"Okay, that's enough of that!"
You've spent the entire day surrounded by wolf children of varying ages, bright-eyed with toothy grins and more than a few questions - How come you don't have a tail? Are you going to live with us? Do you like Valko, no really, like like him? - and you've answered as many of these as possible and as graciously as you can, thankful that the gaggle of siblings and cousins and other loved ones that come as a package deal with Valko have taken a liking to you. However, the real pickle at the moment is the fact that one of the kids, aged about eight, has decided to stick to your side like glue, and when Valko finally escapes from a kitchen full of the wisdom of older women, served by force, his golden eyes narrow on the wolf boy who is now playing a handheld video game practically curled in your lap as you take a moment to rest in one of the estate's courtyard.
"Mm?" you ask, used to too much contact by now, but in seconds, Valko has scruffed the little boy by the collar and he yelps first before starting his protest.
"Hey, what's that for?! I was comfortable!"
"Haven't you heard of a little thing called 'personal space'?" Valko says, firmly.
"I asked her and she said it was okay!"
You stifle a giggle as Valko moves the wolfling in his grasp so that they're eye to eye, squinting at him as if trying to catch the lie written on his face. The boy scrunches his face as well in indignation, but he absolutely did not ask - simply inviting himself into your lap, not unlike your actual wolf many a cuddly evening before.
"And why don't I believe you?" Valko taunts.
"I don't know why you don't believe me!!! Meanie!!!"
Valko scoffs and then sets the boy on his feet who shakes his head. He gives Valko a glare, then at a momentary glance at you who still are trying to figure out how to keep your face from betraying too much amusement. And then he looks in between you two again, pouting further.
"Stop being greedy about your girlfriend! Let her be nice to us too!"
But he doesn't run back into your lap, scampering off instead onto the rest of the estate, perhaps to defame his older brother further. Valko looks flustered suddenly, his cheeks flushed a deep red, only worsened as he looks towards you.
"Don't say any-" he starts, but you beat him to it.
Valko rolls his eyes, but he takes a seat besides you for a moment, then his body straightens out on the outdoor patio bench, letting his head falls in your lap.
"Whatever. He's in my spot."
Your hand leaves into his hair.
"Are you really going to be jealous of a little kid?"
His hand catches yours in his hair, intertwining his hands with yours.
"Can't risk you running out of energy for me. Or headpats."
And on his face is that same toothy smile you've gotten so used to this weekend, but its own unique variation from the man you love.
