#ccsemberclub

"I can't believe you are mad at me" CC says to her son.

"Mom? You played me, and then used me to snooker William... and I'm not supposed to be offended?" Caesar looks at her like she's nuts

"So you're giving me the silent treatment?" SHe says

"you have full access to your grand kids," Caesar says "But no reason I have to trust you again any time soon."

"My sneaky ways kept us with food on the table" CC snorts.

"No, no guilt trip. There's a lot of things that were needs then, and are not now. And to top it off... sneaky cons are for enemies or at least strangers. Not for fammily and friends and loved ones. YOU taught me that, at least verbally." He says

A huff "Caesar!" She claps her hooves "I thought it was for the best"

"Next time, get a vote," Caesar rises.

His mother offers her cheek.

"Later, mother" And he walks off, leaving her cheek unkissed

William is ... around somewhere. Unobtrusive; boggany.

Her mouth falls open, and she looks stung

as the door closes, her cheek still unkissed

"What just happened?" She asks aloud.

A martini, just like she likes it, appears at her hand. "Your son is miffed."

"that miffed? I have a dry cheek. it's supposed to be a son kissed cheek. " She takes the martini, and takes an unlady like gulp, then says "Thank you by the way"

"Most welcome." Gently.

"Callidora... and I don't mean to preach to the choir.... but I think it is understandable that Caesar is upset. As was I. And perhaps, after a few minutes, he will calm down."

"It's been days. he's holding onto it longer than you have and hes a satyr' A scowl "It's that troll influence! that's what it is"

He sighs and settles next to her.

"Let's kill them all."

"Fine... but ..well, not clem, she saved Winter." A sigh "And not the kinian, we need the mothers alive and Theodore was nice... I suppose killing Emmit would be a mistake, shortage of commoner namers." A hurumph

"Hm. True. Agnes seems canny in her own way, and of course I appreciate Murray."

"Not that I would let that stop us...."

"Hummph, and of course they're providing food for the kids as they get older...and they will need their greens" A sigh "Okay fine, they live. But I'm still not happy they've taught my son to be petty"

"Yes, they are certainly at fault there....."

A slender brow "mmm one might suspect you were placating me while slightly and secretly amused?"

"Dearest, would I do that?"

"Very very carefully? Yes" She sighs and looks miserable "Crap. I hate karma when it works against me."

"Oh, Dearest...." shifting in his seat, he puts a hand on hers. "How can I help?"

"You already are" And she lets some tears fall..and he's pretty sure they're real. "The martini too"

"Oh....." He draws her over to his lap if she will come.

And she does and she sniffles

"Sshhhh....." and he offers pets and strokes and comforting sounds; a satyr will feel what they feel, after all.

And yet, she doesn't like showing vulnerability. FALSE weakness? of course, useful, but real pain, real injury even if deserved? Never to another if she can help it, but with him she can "Just desserts.." A sniffle "taste terrible"

"I know." Softly.

"I know he'll get over it. He loves me, but ..now? it hurts."

"It is good you know that."

A nod her horns poking him a bit, but not badly

And nor does he care. He strokes her. "Is there anything I can do? Other than hold you, and bartend? Which I am happy to do."

"You're here, you let me show this... that's everything" She assures, then adds "I probably look like a mess"

"You are a goddess."

"Zeus's father ate HIS father, Demeter lost her daughter for half a year to some rich guy with an underground condo"

"I didn't say gods and goddesses were without issues... merely that I do worship you."

"And I love you" She says

"I love you, Calidora." A whisper.

her tears stop at that, then resume, but for a better reason than feeling sorry for herself "That makes me...very happy to hear"

"Good." He snuggles her.

And she smiles and enjoys the snuggling

(End Scene)