Open Drakenhardt Forestier Engagement Party

Roldan did in fact test the mug, heating it up in his hands slowly until the words became visible. He was like a child, immediately ecstatic and grinning from ear to ear as he showed the words off to Celeste. "This is great! The best mug I've ever had, hands down. Better than my limited edition Dragon Cop mug, even."

Hooking the mug over his fingers so that it dangled from his hand, Roldan looked down at Iesha and felt his heart swell up with pride and joy and just absolute love for his daughter. "Thank you, Princess. I - we love the gifts. How did I luck out and end up raising such a sweet and thoughtful kid. huh?"

He opened his arms, radiating warmth both physically and emotionally. "Do you mind if I give you a hug, Iesha?" This was the standard affair at this point, and he didn't even have to think about it anymore. Iesha didn't like to be touched - and that was definitely something he knew she needed therapy for. But regardless of anything else, he had always done his utmost to respect that and not pressure her into affection.

Iesha felt quite proud of herself seeing how much both Roldan and Celeste liked their gifts. It was nothing extravagant but she put a lot of thought into each present and was now reward with her foster parent's praise. The offer of a hug was something Iesha didn't shy away from anymore but she still always appreciated when Roldan gave her forewarning.

"G-glad you both really really like t-the cups! And... and a h-hug from you would be n-nice." said Iesha as she accepted the hug, cautiously wrapping her arms around Roldan. Mid hug, her head turned to Celeste as she peeped out "D-do you...do you want to... ummm... j-join in on the h-hugging too C-celeste?"

Roldan pulled both of his favorite women into a hug, giving them a gentle, loving squeeze and kissing both of them on the forehead. "You both make me really happy, you know that?"

Once he felt like Iesha was ready to end the hug, he let go and slowly got back to his feet, still holding onto his new mug happily. "I've gotta show this to Alex and Titus. Brag about my new favorite mug. I'll be back after a bit. You two have fun."

Giving Iesha a smile and kissing Celeste on the lips, Roldan headed off to find his family members and show off his gift.

Iesha was happy that Celeste joined in on the group hug, perhaps a bit happier than herself as even Iesha could see her holding back the tears of joy.

"T-thanks C-celeste... I'm happy that you thin but... I t-think you the a-a-amazing one... you are just ssso good at e-everything. I t-think I am the l-lucky one here..." Iesha then looks to Roldan, then sheepishly looks back to Celeste and corrects herself "... errr... but I t-think R-roldan is the l-luckier one h-here t-to be with you."

Iesha then tries to look back up Roldan but it was a little hard between being smothered by both Roldan and Celeste.

"A-and I'm really happy t-that you feel happy happy! I think t-they will be sssuper jealous of your n-new cup." said as Iesha Roldan goes off to show everyone his cup, leaving Iesha with just Celeste at the moment.

So this what it felt to be loved again. To have the comfortable warmth of family again. Not to replace but to renew that was lost. She didn't know exactly when it happen between now and moving in with Roldan and now but she was happy for it. And happier still that she could bring a smile to the people she can only see as parents.

"Ummm... C-celeste? I t-think I am g-going to sssay hi to Azure b-but ummm..." Iesha sudden looked nervious, biting her lower lip as she meekly makes her request "... c-can I ask you... sssomething r-real quick?"

"Ummm... w-well..." Iesha twiddled her finger, a bit hesitant to actually say what she wanted to say "... w-would... it be weird if.... ummm... is it okay if... ummm... w-would it be a-alright if... if I c-could call you... m-mom?"

Even as she said it she couldn't help feel apprehensive... worried that Celeste would laugh at her.While she knew Celeste well and knew she would have been overjoyed... part of her still feared that rejection even when it was unwarranted.

"I-its okay if y-you d-dont Misss Celeste!" quickly stammered Iesha in an apologetic tone.

Now she just felt embarrassed and looked over to Azure, thinking about maybe using him as an continent excuse to escape this situation she put herself in.

Oh good she didn't make this weird thought a much relieved Iesha. She returned Celeste's hug back... snuggling up as she warms herself in her comforting grasps. A tear falls from the corner of Iesha's eyes as she realizes how happy she is and understands how loved she truly was. It was good feeling to have someone to call her mom again.

"T-thanks Cel- I mean mom~" said Iesha as she corrects herself. Iesha then peeps over to Azure and looks up to Celeste. "H-hey mom... I'm g-going to sssee h-hi to Azure n-now. Iss that o-okay?"