Chapter 4
Olimar's Log 1
Boy, I haven't used this thing in forever. Writing journals is normally reserved for adventures, but I don't expect I'll be having any more of those anytime soon, so I guess this is as close as I'll get. Today was quite an interesting day! For starters, Millie said her first words! Before I go into any details, though, I should probably reiterate the amount of time I've been spending with Meta Knight. Since he and I have become friends officially, he's been hanging around me more and, consequentially, Millie too. She's taken a real liking to him. Though he's not one for playing, he does like to engage her in other ways. He'll read to her, talk to her, and sometimes when she lays in his lap and falls asleep, rendering him immobile, he'll doze off too. I think he caters to her learning needs while I cater to her fun time. We've found a good balance this way. But I digress... Because of the time he spends talking to her, her speech has become less babble and more like real words. And today, she finally did it! Her words exactly were "mada nigh", which translates roughly to "Meta Knight". Imagine his surprise! He told me that when he walked into her room and she saw him, she cried his name enthusiastically! I must say I was envious at first that her first word wasn't "dad", but I suppose that one will be next! What was most surprising was Meta Knight's reaction. He ran to tell me immediately, and I saw something most unusual in his eyes; he was excited! I was more surprised at his reaction than anything else. He seemed so happy for the rest of the day, happier than I've ever seen him! Hopefully his time together with Millie will yield more joyful moments for us all! ...if only Buice was here. I have thought of her and Gerali less and less. Is that wrong of me? Perhaps I am moving on too quickly but...I can't let go of these moments I have here now, with Millie and Meta Knight. I can't let sadness overtake the happiness I'm feeling. That wouldn't be fair to anyone. Buice would want me to be happy. And..move on? Right?
..right?
The weekend was hectic, even for Smash Mansion standards. Fighters dashing past, knocking each other over, avoiding eye contact with just about everyone. Most of them were in and out of the house all day, going back and forth to the store, and always returning with their plastic bags wrapped up in their arms like it was an atomic bomb. In the mess of this, Olimar couldn't get Millie to lay down for her nap. Her crawling had evolved to where she was attempting to pull herself up into a standing position. Soon enough she'd be able to walk. The thought never occurred to Olimar, however, as he was too preoccupied with trying to get her to settle down. At times, she'd become frustrated that her father was sabotaging her progress and scream for Meta Knight. This happened so often that the warrior decided to stick around and watch, amused, as Olimar tried again and again to tuck her in. Finally, Millie tired out. Olimar slumped against the crib, tired himself, and wiped his face. "I swear, if that child ever learns to walk I'll never be able to keep track of her. Just think of the turmoil when we'll have to potty train her!" Meta Knight paused. "We?" Olimar jerked his head up immediately, realizing what he'd said. "Oh, I mean..I guess I'm her father so–" "No, you're right, of course I'd help you with that, it's just..I didn't expect you to subconsciously include me in those kinds of things." Olimar blinked. "Now that you mention it, I guess I do...I associate you with us as almost.." "Part of the family?" "Yeah." Silence followed as both smashers mulled it over. "...it doesn't bother you, does it?" Meta Knight chuckled. "Why would it? I feel like I'm a second father to her." "That almost sounds like we're married..." Olimar stood up and moved towards the door, Meta Knight following. Meta Knight turned off the light and closed the door behind him before replying, "You act like it's a bad thing." Olimar looked at him, incredulous, but his expression was unreadable. They stared at each other for a second or two, until Olimar dared to ask what he'd been wondering for a couple weeks now. "Do you think of me in that way?" After the question was out, it seemed to settle heavy on the air. Meta Knight continued to stare at him, his eyes still revealing nothing. Finally, he took a short breath and shook his head. "No." Olimar felt a lump form in his throat. For some odd reason he felt relief and disappointment at the same time. The look on his face must've gave something away, because Meta Knight quickly added, "I have no idea how I feel about you. I don't know how I should feel." Olimar looked at his shoes, not finding any response. What did he mean by that, exactly? Did it have something to do with his wife? Was he just being careful? "I can't tell you what to do, but know this; I care about you. And whatever you choose, I won't resent you for it," he heard himself say. Meta Knight nodded slowly. "Thank you...but does this mean..you feel something for me..?" The question sounded almost..hopeful? Olimar lifted his head to look at him just as the masked warrior flashed his cape around himself and disappeared, not giving him a chance to answer. He was grateful for it; he had no idea what he would've said.
Olimar's Log 2
As it turns out, yesterday was "Valentines Day". Apparently it's an earthling holiday that celebrates love and togetherness, though by the utter dread on most everyone's face, I've come to conclude it's anything but a celebration. It was refreshing to see a bit of young love around the house; Link had given all manner of hastily-bought gifts to Zelda which resulted in a little spat. I suppose it's not always the thought that counts, eh? It reminds me of my wife. Whenever she'd cry, I would buy her jewels. I was never good with words, or expressing my feelings, so buying her things that would put a smile on her face was about all I could do. In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best idea. I worked day in and day out to pay off those debts-part of the reason why I didn't have much time for my family. Which would only make Buice more upset. Which would prompt me to buy more jewels. I dug myself a deep hole that way, but it always seemed to be worth it. Is it worth it still? I can't be sure anymore. Ah, anyway, I saw a few unexpected loves blossom yesterday. Mario and Peach were no surprise, but I saw Snake try to talk to Samus for the first time in a while. She'd always turned him down, and this time was no different, but I did notice a slight smile on her face. It must feel nice that someone at least thought of you on such a day. I also saw several of the children passing out cards and candy. I got a few myself. What I remember most is the excitement in the little Link's eyes as he pushed a pink envelope at me, waiting for me to thank him before he scurried off. He reminds me so much of Gerali... I froze up for a whole minute after he'd gone, recalling the last envelope I'd received, which was irrational and a bit rude of me. I still have a deep-seated fear of more bad news. But finally I got a hold of myself and opened it.
Deer Ollie,
We know ur lonly but nobudy shud be alone on valintimes day. So if u need a hug or kiss (on the chek) were here 4 u!
Luv, Link (kid Link not grown up Link) and Lucas
I almost started crying right then and there. And here I thought nobody cared about me. These sweet little boys took time out of their day to do something nice for me, for everyone! Maybe it's time I start integrating myself more. I try not to remind myself of this, but I would have nowhere to go without them. Perhaps it's time to show some gratitude. I mean, there's no harm in it, right? I wonder what I should do. Buy them all presents? Prepare a speech? Throw a party? Well, whatever I do, I can't do it alone. I wonder if Meta Knight is comfortable talking with me after yesterday...
