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

[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."

[endsthegame]

Ender laughed. "Or messing with us," he said, sliding his fingers onto Ben's leg.

[momslilassassin]

"Or messing with us," Ben said. "That seems much more likely. Fiendish child."

[endsthegame]

"She's going to be hell when she grows up," Ender said fondly, "Though hopefully on people other than ourselves."

He skimmed his fingertips lightly along Ben's thigh.

[momslilassassin]

Ben shivered. "I see what you're doing there," he murmured, leaning back to nip at Ender's earlobe.

[endsthegame]

Ender smiled. "You're the one who got all excited," he teased softly. "I'm just following through on that."

[momslilassassin]

"Awfully nice of you," Ben said, relaxing into Ender again. "Mmm."

[endsthegame]

"You get tense," Ender said quietly. "I like to help alleviate that."

He had his own worries right now, of course, but he didn't store them in his body the same way Ben did.

So his hand drifted between Ben's legs.

[momslilassassin]

Ben let out a low, satisfied sound. "You sure?"

[endsthegame]

"No," Ender murmured softly, "Making you feel good? Such a terrible proposition."

He wrapped his fingers around Ben.

[momslilassassin]

Ben whimpered. "You are very good at it..."

[endsthegame]

"I love you," Ender said. "It helps."

He started a gentle motion with his hand, while he let kisses on Ben's shoulder.

[momslilassassin]

Ben sighed softly and closed his eyes. "I love you a ridiculous amount, kreetle. Not just when you do this..."

[endsthegame]

"I know," Ender said softly. "Just relax, love."

He ran his free hand back up over Ben's chest, touching him almost idly as he kept the other one moving.

[momslilassassin]

"This is many things," Ben said, laughing softly, "but 'relaxing' isn't really in it."

[endsthegame]

"Then maybe you're doing it wrong," Ender suggested, pressing a smile into his neck.