Chapter Text
Juliana
She could always hear before Auntie came in to wake her up - the third floorboard would creak in a very loud way, and she’d keep her eyes closed so that Auntie would still go through her routine.
“Good morning, Lady Juliana,” Aunt Sharon swept into her room. “It’s time to start the day!”
“Idunwanna,” she managed to grumble out, head buried in her pillow.
“Ah, but it’s such a shame! If only there wasn’t a convenient curtain to open right…here…!” Auntie threw the shades open and let a pillar of sunlight smash right over her head. Julie groaned into her pillow and tossed the sheets aside in a fit. “Now, now, Lady Juliana. Your mother’s waiting for you downstairs.”
“Ughhh. Fine.” Julie slowly sat up, and she knew her blonde hair was sticking up at all different angles. She might only be five or so, but she knew some big words. “Where’s daddy?”
“Your father had to leave early this morning for a request. I’m sorry,” Auntie said sadly, and Julie could feel a pout coming. “He does wish you his best.” She grunted in response and jumped out of bed.
“Well, he’d say it’s important to eat well before a big day!” Julie propped her hands on her hips and strode off towards the staircase. She didn’t know why their house had a big staircase when they already lived on top of a big tower, but she’d make do. “Morning, mommy!”
“Good morning, Jules,” Mommy was at the table, toast in one hand and the newspaper in the other. She put both down to lift Julie onto her lap and give her a good morning kiss. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did!” Julie nodded quickly before stealing a piece of toast.
“Good morning, Lady Alisa,” Auntie materialized in the kitchen, bearing a platter of eggs and bacon. “Did Master Rean say when he would be back?”
“He said by midnight tonight,” Mommy shifted Julie and picked up her ARCUS. “A cryptid appeared down near Celdic, and Fie and Sara asked for him.”
“Is Aunt Fie okay? And what about Gregory?” Julie tilted her head slightly.
“Yes, she and Uncle Elliot are fine, and your cousin Gregroy’s safe,” Mommy rubbed her head a few times. “It’s just that sometimes they need your father’s help for the big problems.”
“Is he gonna be okay? He has the sword I got him, right?”
“He will, and he does,” Auntie laughed as she finished setting up breakfast. “There’s not much that can take down Master Rean in combat.”
“Okay!” Julie slid off her mother’s lap and leapt into her own seat, quickly grabbing her fork and digging in.
“Lady Alisa, your mother has added an appointment to your calendar. She wants to discuss the upcoming audit with you,” Auntie passed Mommy her daily schedule, and Mommy groaned in response.
“Wonderful. What time?” Mommy took another bite of toast as her brow furrowed.
“In between your meeting with the Crossbell branch’s CFO and your lunch with Lady Angelica,” Auntie busied herself around the table, cleaning Julie’s face in the process.
“Of course. That leaves me no time for anything else,” Mommy groaned, rubbing her eyes.
“Did Grandmother do something wrong?” Julie said, mouth half-full of bacon.
“Please chew with your mouth closed,” Mommy gave a tired smile. “No, she didn’t.”
“Are you two fighting again?” Julie asked.
“No, we’re not. It’s just…we have some disagreements, sweetie. That doesn’t mean we’re fighting. I was just counting on your father being here today, but…Sharon, do you mind looking after Juliana for the day?”
“It would be my pleasure.” Auntie curtsied with her big skirts. “After all, Lady Juliana, you do need to get your father a birthday gift - his birthday is tomorrow, after all.”
“Oh, shit!” Julie slammed her hands on the table.
“And where did you hear that word?” Mommy gave her a direct look.
Eventually breakfast was put away and Julie was dressed and Mommy had to go to work and that left Julie in the tower’s lobby with…no real idea of what to do or where to go.
“Good morning, Sharon. Lady Juliana,” Dalton gave a smile from his perch overlooking the lobby. “What do you two have planned for today?”
“I need to figure something out to get my dad for his birthday,” Julie crossed her arms.
“You got him…a sword last year?” Dalton shared a quick look with Auntie, who nodded in response. “Hmm. I think what matters is that it comes from the heart.”
“Hm. Thanks.” Julie turned away and looked around. Daddy probably didn’t need another sword since he had three, and it’s not like he could use them all at once. He didn’t need a new watch or a coat. His motorcycle was fine. Hm. “Auntie, do you think Grandmother would have any ideas? Or even Great-Grandpa?”
“Lady Irina is quite busy today, and Master Gwyn is up in the Highlands, so he isn’t receiving calls.” Auntie replied, and Julie’s frown deepened. She did like Great-Grandpa’s lake house - the water was so clear and the weather was so nice. “However, I do think your Grandfather is free.”
“Ohhh! Yeah! Maybe he’ll have an idea!” Julie pumped her fists. “Can I borrow your ARCUS, Auntie?”
“Of course, Lady Juliana. But mayhaps we should move to a quieter area rather than the middle of the lobby.”
“Yeah. Probably.” They scooted over into one of the private offices, waving at the employees there. The ARCUS rang a few times before it connected.
“Giliath Osborne here.”
“Hi Grandpa!”
“Jules! My favorite granddaughter!” Her grandfather’s voice warmed instantly.
“I’m your only granddaughter!”
“Ah, my mistake. I must be losing my mind in my old age! Hah!”
“Didn’t you beat Daddy at chess the last time we visited?” Julie couldn’t see her grandpa’s face, but she knew he was smiling.
“True, I did. Excellent memory, my dear. Speaking of, where is your father?” Grandpa asked.
Auntie cleared her throat, “Master Rean is assisting some bracers down in Kreuzen. A cryptid appeared and he left this morning.”
“Thank you, Sharon. And I presume that since you’re here that Alisa’s busy working?”
“You guess correctly,” Auntie nodded with a smile.
“Blondes with piercing weapons…heh. Anyway. What can I help you with, Jules?” She could hear Grandpa shift in place. He was probably reading in his chair.
“Well, Daddy’s birthday is tomorrow, and I don’t know what to get him!” Julie whined and resisted stomping her foot. “He doesn’t really need or want anything!”
“A grave undertaking,” Grandpa responded seriously, which she appreciated. “Have you had any ideas?”
“...no. And I wanna get him something good!”
“Why not get him a fishing rod?”
“Huh?”
“A fishing rod. Surely he’s taught you how to fish, yes?”
“He has, but I’m not very good at it.”
“That is because most fish are scared of little girls.”
“That’s not true!”
“You got me!” Grandpa paused to laugh, as if this was the funniest thing in the world.
“So I should buy him a fishing rod? Or wait…” Jules paused in thought. “What if I made him one?”
“I think that’s a phenomenal idea, Lady Juliana,” Auntie gave her a head pat. “What do you think, Master Giliath?”
“That sounds delightful. Is there anything else I can help you with, dear heart?” When Grandpa said that, something tickled in the air.
“Nuh-uh. I’m good!” Julie nodded fervently.
“I do think we’ll be in Ymir next week for Lady Elise’s birthday, so be forewarned,” Auntie responded quickly.
“Ah, and that’ll mean the whole royal family will be here. What a mess. Well, thank you for the warning, Sharon.”
“And do give Lianne my best.” Julie looked at Sharon closely at this.
“I will,” Grandpa said roughly. “I love you, Jules. Best of luck.”
“Love you too, Grandpa!” Julie replied happily, and closed Auntie’s ARCUS. “Okay! Now, uh…what the heck do I need for a fishing rod?”
It had taken practically the whole day and had brought Julie to all of Roer’s corners until she finally set down her bag of stuff in her mother’s workshop at the top of the tower. They had gone to Great-Grandpa’s old fishing spot and found a long stick that would work well for a rod, and then went to the watch-maker’s shop for a winding-thing. She had even bartered with Boronia for some extra fishing line! And lastly, they had even trekked up to Sachsen to get one of the managers there to whip her up a hook! So all she had to do was…put it together. Humph.
“Having trouble?” Julie turned to see Grandmother leaning against the doorframe. She quickly dropped her items and ran over to give her a big hug, which Grandmother thankfully reciprocated. “Hi, Julie. I heard you’re…making a fishing rod?”
“Uh-huh! Dad’s birthday is tomorrow and…well…” Julie trailed off, letting go of Grandmother.
“Why not just buy one? We can afford it, I assure you.” Grandmother approached the workbench, scattered with spare parts.
“If I just bought it, it’d…ugh, I dunno,” Julie shrugged. “A good gift comes from the heart. So I’m gonna put all my heart into making this!”
“That’s what makes you a Reinford, after all,” Grandmother rubbed her head fondly. “Even if you get some of it from your father’s side…hmph. Would you like some space and quiet to do your work?”
“You can stay if you want!” Julie beamed at her, and she seemed taken aback. “Besides, once I’m done I want the head of the Reinford Group’s approval!”
“Very well, sweetie. Let’s see how you do.” Grandmother gracefully pulled over a chair and sat down. “Well? Go on.”
Never mind. Grandmother could be exhausting.
Rean
“I’m home,” he called out as the elevator doors ‘dinged’ open. He winced as he checked his watch - five minutes to midnight - as he kicked off his boots and hung his jacket up in a side room. Each sword went into its dedicated spot, and he sent out a pulse of energy to see who was where. Alisa was in their bedroom, Sharon was sneaking up behind him, and Julie was -
“Good evening, Master Rean,” Sharon said, and he was used to it, so he didn’t jump. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks, Sharon,” Rean turned to give her a smile.
“How was your day? Did you defeat the cryptid?”
“Yeah, but the cryptid was just bait for another one of Patrick’s attempts to ‘regain his honor through combat’ or something,” Rean rolled his eyes, rolling his shoulder next. He was stiff and sore. “I understand his efforts, but…not when it endangers others.”
“I see. Quite a conundrum. And how are Lady Fie and Master Elliot?” Sharon led him to the kitchen, where she had brewed a small pot of chamomile tea.
“Doing well. Gregory just turned two, and Fiona’s more than happy to do childcare while they go out and help people. I think she’s expecting the same once she and Neithardt get around to having kids.” He poured himself two mugs - one for him, and one for Sharon. “Sara’s also doing fine. She kept whining about how Claire keeps bothering her.”
“I see.”
“How’re Alisa and Jules?”
“Lady Alisa was busy all day, but your daughter was all over town today looking for a birthday gift for you.” Sharon gratefully accepted her mug - it was literally her mug, it had Jules’ sloppy handwriting that said ‘Auntie’ on it. “Lady Irina helped her with it, and your father gave her the idea.”
“Dad, huh,” Rean looked at his tea. “Oh, right. Elise’s birthday is next week. We’ll probably head out early if that’s alright, Sharon.”
“Just make sure you clear it with your wife first,” Sharon giggled behind a hand, but she also hid a yawn there.
“We’re both tired. Let me see what Jules wants and then get to bed.” He took a sip of tea. “But…after we have tea.”
“Of course, Master Rean.” The two sat in companionable silence, a siblings-in-law dynamic that Rean cherished. Eventually, their mugs ran dry. “Do you need any assistance?”
“No, I’ll get her to bed and washed up,” Rean waved a hand. “Take it easy, Sharon. And take tomorrow off, too. You must be tired looking after Julie all day.”
“It’s nothing compared to my days in the Order or Ouroboros,” Sharon giggled in reply. “But as you say. Have a good night, Rean.”
“You too.” They put their mugs away as Rean headed into the living room, where Julie was sleeping on the couch, covered with a blanket. There was a weird lump next to her, also hidden under the blanket. “Hey, baby. What’re you doing here?” He gently woke her.
“Daddy…? I…wanted to wait up for you,” Julie groggily sat up, rubbing her eyes. “I…made you a birthday present.” Her eyes flicked to the clock on the wall, and a smile crossed her face. “And it’s your birthday today! Happy birthday, daddy!”
“Thanks, Julie,” he wrapped her in a tight hug. “But what’s that next to you?”
“Well…I had a lot of help, but…here.” She pulled aside the blanket to reveal a cobbled-together fishing rod. It was shoddy and mismatched and poorly constructed, but…it was the most beautiful fishing rod he’d ever seen. Even Lloyd and Estelle would be jealous, and they loved fishing. “I hope you like it.”
“I love it. Thanks, Julie.” He moved it aside and picked up his daughter, still partially-swaddled in the blanket. “But let’s get you to bed, okay? It’s late even for me!”
“Only if you tell me about grandmama,” She gave a serious pout, which he could respect.
“Deal.” He settled her on his hip and headed for the stairs, making sure to watch out for the loose floorboard. “What do you want to know about my mother?”
“What was she like?”
“She was…she was kind. And bright, and smart, and loving. She passed away before she met you, but I guarantee she would’ve loved you more than anything.” He gently placed Julie down before the en-suite bathroom, and she dragged the blanket with her as she went to brush her teeth.
“Yeah?” Julie turned before brushing, still looking at Rean as he pulled back the sheets on her bed.
“I know it.” Rean paused as Julie said something, but her mouth was full of toothpaste and brush. “Wait until you finish washing up.” Of course, that was her invitation to speed through her routine, changing quickly and throwing herself into bed. “That was fast.”
“You said you’d tell me about grandmama!”
“I will! Hold your horses, Julie.” He pinched her nose, and she squealed. “But let’s be sure to be quiet since Mommy’s sleeping.”
“Right!”
“Julie.”
“Sorry. Right.” She pantomimed zippering her mouth shut.
“Heh. But my mother…she was strong. It was only until a few years ago that I could defeat her in a fight, and I had your mother, Uncle Crow, and Aunt Vita along for the ride to help.”
“Wow, really? But they’re all super strong!”
“Yeah. But she was also gentle. She was one of the best bakers I ever knew. She had this terrible habit of whenever she’d get lost in thought she’d wander onto rooftops or into engine rooms.”
“But those are dangerous!”
“They sure are! Those times gave your grandpa quite the fright, I’ll tell you that.” He noticed his daughter’s eyes slowly drift close. “But most of all…she loved. So I try to honor that love going forward. Good night, Julie. Sleep well.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead as she fell asleep, pulling the blankets up to her chin. He couldn’t help his own jaw-cracking yawn, standing up with a stretch. He stepped lightly around her bed and over the loud floorboard as he went down the hall to his shared bedroom. Alisa would have his hide if he just left his dirty clothes on the floor, but he was tired, and -
“At least put your clothes in the hamper. We have it for a reason,” Alisa said from her curled up position on her side of the bed.
“Fine, fine,” Rean rolled his eyes but complied, changing into pajamas and washing up in record time. Like father, like daughter, apparently. “Did I wake you up?”
“Sharon did just a few minutes ago. Did Julie give you her gift?”
“Yes. It’s wonderful,” Rean climbed into bed and wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist, pulling her in tightly. “Hi.”
“Hi yourself,” Alisa twisted slightly to run her left hand down his cheek. He leaned in to kiss her on the lips. “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks. Goddess, I’m exhausted.”
“Well, so am I. Or…so are we.” She took his hand and raised it a bit higher to place it on her stomach.
“Wait, Alisa…”
“Yep. I’m pregnant again. Six weeks.”
“I…wow, Alisa! That’s…do you want to keep them?”
“Yeah. I was always so lonely growing up, and I don’t want Julie to be, and…well…I want to. Is that so bad?”
“Nope,” he kissed the join between shoulder and neck, a smile curling his lips. “Then…guess we’ll have to get all the baby clothes and maternity gear out again. May we live in interesting times indeed.”
“Okay, mister, you’re not the one actually going through childbirth.”
“Blondes with an affinity for piercing weapons indeed,” Rean tightened his grip, pulling her even closer. “Happy birthday to me. I love you, Alisa.”
“I love you too, you dork. Now get to sleep. I do actually have things planned for you today.”
And so he did.