metempsychosis_dw | [Phone call to Ogma]

Oh? And what's that?

Well, um, there are movers here, packing up my things. Apparently, they've been paid in full to move all my things to my new house. Which has also been paid for in full. Mab has been busy since we got back.

Is that so? What's the new address?

Well, let me put it this way. We're going to share a side yard.

Really? That's wonderful! Is Cian excited?

Well...

[There was a pause and then Cian's voice chirped over the line.

Daddy! I'm gonna live next door!

Hey there, sport! You been taking good care of your mom?

And, yes, so you will! You'll be able to see me and your big brother and sister everyday!

Mom's lonely at night, so I let her stay wif me until I fall asleep. But now she'll be able to sleep over wif you.

[he laughs]

So she will. But then, who's going to be keeping an eye on you, kiddo?

Harper and Devin. They'll stay over wif me. [It's purely logical, Dad.]

And I'm sure you'll have a great time with your siblings.

You talked to any of the other kids lately?

Ivy! She lives far away.

That's Aphrodite's little girl, isn't it? Is she your friend?

Yeah, but I want her to be my girlfriend so when we get big I can marry her. Can you and Mommy have another baby?

Wow, listen to you. [he laughs]

I'm sure Ivy will have trouble turning you down. As for another baby... Well, sport, it'll be a couple weeks yet before we find out if that's happening this fall or not. If not... Your mom and I will discuss it, ok?

Ok. But I really think you guys should have a baby. Erato said I'd be a good big brother.

Cian! What are you saying to your father?

[Lilith doesn't sound angry, more exasperated and amused.]

I'm sure you would be, Cian. Don't give your poor mom a heart attack, though, okay?

Ok.

[The phone is taken from the boy before any more damage can be done.]

You are a rascal Cian Brian Cleary. But you said it was up to Dad!
Scoot. Let me talk to your father in peace. You still there, love?

Yes, dear. Still here.

That boy is incorrigible. He's been badgering me about having another baby since Christmas.

Well, he's the oldest one. I guess he was taken in with the excitement of all the other kids.

Well and Erato gave him Alexander to hold and he apparently told the baby stories until he fell asleep. Now he wants to be a big brother.

Awww, that's cute.

So, what's this about him wanting to get married?

[She laughs.]
Oh he's fallen in love with Aphrodite's daughter, Ivy. She kissed his cheek under the mistletoe and he kissed her hand.

Isn't he a little young for that?

Oh he knows. He's waiting until he's big enough then he intends to propose to her. It's so adorable.

Where'd he get that idea, I wonder?

His own doing, I promise. He doesn't seem terribly concerned about our marital status. I've explained to him our situation and he's doing fine with it.

Well, more that where'd he even learn about that? There's only one married couple in our number.

He's a bright boy, Alan. He's been learning things by the truck load. I imagine he found it out for himself.

He's a great kid.

So. When's the big moving day? I can help move furniture and boxes.

Well at the rate they're moving, we'll probably be there Monday or Tuesday.

[There is some muffled conversation, paper ruffling. Lilith thanks someone. More paper.]

Ah...Monday. Cian and I have a private flight booked on Monday morning. And a hotel reservation set up through Wednesday, in case the movers are late. This woman is a little crazy. Should I thank her or be frightened?

I'd say both, honestly. But, OK... School starts back up again this week, but once I'm out for the day, I'll be over to help you, all right?

That sounds great. I really can't wait to see you.

Same here. Love you, sweetheart.

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