Mama knows best

[histemptation]

[If there was a time to take on the position of a mother figure, now was better than never. EVA had naturally been broody for quite a while, and maintaining a close relationship with John had only heightened her desire to take her stance as a lover and a parent. To meet John's sons had been a pleasant enough experience and she had promised the boys

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[mnotacomputer]

[Hal had never gone camping in his life, so when James mentioned it, he was excited, but nervous. Sleeping outside? But what if there were wild animals?]

[Of course he couldn't let his friend down so when James arrived at the jungle room, there was a little Hal following along behind him.]

[lilquid]

[James arrives with a duffel bag, toting it along as well as his good pal Hal. Not that he would ever say it outloud, but he feels a little better about going on this trip with his friend around. He's spoken with EVA once but is still a little wary of her, particularly if she's anything like his father from his world.]

[But maybe this trip will make him trust her more. He turns back to look at Hal and shouts to him.]

Come on, we're late!

[mnotacomputer]

[Hal was dragging along his own duffel bag. He didn't know what you were supposed to bring to a camping trip so he mostly brought clothes and marshmallows 8D]

I-I'm coming!

[As they entered the jungle room, Hal was feeling more unsure about this. It looked so scary.]

[histemptation]

[EVA was waiting patiently for the other boys to arrive. She watched as the boys traipsed their way into the room and gave a gentle wave to them both.]

There you are~

[She proceeded to crouch down to be at the same level as them both. As she did, her eyes drifted over to the other boy beside her son.]

You must be Hal.

[mnotacomputer]

[Hal couldn't help but shrink back a little when the pretty lady addressed him. He didn't know much about who they were going on this little camping trip with, and he feeling a little shy. Good thing he didn't actually see EVA's evil alternate murder him.]

Y-yeah...

[Oh right, don't forget his manners.]

I-It's nice to meet you.

[histemptation]

[She extended her hand to him, showing that she was not a threat. Especially not towards children.]

It's nice to meet you, too. My name is EVA.

[lilquid]

[James stood there, looking in a different direction at the trees instead of at his... mother. He hadn't been in this room in a while, but it almost felt like home in a way.]

[histemptation]

Don't I at least get a hello?

[The spy gazed at James expectantly.]

[lilquid]

[He crosses his arms over his chest and looks to her warily.]

... Hello.

[mnotacomputer]

[Hal nudged his friend a little.]

James, y-you should be nice to your mom.

[lilquid]

[His gaze shifts to Hal at the nudge.]

I said "hello," didn't I?

[histemptation]

[EVA rose to her feet after a moment and hooked her thumb around the strap of her basket. She looked out towards the jungle, having already figured out the route to take.]

[She then handed both Hal and James a walkie-talkie each.]

If we get split up, this is the quickest way to get back in contact with everybody.

We're going to make our way to the lake to the far north-west corner of the room. Are you equipped with a knife?

[worldpresident]

[Solidus joins the group quickly.]

James, Hal, look! I've got my Snake Arms back!

[After all, last time he'd seen either of them he'd only had his little boy arms.]

[lilquid]

[James shook his head at the question EVA asked.]

I don't have a knife, I have my fists.

[Granted, he'd never taken on a snake with his bare hands, but he was willing to try. His mood seemed to improve a bit when he saw his little brother approaching.]

...

[Rather excitedly, he whispered into George's ear.]

Now you can steal twice as many cookies!

[worldpresident]

[He grins and nods enthusiastically.]

Yeah! As long as Daddy doesn't catch me...

[He hasn't been "outdoors" in a while; he's nearly bouncing with excitement.]

[histemptation]

[EVA extends her hand to George, offering him a walkie-talkie as well. She then hands Liquid a smaller survival knife.]

This is in case you need to defend yourself, or Hal.

[They were children but they needed to defend themselves. It was better to be equipped with a defense weapon rather than go in without anything to protect them.]

[She keeps her eye open for John, assuming he will turn up sooner or later.]

Are we all ready?