Private Finished an unannounced reunion

"She was the one--" Tucker squeezed the bridge of his nose. Figures that she knew he'd be in a place like this at this sort of time. It was kind of like a pattern to him to find hidden places to stay in and he'd figured she of all people would remember. That was fine he guesses, if not a little alarming. Then again, whoever he was hiding from already found him already anyway and he was already tired of their game of tag.

He opted to listen as she spoke, occasionally glancing at the magic circles behind her as she did. Tucker could list a handful of reasons as to why her mother probably didn't talk about it but he probably wouldn't tell the girl if her mother wouldn't. Those would be her problems to tell after all — all he could really offer were guesses. And somehow, he also thinks that "whatever reason" she was referring to involved more than a simple question. Her reasons of keeping this girl in the dark matters still someway but... "Well, it's the least of our priorities at least," he muttered under his breath.

For a few moments, his gaze was fixated on the circles behind her, long enough that it was probably enough for the harpy to notice he'd been looking at something else past her. "You don't really need to do the convincing, honestly," he said, almost absentmindedly as he watched the circles forming inscriptions inside. It was unreadable to most, and barely made any sense to anyone who didn't know what they were looking at. A hand went to his temple rubbing circles on it as he tried to look a little less distraught by things, "Magic signatures don't lie and..." It seemed to take him another few seconds to compose himself fully, "This is enough proof honestly, and I'm really just... This is.... unexpected." Who would have really known he'd be meeting his daughter after at least 20 years later?

She looked happy. God be damned she looked way too happy than he'd be more comfortable with. Tucker had to stop himself from jumping right on the spot when she went to his side, hanging on his arm with a look he wasn't all to pleased to see. Somehow, he liked the sound of "father" better right at this moment. Where was Tamara when he needed her to be nosy about other people?

He was less surprised to be reminded it's been 25 years since he outright broke someone's heart because he freaked out. No one need to know that and thankfully no one does. Tucker schooled a serious look when he'd turned to her, "Aren't you a bit old for that now, daughter of mine?"

Truth be told, he'd gotten used used to telling people Tamara was his daughter, but it sure felt really different when they were actually his. Much less when he's referring to them that way face to face. His eye twitched a little, betraying how much his composure was faltering. "I also don't seem to recall a name."

Tucker could only really sigh at this point, already resigned to... whatever this is. Fatherhood didn't seem any fitting seeing as she's quite old enough to get around by herself (or so he likes to believe). Part of him only hoped that this wouldn't turn out so bad and he didn't have to put up with the situation. That was be... unpleasant.

Though it would have been reflex reaction towards his students, Tucker refrained from ruffling her hair, choosing instead to keep his hands behind him instead. "We'll see how that goes. I can't promise anything," was his response, a tight smile on his expression. He could just.. probably not be too unaccepting — that would only make things difficult than they are.

Tucker kept his composure even as his daughter Valerie grabbed his hand; he would have been more open to this if he weren't reluctant about her. He didn't fulfill her request just yet, taking a moment to wave his free hand to drop the barrier he'd set up earlier.

"Alright then, Valerie," he began, scanning his surrounding for anyone who looked like they were trying to listen in. "I'm not sure if your mother even told you my namme, but I'm going by Tucker Watanabe here now; I would appreciate if you never mention any other name than that," he spoke sternly. Only after he said that did his expression soften a little, "You said you've been looking for five days? I do hope you've been behaving well."

Tucker, if he had to be honest, hadn't predicted any of the events of this. If there was a word to describe his feelings, conflicted was sure one of them, in contrast to the harpy that stood in front of him, who was just absolutely thrilled. He'd known people to have been glad to meet him but never this.

The mage's lips curled into a smile, not any warmer than the ones he'd given her, and the chuckle that went with it seemed almost forced out. He never broke character and kept to himself. He didn't press the topic any further, just not finding any words at all to try and dissuade the girl about how she would address him.

Although, his smile seemed to turn a look critical as Valerie recounted the last few days she spend on the island. "I would applaud how you've managed that somehow but I don't think I can allow you to stay that way," he told her, already decided, though there were still some hesitation in him, he couldn't really imagine knowing she was just out there living like... well, like she was homeless. Tucker breathed out a sigh, "There is still an extra room back home. That is, unless you'd rather stay with--" he inwardly cringed, "with your sister, Tamara."

It might have taken something of an effort for Tucker not to flinch when Valerie squealed. It wasn't even quite a scream but he blames the shock of the situation was putting him a little on edge. Yes, that was certainly the cause. Nothing more. He only smiled at her once she'd quieted down, letting him speak. "You'd have better luck knowing her after you meet. She's older than you," And me, quite honestly, "Not a harpy; she would like you though." Tamara loves lively people as far as he'd known her all these years.

But enough about that... headache of a flashback. Tucker let out a sigh he'd been holding back the whole time. Whether it was of relief or something else he wouldn't give it any further thought. Somehow finding some calm now that Valerie seemed to have composed herself, he let himself pat her on the head, in defeat for the most part rather than genuine acceptance. That would take some more time for him to adjust to.

"I do think there would be more time for that later on then." There were some things he didn't want answers to before but he probably felt like he wanted to know the answers now, seeing Valerie here. She wasn't the only one with questions apparently. Tucker stepped to the side as he withdrew his hand, expecting her to follow after. "We should get you settled then. Is there anything you like before we head back? Something to eat perhaps?"