((THNMY because my internet was dead all day))

[jumpyspringy]

*At some point during the day of April 1st a small vase of red calla lilies and a box of chocolate truffles are left somewhere that Ali is likely to find them.

The card is a rough, hand-drawn cartoon of a biplane sky-writing 'Happy Birthday Ali Love.' If you look really closely that might be a toad in the pilot's seat.*

Comments

[vicioussweetie]

((-chides your internets into working-))

Ali laughs at the card, and after letting Alured taste a corner of it, slides it into a little frame and hangs it over her dresser. Then she goes to find Mortimer to thank him.

[jumpyspringy]

*Mortimer is in his room-that-he-doesn't-use-for-sleeping, browsing commercial real estate listings online. His door is wide open so that he can hear the rest of the house and cushions and little chairs have been added to the furniture in case any small people want to invade. There is lingering evidence of previous invasions in the form of picture books and baby toys.*

[vicioussweetie]

Ali picks her way quietly through the invasion-litter until she's right behind Mortimer, then reaches over and around him to lower Alured into his field of vision. "Alured wanted to come and see you, love. He has a message for you."

All this activity makes Alured squeal and squirm and wriggle happily.

[jumpyspringy]

*He tilts his head back and grins at Ali, then reaches for Alured.* What's your message, baby boy?

[vicioussweetie]

Ali hands Alured over and wraps her arms around them both, pressing against Morty's back.

"The card was yummy, daddy!" Ali is, of course, supplying the voice, and it's a silly voice too. "I wanted to eat the whooooole thing, but mommy wouldn't let me."

[jumpyspringy]

*He cradles Alured against his chest and carefully leans back into Ali's embrace.*

Did she? Well that's probably for the best. Mummy has good reasons for not letting you eat things.

[vicioussweetie]

Ali giggles, kissing the top of Morty's head.

"Thank you, love."

[jumpyspringy]

*He smiles.* You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it.

*He turns halfway around in the chair for another kiss.*

[vicioussweetie]

She kisses him gently, then rests her cheek against his hair. "I love you."

[jumpyspringy]

*He adjusts his hold on Alured and leans lightly against her.* I love you too. I hope your birthday is treating you well.

((Sorry about that long lag earlier. :( I have the dumb tonight, apparently.))

[vicioussweetie]

"Aw well as ever."

((It's okay. It happens to all of us.))

[jumpyspringy]

*He kisses her cheek.* You're an un-birhtday person, then?

[vicioussweetie]

"Have you ever known me to celebrate? You were here last year, weren't you?"

[jumpyspringy]

*He nods.* I remember. This year just sort of confirms...

*He smiles.* You definitely celebrate other things though. I'm not going to be one of those people who bothers you about wanting a pass on your birthday.

[vicioussweetie]

"I celebrate important things."