[Manipulative though it might feel, it works. Enough so that it's not long at all before Fordola turns up at the station, and though she's not exactly sulking, there's still an air of belligerence about her as she steps inside.
Even if there might not be anyone to see her enter save for Persian.]
I don't have anything for you.
[This is addressed to Persian who has, unsurprisingly, proceeded to act like she hasn't been fed.]
[Of course Persian is going to act like she hasn't been fed yet. When so many of the Skull grunts give in the second she gives them the Eyes and that sweet little mrow of hers, she's not going to simply stop. Which is why the moment Fordola is through the door, the large feline is right there and brushing affectionately against her legs, giving a soft chuff as the young woman brushes her off but not at all deterred.]
[And it should be no surprise that when they catch sight of the scene, a couple of the dozen lounging Meowths also decide to approach and try their paws at begging a bit, at least until Nanu finally walks into the room.]
[On the bright(?) side, for all that Fordola hasn't brought anything for the small hoard of would-be moochers, she doesn't seem to actively dislike them. Even when they all try to swarm her all at once.
They might be nuisances, but at least they're mostly honest nuisances.]
[There's a mildly unimpressed look from Fordola at that, as if to say that it's pretty clear that his attempts to break them of the habit haven't been working out.]
Sure. But they're the ones trying to be.
[She and the rest of Team Skull are just kind of... people who have been labelled menaces for what they do. Or at least, that's the case most of the time, anyway.]
[The whistle has Lahabrea almost bristling as he turns towards the sound. He may be many things, but he is not often inclined to tolerate being whistled at on a good day, and this is very distinctly not that. It's only once he turns enough to realize that he does actually recognize the other man that he settles back into the surly grumpiness of simply being wet and miserable.
Still, a moment later - and after a brief nod to his Houndoom - the two of them do start heading in Nanu's direction.]
Unfortunately, yeah. You know, I was starting to think you just wrote the place off altogether.
[And for all that Lahabrea looks surly and agitated, that smirk sure doesn't leave Nanu's face. He does, however, keep a very respectful distance while he lets Lahabrea do the approaching, while keeping a wary - and also very admiring - eye on the Houndoom at the man's side.]
I'm going to take a guess that you haven't been out to the desert yet, have you?
Did I not say I would need to finish with matters elsewhere first?
[Admittedly, he had considered simply leaving this particular island off his itinerary. If only briefly before his inclinations to thoroughness had won out, and though he's not happy about the weather he knows well enough that it would have been worse to have been caught unawares by it.
Fortunately, for all that Lahabrea looks grumpy at best, the Houndoom at his side seems to be perfectly content to remain under the umbrella - and appears to be at least decently well behaved, though whether or not that's simply a desire to stay dry is up in the air.
Lahabrea, on the other hand, simply frowns at the question.]
Didn't I also say to give a heads up once you had?
[He doesn't sound angry, though. He probably would have been any other time, but seeing the other man looking absolutely miserable, well. He can spare some sympathy, even if it doesn't show much through his grin.]
[A grin that turns less smug and more warm when he moves forward and crouches down to carefully hold a hand out for the Houndoom, trying to stretch enough that the poor creature won't need to leave the safety of its umbrella.]
But yeah, the Haina desert, down south. Most newcomers leave an offering out at the Tapu's shrine before doing any exploring, if they don't want to get stormed on.
[...is he just fucking with the man or- Yes.]
Edited (so many edits i'll stop now) 2022-12-21 07:32 (UTC)
[The puppet followed the man that had found him to his home. It never crossed his mind to be wary of a stranger, everything was new and taking it all in left him in something of a daze.
Fortunately, he wasn’t completely helpless. He had a latent understanding of things. He knew what the sky was, and grass, despite never having seen either. He could speak despite never having done so before. He recognized the man that lead him to his home was a human- or well. He assumed he was. That’s where his knowledge began to get fuzzy. He knew what a human was in definition, in application…
Well, once Nanu opened the door to his home the puppet saw what he assumed were dozens of tiny hairy humans.]
Are these… your children?
[Human children where supposed to be small and make squeaky crying noises. Therefore these must be human children.]
[And if there was any way Nanu would have expected his morning to go today, finding a lost child out in the island wilderness...certainly wasn't it.]
[Nevermind a lost child that was quite as naive and clueless as this boy.]
[Though at the very least, it made the lad easy enough to bring to the station, where he could stay under the Kahuna's watch and protection until his parents or guardians could be found, and Nanu could already feel the furious tongue lashing that was going to follow once he got a hold of them; how anyone could simple lose a child...]
That's what everyone's taken to calling them, at least, so I guess they may as well be.
[Does he realize how literal the question was on the boy's end? Probably not. Nanu keeps a close eye on him after they enter the station, Persian slinking away to hover at the boy's side, and the Meowths... Of the dozen that were hanging around the place today, most watched the newcomer passively from where they all lounged around the office, with only a couple of the more curious ones hopping down from their perches to approach and investigate the kid with curious little trills.]
[Nanu couldn't help smiling at the sight. And with the boy in safe enough paws for the moment, it gave him time to send texts and discreet pictures to the officers out in Malie. And, after a moment of thought, to the other Kahunas, as well.]
You hungry, kid? I don't have much, but I can make a pretty good sandwich.
[So they are his children. He must greet them then!]
Hello. It is nice to meet you. Oh! And you too, and y-pffbt!
[And one Meowth interrupted his attempt at greeting with an affectionate headbutt, causing the puppet to get a mouthful of fur. He did not like that. Yet there was another more pleasant sensation. It was soft… and the whiskers tickled him causing a laugh to bubble up and slip out.
Hmm, the fur may be unpleasant if in his mouth, but even so he thinks he likes human children.
Ah, but the kind man is speaking to him. He paused to think his question over carefully.]
Hungry…? Sandwich?
[He had to pause to think for a moment. Right, living beings grew hungry and required food. He did not, but he could eat recreationally if he wanted. Should he? Maybe that was a question for the kind man. Surely he will know.]
[And the way that the boy phrases that earns a soft snort.]
Yes, I really do wish for you to eat something.
Last thing I need is everyone thinking I didn't take care of you while you stayed here, you know? Olivia would never let me hear the end of it, and I doubt your parents would either.
[Nevermind that he wouldn't be able to forgive himself for letting any kid go hungry. Besides, who knows how long the boy was alone before Nanu found him? He doesn't waste any time pulling out what he needs to make a couple of ham and cheese sandwiches, which earns the attention of more than a few of the lazy free loaders scattered across the room.]
[Including one of the ones currently pressing herself against the child's face with loudly happy purrs. The Meowth gives the boy's face a little lick, and proceeds to shove herself into his arms, as if demanding to be carried over to the kitchen with him.]
I do not foresee that happening. [ Except some people haven't told her she's a Faller and that UBs are attracted to her like a magnet, whoops. ] I would very much enjoy having a moment to spend with you outside of work, however. It's been a very long time.
Only because I have a habit of spoiling them as much as you might. It would be nice to let my team see you again, as well. I know we hadn't much time to mingle as I would have liked.
For the record, I had intended to take a little time off after filing my reports. Duty called, unfortunately.
I don't spoil them. [Lie harder, Nanu.] Which is probably why they're so fond of you, what with the coddling and the sneaking them food when my back's turned.
So how long until you're no longer buried under reports, then? The rainy season is just around the corner, and if you thought Ula'ula was wet before...
Surely the big woman in charge can decide to take a break for a bit.
Of course not. They beg and act needy when I'm around because you starve them half to death. [ Her sarcasm is a little thick, but it can't be helped. ] And I only sneak them a little!
I'm uncertain. The work piles up even as I'm doing it, so it's not about to let up. I should take that as reasoning that any time is good to take a break, but instead I put impossible deadlines on myself. If I don't hold myself to a higher standard, who else will?
That being said, I think I can manage a long weekend coming up.
And I don't mind the rain, even walking around in it. It's the company I'm coming for, after all.
I just don't know if they actually deserve that kind of dedication out of you, but who am I to tell you how to live your life. Just [...] promise me you'll try to think about yourself a little more. Yeah?
Especially when you're coming out here to relax a bit.
And give a heads up a day or so before so I know what responsibilities I need to weasel out of for the visit.
I could give the guys a real scare and make Acerola chief of police for a few days.
[ Plus, he put all of his savings into that place in Kalos, but he's not about to talk about that. ]
You're just having fun at the expense of my stress. Just like old times, is it not? Fine. Tacos are on me. I can meet you halfway to sushi and get you fish tacos.
[ What are they made of? We don't talk about that. ]
I'll give you the Former Subordinate discount. 5%.
[Ah, but this does feel just like old times... And there's a not small part of him that wonders if he's allowed to even admit he might have missed it, after the way they parted. But ten years is a long time...]
You and your tacos. Fine, fine. I guess that's only fair after letting you suffer last night, but they better be some damn good fish tacos.
Then I'll tell you whether or not I've been successfully bought off.
It's steeper than I expected. 5% off of 50 is nothing to scoff at and I expect the bill not to be particularly low.
[ He had two options with Nanu: joke back and get burnt like you pulled a Charizard's tail while he keeps up with a Nasty Plot or you play along and take it seriously... which may also result in plotting. ]
I simply could go for a one or two right now! [ At least five will be eaten, not including sides of chips and maybe some other snacks. ] I haven't been there, I've only heard the reviews. I specifically came for the tacos on my time off!
I will have to count those reviews as if they're life-saving then.
[It had been a slow and awkward recovery after his re-arrival. What he needed was repairs, not bandages, but he didn’t have the heart to tell his father that his efforts were in vain. It wasn’t as though telling him would have made any difference, there was no one here capable of repairing him anyway. Fortunately, he’d stumbled upon the golden feather he’d once carried, and the residual power on it was enough for him to reclaim enough strength not to get pinned down by cats. A low bar, but it was something.
So with him “better”, Father had returned to his duties, and a routine started to fall into place. He… was still trying to figure out where he belonged in everything. He’d shed many names and identities in the past, but this was the first time he’d had to return to one. He was still trying to figure out who “Kanoa” was, what he still had in common with that incarnation of himself.
It turned out that he had precious little, which while he did not see as bad thing, it made this all the more difficult. His father was the only real common thread, so he figured that was a fair place to start. Also he’d been quiet and sullen since his arrival and he could tell his father was getting worried.
So before his father’s return in the evening, he’d got started on a meal. Eating may not be a necessity for him, but he enjoyed working with his hands, and he’d had four centuries to mess around with cooking, so he wound up quite good at it. He made his personal favorite, chazuke on the side, and a radish and fish stew for the main meal.
He was confident in the meal, once he heard the door open he couldn’t help but feel nervous. He couldn’t even place why, he just was.]
Welcome home papa, I’m making dinner if you’re hungry.
[Normally he’d greet him in person, but he was cooking fish and eel in a house full of cats. He knew better than to leave anything unguarded.]
[Especially when those cats - the entire hoard of them - we're lingering nearby both in and out of sight, just waiting for the moment the boy so much as looks away from dinner in question. Several sit perched nearby, eyeing the counter holding the food intently. The one that had become so attached to Kanoa in the time the boy had lived there winds around his legs with every step the boy takes, purring and trilling and laying on affection as thick as possible, as any good moocher does.]
[It would be a concerning sight to walk in on, Nanu's crimson gaze taking in the room with a raised brow when he finally walks through the door that evening, but the smell of fish that permeates the room is a telling enough sign on just what has everyone's attention.]
[It attracts Persian's attention near instantly as well, the large feline padding off before Nanu can even shut the door behind them, and a wry smile touches his face as he looks over to where Kanoa is working in the kitchen, throwing his coat across the back of the couch.]
You cook now? Maybe the Tapu have finally blessed me, after all.
[He couldn’t help the brief smile when he heard Nanu, he’d never admit it but there was a nervous excitement. He made him happy it sounded like? Hopefully he’d at least like the food? He knew Nanu had comparatively few years of life, and he’d resolved to try and make his father as happy as he could for them. It was just that trying to make someone happy was uncharted territory for him.]
It’s something to pass the time… which I happened to have quite a lot of.
[He looked over his shoulder, but remained alert and ready to gently smack some thieving paws should they make an attempt at the meal. Persian does get a quick head scratch in greeting though.]
Radish and fish stew with chazuke on the side, I hope that’s alright?
Brave boy, to be cooking something like that around these jackles.
[But it sure sounds like the meal's more than alright with him. Especially when he immediately goes for a bowl of the soup, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately as he moves past him.]
But I appreciate it, especially after the day I had.
Keep this up and you might be fully forgiven for everything before the week's out.
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[Manipulative though it might feel, it works. Enough so that it's not long at all before Fordola turns up at the station, and though she's not exactly sulking, there's still an air of belligerence about her as she steps inside.
Even if there might not be anyone to see her enter save for Persian.]
I don't have anything for you.
[This is addressed to Persian who has, unsurprisingly, proceeded to act like she hasn't been fed.]
me wondering if i should make some persian icons
[And it should be no surprise that when they catch sight of the scene, a couple of the dozen lounging Meowths also decide to approach and try their paws at begging a bit, at least until Nanu finally walks into the room.]
For the love of...
Shoo, you damn buzzards.
persian is a good kitty! but also icons are Hard
They might be nuisances, but at least they're mostly honest nuisances.]
They aren't hurting anything.
icons are So Hard cries
[Of course, as soon as he's close enough to scoop up one of the Meowths that are winding around Fordola's legs-]
[Three more take its place, purring and trilling for attention.]
[And with a huff, Nanu immediately concedes, the one in his arms even moving to perch on his shoulder with an air of smug victory.]
Menaces. All of you.
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Sure. But they're the ones trying to be.
[She and the rest of Team Skull are just kind of... people who have been labelled menaces for what they do. Or at least, that's the case most of the time, anyway.]
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[The whistle has Lahabrea almost bristling as he turns towards the sound. He may be many things, but he is not often inclined to tolerate being whistled at on a good day, and this is very distinctly not that. It's only once he turns enough to realize that he does actually recognize the other man that he settles back into the surly grumpiness of simply being wet and miserable.
Still, a moment later - and after a brief nod to his Houndoom - the two of them do start heading in Nanu's direction.]
Nanu, yes?
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[And for all that Lahabrea looks surly and agitated, that smirk sure doesn't leave Nanu's face. He does, however, keep a very respectful distance while he lets Lahabrea do the approaching, while keeping a wary - and also very admiring - eye on the Houndoom at the man's side.]
I'm going to take a guess that you haven't been out to the desert yet, have you?
[What kind of question even is that.]
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[Admittedly, he had considered simply leaving this particular island off his itinerary. If only briefly before his inclinations to thoroughness had won out, and though he's not happy about the weather he knows well enough that it would have been worse to have been caught unawares by it.
Fortunately, for all that Lahabrea looks grumpy at best, the Houndoom at his side seems to be perfectly content to remain under the umbrella - and appears to be at least decently well behaved, though whether or not that's simply a desire to stay dry is up in the air.
Lahabrea, on the other hand, simply frowns at the question.]
I was not aware there was one on this island.
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[He doesn't sound angry, though. He probably would have been any other time, but seeing the other man looking absolutely miserable, well. He can spare some sympathy, even if it doesn't show much through his grin.]
[A grin that turns less smug and more warm when he moves forward and crouches down to carefully hold a hand out for the Houndoom, trying to stretch enough that the poor creature won't need to leave the safety of its umbrella.]
But yeah, the Haina desert, down south. Most newcomers leave an offering out at the Tapu's shrine before doing any exploring, if they don't want to get stormed on.
[...is he just fucking with the man or-
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Fortunately, he wasn’t completely helpless. He had a latent understanding of things. He knew what the sky was, and grass, despite never having seen either. He could speak despite never having done so before. He recognized the man that lead him to his home was a human- or well. He assumed he was. That’s where his knowledge began to get fuzzy. He knew what a human was in definition, in application…
Well, once Nanu opened the door to his home the puppet saw what he assumed were dozens of tiny hairy humans.]
Are these… your children?
[Human children where supposed to be small and make squeaky crying noises. Therefore these must be human children.]
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[Nevermind a lost child that was quite as naive and clueless as this boy.]
[Though at the very least, it made the lad easy enough to bring to the station, where he could stay under the Kahuna's watch and protection until his parents or guardians could be found, and Nanu could already feel the furious tongue lashing that was going to follow once he got a hold of them; how anyone could simple lose a child...]
That's what everyone's taken to calling them, at least, so I guess they may as well be.
[Does he realize how literal the question was on the boy's end? Probably not. Nanu keeps a close eye on him after they enter the station, Persian slinking away to hover at the boy's side, and the Meowths... Of the dozen that were hanging around the place today, most watched the newcomer passively from where they all lounged around the office, with only a couple of the more curious ones hopping down from their perches to approach and investigate the kid with curious little trills.]
[Nanu couldn't help smiling at the sight. And with the boy in safe enough paws for the moment, it gave him time to send texts and discreet pictures to the officers out in Malie. And, after a moment of thought, to the other Kahunas, as well.]
You hungry, kid? I don't have much, but I can make a pretty good sandwich.
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Hello. It is nice to meet you. Oh! And you too, and y-pffbt!
[And one Meowth interrupted his attempt at greeting with an affectionate headbutt, causing the puppet to get a mouthful of fur. He did not like that. Yet there was another more pleasant sensation. It was soft… and the whiskers tickled him causing a laugh to bubble up and slip out.
Hmm, the fur may be unpleasant if in his mouth, but even so he thinks he likes human children.
Ah, but the kind man is speaking to him. He paused to think his question over carefully.]
Hungry…? Sandwich?
[He had to pause to think for a moment. Right, living beings grew hungry and required food. He did not, but he could eat recreationally if he wanted. Should he? Maybe that was a question for the kind man. Surely he will know.]
I can eat if you wish for me to.
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Yes, I really do wish for you to eat something.
Last thing I need is everyone thinking I didn't take care of you while you stayed here, you know? Olivia would never let me hear the end of it, and I doubt your parents would either.
[Nevermind that he wouldn't be able to forgive himself for letting any kid go hungry. Besides, who knows how long the boy was alone before Nanu found him? He doesn't waste any time pulling out what he needs to make a couple of ham and cheese sandwiches, which earns the attention of more than a few of the lazy free loaders scattered across the room.]
[Including one of the ones currently pressing herself against the child's face with loudly happy purrs. The Meowth gives the boy's face a little lick, and proceeds to shove herself into his arms, as if demanding to be carried over to the kitchen with him.]
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I do not foresee that happening. [ Except some people haven't told her she's a Faller and that UBs are attracted to her like a magnet, whoops. ] I would very much enjoy having a moment to spend with you outside of work, however. It's been a very long time.
Only because I have a habit of spoiling them as much as you might.
It would be nice to let my team see you again, as well. I know we hadn't much time to mingle as I would have liked.
For the record, I had intended to take a little time off after filing my reports. Duty called, unfortunately.
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I don't spoil them. [Lie harder, Nanu.] Which is probably why they're so fond of you, what with the coddling and the sneaking them food when my back's turned.
So how long until you're no longer buried under reports, then? The rainy season is just around the corner, and if you thought Ula'ula was wet before...
Surely the big woman in charge can decide to take a break for a bit.
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I'm uncertain. The work piles up even as I'm doing it, so it's not about to let up. I should take that as reasoning that any time is good to take a break, but instead I put impossible deadlines on myself.
If I don't hold myself to a higher standard, who else will?
That being said, I think I can manage a long weekend coming up.
And I don't mind the rain, even walking around in it. It's the company I'm coming for, after all.
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Especially when you're coming out here to relax a bit.
And give a heads up a day or so before so I know what responsibilities I need to weasel out of for the visit.
I could give the guys a real scare and make Acerola chief of police for a few days.
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or i might have been right whoops ignore that
lmao perfect
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You know what kind of salary I make!
[ Plus, he put all of his savings into that place in Kalos, but he's not about to talk about that. ]
You're just having fun at the expense of my stress.
Just like old times, is it not?
Fine. Tacos are on me. I can meet you halfway to sushi and get you fish tacos.
[ What are they made of? We don't talk about that. ]
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[Ah, but this does feel just like old times... And there's a not small part of him that wonders if he's allowed to even admit he might have missed it, after the way they parted. But ten years is a long time...]
You and your tacos. Fine, fine. I guess that's only fair after letting you suffer last night, but they better be some damn good fish tacos.
Then I'll tell you whether or not I've been successfully bought off.
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[ He had two options with Nanu: joke back and get burnt like you pulled a Charizard's tail while he keeps up with a Nasty Plot or you play along and take it seriously... which may also result in plotting. ]
I simply could go for a one or two right now! [ At least five will be eaten, not including sides of chips and maybe some other snacks. ] I haven't been there, I've only heard the reviews. I specifically came for the tacos on my time off!
I will have to count those reviews as if they're life-saving then.
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Specifically? For the tacos?
Here I was thinking you were here for an old friend. Guess I should count myself lucky that I even got invited along for this.
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So with him “better”, Father had returned to his duties, and a routine started to fall into place. He… was still trying to figure out where he belonged in everything. He’d shed many names and identities in the past, but this was the first time he’d had to return to one. He was still trying to figure out who “Kanoa” was, what he still had in common with that incarnation of himself.
It turned out that he had precious little, which while he did not see as bad thing, it made this all the more difficult. His father was the only real common thread, so he figured that was a fair place to start. Also he’d been quiet and sullen since his arrival and he could tell his father was getting worried.
So before his father’s return in the evening, he’d got started on a meal. Eating may not be a necessity for him, but he enjoyed working with his hands, and he’d had four centuries to mess around with cooking, so he wound up quite good at it. He made his personal favorite, chazuke on the side, and a radish and fish stew for the main meal.
He was confident in the meal, once he heard the door open he couldn’t help but feel nervous. He couldn’t even place why, he just was.]
Welcome home papa, I’m making dinner if you’re hungry.
[Normally he’d greet him in person, but he was cooking fish and eel in a house full of cats. He knew better than to leave anything unguarded.]
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[It would be a concerning sight to walk in on, Nanu's crimson gaze taking in the room with a raised brow when he finally walks through the door that evening, but the smell of fish that permeates the room is a telling enough sign on just what has everyone's attention.]
[It attracts Persian's attention near instantly as well, the large feline padding off before Nanu can even shut the door behind them, and a wry smile touches his face as he looks over to where Kanoa is working in the kitchen, throwing his coat across the back of the couch.]
You cook now? Maybe the Tapu have finally blessed me, after all.
What are we having? It smells amazing.
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It’s something to pass the time… which I happened to have quite a lot of.
[He looked over his shoulder, but remained alert and ready to gently smack some thieving paws should they make an attempt at the meal. Persian does get a quick head scratch in greeting though.]
Radish and fish stew with chazuke on the side, I hope that’s alright?
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[But it sure sounds like the meal's more than alright with him. Especially when he immediately goes for a bowl of the soup, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately as he moves past him.]
But I appreciate it, especially after the day I had.
Keep this up and you might be fully forgiven for everything before the week's out.
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