- "Is he the first one you met who wasn't affected by being dead? Oh! How did things go with that girl?"

- I don't really have anything new to share except that I'm back in the studio again. I guess that's something new, right?" He turned his head, his eyes narrowed as he pondered, darting side to side without focusing on anything in particular until he quickly snapped back to reality. -

- I would have still waited. You're only a few minutes late anyway." He grabbed his cup and took a sip. "I mainly wanted to catch up on how things are going for you, to see how you're handling it, and it looks like it's going well for you, at least better, right? -

"I didn't mean it in a way that you should actually let me know. It was more like just announcing your presence before you rushed up on me like that? Honestly... I have no clue what I meant. It would have been alright if you had been a bit later. I wouldn't have minded. -

- Both girls dashed over to him, excitedly squealing at the idea of playing in the snow. He chuckled and bent down to help them put on their jackets.

Even though Jude was right by the door, he instinctively tried to catch her as she stumbled, letting out a sigh of relief when she quickly regained her balance. He still believed they should wrap her in bubble wrap given how clumsy she often was. -

- or at least don't come barging in here like a bat out of hell." He furrowed his brows, leaning back with his arms crossed over his chest and one leg crossed over the other. "I'm fine..." he said slowly, mostly because he was confused. "You mentioned this one was more chatty. What did they say?"

- but then he remembered they were in a public place, so he just cleared his throat and carefully set the cup down on the table, shooting a glare at his brother, who was sitting down across from him. "A little warning would be nice next time, -

He didn't have the enhanced hearing that his husband, their daughters, and the rest of the family did, so it really caught him off guard when his brother suddenly dashed up to him, making him jump and nearly spill his coffee. "Fuuu-" He was about to shout out his usual 'Fucking Hell,' -

- Making it there before his brother, he ordered their coffee and waited.

💬 I'd have to steal some of mama's weed before that happens. I'm glad that I didn't.

💬 I suppose you're right. Just making sure.

💬 See you soon.

He put the phone on the pocket of his jacket and headed in the direction of the coffee shop. -

💬 I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I only reach out when something is wrong.

💬 Which, I don't think I ever reached out for that reason.

💬 If you're busy, I can take a rain check. It's no problem, little brother. Just let me know.

💬 Yes?

💬 I just want to catch up.

💬 Meet me at the coffee shop in thirty minutes?

- Still, he would love to see his family happy. "Yeah, it will." He said with a gentle smile, leaning in to kiss his husband's lips before finally releasing his hand to fetch everyone's jackets, calling out for the girls.

His head turns sharply towards his husband, eyes wide with surprise, then they narrow. "You're not dumb." He held onto the hand even though Victor was now on his feet. Maybe it would be for him and Valerie since they never felt cold. Nelly would still appreciate it even if she was chilly. -

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