It's All in the Family

He winced slightly at the pat, trying to stand straight. “What didja wanna ask?”

“I was wondering if you would like a different kind of schooling. Your…father.. is apt to neglect a fair few aspects of your education.”

“What kind of schooling? Th’ teachers don’ talk t’ me at the elementary school, an’ neither do most people.”

“I’m quite certain I could find a boarding school that would suit your...affliction.” He sneered at the wings, patting Toby’s head once more. “Besides, staying cooped up in that house with your father is no way to live.”

“Marcus and I are dating, sir.” Neil answered calmly, hands behind his back. “There are no partners in my business.”

“How absurd.” Billius practically spat it, folding his arms and standing prim and proper. He adjusted his tie with a haughty sniff, and leveled his eyes with Neil’s once more. “And tell me why you think you’re a match for the likes of him?”

“Mr. Vansten, I’m a respected medical professional.” Neil answered matter-of-factly, standing straight and tall. “I believe we’re a fit enough match. He.. didn’t want me to come here.”

Billius shook his head, raising his hand in pause. “I have no qualm with your choice of career. What I’m asking is why you, a respected medical professional as you put it, are in league with my complete failure of a child?” He blinked, as if the question was the most trivial thing.

“Failure?” Something akin to a bewildered chuckle escaped the dentist. “We appear to have very different interpretations of failure. He owns a multi-million dollar company.”

“As do I. I hardly see that as a viable reason to celebrate. Marcus has a long and growing list of failures, with his transformation into a non-existent creature at the top of the list.”

“Indeed it is. Do you need to speak to my husband?” She smiled politely, placing her hand in his. “Charmed to meet you, Mr. Palmer. My name is Eleanor.”

“Marcus and I are dating, sir.” Neil answered calmly, hands behind his back. “There are no partners in my business.”

“How absurd.” Billius practically spat it, folding his arms and standing prim and proper. He adjusted his tie with a haughty sniff, and leveled his eyes with Neil’s once more. “And tell me why you think you’re a match for the likes of him?”

“Mr. Vansten, I’m a respected medical professional.” Neil answered matter-of-factly, standing straight and tall. “I believe we’re a fit enough match. He.. didn’t want me to come here.”

Billius shook his head, raising his hand in pause. “I have no qualm with your choice of career. What I’m asking is why you, a respected medical professional as you put it, are in league with my complete failure of a child?” He blinked, as if the question was the most trivial thing.

He winced slightly at the pat, trying to stand straight. “What didja wanna ask?”

“I was wondering if you would like a different kind of schooling. Your...father.. is apt to neglect a fair few aspects of your education.”

“Marcus and I are dating, sir.” Neil answered calmly, hands behind his back. “There are no partners in my business.”

“How absurd.” Billius practically spat it, folding his arms and standing prim and proper. He adjusted his tie with a haughty sniff, and leveled his eyes with Neil’s once more. “And tell me why you think you’re a match for the likes of him?”