#merrygoods

Aldric scratched at the back of his head. He was certainly nervous.

“…Do you think you make mama happy?”

He’s going to stand in silence while waiting for the merchant to answer.

Tortus sat there for a long time. The once enthusiastic smile on his face slowly melted into a frown. His brows knitting together, and at one point he wasn’t looking at Aldric. His head turned downward. 

Did he make Ruvius happy? 

One of the people he held dearest to him. The love of his life. While Tortus didn’t not think about how Ruvius felt, he wasn’t quite sure if it sank in until Aldric had said those very words. Ruvius couldn’t be unhappy... could he? 

Ruvius wasn’t really capable of hiding much from Tortus, but... What if Ruvius didn’t know just how unhappy he was? What if... There was something Tortus was missing in their blissful times together? Tortus slowly rubbed his cheek, to burying his face in his hands. Those hands then smoothed back his hair; grabbing fistfulls. Aldric’s presence forgotten for a few seconds as he stayed like that; Still as a statue. 

He slowly gained his composure again, smiling at Adric, though it was so fake even the kid could see it. 

“...I’m... Sure your mother is happy.” No he wasn’t. 

@merry-goods

Rose hardly had a chance to formulate an answer before she was being dragged to the cottage.

"Lulu, is this new friend another friend you shouldn't have brought home?" She knew her niece had a habit of bringing home animals that should stay outside...

Ruvius grinned, showing off his many sharp teeth. He sunk his claws into the mattress as he moved a bit to get into a crouched position, much like a cat.

His tail swayed back and forth excitedly.

“If you throw me, then am I allowed to throw myself at you, dear?”

Oh. That wasn’t What he thought was going to happen. Tortus slowly backed up; A nervous grin spread across his face. If Ruvius jumped on him, that was probably going to hurt, a lot. Tortus wasn’t even sure he could brace himself well enough to keep standing. 

@merry-goods

Rest of Thread Here

The little imps practically ran into Tortus’ arms for a hug.

“Papa, we gots somethin’ to give ya!” Lulu announced cheerfully.

When the implings would be released from their hug, each one pulled out a blue ribbon and held it out to Tortus.

“Mama told us about ribbon day.” Clementine commented.

Ruvius couldn’t help but smile at his children being so happy to see their papa.

“They really wanted to give out ribbons, dear.

Tortus gladly hugged them as tightly as he could, knowing they could handle his full strength. From what Tortus had observed --and Ruvi had mentioned, Imp were much tougher then they looked.

He let them go, and almost instintly looked as if he were going to cry. Each little hand had a blue ribbon just for him. He managed to hold into his pride. Each ribbon was taken with care. Tortus pulled the implings in again for another tight hug. Though, this one not held as long.

Tortus almost broke. A laugh bubbled up in his throat and he made a noise, which he tried to cover up with clearing his throat. She was his sweet little mud monster. She looked so proud of herself. He folded his hands in front of him, and tried to keep his compsure.

@merry-goods

It took everything in Tortus not to reach over the counter and pull Lulu into the tightest hug he could. She was so adorable he could break down crying right then and there. She even tried to put on a fake voice to fool him. Who was he to spoil her little disguise? Though, this little act definitely made his day.

@merry-goods / @askanjutheinnkeeper

"Of course not! Come in, darling! Come in!" Tortus was preactically giddy seeing Ruvius enter the shop. While he was usually excited to see him, this felt different. It was like Ruvius had stepped into a surprise Tortus had planned for years. Tortus walked over to his lover, pulling him close and walking him over to his guest.