For Joseph Patten, Christmas was one of the happier times in his life. It meant he'd be with some family, if only for a while. He was in Florida, with his cousin, Clemens, and his girlfriend, Jennifer. Today, Both Jenny and Clemens had the day off, allowing them to spend the entire day together. Right now, they had the dinner slow-cooking, and were in the living room. Clemens was dressed in a pair of trousers and a jumper, that he could still buy off-the-shelf, though Joseph suspected that he was doing so more out of courtsey to him than out of habit. Still, that was Clemens' decision, not his.
"So. How have thingss been?" Clemens asked him.
"They've improved a lot over in Columbia Falls. The last major obstacle for Molly and George has been cleared, Megan's getting along well, the press have finally cleared out, and it looks like those two are about to start a family of their own." Joseph replied cheerfully.
"Well, that's good to hear." Clemens' mouth forming a stiff smile, the best he could do these days.
"And I have to say, your speech is a lot better now."
"You noticed then? Well, I have been practicing a lot. Still lisp every now and then, but it'ss not too often now."
"And besides. It's part of the charm." Jenny added, snuggling up to Clemens. They really made a cute couple.
This banter continued back and forth for some time, trading stories about what had happened in their respective neck of the woods. After some time though, Joseph needed to ask something.
"Say, I got a question. But, it's kinda awkward."
"Well, what is it?" Both Clemens and Jennifer were curious.
"Well, uuhhmmmm, how is your, relationship going?" He stumbled, sheepishly.
"Oh, that? Very well actually." Clemens replied, choking back a laugh.
"We haven't gone THAT far, obviously. But that's always on the cards." Jenny supplemented the answer.
"Ah." Joseph blushed a little.
"It's true we want to take it further, but I haven't decided if I want the scales myself, and they haven't yet figured a means to prevent it's contageous qualitites." She referred to the Animatrix Serum.
"Not yet. But you can be sure that they're looking into that right now. And with President-Elect Romney, I have a feeling that that is going to receive some serious Federal Funding in the coming years." Clemens responded, noting Romney's rather cooler attitude towards Animatrix in general. Something that may very well have allowed him to clinch the win, though it was other issues that were likely the deciders. In any case, at least it would allow for some new relationships to take place, and maybe allay some of the fears concerning it.
All of which had to wait as they made for the kitchen, since the dinner was now ready. After a couple of minutes preparing the plates, they sat by the table and began to enjoy their meals. Clemens' digestive system prevented him from digesting any food other than meat, so he had the lion's share of the Turkey. Joseph and Jenny having more of the veg to make up. As they went through most of it, some conversation started again.
"So, you said George and Moly were planning on having a family now?" Jennifer asked Joseph.
"Yes, they're looking at having their kids by the Summer." Was Joseph's reply.
"I know that. That'ss why I pulled some information together for them. It should have everything they need." Clemens added. "I knew they'd need the information so I pre-empted them to have it ready as soon as they asked." He added before Joseph could inquire.
"Ah." Was the only thing Joseph could really say to that. The rest of the meal continued in good spirits, as the the cleaning up. It was movies for the rest of the evening, along with some more talk.
Shortly before it was time to sleep though, Clemens had two more things to say.
"Joseph. Two things. Neither me or Jenny are working tomorrow, so I've arrange for you and Jenny to come to where I work tomorrow, a real tour of the place."
"Okay. Thanks." Joseph smiled back to his cousin.
"And the other thing. I got this for George and Molly, but didn't have time to post it. Would you mind taking it with you when you head back?" He was holding a wrapped present, addressed to George and Molly.
"Alright then, I'll make sure they get it."
"Thankss. And nnnow..." He had to stop as he produced a massive yawn. "It's time for me to get some shut-eye." He made for his bedroom which he shared with Jennifer. The door closing before he could see inside, not that he would. He headed for his own room, the guest room that they kept, getting into some nightgear, putting the present next to his suitcase where he wouldn't forget about it, and tucked himself in for a good night's sleep.