Laney gave the living room a good, roaming look as she padded toward the garden. Frank had done a good job making it his own, bookish and warm, but with much more space than a London apartment. The garden dining area was inviting, set for a table full of family— it was the perfect time of year to break it in. (In a family-friendly way). Laney set down a bowl of pre-dinner snacks and lit a candle beside it, stepping back to admire her work. Less effort than making a grilled cheese, and it looked much more adult.

But not everything was as effortless: Laney had put a lot of thought into the night, into meeting Frank’s parents. She had never met a boyfriend’s parents… had not even really had a boyfriend whom she could consistently call a boyfriend long enough to bother with family. If her own parents still didn’t know much about Frank… well, he was the mature one one with a nice, inviting clan. She was excited to meet both of his sisters, and, just maybe, to have the cushioning that already knowing Akiva provided.

She had donned a nice, summery dress for the occasion and run a brush through her hair. She’d even brought a gift for his parents, and another for Akiva, which were sitting in the kitchen (where she’d been helping Frank with various tasks). Any sign of nerves seemed well hidden under her usual fluid movements, but the extra polish, a softer edge, and the occasional thoughtful expression were subtle hints that even Laney could get anxious sometimes. If deep down she had the same fears as everyone— that people might not like her— she managed to mostly hide it as she returned to the living room and set a record on the player. Not her favorite, but it would do.

She returned to the kitchen and leaned over a stool to support her palm as she slipped into a pair of clean ankle boots. Straightening up, she grinned at Frank’s back and wandered over to him, slipping hands under his arms and around the front of his shirt. Her cheek peeked over his shoulder, and Laney tilted it to study the side of his face from a pleasant angle. “It’s going to be a party they’ll never forget,” she informed him, grin widening, still watching for a reaction. Then her eyes swept over whatever he had been doing at the counter.

She opened her mouth and there was the sense, in the peaceful quiet, that she was going to ask something, but Laney thought better of it. The doorbell rang and she gave his tummy a squeeze before kissing his cheek and stepping back.

“Should I?” Her brows danced up into fringe, her mouth was sweetly threatening. But she waited for him to finish what he was doing, and followed after him toward the entryway, glad for once to let Frank lead outside of bed. Marko had already beat both of them, and was wagging his tail at the door. He knew whatever was beyond meant attention and food. As Frank opened it, Laney took a breath and straightened her shoulders, appraising the first arrivals with casually friendly russet eyes.

The delicious smells hit them almost before any words were exchanged. Laney waited for Frank to hug his sister and brother-in-law, and then pressed back a bit to let them pass, or at least have enough room to greet each other. “I’m Laney.” She smiled and offered a a loose arm to the small woman (who certainly took the invite to hug, despite juggling a few things under the opposite arm).

"I’m Molly! It’s so lovely to meet you!”

Laney’s smile became prominent again as the hug ended, and she appraised the shorter witch beneath choppy fringe: she was soft, sweet-faced, an animated bundle, with a smile that made her own look less than genuine. With light hair pulled back and a modest dress, she about as opposite as Laney as was to be expected. She could tell, from the woman’s face, that she was Frank’s sister. She also knew that if she was curious, it was nothing compared to the looks the woman was too polite to let linger— but too honest to hide. She was obviously curious about who her brother had been dating for Merlin how long. If she didn’t approve on first glance, she was too nice to let it show. But Laney thought she saw a hint of surprise there.

Her husband, behind her, was conversely towering, and seemed to have been relegated to bringing half of their kitchen for the small party. “Party favors?” Laney asked him, and there was something in the glint of her eye that was amused. She offered a hand for a quick shake, and then looked back to Frank’s sister. “I can grab some of that.” She caught Frank’s eye, waiting for him to see how helpful she could be. Not that he didn’t know. She’d helped him move in for the past two weeks. All over the house.

As they all migrated away from the door, Molly turned to her brother. “Oh, Frank, it’s perfect. You really couldn’t have picked a better place.”

Frank was nervous. How could he not be? He knew how Laney could get. Just thinking about their history: movie theater, the park, other places with people around that she had no care for. It made his stomach turn over a little. His hands continued to keep busy, however, not giving himself much of a chance to focus. He finished chopping up a cucumber before dragging a bell pepper towards him, rolling it one way and then the other before deciding on the right spot to start his slice.

To be honest, today was probably the best day to do it. It was right in the middle of two moons, so Frank could shave and it would last a few hours. Plus it was the weekend, his father was in port, Laney didn’t have a game until tomorrow, Molly was able to make it, and Isabelle had the day off from university. Frank tossed the seeded area of the bell pepper away before focusing his knife on the main part, slicing it in long, chunky sections. Perfect for dipping.

Frank knew his family would like Laney, even if they might be a little apprehensive for him over her... closeness in age to Izzy. He also knew that once the women got here, they would take over the house and want to see everything. Which was why he’d spent a long time cleaning and rearranging and recleaning until he was happy with the house.

He heard her behind him and smirked to himself, finishing the bell pepper and grabbing another one, starting the process over again. The morning had been last minute cleaning and hiding things that Frank didn’t want his wonderful family to stumble upon. Lunch had been simple with a light dessert, something to keep Laney (and Frank) sated before a lazy, short nap with the pup. Then it was up and at-em to get the food prepared. He glanced out the window, briefly, acknowledging the colors in the sky that warned of sunsets not far off.

When she touched him, he nearly dropped the knife, pausing as he closed his eyes and smiled. Eyes opened and he gave her a sidelong look of disapproval. “I thought you were going to be on your best behavior.” He craned his head and kissed her before turning back to the peppers. The doorbell about had him jumping out of his skin. It was going to start. He barely acknowledged her peck before setting the knife down and wiping his hands off.

Frank needed to start the steaks soon. He laughed at her question, glancing over his shoulder at her to watch her. His bare feet turned around and stepped over to her, hands snaking around her midsection before he kissed her neck, biting it playfully, lightly, before pulling back. “You look gorgeous.” Frank passed her, taking her hand and lightly tugging her along towards the front, glancing to the pup as he sighed. He let Laney’s hand go after they stepped into the entrance room. The shelves were only partly full in here; the bedroom had been the room he wanted to pack full of his books first.

This just meant he had room to grow his collection.

Frank pushed his open sweater up his arms before he opened the door. He grinned as he saw Molly. “Hey!” He leaned out and wrapped his sister in a big hug, careful of the food in her hands. He pulled back and gave her a kiss on the cheek before turning his attention to Casper. He took a couple things from his brother-in-law before they exchanged a friendly hug. Frank passed Laney with a few things; he didn’t expect his sister to bring her entire kitchen with her for one meal. He caught her eye as he passed, winking.

Casper shifted a few things, now that Frank had been so helpful. He had tried to tell Molly that he was sure Frank had everything he would need, but that woman could be so over zealous sometimes. He loved her for it, definitely, but it could also drive him crazy. He took the offered hand with a smirk, giving Laney a hand shake in greeting. “I’m Casper. Pleasure to finally meet you.” Molly, for all intents and purposes, was not one to keep secrets and surprises to herself, generally.

Frank came back, ready to take a second load to the kitchen, but they all seemed to be heading that way anyway. “Thanks, Molls. It’s perfect so far, just has some work to be done. How is your work in progress coming along?” He took a few things from Molly, freeing up her arms so she could look around.

Casper, on the other hand, followed Frank on through to the kitchen, admiring less as he wanted to rid himself of the ridiculous items his wife had insisted the drag along. Once it was set on the counter, he straightened himself and pushed his sweater sleeves up before catching back up with the tour group. He unbuttoned the cuffs of his shirt before rolling them up to his elbows, a practiced art. “Nice place you have, Frank.”

Frank acknowledged his brother-in-law with a nod and smile. “Thanks, Casper. What all did you bring anyway, Molly?” He stepped to Laney, wrapping an arm around her lightly before leaning into the counter and pulling her with him. His eyes held little back as he admired some of the treats, mouth almost salivating.

“I am on my best behavior,” she protested. She stared accusingly for a moment, not that he could see her from his vantage point, but then raised a brow and bit her lip in a small. “You like me a little dangerous, admit it.” He didn’t need to. He’d showed her last night. (Today had been fast, a nice break from real work. The work of watching helping him cook.)

She smiled. It was a little soft and unguarded. She was usually full of cocky confidence. Nevertheless, it helped to be called gorgeous when she was about to meet parents whom she was pretty sure did not envision Laney as their son’s ideal girlfriend. If she was a little rough around the edges, she had scrubbed up well enough. Which did nothing to hide her age, the girlish dimples and lasting spareness of youth, or a few of her tattoos, but at least the outlines of certain accessories were smoothed out by her dress and Laney had volunteered unasked to wear a slinky black bra. She did plan to tone it down a bit, to bite her tongue when she was in doubt. But she was also Laney.

“You look like a homeowner who pays his bills on time,” she returned the compliment as she pulled away from his tempting neck bite and they headed for the door. She trailed behind a half step, and made a show of leaning back a little. “With a sexy arse.”

The greetings seemed to be going well enough. Maybe better than expected. But then Laney was being a little demure on purpose. It was not as natural for her as executing quidditch plays, but it wasn’t like Frank’s sister or the world’s tallest house elf were particularly offensive. They were a nice-looking couple, and friendly with their greetings.

“Pleasure to finally meet you.”

Laney hadn’t missed it, that word. Molly, with a slightly agog but not too shocked mouth looked from her husband, to Laney, and back to her husband before turning to Laney again with a smile. “Frank’s told us lovely things.” Like her name, for example. Most of what Molly knew had come from Akiva, but she thought it would be rude to say so. And Frank did seem to genuinely like the girl, so there was no harm or no real lie told. Just an embellishment!

“Our house looks great, but I think you might beat us,” she laughed, as her brother freed her arms. Her head was already tilted back, going way up the wall, glancing over every corner. Molly found the smallest things interesting.

Soon they were all regrouping, and she tore her eyes from their curious exploration long enough to talk about one of her other favorite things. “Dessert. We brought a few different types— I did a chocolate pudding layered with chocolate cake, then a custard because it’s summer, and I had to do something bright, too, to give everything a little color, so a raspberry tart. We’ve got side dishes, and cooking gear— I didn’t know if you’d need extra.” A lot of extra. "Your appetizers look great!" Molly eyed the fresh cucumber.

Laney listened and resisted the urge to raise her brows as Frank’s sister listed off half the menu of the local bakery. Who had time for all of that? But she seemed harmless… with her whisks and spatulas and tarts made entirely to put color on the table. Laney offered another friendly smile and leaned into Frank, encouraged by his arm. “He’s an expert with steaks, so it should be a good meal. Just make make sure he doesn’t do yours too raw…” She looked up at him with a grin. Not that it was anything his family didn’t know, but.

“So you’re an Obliviator...” She looked at Casper again. “Have you Obliviated these two? Is it illegal to ask?”

It was not easy to be on time when you were a single mum with a young child.  Thankfully, Gabriel couldn’t crawl or walk yet, but he was six months old and that was truly a marvel to her.  He was growing so quickly, starting to be more vocal (though all the coaching in the world to say mama had not made that happen any sooner), and was even rolling. 

Thankfully he sleeping pretty much straight through the night, so all the extra energy she was using to try and teach him things.  All the books said his brain was growing so much and she had to really take advantage of it.  The mess of picture books that were overflowing from the shelves in his room onto the floor were definitely a testament to that. 

But, she had stepped on four squeaky books and one of the books that had a surface that she slipped on and Akiva had started a curse– she really needed to clean – but had very little time, so she just shoved some of the essentials into Gabriel’s diaper bag and was more careful about where she stepped on the way out of his bedroom.  He was, of course, already downstairs and ready to go through the floo in his carrier. 

When she practically galloped down the stairs, she saw Lady curled around the bottom of the carrier, her stump of a tail hitting the floor and Gabriel was vocalizing and blowing bubbles.  Despite the fact that she still didn’t know where her other shoe was and she had to run a comb through her hair before she even thought of leaving, she had to smile. 

Oh! Plus what was in the kitchen.  Akiva never went anywhere without bringing something, and she had a bottle of wine that was in the house and she didn’t drink by herself, but she knew Frank and Laney would probably appreciate it.  She also didn’t want to overstep her boundaries and make things that would just be overwhelming.  It was Frank's party, plus she didn't want them to think that she thought they couldn't man their own gathering.  It was their time to shine.  She had plenty of those opportunities when she hosted her own things.  And she knew when she planned a party, she wanted guests to bring the extras, not the essentials. 

So, the bottle of wine joined the diaper bag, making an interesting juxtaposition against the baby supplies that she was also toting.  At a particularly loud burble from Gabriel, Akiva sighed.  “I’ll be ready in a second!” She just imagined he was tired of being in that seat. 

She dropped the diaper bag near the carrier, Lady lifted her head and Akiva ran to grab her other shoe, tugging it on as she looked around for her comb.  Of course, it was probably back upstairs.  “Fingers will have to do,” she sighed.  It wasn’t like she hadn’t been in the same room as all of those people before, and honestly, Akiva was exhausted.  It would be okay. 

“C’mon,” she huffed, hoisting the diaper bag strap to her shoulder before she also lifted Gabriel.  “Quick trip,” she assured him and  used her barely free hand to toss some powder from the mantle container into the fireplace, announcing Frank’s address as crisply as humanly possible.

Stepping out in Frank’s home, Akiva was surprised.  It looked even cleaner than the last time she’d seen it – and she was frankly impressed.   Not to mention, of course, whatever was made had the house smelling so good, her stomach actually rumbled a little.  Had she really forgotten to eat today?  The thought was brief: yes. 

“Hello everyone!” she greeted with a bright smile, placing the carrier down – Gabriel seemed to echo the notion of making a very loud greeting, consisting entirely of gibberish, complete with squirming.  The carrier was just about all he could take at this point (she’d attend to him in a moment), and Akiva rolled her shoulder relief from the heavy load.  “I think this,” she produced the bottle of wine from her bag, “goes perfectly with the house,” she grinned – it really did look fantastic, at least the living room, anyway.

The entire point of not informing his sister of his return was so Clinton could surprise her yet again by appearing on her doorstep.   Leave it to Laney to ruin the surprise by not being home.  Clinton let himself in with the hard-won spare key from his last visit and set his bags up on the spare room.  Pulling out a bundle wrapped in oil-cloth, Clinton looked at the address pinned at its side.  He could have of owled it to Frank Pratt, the esteemed book hunter, but it was far more fun to deliver it himself.  From the few letters he received from Laney, he'd likely find the two together.  What kind of brother would he be if he did not interrupt their canoodling whenever possible?

He had realized in his time between civilization, as Laney liked to call it, and the far East, that either place only become desirable once he was away.  And while he could spend quite some time within the monastery, he needed to be able to root himself in the outside world once again.  It was difficult to split himself between two lives; and with the news from London growing ever darker, he felt it was time to begin making changes in the world around him, not just within himself.  Besides, the World Cup was coming up soon, and he was certain Laney could get him tickets if he asked nicely.

With a loud pop, Clinton appeared outside the address, experiencing an overwhelming sense of deja vu from the last time he was in London.  He walked up to the threshold and rang the doorbell, singing out in a shaky falsetto, "D-Delivery! For a Mr. Frank Pratt!"  The door swung open as Clinton stood, package in hand, grinning from ear to ear.  "Did you miss me much?"

outfits

Frank rolled his eyes so Laney could see; there was no point in answering her question if she thought she knew the answer. He did smirk, however, sighing as he shook his head. Best behavior... that didn’t sound promising. Worst case, he could hex her mouth shut. Silence charm. Something. Frank stole a glance over his shoulder and winked at her; he could accept her compliments. He did pay his bills on time.

Casper didn’t understand what he had said wrong. He raised an eyebrow at Molly and gave a slight shrug. They had heard about the girl for a while, hadn’t they? And she really was a girl. He felt an unfamiliar desire to pat Frank on the back and tell him good job. While Molly listed off her desserts, Casper took the time to look around. He helped himself to a beer from the fridge, taking the tops off a couple and handing one to Frank. Alcohol would help this go a lot smoother, in his opinion.

When Molly made it to the kitchen, Casper offered her a glass of water and a kiss to the side of her head before he took a slow gulp. He smirked as she listed off the dessert; he’d gotten to taste them all.

Frank made an appreciative groan, glancing to the desserts once again. After taking a sip of the beer, he offered it to Laney. He glanced to his girlfriend with a raised eyebrow. “I plan on cooking them well enough.” He rubbed his eyes and laughed, glancing to Casper briefly.

Leaning against the counter, Casper crossed his arms over his chest while holding his beer, smirking. “What fun would it be if I told every-” The sound of the floo stopped him for a moment, glancing towards the living room that they had come through.

Frank pulled away from Laney and stepped out to greet Akiva, grinning. “Hey!” He gave her a hug and then bent over to greet Gabriel. “Hello little man.” Glancing to the wine, he laughed and accepted. “Thank you. It does. You should make sure though.” He stepped back to the kitchen, inviting her along, one hand holding the wine to examine it while he took a sip from his beer. “Hey, love, mind opening this? Akiva needs a drink too.” Frank looked up to Laney and winked.

Casper shared a look with his wife before moving forward and greeting Akiva friendly, a peck on the cheek. “You look great. Let’s see this big boy of yours.”

Frank pulled down a wine glass when the doorbell rang again. “Maybe Izzy is actually on time for once.” He smirked and, beer in hand, walked to the front door. “Coming!” The voice, however, was definitely not his little sister. Nor was it his father. Frowning, he opened the door. Who he saw was not who he expected, and it showed on his face. “Clinton?” It took him a moment before he stepped out of the way, laughing softly. Oh, this was going to be awkward... Or maybe it wasn’t.

“Come on in, join the party. Would you like a beer?” He closed the door behind Clinton when he stepped through. “When did you get back in town?”

Laney was unperturbed by Frank’s eye roll. Pushing her luck was almost a full-time job— she certainly should have been paid to do it. Her other job suited her fine, though, and she wasn’t going to complain about the paycheck. But the private thrills of this one...

As everyone settled in, one of the hardest hurtles— the initial meeting— seemed to have gone ok… if she didn’t think about the fact that she still had to meet his parents and other sister, which was slightly more daunting overwhelming. Potentially. Parents were parents. As nice as she assumed his mother to be, they were still that. And nice mums were guaranteed to be fans of Laney.

Laney caught sight of the beers and decided she could use one of those herself. Molly, by contrast, took the glass of water gratefully. Baking could up a thirst. She smiled up at Casper as he kissed the side of her head. Tonight was definitely go to be entertaining, but she didn’t have his particular brand of wit to make little jabs. (And sometimes they went straight over her head, because for an Obliviator he was stealth).

“I’m not as good at steaks as dessert. I’m sure yours will be delicious,” Molly encouraged, raising his glass toward him. Laney grinned, brushing him with her hand.

“What fun would it be if I told every-”

The Seeker was all ears— though surmised she was going to be disappointed. All of that potential and he had to play it that way. Ministry wizards.

But her attention was quickly torn between arguing with Casper and looking toward the new commotion. Akiva and Gabriel’s interruption could not have been more mysteriously timed, but Laney had promised to make an effort— and she had warmed to the thought of Frank’s best friend since their makeup. Her baby was cute, too.

Molly took the “cute” to a whole new level. She was right there with Casper, tackling Akiva with a hug and then leaning in to fawn over Gabriel. “He’s huge,” she said gleefully, her smile just as big as the baby himself. Her eyes found Akiva again. Casper was right: she looked great. Molly couldn’t imagine all she had been through, and only hoped the baby had helped her stay strong. Or knew he had. “You’re a natural at this. Juggling a baby and a bottle of wine and stepping out of the fireplace on two feet…” Molly shook her head slowly, smiling. She didn’t mean it maliciously, or to imply anything about Akiva and the wine, but Laney almost let out a closed-mouth, breathy laugh as she stood beside Frank. Whose wink was telling.

“I’ve got it,” she said, looking from Frank to the witch and back again, grabbing the wine, and smiling at Akiva. “Nice to see you again.” She offered a small sort of half-hug, nonchalant but well-meaning, easy for someone who had been accusatory a couple of months ago. As she headed around the island, she looked over her shoulder. “I’m glad you helped Frank convince the realtor to sell him this place.”

Laney looked ahead grinning to herself as she dawdled around for a corkscrew. She poured Akiva a glass and then picked up her own beer… or Frank’s… she couldn’t remember… and took a few steps back in the other direction to give the woman a glass of her own wine.

She hadn’t even reached Akiva when someone loudly announced their arrival and Frank went to answer the door. Laney tried to keep her cool, assuming it was his parents. Underneath, she nervous. She waited a moment, looking at her hands, and then handed the glass off to Akiva and went to join him. but she knew that voice.

Laney peaked past Frank, her mouth open in a sincere look of surprise: which was a real feat. “What the fuck?”

Clinton.

“What are you doing here?”

And then: “You need to find a new way of surprising people.” She slipped past Frank, and threw an arm around her brother, in a hug that seemed half-irritated and half-relieved. “Frank has a good one. But I’ll tell you about that later.” She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the direwolf.

For some reason, Akiva’s arrival time seemed… oddly well timed, which was weird because five minutes ago she had been sure they’d be through with dinner without her already (her idea of punctual was always early).  But, she got into the house and everyone seemed to be warm to greeting her – and the bottle of wine she toted along. 

She was quite happy that she thought of it, and laughed as Frank suggested she needed a drink.  “Only one glass! It’s not good for Gabriel,” she asserted, though she was sure Frank wasn’t really listening to that part.  For all of the types of supportive he was, the drinking area hadn’t really ever been one. 

It just took a person with a child to understand.  Besides, the side effects were terrible: a baby with fussy sleep was not something Akiva was keen on dealing with.  Of course, while that was being handled, Casper came forward and kissed her on the cheek – Molly enveloping her in a huge hug. 

“It’s so good to see you two again!” she laughed.  Molly hugged her like they hadn’t seen one another in decades.  She ventured it had hardly been a week or so. 

Of course, she had to laugh as Molly bent down with eyes as big as saucer plates, looking at Gabriel who just blinked and looked back.  He did sort of make a burbling, sputtering sound… maybe his version of a greeting?  “I know! I swear, he gains a pound a week,” she sighed, rubbing the space on her arm where she had been balancing the baby carrier.  She knew she didn’t really have to say it, but she thought Molly would like to hear: “He was being fussy, so I bet he’d love to be held,” she grinned. 

By someone who was not his mother who had already carried plenty of things – and Gabriel, for a good part of the day.  With the invitation out there, Akiva turned to Laney and smiled brightly.  She knew Laney hadn’t been her biggest fan, but she had brought an olive branch made of fermented grapes and she was trying!  “It’s great to see you too,” Akiva returned the weird half-hug and complimented, “You look lovely – and everything smells delicious!” 

At the mention of the house hunting venture though, Akiva’s eyes went a little wide and she cleared her throat.  “Oh, well,” she looked to Frank, remembering this very kitchen where the realtor looked like she was suppressing the urge to kill both of them, “Frank deserves it.  You too,” she added, raising her glass before taking a tentative sip.  Akiva did not drink much. 

It seemed though, that someone else was arriving – someone Akiva certainly didn’t know and she blinked.  Fascinating.

"A party, eh?" Clinton teased, enjoying Frank's reaction as he entered the home. "You've certainly made a few upgrades, mate.  I see business has been treating you well."  Taking a step further inside, he was taken aback by the charming and cozy interior.  So this was how adults lived.  Things had changed since his last visit, for the better, but it produced an odd sense of displacement.  He turned, realizing that he may have legitimately been intruding upon an equally charming evening.  Clinton touched the package tucked under his arm, falling back upon his contrived reason for the exercise in the first place.  "I thought I'd deliver it myself, you see, but..."

He turned, grinning to see his sister was there after all.  "You mean he didn't upgrade you, too?" he teased. Setting down his package to return her hug, Clinton was genuinely glad to see her.  Despite everything, she was still someone he could count on, something  he just recently learned to treasure even more.  "There's a new book for you, Frank.  Some classic illuminations in that one." 

As he joined the party, he caught Laney briefly and dropped his voice, "If I'm really interrupting something, just let me know.  I don't want to be an actual bother."

There was plenty of room for interpretation over words. Frank merely kept his mouth shut and nodded his head, glancing briefly out of the corner of his eyes at Laney. He had a lot of practice with steak. If he chose not to acknowledge whatever she might mean with that look on her face... it was because of steak. It was his favorite food, now. When Laney gave his beer back, he took another sip from it. When Casper started to talk, Frank focused elsewhere. If his eyes took in the desserts again... it wasn’t his fault. He just couldn’t wait to try something.

Frank couldn’t hear Akiva’s proclamation for one glass. That, or he chose not to hear it.

Casper smirked as he watched Molly fawn over the baby. Someday she would have her own to go crazy over; for now, Akiva would have to settle for a little of the baby-crazed Molly. It was a lot of fun, watching Gabriel learn something new. And since Molly enjoyed having little get-togethers all the time, he was able to get a vague idea of normal infant growth. At the invitation for holding, Casper rubbed Molly’s back and then stepped away to give her some space with the baby. He sat down on a stool and enjoyed his beer, mostly watching his wife.

Frank leaned over and gave Laney a brief, chaste kiss before she greeted Akiva, passing over the wine and enjoying another taste of his beer. He blinked and frowned just slightly at the realtor mention. When Akiva looked at him, he gave her his best grin and offered a thumbs up. “She would like a holiday photo. Right, Laney?” Wouldn’t that be a laugh.

The new visitor, however, had Frank surprised and Laney cursing. “It - yes, work is good.” Frank glanced to the package and raised his eyebrows. That was how Clinton had found them, then. That, or Laney had been sending owl updates. The dig at Laney did have Frank laughing unexpectedly. Which cut off at Laney’s own personal dig. A small look of panic came over him before he was able to calm his face. “You don’t need to tell anyone about it.”

Frank cleared his throat and tried to smile. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait to look at it.” And he meant it. Once the party was over and Laney was tucked in, he would probably sip a beer and enjoy whatever the new book had to offer. For now... he ducked ahead, heading off to the kitchen to fetch another beer for the newcomer.

Casper had moved over to the couch, settling comfortably into it. He beckoned his wife over with the baby, smiling genuinely, scooting over to make room for her. “He seems like he picks things up quick, Akiva. You’re doing an amazing job.” His head turned to her as his arm settled across the back of the sofa, lightly shouldering his wife as he conversed with the only actual mother in the room. The mom-to-cats didn’t count, yet. “Come on, sit, Frankie will tell us if he needs something.”

Frank rolled his eyes as he came back out of the kitchen, offering Clinton a beer and a clap on the shoulder before motioning to the full living room. “Take a seat! Make yourself at home. There are plenty of snacks.” He ducked behind Clinton to stop Laney, smiling softly at her before kissing her forehead. “I think I’m going to start on the steaks. You’re doing great.” His hand fell down from her shoulder to her hand before he pulled back, heading to the kitchen to grab the meat and then out back to start the grill.

Marko came in, barking in friendly greeting as he made his rounds to all the new people, getting his slobbery face into Molly’s lap. She always gave him treats, after all. Casper sat to the edge of the sofa and caught the energetic pup, encouraging his excitement. “Who’s a good boy? You just tell me if Frank is being mean, and I'll take you off his hands.”

Molly’s eyes roamed from the baby to Akiva before they settled back on Gabriel again. It was hard not to give him all of her attention. Especially when Akiva offered to let her hold him. Forgetting her poor husband was even there for a moment, she extended her arms and gingerly lifted him out of his carrier, making all of the appropriate cooing noises that seemed to come automatically in the presence of small children and animals.

Molly lifted him up just a tiny bit toward the ceiling, grinning huge and wiggling him softly before she brought him down to her shoulder. “Hello,” she said in a sweet, upbeat tone, almost musical. “Are you ready to try Frank’s steaks and teach Marko how to fetch?”

She moved slowly toward the couch, bouncing Gabriel softly on her shoulder. “Has he started doing anything new?” Molly asked, following Casper’s comment, and looking toward Akiva. She shifted as far back into the sofa as she could before she laid him gently over her lap, on his back, with her legs raised a bit to support his head. Molly hooked a finger in the air, using it to wave at him as if she had a little puppet.

She gave Casper a nudge with her knee— gently!— when she teased Frank. Which she had not missed.

It was apparently a day for family reunions and new faces. While Molly had never met the newcomer, she had surmised from bits and pieces of conversation coming from the hall that he was Laney’s brother. “I’m Molly,” she said, by way of greeting, but since her hands were full of a thieved baby, she would have to leave the handshake for later. “Frank’s right, we’ve got plenty of food, so the more the merrier.”

As Marko dashed over, Molly quickly lifted Gabriel… and just in time. The dog’s greeting was wet and adorable, if not ideal for tiny, presently-dry babies. Where Molly fretted over Akiva’s lovely creation, Casper seemed equally enthralled with the dog. “We’re not stealing anyone’s pets,” she insisted, rubbing Gabriel’s back gently. But the look she gave her husband was a loving one. Molly nevertheless bent forward a little, making a kissing face at Marko, telling him what a good boy he was and to please no jump on the other puppy. Whom she she decided she should probably give back soon…

Maybe. She looked to Akiva again, turning Gabriel carefully and holding him so that his mother could see his face. “Next spring he’ll be big enough to run around this place.”

“She would like a holiday photo. Right, Laney?”

“Me or the realtor?” Laney asked, her grin suddenly becoming a look of innocence that seemed to fit the kiss he had just given her. “It was all her idea.” Blame the lady who wasn’t here. It was as good a plan as any. Also a smart survival skill for a babysitter. “Although I do have a vision…” She looked toward Akiva, something gleaming in her russet gaze. It seemed to say a truce. It became less mischievous at the compliment— which, despite her own apparent confidence, she genuinely appreciated. Laney felt a little taller in a good posture way for a moment. “He does deserve it,” she agreed, sounding more genuine as she watched Frank walk away.

She was more caught off guard by Clinton.

Of course he would ask about work, casual, as if he hadn’t been gone for so long. As Frank laughed at the insult, Laney shot him a look before looking back at her brother with something less impressed (despite the fact that she was happy to see him, and had demonstrated as much with the hug). “Be careful, I learned a few new hexes while you were gone. I was saving them for Olive, but…”

Her eyes followed the package, which made her small, more to herself than either of them. Even if Clinton could disappear for ages, he didn’t forget people. “Where’s mine?” She teased, as they headed further in.

As Frank kissed her lovingly headed for the grill, she turned more properly to her brother. “Don’t be a drag. You’re fine. I’m meeting his parents, they might as well meet the sanest member of my family.” She grinned at him. “Sometimes I question that. But you’re easier to take in than Basil.” She leaned into a bit of furniture and pinned him with a look that was both interrogative and nonchalant. “How’s… Svetlana?” Her tone was loaded.

Akiva only hummed skeptically at the idea of sending that poor woman a holiday card.  It would probably be the most cruel thing to do…  It hadn’t been her idea in the first place to make up the whole story, though, of course, she had played along.  She supposed there was no innocence in situations like that. 

Of course, with every other distraction, Akiva decided to focus on her conversation with Molly (who had, since her attention had veered briefly, picked up her son) since Casper seemed intent on making her not help out – which was completely uncharacteristic for the busy witch.  However, when she did sit down… it felt great.  She could have groaned from relief, not holding Gabriel, not doing anything except holding a glass of wine and talking to friends. 

She was enjoying the thought of Frank hosting things more and more!   It seemed they were, after all, truly capable of doing so. 

Akiva took a sip of her drink and nodded, “He rolls over on his own,” she smiled, “His arms are getting stronger – I think he’ll be getting ready to crawl soon,” she grinned, looking at her son bouncing in Molly’s lap.  Of course, Casper chimed in about how Gabriel seemed quick and how good of a job she was doing and she couldn’t help but blush a little, shaking her head.  “He’s a good baby,” she told them, her tone full of warmth and affection, “most of the time,” she added more lightly, with a playful wink. 

No baby was truly always a good baby.  Gabriel still had his nights and he got fussy, he was a grabber… there were a ton of things that she could say, but all in all, she loved her son.  She was very lucky to have him.  She wouldn’t know what to do with herself if she didn’t: he kept her busy and from thinking too much, most of the time anyway.  Dree would have loved to know how bright his son was going to be…

Shaking her head, Akiva refocused and took a sip of wine, looking at Gabe’s face and his big, blinking brown eyes.  He burbled and smiled as she waved at him with her free hand before she reached over to pet the Dalmatian.  “That’s so strange to think about,” she informed them thoughtfully, knowing her son was growing so much and it was so obvious but it also seemed to escape her sometimes. 

She knew that baby talk could be cumbersome for some people and she didn’t want to burden them with more about him, especially since Molly was doing her the favor of keeping him in her arms.  “Has anything changed with you two?” she smiled, “Teach him any new tricks?” she inclined her head toward Casper while grinning at Molly.  It seemed like an appropriately teasing follow-up. 

"I promise to act well-behaved then, that should be present enough for you," Clinton teased, making his way further into the collage. "H-hi Molly," he waved, trying to look friendly and inviting. His smile felt a little too big, though, perhaps his friendly look needed some work. "I'm Clinton, Laney's older brother."  He took a seat, close enough for conversation but far enough to be safe from the babe.

"I'll tell you the rest of it later, Laney, but the short of it is that Svetlana is...," he struggled for the appropriate word for a moment, none of them hardly seemed to fit, "...well she's gone." He paused again, not wanting to see Laney's reaction for fear that it would be joy. "But it's ok," he added, realizing he made it sound as if she's passed. "It's just...complicated. But enough about me! What's going on here?"

(OOC: Major apologies for the delay, thanks for your patience!)