Ch 13: Living Together

Serena's POV

So it has been almost 2 months since we decided to adopt the children, and being a family. Me and Valerie always go to the orphanage to spend some time with the kids, and surprisingly, we're actually doing good.

We played with the kids, after that we'll buy the kids' necessities, and have them delivered to our house, we also bought new furniture and other things for the house. Oh and we also bought things for us.

Actually, I got the house rebuilt. The house was too small for 2 adults, and 2 children. Valerie volunteered to rebuild the house, I gave her the okay and she started rebuilding the house. I expected her to finish it within a month, but what I didn't expect is that... SHE'LL GET IT DONE WITHIN A WEEK.

Like sheesh, are you even human? Okay, I know what you guys are going to say, "but isn't it surprising, if she finished it within a month?" Nay, she's a hunter. One of the top hunters at that.. that was a normal deduction.

Anyway, while she was rebuilding the house. I slept at a nearby hotel, just next to the orphanage. So that I can see the kids much sooner. Even though the house is already done, I still still slept in the hotel. We planned to go there all together after the adoption process is over, as a whole family.

Through my careful observation about them, I can carefully deduce what their personalities are. First off, Valerie though she looks intimidating with her confident posture and sharp gaze, she is actually a softie at heart.

To the children and me, Valerie is a loving and devoted presence, always ready to offer support, affection, and encouragement. Her tough exterior hides a deep well of tenderness, and while she may seem unapproachable to others, she is a gentle, protective force within the family, always putting us first with unwavering love.

How'd I know she was like that? Well she knows all the rules one must uphold in a relationship, she gives the best things she can collect to us, searching for things we might need in the future.

Of course, not all of our memories were happy. Well even in another world, homophobia is still severe as ever. Still, if we encounter people like that, she isn't afraid to reassure me, and teach Rodan about our situation.

Now on to Rodan. Rodan is a kind-hearted and cheerful boy with an infectious optimism. His bright smile and positive attitude light up any room he enters. Despite his past, he remains a deeply caring and protective individual, especially toward us, his mothers and his little sister.

He looks out for us with unwavering devotion, always putting our well-being above his own. His natural instinct to protect those he loves, combined with his gentle nature, makes him both a comforting presence and a fierce guardian for our family.

How'd I know this? Well there was a kid who kept talking shits behind our backs we let it be because it's just a kid. Like, come on. We're annoyed but it's not like we can beat up a kid, right? Rodan however, didn't hesitate to confront the kid, telling that our family is very normal, and having 2 mothers isn't something he should be ashamed about.

He lectured the kid about the things he learned from his mom (Valerie), and now they're like buddies. Though it started on a not so good start, they are currently standing strong. Though what was surprising was that, the said friend of Rodan was the original MC! I know, unbelievable right?? Anyway, he's not the main focus so, let's get back to what we're discussing.

When he sees that both me and Valerie are tired from work, he'll take charge of taking care of his younger sibling. Forcing us not to do anything and just relax. A mature and also childish kid, why? Because at first, he was really hesitant to call is mom and mommy, because he felt he wasn't worthy at all.

Though we reassured him, he insisted that he wasn't worthy. We didn't force him, we trusted him that he'll wake up on his own misunderstanding and we were right. Just last week, he finally called us mom and mommy! That memory still brings tears to my eyes.

Finally Cristina, the family's tiny, radiant 2-month-old baby whose presence brings immense joy to our family. With her innocent smile and wide, curious eyes, she fills the hearts of her family with love and warmth.

Though she's still so small, her cheerful coos and gentle movements are enough to light up our world, and her pure, untainted joy reminds us daily of the beauty in life's simple moments.

Cristina is the heart of the family, a little bundle of happiness who brings an undeniable sense of hope and wonder wherever she goes.

I don't have to explain this, right? Good, anyway. I'm currently putting Crissy to sleep, while Val (Valerie) and Ro (Rodan) are outside playing tag and hide n' seek with the other children.

*Knock knock* "Can I come in, Ms. Bellus?" Hearing a familiar voice, I granted the matron permission.

"Oh yes, you certainly can." Seeing her radiant smile, I knew something was up.

"Here's the documents about the kids Ms. Bellus. Rodan and Cristina are officially your kids!" She whisper-shouted.

"Wait, really?!" I heard a loud shout, it was Ro's voice, and there I saw him and Val looking completely shocked.

Laughing at their faces I scolded Ro, "Now, now Ro. Crissy just fell asleep." Ro noticing his mistake, covered his mouth and muttered a quiet apology.

"Sorry, Mommy." Val carried him on her right arm, and they approached us. "Thank you for all of your help Ma'am." Val started, and the rest of us followed.

After the matron left, Val's other hand wrapped around my shoulder, and then hugged us all. "We're finally an official family." Haha... This girl, she must've been the most worried out of all of us.

*The almighty being said, "Took you long enough".*

Come on! Why do you have to ruin the mood! Also! This shitty system. This shitty system didn't give me quests at all! It's like useless garbage!

*HEY! JUST HURRY UP AND LIVE TOGETHER! I'LL SEND YOU THOUSANDS OF QUEST*

Okay, I'm just going to ignore that.

*DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME, HOST!*

ARE IGNORE ME, HOST!*

"Mommy, Mom. Does that mean we're all Ignis now?!", Ro whisper-shouted. "No, not yet." Val answered, bewildered Ro asked why, and who's still not an Ignis. "Why?? Mom, who's not an Ignis?" He whined, cutely. 'My precious boy!!'

"Well.. that'll be me." I saw his eyes widening at the revelation, and he rapidly asked me questions. "Why, Mommy?? Don't you love us?? Don't you love Mom??" Me and Val burst out of laughter, and he pouted.

"Well.. Mommy does love us all, but Mommy and Mom aren't married yet." Val answered Ro's naive question. "Why are you guys not married yet??" As if having a big brain moment, Ro asked.

"Well.. it's because we plan to have the wedding in December." I answered him, while placing Cristina in the crib.

"But Mommy, that'll be 7 months later!" Val put him down, and he rushed at me. "Wait patiently, my dear. Look Mom's not rushing Mommy, did Mom teach you to rush things?" He hugged my waist, and answered no.

"Then, be a good boy and wait till December, okay?" He nodded, and then asked me to carry him. "Mommy, I'm sleepy." Picking him up, I started cradling him to sleep.

==================================

After placing Ro to his bed, we quietly left the orphanage. "It's getting late, should we head back to the hotel?" I asked Val, she nodded and we walked for a few minutes before reaching the hotel.

"You should wash up first, I'll train my swordsmanship for a bit." I heard Val said. Not wasting anymore time, I grabbed my toiletries and went to take a bath.

==================================

"Val! I'm done. You can use the bathroom now." I yelled across the hall, "Roger that, Wife." Shaking my head at her antics, I left the room to prepare our dinner.

Why am I living with Val, you ask? Well.. we're going to live in the same house, with the kids. If the kids find out their parents sleep in separate rooms, won't they make a crazy assumption that we're not on good terms?

That's why, we decided to live together. To get used to each other's presence, am I regretting it? No. I mean?? Imagine, every time you wake up and you see such a beautiful woman beside you, hugging your waist and all that. Won't you..? *Ehem" fall?

Though her looks did help with the falling process, her personality and the way she treats me and the kids are top tier. So yeah, we decided to take things slow. Just hugging, kiss on the cheeks/foreheads, dates, all that shit.

As I was cutting potatoes, I felt someone's hand wrapping around my waist, and that "someone's" head resting on my shoulder. "What are you going to cook, hon?" She asked.

"I'm trying something new, today. Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Vegetables!" I told her. Tapping her arms, to tell her to wait at the dining area.

I started seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Searing the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, for about 5-6 minutes per side. I set it aside for now, and focused on another step.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. I added chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Be sure to stir it well to combine.

I returned the chicken to the skillet covered it, and I'll let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

Moving on to the mashed potatoes, I started by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until tender. 'Oh, it's done'. Make sure to drain well guys!

Then, we'll move on to the vegetables.

I started steaming the broccoli and carrots until tender, about 5-7 minutes. After that, I sprinkled it with salt and pepper.

We're almost done!

Serving the chicken breasts topped with creamy garlic sauce, I also add a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables.

And voila! Dinner served!

"Dig in, hon." I told her, without wasting any second, she was eating the food I gave her. "As expected of you, hon! It's good!" She smiled and looked at me.

"Is that so? Then I'm glad." I too then started eating. After our hearty meal, we prepared to rest for the night. After kissing each other's forehead and saying our goodnight, we were off to dreamland.