∞ 95: A quaint birthday [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[An early birthday dinner. That was what Albert had proposed, knowing it was likely Caesar would want to nap as soon as he was full. And so, with Caesar's Luceti birthday having arrived, there were light preparations for a quiet celebration. After all, Silverbergs were intensely private as it was, so there would be no invited guests unless Caesar himself decided to invite them.]

Comments

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

What kind of question is that? I think I'm past the point of being obnoxiously loud.

[chikaidestroyer]

[There is something about his expression that is not convinced. Kogoro, perhaps completely by coincidence, snorts at the same time.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[...that is not funny.]

Both of you? [Caesar frowns, and lifts one of his feet in an attempt to make the little dog tumble.] Perhaps I need to be louder.

[chikaidestroyer]

[Kogoro does in fact tumble, and he wuffs in that peculiar way of his before tilting his head in confusion at Caesar. What did he do to you, man?]

But not right now, unless you wish to wake up Raine.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[Caesar ignores Kogoro this time. You were inadvertently rude, little guy.]

I'm not just loud, Albert. I'm obnoxious, too, remember? It comes with being short, after all.

[chikaidestroyer]

[Kogoro wags his tail uncertainly and just continues to stand there. Albert pokes at Caesar with his fork.]

A terrible shame. It's any wonder we can tolerate you at all.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[He laughs a little when he pokes him. Even the height comments can't bring him out of his good mood.]

It is, isn't it? I suppose you simply do not have a choice! You're stuck with me for a little brother forever.

[chikaidestroyer]

Of course I am stuck with you as a little brother. That does not mean I have to deal with you all the time. For example, walking away is usually a feasible solution.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

You say that like I don't already know it. [And boy does he know it. Sigh.] But I guess I'm glad you put up with me. Or... I'm really glad you do.

[chikaidestroyer]

Someone has to. Otherwise I'm afraid you will be cursed upon Miss Apple for the rest of her life.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Why is that a bad thing for her? I believe that it is Miss Apple who has been cursed upon me!

[chikaidestroyer]

And you think you would have found yourself a better mentor with your poor showing of discipline?

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Who said anything about a better mentor? I shouldn't need a mentor at all. And besides, is it really so difficult to find one that doesn't resort to physical abuse?

[Or that isn't really old and boring? ...well, probably.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert raises a brow at the comment about not needing a mentor. Does he really need to say anything to that? It wasn't as if Caesar always had his head in a book.]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[Caesar sticks another piece of cheesecake in his mouth when he catches a glimpse of his brother's expression. ...no surprise there.]

Like I said. I shouldn't need one. And anyway, she should consider herself lucky to to be tutoring a Silverberg!

[chikaidestroyer]

Yes, I am sure she would have chosen you as the ideal traveling companion and heir to her knowledge of Mathiu.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine why else she would bother.

[chikaidestroyer]

She could have gone on and found someone else entirely more appreciative of her efforts.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I never said I didn't appreciate it. I just don't understand why she does it.

[chikaidestroyer]

Were you in fact so full of yourself that you did not ask?

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Th-that's not it... I never thought about it before. She was always so busy telling me what to do, so I never wondered why. [In other words, he was too busy being annoyed over how strict she was to think about why she did it.] Anyway, I don't think she'd give me a straight answer even if I did ask!

[chikaidestroyer]

It might have something to do with your normal tone of voice.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing wrong with my normal tone of voice. [He says this casually as he goes for another bite.] You must be imagining things.

[chikaidestroyer]

I suppose I also imagined that I actually had a birthday gift to give you. My poor mind must be slipping away.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[...

Caesar lets the fork hang from his mouth for a moment as he gives his brother a look. Is he serious...?]

W-well... I suppose there must be some truth to the things you're imagining.