Dinner with the Family (Open to all Noah)

[Kenneth Steinberg]

(Several days after Slaughterhouse)

Text Message:

Well my children, it seems like we have a reason to celebrate. Both Ken-chan and Alexander have made me, all of us in fact, very proud with their recent success. I see bright things ahead for this generation of my Family. But now is a time for rest, for even those who have not been in conflict with the Exorcists have been working hard. It also time for the long overdue introduction of our newest members. On that note your presence is requested on the Ark in two days time for dinner. Though I have business to attend and may arrive after the main course, I expect all of you to attend. I will be leaving the organisation in Kenny’s capable hands. Look forward to seeing you all.
Love
Earl

31 Jan. 2012 15:53
From: Earl Millennium

Ken looked up from his phone, one eye brow arched questionably.
“So thats why you got me to do the shopping?"

The Earl simply turned to smile at him, his ridiculously oversized grin stretching even further.
“I take it there is no way round this?”

The Earl simple shook his head...Great!... Rising with a sigh Ken made his way towards the rooms exit, shooting a sarcastic glare at the Earl.
“ Never mind that I’m still recovering from a pitched battle with the Order, I’ll Just rush around and organise a tea party, shall I?”

The Earls chuckles could be heard as they reverberated down the corridor.

[Kenneth Steinberg]

2 days later

It was unusual for such a childish excitement to overcome him, especially as a Noah. But he just couldn’t help it. They would all finally be to together, as a family. Stepping into the hot shower he let the water cascade over him, easing the aches in his muscles. The mission in Switzerland, whilst it had not gone quite how he hoped, had been a success. More than that, it had been a challenge. He was pleased to find that not all exorcists were as weak as the Earl assumed. Their Generals seemed quite capable individuals, especially one Keera Ufton. A feral smile played across his face, his tongue running across his canines. She had been...”fun” to dance with and, despite his inborn hatred of exorcists, he respected her strength and power. She had not disappointed him. But he cast those thoughts aside. Now was not the time to dwell on the war. Today was a celebration! A chance to relax, enjoy himself and, of course, finally meet his two newest siblings. They had spoken briefly over text and email, but between working in a hospital, for the UN and missions for the Earl he had not met his new sister and brother, Aria and Faustus, in person. However, Aria had been making waves in her music career. Every time Ken heard her song on the radio or saw her on television he couldn’t help but smile with pride, knowing that was his little sister. He checked his watch as he exited the shower and began to change. Everything was in order. The table was laid and ready and the Akuma staffing the kitchen knew exactly what to cook, so at least Aria and Faustus would not have to endure the Earl’s “homemade burgers”. Ken grimaced as he buttoned up his shirt. His stomach had not let him sleep that night.

Hour later

A quick tour of the kitchens had revealed that his meticulous planning had paid off and, so far, things were running smoothly. Ken sat at the head of a small, rectangular black table, with high backed white chairs and surrounded by white walls covered in various portraits. Some depicted previous Noah, whilst a few were pictures of Alex and Ken. He shot a quick glance at his watch. The food would take another 20 minutes to finish and with his family expected any moment there would be time enough to talk. He was wearing a white dress shirt with a dark grey waistcoat and dinner jacket. As he leant forward he adjusted a jet black tie before running a white gloved hand through his slicked back hair. The excitement was growing and he couldn’t wait for the first of his family to arrive.

[invisibledreams]

Aria had of course, received the message and had quickly donned her gothic dress, demanded a flight and dumped her luggage in a five star hotel room. Then, she made her way over to the ark, using the disguise that she always used to get away - sunglasses, hair tucked up in a hat and generally dark clothes. But glamorous dark clothes - why would anyone CHOOSE to look ugly? She was walking down the hallway towards the dining hall. She didn't normally take long routes, but this time, she went in a way to pass the kitchen but was a little disappointed to see no one there. So she immediately went for the dining room.

When she entered, a strange child-like joy seemed to go over her. "Kenny! I saw the news. You did your job awesomely!" It hadn't been plastered everywhere, mainly due to the fact that people would just pass it off as a scam or something. But she knew it was real, and she was proud of her elder brother. She then turned her attention to the food on the table. Wow. It looked good. But then she found her seat, pulled it open and sat. And then quickly began removing her sunglasses and hat. The hat really annoyed her sometimes. It looked good, but it was just so inconvenient in certain circumstances.

[Kenneth Steinberg]

He looking up as he heard Aria enter and couldn’t stop the joy he felt breaking out in a warm smile. Finally the Noah were beginning to feel like an actual family. He grinned as she called out his name and he waited patiently as she took her seat. Whilst she was busy rearranging her hat and hair Ken rose and slowly moved towards her. Before she could react he leant forward and gently kissed the top of her head and hugging her.

“It’s been too long, meine kleine Schwester. I’m glad the Earl finally decided to call us together, now we can be a family again.”

Taking a step back he cupped her face in a white gloved hand, smiling warmly at her.

“I’m glad to see that you have been looking after yourself. The busy life of a pop star can sometimes be a drain on one’s health.”

Grinning he sat back down in his seat, quickly glanced at his watched before leaning back and placing his gloved hands behind his head.

“Yes the mission was a success, though I don’t know if I’d describe it as "awesome". At any rate the Earl was pleased, which is what counts in the end. It wasn’t just me who’s done well; Alex deserves as much praise as I. Anyway tonight is not about Alex or me, it’s about you and Faustus truly becoming part of our family and recognising the work you’ve done over the past few months. The way you two have integrated yourselves into the human world is amazing, both you and Faustus show great potential. We elder Noah are proud of you both, though Alex may not show it...if he turns up tonight at all...but anyway..."

Ken leaned forward and rested his chin on interlocked hands.

“Whilst fighting Exorcists may be difficult, at times, it is something I have no doubt you will soon be introduced to. What I’m really curious about however...what is it like performing in front of thousands of fans? I’d be a nervous wreck if that was me...”

(ALex is up next)

[invisibledreams]

Aria eagerly reciprocated the hug from her sibling, smiling. She drank up the comments and continued to smile at Kenneth - a normal person would find her expression a little horrifying, especially when you considered the topic she was speaking of. "I, personally admire what you and Alex have achieved, it must be rather troublesome at times." She listened to Kenneth's words intently and then couldn't help laughing when he questioned her.

"You would have a serious problem if you weren't a nervous wreck. But once the first time is over, you get used to it. It's actually touching, to see the thousands of people that turn up at the concerts." And that was a high compliment to hear from Aria's mouth. She rarely acknowledged many humans as her friends - many she thought of as colleagues, people she just happened to need and saw a lot. Friends was a term she was not easily acquainted to. Aria continued as she absentmindedly pulled on a stray blonde hair, "I wonder what Alex is like...I haven't even seen him before." There was now a small, childish frown on her features.

[Alexander Temple]

Not being one who owned a cell phone Alexander got the message about the party late. He didn't really worry about whether or not he would be late or not because, as per usual, he was mashing the buttons of his DS trying to beat something or get past some level. Walking down the halls towards the dining room his mind slightly drifted from his game. What were the new Noah like? Or more importantly, What would they be eating? Alexander assumed, no hoped, it would not be hamburgers. It was a wonder why the Earl liked to eat the meat of a cow, aside from the occasional steak Alexander liked to stick with chicken and pork. As his mind drifted the boss he was fighting started spitting bullet coins at his character.

Opening the door to the dining room with his back, as skill mastered over the years, he was desperately mashing the buttons with more vigor than he had before his mind had drifted. "God damn Sky King." he muttered to himself as the continue screen came up and the door shut. With a sigh he reluctantly turned off the device and shoved it in his pocket. Finally, he turned to see who had already arrived.

When he turned around Alexander was of course surprised to see that there was only two others; Kenny and one of the new Noahs. "Hello Ken. Hello...um" he said struggling to find the new ones name. It was on the tip of his tongue but he had never been good with names. The fact that she was famous didn't make it easier for him, for you could put him in a room with Gary Oldman and he wouldn't know. "Ah! Ariel? I think that's it... I could be wrong." he finally said pulling out a chair and lazily sitting in it.

[invisibledreams]

Aria was staring. THIS WAS ALEX??? But she couldn't help seeing the funny side. This was Alex, the Noah she had never met, this was Alex, the one she had been interested in meeting...and he didn't even know her name. "I'm Aria." As she spoke, she just looked at him. It wasn't a negative 'I can't believe what I'm seeing' look, she was just trying to dig any information out of his body language and facial expression. He was certainly a very interesting-seeming person.

She wondered if they would be able to get along, but quickly dismissed the question. What was the point in asking? If she wanted to know, she would just have to try talking to him and see where it got. Really, what was wrong with her? She really needed to spend more time analysing normal human behaviour...and possibly Noah ones too as she clearly was lacking in that department. Aria toyed with the idea of speaking to him again, but he would reply. After all, she just had to correct him about her name, surely he would respond to that? Oh gods, I need to do research...

[Kenneth Steinberg]

Ken had to stifle a laugh as he face palmed, Aria’s look had summed up her feelings wonderfully. Her reaction at her brother’s appearance closely resembled his own upon first meeting Alex. It had taken them a while to get along and whilst he now loved the boy like a brother, Alex’s manners had something to be desired.

“It’s wonderful that you could take time out of your “busy” schedule to meet us bro, since we’re family and all. I see you’re looking as pale as ever.”

his tone was more relaxed and informal. As he walked past his brother, he rustled the younger mans hair, jumping back slightly to avoid any retaliatory action and taking up a mock sparring stance. A mischievous grin played across his face as he reached out to Alex with his mind.

Please try to bit more enthusiastic bro, this is the first time she’s met other Noah and, after all, we are a family. Remember what it was like for us in the beginning...

He turned; the same grin still plastered on his grey features and reached down into the drinks cabinet. Pulling a bottle of vodka out, he straightens and raises an eye brow quizzically.

“So what can I get you two? On a second note, where’s Faustus got to?”

[faustus]

Faustus walked through the hallways. He had recently heard about this dinner they were supposed to be having. It was a celebration of some sort. He had received the message a few days ago when he was performing one of his dance routines. But this was unimportant right now. For know all he should be doing was focusing on this dinner. This would be the first time he would meet some of these people. It would be like a family reunion, without all of the loud music and people passed out of the floor drunk.

Faustus had approached the door to the dining room. He stood there to himself for a few seconds fixing up his appearance. With his strictly black and white attire he walked into the room, forgetting he still had his pant legs rolled up and his pockets pulled out. "What's this about me?" He spoke with a smirk as he pulled out a chair and looked at his family.

[invisibledreams]

Aria turned when she saw Faustus and cracked a larger smile. "Faufau!" She didn't enjoy calling Faustus by using his proper name, it seemed to formal. With her attention focused on her other Noah brother, she wasn't worrying about what Alex's response to her would be. She paid little attention to Faustus' appearance, almost completely dismissing it. "You came!"

She noted how her brother had also appeared as soon as Kenneth asked about him. It was a humorous coincedence. She then continued to speak to Faustus, "We're having a family dinner." It was another one of those childish things that came out of her mouth more and more often recently.

[Alexander Temple]

Alexander simply shrugged off the fact that he had gotten her name wrong. He hadn't expected to get it right; He was proud of himself at how close he had gotten to getting her name right. "Sorry, Aria. I'll try and remember from now on." he said apologetically, though his sincereness was to be debated. He didn't mind what she thought of him. He wasn't special, well aside from the fact that he was a Noah and all that, but otherwise he didn't see why anyone would be expecting much of him.

Turning to Kenny he would remark "Oh yes, I was very busy. I got several new games and I hope to beat them by the end of next week." his tone was playfully sarcastic "And I do so try my best to be as pale as possible. To much sun gives you cancer I hear." The corners of his lips raised slightly to make a small smile.

When Kenny tried to mess with his hair he would lean back in his chair slightly so it was on two legs. He would look back instead of retaliating; in response to Kenneth's request he simply shrugged Why should I have to pretend to be someone I'm not to make her comfortable? he replied simply. He would then respond to Kenneth's questioning about what they wanted to drink by saying "Just water."

When Faustus arrived he didn't really share the others opinion on how coincidental it was. It didn't really matter to him. When Aria greeted Faustus using the pet name 'Faufau' he began to doubt how much he would like him. Faustus himself seemed nice enough, they might get along together. He nodded a greeting to Faustus and then added a simple "Hello."

[Kenneth Steinberg]

Ken straightened and placed several bottles of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on the table. Placing Alex's cup of water in front of him, he leaned up against the table facing Alex. He turned to look at Faustus, a warm smile splitting his thin gray lips.

"It was nothing serious brother, I was worried that you may have got lost in the Ark. You wouldn't be the first Noah to do that."

A slight flush of embarrassment spread across his face, before he turned to face away from his younger siblings. Smiling warmly at Alex as he reached out to him again.

I understand Laz...of course I don't want you to pretend to be someone your not. We spend enough time doing that, we shouldn't have to do that with family. Just...give her chance, OK? Yea, they may be a little childish at the moment, but that'll change once they've been on their first mission.

He looks back over shoulder, chuckling at the excitement of the younger Noah. Turning back to Alex he grinned playfully.

"and its good that you've started smiling again...its been a while since I've seen you do it. With the Earl throwing us so many assignments I haven't got to beat you at any of your new games. How about we have a game or two tomorrow. I bet you £50 I win."

With that he left Alex's side and ,passing through the table like a gray phantom, made his way back to his own seat. He continued to stand, directing the Akuma staff, all dressed as waiters and waitresses, where to place the various dishes. As the Akuma finished and stood back Ken lifted his glass and turned to his siblings.

"I am glad that you all made it here safely. As the Earl said, this is a time of celebration. Celebration of new family members and the bonds that will be formed and of our success in our assignments, whether they involve fighting the Black Order or infiltrating human society. So relax and forget about the war, just enjoy being a family. We may not get many opportunities to do this. I hope you all enjoy the food and, with any luck, at the end the Earl may come and talk to us about his plans for the future."

With a simple nod and a smile, he sat back down and began to pile food on his plate.

[times12108]

Veryl and Rylie weren't new Noah, but they hadn't been in contact with the other two. They had been forced to stay in the one place they hated. Their only contact to the rest of the family had been the Akuma and the Earl. They hadn't seen the Earl in a while, but they had gotten the message from one of the newer Akuma to their area. Did they actually plan to get there on time? No. Did they plan to make a flashy entrance? Yes. A very flashy and perfectly staged entrance. Flashy entrances took time to plan and set up though, and they didn't really want to get there early. Thus they had a problem that only 'Sir Voultinare' could solve. Their solution... well, maybe not what they were hoping for, but it would do.

All that thought and planning lead them to the moment directly after Kenneth's speech. They had arrived at the ark early last night. With all the stealth they possessed they avoided all contact with the other two Noah. It was actually a miracle the two hadn't been spotted by anyone except a few low level Akuma. They had stopped by the Earl's room though. They felt it only common courtesy to pay the owner of the house a visit. Now, the two made sure to prepare their costumes with great attention to the details. They didn't want anything to go wrong. It was never good to leave a bad impression on your siblings. All this preparing and planning lead to the perfect costumes and a very good personality to boot. What could the two possibly be though? Simply put... they were dressed up as level 2 Akuma.

Veryl was hardly able to contain his laughter as he and Rylie stood behind Kenneth. They hadn't been told to do anything, but it wasn't like they would go and do it either way. Rylie seemed to sense his twins amusement for he sent him the best glare he could while in his costume. That only provided further amusement for Veryl. Their plan would soon be ruined by Veryl's untimely laughter. Neither really cared though. It was more fun to prepare and plan it all than have it work. Having it work took the fun out of it for them especially in this type of prank. Rylie barely kept himself from shrugging. Their costumes were of course creations of their own twisted imagination. All they had to do was shot themselves with another bullet to revert back to normal. Rylie lifted one pale claw. Veryl nodded, and Rylie began to whisper, "...1 ...2 ...3 ...4 ...Now!" The last word was a shout followed by a gun shot.

The twins wore wide and evil looking grins when the smoke from the shots faded away. They stood there in their unique glory. Veryl had his head cocked to one side while Rylie wore a dark expression in his golden eyes. They both took a deep breath and shouted, "'Ello, siblings. 'Ow ya all been?" They had both started walking closer to the table with each word. When they finished talking they stood on either side of Kenneth's chair. The evil and twisted looking grins still remained plastered on their faces.

[invisibledreams]

Aria listened to Ken in an idle way, gazing at him, eyes lazy. But she took in all of his words and couldn't help feeling the truth in them. There was much work to be done, and it seemed that today would be one of the few days in the near future when they could spend time like this together. Then, she heard a noise, to be specific, a gunshot and she turned slowly to see what the sound of, a fairly blank expression on her face.

Aria just looked on, simply amused by all the proceedings. She had never met these Noah before, but she could guess who they were. The Earl had told her once, Veryl and Rylie. The twins. They certainly seemed quite fun to know. It was clear that they would be providing much amusement in her life. She lifted a hand and gave a slight wave, before turning back in her seat and then taking a glass and drinking. It was as though this kind of thing happened to her every day, and in a way, it was true. The music industry was an interesting place.

[faustus]

A simple nod of the head towards his brothers. "Lost? Oh no. I just wanted to enjoy the scenery." A slight chuckle escaped from his lips as he leaned back in his chair. They all seemed normal enough. Or at least to him. He turned his head towards Aria who had greeted him. "Of Course I came. I wouldn't want to miss out." He was trying to act a bit more polite than he actually was. Seeing as how most of the humans referred to him as an urchin of the street. Or a rat from the hood. It was only because those snobs have never seen a guy spin on his hand before.

Before he could get another word out of his mouth a gun shot was heard. It was obviously nothing serious, after all who would run up in this place. After the shot a pair of rats walked through the door. He spoke softly, "This isn't the shit side of town."

His tone quickly changed, "Hey."