As the old crow sings, so sings its fledglings

Indie 21+ Andorra blog 

[amor-i-unitat]

hechtheid​:

If it had been anybody else Willem had decided to go on a date with, he surely would’ve been mortified at the thought of being this close to his date, but the two of them had known one another a long time. Being this close together had happened before, but he was rarely the one to initiate it; there were always reasons it was a bad idea. She’s his best friend’s sister, it wouldn’t be appropriate, it was too intimate for two people who were only friends, he was emotionally checked out…  That was then and this was now, however. It was an entirely different situation, and Wim, while he wasn’t an entirely different man, was feeling more confident. If it made Gemma uncomfortable, she certainly didn’t show it, either. 

“It always sounds like you two have fun on your girls nights. I almost envy you, though I suppose I could try something similar with Mathias.” What a stupid, yet amusing, image that put in his head- he obviously wouldn’t sit around with Mat, gossiping and painting one another’s fingernails or whatever it was that went on at a Girls’ Night, but that was the only image his mind would conjure up. Wim could probably paint little Danish and Norwegian flags on his nails, really emphasise the fact that his best friend was constantly a hot mess for his husband.  “I’m sure he’d be thrilled if I initiated more interactions with him just to hang out and do….. guy things, I guess.” At her apology, however, he shakes his head. “Don’t apologize, Gemma. I’m interested in hearing what you have to say.”

When she looks at him with a frown, he laughs. “Don’t worry- they’d probably still want to wait on my table even if I stopped tipping; they make good money here. They like to wait on my table because I’m good conversation. I usually come here during the slow times,” he gestures to the mostly empty seating area, “because I like to enjoy my meal without the constant chatter of people who approaching wine-drunk. The servers I don’t like aren’t very knowledgeable about the wines and foods, or don’t take the time to explain things when I ask about them.”

A look of surprise crosses his face when she admits she’s never been to Delft. “Really?” He supposed it’d only been a few years since he’d moved out of Amsterdam, and it wasn’t like he just invited people over to his house (until now, because he’d decided it was the prime location for the party he was throwing for his sister and Mr. Undesirable). Her hand finding his didn’t even make him bat an eye;  instead “Well, you’ll get to see a little bit of it when you come to my place for that party I’m planning, since I moved there a few years back. But I’ll have to give you a proper tour sometime soon. We can make a day of it. Perhaps I can even see if Matthew will send me a bottle of Canadian icewine for you to try.” 

“Girls’ night is.... kinda that one day that Emmy and I can really let loose and just sort of hang out and forget all of our problems. It’s really nice to just get together with a bunch of the girls and you know, drink wine and stuff.” Mostly, they complained about the boys, plotted, and shit talked, but really Willem didn’t need to know that.  Often times they planned the big girls getaway that they usually took to Aruba in July. And then reminisced over their time there.

She smiled slightly and nodded at Willem, giggling behind her hand. “I’m surprised they actually let you tip them; but it must be a huge compliment coming from you. I... got yelled at in the United States for not tipping-- something about me being an entitled European. I didn’t realise that they have to tip there??” She grasped Wim’s arm, eyes wide. “It was crazy to me! I was completely blown away when I was told.” She glanced up and over when the waiter came back with their wine and antipasti. “Oh!” The Andorran raked her eyes over the feast that was set down on their table; from glittering ruby wine and its bottle to the antipasti that was littered with marinated vegetables. “Thank you so much,” Gemma said, smiling up at their waiter. He nodded at them and headed of, catching on that neither were quite ready for their full meal yet. “No!” Gemma supplied, easily slipping some tomato spread onto her bruschetta. “I’ve not! There’s never really been a need, I suppose? But I would always love to see it. And--” Gemma waved her fork teasingly at Willem. “When I come for Emma’s fun little party-- you must show me around more. I’ll stay a few extra days if you wouldn’t mind?” She looks completely enthused at the idea of Canadian ice wine. “I didn’t realise they had an ice wine industry.”

[amor-i-unitat]

eisfrendin​:

Emma could not honestly be happier for Gemma. They all had been through far too much together for the Luxembourger to be anything but happy for Gemmy finding someone to love and to be loved by in return. Even better was that it wasn’t some stranger.

“Look,” Emma started, laughing a little and giving her best friend’s hands a squeeze. “You’ve been my sister for as long as I can remember. Now maybe you’ll just make it official. Who better would one trust with their best friend than their own brother, or vice versa? Well. Maybe unless you had an ass for a brother. But… Wim isn’t like that to people he actually cares about." 

Well. He better not hurt Gemma, or Emma would kick his ass. All five-foot-one and 109 pounds of her.

Gemma laughed and shook her head, carefully pulling her hands away from Emma’s own and folding them in front of her. “Emmy, I love you dearly, but we all know that Wim is scared of commitment. Plus, we just started seeing each other in that way, fairly certain there’s no wedding bells. If any, we need to talk about yours.” She didn’t think Willem would hurt her-- not at all-- it was exciting to think they had this new flourishing thing between them. “C’mon-- enough about me, we really need to look over all your stuff!”

[amor-i-unitat]

overthefjords​:

“As long as she’s prepared, then that’s all that matters.” Aleks drummed idle fingers against the arm of the chair, watching the sun start to dip down towards the horizon line. But, a little twitch of a smile appeared on his face. “But, enough about those two. A little birdie tells me someone else is having some dating adventures. Would you happen to know anything about that?” 

“That seems a little too… I don’t know. I don’t like forcing him to take medication, even if I know it’ll help in the long run.” Maybe it was because it was a sleeping medication that made Aleks a little hesitant to trick Mathias into taking it. “Maybe I should just try wrapping it in salmon.”

Gemma squealed and covered her mouth, green eyes wide at Aleks immediately calling her out when it came to her date with Wim. How dare he! Where had he heard?! Damn that Mathias-- or Emma... or...it didn’t matter. “I...” She pouted. “Yes. Wimmy and I went on a date. And... and it was...” Lovely. Perfect. An amazing experience. “Wonderful.” “Then coerce him.” Gemma said, voice almost pleading. “I’m worried he’s going to run himself completely ragged, Aleks. Salmon? Is he a dog now?” She wasn’t sure what to think about that, but whatever got it in Mathias’ system, all the better for it.

[amor-i-unitat]

hechtheid​:

“Every year. I’ve only won once though, and that was because Greta wrote down the date wrong. Hardly a worthy victory, all things considered.” It was… nice to see her so intently listening to what he was saying, as if it actually mattered in the grand scheme of things- how long had it been since he’d truly felt like this with someone who he was not directly related to (or Matthias, but he might as well have been related to him anyways)? Too long. It was nice to feel valued, especially by Gemma.  

It was even more pleasant to have her easily cuddle up beside him when he moved closer to share the menu, and he moves his arm behind her to comfortably accommodate for their proximity; though he was not typically one for public displays of affection in such a manner as this, it seemed to come easily at that moment and he had no intention of putting a stop to it. His head angled ever so slightly towards hers, not quite resting his cheek against the head on his shoulder, but allowing it to brush against her hair lightly. “Then we’ll get the bruschetta for now, and if we’re still hungry later, perhaps we can get a dessert and a glass of icewine. I’ve only ever had canadian icewines, but they have german ones on the menu and I’d like to give them a try.” 

“But yes, I frequent here often. The first time I dined here, I left a nice tip, and on subsequent visits the staff and I grew friendly. There are still some of the wait staff that I’m not entirely fond of, but the ones I like always make a habit of trying to get my table if I’m here while they work.”  Since she’s seated next to him and her hair’s down, he subconsciously thumbs at a strand of it for a moment, but catches himself and stops. “Do you have any places you like to visit like this? I’d be interested to hear about them if you do.”

“So you won because of a fluke.” Gemma laughed, grinning over at Willem and saddling herself close, attention fully on the Dutchman. She was absolutely entranced, not only by the sound of his voice, his silly stories, and his general calmness, but the colour of his eyes and the small smile that quirked at his lips drew her in. Damn him. She’d been pining after his man for far too long for her to act like this was her first goat rodeo when it, in fact, was not. Sort of.

His side is warm and Gemma exhales out softly as she feels his head gently rest on top of hers. Everything in that moment was right, right, right and Gemma knew that she was in deep. Really, really deep. She frankly hadn’t expected such brazen and open displays of affection so soon, but if she was floating on the same boat as he was, then likely they’d tumble out of this date in a much deeper realm of relationship than they had going into it. “Ludwig let me try some of his German icewines; Emma and I had a girls night where we sampled them with German Forest cake and it was probably one of the best combinations I’d ever had. The richness of the chocolate cut through the sweetness of the wine...” She paused, clamping a hand over her mouth when she realised that she was prattling on, murmuring a soft apology to Willem for taking over the conversation. She wasn’t nervous per say, but Gemma felt a lot more giddy than she normally did, which drew a talkative spirit from her. “Oh.” She frowned, looking up at Willem. “Well that’s no good-- I understanding wanting the tip but--” Gemma shook her head before humming in thought. “I really want to explore the Alps more,” She murmured, fingers finding Willem’s unconsciously and lacing them together. His hand was warm and Gemma felt her guard relaxing even further. “And Delft. I’ve never been--”

[amor-i-unitat]

overthefjords​:

“Someone warn her about the possible influx of food and visitors.” It was no secret that their little gaggle of a found family showed love through gifts of food, always made with love and care. That was family for you, and Naia would be inundated with it one way or another. They owed Ludwig a lot, even if the young man didn’t think it necessary to thank him. So, they’d thank Naia instead, for taking care of their dear friend.

“No,” The Norwegian sighed in return, rubbing a hand over his face. “You know he hates taking medication if he can help it. He usually just goes downstairs to watch tv on the sofa in the middle of the night.”

“Oh, please.” Gemma waved her hand somewhat dismissively, but not rudely. “She’ll love all the attention, the visitors, the food-- it’s so up her ally that I would be concerned if she hated it.” Gemma knew how the family was and once someone new was brought into the picture, even if they had known her for hundred of years, that she would be drowning in love and affection from them all. Certainly Lilli had experienced that recently and now it would be Naia’s turn. After all, she was taking on the task of loving Ludwig. 

Gemma pursed her lips in concern, watching the way that Aleks’ eyebrows pinched with concern for his husband. “I know.” Gemma murmured softly. “Have you tried mixing it into his tea at night? That might help him at least take it.” Doctors were the worst, and often the most stubborn, of patients. Mathias was absolutely the pinnacle of that.

[amor-i-unitat]

eisfrendin​:

Emma was more than happy to wind Gemma into a hug, cheek resting against the Andorran’s. Never in a million years had Em thought they’d be here, one of them engaged and one of them possibly stepping into a relationship. Two big steps at the same time, bringing nothing but happiness and excitement to their lives.

“What? No, that’s,” Emma laughed softly, kissing Gemma on the cheek. “You’ve been my sister for forever. I want what’s best for you, and is that’s my grouchy brother who you’ve had eyes on for forever? Then I’m happy for you, for both of you. I don’t think it’s weird.” At the question of Bastian, though, she giggled. “Honestly, he’ll be happy that Wim isn’t going to be alone forever. As am I.”

The Andorran stepped into her best friend and clung to her gently. She let her eyes close as she relaxed into Emma’s embrace, sighing softly. She had wanted this for awhile, hadn’t she? And it was finally coming around full circle. Both of them finding happiness in the nuances of life with a partner whom would support them endlessly.

She glanced up and gave a small smile, finally pulling from Emma and squeezing her best friend’s hands gently. “As long as you don’t think it’s weird.” She laughed. “There’s always that crazy sister code or whatever.” Gemma had to snort at the mention of the Belgian and Emma’s response; she was absolutely right, Bastian was always hounding him about finding someone. “You’re so right.”

[amor-i-unitat]

einigkeit-recht​:

Ugh. Ludwig rubbed his nose and pouted at Gemma, who seemed to just want to bruise his face with her incessant little flicks to his poor nose. “I don’t know, I was pretty hopeless up until recently so who knows what’s to be done with me.” He grins, though, pinching her cheek affectionately. 

“I am. That’s just who she is,” He smiled fondly, looking down at the palms of his hands. “You can’t tell me you don’t know how she is.” But, he snags an empty notepad from the middle of the table and jots down what the Andorran tells him, humming in thought.  “I’ll have to get a florist to put together something for her.” He wanted it to be special, to be a gift to Naia for their picnic. 

Gemma giggle and flicked Ludwig’s nose one last time before shrugging at him. “Luddy, you were never, ever hopeless. You weren’t sure what you wanted. You show Basti and all of us love-- you clearly know how to give affection.” Gemma snagged Ludwig’s hand against her cheek and grinned up at Ludwig. 

“Yes it is.” Gemma grinned over to Ludwig and nudged him gently. “it’s who she is, it’s how she will forever be. She’s ....you and she need one another, I think. I know you’re going to take amazing care of her, Ludwig, and that’s all that I could ever ask for.” Gemma peers over Ludwig’s shoulder and grins at the notes he’s written before laughing and ruffling his hair gently, pulling it out of its neat confines. “Just be good to her is all I ask.”

[amor-i-unitat]

einigkeit-recht​:

“I’m being serious!” Ludwig laughed, lightly bumping Gemma with his shoulder. “You deserved better than that, and you are all of those things.” Scrubbing a hand over his face, he peeked between his fingers at Gemma. “Nah, I know there’s no saving me now.”

Intelligence could be debated for hours, but he merely allowed Gemma her words with a soft smile. “I do, in fact, have eyes. Though, I’m pretty sure I’d know all of those things even if I was blind.”

Ugh. Ludwig really was in deep, wasn’t he? “I plan to take her on a picnic. What kind of flowers does she like, do you know?”

“Nope. Doomed, doomed forever, Ludwig!” Gemma laughed, hugging Ludwig’s arm for a second before leaning back and gently flicking his nose with a kind smile. “Whatever are we going to do with you now, hmm?”

Gemma looked contemplative for a moment before laughing and flicking Ludwig in the nose. Again. He would never be free of her torture. Never, ever. “Are you sureeee? I’m not so sure about that, Luddy.” He certainly was and Gemma saw it a mile away. “Her favourite flower are hydrangeas-- she likes the multicoloured ones. Carnations, of course. And dahlias.” 

[amor-i-unitat]

eisfrendin​:

It was a cold day in Hell when Gemma wasn’t bubbly and bright when talking about love, and yet here she was, subdued and shy. Lucifer better have his scarf and mittens ready.

Emma’s expression softened, gently rubbing Gemma’s arms and giving her a gentle smile. To hear that Willem Jansen, a man who had problems with simple displays of affection and telling people that the loved them, took Gemma on a date and it had gone well? The Luxembourger was over the moon, for both of them. They both deserved happiness and love and if they found that in one another, then there was no reason to not be over the moon for them.

“Oh, Gem,” she murmured, “I’m glad; so so glad you two had a good time together.”

Gemma returned the smile gently and squeezed Emma’s hands back before gently stepping into Emma and wrapping her best friend up in a hug. It felt surreal to be talking about it, really-- and it seemed all the pieces were just starting to fall in place for what was, hopefully, something bigger and brighter. “It just is weird! I mean, he’s your brother and I’m your best friend and I don’t want to be stepping over any weird invisible no-no line or something.” Gemma shrugged, peering at Emma. “You’re okay with it, right? Basti’d be okay with it, right?”

[amor-i-unitat]

overthefjords​:

It seemed that their dear German friend was turning over a new leaf, one that was softer and sweeter than possibly any of them had ever seen. Aleks knew that Ludwig deserved that kind of happiness in his life; that despite his young age, his life had not been easy or terribly kind to him. “I know that Lud deserves a bit of a respite and some happiness. If It’s true, remind me to thank Naia.”

Aleks’ brows furrowed for a moment in thought, fingers stilling over Gemma’s as she clutched at his arm. “All I know is that Matti mentioned that Toni was on vacation a few months back, and that Naia was filling in for him. You know me, dear, I don’t tangle with EU news very much.” 

“I think we all want to thank Naia. Basti especially.” Gemma smiled softly, dragging her fingers through her hair with a low hum. Aleks was right, Ludwig more than deserved this. His life had been hard enough as it was and if he could get some reprieve, a chance at genuine happiness in the comfort of another than Gemma would support it to kingdom come and back. It didn’t take a mad scientist to realise how much Ludwig would benefit from some stability.

She shook her head and smiled widely at Aleks. “It doesn’t matter-- all that matters is that they’re happy and whatnot. I think that’s all any of us could ask for.” She gave Aleks’ arm a gentle patt and sighed. “Is your husband sleeping any better?”

[amor-i-unitat]

hechtheid​:

“Indeed I do- for her age, she still has a great deal of energy and a zeal for life that I deeply respect.” Wim snorts at himself as he says it, as if the entire sentiment is somehow ridiculous for him to even be admitting. Honestly, it was; he’d never tell Greta that he thought so highly of her, so telling someone else seemed silly. Yet here he was. He was going to continue, but Gemma leaned towards him and he hesitated, eyes shooting up towards the bit of hair he could not see as she fixed the stray that had escaped. 

He wasn’t sure how to properly reply. Saying thank you just sounded off in his head, but he couldn’t form a suave response either. Instead, he took her continuing the conversation as suggestion enough that he didn’t need to point out what she’d done. “She insults me all the time, even when I’m just trying to be a cordial neighbor.” He continued with a shake of his head. “Especially during our annual community bake-off during the holidays. Says my recipes are non-traditional, tells me my cookies are too dry.” 

Gabriel’s appearance nearly didn’t shift Wim’s attention off of Gemma, but with the prospect of wine, he slowly turns his head to catch the man’s smile. Gemma was quick to tell Gabriel what she was thinking, and Wim simply nodded along.Gabriel seemed to have struck inspiration with her request, however, and nodded eagerly. “Of course. I’ll fetch a bottle and return shortly.” Giving a little bob of his head, he hurried away, and Wim watched him go, pleased. 

“I like him.” The Dutchman remarked idly, turning back towards Gemma. “He’s attentive, but not annoyingly so. Knows when to let me enjoy my meal and book in peace.” When Gemma offered to share something, Wim nodded, standing up to move closer to her so that they could look at a menu side by side; while there were two that had been brought, it was a nice enough excuse to sit closer to her while he pointed to an item on the shared menu. “What do you think of the tomato bruschetta? Not too heavy, easily shareable. The italian sausage and whipped ricotta flatbread would probably go better with a red wine, though.” Honestly, pairing wines and foods was always a foreign concept to him; he knew that some people felt it important and had learned the skill, but he’d never considered himself someone who was picky with his alcohol.

A warm smile crosses Gemma’s face and she can’t help but laugh, happy to see that Willem has someone like Greta nearby to look after him should he accidentally do silly things like, say, fall through a window and have no one else nearby. It brings some comfort to her and she simply smiles as she leans back after having fixed the stray hair that had found itself from Willem’s tight styling. It was darling ad she certainly didn’t need him to answer, just being there with him was enough.

“Insults you, huh?” Gemma laughed again, this time pushing her own hair behind her ear as she listened to Wim with all the interest in the world, completely encapsulated by the sound of his voice. “Oh!” A community bake off? “A community bake off? Do you end up participating, Willem? That seems like such fun!” It does-- and it’s something that Gemma would genuinely want to participate in one of these days. Maybe she and Wim could do so together.

She’s good with her wine, knows what she likes-- and Gabriel can clearly tell that with the way that Gemma immediately rattles off just what she was thinking. She grimaced, knowing that some of the wines had been a bit more on the expensive side, but it was fine-- she would give Willem some money to cover that. It was the least that she could do. “Thank you so much,” Gemma chirpped, watching Gabriel head off. Her attention turns back to Willem and she nods in agreement. “So I’m assuming that you come here often considering he seems to really know you?” There’s a knowing glint in Gemma’s eyes and she scootched over so Willem could sit beside her and eye the menu himself. She glanced to Willem, nestling herself against his side, resting her head on his shoulder. “I think all of it sounds delicious-- I trust you, your recommendations will no doubt be superb.” And she means that, genuinely. “Plus the bruschetta will pair nicely with the wine that was picked.”

[amor-i-unitat]

eisfrendin​:

Emma had been about to reply, mentioning something about how it was most definitely Mathias and how the Dane was probably considerably offended to see how Ludwig kept his house. But, Gemma’s quiet admittance had stolen the words right out of her mouth.

“Something?” The grin on her face can’t be hidden as she grabbed the Andorran by the arm and gives her a little wiggle. “Oh, now come on. Spill it. You know you can’t just say that and not follow up. Especially! Because it’s Wim! That man is allergic to feelings!”

She shrugs, looking away from Emma and squealing as the Luxembourger shook her arm, Gemma rocking back and forth for a moment before huffing and tugging away. The Andorran fiddled with her hair and shrugged, biting her lip as she looked to Emma. “I dunno! We just... we’re hitting it off.” She mumbled. “He took me on a date to this wine bar and it was just so...natural. We had such a lovely time-- and he thought it as a date and so did I and ....”

[amor-i-unitat]

overthefjords​:

“If they were, that would honestly be adorable.” It was a little hard to imagine, but Aleks had a feeling they would be getting to see a very different side of one very grumpy German here soon. For the better, of course. All this talk of mushy cute romantic stuff was making the Norwegian wonder when exactly Matti was going to be home.

Giving Gemma a smile, Aleks replied, “I hope so too. He’d be sad to know he missed you.” But, he arched a brow with the Andorran’s statement, humming. “I’ll answer the best I can.”

“It really would be.” She clapped her hands together and gave a small shake of her head. “Darling Ludwig and sweet Naia.” She shook Aleks’ arm again, huffing as she slowly came to the realisaiton... They had no idea when this started coming together. “When did they get so friendly?! Do you know?” Mathias could wait-- she needed to know this information first.

[amor-i-unitat]

einigkeit-recht​:

[ There was no mistaking the soft expression on his face for anything but happiness, a smile on his face from the Andorran’s gentle ribbing and the conversation as a whole.] 

That’s just rude on his behalf, and I apologise for him. You, my dear, are beautiful and adorable and that man was very wrong in his assessment. [ He’s just quiet for a moment; thoughtful.] Was I shocked? Of course, but I… Can’t say I hadn’t been thinking about it. She’s darling, and enchanting, and I’m neither blind nor stupid. Well. Stupid is debatable.

[ He just grins at Gemma, cheeks a little pink. He really was.] Perhaps.

Gemma giggled, hiding her mouth behind her hand, eyes twinkling as she watched Ludwig. Aw. Flatterer. “Stop flattering me.” She laughed. “Especially if you think it’ll protect you from me grilling you about you and Naia.” She hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin. “You’re not dumb, stop it.” She smacked him and frowned. “No negative vibes here, Mister! I won’t have it! But you’re right, she is darling and enchanting. Good eye.”

[amor-i-unitat]

einigkeit-recht​:

No, they’re just big turtles. [He doesn’t dare look at Gemma, knowing that she could see right through whatever pittance of a defense he was putting up against her poking and prodding into his personal life that was apparently becoming a hot topic amongst his fellow nations ] I wouldn’t be surprised. She’s brilliant.

What kind of question is that? Do you expect me to say no? No, when a pretty lady kisses you, you return the favor! A-and we were in the gardens and she just looked so beautiful under the lights. [Oh God he was being sappy. Who was this and what the hell happened to Ludwig?]

Uh huh, sure.  [She shrugs and gently nudges Ludwig in the side, smiling warmly at teh German, taking in how much more relaxed and at ease he looked. He looked...well, he looked happy.]

I dunno!!! I kissed a boy once and he just stared at me! [But her eyes light up and she giggle, grasping Ludwig’s arm and shaking him.] Aw, Ludwig!!!! That’s so cute! [It really was.] Look at you all smitten!

[amor-i-unitat]

eisfrendin​:

Gently resting her hand over her mouth, Emma just let what Gem was saying sink in. Ludwig, the man who slept his way through Amsterdam in the 50′s, was taking the leap into something serious after being alone for so long. He deserved this happiness, and if this was what made his life better? They’d all rally behind him.

“Well, at least his house isn’t entirely decorated like a bachelor pad.” Thanks to Bastian and Mathias, at the very least. 

“Thank God for that. I heard it was Mathias that made it beautiful.” Which, absolutely tracked, the Dane had an eye for interior design. Gemma hummed softly, dragging her hand through her hair. She was glad for Ludwig, had been more than concerned and worried for him as the years went on and even after he found his footing... he still needed something more, it seemed. Looks like he’d found it. “I think there’s...something happening between Willem and I.” 

[amor-i-unitat]

overthefjords​:

The Andorran’s laughter is infectious and Aleksander find himself joining in, sticking his phone back into the pocket of his flannel. “So you did,” he wheezed quietly, cheeks aching form the laughter and the smiling. 

Calimg down a bit and rubbing a hand over his face, Aleks snorted. “I send schematics out to people on a regular basis, and I do actually have some for him but they’re not finished yet. So it wasn’t exactly a lie.” He lightly tweaked Gemma’s nose, snickering. “Who knows. Isn’t it your job to get all of the information? He did sound like he’d just woken up, though.” 

“Ah, he had to drop off some client files at his office. He should be back soon.” It wasn’t often that Mathias had human clients, but he had just a few right now and their files were not kept in the house, whereas the nation’s files were kept in their office in their own safe.

“Shhh, don’t out me like that, Aleks!” Gemma giggled, nudging gently at the Norwegian before sighing and calming down herself. She dragged her hands through her hair, tugging the brunette strands up into a loose ponytail, only held up by her tying a strand of her own hair around it. “It is my job!” She giggled, wriggling her nose. “Maybe they were napping together.” Gemma’s eyes widened excitedly and she nodded. “Aw, good! I’m glad. I hope I get to see him before I have to head out.” She paused for a moment, tilting her head to the side. “Odd...question on that. And him.”