#elsewhere

She pauses to send s quick text back, just a " ❤️ ".

Piper can see Jonas in the bedroom, and slips in to sit quietly on the edge of the foot of the bed.

He's a heavy reader but not that heavy, and he looks up "Oh." A slight unsure expression, not quite a frown. But he bookmarks the page and puts it down...and waits

A lot runs through her head. Wanting to start up the argument again. Point out once more that she's clearly right. That he should be the one coming to her. That this is all his fault.

Finally what she does say is "Jonas, I'm sorry. I don't want us to fight."

Tension eases out of him, not all of it, but she knows him well enough to read it, "I'm sorry too. At the time I thought I had done the right thing. I still do.. May is a powerful dreamer. We want her to have good dreams for a bit. But that... that doesn't mean you're not right that I made a desision that you and Siv should have had a say in. I was hasty in my eagerness to help. It maybe something I need to work on but I'm not really sure how. I did not realize that aspect of me had been worrying you, both of you ,so much"

"If I had stopped to think about it... if you had asked, I think I would have been fine with helping May. Dreamers are important, and like you said, it's just a loan. It was more... we love your giving nature, but... could you try to see our side? If you give so much of yourself away, what is left - not just for us, to be selfish with you, but for your own self? I always hated that book about the Giving Tree, to be honest. You deserve more than to be just a stump."

"I rather liked that book. The tree is noble. Yes, it gives of itself, but perhaps that was its purpose, to give." He considers "Then again... the tree gave only to one boy who became a man. Not all boys and all men. Maybe even the tree had limits. And I should too." Jonas reaches out a hand and takes hers "If I drop a limb now and then, forgive me.... and I will understand that you refuse to let me be a stump."

She squeezes his hand. "And if you can't turn that part of yourself off, I understand... and I wouldn't want you to. I fell in love with you, all of you, and a huge part of that is your generous nature. Just maybe... try to point it in our direction for a while? I think we'll need you more than ever, especially when... you know."

A smile at her midsection, "I know. And .. I CAN be selfish. I hope taht some part of me is in there... since Siv took my form. That maybe I will see a bit of myself in the child along side you and Siv. It's a silly selfish wish, and I'll love the baby no matter who they favor in looks. But it would nice. See? I can be selfish." He kisses her, brief but sweet, "I need to put you, Siv, and the baby first. I just may need a little guidance now and then during it. Thank you for looking out for me. " A look at the time "I thought you'd be at the party by the lake. Did you go there and come back?"

"No, I haven't gone yet. I was talking to Rikki."

"I know you guys don't understand her, but she really is a good friend."

DUBIOUS brow

Another squeeze. "Did you know she has one of the biggest suites in the complex? The 2.5 bedroom ones."

"mmf, not surprised" he observes "But it really is too big for one person. She must struggle to keep it clean" he does not voice his thought of (IF she keeps it clean)

"She said we can trade." Piper drops that in, casually. "More room, for when the babe is here, and at our current rental rate."

Jonas sighs "I know pooka can't help but lie but that was a bit of a cruel one..." Then a cautious look, bordering on the hopeful "Wait. You think she wasn't lying? Why.. why would she do that? If I'm the giving tree she's the kite eating tree"

"I don't think she was lying. You know, some Pooka are everyone's friends, and some have trouble making any friends at all. It's HARD not to be understood. She's a good egg if you give her a chance."

"I gave her a chance once. She fuddled me into thinking I was dressed. I walked around nude for an hour at the appartment complex before it wore off" Grumble.

To be fair, he was NOT nude. He was in his underwear.

And, for some reason, Siv at least, did not tell him off this but just looked proud.

Piper can't help it, she covers a giggle.

A put upon sigh that does nothing to help one stop giggles, but he says "If she's serious.. IF she's serious... I'm not sure we can afford to NOT take her up on it. What do you think?"

Piper flops over to snuggle into his side. "I know you like the idea of the Lodge, but I think this is a great choice. I was thinking.. you know how the Kings - Dagmar's branch - have that home not too far outside of the lodge woodlands? Maybe if we save up, someday we can get a place like that - some years down the line. Eventually, we'll outgrow even a bigger apartment... especially if this nugget comes out blue."

"It maybe sometime before we find out what kith the child might be, and even then it's more likely he or she will be Kinian. And that's great too. I mean, Zane's sister Lydia is a sweet kid." Thoughtful "Is it wrong I kind of hope the bubble will burst in the next five years and housing prices go down?"

"See, that's something to hope for." A smile. "You realize that if we DO take Rikki up on this offer, you're gonna owe her one."

A look at the walls in here "maybe we could put the crib on a shelf HERE and maintain my dignity?" faux hopeful

She snickers. "Now that she knows I asked, she might get us evicted if we say no." Kidding.

"mmph. Fine. I'll owe her. But since I am embracing my selfish side, I may ask some spoiling from you to ease my wounded pride" An actual playful leer

Piper is tempted to dally, but... "I think Siv is waiting for us. If you still feel up for the lake party?"

"More so than before actually" A nod and he kisses her then says "Let's go"

"Polka dots or stripes?"

Still wondering about her bikini options.

"And you can wear the banana one, right?" Ever hopeful.

"Polka dots... and I'll wear the banana one under my shorts which means I will only BRIEFLY be visible above water in them" A compromise offering

She BEAMS! "It's a deal!"

"Siv's gonna wolf whistle, isn't she?" Dryly. Reluctantly he disentangles to change into the aforementioned combo

"You'd be disappointed if she didn't." Piper teases gently.

"mmm" A smile escapes him "You know me too well, Pip Pip"

A snort, and she's off to dress in her suit and a little pullover shrug. "Let's go find Siv, Jonesy." Reminding him that TWO can play at that game.

a deep chuckle at the reminder

And soon, they are 'dressed' and on their way

(End Scene)