Northstar Vale A new reason to smile.

Forced --? No, I'd never let that happen. She replied, sharp as a whip, only to realize what that sounded like. She hadn't meant to compare herself with Reiko or their similar-but-different situation; Reiko had not asked for it to happen, she hadn't let anything transpire, it had been forced upon her by a lesser man than the one she cared for. Hearing her blunder caused her ears to slant back, and her expression to turn apologetic; but already Reiko was moving on.

What do you want if you're pregnant?

What an odd question. What did Reiko expect her to do? If she was pregnant then that was that, her life was over and the family she always wanted - granted she'd wanted it later on in life - was soon to become a reality. Maybe these children would be a stronger constant than her parents, or her brother, and never ever ever leave her. It was a desperate wish that did not soothe any of Ibis' growing nerves. But what to do - ? Was her friend advocating for something unthinkable?

I want a family. I feel I have one here, with you. Pairing that with her admission that her encountered had not been gender-specific made it sound like -- well, they'd make a cute couple, but it hadn't really crossed Ibis' mind yet that Reiko might swing that way. It was another slip of the tongue. You know I've always wanted my loved ones close. I'm always thinking about Okeanos coming home, or my mothers visiting, and... Having these kids, I might have a real shot at a family and the happiness that comes along with it. If I am pregnant, then I'll be their mom. I'll do my very best for them.