][/color]
[color=19FFBA]”Awwww, that’s a super cute picture. Send that to me when you can.”[/color] she replied with a grin, trying to ignore the little spike of fury as she disconnected from the Blind inside. She heard something glass fall and shatter, figuring it was the girl [i]accidentally[/i] dropping the carafe full of coffee into the metal sink.

As they set their drinks down and Luci was successfully swapped, Kiki sniffed the air for any signs of Momo.
[color=19FFBA]”And, to answer your question, you know she can smell better than a hound can, right? Her and Sori both could probably track us from half a mile off if they got a whiff. Not sayin’ you stink or nothin’, just… We all have a scent! You ‘member after the Caty, when we were out rescuing people? How she’d just kinda [i]know[/i] where everyone was and not hafta ask any questions?”[/color]

[color=15A663]”I can make it so you can’t smell me back, too.”[/color]

Momo’s voice carried, simply from the air capacity in her lungs and the capability of her larynx. It was hoarse, but only in the way that sounded like she’d probably just smoked a cigarette or something, without losing any of the softness that came from her genetic assignment. It was easy for her to adjust it, after all; and after she’d permanently upticked her natural testosterone production, she [i]did[/i] have to do some editing.

But as she rounded the corner, she came bearing a surprise. Boxes. 

[color=15A663]”Ah, you got my coffee. Thanks. Here, I meant to get you both a pair a week ago when they came out. Consider it part of the work uniform budget.”[/color]

The black boxes had no markings, save for a very small “DD” in gold letters on the edge of the lid. Dolores Daylights… [i]These were shoes, and there was a fat chance they were below a thousand dollars a pair.[/i] As Kiki stare wide-eyed at the shoebox, she caught a glimpse of something else that was [i]way[/i] funnier.

[color=19FFBA]”Mistress! You got [i]her[/i] a pair too!?”[/color] 

Kiki’s gaze could only be focused on one thing. The Daylight-Moray six inch heels with the crossing foreleg braces. In her pretty, fire engine dress, the subtle white laces crawling up her shin and down around her ankle made Kiki [i]ooze[/i] with envy. But, also humor, as Sori was [i]clearly[/i] getting used to walking in them. She looked a little uncomfortable physically, but still happy. Kiki could feel her unbridled joy and affection toward Momo.

She maybe couldn’t appreciate the [i]incredible[/i] price tag, but she definitely knew how special getting gifts from the Matrona de Matrona was, especially as a Lesser Dame.

[color=ff7360]"The- the- there's no way the budget covers that!"[/color] Loni exclaimed, as if Momo hadn't used the work uniform budget as an excuse for this kind of thing before. There was always a bit of push and pull before Loni accepted it. 

She couldn't deny that she wanted a pair too. They were [I]beautiful[/I]. Thanks to Sori wearing them, she didn't even have to guess which shoes Momo had gotten… 

[color=ff7360]"Whoa! They look so nice… Bellissima?"[/color] She did her best to drag out her rudimentary Italian knowledge to compliment Sori with a bright grin. 
[color=ff7360]"It won't be long before she can dance in em too! She ain't even fallen over!"[/color] 

Six inch heels were quite high for a beginner, after all.

[color=15A663]”Well, thank her when you can! If she hadn’t dead stopped to stare at them in the window, I never would’a remembered.”[/color] she grinned, taking her seat.

Grabbing ahold of the coffee and practically pouring it down her throat in a single dump, Momo simply smiled and nodded at Kiki. It was [i]really[/i] difficult trying to figure out if Momo ate and drank things because she [i]liked them[/i], or if she just wanted the vague biological material she could pull from processed products. She never seemed to savor anything, at least not openly. The truth was, she’d long ago vacated her stomach of acid. There was no microbiome, no gut health to consider. So, rather than it being a useless pit to store materia in until she needed the energy, she usually lined it with taste buds. 

In that regard, she was [i]always[/i] savoring a meal. The complexity of taste was fully explored, sometimes for hours before she either claimed the nutrients or completely atomized them via a direct injection of hot plasma into the gut. Sori hadn’t learned this ability yet… Probably never would. Momo didn’t recommend it to any of her compatriots who she kept in touch with, as it took a great deal of focus to actually absorb the nutrients she [i]actually wanted.[/i]

[color=E4FFD9]”Oh, Bellissima! Yes! I… uh… [b]uh![/b] S-so cyoot! No?”[/color]
In response to Loni’s kindness, Sori tucked both her hands into one another at her front, kicking her right foot backward in the classic cutesy pose.
[color=E4FFD9]”I am Monroe! Ahhhh, Mista Prezzzzzidaaaant!”[/color] she laughed, hiking her skirt up playfully before taking her own seat.

Momo could only laugh and smile at her Lesser Dame student. These were the moments worth storing in the brain, and Momo took a mental snapshot of Sori’s grin as she looked down at her ten-grand shoes. Kiki’s box opened up to reveal a black pair contrasting Sori’s white… But there was a [i]burst[/i] of color that came from Loni’s. Hot pink, with gold accents while the other two pairs had what looked like burnished copper.

[color=ff7360]"Whoa, they're so pretty!"[/color] Loni exclaimed immediately, jerking forward with enough excitement that it disturbed Luci's slumber. A little hand came up to rub her eye, sleepily pouting up at Loni. 
[color=ff7360]"Sorry, Mijita, sleep, duérmete…"[/color]

Still tired out, Luci did just as her Mama said, head falling back into Loni's chest and eyes closing. Loni pressed a kiss to her curls, moving more carefully to really look at the shoes. 
[color=ff7360]"These'll go with with some've the new outfits I've ordered! Well not that they wouldn't go with current ones- Y'know I gotta lotta pink…"[/color]

It was certainly her go to- and favourite- colour in all walks of life. Of course she had more plain toned lingerie and dancewear, primarily in white, for work- mostly for when she was sharing the stage, cause you didn't want to contrast or outshine the other dancers. There was a lot of softer pink too- a myriad of butterfly designs especially. But hot pink like this? That was always her favourite bring out… 

[color=ff7360]"Now I'ma have to plan what I was gonna wear for my next shift!"[/color] She laughed playfully. There was another jerk of her body- this time it wasn't from her excitement, but rather a shove from behind. A group of three young men taking the table behind them, the tallest of the group shoving his own chair directly into Loni's. 

She didn't say anything, just gently rocking Luci to calm her again and shuffling her chair as forward as she could without crushing her daughter. To make room… sure, it was a bit strange they'd sit right there when the place had plenty of free tables further away from people, but she was never one to complain. 

[color=ff7360]"Vin's gonna hate em though! They complain everytime I getta new bright pair, sayin' it hurts their eyes."[/color] She joked, but in a quieter and more muted tone.

Momo’s first reaction was to bark. To dominate the ignorant. She could feel a lack of care from the action in front of her eyes, but did her best to hold back from the baser instinct. And the fact that Loni had only reacted by, what a Matriarch would see as, submission. To lower her voice and shy away from requesting, nay demanding, an apology. Just an apology was all the situation needed from-

Sori’s arm swept across the table behind Loni, mashing the guy’s chair.
[color=E4FFD9]”[b]Ey![/b] Strozno! Vaffanculo a chi t’e morto! Scusa dire!”[/color] she snapped with a growl, not wanting Luci disturbed further.

Before Momo could do anything, Sori was [i]reactive.[/i] That was her Mother clan, clearly… Motta would [i]never[/i] fly off the handle like that! Kiki nearly spat her sip of milkshake out!
[color=19FFBA]”Woah, Sorella!?”[/color] she questioned, humor filling her half-concerned voice.

[color=4d2c89]"Eh?"[/color] The guy who'd shoved his chair into Loni's twisted around. It pushed it back further, his arm draping around the back of [I]both[/I] of their chairs. She subtly leaned her body forward to avoid any kind of touch, cradling Luci closer into her chest.

The three of them absolutely screamed ‘rich boy'. From the branded clothing, to their haughty demeanor and the way they held themselves. Like they were the most important people in the room, taking up as much space as they could. The other two just snickered, looking at the four women with barely hidden disdain. They all had to be in their mid twenties- visually at least- but their body language was much more like teenagers. 

The cause of the problem was clearly the worst- richest, perhaps- of the three. Lazily leaning in his chair, legs spread apart and fully pushing into Loni's space now. His dark brown hair was slicked back with gel, in a way that made it seem like he was trying to look tougher than he was. 

[color=4d2c89]"What the fuck are you tryna say? Why don't you speak in a proper language, huh? [I]English[/I]- that's what you're supposed to speak around here! Not whatever the fuck that was."[/color] Then he gestured to Loni, who was softly whispering Spanish into her daughter's ear to try and stop her from waking up screaming. His hand was painfully close to hitting her. 
[color=4d2c89]"Or that."[/color]

Sorella didn’t hesitate in spitting in the lead man’s face. She didn’t speak English either, but she [i]knew[/i] the phonetic apology. For a short moment, she just stared as he wiped it away. A pink knock drilled against her Emotional Field, and she probably would’ve reacted with immediate physical violence if she hadn’t recognized the pattern. Kiki was trying to give her something, and she happily let it in before things escaped her.

The translation ticked over in her head, and her teeth gritted together. Perfect English: In that moment, Kiki violated the rules, and gave the sleeping dragon the fruit of knowledge from the tree.

[color=E4FFD9]”I… Said…-”[/color]

Momo’s eyes widened to saucers. She instantly snapped her head to Kiki, who was clearly smoldering in her seat as she tucked the straw back into her mouth. Little curls of steam rose from her skin.

[color=E4FFD9]”-that if you don’t [i]apologize[/i], I’m going to introduce you to your Great Grandfather [i]anally.[/i] Bone by precious bone.”[/color]

Well… She ate the fruit. Momo couldn’t escape that. She could only sit and watch now… Until she needed to step in. Clearing her throat, she grabbed a hold of the table and pulled it toward her so that Loni had plenty of room to push forward and slip out of the situation that was brewing.

Loni did so immediately, shuffling forward and cradling the rapidly waking toddler in her arms. Luci didn't understand what was going on, but she knew her Mama was stressed, and her eyes immediately started to well up with tears. Loni could only hug her closer, tucking her right in as if to hide her from view. 

[color=4d2c89]"Apologise for what, bitch? Taking up space that's [I]mine[/I]. Do you have any idea who I am?"[/color] There was no apology from the man, only ugly anger. In his words, on his face… in heat radiating off his skin. He stood, leaning forward as intimidatingly as possible. His hand snapped out towards Loni. 

[color=4d2c89]"To [I]her[/I]."[/color] He slowly looked her up and down, gaze both leering and judgemental. It wasn't quite like Loni said earlier- the rich couldn't [I]smell[/I] the poor. But he'd heard her speak, and the reaction was so different from the other three women. Though he was above them too. 

[color=4d2c89]"I'm not apologising to some South Side slut just cause I bumped her chair a little. You should all be [I]grateful[/I] I'm even in the same room as you- Just try touch me, see where it gets you."[/color] The heat radiating off him increased further. 

One of his friends cleared his throat nervously. “Hey, Reese, no need to get so worked up over some foreign Bimbo!”

[color=19FFBA]”You [i]bumped[/i] the poor woman’s chair. She’s got a baby in her arms. It’s court-”[/color]
[color=15A663]”Kiki… Enough.”[/color] Momo’s voice growled.

With Loni and Luci close, out of harm’s way, the fury was rising. But, not in the way that she wished it was. This was an utterly joyless occasion, to be face to face with the absolute worst possible asshole to run into in the city. Not only was he Paranormal, but he was [i]unfortunately[/i] more wealthy-by-proxy than she was on her own. If she rallied enough Matriarchs, the combined financial capital of Culla may be able to out-lawyer the Voclain, but that was worth far less than accepting a small defeat and making plans for revenge later.

[color=15A663]”The Voclain don’t say things like [i]sorry[/i], and they certainly don’t believe in courtesy as a necessity. Even I’m not dumb enough to try and tell the Sun where to shine, no matter how much the light’s bothering me. Now, if you’ll be so kind to recall, Mr. Voclain, that when you were [i]removed[/i] from my establishment in the New Leopold building, you were removed [i]physically.[/i] Now, your Father and I spoke after the fact, and I [i]did[/i] take his more than generous donation in order to keep your behavior quiet. Please, sit down and don’t make me reestablish that line of contact. I may not be [i]Voclain[/i] bougie, but I can certainly buy my way up to the top of that tower. Capice?”[/color]

Momo spoke with an even, cool temper without letting any kind of reaction escape her. The truth was, she didn’t expect William Voclain to have much to say to his Son… But she wanted to make it very clear that the ghost his son was carrying simply wouldn’t save him if blow came to blow. And, sure… Daddy may save him once. Twice. Ten times. But if it had to be? There would be war. She’d happily drive the Voclain out… There was no Grove to maintain balance.

Kiki’s face had gone from cold calm, to frustration, finally to defeat when the name Voclain started getting thrown around.

[color=19FFBA]”[i]Reese!?[/i] Auuuugh, fuuuuuuuck! I wasted all this emotion on [i]you!?[/i]”[/color]

Like a rapidly disintegrating platform, everything was starting to tumble away. The only person still standing like there was about to be a fight, rather than a healthy concession of vacating the infected area, was Sorella who had [i]zero[/i] idea of the names being thrown around. But, even she couldn’t escape her Mistress’ commanding aura. Confused, still furious, she couldn’t just [i]leave[/i].

[color=E4FFD9]”You… Choke on your order, dogfucker.”[/color] she said with an absentminded sniffle afterward…

Oh, no… It was a second loogie. But by the time it landed somewhere on the tip of Reese’s shoe, she was already spun around and walking as though she’d been born in those heels. Kiki had already taken Loni into her arms to hopefully prevent any sobbing from the VIP, kissing the little girl’s head lovingly as her hand rubbed Loni’s shoulder. Their backs had turned, and Momo was waiting for Sori to fully disengage. Just enough time for something to go wrong if it was going to.

[color=4d2c89]"You fucking bitch-"[/color] 
Reese had been forcefully winding down after what Momo said. Not that he was worried about what his dad would think- just that he'd been warned after that incident to be a little more [I]low-key[/I] about things. There were, after all, people on the loose trying to kill whatever rich person they could! 

But being called a dogfucker? The spitting again? He shot right back up to boiling mad, jumping out of his seat and lunging towards Sori. 

Loni physically flinched, leaning right into Kiki as she did her best to also keep Luci calm. The toddler was trembling, confused and scared, but not full on wailing or crying yet. Because there were two people protecting her from seeing or understanding what was going on. It was hard for Loni to keep herself appearing calm with the threat of violent brewing. Because it was everything she'd worried about, but Momo had said it would be fine! And it wasn't! 

Before Reese could get far, his two friends stood and caught him, grabbing onto his arms on both sides. One winced from the heat, while the other seemed to be actively cooling him down. It wasn't that they [I]cared[/I] about stopping some lower class people getting hit. No, of course not. Just that Reese's sister had offered them some very good [I]deals[/I] to stop him from making a massive scene in public. Namely, violence. 

“C'mon, these bitches aren't worth it. Don't dirty yourself with them.” Cooling man said. 

Reese sneered. 
[color=4d2c89]"Fine. Consider yourselves [I]lucky[/I] that I'm feeling gracious."[/color] He threw off his friends hands, stepping out from their table. 
[color=4d2c89]"I can't stand to suffer through the [I]stench[/I] of this area any longer, anyway."[/color]

With her newfound joy of the Queen’s English, Sori was like a new woman! She was [i]ready![/i] There was absolutely no reason, she felt, to stop the current course of action. Especially not when she now understood that [i]he[/i] was the one backing off! Why drop the meat when the dog had a good grip?

[color=E4FFD9]”Little spit and you get all cool? Where’s your balls, Whoreson? Come, I can feel your cheap Apparition like the tuscan leather your wallet’s made of.-”[/color]

Kiki heard Sori pipe up again, despite the concession from the other side. The [i]rare[/i] concession. There was no time to ask for permission now… Just a quiet bubble of pink pressing against a weak part of Loni’s Emotional Field. It was [i]comfort[/i] begging to be let in magically. To push aside all of Loni’s fear and anxiety as it did with the crying baby in her arms. She’d had no choice… Monitoring Luci closely, thanks to her lack of Field, meant that Kiki knew the [i]instant[/i] that would push her over the edge…

And she brushed it away, sending Luci into a gentle sleep just as Momo stepped forward and drove her fist like a hammer onto the top of Sori’s skull. The knock wasn’t just loud; it was [i]devastating.[/i] Like dropping a board of drywall on its edge, the crack echoed across the open thoroughfare of the mall. Sori went limp near immediately, and the same fist that ruined her head grabbed her by the back of the dress. 

Momo gave a single tug, and Sori’s unconscious body was now on her shoulder. Her eyes were closed at first, clear frustration fading as she shook her head.


[color=15A663]”You can consider [i]that[/i] as my apology to the three of you. Now, scram.”[/color]

Reese glared at Momo, then at the unconscious Sori. 
[color=4d2c89]"Fine, but don't think my Father won't-"[/color]

“C'mon, Reese, she just caved that lady's head in! Soph's gonna be [I]pissed[/I]. We gotta go or-”

[color=4d2c89]"You think I give a shit what my sister thinks? But fine. Fucking cowards."[/color] Reese shot towards his friends, turning and leaving with the false pretense that he wasn't a dog tucking his tail and running. The bravado had to keep up… 

Loni had let Kiki in without much hesitation. She recognised the press against her Emotional Field, and trusted her friend to never do anything she shouldn't while in there. Why wouldn't she? The magical calm was what she needed to stop herself from being pushed into a full panic attack over the whole situation. She couldn't, not with Luci to look after, even if she was under the gentle influence of Kiki's magic too. 

The fear was pushed away just in time, stopping a more extreme reaction to the crack that echoed in her ears. Her body still trembled, not quite caught up with her mind as the panic slipped away. But slowly the tension left her frame, letting her uncurl from the tight ball around her daughter she'd been forming. She still leaned on Kiki while hugging Luci close and gently rocking her. 

She looked up towards Momo, unshed tears shining in her eyes. While Kiki had dulled her current fear, it didn't change who Loni was or those constant lingering anxieties. Especially not when she was calm enough to actually think about the situation. 

[color=ff7360]"I'm sorry. That wouldn't've happened if I wasn't here…"[/color]

Momo’s form seemed all the more imposing, carrying Sori and her big fluffy red dress… But, she bent her torso and let her lips press against Loni’s forehead. There was a gentle noise as she pulled her lips away.
[color=15A663]”You have [i]nothing to be sorry for, Loni.[/i]”[/color]

She’d probably never wind up here on her own. She’d probably never get over it now. This one instant would probably stick in the poor girl’s mind for the rest of her life, because [i]of course[/i] she’d managed to find the one person who actually [i]did[/i] have poor sense. The single asshole who could’ve ruined their day.

No. Not ruined. He’d pulled away, and maybe Momo would hear from the Father again… But they’d not [i]lost.[/i] Just… Just this little part.

[color=15A663]”This actually wouldn’t have happened if [i]someone else[/i] hadn’t decided that now was a good time to teach our little Hellion how to count to ten in English.”[/color] 

[color=19FFBA]”Mistress, I didn’t recognize him! I wouldn’t have-”[/color]

Momo’s free hand climbed up to her lips, a finger crossing both. Kiki knew that expression… And now she had to deal with Loni without having a panic attack of her own: Because she was [i]fucked.[/i] Royally. Thankfully, she wasn’t using any Green at the moment, because all the joy inside of her died. The love burned, of course, with the intention of making sure Loni knew that she was cared for. She could, at least, speak for Momo with intrinsic emotion.

Until Momo snatched her necklace off of her neck. Kiki was in awe as she felt the grip of her spell begin to cause a rupture-headache. 

[color=15A663]”-Enough. Go. Take this moron with you.”[/color] she said, a gentle hand swinging Loni into her arms while replacing her with Sori’s unconscious body. 

Thankfully, nothing could take away Kiki’s inhuman physique as she shouldered the near two-hundred pound Lesser Dame. There was only a gentle frown that formed across her face as she looked at Loni and Luci one last time. But she didn’t let the spell down. She wouldn’t leave Loni… There was a sensation of weakness and struggle inside, the spell not-quite-wavering but definitely growing unstable as the spell tried to channel directly through her brain.


Loni was attuned enough to Kiki's magic- used to it, at least- to feel the wavering in her own fluctuating anxiety. She knew what Kiki's channeler was… And the worst moment was gone. 

[color=ff7360]"I'm okay, Kiki- We'll be okay!"[/color] She made sure to reassure her friend before she could be sent away. She held Luci close to her, preparing to comfort her when she woke up. At the same time she tried to gently push Kiki out of her brain. Back beyond her Emotional Field. She couldn't force her out once she'd let her in, but the message would be clear. 

Loni didn't want Kiki to hurt herself for her! Sure, she was scared. Momo said it wasn't her fault and was being gentle with her, but that didn't mean she wasn't also mad at her. But she knew there'd be nothing that could further scare Luci… No harsh words until her little girl was back to normal. 

She looked up at Momo, steeling herself a little bit. 
[color=ff7360]"Please don't be too upset at them! He- he would've done somethin' anyway! I know the type… it's… it's like I told you… there ain't anythin' anyone could've done…"[/color]

[color=15A663]”Our Coven’s actions were oriented toward the same goal. Even with disharmony, we are unified.”[/color] Momo intoned quietly, taking a deep breath and rubbing Loni’s shoulder.


[color=15A663]”But, actions have consequences. I’ll be as harsh as is required.”[/color]

Which Kiki knew to be true. Momo was, if nothing else, a just and even-tempered disciplinarian. Because discipline brought her no joy, obviously. She did not relish in punishment of Kin and Coven. And with Kiki being both, it was wretched. But, there’d be a far greater struggle trying to take English [i]away[/i] from Sorella than there would be dealing with the fact that she was no longer [i]pure.[/i]

She was never fresh snow. Lesser Dames typically had flaw lists as long as one’s arms. But, her own Matriarch-Dame had specific expectations that Momo [i]wanted[/i] to meet. It was important for her image among the Matriarchy. Kiki knew that, and still let her write the check that she knew her own mouth probably couldn’t cash. Or, didn’t want to. Momo couldn’t [i]know[/i] if she was lying, after all. 
She could find a thousand different reasons to think that Kiki knew. That she recognized Reese, and hoped that someone without sense would push him toward deadly action. Revenge for that shitty night eight months prior.

But Kiki swallowed her pride and bit the bullet. The spell faded out of Loni and Luci both, leaving them with a temporary hole where the magic had been. A sense of love-once-had, now lost. But the young Adept simply nodded her head in agreement.

[color=19FFBA]”I knew, Lon. I’m sorry.”[/color]

She just shook her head, sorrow on her face as she turned. People stared as she trudged away, not even bothering to get her shoes.


Loni couldn't say anything to that as she watched Kiki leave. She wasn't brave enough. Not when the magic comfort blanket was pulled away and the panic set back in. But she could hear Vin's voice in her mind. The little part in her that cried over the unfairness of the world where the rest was so content. 
[color=51684c][I]Why does it matter?! He ain't any better than anyone else! And he deserved a good beating.[/I][/color]

[color=ff7360][I]Course you'd say that.[/I][/color] Loni found herself thinking, as if her twin was actually in her head rather than her own imagination. Letting herself think the things she normally wouldn't. She still felt guilty. It was the natural order of things- how the world worked. But nothing would've started if someone like her wasn't there in the first place. She truly believed that. Because then Kiki wouldn't have had the excuse… 

But Luci was waking up. She couldn't deal with the sudden emptiness like Loni could, tears immediately filling her eyes. 
“[I]Mammaaaaa![/I]” 

[color=ff7360]"It's ok, Baby Girl, ain't anything wrong anymore. You're alright, hmm- Look, Mama's alright! Nothing's wrong! Don't cry, Mijita."[/color] She cuddled Luci close, finding it a bit awkward while she was still in Momo's arms. But nothing would stop her from comforting her daughter… and the little girl clung to her, reactive wails becoming quiet sobs. 

“Mama…” She sniffled, rubbing her wet face against Loni's chest. She was still scared and confused, even though there was nothing obviously going on. 
“Ma… Mama, Ahn ee?”

[color=ff7360]"Aunt Kiki had to go home… Ain't anythin' wrong with her! Don't worry, my little star… Everything's okay…"[/color] Her voice turned to a whisper as she pressed her face into Luci's curls. Was it okay? Was it- 

[color=ff7360]"It ain't fair."[/color] She whispered, thoughts she tried not to have forming into words. 
[color=ff7360]"I don't… want Luci to grow up with this… but she'll never get away from it cause I'm her Mama."[/color]

Momo cleared her throat. She didn’t want to do this again. Didn’t want the self pity when the only one who had no consequences to face was her.


[color=15A663]”You just… Focus on Luci, Lon. We’ll make a better world for her. Later… For now, we do what we must. And, must right now is leave.”[/color]

Mostly because the Mall Security was approaching from down the thoroughfare. She gave Loni a directional nudge, scooping up the shoe boxes and bags of toys.
[color=15A663]”And remember… They’re kicking us out because someone just told them there was a fight. Not because you’re a Southie.”[/color]

With Matriarchal dignity, she waltzed directly toward the oncoming security expecting Loni to follow.