The Portal on Shakespeare [a week later]

[momslilassassin]

A mattress had been bought for guests, the house had been scrubbed from top to bottom and then bottom to top, and Ben, even though he knew that Luke wouldn't care in the slightest, had stressed out about what they'd have for dinner for the last three days.

Now he was a half-hour early for the time his father had sent him for the portal, bouncing nervously on the balls of his feet.

He was excited and terrified in almost equal measure.

Sounds like a fun vacation, huh?

Comments

[endsthegame]

"We just made sure to give him a double ice cream ration to keep him filled up," Ender made up.

[momslilassassin]

"Hey," Ben said, frowning, while Luke chuckled at him. "I had a growth spurt!"

A little one. He was gradually growing to understand that he was never going to be as tall as his grandfather.

[endsthegame]

"You're still tiny," Ender said. "But that's okay."

[momslilassassin]

"I'm not tiny!" Ben protested. "I'm taller than Dad and Jag!"

Which were not huge accomplishments.

[endsthegame]

"You know your dad is standing right there, right?" Ender said, sounding amused.

[notsoreckless.livejournal.com]

"And hasn't gone deaf, either," Luke added, sounding equally amused.

[endsthegame]

Ender got up to his feet - which had the net effect of showing off just how much he towered above both Ben and Luke. "But if it really bothers you, we can get you a set of platform heels," he teased.

[notsoreckless.livejournal.com]

"Or a small step ladder to carry around," Luke said with a little grin. "No one will ever notice."

He paused. "Or everyone will notice, but whichever makes you feel better, son."

[endsthegame]

Ender kissed Ben on the cheek. "I can probably order people not to giggle when they pass you by."

[momslilassassin]

"I don't think I like you ganging up on me," Ben decided, fake frowning at them both.

[endsthegame]

"Too bad," Ender said. "Get used to it."

[momslilassassin]

"See if I bring you hot chocolate ever again," Ben threatened.

[endsthegame]

"I'm not the hot chocolate junkie here," Ender said, chuckling. "Wait, is that mine?"

[momslilassassin]

"It was going to be before you were mean to me," Ben said.

[endsthegame]

"So fickle," Ender sighed.

[momslilassassin]

"It's why I've spent six years with you," Ben agreed.

[endsthegame]

"Has he always taken hostages to get his way?" Ender asked Luke.

[notsoreckless.livejournal.com]

"Yes," Luke said over Ben's squawk of outrage. "It's a terrible habit."

[endsthegame]

"We should do something about that," Ender said.

[notsoreckless.livejournal.com]

"We really should," Luke agreed, again ignoring Ben's protests. "I'm open to suggestions."

[endsthegame]

"Ignore him?" Ender suggested.

[momslilassassin]

"HEY," Ben retorted, poking Ender in the side.

[endsthegame]

Ender looked at Luke. "Did you hear something?"

[notsoreckless.livejournal.com]

"Nope," Luke said, shaking his head solemnly.

[endsthegame]

"Oh, look what I left here," Ender said, attempting to pluck the hot chocolate out of Ben's hands.