18005/Meet the Vasquezes!

Meet the Vasquezes!
Date of Scene:	20 May 2024
Location:	Vasquez Home
Synopsis:	Divine meets the family! Breakfast is had!
Cast of Characters:	Billy Batson, Divine, Marie-Ange Colbert, Mary Bromfield

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Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson never had a normal childhood. He missed it at times, recognizing that he grew up too fast and there were experiences that were gone forever. He got past it. His family provided new experiences, as did Shazam. But as quoted in the film Magnolia, you might be through with the past, but it isn't through with you. Take for example a friendly sleepover.He'd always wanted one of those.

When Divine came for dinner and movies, it turned into several movies, and happily, a bit more kissing and cuddling than Billy was led to expect. Cuddling was awkward on his sofa. Divine was a big girl (duh). He thought she was cramped laying down and Billy demonstrated how the sofa opened into a bed. Comfort achieved! There were more movies and talking. There was getting comfy. Then Billy, a mere mortal, finally fell asleep on his first sleepover.

He was sleeping so peacefully he missed the knock on the door as he lay there snuggling Divine's arm.

Divine's ears could hear their approach. "Maybe he isn't home?"

"We told him we were bringing breakfast for him. What would make him run out on that?"

"Maybe he got lucky?" "Victor Francisco Vasquez, get your mind out of the gutter!"

?Girrrrl..." Louder knock.

Divine has posed:
Being curled up on the couch with Billy wasn't always the most comfortable thing, but it was cozy. Still, finding out the couch became a bed? Getting to trade more kisses and having the ability for both of them to be fully stretched out? Divine was a huge fan of this development, even as the hours grew so late they were early and her eyes drifted shut to the sound of Billy's steady breathing in her ear. She sent Emma the mental equivalent of a check-in, just a brief burst of happy-content-sleepy as she rolled onto her side and slipped fully into sleep with Billy cradled carefully but firmly in her arms as the little spoon.

It was some of the best sleep she'd ever gotten, making her grumble and nuzzle her face into the back of Billy's neck as the sound of approaching voices tried to lure her to wakefulness. The first knock was light, and it was almost easy to pretend it wasn't on his door, but the voices had stopped right outside and the mention of breakfast had her stomach growling. The second knock had her easing free, debating between waking him up - it was Billy's apartment, after all - and letting him continue to sleep for a few minutes.

Manners ultimately won out. "Billy," Divine said, shaking his shoulder gently. "Hey. There's someone outside your door with breakfast?"

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson was also happy asleep and in his new role as little spoon. The knocking barely registered if at all. His brain was delightfully fuzzy and concenred with such things as, where he was, with whom and how nice it was to be the little spoon and how sweet Divine's arm felt, muscled yet warm and reassuring. Barely awake he mutters, "Go see who it is and tell 'em come back later before drifting mack to REM sleep. He releases the arm, reluctantly.

Divine has posed:
She let out a low chuckle, leaning in to press a kiss to the side of his temple. "Are you sure? I think they're your Vasquezes. Something about telling you they'd bring breakfast today?" Divine slipped out of the couch-turned-bed with a sigh though, running a hand through sleep-mussed hair and making sure her tank top and borrow shorts were situated and covering everything before padding to the door and opening it on the tail end of another knock. "Good morning," she says around a yawn. "Billy's still asleep."

Billy Batson has posed:
the door opens on a Hispanic couple in their late thirties, early forties, Both of average height, the man stocky with a round face and friendly eyes that open wide to take in Divine. They're both bearing trays covered with tinfoil. The trays smell incredible. The women regains her wits quickly and, she might give Emma some competition in taking charge.

"Good morning, sweetie. I am Rosa and this old man is Victor, Billy's parents. We came with breakfast. We arranged it with Billy. I cooked and made enough for everyone. I am sorry if we are interrupting anything but we went to the trouble of making all this. Could you please wake Billy up and have him speak to us?" Mama Bear smile. Yes, Billy better wake up.

Divine has posed:
Divine nods wide eyes at Ms. Rosa's smile, recognizing it from some of Emma's more maternal moments. "Yes, yes I can do that. You didn't interrupt anything, we fell asleep watching movies last night." She pauses as she starts to turn, hand on the door's knob. "Come in? Please? The smells will probably wake him up."

She turns, leaving the door open for them, and scurries across the room. Divine's agile, especially for a woman of her height and broader build, so watching her scurry like a mouse is probably entertaining. She takes a seat on the edge of the couch, raking her fingers through Billy's hair and leaning in for a cheek kiss. "Wake up, wake up, there's fresh breakfast and your people. Ms. Rosa asked me to wake you up so you could talk to them." She's gentle about it, and then she shakes his shoulder again.

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson opens his eyes, awake nearly as fast as Divine was before. Oh mother flower. Her jerks upright. "I'll stall them you clear the table and pull... Hi Mom. Hi Dad. I kinda forgot about today... we had a late night. Sorry about the mess." He glances over at Divine. Oh yeah, she put on some of the stuff he bought to wear as Shazam, and not nearly enough of it. Unconsciously he puts his arm around her waist, while rubbing at his eyes.

Yes, that will turn back time.

Rosa and Victor enter. She wrinkles her nose as she finds a clear spot on the table. then she says in a very disappointed tone, "I taught you better than this, William. Clear the table. Do you want this young lady to think you were raised by wolves? No I taught you better than that. Now William, please. Oh, get some dishes please."

She smiles at Divine and says, "Sweetie, would you please close up the couch so we can all have room to sit? Thank you. We have fritatas, soft tacos and flan for dessert. Victor.... VICTOR! Get the coffee on." Victor slowly moves to comply, still taking in Divine.

Divine has posed:
Divine grins at the scene, leaning into Billy for a brief moment as instructions are laid out. "Yes Ms. Ro-Vasquez? Ma'am." She's not entirely sure what to call the woman to her face, but she knows some level of politeness and compliance is called for. She folds the blanket neatly and sticks those and the pillows to the side before making quick work of the couch. "I don't know what flan is," she admits as she moves to wash hands and grab plates. She's been here enough times that she's reasonably familiar with where the plates, cups, and silverware are, although she couldn't direct anyone to cooking equipment that wasn't in the open. "I am still learning about foods."

Billy Batson has posed:
Rosa raises and eyebrow, behind Divine but smiles as she turns. She walks over to offer a hug. "This is a very awkward and silly situation. That;s life. So someone as beautiful, strong, and /que alta/ tall as you... must get a lot of stupid people judging you? I say if Billy likes you, I like you. Come here sweetie, I don't bite. I am curious about one thing, you never heard of flan?" Rosa will hug the bejeezus out of Divine if allowed.

Divine has posed:
"No uh.." The hug is unexpected, but nice. Divine is careful as she wraps her arms around the smaller woman, keeping her squeeze very light. "I grew up weird? Sheltered is kinda the right word maybe?" She looks at Billy a little helplessly over Rosa's head. What do they know about the weirdness in the world? "I like learning about new foods so far. Billy's introduced me to shawarma and I found a cart near my job that has halaal chicken? That was very good." Being called beautiful and strong made Divine flush a little pink. "They do, but Emma-mom is teaching me not to react to those people. She says their opinions are unimportant and I don't have to bother with them."

Billy Batson has posed:
Rosa releases the hug. "Billy, Divine is adorable. Is she your girlfriend or a friendly girl... know what not my business. But I will say, take her someplace nice for dinner, Not Friday, you're invited to our house."

Billy is relieved by Rosa's reaction and not being called William anymore. He brings some mugs to his father and indicates the coffee is ready. Twice before pouring it himself.

"This was really only the second thing we'd done together, Mom. But yeah sure. I'll find her a nice place for dinner." He comes over to stand close to Divine.

Divine has posed:
"We're friends and Billy is very cute and sweet," Divine says bluntly. "I don't know about girlfriends yet, but dinner Friday sounds very nice. Maybe you can meet my mom sometime? Coffee? She's busy but she likes to make time to meet my friends." This was a little overwhelming, and she was grateful Billy was keeping close. "He helped me out at work last week. We had some vandals."

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson gives Divine a side hug. then holds a chair for her. "we met at the park at first. I was explaining about that big old tree. We uhhh just really hit it off." He sits down and outs a hand on hers under the table. "She works with the animals at the Bronx Zoo. We're going to video some segments there." Things seem to be calming down...

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Walking up to Billy's apartment was not an entirely abnormal thing. Billy Batson, by way of Mary, had very much become a part of Marie's found family -- an eclectic group if there ever was one, and the only one she really cares to have any contact with.

Seeing the door hanging open, however... is only the slightest bit disconcerting. The redhead looks over towards the brunette walking alongside her, pale fingers tightening ever so slightly on the basket they hold -- she brought pastries, from the bakery, because this is Marie and gift-bringing is a thing she learned. It lasts only a moment, though. Billy's a competent fellow. He's probably just trying to welcome them in some... American way.

Which leaves the poor French girl nonplussed on how to announce her presence for a couple moments, before stopping to the side of the doorway, just in case he's not decent, and lifting up her voice with the intention of being heard inside.

"Allo?" she calls out, "Monsieur Billy? We are arriving as requested. You are there, oui?"

She's pale enough to be a vampire, and won't enter a place without an invitation. It makes one wonder...

Mary Bromfield has posed:
Mary shouts, "And we brought pastries! Including your favorite. Chocolate filled crossaints!" Because well, she knows, and she's not shy about it either, but then again she is the big sister of the family. Though right now she grins and pulls Marie-Ange into the apartment after her, shutting the door behind her.

"And it's about time you had us over together, Billy." She sets her bag down on some convenient counter space, and does a bit of a double take when she sees Divine as well as the Parents. "Oh, hi there!" She pauses, glancing back at Marie-Ange, and flashes her a quick grin.

Billy Batson has posed:
There are kisses and hugs offered, given, received. Billy gets up to hug as well. "Hey there M&M! Uh this is my friend, Divine. She stayed over because we were watching William Castle movies too late. We kind of fell asleep." He tries not to smile too wide. It was a great sleep. He stands beside Divine offering an arm and moral support. Boy, he will owe Divine big after this.

Divine has posed:
Divine blinks at both of them. She's met Marie before, and gives her a smile. "I didn't know you and Billy knew each other," she remarks as she raises her hand in greeting. Her other hand finds Billy's, giving it a squeeze. "It's nice to meet you?" she says to the other woman. "Yes. We're friends." The way she's fused to his side might convey a different story, but she's unaware of it, mostly out of her depth when surrounded by friendly people that are obviously important to Billy. She wants them to like her. It's a pretty new feeling. "We can move the table closer to the couch so everyone can sit down?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
"Mon Dieu!" That's the sound of Marie being tugged through the open door without an invitation, complete with a fair share of redness creeping up to color her skin. "Madame and Monsieur Vasquez, bonjour! Billy, a pleasure as al--"

That's the moment she catches sight of Divine. Green eyes widening in surprise. ...do all of her friends come to Billy's house? First it was Sharon, now Divine? ...what?

After a brief moment to gather herself, process Billy's introduction of Divine, and then Divine's own introduction. Marie, more than willing to Believe What She's Told By Those She Trusts, accepts Billy and Divine's version of the story entirely, regardless of what body language suggests. So, she smiles wide.

"Oh, wonderful! Oui! Billy," Motioning to said Billy, "is the brother of Mary," giving Mary a quick side-hug to indicate who /she/ is. "who... I have certainly talked your ear off about in the past. He is most wonderful." Then, a look over to Mary, and a nod towards Divine. "As is she!"

Then, rather suddenly, the basket is thrust forward. Marie's still recovering from surprise a bit. "Pastry?" It's an open invitation!

Mary Bromfield has posed:
Mary grins and hugs Marie-Ange back, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, "Well, you ate the garlic pasta I cooked last night, so I know you're not a vampire. Quit hiding at the doorway, Marie!" She smiles and seems to accept Marie's verdict that Divine is Good People, and nods, "Yeah, I'm his big sister, Mary Bromfield. Don't believe anything he says about me, unless it's positive." She gives Billy a wry look at that.

"But yeah, we got a lot of different pastries here. Including the chocolate filled ones... also some fruit-filled tarts and a few other things. Pretty good variety, there's a great bakery between our place and here."

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson says, "We're working things out. that's a great idea let me get our shoes out of the way. He spots the skimpy top divine wore last night and sticks it under the couch cushion. he finds his bathrobe and rather belatedly drapes it on Divine's shoulders. He rubs her cheek as he does so and whispers, "Everybody already likes you."

"We were just discussing how we met where Divine works, at the Bronx Zoo, I was trying to help out byt getting a spray paint can away from an elephant I did after a fashion..." He points to one of his trademark red shirts lying on the counter with a green splotch on the chest. "Hmmm we're going to be little crowded."

Divine has posed:
Divine pulls him into her lap without a thought, pressing her cheek into Billy's back. "This works, right? Now there's enough space for everyone, and I've still got a hand free to try the food." Everything smells delicious. She doesn't need to eat much, since she's planning on spending at least part of the day basking in the sun, but she'd like to try at least a few bites of almost everything that's spread out in front of their group. "It's nice to meet you, Mary," she says as she peeks out from Billy's side. "I have. Kind of a sister? She goes by Power Girl."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
"It was so good... how could I not?" Marie replies to Mary, before flashing her a bit of a grin. "Even if Billy has spoken of you in... sibling rivalry?" She's pretty sure that's the term she's heard. "I am quite certain that I have sung your praises more than enough to counteract this, mon amour." she offers playfully. Then, her attention is turned to Billy speaking.

She listens... and midway through Billy's words mouths the word 'zoo?' towards Divine, but generally nods along. Maybe she doesn't want to speak of Emma in front of the Vasquezes? Of course, it has been a while since they last spoke.

Nonetheless, she moves to pull out a seat for Mary... thinking nothing of Divine's unique manner of adjusting for limited seats.

It *does* solve the problem!

When Divine speaks of siblings, though, she quiets a little bit... but only for a moment before she chimes back in, "Oh, oui! I have heard of this Power Girl. You are related?"

Mary Bromfield has posed:
Mary blinks, "Wow, Power Girl? That's super cool, though I imagine Freddy would be the one to get wide-eyed at that." She grins and sits next to Marie, picking up on her queues... it's almost like they've been together for a while now or something.

She grins, "It's a bit nice to be able to work from home, that's for sure. Though I try and make sure that I get out and about now and again. New York is too nice a city /not/ to do that, anyway. Though it must be nice to work at the zoo..."

Divine has posed:
"It is mostly smelly and sweaty, but I know I am helping the animals and sometimes I get to help with food or holding them still so the vet can check them," Divine responds. "She's... yes. I'm her genetic template, and she knows about me now." They had met before her travels, when she was dating Cindy. "It can be awkward, but TV says this is true for most siblings?"

Her arm is wrapped around Billy's waist. It's as warm and comforting as cuddling on the couch has been, and she's pretty sure the smile on her face is going to become permanent at this rate. "Emma has been very good about letting me explore my interests."

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson supplements Dllivine's one handed effort, finding a particularly yummie bit of pastry to feed her and putting a mug of coffee near her. He freezes when she mentions Power Girl.

Rosa wipes her mouth and says, "So you are a superhuman? I'd like to know Billy is safe. He already dated Kid Flash and there was some kind of dust up on a date with her. there was a crazy clown with a giant robot. Shazam even got involved."

Billy looks at Mary and Marie-Ange. They can see him gathering his will to say the word, let Victor and Rosa in on his secret.

He has no idea how the magic lightning would affect Divine. Also it isn't just his secret. He gives Mary a knowing look and sighs. Not now.

Instead he says, "We have precautions. Divine will not expose me to any danger. She'd take a bullet for me... or a bolt of lightning." Small smile.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Divine's talk of her work at the zoo definitely gets Marie's attention. The French girl rather likes animals! Doubly so the ones that purr. "Oh, how lucky! It is good to be able to do something that makes your heart warm in such ways, non?" she asks, smiling. As for siblings? "From what I have seen, this is very true." Marie's only had second-hand experience there.

Billy's not the only one struggling a bit here. Marie's used to keeping her lips sealed about Who She Is and Who They Are, and was intending to do the same for Divine... but then Divine's talking quite openly about Who Divine Is and... well. It makes the balancing act a little more careful.

"Billy will be most safe around Divine." Marie agrees, before turning her attention back over to Mary with a bit of a smile. "I think it is best to explore the city when you do so on your own terms though, non? While I enjoy my work, it is sometimes limiting upon what I can see that I have not seen before..." Because her commute to the Club is the same most every day. She'd get hopelessly lost otherwise.

Mary Bromfield has posed:
Mary nods, "Well, yes, for sure." She gives Billy a bit of a warning look, and does a careful dance around things, as she adds, "And between your work at the club and my streaming, we do pretty well for ourselves these days." She smiles a bit, "Miss Frost definitely helped us get set up together though, so that was really nice of her."

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson catches the look from Mary. He gives a frown. Yes he is aware. All or none. But they're going to have to come clean sometime. He manages to keep his tone light. "You should come out with my for my show sometime. I hike all over the place. Keeps me fit."

Rosa gets up to leave, and Victor takes his cue, shaking Divine's hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Victor."

Rosa yanks him out the door. "Let's let the young people talk, Victor! Bye kids. See you Friday for dinner. Maybe take a nap, Billy."

"Bye guys.... pheeeeeew." He sort of melts onto Divine, then smooths her bed hair down.

Divine has posed:
Divine nods seriously. "I'm part Kryptonian," she confirms. "I will punch anyone that tries to hurt Billy." As Shazam, he can mostly handle himself. As a human... well. He's still surprisingly good at handling other humans, but anything stronger than that will be making their way into orbit. "It was very nice to meet both of you. Thank you for breakfast."