TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-13

Sakura; 8had finished her homework before dinner n started listening to some music8

Ozzy: [knocked on Sakura's door, then projected his thoughts thru it] /Kura? We've got dessert. U want some?/

Sakura; {telepathically replied} No thank you mother

Ozzy: /Alright. Don't stay up too late, OK?/

Sakura; /Alright/

Ozzy: [goes bk to the kitchen, then takes out caramel pudding frm the fridge] /Who wants dessert?/

Kiaran, Ozzex, Olivia, & the twins: ME~~!!

Othello: I'll pass, Ma, thanks

Rory; Same

Ozzy: /Hope? Wat abt u?/

Hope; Just a little bit please

Ozzy: [turns to Thrax] /Wat abt u, hun?/

Thrax; I'll pass baby

Ozzy: /Alright. More for me/ [prepares the share of evryone who wants dessert n set it on the table] /OK, kids, come n get it/ [makes his own share]

Kids: [went to grab their share of desserts]

Thrax; 8took a soda out of the fridge8

Ozzy: [ate his pudding] /I wonder how my sibs r doing. I mean, I hear them doing their songs in the radio frm time to time, bt kinda curious as to how's life behind the camera for them/

Thrax; 8took a swig8 Have ya contacted em/

Ozzy: /I group-chat them occasionally, bt it seems they're still pretty busy with their new album n all tht, altho Rodeo did secretly CellApp me in a different chat telling me abt Rogue n his progress with Loki/ [giggled inwardly]

Thrax; 8smirked8

Ozzy: /Our last conversation, he told me tht there's a bit of a snag.../ [showed him his chat with Rodeo abt Loki's predicament with his family not knwing the truth abt his relationship status]

Thrax; 8winces n sucked in his breath8

Ozzy: /They definitely hv a dilemma in their hands right now/

Thrax; 8nods8

Ozzy: /How do u think its gonna turn out for them?/

Thrax; Probably not well with how Loki's family are described

Ozzy: /Bt I dont think Loki's mom is a mean or bad woman, maybe just a little bit on the borderline ovrprotective n high expectation side, prolly a bit bitter frm losing her husband n her legs n becoming unemployed/

Thrax; Possibly

Ozzy: /Keeping my fingers crossed for them tho/

Thrax; 8nods8

Ozzy: [smiled up at him, then took a bite of the pudding before leaning up to kiss him, letting him taste the pudding while he himself tasted the soda frm Thrax's lips]

Thrax; 8licked his lips8 Talk about mixed tastes

Ozzy: [giggled as he licked his lips as well] /Well, u definitely dont taste too bad/

Thrax; 8purred8

Kids: [sees them being all lovey-dovey n oogled at them with wide grins on their faces]

Thrax; 8shot a glare from the corner of his eye8

Kids: [giggled n made a run for it]

Ozzy: [chuckles] /Oh, c'mon, hun, they're just growing kids. Nothing wrong with them being curious abt our romance/

Thrax; 8snorts8

Ozzy: [ran circles ard Thrax's chin] /I sometimes wonder wat would it be if we hv nvr met.../
Thrax; hard to say

Ozzy: /Hmm, prolly would nvr hv met Hecro, nvr hv met ur sibs, n nvr had found out the truth abt my real family/

THrax; 8shivered8 And I'd still be that demon

Ozzy: /Definitely that too. Guess things worked out for the best for both of us/

Thrax; 8smiled8

Ozzy: /If u had a chance to do it all over again, would u change a thing, knowing wat might happen?/

Thrax; A few things baby if I could

Ozzy: /Like how?/ [sat on his lap]

Thrax; 8glanced over his shoulder at their family photos, his eyes on a certain few8

Ozzy: [looked at his direction n noticed the missing members of the family] Oh... Right...

Thrax; 8sighs8

Ozzy: /Yeah... I guess I would like to change tht.../ [leans his head against Thrax's shoulder]

Thrax; 8nuzzles him8

Ozzy: /Bt other than tht, I suppose I wouldnt want to change anything else... I'm happy the way things r btwn us, n how we got here.../

Thrax; 8held him close8

Ozzy: [purred n nuzzled close] /I love u, Thrax Roja/

Thrax; Love ya to Ozzy Jones-Roja

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-12

[Later that night, bk at the Jones-Roja family, as promised, Terry texted Sakura after dinner, tho the text came in wen Sakura was helping with the dishes]

Olivia: [was at the kitchen counter sipping juice n was nxt to the phone, then saw the caller ID] Ooh~ Who's Terry? Is tht ur boyfriend? [giggled]

Sakura; 8flushed but continued with the dishes8

Olivia: Aren't u gonna get that?

Ozzy: /Don't bother ur sister, Livi. She'll answer it once she's done with the dishes. If he can wait, he's worth it/

Olivia: I could always text on ur behalf [grinned cheekily]

Sakura; 8glared, setting the dishes away8

Ozzy: [frowned at Olivia] /Don't u hv homework to do?/

Olivia: OK, OK~ [finished her juice, washed the glass n went to the kids study room, joining the other kids to do their homework]

Sakura; 8wiped her forehead after she was done8

Ozzy: /Thanks, sweetie. U can go do watevr u want now, I've got the rest of this/ [smiled knowingly at her]

Sakura; 8took her phone then headed to her room8

Terry: [text] Hey there, Kura. U doing OK?

Sakura; 8text8 Yeah

Terry: [text] Sorry abt this morning. I guess I wasnt supposed to touch u...

Sakura; 8text9 Keep your distance

Terry: [text] Till wen? I miss u

Sakura; 8text8 Hard to say

Terry: [text] U will tell me wen ur ready, will u?

Sakura; [text] Yeah

Terry: [text] Can we at least hv lunch together? I promise I won't touch u, n I won't sit too near u. I can evn give u a face mask if u want so u dont hv to smell me

Sakura: 8texted8 I'm sorry but no Terr

Terry: [text] Aww... I understand, bt it still not fair tho... Bt why isnt Rory reacting to Terra the way u do to me?

Sakura; 8texted8 Different fr males n females

Terry: [text] I see... Well, at least I dont hv to worry abt Terra coming home crying tht she was being ignored or anything LOL

Sakura; [text] -_-

Terry: [text] Heh, jk. So watcha doing now?

Sakura; [text[ Trying to relax

Terry: [text] Alright. I won't bother u too long then. Cya at school 2moro?

Sakura; [text[ Yeah

Terry: [text] Luv u <3 <3 <3

Sakura; 8shut her phone off8

Terry: [waited a moment, then thought] (No "I love u" bk? Tht's cold...) [sighed n silent his phone n got started on his homework]

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-11

[meanwhile, bk with the Biotics, the sibs were in their personal recording room, trying to finish up on their new album]

Loki: [was watching them do their thing wen his cellphone vibrated, then left the room to answer the phone]

Rouge; 8arached a brow8

Rodeo: [noticed too] Wat was tht abt?

Ambrose: Prolly a private call frm his family

Lavatina; Hope's nothing bad

Lavinia: Wat if its not his family? Wat if its...his ex-lover? The baby daddy?

Ambrose: [frowned n threw a drumstick on her head]

Lavinia: Oow!! Wat the Frank??

Lavatina; 8glared at her twin8

Klepta: Dont jinx it, Lavi. U knw Loki is committed to Rouge now

[a heated one-sided conversation was heard outside the room]

Rodeo: [nudged Rouge to listen in to find out wat's going on]

Rouge; 8shook his head8

Rodeo: [rolled his eyes n went forward, opening the door in a small crack so the others can hear too]

Loki: No, Mummy, I told u, I can't... No, I nvr said I was embarrassed by us, I just... I just don't think it's the right time... I knw u want to meet the father of the child bt... Mummy, pls, we'll talk abt this later, OK? Goodbye, Mummy [hangs up]

Rouge; 8paled8 So his family had no idea

Lavinia: Oi vey, tht's gotta be reli awkward...

Loki: [sighed n entered bk to the room, bt Rodeo was too slow to get away n caught him red-handed, then noticed evryone's looks n paled]

Rodeo: Eh heh heh, its not wat u think...

Loki: [looked dwn awkwardly then left the room]

Rouge; 8went after him8

Loki: [was out in the backyard under the tree, sobbing]

Rouge; Loki?

Loki: [doesn't look his way, still sobbing, one hand covering his face]

Rouge; 8sat next to him8

Loki: [a long pause later aftr he calmed dwn frm his sobbing] ....U.... U guys heard evrything, huh...?

Rouge; 8nods8

Loki: I'm sorry, I haven't been truly honest with u guys... Wen my previous boss had an affair with me n knocked me up, I never told my mother that he fired me. She still thinks I work with him. I never reli told her abt the ex-boss I work with, just that I was looking after his kids n she just filled in the blanks herself n assumes tht he is some rich widower whom I was lucky to land my hands on n be set for the rest of my life... She was so happy for me n I didn't hv the heart to tell her tht I was a home wrecker... [sniffles]

Rouge; 8held him close8

Loki: She was already a little peeved she didn't get to be there with me during the birth coz of all this adrenaline buzz business going on, n now she's pressuring me to bring Crystal to see her, n she wants to see the father of the child as well... One look n she'll knw Crystal doesn't belong to u... I... I don't knw wat to do... [sobs in his arms]

Rouge; You can't hide the truth forever love

Loki: I knw I can't, bt... I just... I just dont want to disappoint my mom... She was so happy... If she knew I was such a terrible person, almost ruining someone else's marriage... she'll be so upset... She was a victim of a ruined marriage no thanks to her parents, so she hates home wreckers... [sobs]

Rouge; You're no home-wrecker that bastard caused his marriage to fail

Loki: I can't believe I was so naive... He said he'd leave his wife for me, bt the moment I told him I'm pregnant he said his own family is more important n fired me...

Rouge; Proves he's a player, wouldn't surprise me if he never cared fr them and only did it for appearances

Loki: Wat should I do? My mom gave me an ultimatum: Either I go visit the family on Goliath's Puberty Memorial Day or not go home at all, n she knws I can't abandon the family, coz my sibs need me for the money to sustain them, n my mom can't work due to an accident 5 yrs ago n had both her legs amputated...

Rouge; 8winced8

Loki: [sobs] Wat should I do? I dunno wat to do...

Rouge: No matter what you chose I'll be here beside yoy

Loki: [sniffles in his arms, still deep in thought]

Rouge; 8held him close8

Rodeo: [was peeking at them at a far distance trying to find out wat's going on]

Klepta: Will u seriously stop tht? Ur snooping is wat got them into this mess

Rodeo: It was bound to come out sooner or later, better sooner than later. N can't I be worried abt my twin n his future bride?

Lavatina; This is going to be the pit

Ambrose: Ugh, no kidding. He's got a lot of explaining to do to his mom, tht's for sure

8the others nodded8

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-10

[at school, Terry was in the library kinda moping while flipping thru the History reference books, tho not reli reading it]

8most students were reading their own books8

Terry: [sighed n closed the books, prepared to put them bk where he got them]

Sakura; 8walked in with this week's stack of books8

Terry: [was lost in thought as he turned the corner n accidentally collided with her, dropping the books everywhere] Ack!

Sakura; 8rubbed her head8

Terry: S-Sorry, I wasn't looking! Here, lemme help u...out... [realized it was Sakura he hit as his voice trailed off]

Sakura; 8looked at him then turned away8

Terry: [carried on picking up her books with an awkward silence before handing it to her] ...Umm, here u go...

Sakura; 8took them8 Thanks

Terry: [a small pause later] .....So how hv u been? Haven't, umm, seen u in a while...

Sakura; 8brought the books to the desk8 A few rough days 8got the crick out of her back8

Terry: I see. U feeling better now, I presume?

Sakura; Still tense but not as much

Terry: OK [another small pause later before he took a deep breath n spoke] Look, I knw u not coming to school for a while has something to do with ur growth spurt n ur puberty thing...bt I can't help asking myself why u were avoiding me. Rory didnt want to tell me, n we almost got into a fight ovr it... I'm just... worried abt u, is all. I need to knw wat's going on so tht I can understand all this

Sakura; If I told you the truth you'd want nothing to do with me anymore 8hugged herself8

Terry: [realized they weren't exactly in a perfect plc to talk, n the librarian was shooting angry glances at them, so he stood up n held out his hand] I dont think the library is a good plc to chat. Come, lets go somewhere private where we can talk

Sakura; 8went with him8

[the duo made their way to the balcony, the usual spot where they often sat together to eat lunch]

Terry: [gestured her to take a seat on the bench before sitting nxt to her] OK, its just us now. U can tell me wen ur ready

Sakura; 8bit her lip n gripped her hands before taking a deep breath n told him8

Terry: [blinked a bit aftr it all sunk in] Oh. I see. So... in a nutshell, u were...lusting for me during tht time period?

Sakura; 8flushed in embarrassment8

Terry: Wow, I'm not sure whether I should be flattered or terrified

Sakura; 8turned away8

Terry: Hey, hey, its OK [tentatively held her pinky, his usual sign of affection for Sakura] I get it. Its part of ur biology. If we were old n mature enough, I wouldnt hesitate to...well, let u hv ur way with me. Bt at least I understand now. U had me worried there for these few days. I thought I did something wrong

Sakura; 8started to shake8

Terry: Sakura? U OK? I'm sorry, shouldnt I touch u? [pulls away] Am I upsetting u? If I am, I'm sorry...

Sakura; I'm sorry 8runs off8

Terry: [gasped a little as she took off, then called out to her frm the stairs] I'll call or text u tonight, OK?? Its gonna be alright!!

Sakura; 8ran into the girls' bathroom n locked herself in the stall before throwing up8

Terry: [sighed, half of him felt relieved tht his questions were answered n tht he didnt hv to worry abt wat he did wrong, bt the other half of him felt bad for Sakura to go thru with this n hv to suffer for a while until the phase is ovr]

Terra: [just so happen to be at the stall nxt to Sakura n she recognized her voice] Sakura? Sakura, is tht u?

Sakura; 8slumped to the floor, breathing heavily8

Terra: [knocked on the wall divider of the stall gently] U OK in there, Sakura? Need help?

Sakura; 8shakenly8 I'm fine

Terra: OK. If ur sure...

Sakura; 8lay against the wall8

Terra: [finished her business] I can wait for u if u want, help u bk to class or something

Sakura; No I'm ok

Terra: Alright. Well, I'm on duty with the nurse's office, so if u need anything just drop by there, OK?

Sakura; Thanks

Terra: [left the bathroom, making her way to the nurse's office wen she passed by the school lockers to see Rory up ahead] Oh hey, Rory

Rory; 8spun round sharply8

Terra: [waved at him] Hey~! [smiled happily as she came to him]

Rory; 8stonely8 Hey

Terra: [blinked] Rory? U OK?

Rory; 8collected his books8 Yeah

Terra: U sure? U seem a little on edge, or lackthereof

Rory; Look I'm fine Terra

Terra: [shrink bk a bit] Alright, I get it [held out her hand] Walk me to my nxt class?

Rory; 8inhaled deeply and took her hand, giving it a gently squeeze8

Terra: [smiled n squeezed bk gently n walked with him together to her nxt class, which is Biology]

Rory; See you at lunch?

Terra: Sure [leans in to kiss his cheek before leaving]

Rory; 8smiled softly then headed off to Ancient Languages8

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-9

[The next few days later, Sakura was finally well enough to go to school]

Ozzy: [made breakfast for the kids]

Sakura; 8came in shaking a bit8

Ozzy: [sees her] /Hey, sweetie. U feeling alright?/

Sakura; 8shook her head, sitting at the table8

Ozzy: [made her some warm milk] /U feeling up to go to school then?/

Sakura; 8drank it8 Can't stay off any longer

Ozzy: /Alright, but don't force urself, OK? If u still feel off, gimme a call n I'll come pick u up frm school n let the teacher knw/

Sakura; 8nods n grabbed her bag8

Ozzy: /Don't forget ur lunch/ [gives her the paper bag with her lunch in it]

Sakura; Thanks 8takes it n headed off, using her flight technique8

Ozzy: [saw her off, then the rest of the siblings hv come out, all ready for school] /Mornin', kids. Hv some breakfast before u leave/ [sets out a plate of stacked buttered toast for them to take in turn, n lined their lunch paper bags for them to bring to school as well]

Rory; 8only took a slice of toast, grabbed his bags n took off after his sister8

[the rest took their share of toast like a row of duckies, said their goodbyes n left out the door, all except Jared who didnt show up at all]

Thrax; 8looked at his son8

Ozzy: [looked ard] /Where is Jared?/

Thrax; 8went to check the bedrooms8

Jared: [was sitting in bed, not changed]

Thrax; Jared?

Jared: [looked up at him, then looked dwn quietly]

Thrax; 8sat on the bed8

Jared: [signed] Hey

Thrax; What's wrong?

Jared: [signed] I don't want to go to school anymore. There's no plc for me there

Thrax; What do ya mean my boy/

Jared: [signed] U saw my memories, u read my mind, I knw u did. My so-called friends has abandoned me, n the other students call me a freak of nature. I don't look my age anymore, n the teacher himself doesn't want move me up to my required grade. N wat happened to me with the janitor... [looked away]

Thrax; 8held him tight8

Ozzy: [knocks n enters] /Is everything OK?/

Thrax; 8looked up8

Jared: [didn't respond]

Ozzy: /Wat happened, sweetie? Why aren't u getting ready for school?/

Thrax; He doesn't want to go back baby

Ozzy: /Is it bcoz of wat happened that day at school?/

Jared: [nodded]

Thrax; 8sighed8

Ozzy: /Sweetie, the bad man is gone now. There's nothing u need to worry abt/

Jared: [signed] Its not just that, Mama...

Thrax; 8looked at his mate8

Ozzy: /How so?/

Jared: [tells him wat he told Thrax]

Ozzy: /Oh, sweetie.../ [held him close]

Thrax; 8stroked Jared's hair8

Ozzy: /Alright, u can stay at home for now. We'll get thru this, alright?/

Jared: [nodded, then signed] Sorry, Mama, sorry, Papa...

Thrax; 8nuzzled him8

Ozzy: [kissed him in the forehead n left the room, gestured Thrax to follow]

Thrax; 8let his son be8

Ozzy: [once outside, turns to Thrax] /We need to speak to this headmaster of his. We specifically wrote tht request letter to ask him to switch Jared to suit his grades n he just declined? Wat kind of teacher is tht?/

Thrax; I'll talk to the Avalons about this though they may not wish to speak

Ozzy: /U mean Terry n Terra's parents? Why would u think they'd not speak to us?/

Thrax; The strained relationship between our kids

Ozzy: /I dont think they'd put personal feelings onto wat's important. Aftr all, I hv a feeling Terry nvr told them. Or they would've been calling us ages ago abt it/

Thrax; True

Ozzy: /Would u like to make the call?/

Thrax; 8nods n went to get the phone8

Ozzy: [went to get coffee for Thrax]

Thrax; 8dialed the Avalons8

Servant: [picks up] Avalon residence

Thrax; May I speak to either Mr or Mrs Avalon?

Servant: One moment pls [calls for Mr Avalon]

Mr Avalon: Thank u, Grey [takes the call] Hello, Avalon speaking

Thrax; This is Thrax Roja

Mr Avalon: Ah yes, Mr Roja. How're u n ur family doing? Its been a while since we heard frm u

Thrax; Dealing with some things but I'm callin' about my youngest son Jared

Mr Avalon: Oh yes, I've heard abt it at the school board meeting. Something abt him attacking a janitor in self-defense?

Thrax; 8sighs8 Yes

Mr Avalon: So sorry for it to hv happened to ur son. I've read the police report n everything. Sadly the HR didnt do a thorough bkgrd chk on the guy, so we deeply apologize for tht. Turns out he's a bit of a repeat offender n he got in thru backdoor channels. One of the teachers was his cousin or something

Thrax; 8groans8 Family ties, a strength or weakness depending

Mr Avalon: True tht. Bt I get the feeling ur not calling me regarding tht issue

Thrax; Not only that 8told him the situation with his son8

Mr Avalon: Oh my, I can't believe tht's happening. All request letters hv to go thru my secretary n thru me before decision making, n I nvr heard of this

Thrax; Now you know

Mr Avalon: I'll look into it personally. In the meantime would u like me to send u a home-school tutor? Just until Jared is comfortable enough to go bk to school?

Thrax; If you could

Mr Avalon: Consider it done. I hope ur son will pull thru frm this. N don't be a stranger. Do drop by for tea or dinner sometime

Thrax; 8chuckles8 Of course

Mr Avalon: I'll let u knw wen the tutor is ready to come by ur plc. U still hv my cell number, right?

Thrax; On speed-dial

Mr Avalon: Cool. I text u as soon as I can. Toodles

Thrax; Thank you, good day 8hangs up8 /Toodles? Really?/  8rolls his eyes8

Ozzy: [came bk with Thrax's coffee] /How did it go?/

Thrax; He'll be sorting it out n sending a tutor for Jared

Ozzy: /Tht's good news/ [passes the coffee to Thrax] /I hope things will turn out alright. I worry abt Jared/

Thrax; Me to baby 8sipped the coffee8

Ozzy: /I hope Sakura n Rory hv better luck in school this time. I worry abt them too, wat with Sakura being so distant frm Terry coz of her puberty n Rory blaming himself for driving them apart/

Thrax; 8sighs8

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-8

[Bk at The Biotics' home, the sibs were all at their personal studio working on their latest album]

Loki: [knocked on the door] I made snacks, guys. Wanna take a breather?

Rouge; Sounds good

Ambrose: Great! I'm starved!

Rodeo: Wat are we having?

Loki: I made apple cinnamon pie n vanilla with chocolate chip smoothie

Klepta: Mmm~ My fav drink

8the sisters took their share7

Rodeo: [took a bite of apple pie] Mmm~~ Yummy

Rouge; This is really good

Loki: [blushed a little] Thanks, I'm glad u like it. Been meaning to try that recipe\

Lavinia: Well u definitely outdone urself

Lavitnia; 8nods8

Loki: Well I hope I could make more desserts to suit ur fancy

Rodeo: Slow down tho, keep this up n u might fatten us up like a stuffed turkey [laughed at his own joke]

Rouge; 8glared8

Loki: [giggled] Oh, Rodeo, ur such a joker

Ambrose: [enjoying his drink n pie, grinning at the way Rodeo pretend-flirts at Loki]

Lavitnia: 8savoured the drink8

Loki: [hears the babies cry] Oh, sounds like Edi n Crystal are hungry. Enjoy ur food [makes his way to the nursery]

Rouge; 8wiped his mouth once he was done8

Rodeo: So, wen's the wedding bells? [grinned at him]

Lavinia: Yeah, ur basically the baby's daddy already, so wen r u taking the nxt step? [giggled teasingly]

Rouge; 8went bright red8

Klepta: Now, now, lets not tease him. They've got plenty of time for tht. For now, they still need to bond

Ambrose: Dont take too long tho~

Lavitnia: 8rolled her eyes8

Rodeo: Wonder how evryone's doing tho. Been pretty wrapped up doing this new album tht we havent had much updates abt them

Klepta: Well, according to some of their social media updates n Hecro's blog, I say they're doing pretty fine [proceeded to update the sibs on wat he had read abt the gang]

Rouge; Hope the kids are alright

Klepta: Sakura has reached tht puberty stage now where she's hooked onto a lifelong mate, bt other than tht, evrything seems to be fine n dandy, more or less

Rouge; 8shivers8

Ambrose: Must be pretty terrifying for her, not knwing wen ur gonna lose urself

Rodeo: I'm sure Thrax would help her get thru this. He's the expert of his species aftr all

Lavitnia: Not easy though

Rodeo: No kidding

Loki: [finished feeding the babies n brought them out] Hey, there's Daddy [passes Edi to Klepta]

Klepta: Ooh, here's my little bubby~ Who's a cutey pie? U are cutey pie [nuzzles her]

Lavitnia: 8smiled8

Loki: [carries Crystal to Rouge] Say hi to ur Daddy

Crystal: [reaches for Rouge]

Rouge; Hey my little gemling 8gently took her8

Crystal: [nommed his chin as soon as he was within range of her mouth, sucking at it like a pacifier]

Rouge; Hey 8gently pried her off8

Loki: [giggled at the sight]

Lavinia: Aww~ Isnt tht the cutest thing? [tickled Crystal's chin, in which she cooed bk at her]

Rouge; 8nuzzles her8

Crystal: [giggled at the nuzzle]

Loki: Looks like someone is enjoying her daddy's company

Rouge; 8blushed8

Klepta: Of course. Who doesn't like our fav bass player, eh? [nuzzles Edi as well, giving her butterfly kisses]

Edi; 8purred8

Ambrose: So, Loki, since ur gonna be part of the family, why don't u just quit ur job n move in with us permanently?

Loki: Wha...? I... I don't think I should impose...

Lavinia: Its cool reli. U knw we can support u, wat with our booming career

Lavatina;  8nods8

Loki: Well, I dunno... I mean I'd still prefer if I actually still work

Ambrose: Just find a job that allows u to stay at home to be with the kids. Or better yet, be our go-to assistant or something

Loki: U... U want me to work with u guys in ur band?

Rouge; Whatever makes ya comfortable

Loki: I... I suppose I'll hv to think abt it, maybe go home n consult my family abt this

Rodeo: Speaking of family, any chance of meeting them?

Rouge; 8looked at him8

Loki: M-My family? [blushed] Umm... I dunno. Do u reli wanna...? [feeling a little self-conscious]

Rouge; Can't put it off

Loki: Well, I'm not reli trying to put it off but... Well... Its just that...my family is not exactly as "fancy" as u guys

Ambrose: U mean not well-off?

Loki: [nodded shyly] Which is why I had to start working at a young age n quit school in the beginning...

Rouge; It doesn't matter to us Loki

Loki: R... R u sure? I dont want to make u guys feel out of plc...

Rodeo: C'mon, Loki. We don't look it, but we were WAY worse off before we got to where we are now. Penny-pinching is no stranger to us

8everyone nodded8

Loki: Well... OK then...

Klepta: Then its settled. Once we get this new album done, we'll go visit ur family

Rouge; 8smiled8

Loki: [smiled bk, almost looking forward to it]

Rouge; 8came over n kissed him gently8

Loki: [kissed him bk bashfully]

[The sibs giggled quietly in the background at how sweet they were]

Rouge; 8smiled softly8

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-7

[Once they reached home, Dieter ushered the kids into their rooms]

Dieter: Stay in jour room, chiddlers. Don't come out until hy zay zo

Dominik: Vatti, where r they taking Sal?

Emily: Did Sal do something wrong?

Vincent; 8was shaking8

Dieter: [sighed sadly] He...has to go avay for a vhile, but ve vill bring heem bk

Twins: Promise?

Dieter: [couldn't answer that n just smiled wryly as he ushered them in, then made his way to the study n locked the door before letting out a howl of anger n agony as he trashed the plc, venting out his anger n frustration n helplessness, cursing n swearing n German as the study room suffered his wrath]

Vincent; 8held Pearl close, whispering sweet words to her while trying to fight the tears8

Dieter: [by the time he was done, the study room was completely trashed. Books torn n strewn everywhere, the couch ripped to shreds, the table n chair broken to pieces, even the fragile items were smashed to bits, n he curled in the corner of the room, breathless as he finally cried painful tears, burying his face on his knees]

Vincent; 8looked towards the room8

Pearl: [whimpered a little, as if wanting him to chk on Dieter]

Vincent; 8stood up with her n gently entered the room8

Dieter: [still curled at that corner, sobbing his eyes out]

Vincent; 8crept forward8

Dieter: [looked up a little to see him n shuddered in his sobs] Hy...Hym s-sorry... Hym so sorry...

Vincent; 8knelt before him8

Dieter: Hym sorry... Hy should've... Hy should've put up a fight... Hy should've done...something... Now... Now our little boy is... is...

Vincent; 8lay against him8

Dieter: [hugged Vincent close, crying on his shoulder] Hym sorry... Hym so sorry...

Vincent; 8let his own tears fall8

Pearl: [nuzzled as if trying to comfort them]

Dieter: [sobbed until he's almost passed out in Vincent's embrace]

Vincent; 8held them tight8

Twins: [was worried for their parents n came out of their room against Dieter's wishes, peeked into the study] Mutti...? Vatti...? W-Wat happened...?

Vincent; 8looked up8

Twins: [looked at their parents in concern]

Vincent; 8hung his head8

Twins: [came to them wordlessly n joined in the group hug]

Vincent; 8nuzzled them8

Twins: Will Sal reli come bk, mutti?

Vincent; He will 8tightened his fist8 he will

[The family settled in silence, hugging each other for comfort]

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-6

[meanwhile, at Dieter's bookstore, Sal n the twins were playing and/or reading at their usual spot while Vincent n Dieter were going abt business as usual]

Vincent; 8was checking the stock8

Dieter: [was ringing up the latest batch of customers]

Vincent; 8looked at the kids8

[Sal was sitting on an old unused box reading a children's book while the twins were playing patty-cake]

Dieter: How r ze chiddlers, mein liebe?

Vincent; 8smiled8

[a few moments later, the social worker Ms Vihto came in with a couple of burly-looking men dressed in some kind of security outfit]

Sal: [looks up to see her n immediately hid behind his twin siblings]

Vincent; 8stood up8

Dieter: [came towards her] Can I help jou, Fraulein Vihto?

Vihto: [looked ard] I prefer if we speak at ur office, pls

Vincent; 8looked at his mate then their children8

Dieter: [frowned as he considered] Only if jou bring these men along vith jou into mein office

Vihto: [blinked then sighed] Fine. They're coming with us to the office. Shall we?

Dieter: [nodded] Doug, man ze store! Carl, vatch ze chiddlers!

8the both nod, Carl gently taking Pearl8

Dieter: [led them to the office n gestured them to hv a seat] Now, vhy r jou all here?

Vihto: Let's cut to the chase here. I think it would be best if we take custody of Salvador

Vincent; 8stifened8

Dieter: [stiffens too] On vat grounds?

Vihto: Look, I will admit tht I was the one who give him the psych profile n diagnosis, n I may hv jumped the gun thinking tht u hv been teaching bad manners to him wen all he was doing is reacting to triggers, bt tht is just it. U allowed him to continue dwn tht path. Ur not doing anything to try n minimize his reaction to triggers or teach him to differentiate those triggers. He reacts to triggers n u allow it to happen without correcting him. Tht sort of parenting just worsens his triggers n will cause him great harm socially. I made a mistake to allow u to take him in wen he needs professional help, REAL professional help which u two lack. So, I'm sorry, I'm taking responsibility n doing my job n turn him to state custody where he will be properly treated n cared for

Vincent; 8was starting to shake8

Dieter: [stood up] Jou cant do zat! Ve r already registering heem into special class. He vill start in 2 more mths! Zat class vill hv evryzing ve need to help treat und look aftr Sal's condition! Jou hv no right to take zat avay frm us ven ve havent hv ze chance to try!

Vihto: We already given u a chance to try! I gave u guidelines n booklets n help books evrytime I come for inspections! N yet he's not improving! According to our rules here in social services, there is a standard timeline for improvement in which a foster parent should adhere to wen adopting a special care child n u hv not met tht timeline. U failed the system, n I will not allow children who r precious resources to our future be jeapordized by ur ignorance n dilly-dallying!

Vincent; 8narrowed his eyes8

Dieter: No! Hy vill not allow jou to take mein chiddler!

Vihto: Technically he is not "ur chiddler". He is, to put it bluntly, a streetrat born in a homeless community, which makes him a child of the state. My associates Moss n Mass here will be taking him into our custody

Dieter: Ovr mein dead body, jou Miststück (bitch)...

Vihto: Ah, ah, its either Sal or we take ALL of ur children, including tht beautiful new addition there. Ur choice

Vincent; 8covered his mouth, fighting the tears in his eyes8

Dieter: [bit his lip till it bled, then held Vincent close to him, looking dwn in defeat]

Vihto: Good. I shall relieve u of ur responsibilities of Salvador now. Good day. Mass, Moss, we're good

8they nods8

Dieter: [watched helplessly as the two guys left with Vihto n made their way to Sal]

Sal: [was with the twins wen the two men approached]

Twins: Can I help u, sirs?

8the two men looked at Sal8

Twins: [picked up their facial expressions n both quickly shielded their older brother] No!

8the two men took hold of Sal8

Twins: No! No! Mutti! (Mommy) Vatti! (Daddy) Wat r they doing?! Stop them! [grabs onto Sal's arms trying to pull him away frm them]

Sal: [whined in protest, struggling against the men]

Vincent; 8was hyperventilating8

Dieter: [came to the twins n pulled them apart frm Sal] Pls, let jour bruder go [held them close]

Twins: No! No! No! Sal!!

Sal: [was starting to scream in protest, wriggling in one of the men's arms as he was carried] Mutti! MUTTI!! [reaches for Vincent]

Vincent; 8looked him in the eye with tears streaming down his face, silently mothing8 Please forgive me my son 8was shaking badly8

Sal: [wailed, screaming for Dieter n Vincent as he was brought out the store]

Vihto: I'll see u then, gentlemen. Hv a good day [left with the men n drove off, leaving a rather awkward silence in the store with only the sound of the twins n Vincent sobbing]

Dieter: [gestured Carl to pass Pearl to Vincent] V-Ve're leaving early. Doug, jour in charge [left the store with his family]

Vincent; 8was like a statue8

Dieter: [drove them all home in silence, his face unreadable]

Vincent; 8held Pearl close, not wanting to let her go8

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-5

[by the end of the day, with Paul nursing the babies in btwn, they've got a stack of all approved candidates]

Eli: Ahh~ Finally, all done

Anna; 8wiped her forehead8

Eli: Phew~ I guess we got the whole lot of them

Pendragon; 8stretched his joins8

Paul: Who's up for some snacks?

Eli: I do, I do~!!

Anna; Sounds good

Paul: Watch the kids while I go make some snacks, hon

Eli: [licked her lips, excited to taste Paul's pastries]

Pendragon; 8went to get drinks8

Paul: [got busy on making his famous tarts]

8the girls watched over the young ones8

[in abt 25 mins, Paul's custard tarts were ready]

Paul: All done. Come n get it!

8everyone came in8

Eli: [was already reaching for one bt recoiled frm the heat]

Paul: Careful, its fresh frm the oven. Its gonna be hot

Anna; They look great

Paul: [grinned] Thanks. I'm one step closer to becoming a pastry chef now. Once the kids are old enough, I might enroll to culinary school to master my craft

Eli: Oh? Ur not doing college anymore?

Paul: I still am, bt its more of a night school thing on a part-time study basis

Eli: Wow, ur reli going all out there, huh?

Anna; Just don't leave us hangin'

Paul: Of course not. U girls r staying with us now, we consider u family. Dont we, hon?

Pendragon; 8smiled8

Eli: Aww~~ Ur the sweetest [glomped Paul]

Paul: [chuckles] Alright, enough mushy stuff. The tarts should be cool enough to eat now

Anna; 8took a small bite8 Mmmmm

Eli: [pops one into her mouth] Guuuuhhh~~ [experiencing foodgasm right now]

Paul: [smiled] I take tht as a compliment

Pendragon; 8slowly ate his8

Paul: [ate his share] Hmm, custard needs to be a bit thicker, bt this'll do

Eli: [sips her coffee] Desserts taste so good with coffee~

Anna; 8nods8

Paul: Well, it does compliment it, since the bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of desserts, tho I prefer to drink tea instead

Anna; Each their own

[the gang enjoyed their well-deserved snack as they chatted away]

TOYLB: Growing Pains - Season 4-4

[bk at the manor Mordred n Paul shared, Paul is going thru all the tenant application who wants to rent rooms in their manor]

Pendragon; 8looked through a few of them8

[a dozen of them were families n some retiree couples, bt the majority of the application are college students looking for affordable off-campus living]

Paul: [noticed this] I suppose it might be something to do with our manor being a few blocks away frm Heart Pulse College nearby

Pendragon; Looks like it and dorms aren't cheap not to mention noisy

Paul: I suppose we can separate certain wings of this mansion to accommodate certain groups of tenants

Pendragon; But which/

Paul: Not sure reli. Any ideas?

Pendragon; 8rubbed his chin8

Paul: [also went in deep thought, until both twins broke him out of his reverie as they woke up frm their nap] Uh-oh, looks like someone's awake

Pendragon; 8went to get them8

Paul: [followed as well, taking the younger twin boys, giving them their nxt feeding]

Pendragon; 8smiled solftly8

Eli: [calls out as she n Anna enters] Heya peeps, we're home~ Oh, n u guys got more application letters in ur mailbox outside [puts it on the lounge table with the rest] Aftrnoon, Bertha. Wats for lunch?

Anna; 8ribbed her8

Eli: [chuckles]

Bertha: We're hving mac and cheese with peas n mash potatoes, Ms Veins. Better wash up before lunch

Eli: Will do, ma'am [takes Anna's hand n went off to clean up]

Pendragon; 8rolled his eyes8

Paul: [chuckles as he finished feeding the boys, then moved on to feed the girls]

Pendragon; You'll need to wean the girls soon

Paul: I knw, Just finding the right time to do so

Pendragon; Don't leave it too long

Bertha: [sets the table n serves the food] Lunch is ready

Paul: Thanks, Bertha. I'll join u guys aftr I've fed the girls

Pendragon; 8set the boys in the playpen8

Paul: [fed for a while before settling the girls with their bros n join them at the table]

Eli: [sniffed the food] Mmm~~ Smells good

Anna; Thanks Bertha

Bertha: Ur welcome. Enjoy ur meal

8everyone ate contently8

[the babies played on their own in the playpen]

Eli: So, found any suitable candidates for tenants yet?

Pendragon; Hard to tell really, I mean you don't know what college students would get up to and you think families and the elderly would prefer a permanent place than a temp

Eli: Well, elderly would definitely prefer to hv their own plc rather than be in a nursing home, n the families prolly either could only afford room rentals or they're renting to save money to get a new permanent plc

Paul: We could always pick the slightly more studious college students to stay to minimize worst case scenarios, u knw, the nerdy ones

Anna; 8glared at him8

Paul: Wat?

Eli: Not nerds, Paul. Not cool. N dont forget, sometimes they can be the most freaky ones. U dunno wats hidden behind those scholar minds of theirs

Pendragon; She's right, it's hard to know who's who

Paul: Well, we'll just hv to trust our instincts n let in the ones we think its best. Aftr all, we reserve the right to kick ppl out if they get outta line

Pendragon; 8nods8 And I'm not one for leverage if rent is due the rent's due no exceptions

Paul: Amen to tht

Eli: Hear, hear. We got some application frm our end too [shows them] We got them frm some of our college mates who wants to get out of staying in their dorms. Too much dorm political drama

Pendragon; Have you explained the conditions to them

Eli: Yup, evn gave them the TOC printouts for them to read

Pendragon; Good

Paul: Well, we've still got time to go thru all this, then we can pick the best ones

Eli: I'll help! Thankfully I dont hv any assignments today

Pendragon; 8nods8

Paul: U wanna help out too, Anna?

Anna; Sure 8took a file8

[the gang settled dwn to skim thru the applications]

Anna; 8looked through them carefully8

Paul: [moved aside those that didn't look too promising]

Pendragon; 8rubbed his chin8

Paul: See any good ones, guys?

Anna; Got a couple here, I know Saffron Mysala a cooking major at the college hope it's ok if she can use the kitchen if she stays here

Paul: Sounds promising, n yeah, if it can improve her craft, why not?

Eli: Got A.Bert Eyestain here. He's Political Science major, very bookish type of guy, guaranteed to respect ppl's need for silence

Pendragon; Dexter B. n Raven Q. Charm a recent married couple, he majors in History n she in magical science

Paul: Got an old retiree here, Hubert Lynch, used to work for the precinct Momma is currently liaison with

Anna; Megatronus n Orion Cyber, live-mates of a virus n cell Orion is a clerk but has a major in history while Megatronus a retired underground fighter but majors in political

Paul: [giggle] Cool, he's got the same first name as Uncle Orion

Eli: Oh, u mean ur uncle Takashi's mate?

Paul: Yup

Pendragon; 8sniggers8

Paul: [searched thru some more]

Pendragon; Got another young couple here, Jackson n Frankie Jekyll-Hyde both scientists though he's more chemical n psychological while she's animatronic-technological

Eli: Jekyll-Hyde? Sounds a little shady

Paul: Nothing shady abt a bunch of scientists

Pendragon; I've met them, he's rather timid n she's optimistic but a bit naive

Eli: Ooh, wat abt this? The Adams family, family of 5, husband n wife, 2 sons n a daughter. The dad just got a gig in the city n they're here to stay near where he is going to work. Originated frm The Appendix. Says here they're in the mortuary business

Anna; Them? No way, this manor will be haunted again once they're finished here

Paul: Yeah, I've had enough of exorcising houses, thank u very much

Anna; 8looked at the others8

Paul: Got another old retiree couple. The Upps couple. Both of them used to work at the zoo

Anna; Another young married couple Twyla n Flash Sentry, librarian-scholar n soldier-trainer

Eli: Got a newly wed lady couple Root and Sameen Shaw-Groves, all the way frm Kidney District, both working for Goliath Federals as legal gov hacker n special ops respectively

Pendragon; Quite a few good ones