{ota} the baffled king composed hallelujah

[denythyfather]

These days, things happen. The question is: how fast does gossip travel around Diamond Castle? And, honestly, does it count as gossip if the subject of said news is airing it loudly to the public as well? Because Adrien isn't wasting any time in letting people know that he's challenging up.

That's right. Ermenegilde Pascal Adrien Fitzgerald is challenging up to Seven. "About time I climbed up the ladder, don't you think?" he'll ask as Sitara giggles from behind him.

Comments

[diemwnt]

Look. Look how your tiny child is infinitely more reasonable than you, sir. One last huff in Adrien's direction before he clicks his tongue and gives Sitara's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

For her? He always has a smile, however tired and faint.

/He is. He's lucky you're here./

Now give Uncle a hug before he chides your father forever.

[denythyfather]

Can she climb up into his arms even though she's getting tall? Because there's something she has to whisper in his ear. "A-ver-ee said you're being a bad boy." Adrien nods seriously in agreement.

[diemwnt]

She'll never be too old or too tall to be clutched up in his arms--and she's certainly still not so tall he can't lift her up in a tight hug.

He will, however, have to arch a brow at that 'secret.' What on earth did that mean?

[denythyfather]

"He's not going to bed on time," she lectures sternly. "All good boys and girls go to sleep at nine."

[diemwnt]

...trapped. Trapped like a rat. Damn it.

His nose bumps her temple before he shifts her weight, tugs out his phone to tap quickly with one hand.

You get half an hour for every centimeter after 1.5 meters, you know.

[denythyfather]

She frowns in confusion before turning to her father to check. Adrien shakes his head with a laugh and she turns back to Cadogan with wide eyes. "You can't lie! That's being a bad boy too. And do you eat your fruits and vegetables? Don't be sillier than Sitara's Papa, Daddy."

[diemwnt]

He'll throw something at Adrien for not backing up this perfectly reasonable lie in a moment. First he needs to.

Just stare at the little princess in his arms who he thinks just called him 'Daddy.'

[denythyfather]

She'll stare back at him, confused by the lack of a response. And then lean in to press a sloppy, wet kiss to his cheek. "Daddy has to smile too! All good boys smile." Now to poke at his cheeks until he does so.

[diemwnt]

For her, he'll smile. For the fact she says the word with a joy rather than a hatred in connection with him... how can he not smile?

One firm kiss to her forehead before he sets her down, lips unable to stop from tugging upward.

/You're right, cariad. As usual./

[denythyfather]

"Righter than Papa. Right?" She looks over her shoulder at the silly man, then back up at Cadogan. "I bet a billion dollars you're going to stay up too late tonight. You should try and win the bet."

[diemwnt]

Oh, little wonderful perfect munchkin, you're on.

She's not too much of a Fitzgerald that she doesn't know you spit in your hand before you shake, right?

[denythyfather]

She'll wrinkle her nose a little, but try it out, giggling a little as they shake. "Another secret!" She proclaims, leaning up on her tiptoes. "Daddy doesn't have cooties. Papa does, though."

[diemwnt]

/100% true, cariad./

Now let Daddy ruffle your hair before gesturing to your Papa. They do actually need to talk.

[denythyfather]

Now that she's gotten that in, she'll be happy to just cling contentedly, burying her face in his side.

"What, you want to talk to me? That'll put a damper on your plans to abscond with my daughter."

[diemwnt]

A clinging daughter, much though she puts Cadogan in a good mood, can't stop him from having an opinion about this news.

/When did you decide this, Adrien?/

[denythyfather]

"Oh, you know. Sophie and I have been talking about it. She's challenging up as well, you know." It's basically like a couple thing, Cadogan. That's all.

[diemwnt]

/Why now?/

And don't think for a minute he'll be distracted by the happy not-marriage of it all. These are two of his closest friends challenging up in a time of duress.

[denythyfather]

He shrugs flippantly, then signs and speaks at the same time. Although he says, "the Diamonds need support," his finger must slip, because they spell out /I need to support you./

[diemwnt]

Now, see, how is Cadogan supposed to react with a child present?

There's a clear physical stutter. There's a necessity to pull out his phone and type, pass it off without any 'overhearing.'

You don't think you already do?

[denythyfather]

He laughs a little. /Not enough from where I am. You deserve more./

[diemwnt]

You're an idiot.

But. That said.

Adrien is an idiot he'd like to bump foreheads with now. It works more easily than a hug.

[denythyfather]

Even with Sitara's urgent whisper of "Cooties!"? Cadogan's too kind. Adrien will just grin happily as he presses his forehead to the other man's.

[diemwnt]

Cooties happen. And if they happen now, well, it's pretty necessary for continued breathing to lean his forehead against Adrien's forehead, to briefly catch the back of the other man's neck and hold them in place.

Does he need to actually say 'thank you,' or is the love simply felt?

i have important possibly wedding-related things to talk to you about~

[denythyfather]

He doesn't need to say 'thank you', not at all. His thanks is so palpable in his actions that Adrien can hear it loud and clear.

Cadogan, however, doesn't get a choice - Adrien is going to shift to kiss him on the nose even with Sitara's irritated huff.

...which wedding. :|a also pm/email me~

[diemwnt]

Good.

And not good. What the hell, Adrien. Cooties. At least the swatting is gentle, affectionate.