#bergen_county

"Symon, Dirk? Where did you boys get a bottle of wine?" Anne Marie inquires

"It is a gift... from the other side." He says, in an ominously spooky voice.

"We didn't even kill anybody" Dirk says helpfully

Yay, I'm a success as a mother Anne Marie thinks at the mention of zero fatalities, but also gives her best smile "You boys are both so sweet." She gives them a hug, one arm on each, forcing them to mash together a bit

Dirk grunts "aaww this is so uncool"

Symon protests, muffled in her side.

She does, mercifully, let them go.

"I love you so much both of you."

"And I thank you for the gift. I know I'll love it because it came from my two favorite little guys"

"Aw geeze." He mutters, ducking his head so that his expression is hidden. "Just, go drink it or something."

"Oh fine, but you two have been on a bit of a long journey so go upstairs, take turns at the showers, and I'll get you some fresh clothes" She nods in way that bypasses debate "I'll drink this later. I promise"

"Yeah, sure." Anything to get away from the.. ick... yuck... blech... hugging.

"Yeah yeah" Dirk says

but Anne Marie smiles at them so, looks at the bottle of wine and back again with such happiness that it's...

warm and fuzzy

Upstairs, he allows himself a small smile. She liked it.

Dirk stomps up after muttering something about how emasculating that was. But he doesn't sound really that upset

also, he apparently learned the word emasculating. Good on him.

Symon has his small smile.. and, he knows how to run hot water in a different location so that when Dirk takes a shower, it freezes him. Life is... good!

(End Scene)