[for Chase]

[learnfromthem]

It's kind of the default response, isn't it?

'What do you want for your birthday?'

'A pony.'

Wren is a bit more impressive than a pony. We're still getting used to each other, if I'm being honest. I don't know where the island shops for its annual New Year's gifts, but I guess anything that's brought to Tabula Rasa needs an adjustment period. So we have a routine -- when she's groomed, when she's fed, when I take her out for a run.

Lucky's sitting on the steps in front of my cottage, watching as I run a brush through Wren's mane. He's been quiet all afternoon, but I turn when I hear the beginnings of a bark sit low in his throat. It's not until he bolts away that I realize we have company.

"Hey, Chase," I call out, shaking my head in amusement as Lucky jumps up to greet him.

Comments

[apoorupbringing]

"I can- ten. Fourteen. Instantly," Chase says, grinning over at her.

"Off the top of my head."

[learnfromthem]

I laugh outright at the look on his face.

"How many of 'em can wait 'til after we've nommed?"

[apoorupbringing]

"I.... eeeh, most of them," Chase ventured, squinting briefly at the ceiling.

"Yeah, I can hold off."

[learnfromthem]

I roll my eyes.

"You're lucky you're cute."

Tugging the pot off the stove, I plate the leftovers and pass Chase his portion along with a fork.

"Remember to chew."

[apoorupbringing]

He doesn't think she's lying.

"Yeah, that's the only explanation for all this," he agrees, then gestures to the plate.

"Thanks," he adds, before not-quite inhaling it. He may always be hungry, still, but his manners aren't quite as rampantly atrocious as they were at seventeen.

[learnfromthem]

I can feel it, something in my expression shifting from amused to almost concerned. I'm not as enthusiastic about the food, tucking in with narrowed eyes as I look him over. I manage a mouthful before saying, "...you know it's more than that, right?"

[apoorupbringing]

Chase stops, hearing the change in her voice, and looks up as he swallows a forkful.

"What?" He has to retrace the conversation for a moment before his eyes widen slightly. Then he winces.

"No- yeah, of course. That came out- kinda gross, that was not what I was going for."

[learnfromthem]

My shoulders sag a little with relief and I smile around my fork.

"Okay, good. 'Cause it is."