∞ 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]

If it came at no cost, I might consider it. But I'd rather not get my hopes up.

[chikaidestroyer]

Indeed. There tends to be a cost for something you desire so much.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

Not worth the trouble. Or the risk. I might even say that I'd rather stay short! There's no point if I can't do it by myself.

[So even if he did find a good opportunity for such a crazy thing, he'd probably pass it up. Albert didn't need help like that to get as tall as he is.]

[chikaidestroyer]

I suppose there are benefits to being short as well. Easy to disappear into a crowd.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[That makes him snort.]

I guess you're right. [He looks up at his brother, and pokes him in the arm with the other end of his fork.] You stand out too much, Albert. You'd never be able to blend in!

[chikaidestroyer]

I suppose I would not. [He raises a brow at Caesar's way of poking him, deciding this is a cue to get another bit of the cheesecake.] Someone has to live a little.

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

And when you don't want to, you'll wish you were just a little less tall. [Yeah, right, but it's an amusing thought. He's pleased to see his brother eating again, so he'll take another piece, too.] At least I have a choice!

[chikaidestroyer]

I've observed that some of the most obnoxiously-loud people are short and desire attention. Will that be you, Caesar?

[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.