Vayle and Kyia sat side by side in the main hall. Plates of food in front of them as Ryan decided today for dinner instead of a buffet-style it would be more of a feast. Every table covered in the same foods save for a few changes here and there. Vayle ate in her usual refined manner, taking her time and savouring every bite while Kyia would stuff whole poultry legs down her throat. Thank the heavens she was a snake otherwise she would most definitely choke.
" So what do you think of Cal and Tanen?" Vayle asked pouring another glass of ale.
Kyia was mid swallow which allowed her a moment to think," Yeah I like them a lot, fun bunch." Taking another large swallow of the roasted bird in front of her she continued," I think we needed new people ever since Horgus went rogue, Cal seems like he'd be super helpful."
" Hm, well speak of evil and he shall arrive," She said as Cal sauntered over to the table, sitting across from the two.
" I thought we were past that Vayle?" He said filling the plate in front of him even pouring himself a drink, " Is this ale?"
" I'm still allowed to tease friends, part of the friendship policy, and yes its ale its Ryan's special mix so not even hovering mother Klaus knows what's really in it."
" Must be a big secret then if even mother Klaus has no idea," Cal replied, a laugh floating on his words, " Mm, doesn't matter its damn good ale."
Tanen and Klaus were not far behind after enjoying their tea in each other's company. The two were so close you'd think they were holding hands which was disproved by Klaus carrying his usual notebook in front of his chest with both arms.
" Well don't they look snazzy together," Kyia said as she watched Klaus stare at Tanen with a look none of them had really ever seen on his face. Vayle nodded in agreement and Cal simply smiled at the thought of his friend finally finding someone for himself.
Klaus and Tanen finally got to the table sitting on the left of Cal, Tanen snug in the middle.
" So, I hope you're ready for your first mission," Klaus asked placing the notebook down on the table.
" Klaus said its gonna be a simple fake out as he calls it. We have to get info on these humans using hybrids for slave labour so we can free them later." Tanen explained, maybe just a bit too excited for the mission.
Klaus cleared his throat before starting his long speech, " As Tanen said, but he left out much of the plan. You two are going to go in as a worker and his boss, Cal you will be Tanen's way into the building so he can talk and if safe steal papers from the bosses office. You will comply with what they ask and do the work. Though I hope you understand this means you could end up hurt."
" Yeah, I understand," he replied with a heavy sigh," Take it this is also a test of trust too."
" You would be correct."
" Cheer up a bit Cal, it shouldn't be too hard," Kyia exclaimed from the other side of the table.
" Can this info be trusted, Klaus? I don't want to put Tanen in any danger." Cal said slowly picking at the cranberries left on his plate.
" I flew over the place myself so it's all been checked." He replied sipping on the water in his cup," I don't wish to risk anything either."
Well, as long as the two were on the same page Cal would trust him. So he gave a weak grunt in response and slowly slid the cranberries onto Tanens plate instead. Tanen giggled at the childish gesture, Cal certainly wasn't a picky eater but he was never able to stomach cranberries.
" Cal you need to eat all your veg, you cant skip out on it like that," Vayle said as she tried to shove more salad onto his plate. Cal fought against her as much as he could without hurting her.
" I am never eating those damn cursed berries"
" Oh don't be a baby and eat them you stupid lizard." She said as she finally succeded placing a decent pile full of the red berries back on his plate. Klaus only whispered something about ale as he took her cup and the pitcher away, heading to the kitchen so she wouldn't be able to drink anymore.
Eventually after lots of laughter between everyone Cal finished eating the dreadful salad and began heading back to his room with Tanen. He completely forgot to mention Smokey nor did he ever really have the time to do so, but it was too late as the door was wide open and there in the middle of the room sat said kitten. The world seemed to freeze at that moment, neither boys moving. The only thing proving time still flowed properly was the kitten walking towards them and rubbing her head on Cal boot-clad feet.
" There's a cat in the room, Cal," Tanen said staring at the creature.
" Yeah."
" Why?"
" I guess i wanted a cat."
" And you didn't tell me!" Tanen exclaimed as he reached for her, picking her up and staring into her blue eyes.
" Well... I didn't have time too. You would have found out eventually,"
Tanen just glared at the larger man and cuddled the small kitten.
" Aw was the big brute hiding you away," Tanen said in a higher-pitched voice. He walked around the room slowly picking stuff off the ground and shoving it in the wardrobe, if it wasn't going to be used for clothes it would be used for cat storage. The two worked together to fill her food and water dishes before arguing about who she would sleep with. This resulted in a professional match of rock, paper, scissors. Tanen of course wining as he always did. So Tanen changed into more appropriate wear for sleeping while Cal just stripped.
Both now laying in their respective beds, one with a small kitten cuddled into the grooves of his armpit, they said their goodnight and slowly let sleep take them in anticipation for whatever tomorrow would bring them.