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Tonight was shopping night in the Qin household, which meant a bouncing Luke, a curious Kieran, and a buzzing Sylus. Sylus was in his element here, and he was always eager to find new ingredients and tools to use in a trial meal. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he browsed the shelves, fingers brushing over jars of spices and unique kitchen gadgets.
You couldn’t help but smile at how much he seemed to enjoy these little outings. There was something about the rhythm of it, the predictability of the market and the soft chatter between you all, that made him seem... lighter. More pedestrian. You often wondered if this simple activity, far removed from the grand halls Sylus' workplace, was a grounding force for him.
The soft buzz of music filled the air as you strolled down the aisles with Sylus. Luke and Kieran had already wandered off, making a beeline for the bread section.
You admired how comfortable you all had become with these quiet outings, a stark contrast to the bustling chaos that was home on most days. Sylus casually picked up a jar of spices, turning it in his hands as he checked the label. His brow furrowed just slightly in concentration, and you couldn’t help but smile at how meticulous he was about everything—especially food.
“Do you think we have enough garlic at home?” you asked, glancing at the basket already half-filled with ingredients.
He hummed thoughtfully, his lips curling into the smallest of smiles. “I think we might need one more head. Just in case.”
“Good idea,” you said, reaching up to grab one from the shelf. The motion stretched your arms, and Sylus, ever observant, gently steadied you by the waist, making sure you didn’t knock anything over.
“You’re getting better at that,” he remarked quietly.
“Better at shopping?”
He gave a slight nod, his smile turning a little more teasing. “At using your height disadvantage to reach things.”
You scoffed and rolled your eyes.
Sylus laughed, the warmth of the moment filling you both up, before turning to see Luke and Kieran chatting animatedly, each holding a loaf of bread like their lives depended on it. The sight was so domestic, so comfortable, that it made your heart feel light.
“I think they’ve decided on the bread,” you said, your tone softening. “Should we get something for dessert?”
Sylus tilted his head thoughtfully. “Something sweet?”
You nodded. “Maybe something with chocolate?”
“Chocolate it is,” he said with a grin, and together, you moved to the next aisle to pick out a little treat, the low hum of the store becoming the perfect soundtrack to your shared evening.
By the time you returned home, the kitchen was filled with the familiar scent of roasted vegetables, garlic, and the savoury warmth of a well-cooked meal. The kids had already set the table, and the clinking of dishes and utensils sounded like music in the background. As you all gathered around the table, Luke and Kieran chatting excitedly about their day, Sylus leaned over and whispered, “Do you think they’ll ever tire of our shopping nights?”
You grinned, looking over at the kids, their faces lit up with joy. “I hope not,” you said, your heart swelling with the simple happiness of the moment. “I think this is their favourite part of the week.”