Visit for Billy/The Dresden family/The Plissken family and anyone else around

[call_me_snake]

Snake sighed knowing the house was about to turn into a madhouse. So much for a few quiet nights with his wife but in all honestly he liked the house full of people. It reminded him of life and that there was a reason he was fighting that had nothing to do with vengeance. He'd made sure the house was stocked with food, lots of food. It was about to be a week long stint of something that might resemble a family reunion except most of the people involved had little or no blood family around. It could only get more interesting from here.

Now he was waiting for the insanity to start. Xena and Solan were around, Cassie was off playing and he had only now remembered he hadn't told anyone about the visit. He'd been too caught up in Xena getting back to remember. It was probably too late now. Would anyone really notice an extra kid running around the house anyway? Snake assumed probably not.

He was making a drink when he realized the dining room table wasn't going to cut it for what?...10 ..11 people. Did he even own enough dishes to serve that many people? Snake just started laughing. His thoughts sounded like his mother to him which was endlessly entertaining to him.


OOC: Slotted to happen 4 or 5 days after Xena's return home.

Comments

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Xena decided to stay in the stable in spite of the fact that all work has been done already. Perhaps, because it was the most quiet place in their house now. She tousled her hair, looking on the mare chewing hay.
Though Snake did not warn her beforehand, Xena suspected, what exactly today he decided suit something like "formal dinner party" for all family.
The amount of members of this family slightly confused her. The house was full children of different age, and she desperately tried to get used to idea, that they now are her children too. Xena knew, that her husband would be glad, if she named them as "her" children. And nevertheless... Xena felt like awkwardly.
Perhaps, because she expected to see something other, just to stay with Snake alone, instead of trying to entertain crowd of uneven-age children... And perhaps, it was fear to spoil all things...
Gods, why I am not Gabrielle? - she murmured, having stroked her horse on the neck, - Gabby precisely would find common language with those kids. I.. I am not able to entertain children... I am not able to indulge their whims... I do not understand them in general!..
Here she recollected, Snake spoke something about the grandson.
The crying baby... just great...
She closed eyes and made a deep breath.
Okey, in any case I should pull my ass out from here and try to be kind with them. Gods, give me patience!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Baby Mason had fallen asleep before he even made it out to the stables. It was that grandfather charm he had with the boy though he put it down as the baby knowing he was safe. Snake knew this was hard on Xena but he was confidant in her and the children. Maybe she'd be happy to know Solan was making friends. Snake came into the barn quietly with his blanket wrapped bundle.

Princess. He called to her happily. He liked having the children and friends around but when he saw her expression he knew maybe he had some convincing to do.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Xena has been too busy, adjusting herself for conversation with guests, therefore has not noticed his approaching. When Snake called her, she shuddered and quickly turned to him, hoping, that he has not noticed a panic in her eyes.
Damn, Snake, never approach to me like this, unless I did not speak you about it? - she told hoarsely, then noticed little bundle in his hands. - Oh, Gods...
Xena lowered her voice to not wake the baby.
What's his name?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Shhh.. baby. Snake kissed her cheek.

Mason Antonio Freeland, named after his father. Going to be four months in a few days. Snake smiled knowing the baby was still asleep. It's our grandson.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Our grandson...indeed... of course...uh...
She made a deep breath, examining the sleeping child.
Well... he is... cute...
She forced herself to smile, but the smile has turned out intense

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake gave her a one armed hug.

Baby. There is no need to stress. My family and I love you. I know it's hard for you to have a family that's gotten so big but you are a wonderful mother, a wonderful wife. I don't think any of us would want any other woman to be here with us.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

She nodded, continuing to look at the baby.
Yes-yes, I understand... And I want to hope, that it is the truth. But I am afraid, that I'll make something wrong, or I'll tell something wrong, like in a case with Hope... Well, you see, I not always understand children... In any case, I am not so good with them, as you or Gabrielle. And I cannot get used to them till now... Perhaps, because everything has taken place too quickly...
She was nervous and could not calm down, despite of his words.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake nodded. You'll have time. Evie, Mason and the baby are staying in the guest house and I'm putting the boys outside in the tent. Seems like Solan's getting along with the other two.

Just me, you and Cassie in the house. Be quiet evenings. I know it happened fast honey. Just take it a day at a time. You don't do anything wrong. People disagree, hell I'm arguing with the older girls a lot. It happens, you forgive your family and things get better, right?

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Yes, so it will be better...
She nodded
I should remember their names at first...
Here she broken off, having heard about arguing.
Oh, nothing serious, I hope?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake smiled. I don't think you'll have much trouble.

Snake sighed. We'll talk about it later. Let's just say it was boy trouble with the older girls and leave it at that for now.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

She has felt intensity in his voice and decided to not insist on it.
All right... I think, I am ready to acquaintance to our family. Should make it before somebody of children will make me the great-grandmother.
She coughed and stepped to the door.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake put his arm around her waist and smiled. Why not start with the one that's here?

Snake offered her to hold the baby. He loves everyone and he's a good baby.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

She stood for one instant when he offered her to hold the baby.
I sure he is the good kid... But I do not think, that it is necessary to disturb him right now. He can wake up.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

He won't wake up. Snake smiled at her. I'm sure you will do fine with him.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

I know how to hold babies, be sure, - she said, having taken the baby on hands. - My mother has been too busy, working in the tavern, therefore I sat with my younger brother, swaddled him and so on...
She looked at the sleeping child and sighed, having added.
But there should be something greater, than skill to hold babies here. Children are rather afraid of me usually. Even if I smile at them...
Xena shrugged shoulders with weak smile.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake put his arm around her and kissed her cheek. I think he likes you. There is a great skill here. You care about your family and I'm sure he knows that too.

Mason hadn't woke and rested peacefully in her arms.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

She smiled and cautiously handed baby over to Snake, trying to not disturb his dream.
I see, you know what he thinks about, better than I. I hope, your assumption will be correct... Nevertheless, it would be better, if he has woken up on your hands...
She felt again, that he expected from her something other, perhaps, the greater affection or tenderness, but she seldom felt it, looking on babies. Gabrielle would find the necessary words, for certain...

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake wasn't looking for anything from her except an attempt. The fact she held the baby meant a lot to him and it showed in his expression.

He isn't awake much around me. Seems all I do is make him sleep.

[xena-warrior.livejournal.com]

Useful feature! - she grinned. - I love sleeping babies.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_call_me_snake_/]

Snake smiled and took her hand in his.

Seems to be what grandpa is for, napping with.