she'd like to show how much she cares

[deathisasound]

Greta texts Todd in the morning to invite him for dinner. She and Daye were going to end up upstairs before then, she knew that, but she wanted to let him know she would like to see him alone with time enough for him to decide if it's something he wants to do or not.

Now, she and Daye have shown up in the living room, and Barnabyalready had coffee waiting for them.

Greta takes a cup from him, pulling him to her so she can kiss him on the cheek, before Daye wraps an arm around his waist and tugs him toward the couch.

Mikael should be on the tail end of his day, and she hasn't gotten around to seeing if Todd was home yet, but she does glance down at her phone to make sure she didn't miss a text before she settles down on Barnaby's other side to wait and see if he shows up.

Comments

[deathisacard]

Todd had been out getting things they need that Mikael's staff doesn't take care of. More precisely the things that he likes to have, but he's never been fully comfortable with sharing that information if someone did not learn that from being around him. Mikael, thankfully, respects that. He also picked up some tea he thought Barnaby would like. When he was starting his return trip home he took a moment to respond to Greta.

Of course. I assume on a night that is not tonight. We can settle details when we see each other.

He could be home nearly as quick as thought, but doing things the long way can be enjoyable. And anyway he has been trying to establish himself as someone who lives in the building. Having people see him coming and going helps with that.

[deathisasound]

Whatever works best for you. We're already here visiting, so I can bring you back with me later, or we can talk another time. Whatever your schedule will allow.

She hasn't spoken to Barnaby about any of this, but she has mentioned to Mikael more than once that her family wants to do something about the Hierophant situation. He knows it's something they've been considering not long after the two of them met Todd, but neither she nor Daye have talked to him about concrete plans yet.

They want to talk to Todd before anyone else. See how he feels about any of it, or if it's something he would rather them not touch.

[deathisacard]

I have no plans for the rest of the night. I can go back with you.

He is curious, but he knows better than to try to imagine what they would want to talk to him about. The possibilities are many. It still tugs at his mind as he makes the rest of the trip home. Once he steps off the elevator and into his home, the curiosity slides to the back of his mind.

[deathisasound]

Greta is on the couch talking to Barnaby when Todd enters, while Daye has gone off to bother Mikael. She smiles up at him as he enters as Barnaby gets up from his spot on the floor and goes to him.

"Hi," he says, leaning in to give Todd a quick kiss on the cheek, then press his forehead into his shoulder. "Do you need help getting anything put away?"

From her spot, Greta's smile grows a little softer. She does enjoy watching the people she considers her own showing care to one another.

[deathisacard]

Todd gives Barnaby a small smile. "You can help me put everything away," he says, offering Barnaby one of the bags as he makes his way to the kitchen, which is open to the livingroom and allows him to give Greta a small smile as well.

[deathisasound]

Barnaby takes the bag, then offers out one hand to take the others. As he does, Greta gets to her feet and catches Todd's hand before he can get too far. She gives it a squeeze, then moves to give him a quick hug.

"Hello, darling brother," she says with a pleased expression. There's something about the way she's holding herself that hints at an excitement she's not fully expressing. Her smile is big, and she's quick to wrap her arms around him for a moment before she lets him go toward the kitchen again.. "I hope your time out was enjoyable. Or at least productive."

[deathisacard]

Todd returns the hug and murmurs a soft greeting. He catches Greta's hand to lightly tug her toward the island, where she can sit and be close if she so wishes. It's not difficult to talk to people sitting on the couches from the kitchen if one does not mind speaking a little louder than usual. Since Mikael and Daye have not emerged yet, Todd thinks Greta may enjoy being physically close while they put stuff away.

"It was. I enjoy reasons to leave the house when they are for me and my loved ones."

[deathisasound]

She joins them without hesitation, making herself comfortable in a spot where she can enjoy watching the two of the bustle about.

"Oh, good." She gives him a pleased expression. "It's nice to know you're doing things for yourself and not just those around you. Though there's nothing wrong with that of course."

As she talks, Barnaby sets about putting things away. "Todd does things for himself sometimes," he says. "He's just not always good at letting other people do things for him."

Greta laughs. "Point." She glances at Todd. "I'd say that's a fair assessment, wouldn't you?"

[deathisacard]

"Quite," he says with a soft chuckle. "At least I can honestly say that it is complicated."

[deathisasound]

Greta gives him a smaller smile, then reaches out to catch his hand again. "You're trying though," she says. "And that's worth a lot."

Barnaby nods, then comes over to stand behind Todd and wrap his arms around him, then nuzzles into the back of his neck. "Yeah. And you've gotten better at it. I like getting to help take care of you, and it feels good when you let me."

Greta looks at the two of them with nothing but warmth and affection on her face. "And I certainly consider it a win when you let us do it." She squeezes his hand. "I know it's complicated to accept, but I hope it helps to know that the people around you do want to be a part of your life that way. Exchanging care and doing things for one another is something I think we all enjoy."

[deathisacard]

Todd presses a hand to Barnaby's arms. "Meeting you changed everything in the best of ways."

[deathisasound]

Greta hums. "I think we've all benefited from you two meeting each other."

She glances around to see what else there might be to put away. "When we're done here, you'll have to tell me what I can feed you. I figure if I'm going to steal your attention for a while, the least I can do is send you back full and comfortable."

[deathisacard]

There wasn't much that needed to be put away, so they are likely close to being done.

"I don't have any food allergies, but I think you want to know what I enjoy." Todd gives a little shrug. "I don't have strong opinions on food. What would you enjoy making?"

[deathisasound]

Greta gives him an amused look. "Bold of you to think I was going to cook for you, my dear. I was going to order us food." She grins. "Cooking was something I never properly got the hang of. However, I'm very good at sending our brother to pick up food."

"However," she adds after a moment. "I do have a dark chocolate cheesecake in the fridge that I put together. I thought if you and I didn't get into it, I'll bring it up here and let Barnaby and Mikael have at it."

She tuns and gives Barnaby a bright, warm smile. "And, if nothing else, I'll make a fresh one and bring it over if somehow the two of us finish off the whole thing tonight."

Barnaby looks quite pleased at this idea.