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+---- Thread: uno reverse (/showthread.php?tid=12421)
uno reverse - Remi - 01-21-2026
Remi arrives early, not because he is impatient, exactly, but because waiting feels like part of the symmetry of it all, and he finds himself oddly pleased by that. The teahouse is small and tucked neatly along the boardwalk, its windows fogged faintly by warmth and steam, its doorway shaded by hanging plants that sway lazily in the sea breeze. The hour is just shy of noon, the sky bright without being sharp, and Haulani hums around him in that ever-present way it has; salt and voices and distant laughter braided together.
He leans back against the railing, one heel hooked casually over his ankle, sunglasses perched on his nose to take the edge off the glare reflecting off the water below. A chambray shirt hangs loose over his shoulders, sleeves rolled up without much thought, and he’s opted for shorts rather than pants, in an effort to evade some of the heat. One hand rests along the railing behind him, fingers idly tapping once and then stilling, betraying just a hint of the energy coiled beneath his calm.
He watches the boardwalk rather than the door, gaze drifting along the familiar paths Isla might take, his thoughts looping quietly around the moment ahead. There’s a fond amusement in the shape of it, the reversal and how he'd sent her a letter saying he had news and where to meet him. A small smile tugs at his mouth as he imagines her expression, the instant she will understand why he asked her out for tea rather than simply appearing at her side as he so often might.
RE: uno reverse - Isla - 01-21-2026
Isla does enjoy being invited out by Remi, especially for tea and especially so soon, comparatively, since they last stepped out together. This time there's a good reason he'll be left waiting though, and it will be a touch longer than before, because the Remedy is finding it increasingly difficult to walk anywhere for a long time without being reduced to a pregnant woman's waddle. So he'll definitely be able to pick her out along the pathways, her face shaded by sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, her hand raising in a carefree wave as she spots him.
Clearly their suspicions about Ancients have been correct, because there's zero hiding the round swell of her belly and she's long stopped trying to; her sundress is soft and flowing and unrestricted, and as she steps along the boardwalk to his side, she's already holding her arms out for a hug. [say]"You look like you belong on a vacation brochure for Torchline,"[/say] she tells him, beaming. [say]"Luckily, I think this teahouse serves iced tea as well, so you won't faint from the heat."[/say] As if Remi the tank Taliesin is even remotely at risk of it.
[say]"Shall we sit outside this time?"[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Remi - 01-21-2026
Remi straightens the moment he spots her, surprise flickering openly across his face before he can smooth it away. He had known, of course—they had talked about it, speculated about what being an Ancient might mean for timelines and pregnancy and changes—but knowing and seeing are two very different things. For half a heartbeat he simply takes her in, the unmistakable curve of her belly, the easy confidence with which she wears it, and then his expression softens into something boyish and bright as she comes closer.
He steps forward to meet her, hands finding her with instinctive care, drawing her into a hug that is warm and familiar while remaining mindful of the life between them. His cheek brushes her hat brim as he chuckles softly, the sound low and affectionate. [say]"You look absolutely radiant,"[/say] he tells her without hesitation, meaning every word, before easing back enough to look at her properly again.
At her suggestion, he nods easily. [say]"Outside sounds perfect,"[/say] he agrees, already turning toward the small cluster of tables set along the railing. He pulls out her chair, waiting until she’s settled before taking his own seat across from her, sunglasses pushed up to rest in his hair as he leans in slightly. [say]"So,"[/say] his eyes drop to the curve of her stomach before lifting back to her face, concern and fondness woven together, [say]"how are things going so far?"[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Isla - 01-21-2026
[say]"Thank you,"[/say] Isla says warmly, giving Remi an affectionate squeeze before stepping back and tilting her head up to shoot him a rueful smile. [say]"I feel gigantic,"[/say] she adds, though the two terms aren't mutually exclusive, and it's with a murmur of gratitude and relief that she joins him at the table and sinks into the offered chair. Taking off her hat and sunglasses now they're under the shade of an umbrella and out of the beaming light of the boardwalk, she tousles her curls back into place and feels herself start to properly relax.
[say]"Oh, things are getting more fun by the day,"[/say] she says with an airy laugh, one hand dropping to rest automatically on her bump. [say]"The good news is I'm no longer feeling sick all the time and I've stopped trying to eat any sweet treat in sight, though it's been replaced by being kicked in the ribs and the bladder at all hours. I can't say which I prefer yet."[/say] Both clearly have their perks, and Isla will still be ordering her tea with honey, for the record.
[say]"Things are progressing well, though,"[/say] she continues, voice lowering to something fond and warm. [say]"Ever has been amazing - he's starting to build the crib. And we found out we're going to have a daughter."[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Serendipity - 01-21-2026
The scent reaches you before you see it — sharp, resinous, and unmistakably warm. Just off the path grows a dense cluster of plants thriving in the heat, their leaves dark and glossy, their stems heavy with sap.
When the breeze shifts, the plants release a rich, smoky fragrance that clings to the air, the kind that would burn slowly and sweetly if dried. Some of the leaves are already curling at the edges, sun-cured and ready.
The cluster stands out from its surroundings, vibrant and intentional, as though cultivated for a purpose far beyond simple growth.
You've found an offering for Tanau! Whoever is next to post in this thread will be the first one to see the offering, but if they wish to give it to someone else, they're more than welcome! No need to post in account updates, just keep track of this thread for the Longheat SWE!
RE: uno reverse - Remi - 01-21-2026
Remi’s answering laugh is soft and warm, the sound settling easily between them as he watches her get comfortable. He doesn’t rush to contradict her, doesn’t reach for false reassurance out of habit or politeness, not given their complicated but long history together. Instead, he tips his head thoughtfully, a smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. [say]"You are rather....impressively pregnant,"[/say] he admits with a crooked smile, eyes flicking briefly to her bump before returning to her face. [say]"But you seem to be handling it well."[/say]
At her description of kicks and ribs and bladders, he winces in exaggerated sympathy, shoulders hunching as though he can feel it secondhand. [say]"Ah,"[/say] he says solemnly, brow lifting, [say]"so you are beginning to understand what a man cold is like."[/say] The corner of his mouth twitches before he breaks, laughing at himself with an apologetic shake of his head.
His amusement softens as she speaks of Everest, of cribs and care and quiet effort. Remi listens, and when she mentions having a daughter, something in him stills. He leans back slightly in his chair, one arm resting along the table’s edge, eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than before as the news settles. His smile becomes smaller then, not diminished but deeper, gentler, as if it has found its proper shape. [say]"That’s amazing,"[/say] he says quietly, sincerity threading every syllable. After a pause, he adds with a soft exhale, [say]"I am so happy for you."[/say] And then, catching himself with a faint, self-aware tilt of his head, [say]"For both of you."[/say]
A shift in the breeze draws Remi’s attention before his thoughts can wander further, his breath hitching slightly as he inhales, head turning just past Isla’s shoulder. [say]"Ah,"[/say] he murmurs, recognition warming his tone, already rising from his chair as he peers toward the dense, glossy cluster nearby. [say]"Mateo mentioned these."[/say] He moves only a few steps away, careful and unhurried, plucking a couple of the sun-cured stalks before returning to set them gently on the table beside her. [say]"People have been growing them for Tanau, for some upcoming festival, I think"[/say] he adds thoughtfully.
Remi gives the offering to Isla!
RE: uno reverse - Isla - 01-21-2026
[say]"Impressively pregnant,"[/say] Isla repeats, her peal of laughter something cheerful and as carefree as it gets given the responsibility looming so close. [say]"Only you, Remi, can manage to spin a hard truth into something positive. But thank you, I appreciate it all the same. And honestly, it isn't so much being bigger that's the real issue for me. Do you know pregnancy can make you clumsy? I have never dropped or bumped into more things than over the past few weeks."[/say] And for a medic, Isla can assure him that it's an unwelcome new habit.
His sympathy is more than appreciated, and Isla is just perusing the menu despite knowing what she wants when he makes mention of a man cold, and her pebble blues regard him with equal parts amusement and chastisement. [say]"Only starting to,"[/say] she agrees, scoffing. [say]"Perhaps once I'm in established labour I might really understand the pain you go through."[/say]
Flushing prettily to see Remi go so still, to smile so softly, it's as though Isla is being properly seen in a way that only usually happens behind closed doors with Ever, and she closes the menu to slide it across to him like it will give him something to do. [say]"We are both thrilled,"[/say] she begins quietly, though her eyes widen a fraction to see him suddenly rise to his feet. [say]"Mm...?"[/say]
Turning enough to spot the clump of leaves, to smell their sweet fragrance as he sets them beside her, the Remedy eyes them curiously, letting her fingers brush across the stems. [say]"I bet they smell amazing when they're dried out,"[/say] she says with a nod.
They're interrupted briefly by the server coming to take their order (jasmine tea with honey for Isla), and by the time they swan away again the Remedy turns her full attention back to the Bastion. [say]"And how are things with you?"[/say] she asks.
RE: uno reverse - Remi - 01-21-2026
Remi’s grin comes easily, fond and unabashed. [say]"I learned from the very best,"[/say] he says lightly, the affection for Ronin threaded so naturally through the words that it barely needs naming. At Isla's description of clumsiness, though, his expression shifts into thoughtful concern, head tipping as he considers it. [say]"I confess I do not know much about pregnancy beyond watching it happen,"[/say] he admits, brows knitting briefly. [say]"When Hotaru was expecting, I used to take her places in dreams, just to let her feel like herself again."[/say] He pauses, then, shrugging apologetically for no longer having the ability to offer to Isla.
He recovers with a soft snicker, shoulders lifting as he meets her gaze again. [say]"Well,"[/say] he adds, chuckling, [say]"even then."[/say] Mancolds were, more or less, almost always a matter of life or death.
As the server approaches, Remi settles back into his chair, his blush faint but present as he orders himself an iced tea with extra ice. Then as Isla asks how he's been, the colour deepens in his cheeks at once, and he drags his fingers absently through his curls, letting out a quiet huff of nervous laughter before he can stop himself. [say]"I wonder if this is how you felt,"[/say] he murmurs under his breath, almost to himself. Clearing his throat, he straightens, sea-glass eyes bright and suddenly vulnerable as they lift back to her. [say]"Ronin and I are..."[/say] He pauses, joy catching there like a held breath, impossible to rush. [say]"...we are also expecting a baby."[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Isla - 01-21-2026
[say]"Mm, that you did. I suppose some of the silver in his tongue would transfer to you eventually with all the kissing you do,"[/say] Isla says, not bothering to try and hide her playful smile. [say]"And gods, that sounds like it would have been wonderful - and as far as I know, I'm not even expecting twins."[/say] Glancing down at her belly, she can't imagine what it must have been like for Hotaru - with just her daughter to worry about, it's already been a journey. [say]"Granted, it could be a lot worse."[/say] She'll be the first to admit that much; not everyone has an Everest Hart to fall back on.
Snorting and conceding to the superiority that is the man cold, Isla immediately notices - as Remi had no doubt done when the roles were reversed - as he grows sheepish and his cheeks heat up. Her brows draw together in a not-quite frown, the Remedy mildly puzzled more than concerned. [say]"How I felt...?"[/say] she begins, but then before he's gotten the words out properly - before he's even gotten past Ronin and I are... - her mouth has fallen open.
[say]"Shut up,"[/say] she breathes, delight seeming to bloom across her face instantly. [say]"Shut up, no way."[/say] Her chair scrapes abruptly as she rises to her feet (because how he expects her to stay put with news like that is ridiculous), Isla stepping out from the table already with the full intention of squeezing Remi into a very pregnant hug. [say]"That is the best news, Remi - congratulations, both of you! How did... when did... gods, just tell me everything."[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Remi - 01-21-2026
Remi’s answering laugh is soft and a touch wry, his head tipping as he shrugs one shoulder. [say]"It only took me ten years,"[/say] he agrees with a crooked smile, as though the length of time is both absurd and entirely fitting. At her mention of twins, his brows lift and he nods along, amused despite himself. [say]"Mmm, she also managed to get herself thrown in jail while she was pregnant,"[/say] he adds dryly. [say]"If you decide to follow in her footsteps, I can certainly help with that part at least."[/say]
When Isla’s chair scrapes back, his eyes widen in immediate alarm, concern flashing bright and instinctive, but quickly he's rising as well, arms already coming around her. He bends as much as he can to accommodate her belly, drawing her in with careful strength, a delighted, breathy [say]"thank you"[/say] murmured into her hair before he eases back again. Settling into his seat once more, he looks up at her with a smile that refuses to be anything but pleased, all edges softened.
[say]"In a way,"[/say] he says thoughtfully, fingers absently brushing at the stubble along his jaw, [say]"it is because of you. When I told Ronin about your news, it made us stop and think. Properly think, and we realized that perhaps another child was not as impossible as we had assumed."[/say]
A dramatic groan follows, his head tipping back briefly. [say]"Of course, we had to have the idea approved by Mateo and Flora first,"[/say] he says, rolling his eyes with fond resignation. [say]"They made us work for it, naturally, but by the end they seemed rather excited."[/say] His hand drifts to his cheek again, scratching lightly as he searches for the right words. [say]"There is now a small section cordoned off from the High-Land cows in King’s End where a...plant?"[/say] He wrinkles his nose, clearly unconvinced by the term. [say]"Is growing. Neither of us is entirely sure how it works, but it seems to have taken, so..."[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Isla - 01-21-2026
Frowning at that second part, for all the things that Isla is and has been (and that list is quite a long one), jailbird has never been one of them. [say]"Well I don't plan to,"[/say] she says through a buoyant laugh, even as Remi stands to embrace her, [say]"but I'll keep that in mind."[/say] She angles herself as best she can to hug him tightly in return, her joy and delight a current that washes right through his magic, warm and fizzing and tempered, ever so slightly, with something like relief, as though having her best friend on this same journey has made it immediately ten times more manageable.
[say]"Because of me?"[/say] Raising her eyebrows incredulously and easing herself back into her chair, Isla's mind is going to a thousand scattershot places before Remi actually explains, drawing another bout of happy laughter from the Remedy. [say]"If I had known getting pregnant was all it took, I would have considered it a long time ago,"[/say] she informs him haughtily, though the veneer is flimsy at best. [say]"I know you two have always wanted a big family, and you've been through so much tragedy, you deserve this. I hope you know that. You deserve every bit of it."[/say]
With her cheeks hurting from smiling, she forces herself to relax into her seat again, listening intently to the rest of the story. [say]"But of course,"[/say] she says of Mateo and Flora's approval, [say]"and very wise of you to ask for it, too. But... a plant...?"[/say] She recalls, distantly, the baby garden Phoebe had cultivated, but gods it has been so long she couldn't have said where it was if anyone had asks. [say]"Aw, Remi - you have a little sprout growing!"[/say] Blinking quickly, she can and will blame her hormones for feelings suddenly tearful about it.
RE: uno reverse - Remi - 01-23-2026
Remi’s chuckle is soft and easy as he lifts one shoulder in a small shrug. [say]"The offer still stands."[/say] When she speaks again, his expression settles into something warm and reflective. He nods slowly, eyes dipping for a moment before lifting back to her. [say]"In my mind,"[/say] he admits, voice quieter now, [say]"I had simply assumed those days were behind us, especially after the tensions between us and Flora and Mateo over the last few seasons."[/say] His smile turns lopsided as he mentions Ronin, affection weighing it down in the gentlest way. [say]"But when I told him about you.."[/say] He exhales, a soft sound of joy and gratitude all at once. [say]"...it felt as though a door we had closed had quietly opened again."[/say]
He reaches across the table then, fingers closing around Isla's hand in a careful, affectionate squeeze. [say]"So thank you,"[/say] he says simply, before laughing and rolling his eyes affectionately. [say]"I have already named one of my children after you. I am not entirely certain what I am meant to do with this next one to properly show my appreciation."[/say]
The server arrives with their drinks, and Remi leans back to make room before immediately reaching for his iced tea, condensation already slicking the glass beneath his fingers. He takes a long sip, relief evident, before glancing back at Isla with an amused grimace. [say]"We have built a small fence around it to keep the cows away,"[/say] he adds, tone brightening again. [say]"And we are watering it with fountain water."[/say] Another sip, then a crooked smile. [say]"Much easier work than what you are going through, I am quite sure."[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Isla - 01-24-2026
Isla nods with understanding, knowing perhaps better than many others how Remi's family life has been a bumpy thing to navigate. But clearly for all those hardships, Flora and Mateo had grown to be wonderful people, and had given their blessing in the end for that family to continue growing. She reaches across the table to clasp his hand in return, squeezing back and looking up at the beach umbrella above them as if to persuade the tears burning in her eyes to stay there. [say]"You are very welcome,"[/say] she says through a laugh. [say]"And you can just keep coming to tea with me, if that's alright. That would be more than enough."[/say]
Speaking of which, she sits back for the server to place down their drinks, and as Remi enjoys his iced tea Isla pours her own, stirring in a generous swirl of honey. [say]"Gods, the cows?"[/say] Grinning girlishly at that, Isla raises her eyebrows and lifts her cup to her lips. [say]"It might be easier in many ways,"[/say] she tells him after a sip, [say]"but I have never felt at risk of being stampeded, put it that way. Still, if there is anything I can do for you, just say the word. Even if it's just to babysit your little sprout while you get things done."[/say]
RE: uno reverse - Remi - 01-24-2026
Remi’s smile softens into something openly adoring as he watches her, the affection between them as easy as its ever been. He nods at once. [say]"Tea would be perfect,"[/say] he says simply, sincerity settling warmly into the words. A crooked, dimpled smile follows, boyish and fond. [say]"Though perhaps next time it can be just tea, rather than life-changing revelations, mm?"[/say]
At her mention of the cows, his brows lift in confirmation, amusement bright in his eyes. [say]"Yes,"[/say] he says with a grin, nodding. [say]"The cows."[/say] A soft laugh escapes him as he shakes his head. [say]"And if I think of anything, I will absolutely let you know."[/say] He lifts his glass again, taking a sip before setting it down, attention returning to her as his eyes dip to her belly momentarily before returning to her face.. [say]"How are things on your end?"[/say] he wonders. [say]"Do you have any better idea of when you'll be due?"[/say]