Sorelledolce [let's call it Sunday]

[momslilassassin]

Ben was starting to feel at home on Sorelledolce: he had a routine for getting produce for the week at the same store, where the older man behind the counter insisted on spoiling the baby with strawberries, plums or apples, depending on what he had available when they arrived. He'd then get bread at another shop (and a roll for Val to gnaw on), and then a coffee for himself (and an espresso cup full of whipped cream that Val smeared all over her face, to her great delight) before heading back to the ship.

He kept up his normal one-sided conversation with his daughter as they walked. "That's a puppy, Val," Ben explained. "And that's a chicken! And that's a lady who's glaring at us for no real reason but we're going to walk faster anyway..."

Just another Sunday morning. Ben kind of loved his quiet little life.

[OOC: For calls or the boy!]

Comments

[momslilassassin]

Ben laughed. "I'll be careful getting out of the tub this time," he offered, stripping off his shirt as they got closer.

[endsthegame]

"It's appreciated," Ender said, tugging on his own shirt - and kicking off his shoes.

[momslilassassin]

Ben gave him a soft smile as he bent down to get his own boots off. "You're so good looking it's ridiculous."

[endsthegame]

"You say that every time we bathe together," Ender said fondly. "My ego will balloon, I'm sure."

[momslilassassin]

"It hasn't yet," Ben said, turning the water on, "but I'm hopeful."

[endsthegame]

Ender shook his head as he got rid of his pants, too, casting them aside to a space under the sink. "You're actually banking on my ego?"

[momslilassassin]

"No," Ben said, grabbing the bath bubbles and adding a little too much to the tub, "I'm just telling the truth as I see it."

[endsthegame]

"We're going to flood the bathroom," Ender observed fondly. He stuck one foot into the bath. "And you're delusional. I think there's a cream for that."

[momslilassassin]

"Bubbles are festive," Ben insisted even as he stopped the water immediately. "And I'm not delusional. I've seen other people checking you out."

[endsthegame]

"Because you're actively looking for them."

Ender slid into the bath.

He didn't have any particular hang-ups about his looks, and he liked Ben liking them. But.

[momslilassassin]

"Just reinforces what good taste I have," Ben said, sliding into the water and leaning back into Ender's chest.

[endsthegame]

Ender slid his arms around him automatically, drawing him in closer. "Sure," he said, "Whatever makes you feel better, love."

[momslilassassin]

Ben kissed the underside of Ender's jaw. "Thank you, it does."

[endsthegame]

Ender chuckled. He put his chin down on Ben's shoulder. "Well, this never gets old."

[momslilassassin]

"It really doesn't," Ben agreed, closing his eyes. "I can feel the stress melting away."

[endsthegame]

Ender smiled, shutting his eyes, too, but letting his hands wander leisurely over Ben's chest.

[momslilassassin]

Ben let out a low sigh and leaned his head into Ender's shoulder. "Mmmmm."

[endsthegame]

Ender kissed the top of his head, counting Ben's scars in the back of his head as his fingers slid over each one. They were old, now; much like Ender's own. Still showing, never quite healed away, but no longer so significant now.

He'd been touching them less, this past year, he realized.

[momslilassassin]

Ben shivered slightly. "I haven't added a new one in years," he murmured. "Kind of weird, huh?"

[endsthegame]

"Good," Ender said softly. "But it's a marker of how much we've been changing."

[momslilassassin]

"Yeah," Ben said. "Everything's been quiet back where Dad is. I'm not sure I trust it."

[endsthegame]

Ender kissed his shoulder. "Maybe he's gotten a few years' respite from whatever is waiting in the wings next," he said. "And maybe we should invite him to Naboo, too."

[momslilassassin]

"He'd love to see the Vals," Ben agreed, smiling.

[endsthegame]

"At the speed tiny Val is going, she might be talking a little by then," Ender said fondly. "He'd like that."

[momslilassassin]

"He'll have to come up with a name too," Ben said, "since we've learned Val is terrible at it."