Carlisle-Edward.

[ofthefamily]

Coming home to Alice and Jasper's fight was not the most thrilling way to start Carlisle's afternoon.

"Maybe I should have taken that extra shift at the hospital..."

Comments

[themidnightson]

Edward's on the main floor, watching the rain through the glass wall.

He's heard everything, but that's hardly news to anyone here.

[themidnightson]

"Except them," Edward amended, fondness creeping into his tone. Alice made this far more than livable for him. It was the thing he could still share with her.

How had they managed before them?

Everything before was so very different.

[ofthefamily]

Nothing will be solved today. If there's even anything that needs solving; Carlisle isn't so sure of much anymore.

But he is the leader. He has to be sure.

Belately: "I am not ancient."

[themidnightson]

Carlisle will figure it out.

If there is anything to figure out.

If there is anything to be done.

Edward raised an eyebrow, eyes lightening.

"In comparison to what?"

[ofthefamily]

Carlisle makes a sharp tsk noise between his teeth, trying his utmost to appear solemn.

"Ancien se défine comme l'âge avant la chute de l'Empire Romain d'occident en 476," Carlisle retorts, helpfully.

[themidnightson]

Edward scoffed, the corners of his lips quirked.

"If you can even find five people in this city who understand what you said-"

There's a pause, the posied fingers finally sliding flat against the island table.

"-who aren't in this house now, maybe it would be still be true."

[ofthefamily]

So mean.

Continuing, You do understand that it's not even truly Milliways itself which bothers me. A short smile.

Jasper's not the only one who could use a vacation, from time to time.

[themidnightson]

Even with the smile still a whisper in his smooth marble features, he nodded. Still and small and not lacking in a little solemnity.

He knew. He did.

Probably better than anyone else.

Except Esme.

[ofthefamily]

A short little smile, Carlisle's attention returning to his briefcase.

Stilted: "I probably should push through some of this paperwork."

Paperwork, the bar at the end of the universe, and judging by the cracking thud he hears upstairs? More broken furniture.

Business as usual.