#franklin ward

[unteriors]

Karaka, Auckland, New Zealand.

[thenimetu]

Time flew by. One minute you're at the hospital delivering a baby, the next you're a grown adult and have a babbling infant in your arms.

Hendrik received all the love an attention he could ever want. His aunt came by often, and every once in a while Kya managed to make Torben show up as well, he wasn't too happy to be dragged along but didn't seem to mind that everybody could tell. So in order to avoid awkward conversations they mostly got busy playing various games (which everyone else considered quality time spent with the family).

Occasionally however the topic of family planning would inevitably come up, seeing as everybody was getting older. Luisa and Franklin proclaimed they definitely wanted another baby, at which point Kya glanced sideways at Torben - who said nothing in response. Franklin's sister had previously informed him that she was hoping to be start a famiily of her own as well, and it seemed like they weren't quite on the same page.

[thenimetu]

To nobody's surprise it didn't take long until Luisa was pregnant. At that point she quit her job at the art gallery and started freelancing. She'd still occasionally keep her favorites and hang them around the house, but most were sold to private buyers.

Soon it was time for their baby shower, Kya was especially excited to become an aunt.

[thenimetu]

The house was pretty much perfect for them. It even had enough room for a small painting area in their living room, which Luisa much enjoyed. That way, they were able to spend time together when Franklin listened to music or got busy in the kitchen.

The painting area wasn't quite the outdoor space she was used to, but it was way better than was she'd had at her own home before. It didn't take long until every room was decorated in her paintings, so she started selling her artwork. Life was great.

[thenimetu]

They went on a couple more dates, some nights he even stayed over at her place after. Luisa loved Franklin's company. He was funny and charming and everything she could have hoped for in a parnter. A true family man, genuinely happy for his sister who was soon to be married, even though it was turning his life upside down. Over dinner, he'd told her about his appointments with the realtor and how there was finally a place he was considering.

"Oh that's so great to hear!", she sad, visibly relieved they wouldn't have to hang out solely at her place anymore. Luisa and Kya had become friends, but her house just wasn't big enough for two couples to spend their day there without them tripping over each other. Franklin chuckled at her enthusiasm and looked at her for a moment before asking "I was actually wondering how you'd feel about maybe moving in with me?"

She blinked in surprise, grinning "you really mean that?" Nodding in affirmation, he immediately went into a lengthy explanation of how it was a great neighborhood and had enough room for the both of them and then some. Definitely more room than either of them had right now. But she hadn't needed any convincing. Some people might argue it was too soon for them to take this step, but she was excited.

[thenimetu]

"So what do we think?", his realtor Mrs. Pepper asked. They had been touring houses for weeks and it seemed she was getting impatient with him. In his mind he'd already narrowed his selection down to two options: an apartment in the art district of San Myshuno, which he was sure Luisa would appreciate, or San Sequoia which had appeal as it was urban yet cozy with lots of natural light.

He realized he was making this decision very much with Luisa in mind - they had been spending every other day together since finally opening to to each other. They hadn't talked about exclusivity yet but if he was thinking about making a home with her, he might as well address the elephant in the room. "I'll get back to you soon, thanks for your time, as always."

Where do they move?

San Myshuno

San Sequoia

Voting ended onAug 13, 2024

[thenimetu]

Their date was a little bit unconventional, but Luisa didn't mind. She must have mentioned liking Yoga at some point, so Franklin took her to a Spa in Newcrest. He even humored her by joining a class.

That they they both learned how immobile he was, and had a good laugh about it. They rewarded themselves by getting massages and soaking their feet.

"I don't think I could be any more relaxed than I am right now", Luisa sighed happily. "I'm glad to hear it, but I'd like to prove you wrong", he said with a playful glint in his eye. She grinned and allowed him to lead her up a flight of stairs, with smaller rooms on each side. He prompted her to pick a door any door and she surprised him by choosing the second to the left without hesitating. But it's not like it would have mattered which room she'd pick. They all led to a small private sauna.

[thenimetu]

When Luisa arrived Franklin ushered her straight towards the kitchen. She'd barely gotten to say a word beyond an awkward greeting, wheras words tumbled out of his mouth as if he were afraid she'd yell at him if she got a word in. It gave her an odd satisfaction.

Whatever Franklin had prepared smelled to good for Luisa to keep on her practiced poker face. He served food like a gentleman, and the moment Luisa picked up her fork he finally good to the turning point. "I know I should have told you this, but it's kind of embarassing. I live with my sister you know? Kya. I've been looking for my own place but haven't really found anything yet. So uh, there's that."

Luisa took her time responding, taking a bite first. (He really was a great cook!) "So, you're telling me your sister gave you a ride to our non-date, and then y'all had to go home because your kitchen was actually on fire?"

"Well not so much on fire as lightly singed. Torben, that's Kya'a fiancé, is useless if you ask me, and I actually can't wait to not have to be around him anymore. I don't think he's a good person and he's not good enough for Kya by far, but she seems to love him so I just want to get out of their hair."

His explanation seemed reasonable enough. But she still didn't know how he felt about her, and wasn't entirely sure how to broach the subject.

By the time they'd finished their dinner they were chatting casually and eventually relocated to the living room. Franklin went into more detail about his relationship with his sister and how family mattered to him. They both wondered how it was possible that he'd never brought up Kya before, but it was water under the bridge at that point.

Time flew by, and at some point it was Franklin who said what Luisa had been waiting to hear. "Again, I'm so sorry. I really do want to make it up to you. Maybe go on an actual date. If that's what you'd also like? I swear I'm not seeing anybody else."

With that, it was settled.