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Kal sits, watching his kids as Riri prepares a snack in the kitchen. To his side, Esha floats, watching them all with a sad sort of happiness. It’s been a long time since Kal’s felt this content, and he’s not going to lose it just because his sister has something on her mind.
“I’m glad you we able to find yourself another husband.” Esha starts. “It’s nice seeing you happy again.” He blinks at the ghost beside him.
“Riri’s special. Beside’s it’s not exactly like I folded instantly.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Esha states. Which, fair. It may still sting, but he remembers mostly fondly how quickly he found himself submerged in his affections for Luca. Those days long gone when he’d had nothing on his mind but trying to get the other man to love him. He supposes he made Riri fill that role for him, this time.
“Daddy?” Len asks, running up to him. Kal smiles softly, messing up his son’s hair. “Can I help Papa?”
He nods. “Just make sure he knows where you’re at, alright?” Kal’s started helping the boy control his magic, but they’ve still got a way to go. Understandable, since it’s only been a few months. He watches the boy rush off before turning back to Ari. They’re still practicing trying to keep their shape steady.
By his count, they manage it for fifteen whole seconds before losing it. That’s a big improvement! “Good job, kiddo!” Kal encourages. He gets a bright smile in return. Spite moves off to help their kid practice. It’s been a long time since his husband used any of his shapeshifting abilities.
“Kal?” Esha sounds uncertain. “I’m really happy for you, but are you sure you’re prepared? I mean, you’re going to lose Emery eventually, and—“
“No I’m not.” Kal rebukes, blinking dumbly at her. Riri’s a Lich. There’s no way he’s going to die to time.
“Kal, I know you’re trying to be optimistic, but everyone dies eventually. You and Oak, and I guess Len, now, are really the only exceptions.”
Cocking his head, he calls for his husband. “Riri!” That handsome face pokes out of the kitchen.
“Hm?”
“Can you take off your face for a moment?” Esha squeaks beside him as Riri’s face vanishes in a puff of magic.
“See? Riri’s fi—“ A yelp cuts itself off as his sister freezes in scared silence. Weird. They’ve seen plenty of weird things in their travels. Why is this the thing that trips her up?
“Is something wrong, love?” Riri asks, coming to stand beside him. “Did I scare your sister?”
His sister, his big, brave sister, has completely shut down. A moment later, she vanishes from view. “I don’t think she was expecting you.” Kal states. “Weird. I don’t remember her being freaked out by undead…”
Riri presses against his side, wrapping an arm around him. “Not everyone can be as alright with these things are you are, dearest. Let’s give her some time and we can try to explain things once she’s recovered.” Riri brings his face back up, giving Kal a few kisses while they wait.
It takes a full two days before Esha returns to them. She eyes Riri the entire time, waiting and watching to see if he’s going to make his skin disappear again. “So…” Esha starts. “You’re husband can just… Remove his flesh?”
“Yeah?”
Riri takes over. “I’m what’s known as a Lich. Undead. The face you see now is simply a glamor reflecting my appearance when I was alive.” They wait for Esha to process all of that before moving on.
“So. You’re immortal?” Riri nods. Esha doesn’t exactly seem the most comfortable, but she does smile at them. “I’m happy for the two of you. Kal deserves to have a loving partner thats not going to leave him behind again, and in return, you get all the affection my little brother can manage.” Kal kisses his husband just to prove the point. Then kisses Spite because he deserves loving, too.
“I understand if you’re uncomfortable with my true appearance.” Riri states. “And I don’t want to make you uncomfortable in your own home.”
“No!” Esha refutes. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… wasn’t expecting it is all.” She takes a deep breath. “I think I’m ready, this time?” She doesn’t sound ready, but then again, you usually can’t be ready to sudden watch someone take their face off.
“If you’re certain.” Riri telegraphs his movements. He watches Esha grow anxious, implementing one of her numerous self-soothing strategies she learned over the years. Esha nods, so Riri flicks his wrist. That wonderful skull of a face is in full view. Kal leans over and gives him another kiss, Spite deciding to mimic the action.
Esha may be doing her best not to stare, but at least she’s not freaking out. “So… How’d you two meet?”
Kal smiles, settling in to tell her every detail. “Well, it started the day we arrived at the Necropolis…”