Skywalker Home, Naboo

[momslilassassin]

"Happy birthday, Val!" Ben said, beaming at the baby, who was glowering at him from under her (frankly hilarious) pink and bedazzled birthday crown. Ben was hoping this would nip the "want to wear the Queen of Naboo's headdresses" thing right in the bud.

"Cake?" Val asked pointedly, looking from one dad to the other.

Comments

[momslilassassin]

"Well, he's a teenager, so that's probably likely," Ben replied.

[endsthegame]

"And you're just waiting for your chance," Ender teased.

[momslilassassin]

Ben laughed. "If he can't stand to be teased, he's not going to last long against Mom."

[endsthegame]

"He probably won't to begin with," Ender said wryly. "Your father is a hard act to fight."

[momslilassassin]

Ben smiled. "Well, I like him, but I'm kinda biased."

[endsthegame]

"Fifty percent of those nice genes of yours," Ender said, kissing his temple.

[momslilassassin]

"Exactly," Ben said. "I mean, did you see that guy's taste in clothing?"

[endsthegame]

"Have you seen your dad's?" Ender teased gently.

[momslilassassin]

Ben laughed. "Ponchos are very trendy," he lied. "Somewhere. Maybe."

[endsthegame]

"I've also seen a variety of terrible hats," Ender said wryly. "And color-coordinated gloves."

[momslilassassin]

"Well, Naboo has never had any sense," Ben said.

[endsthegame]

"Are you saying your grandmother's fashion sense is genetic?" Ender teased.

[momslilassassin]

"Yes," Ben declared. "Fortunately it skipped me."

You only wore black, Ben. That's not a style.

[endsthegame]

"True," Ender said. "Your fashion sense is more 'how many flightsuits can a man own?'"

[momslilassassin]

"At least one more," Ben said, laughing. "Especially when Val wipes her sticky fingers on them."

[endsthegame]

"I'm surprised you didn't get her a tiny one for her birthday," Ender said, giving him a fond nudge.

[momslilassassin]

"Maybe I did and she's just overwhelmed right now," Ben teased back.

[endsthegame]

Ender laughed. "I might have to stop you if you do," he said. "Terrible fashion sense is a horrible thing."

[momslilassassin]

"And you're the family expert on fashion?" Ben asked.

[endsthegame]

"In comparison to the rest of you," said Ender, with his perfectly decent blue and white shirts and crisp pants, "Yes."

[momslilassassin]

Ben heard a little thunk and turned to see Val fast asleep on top of the toy. "Sugar crashes are real," he laughed.

[endsthegame]

"Too much cake," Ender said fondly. "There is such a thing."

[momslilassassin]

"Only when you're this little," Ben said, scooping her up and heading to the bedroom. "I am a professional and can eat cake without side effects."

[endsthegame]

"Tell me that next time you have a stomachache," Ender called, choosing to stay on the couch. It was comfortable there.

[momslilassassin]

"I just won't tell you when I have a stomachache," Ben declared as he returned, snuggling back in against Ender. "You'll give me that 'you idiot' look."