Shady

(valid) "Biological, as far as I'm aware," Pratik answered, hoping Ky hadn't heard that question. It seemed like she was already reeling at being integrated in the family -- she ...

(Not me, phrasing this awkwardly because I'm not sure/remembering how Pratik addresses/refers to Gaius in his presence lol) "Not at all," Pratik assured her with a smile. When he heard ...

"Glad to hear it. Uneventful is always best when traveling, I've found," Pratik said. Ky glanced down at the table towards them, eyes flicking towards Gaius. She hadn't felt like ...

Pratik nodded to her and sat down. "You got here today as well, right? How was your journey?" Ky offered a little smile, though she was still blushing a little, ...

(hahah ouch) "Not too bad!" he said warmly, gesturing at the seat. "May I?" She really had no option, but it still felt polite to ask. Ky felt late. She ...

Pratik strode forward with a grin and dipped his head to Lyra, but was careful to make sure he was approaching as the perfect gentleman. He'd seen far too many ...

Pratik nodded to him, then looked at Gaius, waiting to be told where to sit. It was going to be a big dinner tonight, apparently. "Hello!" Zander offered a nod ...

"No doubt." Zander pulled the door open and gestured for them to walk in first, which Pratik did.

(ahaha omgggg good luck with that lol) (and hahaha okay, but, and hear me out, there would be no need for a united front without Gaius shooing him away xD) ...

"Yeah..." Zander scratched the back of his neck. He was also a little miffed, but at Gaius, for forcing him to take the brunt of Ky's anger when it was ...

The statement made them both a little uneasy. They did care about each other more than was safe for either of them to care about anyone. And they didn't want ...

"It has been quite a while," Zander agreed with a laugh, then squinted at Pratik. "What, five years now?" "Well, I got cool eight years ago now..." Pratik said, but ...

"Big bubby!" Pratik threw his arms around Zander in a hug. "Get off me!" Zander gave him a rough shove. Pratik stumbled away, cackling. Zander scoffed, trying to stay serious, ...

"Good," Zander said with a nod. "There's not an ice cube's chance in hell that he's going to let me check the security for myself." "Absolutely not," Pratik agreed, smirking. ...

(Yep! You sent it to me on discord, which I super, super appreciate!) This had been informative for Zander. And, he hoped, it hadn't been informative to Emery. He and ...