( &&. OMNIS LACRIMA )

Nikolai chuckled, bringing the feline closer to his chest as he took some steps back. “Sorry,” he smiled slightly. “You gonna tell on me, pops? Well--not exactly. Unless you count fish. Which, by the way, I decided I’m not put out for. He’s just been wandering around here for a while. I’ve fed him for a little while so he’s warmed up to me by this point.”

“Really? That’s new. Your family always seemed like more of dog people.” But really he was just judging from Grace’s shining enthusiasm and everlasting energy. He scoot closer to the blonde, extending his arms slightly for the other to take the kitten from him. “He’s very playful as you may or may not be able to tell.”

He remained quiet in thought for a few seconds, before olive hues turned to look at the brunette. “Probably, yes. Though I’m not sure my father would be very fond of it.” Not by desire, of course. “Are you basing your judgement off all the dead plants I’ve tried to keep alive? It ain’t easy, you know.”

“Found a cat,” he smiled slightly at the thought. It was a furry grey medium-sized kitten wrapped around his arms. His hands were engraved with scratches of various sizes and depths, but he didn’t mind. “Though I suppose it’s a bit late for that, huh.”

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“мамочка,” there’s tenderness in his tone as he speaks, the edges of his lips curving swiftly into a smile at the sight of the female. “Since I am the number one man in your life--perhaps even the most handsome and talented, if I may propose--I decided I should visit you on this very special day. Very big news, by the way. You’ll finally be getting that grandkid you always dreamed of. At last--a бабушка.” There’s a gold bottle in his hands--white wine--and on his arm, a pink bag with balloons strapped on it. He lifted the bottle slightly. “We named him alcohol.”  @natrcmancff

“Well, I never turn down free food.” He shrugged. “Who’s bright idea was it to make fifty cookies? Or did ya do it on purpose? You don’t find a lot of those people.”

“Hmm--” He hummed, looking down at the floor. He had succeeded in not following his friend’s advice, that’s for sure. “I’ve a feeling it’s too late.” Nikolai lifted his now wet shoe to move it to a dry area. “It’s enough to keep things interesting, don’t you think?”

Nikolai stayed quiet for a moment, looking down at the floor with a crooked smile. A sigh emerged from his lips. “Harsh reality is that as long as you live you will suffer.” He admitted, before looking back up at his sister. “We can’t deal with her on our own.”

“I guess they forgot to mention that.” He muttered, looking down thoughtfully. “Besides that, how ya been?”

“Hmm,” he snorted. “I think my definition of funny differs from a lot of people’s. I probably shouldn’t be laughing.” Nikolai shrugged. He most definitely didn’t find it funny, rather he was deeply concerned and unsure of how to handle the situation next. “My sister’s had a cat fight. Little M went berserk, we think that...” He paused, biting his lower lip. “Adriana said her eyes looked empty when they fought. She didn’t even hesitate. I wasn’t there, so I can’t add anything on that.”

“Well I’m ready to cringe if you remember any in particular. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anybody on campus tell me shitty puns. Well, maybe Trevor, but--he’s a bit of a dork. It’s a given, really.”