Flora needed a distraction, she needed to just get out. A flyer was placed in her mailbox about a neighborhood shelter; Barkin’ Bones. They were in need of some volunteers to help celebrated national dog day. She was all for the four legged creatures, deciding to call Iris and see if she wanted to join her.
When Iris picked up the phone she smiled, “Hey, would you like to celebrate national dog day with me? Shelter near me are looking for volunteers and maybe we can get a puppy?” She teased.
When: July 25th 2019
Where: The Rose-Berry Home
Summary: Breeze and Iris talk about fostering kids in need.
Warnings: N/A
@limasiris
BREEZE: As always Iris knocked dinner out of the park. Now both were cleaning up and Breeze decided it was time to lay it all out. “I’ve been thinking about something,” Breeze stopped washing the dish and turned to look at Iris. “I want us to start our family, Risa.” Breeze reached out and cupped her chin, “I put us on hold long enough, I’m ready.”
IRIS: "Hmm and what's that...?" Iris asked absentmindedly, turning to her wife once her voice cut through the quiet of them cleaning up for the night in the kitchen. Even doing chores like this, where nothing much was said between them, Iris comfortably enjoyed Breeze's presence in the same room. She listened to what Breeze had to say next and, although initially a little surprised, truthfully she felt the same. She'd only been putting off this conversation because she didn't know exactly how to bring it up. This was like next-level commitment for them which scared Iris enough as is. Add to that Breeze's risky job and all over the place missions meant that Iris' worries and concerns about parenthood only increased. The last thing she wanted was to do this alone, even if she could. Maybe they should've talked about all this before getting married. "I think we've had each other on hold..." Iris admitted, but looking right into those eyes she could so easily get lost in, she saw Breeze's sincerity. She leaned into her; "But you do?" She asked gently, "I mean seriously because if you do then let's talk about it. For real."
BREEZE: "I do," Breeze used her thumb and brushed Iris’s cheek, "I made a few choices this week, I just didn’t know how to say it.” She led Iris over to the living room so they could sit and talk. “These last few months have been amazing, just being able to spend time with you.” Breeze held onto her hand and smiled, “When we talked last time, you said It wouldn’t be fair to you or to those kids. I didn’t understand then but I understand now.” She was ready to go all-in and be there for Iris and any child, or teen they brought into their home. “My job, it would leave it all on you and that stress- I don’t want you to go through that. We’ve missed out on so much because of my job, a job my heart just isn’t in anymore.” Breeze scooted closer and held onto her hands, “I talked to Bossman, I requested a transfer- which he agreed to. So, I’m at the desk until further notice- leaning towards detective work. I love a good murder mystery,” Breeze mused.
IRIS: Honestly "Oh..." Was the only thing Iris could first think of to say in response to Breeze. It wasn't that she wasn't pleased to hear the readiness in her voice or the reassuring words she was saying, she was, but it was also a lot to process all at once. She'd just basically demoted herself for this, for her and their family, without being prompted or asked - and nothing was guaranteed yet. Slowly but surely Iris began nodding, a small smile appearing across her face. She hadn't taken her eyes off Breeze whilst they sat in silence for a moment. "You're right-" she continued, her voice more emotional than before but still gentle, "This time with you at home has been so great, better than I ever could've thought. We should enjoy it more often and I selfishly can't wait to have you around more." She squeezed the hand she wore the ring on, "But just so you know, I've never once felt like I was missing out on anything with you. I knew we'd have a conversation like this when we both felt the time was right. You really did all that for our future? Shows me how serious you are. I can't think of a better time to start a family with you." She leaned in and kissed her.
BREEZE: "Everything will work out, we're going to be awesome foster parents." Did Breeze have a fear that Iris would reject the idea? Yes, but the kiss put all those worries out the window. Breaking apart she smiled and leaned in and pressed her lips to her forehead, "I'll still have long shifts but I won't be away for months at a time." Breeze hated that about her job, being away from her wife. "I missed a lot, not just with you but with my family. I wasn't there for Rachel when she needed me, her divorce, my great niece's birth." She had major guilt points for that but she knew it couldn't be helped.
IRIS: Iris nodded, of course no one could know that for sure but they should remain hopeful. It would be an experience but if Breeze wanted it and Iris wanted it, they'd go through the ups and downs together. "I can deal with long shifts because I know you'll be safer." She wasn't asking Breeze to give up police work completely, even with all the worry it had caused her and the situations Breeze had been in she would never do that. "Maybe you should talk to Rachel about it?" Iris suggested, "It won't bring back those moments you missed but it might ease your guilt a little. I can tell you feel guilty about missing things with family and that's understandable, I would too but know you couldn't help it at the time. But if you're going to be around more, we'll make sure to be there for them more."
BREEZE: Opening up was hard for Breeze, especially about work. She knew that Rachel would want to know her feelings, so, maybe she would video-call her and they could talk about it? "I'll call her soon and we'll talk," Breeze leaned in again and kissed Iris's lips, these moments helped clear things up in her head. It was all common sense but Breeze normally went in on a whim, she just jumped in headfirst. Iris was able to make sense of things and Breeze benefited from it, "I know some kids who could really use our guidance."
IRIS: "It's just a thought. Never know might do you both some good to talk," Iris continued to try and reassure her. Rachel deserved to know her aunt's feelings, whenever she felt comfortable enough to share them. "Yeah? Already?" She asked after pulling away from the other kiss they'd shared, "Well then let's look into helping them."
BREEZE: "They are older kids, you know how it goes. The older the kids, the least likely they are to get adopted. That was me," Breeze wanted to show these kids they had a chance, tell them not to give up hope. They had a place in this world and a family, "One is a bit of a troublemaker but I know she's a good kid. She's just acting out because she's giving up."
IRIS: Iris couldn't say she understood the teens situations quite the same way Breeze did but Iris had a heart that kept growing in size and hated to think of anyone stuck in a bad situation being made to give up because they felt there was nothing else to do. She wanted to help. "How do we go about giving them a home?"
BREEZE: Breeze got up and went to her office, grabbing a folder and bringing it out to Iris. "I've been gathering things for a while, ever since it became legal for same-sex couples to adopt and foster in Ohio." Breeze smiled and opened the folder on the coffee table. "We need to become certified and get a license, which we need to go through an agency. We just have to show we have all the qualifications and that we can afford to take on kids with our income, make sure they have everything they need. Then depending on the agency, they might want to come out and see the home, make sure it's fit for kids and that we have room. Which we do, so that I'm not worried about that. More assessments, background checks-" She flipped through information packets.
IRIS: "You have?" Iris asked, surprised although it wasn't like Breeze to be unprepared. She flicked through the folder whilst listening to her wife explain the steps they'd need to take. Iris wondered how long the whole fostering process could take in total. "I mean after seeing all your research, I don't see why we can't give fostering a go..."
BREEZE: "Yeah, I told you this was important to me. I've always wanted to foster and adopt, it was such a big part of my life. The Berry's, they saved me." Breeze smiled and wrapped Iris up in a hug, holding her close. "I love you."
IRIS: "I'm glad they did," Iris told her also smiling snuggled in her hug. And she really was. "I love you."
BREEZE: "Me too, I had a great life and I know deep down in my heart- we can give that to those kids." Breeze just held onto her and sighed contently, everything was moving forward. "I promise to make this work, Risa."
IRIS: "So do I," Iris told her. She just rested her head on her shoulder. "I'm also glad we got this all out in the open. Thinking about it now... I don't know what I was so worried about, talking about this with you. Let's do it. It's what these kids deserve."
BREEZE: "You're going to be the best mom in the world." Breeze's hand went up and ran her fingers through Iris's hair. "Your kind, sweet, understanding but you can be firm- it's what they need. That and a whole lot of love," She smiled.
IRIS: Iris smiled, that was another thing she wanted to hear. "So are you. And I'm not just saying that because- you're like the strongest woman I know and I hope any child we bring into our home can look up to that. "
BREEZE: "We're the perfect team and if they get rowdy I can arrest them." She was teasing of course but she said it with such a straight tone. She was sure Iris knew she was joking but she couldn't help it.
IRIS: Iris burst out laughing at that. "Oh my god stop! Wow, way to ruin a moment," she teased.
BREEZE: "The ruiner of moments, that is me." Breeze smirked and placed a kiss on the top of Iris's head. "Come on, let's finish cleaning up and then maybe try and watch a movie and not fall asleep on the couch?" She teased.
IRIS: "Sounds like a good plan to me, Cap." Iris playfully hit her arm and pulled herself off the couch to finish off the chores with her for the night before finally being able to relax now that what had been also playing on her mind was out. It was honestly the small domestic moments and interactions between them that she loved and missed most when they were apart. Luckily that wouldn't be the case so much anymore.
Nervous wasn’t something Adele felt very often, but there was an undeniable apprehension about her as she prepared for Iris to come over. She shouldn’t have been worked up in any way over a movie night, but something just came over the typically collected girl. Ever since she and Iris had met in the building one day, her old friend would resurface in Adele’s mind every once in a while, and she would contemplate how to approach her. Adele was used to leaving people behind, but she’d never had someone come back into her life like this. After all, just because they’d been friends when they were younger didn’t mean they were friends now. They were two lives apart, but something drew Adele to Iris. She didn’t know if it was nostalgia, obligation, or what, but something compelled her to reach out in a way that was very uncharacteristic of her.
Adele busied herself throwing a a few blankets on the couch, making sure the remotes weren't hiding in the couch cushions, and setting out a bottle a wine. It was all said and done, and it still wasn't time or Iris to come over, so she took a seat on the couch, drumming her fingers silently on its arm as she contemplated her situation, reminding herself that it wasn't a fuss at all. She had a bad habit of reading far beyond what was given to her until she was creating scenarios in her head. Adele was glad when Iris's arrival drew her from being engulfed by her thoughts.
Xander felt horrible for walking out on Haylee the night before, but he'd been more than frustrated, even though that wasn't an excuse. Sighing as he pulled up in her driveway, he grabbed the bag full of treats for her and started up towards the house, half hoping everyone else was still sleeping. It was almost dead quiet, and he had a feeling that everyone was probably still hungover, so after he set a bag of fresh muffins and a tray of coffees on the counter for when the others woke up, he headed straight up to Haylee's room and pushed open the door, stepping inside quietly before he shut it gently.
Moving towards where she lay on the bed, he knelt down on the side and set the bag down between them as he reached out and brushed her hair from her face. "Hales?" he chided softly, cupping her chin before he pulled away. Chuckling when she didn't move, he reached in the bag and pulled out a plastic tray of pancakes, waving the still warm treat beneath her nose with a raise of his eyebrows. "I know you're hungry, hungover people are always hungry."
Dust swilled at her ankles, rising in plumes as Selina slipped down from the fire escape, slender legs bending at the knee to steady her fall to the hard concrete below. Chestnut tresses landed silky on her shoulders, and Selina was up within seconds to an upright position, though her back to the wall. Skittish behaviors couldn't be helped. Truly feline in the way she made sure no one was watching her nor following her. One could never be too sure in Gotham, particularly at this hour of night.
Deciding that things were indeed good to go, she took off in the direction of Robinson's Park, wondering if Iris would actually show up. Something told her she would, she struck Selina as an almost too courageous ingenue. Desperately trying to prove herself. It was sort of adorable.
But hell--
if she wanted a story Selina could serve it to her on a platter.
Perhaps not at the caliber or style she was accustomed to, but she was't going to change her patterns to fulfill the needs of another. Heels clicked against the sidewalk as the slender vixen neared the park. There she was, all abundance of curly mahogany and skepticism. Selina's smile altered to something more coquettish before approaching the girl from behind.
"Mm, so you actually came. Tell me, you don't have some hideous death wish do you? I'd really like to avoid getting blood on these shoes. They're new, see. If you're going to run headfirst into trouble perhaps you should give me a finger signal so I know to take a step back."
New shoes, paid for with Doctor Fadinsky's own pocketwatch. It's not like he needed it, he had a very cute secretary with a short skirt to keep his appointments for him.
She deserved a treat every now and then if the likes of him did.
And she was being decidedly condescending as she mocked the other female, considering she herself lived in Gotham. Iris just didn't seem the type able to hold her own in a place like this, but maybe she'd be surprised. Selina so loved to be surprised. Under controlled circumstances of course.
"Lets go then shall we? I have to run a little errand first, hope you don't mind."
The moment she had told him to stop, that he had stepped away from her at the reception, Alex knew he had to do something. With that last brush against her cheek, he had made up his mind to fix this. Fix them. Walking away from her again was the hardest thing he had done, harder than the events that had taken place back in Kansas, yet he did it anyway. He left her there on the dance floor when he could see the cracks in her armor, just barely being held together by her resolve.
He didn't wait until the next morning to put his plans into motion. He left right after making sure the blushing bride and her new groom were all set, an endless stream of apologies for leaving a bit early. But Thea understood, as she always had. It took ages, but by the time the sun was rising the next day, the spot he had picked in the forest was perfect. It was everything he could ever offer Iris and he prayed to a god he no longer believed in that it would be enough.
Hours later, a jittery Alex stood in front of the Vetala's door, calming himself before he raised his hand to knock on the door. His hands were shoved deep in his pockets after he rapped on her door sharply, head bent as he counted the seconds until the door would swing open. He just wanted her back in his arms. Not how she was at the wedding--rigid and cold--but melting against him the way she had a million times before. He wanted her to smell like him again, to tell her of his aches and have her soothe them. He wanted to not wake up every day questioning exactly what the fuck he had done. He wanted the love of his life back. But differently this time. He wanted to do things right this time.
The blonde wasn't really sure about the whole situation, not really. Drake was coming to her place and she really didn't know how to react, and how his dad will react since he was a pastor and everybody knew that a guy like Drake wasn't a nice guy.
Sadly, Iris didn't have another option but follow the rules. She had to prepare Drake for some school play to save him for expulsion. And she was going to do it, whatever it costs. Suddenly she heard someone knocking the door and hoped for her dad to leave her house in a magical way. Iris sighed and walked towards the door, opening it. "Hey."
