Ich vermisse Deutschland

Niclaus VonDrake, 37, single father

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

niclausvondrake:

Niclaus returned the smirk before speaking again. “Alright. I’ll let the band know and we’ll have you audition. You’ll be allowed to practice using our sheet music for a week first beforehand. By the by, there might be others auditioning because the other members are also helping look for a new bassist-” The German broke off, spatula in his hand beginning to shake violently as he did too. 

He released the spatula over the counter where it bounced and finally stilled as he sunk to his knees. “A-Ah, verdammt, I remember what it was I forgot this morning. A-Aspen! K-Kannst du meine Medizin bitte von oben holen?” (Can you bring my medicine from upstairs?) “H-Herr Tachibana, if you could finish the cooking? I’m very sorry that I c-could not complete it myself. I’m not being a very good h-host.”

“Ja, Papa. Excuse me, Miss Nozomi. Papa needs help.” The little girl could be heard climbing the stairs quickly. She came into the kitchen with a pill bottle and handed it to her trembling father. “Geht es dir gut, Papa?“ (Are you okay, daddy?)

“Ja, Liebling. Papa hat nur vergessen, seine Medizin wieder zu nehmen.“ (Yes, loveling. Daddy just forgot to take his medicine again.) When he went to stand, Aspen scolded him in their native tongue and walked over to the refrigerator. She opened it and retrieved a juice box before closing it and heading back over to her father.

“Here, Papa.” She ripped the plastic wrapping off the straw and stabbed it into the foil-covered hole before handing it to him.

“Danke, Liebe.” Niclaus took a pill quickly and sipped at the box as Aspen sat down next to him. She hugged his side and nuzzled him before beginning to sing softly in German.

Hazuki nodded. “Of course. I’ll do my best,” he said with determination in his eyes. While he was aware that he might not be the best bassist in the world, he was still pretty damn good. 

His expression instantly turned to worried as soon as he noticed the change in Niclaus’ behavior. “Is everything alright?” It was a stupid question, but Hazuki wasn’t sure what else to do. “T-the cooking?” And now he was terrified. The only reason he could put up with his roommate’s godawful cooking for nearly a decade was because Hazuki himself couldn’t cook at all. What if he ends up burning VonDrake’s new house down? He picked up the spatula a bit hesitantly… and turned towards the door. “N-Nozomi!” 

The teenage girl arrived almost immediately. “What’s the–” She didn’t even finish the question. Nozomi snatched the spatula from her father’s hand quickly, as if the entire world’s existence depended on it. “Y-yeah, I’ll take care of this… You just… go sit somewhere and look nice,” she said to her dad calmly, already focused on cooking. 

Hazuki sighed in relief, but still appeared to be seriously concerned. he glanced at Niclaus and Aspen. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly, feeling rather useless. It seemed like both emergencies were taken care of, at least.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

“Ja, I just forgot to take my medicine for my ptsd. I’ll be okay in about forty minutes or so.” Niclaus responded with a warm smile, running his fingers through his daughter’s hair.

When the food was finished, he got to his feet and lifted Aspen into his arms. The German placed her into a chair and headed back into the kitchen to assist Nozomi with plating everything. They both sat down after the table was set and the food put down. “Thank you for finishing the cooking, Frau Nozomi. I’m deeply sorry that I could not be a better host.”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

niclausvondrake:

Niclaus had turned to watch when the humming started, voice still pouring from between his lips.  When he finished singing, he spoke. “You have a lovely voice and you look quite…nice with such florid cheeks, Herr Tachibana. Those movements, do you play an instrument?” The compliment was softly spoken with glittering and searing eyes and the man’s lips were pulled up in an approving smile. “I’m in a band myself. A German metal band. I’d invite you to a concert, but our bassist just split for a better paying band so I’ve no clue as to when we’ll be able to play again. We might have to split up but…if you play bass, we might be saved provided you’d like to join us.”

Hazuki opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. It took him a moment to process the situation. Suddenly he chuckled softly and seemed to be more confident than a minute ago. “Indeed?” He crossed his arms, eyeing Niclaus curiously. “I do, yes. I’ve been in a band for twenty years now,” he replied with a nod. What he failed to mention was that he only played bass for a while, before being forced to do only the vocals. It wasn’t relevant right now. Hazuki’s eyes opened a bit wider and appeared to shine as soon as he heard the offer. “Aah… Well, I do have a band now… but I am sure they wouldn’t mind if you borrowed me for a while, VonDrake-san.” As he said that, a not-entirely-innocent smirk appeared on his face.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Niclaus returned the smirk before speaking again. “Alright. I’ll let the band know and we’ll have you audition. You’ll be allowed to practice using our sheet music for a week first beforehand. By the by, there might be others auditioning because the other members are also helping look for a new bassist-” The German broke off, spatula in his hand beginning to shake violently as he did too. 

He released the spatula over the counter where it bounced and finally stilled as he sunk to his knees. “A-Ah, verdammt, I remember what it was I forgot this morning. A-Aspen! K-Kannst du meine Medizin bitte von oben holen?” (Can you bring my medicine from upstairs?) “H-Herr Tachibana, if you could finish the cooking? I’m very sorry that I c-could not complete it myself. I’m not being a very good h-host.”

“Ja, Papa. Excuse me, Miss Nozomi. Papa needs help.” The little girl could be heard climbing the stairs quickly. She came into the kitchen with a pill bottle and handed it to her trembling father. “Geht es dir gut, Papa?“ (Are you okay, daddy?)

“Ja, Liebling. Papa hat nur vergessen, seine Medizin wieder zu nehmen.“ (Yes, loveling. Daddy just forgot to take his medicine again.) When he went to stand, Aspen scolded him in their native tongue and walked over to the refrigerator. She opened it and retrieved a juice box before closing it and heading back over to her father.

“Here, Papa.” She ripped the plastic wrapping off the straw and stabbed it into the foil-covered hole before handing it to him.

“Danke, Liebe.” Niclaus took a pill quickly and sipped at the box as Aspen sat down next to him. She hugged his side and nuzzled him before beginning to sing softly in German.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: open starter

[dieselxdaddy-archive-deactivate]

niclausvondrake

Niclaus carried in his child’s things, among the last of the boxes in the moving truck. His Igel had fallen asleep on the lawn among the books and toys he’d brought with them to keep her company. Just two more boxes and he’d be able to take a nap with her as well, preferably inside what with the looming storm clouds overhead.

Diesel was picking up his daughter’s toys off the front lawn, to protect them from the upcoming storm threatening the neighborhood. He noticed a new family moving in a few houses down. He waved with a bunch of toys tucked beneath one arm. “Hi! Do you need any help with anything?” he called out.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Niclaus turned to look at the voice. “If you would be so kind. I need to get these boxes in and bring Aspen indoors. There are two more boxes in the truck.” The man nodded to the truck before heading inside to put the one in his hands down. He returned outside and gently lifted his sleeping child into his hands before neatly scooping the quilt up with all of her things in one go. “Just set those inside by the door.”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

niclausvondrake:

“I wish I could say that it was difficult, but there are few places in my home country that I actually miss. Besides, I moved here for my daughter. The environment there would have been damaging to her. You did no harm, by the by. You have not asked anything inappropriate.” Niclaus replied as he headed back into the kitchen to cook. He paid Nozomi’s comment no mind outwardly, but inwardly he found himself profiling Herr Tachibana. That man really did need help, didn’t he?

“A bunny family.” Aspen pointed to the cover which read ‘Peter Cottontail’. “I like it. Papa reads it…” She trailed off, struggling to find the words she was missing. “Much. Much?” The little girl jumped down from her seat and headed into the kitchen. “Papa! Was ist das Englische für ‘viel’?“ (Daddy! What is the English word for ‘much, many, a lot’?)

“Das Englische für dieses Wort kommt in vielen Formen vor. Die einfachste Übersetzung ist ‘a lot’.“ ( The English for that word comes in many forms. The simplest translation is ‘a lot’.) The last two words the man spoke were in English.

“Danke, Papa!” (Thanks, Daddy!) Aspen walked back into the dining room and sat back down with a smile. “Papa reads it a lot.” She spoke a little more confidently. “Meine English bad. Papa better.”

“Gern geschehen, meine Liebe.” (You’re welcome, my love/dear) Her father called after a moment as the smell of curry and chicken filled the house. The sounds of him cooking mixed in with the din of the thunder and rain. After a few minutes, Niclaus could be heard singing something softly in German.

“I understand. I suppose it’s always a bit easier if you do it for someone else,” he replied, gently ruffling his daughter’s bleached hair. The both of them smiled at each other. Even if he could go back to Japan permanently, he wouldn’t just leave Nozomi behind. It would be unforgivable, especially after everything they’ve been through. 

Nozomi chuckled softly at the exchange. “Don’t worry, my English isn’t that good either.” Only a couple months ago Nozomi started to talk with her father in English from time to time; before that, she’d just refuse to do so no matter what. That said, both Tachibanas would agree that expressing their feelings and thoughts accurately was a lot easier in Japanese. The teenager examined the book again. “Alright, I can read or you,” she said with a smile and after a moment began to read.

Hazuki smiled to himself and decided to leave the girls alone to check on Niclaus. He entered the kitchen rather shyly and forgot what he was going to say as soon as he heard the singing. For some reason he formed his hands as if he was about to play bass, imagining what the instrumental part of the song could sound like. He even hummed a bit quietly, before realizing what he was doing. His face flushed red and he quickly put his hands behind his back, then cleared his throat awkwardly. “I-is there anything I can do to help, VonDrake-san?” God, that was embarrassing. He could only hope that his host didn’t notice.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Niclaus had turned to watch when the humming started, voice still pouring from between his lips.  When he finished singing, he spoke. “You have a lovely voice and you look quite...nice with such florid cheeks, Herr Tachibana. Those movements, do you play an instrument?” The compliment was softly spoken with glittering and searing eyes and the man’s lips were pulled up in an approving smile. “I’m in a band myself. A German metal band. I’d invite you to a concert, but our bassist just split for a better paying band so I’ve no clue as to when we’ll be able to play again. We might have to split up but...if you play bass, we might be saved provided you’d like to join us.”

[darlingxstarling-a]

Valentine’s @ the Coffee Spoon {Open}

[darlingxstarling-a]

niclausvondrake

The five-foot man chuckled and shook his head. He wore a crisp suit and tie, normally messy brown hair slicked back out of his face. The left side of his face bore a large burn scar that surrounded his blind left eye. The range of damaged tissue seemed to extend to every visible part of his left side. A braided silver ring hung around his lower lip. “It’s quite alright, sir.”

Behind him, a blonde little girl with eyes as pale as his good one and equally thick brows stared up at the man and his children with a quiet and timid contemplation. She said nothing, clinging to her father’s hand.

Loren was easily about ten or so inches taller than the other father, but he assumed a submissive stance as he spoke. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked, nervously.  Aria hid behind Loren when she saw the stranger’s burns.  “Are you new in town? My name’s Loren Starling and these are two of my children–Aria and Plantagenet. I have two others who are around here somewhere,” he said, politely, “who is this shy young lady?”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

“Yes, you needn’t worry. No harm has been done to my person. I’m Niclaus VonDrake and the young Kind clinging to my hand is my daughter, Aspen. She doesn’t speak English very well yet.” His accent was thick and draped over his words like warm maple syrup. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” The brunette switched hands with Aspen, offering his right hand to Loren to shake.

[dieselxdaddy-a]

Dadbook Video Chat {Open!}

[dieselxdaddy-archive-deactivate]

niclausvondrake

Niclaus gave a warm chuckle at the young girl’s antics. “Oh, I understand completely. Aspen does the same thing at times when I foolishly leave my page open in her reach.” His good eye was kind and glittering with a friendly amusement at the situation. “How old is she? Meine Igel is six.”

A small voice could be heard speaking fluently in another tongue in the background. The tone was questioning as the person speaking drew closer. “Just a moment. Aspen wants in my lap.” The brunette went out of view for a moment and a flower-shaped light fixture on his ceiling was shown briefly. When he picked it back up, a blonde little girl with eyes like the German’s good one sat quietly in his lap. Her pale hues held a keen intelligence as she stared into the camera. “Would you like to greet Mr. Blake, Engel?”

Aspen looked up at her father and back at Diesel. She stared at him for a moment before muttering a quiet “Hallo” to him.

Diesel smiled at the man. “Lyds just turned seven this past fall. She’s growing up fast.” He had a handsome smile. His smile grew when he saw the small girl. “Hello, there,” he said, pleasantly, “what grade are you in?”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Aspen looked up at her father. “Was hat dieser Mann gesagt, Papa?” (What did that man say, daddy?) Her voice was soft. 

Niclaus responded to her quickly in German before looking back up at Diesel. “Aspen isn’t quite fluent in English yet, so she’s being homeschooled until she knows enough to go to public school. She’s in the second grade.” 

The child looked from the man to her father and noted the blush on her parent’s cheeks. “Denkst du, er ist süß, Papa?” (Do you think he’s cute, daddy?)

Her question caused Niclaus to fluster and sputter at Aspen, face only growing more florid. 

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

niclausvondrake:

Niclaus lifted a groggy Aspen into his arms, the little girl leaning up to kiss his hairy chin. “Thank you. I’m from Germany. I lived in a village that my family created. I had to leave for my daughter’s sake. A lot of this furniture came from my parents’ old house.” He pressed a kiss to his child’s forehead in return before setting her in a chair. “Hattest du ein schönes Nickerchen?” (Did you have a nice nap?) The man asked as he opened the kitchen doors and put some wooden wedges underneath to prevent them from swinging shut.

The little girl murmured a sleepy “Ja” and rubbed her eyes. “Papa, wer sind diese Leute?” (Daddy, who are these people?) She looked from Nozomi to Hazuki and then back to her father, thick blonde brows raised in question. “Nachbarn?” (Neighbors?)

“Yes, meine Igel. They’re our neighbors. This is Herr Tachibana and his daughter, Frau Tachibana. Do you remember what I told you about names in Japanese culture?” Niclaus called from the kitchen. The sounds of pots and pans being moved about could be heard.

“Du hast gesagt, dass es unhöflich ist, jemanden mit seinem Vornamen anzurufen.“ (You said that it is rude to call someone by their first name.) Though she tripped over some words, it was obvious that German was her first language. Aspen yawned into her elbow and hopped off the chair. “Hast du meine Bücher mitgebracht?” (Did you bring my books inside?) The tiny blonde child called as thunder cracked and the sound of heavy rain hitting the roof filled the house.

“Ja. They’re on the coffee table, Liebe. Would you mind if I made something new for lunch?”

“Nein. Was wirst du kochen?” (No. What will you cook?) Aspen replied with a book in hand as she sat back down next to Nozomi. She looked up at the girl for a few minutes before speaking in English. “Miss, um, read please?” Niclaus’ daughter held out the book, one in the language she’d just spoken. Judging by her request, she wasn’t fluent in it yet.

“I’m not sure yet, Liebe. It depends on which recipe our guests would like.” The man himself reentered the room, looking from Nozomi to her father. “Which would you prefer? A Japanese chicken curry or a beef udon bowl?”

Hazuki listened with attention, nodding from time to time. “I’ve always wanted to visit Europe,” he mused, finally sitting next to his daughter. “Was it difficult for you to move out? I left Japan eight years ago, but for me it still feels really lonely sometimes.” He didn’t like to think about just how far away his old home was. After all, he left a lot of friends there… And a lot of memories. “I– I’m sorry if it was rude of me to ask.”

Nozomi tilted her head curiously, as she listened to the dialogue between Niclaus and Aspen. She didn’t understand German at all, but figured out vaguely what was going on from the English parts. “Um, it’s alright to call me Nozomi.” She took the book from the other girl and glanced at its cover. “What is it about?” she asked, before opening it. Her accent was rather heavy, but hopefully not too hard to understand. The teenager raised her head at the man’s question. “Curry! Tōsan never makes curry,” she stated as if she was disappointed in her own father. “…Tōsan never makes anything.”

“Hey, that’s not entirely–” Hazuki protested, but got interrupted in the middle of his sentence.

“Come on, Kazunari-san’s been doing all the cooking, wasn’t he?” It’s truly unfortunate that Nozomi sometimes speaks faster than thinks. As soon as she noticed her father sighing and averting his gaze, she patted him on the shoulder. “Gomen.” 

He nodded in silence, before shifting his attention towards Niclaus. “Curry would be great,” he confirmed with a faint smile.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

“I wish I could say that it was difficult, but there are few places in my home country that I actually miss. Besides, I moved here for my daughter. The environment there would have been damaging to her. You did no harm, by the by. You have not asked anything inappropriate.” Niclaus replied as he headed back into the kitchen to cook. He paid Nozomi’s comment no mind outwardly, but inwardly he found himself profiling Herr Tachibana. That man really did need help, didn’t he?

“A bunny family.” Aspen pointed to the cover which read ‘Peter Cottontail’. “I like it. Papa reads it...” She trailed off, struggling to find the words she was missing. “Much. Much?” The little girl jumped down from her seat and headed into the kitchen. “Papa! Was ist das Englische für ‘viel’?“ (Daddy! What is the English word for ‘much, many, a lot’?)

“Das Englische für dieses Wort kommt in vielen Formen vor. Die einfachste Übersetzung ist ‘a lot’.“ ( The English for that word comes in many forms. The simplest translation is ‘a lot’.) The last two words the man spoke were in English.

“Danke, Papa!” (Thanks, Daddy!) Aspen walked back into the dining room and sat back down with a smile. “Papa reads it a lot.” She spoke a little more confidently. “Meine English bad. Papa better.”

“Gern geschehen, meine Liebe.” (You’re welcome, my love/dear) Her father called after a moment as the smell of curry and chicken filled the house. The sounds of him cooking mixed in with the din of the thunder and rain. After a few minutes, Niclaus could be heard singing something softly in German.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

niclausvondrake:

“It is no problem whatsoever, Mr. Tachibana. Just set them beside the door next to the bookshelf.” Niclaus set the box of toys down next to said shelf before gently scooping a sleeping Aspen into one of his arms and deftly picking up the small quilt complete with all her stuffed toys and books. He set her on the couch and put her things in a neat pile on the coffee table. The short man folded the patterned blanket and placed it beside the items before heading back outside to assist Nozomi with the last box. 

“I appreciate your assistance, Frau Tachibana, but I would be unable to live with myself if you hurt yourself.” His voice was kind and respectful as he took the box from her. “Please have a seat at the table. I’ll make tea and lunch after I’ve woken Aspen.” He set the heavy box next to the box of his daughter’s playthings and headed over to the couch.

When the Tachibanas entered the VonDrake’s home, Niclaus’ heritage could be seen in the decorations. Furniture that looked as though it came from rural Germany and kept in excellent condition sat in a room with wine-colored walls. The floor was hardwood, lighter than the wood of the furniture but with a good contrast. An ancient but well-kept rug sat underneath the couch. What appeared to be a wrought-iron fixture shaped like a flower encased the lightbulb in the living room, making the glass look like a bloom of pollen in the center. Fan blades whirred silently over the faux flora, the wood a dark and rich mahogany. The bookshelves and coffee table were made of the same material, carved like trees. A television sat on an end table before the sofa and coffee table, lined against the wall. In the alcove below the tv was a blu-ray and dvd player complete with neatly placed remotes for both devices. Next to it was a case of dvds, all of them were animated movies for children. 

An archway separated the dining room from the living room. This room was painted like an open and sunlit field of grass. The table was made of a dark wood with a rectangular cut. It was surrounded by six cream-colored cushioned chairs with four metal legs on each. A bowl of fresh fruit sat on the table next to an antique candelabra. The lighting for this room was a glass circle made to look like a sun. The kitchen was obscured by double doors painted to match the walls.

Hazuki nodded and placed the box carefully, as Niclaus instructed. He recalled briefly the time he moved to this town; unpacking took him forever, as back then he didn’t even have anyone to help him out. It seems like not so long ago he was completely alone, and now there he was, making friends.

Nozomi blinked in surprise. “F-frau?” She wasn’t entirely sure what this word meant, but the context was enough to make her face become as red as a tomato. Her appearance was one of a tomboy and so she’s been often seen as quite tough and not very girly. It might be the first time she was referred to in such a respectful manner. She sat at the table, still in shock. Hazuki chuckled quietly, turning to his daughter. He seemed to be amused.

“Ojō-sama to iu imi da,” he explained, but the girl didn’t respond, apparently still too embarrassed by the revelation. In the meantime Hazuki looked around the room, admiring the somewhat unusual decor. He’s never seen anything quite like this before, at least not in person. “You’re not from around here, VonDrake-san?” He found it comforting that he wasn’t the only person in the neighbourhood who comes from another country. From another culture. “It’s a beautiful house,” he added, nodding approvingly as he eyed the bookshelf. He had to admit, Niclaus had really good taste in furniture.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Niclaus lifted a groggy Aspen into his arms, the little girl leaning up to kiss his hairy chin. “Thank you. I’m from Germany. I lived in a village that my family created. I had to leave for my daughter’s sake. A lot of this furniture came from my parents’ old house.” He pressed a kiss to his child’s forehead in return before setting her in a chair. “Hattest du ein schönes Nickerchen?” (Did you have a nice nap?) The man asked as he opened the kitchen doors and put some wooden wedges underneath to prevent them from swinging shut.

The little girl murmured a sleepy “Ja” and rubbed her eyes. “Papa, wer sind diese Leute?” (Daddy, who are these people?) She looked from Nozomi to Hazuki and then back to her father, thick blonde brows raised in question. “Nachbarn?” (Neighbors?)

“Yes, meine Igel. They’re our neighbors. This is Herr Tachibana and his daughter, Frau Tachibana. Do you remember what I told you about names in Japanese culture?” Niclaus called from the kitchen. The sounds of pots and pans being moved about could be heard.

“Du hast gesagt, dass es unhöflich ist, jemanden mit seinem Vornamen anzurufen.“ (You said that it is rude to call someone by their first name.) Though she tripped over some words, it was obvious that German was her first language. Aspen yawned into her elbow and hopped off the chair. “Hast du meine Bücher mitgebracht?” (Did you bring my books inside?) The tiny blonde child called as thunder cracked and the sound of heavy rain hitting the roof filled the house.

“Ja. They’re on the coffee table, Liebe. Would you mind if I made something new for lunch?”

“Nein. Was wirst du kochen?” (No. What will you cook?) Aspen replied with a book in hand as she sat back down next to Nozomi. She looked up at the girl for a few minutes before speaking in English. “Miss, um, read please?” Niclaus’ daughter held out the book, one in the language she’d just spoken. Judging by her request, she wasn’t fluent in it yet.

“I’m not sure yet, Liebe. It depends on which recipe our guests would like.” The man himself reentered the room, looking from Nozomi to her father. “Which would you prefer? A Japanese chicken curry or a beef udon bowl?”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: open starter

[mathis-murdock]

niclausvondrake:

Niclaus gave a happy laugh at the child’s shenanigans and shook his head. “It’s quite alright, Herr Mathis. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is most appreciated.” He knelt down to Oliver, eyes kind. “I do not think it is appropriate for me to pick you up without your father’s permission, Kind. Perhaps you should ask him how he feels about it?”

“Of course.” He waved off the thanks with a sheepish smile, his grip on the little boy’s hand tightening ever so slightly when Oliver leaned forward onto his toes. “You talk funny.” The six year old giggled before turning his gaze up to his father. “Ne, Papa. Can pick up?” The question gave him pause and his gaze flickered between the two before he shrugged. “If Mr…ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t get your name.”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

“Oh, did I forget to introduce myself? My name is Niclaus VonDrake. I do not mind in the slightest.” The man gently scooped Oliver up when it began to pour rain. In a calm fashion, he looked to Mathis. “It would seem that the storm is here. Would you like to come inside for the time being? I can get you some towels and an umbrella.”

[darlingxstarling-a]

Valentine’s @ the Coffee Spoon {Open}

“Crystal…it’s Valentines…could you please try and be happy?” The teenage girl sighed and rolled her eyes. “Stepford Stepdad, I’m a teenager–this is happy!” Crystal was totally lying–for the last several months, Lucien  Bloodmarch hadn’t so much as acknowledged her presence at school. She didn’t think he actually liked her or anything, but he could at least not pretend she didn’t exist, right? Loren got up and took Tag and Aria to the punch bowl. “Aria, watch out, sweetie! I’m sorry!” The young girl had almost walked into another party-goer and jostled the table with the punch bowl.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

The five-foot man chuckled and shook his head. He wore a crisp suit and tie, normally messy brown hair slicked back out of his face. The left side of his face bore a large burn scar that surrounded his blind left eye. The range of damaged tissue seemed to extend to every visible part of his left side. A braided silver ring hung around his lower lip. “It’s quite alright, sir.”

Behind him, a blonde little girl with eyes as pale as his good one and equally thick brows stared up at the man and his children with a quiet and timid contemplation. She said nothing, clinging to her father’s hand.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: open starter

[mathis-murdock]

niclausvondrake:

Niclaus finished placing the rest of the boxes inside and gently scooped up the girl sleeping on the lawn. When he came back outside, he retrieved her quilt and toys before looking up at the sky as a rumble of thunder echoed. “I finished bringing everything inside with time to spare it seems.” His German accent was thick as he spoke to himself.

The five-foot man was buff with burn scars covering what was visible of the left side of his body. His left eye was milky, indicating the very likely possibility that it no longer worked as it should. His beard grew in patches on the burnt side, but was finely-trimmed. He sauntered across the lawn to quickly shut the back hatch of the moving truck. Upon shutting it, he turned and took notice of his neighbors. Niclaus sent them both a sheepish smile and waved with his scarred left hand; an indentation of a wedding ring in the scarred tissue of his ring finger.

@mathis-murdock

It was only years of practice at keeping a straight face when things surprised him that kept him from looking surprised at the burns on the other man’s face. “Hello.” He greeted with a warm smile…before promptly almost tripping over his son. The little boy had stopped skating to stare up at their new neighbor with wide eyes and Mathis was horrified that he might say something that he really shouldn’t. 

“Big!” The little boy exclaimed, holding his free arm out to indicate the width of the stranger. “Like Keg!” That hand went up in a classic, ‘pick me up’ gesture. “Up!” The designer blanched and shook his head. “Oliver, please.” He pleaded, shooting the other an apologetic smile. “Oh…up, pease.” 

Mathis pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“I’m sorry. We have a friend that bench presses him for fun and…I’m Mathis. This is my son Oliver. Welcome to the neighborhood.”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Niclaus gave a happy laugh at the child’s shenanigans and shook his head. “It’s quite alright, Herr Mathis. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is most appreciated.” He knelt down to Oliver, eyes kind. “I do not think it is appropriate for me to pick you up without your father’s permission, Kind. Perhaps you should ask him how he feels about it?”

[dieselxdaddy-a]

Dadbook Video Chat {Open!}

“HI!!!” Lydia Blake said into the phone with a big smile, “do you like my daddy???” Diesel quickly snatched the phone away from his daughter before she could embarrass him further.  “Hey, sorry about that,” he said, trying to sound completely unruffled, “kids, right?”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Niclaus gave a warm chuckle at the young girl’s antics. “Oh, I understand completely. Aspen does the same thing at times when I foolishly leave my page open in her reach.” His good eye was kind and glittering with a friendly amusement at the situation. “How old is she? Meine Igel is six.”

A small voice could be heard speaking fluently in another tongue in the background. The tone was questioning as the person speaking drew closer. “Just a moment. Aspen wants in my lap.” The brunette went out of view for a moment and a flower-shaped light fixture on his ceiling was shown briefly. When he picked it back up, a blonde little girl with eyes like the German’s good one sat quietly in his lap. Her pale hues held a keen intelligence as she stared into the camera. “Would you like to greet Mr. Blake, Engel?”

Aspen looked up at her father and back at Diesel. She stared at him for a moment before muttering a quiet “Hallo” to him.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: open starter

Niclaus carried in his child’s things, among the last of the boxes in the moving truck. His Igel had fallen asleep on the lawn among the books and toys he’d brought with them to keep her company. Just two more boxes and he’d be able to take a nap with her as well, preferably inside what with the looming storm clouds overhead. 

[niclausvondrake-blog]

This is now an open starter

[mathis-murdock]

“Tsuyoku dakishimete kudasai!” Oliver exclaimed as he led his father down the sidewalk. The six year old was leading his father down the sidewalk on a pair of rollerskates. He didn’t seem to be having any trouble balancing or moving but he still insistently clung to Mathis’ hand. “Hai, hai.” The older man laughed lightly even as he shook his head. “I won’t let go, don’t worry.” 

Letting his gaze drift away, he took notice of a moving truck parked at a nearby house. It’d been awhile since they’d gotten any new faces…which was still so odd to him after the strange influx of neighbors not so long ago. “Papa, new peoples!”

@niclausvondrake

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Niclaus finished placing the rest of the boxes inside and gently scooped up the girl sleeping on the lawn. When he came back outside, he retrieved her quilt and toys before looking up at the sky as a rumble of thunder echoed. “I finished bringing everything inside with time to spare it seems.” His German accent was thick as he spoke to himself.

The five-foot man was buff with burn scars covering what was visible of the left side of his body. His left eye was milky, indicating the very likely possibility that it no longer worked as it should. His beard grew in patches on the burnt side, but was finely-trimmed. He sauntered across the lawn to quickly shut the back hatch of the moving truck. Upon shutting it, he turned and took notice of his neighbors. Niclaus sent them both a sheepish smile and waved with his scarred left hand; an indentation of a wedding ring in the scarred tissue of his ring finger.

@mathis-murdock

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

niclausvondrake:

The stoic man went red as he picked up on Hazuki looking at him. The way his eyes carefully scanned him when the stranger thought he wouldn’t notice seemed to be indicative of interest. From his body language, he was just as nervous as Niclaus was. The bags under his eyes indicated a chronic lack of sleep and the ever-so-faint smell of alcohol suggested a drinking problem. From the subtleties of movement between the man and his daughter, it seemed she was more than aware of both and wanted to help him get better. Tachibana himself had an aura of hopelessness about him, most likely suffering with severe depression which would hinder his attempts to curb his addiction.

Niclaus muttered to himself in German after a moment, closing his eyes and reminding himself to stop profiling random strangers. He sent Hazuki a warm smile before replying. “If it pleases you, Mr. Tachibana. If not, please go inside and have a seat at the kitchen table.”

Not used to being referred to so respectfully outside of Japan, Hazuki blinked owlishly and blushed a little bit. His smile became slightly more confident. After such a long time of being a burden and not doing anything productive with his life, it felt nice to be useful for a change. “Thank you.” Was he grateful for the invitation or for the chance to help? Perhaps both. 

Hazuki picked up one of the boxes and glanced at Niclaus before heading inside. “Ah, where should I put it?” He was about to walk in, but then he noticed Nozomi trying to lift another box. “Hey, you don’t have to– isn’t it a bit too heavy?” He seemed to be genuinely concerned, but his daughter didn’t plan on giving up. “What is too heavy? I’m… fine…” It was obvious that the teenager struggled with the box, but she insisted on carrying it anyway. Hazuki just shook his head, but smiled lightly at his child’s enthusiasm and eagerness to help as well.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

“It is no problem whatsoever, Mr. Tachibana. Just set them beside the door next to the bookshelf.” Niclaus set the box of toys down next to said shelf before gently scooping a sleeping Aspen into one of his arms and deftly picking up the small quilt complete with all her stuffed toys and books. He set her on the couch and put her things in a neat pile on the coffee table. The short man folded the patterned blanket and placed it beside the items before heading back outside to assist Nozomi with the last box. 

“I appreciate your assistance, Frau Tachibana, but I would be unable to live with myself if you hurt yourself.” His voice was kind and respectful as he took the box from her. “Please have a seat at the table. I’ll make tea and lunch after I’ve woken Aspen.” He set the heavy box next to the box of his daughter’s playthings and headed over to the couch.

When the Tachibanas entered the VonDrake’s home, Niclaus’ heritage could be seen in the decorations. Furniture that looked as though it came from rural Germany and kept in excellent condition sat in a room with wine-colored walls. The floor was hardwood, lighter than the wood of the furniture but with a good contrast. An ancient but well-kept rug sat underneath the couch. What appeared to be a wrought-iron fixture shaped like a flower encased the lightbulb in the living room, making the glass look like a bloom of pollen in the center. Fan blades whirred silently over the faux flora, the wood a dark and rich mahogany. The bookshelves and coffee table were made of the same material, carved like trees. A television sat on an end table before the sofa and coffee table, lined against the wall. In the alcove below the tv was a blu-ray and dvd player complete with neatly placed remotes for both devices. Next to it was a case of dvds, all of them were animated movies for children. 

An archway separated the dining room from the living room. This room was painted like an open and sunlit field of grass. The table was made of a dark wood with a rectangular cut. It was surrounded by six cream-colored cushioned chairs with four metal legs on each. A bowl of fresh fruit sat on the table next to an antique candelabra. The lighting for this room was a glass circle made to look like a sun. The kitchen was obscured by double doors painted to match the walls.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: open starter

Niclaus carried in his child’s things, among the last of the boxes in the moving truck. His Igel had fallen asleep on the lawn among the books and toys he’d brought with them to keep her company. Just two more boxes and he’d be able to take a nap with her as well, preferably inside what with the looming storm clouds overhead. 

[niclausvondrake-blog]

This is now an open starter

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

niclausvondrake:

The five-foot but buff man stopped and shifted the box to rest on one arm before bringing his right hand up to hold his index finger over his lips in a quieting gesture before nodding at the blonde little girl sleeping on a quilt. “Aspen is sleeping. Speak softly, please. I am Niclaus VonDrake and Aspen is my daughter. It is a pleasure to meet you both.” The brunette’s words were smothered by a thick German accent that was almost like molasses pouring from his lips as he spoke. He nodded to each of them as he turned to face them fully, showing burn scars down the left side of his face. His left eye was milky in color, surrounded by the reddish scars. His left hand was just as scarred, the indentation of a wedding band burned into his finger. What little of his throat could be seen before his navy turtleneck engulfed it bore the long scar too.

A braided silver ring encased his lower lip. He absentmindedly tugged on it with his teeth before sending them both a nervous grin. His thick brow were bowed with anxiety, hands barely shaking but his posture was tall and confident. “If you’ll allow me just a moment, I’ll bring the last two boxes inside and then you may join my child and I for some tea provided you are willing.”

Hazuki eyed the man, careful not to stare too much. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but he found the scars quite… impressive? Attractive? He wasn’t entirely sure how to put it in words and even felt somewhat bad for feeling this way. Hazuki himself could be described as death on vacation with his black hair, pale complexion and dark circles under his eyes. He really should sleep more and drink less.

While he wasn’t entirely sure about bothering Niclaus right when he’s just moved in, one look from Nozomi was enough to make him agree. After all, he promised his daughter to make friends. Hazuki nodded, smiling faintly. “Of course, w-we would be honored.” How long has it been since he actually talked to anyone other than Nozomi? It felt even more awkward than ever. He anxiously tugged on the sleeve of his black coat. “Ah, do you… need help?” He pointed vaguely at the boxes. The man didn’t look like he needed help at all, but Hazuki was too polite to not offer his assistance.

[niclausvondrake-blog]

The stoic man went red as he picked up on Hazuki looking at him. The way his eyes carefully scanned him when the stranger thought he wouldn’t notice seemed to be indicative of interest. From his body language, he was just as nervous as Niclaus was. The bags under his eyes indicated a chronic lack of sleep and the ever-so-faint smell of alcohol suggested a drinking problem. From the subtleties of movement between the man and his daughter, it seemed she was more than aware of both and wanted to help him get better. Tachibana himself had an aura of hopelessness about him, most likely suffering with severe depression which would hinder his attempts to curb his addiction.

Niclaus muttered to himself in German after a moment, closing his eyes and reminding himself to stop profiling random strangers. He sent Hazuki a warm smile before replying. “If it pleases you, Mr. Tachibana. If not, please go inside and have a seat at the kitchen table.”

[niclausvondrake-blog]

Moving in: a closed starter

@tachibanahazuki

Niclaus carried in his child’s things, among the last of the boxes in the moving truck. His Igel had fallen asleep on the lawn among the books and toys he’d brought with them to keep her company. Just two more boxes and he’d be able to take a nap with her as well, preferably inside what with the looming storm clouds overhead. 

[tachibanahazuki-blog]

It would seem like every time Hazuki goes somewhere, Nozomi is the one who forcibly drags him out of the house. This time she insisted on taking her father for a walk around the neighbourhood. “See? I told you some fresh air would make you feel better,” she stated cheerfully. Hazuki only grumbled something in response, but the teenage girl’s attention already shifted to the man carrying things around. “Oooh~ New neighbors? Hello there! I’m Nozomi.” She offered a smile, then nudged her father with an elbow. “Tōsan, shouldn’t you introduce yourself?”

Hazuki cleared his throat awkwardly and bowed. “Tachibana Hazuki, it’s nice to meet you,” he said with a heavy japanese accent. 

[niclausvondrake-blog]

The five-foot but buff man stopped and shifted the box to rest on one arm before bringing his right hand up to hold his index finger over his lips in a quieting gesture before nodding at the blonde little girl sleeping on a quilt. “Aspen is sleeping. Speak softly, please. I am Niclaus VonDrake and Aspen is my daughter. It is a pleasure to meet you both.” The brunette’s words were smothered by a thick German accent that was almost like molasses pouring from his lips as he spoke. He nodded to each of them as he turned to face them fully, showing burn scars down the left side of his face. His left eye was milky in color, surrounded by the reddish scars. His left hand was just as scarred, the indentation of a wedding band burned into his finger. What little of his throat could be seen before his navy turtleneck engulfed it bore the long scar too.

A braided silver ring encased his lower lip. He absentmindedly tugged on it with his teeth before sending them both a nervous grin. His thick brow were bowed with anxiety, hands barely shaking but his posture was tall and confident. “If you’ll allow me just a moment, I’ll bring the last two boxes inside and then you may join my child and I for some tea provided you are willing.”