How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

There were many thoughts Dark had about Emma and the longevity of his relationship with Alec, but it would be wildly inappropriate to share them, "You should plan an afternoon out with Alec, just the pair of you."

 

[BookKnight]

Xander didn't say anything as he carefully painted out an imprint of a rabbit under a tree. "He's mentioned going back to the pottery place a couple of times," he finally said. "That's not such a bad idea. We could do that one of these days."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"It might be nice for the two of you to do something where there will not be someone else to get in your way." Dark told them, "I would be glad to pay for it."

 

[BookKnight]

"I might take you up on that," Xander agreed. "Thanks." He glanced at Dark suspiciously. "Is this to put me in a good mood so you can say you and Mama are going out tonight and need a babysitter?"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Dark chuckled, "On a Wednesday? No." He glanced at Xander, "Maybe later in the week, but there are no firm plans and it is unrelated to my offer to let you and Alec have time together."

 

[BookKnight]

Xander snorted. "Do you know when to tell you're old? Going out in the middle of the week is unfathomable," he teased his father. "Unlike us kids, who totally would and could do that."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Daizi has work in the morning," Dark said, "And I would expect one knows they have gotten old when they refuse to go out on a Saturday or a Friday because it is too crowded."

 

[BookKnight]

"Sure, sure, like choosing when and where you go grocery shopping," Xander agreed, nodding. "Anyway, who's watching the mini right now?"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"You talk so much, but when is the last time you went out for something other than judo, work, or horses?" Dark teased, "Alec is with her now, he said I should take a break."

 

[BookKnight]

"I have the excuse of not having anyone to take on a date," Xander pointed out. "And homework is killing my friend group. Are you sure you should have left her alone with him? He has... makeup."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"If you would like to be alone, you can say as much," Dark told Xander dryly, "He has watched her many times before without applying makeup to her. I do not even know if it is good for her skin."

 

[BookKnight]

Xander snorted. "Nah, just teasing you." He finished the piece he was working on and set it aside. "Emma's not a big deal. I'll figure it out. I don't think she's good for him, but this is his business, not mine. He'll do what he wants."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"He will," Dark agreed, "The important thing is being there for him when it is over."

 

[BookKnight]

"And only celebrate when he's not looking," Xander agreed.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I never said celebrate," Dark said out of obligation. "How close are you to affording your sewing machine?"

 

[BookKnight]

Xander didn't press it, but he had a feeling Dark and Daizi would both be relieved, too, when this thing ran it's course. "About three-quarters of the way there. Maybe a little less, but close. Just need a bit more."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Good, I know you have been saving for it for a long time." Dark told him, "I am proud of you, you have really worked hard."

 

[BookKnight]

Xander straightened in his seat but didn't look at Dark. "Thanks. I... am proud of me too. If it's okay to say stuff like that."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Of course it is okay to say stuff like that." Dark replied, "You deserve to think positively about yourself."

 

[BookKnight]

Xander grunted, but he couldn't fully hide the tiny smile. "Dunno if this is what I want to do with the rest of my life, but I'm pretty satisfied for now. It's fun work. When it's going right."