solar solstice

❝Good!❞

You never know, though really Ama was the only one he would ever bother with asking. Anyone else... well, if he wanted something he was going to do something about it! Who cared if he was being a bother? Not him. How long was it since he felt so comfortable and at peace? It was always that way when he was with Ama, Akeno got close, but it always felt like there was a barrier in the way. Not 'cause of his partner's fault, but a fault of his own. Always refusing to truly be himself at his core with anyone else, and that was hard to work on- or scary really.

❝I never liked sleepovers.❞

Shaking his head as he readjusts to better look at his brother while they talked, just enough to be comfortable to talk, but not enough to be able to fall asleep.

❝But I guess I always picked the wrong type of people to hangout with, not really a surprise when it went bad. Or when father would refuse to let me go, or would reprimand me when I came back.❞

Really, Amadeus was the same. nobody in the world made him feel this comfortable or at home. Their other brothers were kind to him, sure, but this was different. A part of him felt like the others took pity on him. He was the youngest of the ones they all still were in contact with. The smallest. And with his demeanor, he wouldn't be surprised. Not to Vincent, though - he wasn't an object to pity. He was his brother - his favorite person in the whole world. Or, one of them at least! He didn't mind if Akeno took that spot a bit more.

"I didn't ever go to any."

He'd been such a shy kid, after all. Everything scared him. Made him feel small. It was no surprise his ability manifested the way that it did when he had always been this way.

"I think they would've been fun if I'd had friends- or if it were us. That would've been fun."

❝Nero was certainly easier to deal with when he was six.❞

A well-mannered and tempered child, what changed? An idle musing as he grabs his own glass. Still it was a very fond memory. There were very few times he got to experience true happiness to such a degree, with his emotions numbed down by Death to not cause any "mistakes" it was difficult to reach such a state. But when they got married, when Nero was born, and when he got to see and introduce their son to his baby brother, they were all true joy.

"Children certainly change the older they get."

He remembered those days just as fondly. Even if he'd had to run around after them at times, he'd loved getting to watch the boys grow up. Loved that he felt like a father. Funny, he'd never thought something like that could be his to have due to what he was. What they both were. Yet- the day they were both born... those were among the happiest days of his life. Ones he looked back on fondly. Missed some days, even. He takes his wine glass and swirls the liquid in absently.

❝A lot of it is just reports I need to look over, it's just a matter of being to focus. I haven't gotten to go out in the field lately, it's just piling up, my little doodles don't seem to help as much as getting out does.❞

But reports and paperwork came first, that's really the only downside that came with the promotion years ago. Get an office, get a pay raise, get a new title, get to help more people, but! You don't get to leave that office very often, at least not to go work the cases when they're in the process. Oh, and that most people didn't seem to like that he was younger and unwilling to police what he said.

❝Probably, but it's hard to get a second to talk about anything other than work matters. And when we do see each other after work it's usually at a show, might be kinda weird to pull him aside while he's socializing to ask for how to make the noodles, or where Nao bought them.❞

Just a little.

❝Then again, I have asked him worse things before and after those shows he does. Gigs? Whatever they're called.❞

Like what some of the slang meant, for a queer guy he certainly wasn't that close to the community. Kinda felt bad, and like he was missing out being unable to connect to that side of things, or missing something about himself... There was always the option, but how do you go to someone you work with and ask them questions about yourself?

❝A problem for tomorrow. What do you think? Indian, Korean, that new burger place, or me?❞

"Regardless, I wouldn't mind taking on more of a workload if you want to go out into the field. Some of those reports can be signed off of by either of us."

Anything that she could do to lessen his burden. Her fingers squeeze gently at his arm and she gives him a wisp of a smile.

"Beyond just being your wife, I am your sergeant, too. There are things I can help with within the department. I want to help."

She would do anything if it meant that he had help. That he could be comfortable and feel like he was doing work that mattered. Sure, she had a new partner who she'd accompany to any scenes, but that didn't mean she couldn't take a moment for reports and paperwork, too. She did have to look over some of them anyway.

"I think gigs is what it's referred to as, yes. Unless it is a social event or a party, that is... a kiki if I remember what he said."

Seo-yun is... just as clueless when it comes to this sort of thing. Though, she has a bit more of an excuse given that she had grown up in a military complex. She'd only learned most things from Blake, Nao or Dae-hyun. And even then, she could still forget.

"I believe- oh, you'd like that wouldn't you?"

Her tails wag idly as she presses a kiss to his cheek. The sudden rumbling of her stomach has her looking away quickly, ears flattening against her head.

That wasn't the reaction he had expected, but it only goes to show that his partner really did just like him, not what he could do for him. To be understanding, and know that his brother meant more to him than just about anything and anyone, and never take an upset tone with him over it. Far more than he deserved truth be told. Slightly leaning into contact much like a cat being pet.

❝Nope.❞

A shocking answer from him no doubt, but that didn't even process in his mind. Later on he might recall it and be offput by his own choice, but for now he was excited just to get to spend time with his brother. Scrambling to push aside the many layers of blankets to get up, only holding onto the one on the very bottom to drape around himself as he quickly leaves their bedroom.

Quietly knocking on the still open door to announce himself before tucking his hand back under.

Akeno gives a quiet 'love you' before the other is heading out, his attention now solely on his work. Though - he'd still listen for if either of the twins needed something.

When Vincent makes his way to the spare room, Ama turns to smile up at him and wave him over. The blankets are brought around so there's room for both of them even as he gets beneath a few of them.

"Not yet, no. I have to be up early, but it isn't even ten yet."

And even then, he could function if he went to bed at midnight and just got a nap at some other point in time. He'd much rather his time spent with Vincent, after all. Out of everyone in his life, it was his twin brother who meant the most to him. Nobody else would ever understand him the way Vincent did. Stand up for him and keep company. Even if he fell in love some day - he knew he'd never be without the other.

A quiet "mm" as he nods. Time really kept going despite everything, maybe it was cause he was so old that it felt like it passed by so quickly. It felt like just yesterday that Tatsuya was a baby, and now he was considering which college to try and attend. What would come after that he wondered. If there was anyone to "continue" the family line it'd probably be him, there was a huge doubt in his mind that Nero could ever settle down.

Softly shifting as to not bump heads with Dae, but still enough to look at him with the suggestion. Wine and work, somewhat of a ritual now, wasn't it?

Far be it from him to suddenly change what was ritual. The taller gives a small shrug before releasing his partner if only for a moment. If nothing else, he could just have less that he gave to the other. Given his other job, he didn't have a low tolerance, but he certainly wasn't at Nao's level.

He comes to set the glasses on one of the tables they have on the balcony, pouring them each a glass as he gives a nod along to his words.

It's a tame reaction, borderline barely processed, when she first appears. Not looking up from his papers, no glance at the clock, no smile given to his beloved wife, only mumbled "yeah" as if his mind was elsewhere. It's not until the second appearance that he's seemingly shaken out of his trance, a shiver down his spine as his eyes shoot up to meet hers.

❝What?❞

The question not hanging for even a second before he's speaking again, at least it wasn't a long processing delay this time.

❝No. No, I'm free to go.❞

Putting the few papers he still held onto on the top of the pile on his desk, quickly glancing at the clock on his wall just to net a grimace. When did it get to be night already?

She never fails to find his focus and dedication alluring. Suppose it's one of the many things that she loves about him. Though, if she were asked for a list, she'd never know where to start or where to end it after a certain point in time. She loved him, after all. More than anyone in the entire world.

"Lieutenant?"

Another pass at getting his attention as she waits before it finally seems to click for him.

"Your work always seems to pile up... don't hesitate to lean on me if you need it."

She wraps her arms around his once he's gotten up, her head resting against his arm. She takes a gentle breath, the color in her orb shifting to a lighter pink color as she listens to him.

❝Tatsuya has his campus tour tomorrow morning.❞

A quiet reminder given at the sight of his partner opening to the glass door to their balcony, tucked into a corner surrounded by his plants as the sounds of the nightlife continued below.

❝Nero can't go anymore, something with his work.❞

Not that he believed that entirely. The two of their sons were closer, but he wouldn't be able to even feign surprise if Nero had cancelled solely for his own interests. That was the part about him that really just frustrated him, obsessions were fleeting, but his brother would always be there. Why couldn't he prioritize him instead?

Already annoyed, thinking about it further wouldn't help. Better to let himself remember why he came out on the balcony in the first place, letting the world around them steal his attention.

❝Are you gonna come with us?❞

"That's tomorrow..? Time really has gotten away with me."

He makes his way over to wrap around his partner and rest his head atop of Nao's. Golden eyes scan over the sight of the lights below them. The city that they call home... it's so beautiful and peaceful at night. One could forget that it's a city like any other.

One rife with just as much misery and crime - even if they're trying to get the rate down. Now isn't the time to focus on that, though. Now he can focus on their baby.

"I don't have to be in court tomorrow, so I'd love to come."

Oh, of course Nero would decide he couldn't make it. Whether it was actually work or not didn't matter. Was he not excited for his brother? Dae-hyun rolls his eyes before pressing a kiss to his husband's temple.

So he agreed then! That was enough to make him forget entirely about the chill he was putting on prior. No care at all for acting vain, no need to stay irritated that he was being forced to bed, no need to feel bleh that his brother might get scared. Almost forgetting entirely that his partner was even there, wouldn't be the first time- but maybe the first time where he wasn't entirely pissed off.

There only hangs a single issue, that he couldn't move to stay in that same bedroom with his brother. Not when he had an early morning, considering how hard it was to wake him up at times, and how close he stayed to the other when they used to share a bed time to time. But he could at least visit in there like Akeno asked about.

If he wanted anything to happen..? As if it wasn't Vincent who usually wanted the attention. Akeno rubs at the back of his neck before his arms are crossed over his chest and he gives a gentle shake of his head. Not because he doesn't want to, mind, but more so...

"I don't mind waiting for later. Amadeus doesn't stay over often, and I know that means a lot to you."

The dyr pushes himself off of the wall and moves forward to press a kiss to the side of Vincent's head. It's not unusual for him to just ignore Akeno for something else that has caught his attention - specifically his brother. Regardless, he doesn't mind. Never has. One of his hands rubs at the other's arm before he makes to sit at his desk.

Wait, what. Had he heard her right. She'd really be willing to teach him how to cook. Oh my, oh.....oh my. Quickly shaking his head from side to side when she suggested the recomminations of others. "No no. I would be honored, truly to learn cooking from you." As he knew excellent teachers, but they were professionals. And he was afraid to mess up.

"You're very cute when you get all pink like that, Raha," she chuckles behind her hand. Not the first time she's given gentle tease, nor will it be the last. Not when she really does find those expressions he makes so adorable.

There's a happy wiggle to her ears when he responds positively and she bounces up on her heels. "Oh wonderful! I'll certainly be looking forward to it whenever we've the free time to spare. If you'd like I could just let you know when I'm teaching the boys or we could do something just the two of us." Not like she would judge him if he made a mistake, anyway. Even she still made them from time to time. Savior of Eorzea - still prone to falling flat on her face metaphorically.

I wonder if they're squirrels or maybe they're something more furry and soft?

"Oh? Um, are you not from any of the city states in Eorzea, Miss Jubibi?" Selena asked with a moment of hesitation, not wishing to offend. As a complete outsider to Eorzea and this star, everything still felt alien and the keybearer struggled to connect.

Her attention turns over to the younger at her question. Oh, suppose that she wouldn't know just by looking at her. Lalafells are common enough within Eorzea and the can come from anywhere, after all!

"Oh, no," she shakes her head as she speak, smile widening slightly. Soft and inviting as always. "I was born in the Sharlayan motherland, actually. Shortly after that, my parents made their home in the Holy See, however, so I've never seen it personally."

Not that she minded, though. She knew enough of her culture - both of them - and she had plans to someday see those places. For now, she was content to travel as she always had with her dearest friends and her darling son.

❝Yes, I do.❞

There was no need to make him go home, nevermind what he was thinking about prior for the night- it didn't matter anymore ! He wanted Ama to stay if he was going to be scared on the way back, even if it was an early morning the next day. Better to go when there's light out ? Then maybe he could get up early too, make sure he gets to his car safely himself. Maybe then he could also spend more than an hour with the other outside of work.

Loneliness really, that's what it was, mixed of course with the desire to protect his brother. Sure, he was always home, and most of the time Akeno was there too, but... It was still a hard change he was adjusting to. Quitting work, having no reason really to go out, and it was no secret he didn't really have any friends with the attitude he kept ! And most of all not living at home near his brother, and the rest of them- but they didn't really matter. To go from seeing him every day nearly to every now and then sucked.

"Then I'll go tell him."

He gets up from where he'd been sitting to head out of the room. Thankfully, Ama had just been gathering his things, so letting him know didn't require chasing him down. For as flustered as he gets, the younger does accept and starts putting his stuff back down. He really would rather stay and leave in the morning when it's light out. Despite his abilities, going out at night still terrifies him.

When Akeno comes back to the room, he leans against the doorframe, looking over his partner idly.

"Do you want me to join you now, or would you rather spend a bit more time with him before you both go to sleep?"

"I suppose I should take food off my mind for the time being. Since my stomach sounds like a Behemoth is trying to get out of there." A light laugh did follow his words however. "Also, besides sandwiches i've been interested in exploring other kinds of foods to make." Talking about food again, when he just said he should take it off his mind for the time being.

Jubibi can't help but laugh at the growl of his stomach or how he tries to cover it up with his words. As if changing the subject would make him any less hungry than he already was. Yet, even still, he stays on the topic of food that can be made and she's laughing even more, a hand coming to try and cover her mouth.

"Well, I certainly wouldn't mind teaching you sometime if you'd like," she offers, ears flicking happily. "I've been trying to teach the boys, but with Bunny at least it can be a bit difficult to teach him anything while he's still getting used to being around people." And she certainly wouldn't mind having another student - least of all if that happened to by G'raha. She might especially enjoy his addition to their little classes.

" Mhm, thank you for the tea earlier, Jubibi. Erm, I hope I wasn't much trouble for Hoary Boulder or Courtenault," She answered, laughing awkwardly and feeling her face burn at the reminder, "I've heard that one of them had to carry me off the ship moments before it could set off again after they realized I was still there..."

Her stomach had settled soon after leaving the ship once her feet were set on stable ground. However, as a precaution, the young adventurer remained confined to the Baldesion Annex until this morning. She anxiously scratched her arm.

"Oh, of course, honey. And it's really never any trouble - I think we'd all rather you be feeling alright, honestly." Better that than trying to push through whatever discomfort she was going through. "Truth be told, I'm surprised they didn't take notice of you sooner... I should've been a bit more aware as well, though. For that I must apologize."

She'd been far too busy worrying over what they were doing at the time. It was no excuse for being careless, but at least the younger was alright. She reaches up gently to pat the other's hand, a gentle smile spreading across her features as she does.