Veli followed him to his feet, still trying to love.

"You didn't about kill me."

Noah sighed.

"Either way, I shouldn't'a done it. My own unhappiness shouldn't dictate whether or not you end up braindead."

And whatever Veli was going to say was knocked out of the park by a simple word.

"You're unhappy?"

"Mm," Noah nodded, falling back to lean against the tree.

Oh no.

"Why?" Had he done something that bad?

"Because I feel useless," Noah sighed, entirely sobered, "I sit at a desk, talk to some idiots, eat, sleep, go in for 20 minutes during a launch, come home, sleep. Don't have to pay bills or rent. I'm just...I'm nothing any more. Hate my job, hate my house." He shook his head and closed his eyes.

"I chose smoking over killing myself because of you."

There was obviously a very long thought process involved in Veli's head. And from the look on his face, he didn't like the outcome of those thoughts.

"We can leave." He said softly. "We can go anywhere, do anything, as long as it'll make you happy."

Noah shook his head.

"And go back to being broke? Where I am now is best for us. All I want is a good life for us." 'Us'. As if they were already guaranteed to be together forever.

"No, Noah. What's best for us is to be happy. I'm happy by being around you and having your love." Veli stroked the side of his face. "We can.. I dunno, stay here until you find something else, something that'll make you happy."

Noah shook his head.

"I'll get used to it. Really, I will. I just...need you to keep me from doing stupid shit."

Poor Noah found himself craweld upon and loved.

"I'll do anything, Noah." He said softly, kissing his cheek. "Anything at all, as long as you don't leave me."

"I'll never leave you," Noah smiled, "Not unless you ask me to."

"I won't." Veli assured him, snuzzling. "The only way I'd leave is if you made me."

"I promise I'll only use my power over you to amuse myself," Noah said, sticking his tongue out. Ah, yes, he was in a much better mood now that he'd gotten all of that off his chest.

Veli's head darted forward, catching the tongue lightly between his teeth. He giggled, letting go and giving him a kiss.

"Whatever you want or need, Noah. I'd even dress up like a tart if you wanted to show me off."

"Or you could dress like a tart to please me," Noah laughed, "I don't think I've ever seen yo done up like a manho'."

Veli purred, nuzzling him.

"Anything for you." Whee, shopping!

Oh, Veli was excited. The man beamed and hopped around and looked happier than... Well, just about anything.

"It's been years since I've seen Dad..." He said, grinning and eying the passenger gate expectantly. He turned to Noah after a moment, giving him a squeeze.

"Just to warn you, Dad's a bit... Out there. He's not stupid like me, just kinda eccentric. He's a good guy, though. Raised me after Mom ran out."

Noah just stood still, watching the gate with narrowed eyes. His arms were crossed and he chewed on an hours-long piece of gum, adjusting his bandanna after a moment.

An imposing figure, most assuredly.

Secretly, though, a very nervous one.

Passengers from the flight slowly started to remove themselves. There were several older gentlemen who got off, but none of them drew Veli's attention.

However, he did start to squeal at the first sight of teal hair. Ah, the man drew odd looks, he did, but he didn't seem to care. He didn't appear to be any older than Noah, certainly didn't look old enough to be Veli's father.

But it was he who Veli screamed at. The man blinked, carefully raising one hand in a wave. Looks like wild hair ran in the family.

"DAD!" Ah, Veli sounded happy. He grinned and waved as his father came towards them.

Still Noah just stood, unmoving and silent. Huh. Weird-ass Mermen. He blew a bubble and snapped it under his tongue. Hmmm.

Veli giggled, throwing his arms around his father once he was close enough. His father smiled and squeezed his son, holding him at arms length for a moment.

"You look well." His voice was soft, calm. Veli just beamed. Ah, Daddy. "It must be because of Noah."

"He treats me real good."

The father turned to Noah after a moment of looking at his son, holding out one hand. "I am pleased to meet you. My name is Taavi." He had somewhat odd eyes... And he didn't seem to blink.

And Noah half-grinned, still chewing his gum. Dirty, nervous habit. He took the man's hand and gave it a good, strong shake.

"Pleased t'meet'cha. Noah James."

Taavi was just as cool to the touch as his son. He smiled at Noah, looking to his son after a moment.

"You spoke true. He is very attractive."

"He is!" Veli blushed, but looked happy. He threw one arm around his father, the other around Noah, and gave both a squeeze. Yaaay!

Noah chuckled and allowed himself to be hugged. Okay, this wasn't so bad.

...a bit chilly, but not bad.