#auburnlaughter

“En.  Though we haven’t talked in a while.  I’d really like to speak with him, now, actually.  Is he home?  Can you call him over for this auntie?”

‟He’s being a brat.” Dante said sunnily, like he was the one that- ‟He’ll love it, I’m sure. Thanks, Maia.” ‟Sure thing, sugar. Enjoy!” She swept off again, and Dante nodded towards the towering concoction of white and pink in front of him. Vergil rolled the spoon between his thumb and fingers, but didn’t try the sundae. ‟Did you expect me?” he asked, unsure whether he found that idea gratifying or irritating.

Kotetsu considered. ‟Want to take these off?” he asked, lifting a hand to brush a fingertip to the corner by one smeared lens. ‟Before we have another mishap?” Bunny pinked a little more, lips turning down, and Kotetsu kissed him again. He jerked back after a moment, startling Kotetsu, but he was grabbing at his glasses as they slid down his nose. ‟Maybe yes.” Bunny said, squeezing his eyes closed for a moment.

The treadmill was so mind-numbingly boring. Nothing to chase, he thought wryly. Another, broader swish and Hilmir’s tail thumped into the floor again. ‟When you run on the treadmill I can nap.” he said loftily. ‟It is far superior.” ‟We could use the exercise.” Ryan reminded, but yawned, fingers delving deeper in Hilmir’s mane.

‟Mum?” ‟Oh! Luke!” Sarah Jane sniffed a little, rubbing her face quickly; probably trying to hide the gesture, Luke assessed, and so he should allow her to think that she had succeeded. People didn’t like their attempted deceptions to be seen through. ‟What are you doing up?” she asked, voice soft. Luke frowned slightly.

Sylvester opened his mouth, then closed it, bowing his head again. ‟You- you said. . . You’ve been so. . .” Julian fought to hide his cringe, and couldn’t quite bring himself to look his own Sire in the eye, either. This was Julian’s fault; Renaud had pointed out there was no need for Sylvester to come to the Court evening - he was well capable of being left alone for a few hours, a night, and even when he hadn’t been, Julian could stay with him and his own lack of appearance was hardly likely to be remarked upon. Not when his Sire sat enthroned above it, to be sure. Julian had been left to remind Renaud several times that he should not skip evenings overseeing the Court to remain home with Sylvester, however much he doted on his new Grand-Childe, but had lost that battle twice. Not that it truly mattered overmuch; Renaud sometimes chose not to appear at his own Court for weeks and months at a time.

Also wrote two more study cards for my Leitner box.