The rains had messed up their original plans by turning everything into a swamp. Valencia had been cooped up in her house and she assumed that Basil had done the same. Every day, she had thought about him as the torrents of rain continued falling and falling outside. Luckily she hadn't had a lot of alcohol in the house when it started, so she hadn't gone on a drinking binge. She knew she would have been tempted if it had been there. Instead, she had drank her one bottle of wine on the first night and had only a faint buzz that dissipated within a few hours. Then she had merely read as much as she could when there was enough light, written in her journal, and slept. She had slept a lot.
So when the rains had ceased, she had tromped out to the borders every day first thing in the morning to look for her beau. Hoping that he would have gotten free of Halifax and come to visit her, though she was well aware he probably had other things to handle before he came. It was with wistful hope that she had walked the borders each day, occasionally riding Vitalia to stretch the mare's legs but mostly just walking on her own and waiting.
Today, she went again, faithful as always to the idea that he would show up sometime so she would just keep checking. Her skirt was muddied still from the day before but she saw no point to wearing a new one if she was just going to walk through the sodden lands again. She left Vitalia in her stall for now, but figured she might go pick the mare up later if she didn't spot a Basil early in the day. Her feet traced a familiar path along the border of the pack nearest to Halifax, her senses searching for any sign of him.
((000)) Thank you so much for getting this started! "Basil speaks."
Leave it to fate that it would monsoon when he was preparing to make the trip to the Court. As if being an arrogant and egotistical individual wasn't enough, even the environment was set out to make him look like the bad guy.
Of course he was sure that Valencia would understand, as it would be impossible that she had not also suffered through the constant rain, but the thought still ran through his mind. If anything, it was something amusing to joke over while he grew irritated by the fact that his schedule was repeatedly being repositioned; if he hated anything, it was the disruption of his plans. He hardly made any as it was, so the effort was expected to go through easily or it wasn't worth the strain.
Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on the opinion, as that was likely the perspective of the majority), the Courtier was somebody the loner considered worth the strain, and he would be damned if he couldn't eventually make it to meet her, as he'd promised to.
And fortunately (also depending), while the actual rain had come to a stop after what seemed like forever, it seemed as if the streets were finally clearing up.
Halifax had been pretty grossly effected; murky water carried a putrid stench about the whole city, flooding much of the concrete jungle and making travel impossible. Hunting was out of the question, so they lived on what small portions they'd had stored from before the storm.
Hungry and smelling like a swamp, Basil made it top priority to first clean himself up when the shallow waters receded at last, after catching himself something that wasn't floating about to eat.
After he felt it was safe to venture off, he did just that.
Having grabbed his olive-coloured military jacket and worn bottoms, the Butler son was out of the door and bound for the Court before the sun had fully begone to rise.
It was always a significant trip to the borders, but it didn't seem nearly as long when he'd been trapped indoors for so long. Before he knew it, the mutt was nearing Cour des Miracles.
He ran a hand through his newly trimmed locks and gave a hopeful howl before continuing on.
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Her heart fluttered in her chest when she heard the sound of his howl near to the borders. Valencia felt her tail begin to wave back and forth in excitement and she raised her head to howl back. Since she had easily picked up the direction of his call - and she had known where he would head, anyway, because they had a specific point to rendezvous - she headed toward the sound with purposeful strides. Oh how she had missed him in their time spent apart! The rains hadn't helped, since she had been cooped up with almost nothing to do.
When she spotted him, she sped up and waved her hand. "Basil!" she called out to him, as if he couldn't already see her too. It was hard not to run but she managed. Controlling her impulses was one of the first things she had learned about being a lady, after all. What she couldn't help was the smile that spread across her muzzle and the brightness of her eyes. She had missed him, oh how she had missed him and now he was here! The world felt right again.
As soon as she was close enough, she would move to embrace him. "I missed you so. How have you been? Did Halifax flood?" she asked, worried about Kofei and their cozy little home within the town. She knew that there had been a lot of rain everywhere, she doubted that somehow that little area had been missed by it.
He was relieved to hear her howl.
He could trust her to be there, of course, but the rain had done a fair job of causing chaos. There was no telling what the heavy downpour had done to the Court, and assuming the effects were not too unlike those of what he suffered through in Halifax, she wasn't to blame if she'd opted for staying at home where it was at least dry.
However nice the weather was today, he was happy to see her at last.
The loner, too, kept himself from running ahead like an over-eager pup. He was excited to see her after so long, naturally, but it was likely the very last thing he was going to do, and make a fool of himself. The Butler brat still had a reputation to uphold, after all.
As his eyes finally laid upon the Courtier, a smile was brought to his typically scornful face. It was a devilish sort of smirk, as it seemed the boy was incapable of forming something genuinely mirthful despite the validity of his feelings, but a grin nonetheless.
He laughed in response, before he was finally within range of pulling her into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, nuzzling into the crook of her neck and taking in a deep breath. Her scent was something he'd missed terribly, as it no longer lingered in his home. Knowing she was right there was something like a fix to the lovestruck rogue.
Basil pulled away almost reluctantly, but grabbed one of her hands with his own. "I've missed you, too." He stared, squeezing her hand affectionately, "Well... It's been challengin', if I'm to be honest with you. Ended up starvin' an' filthy by the end of it all, but we're well now." Hopefully, she hadn't been troubled much by the rain either.
"The city flooded 'orribly. There are still puddles placed about a couple inches deep." The Butler son gave a pathetic sort of shrug, "I'm just glad for it all to be over."
Undoubtedly, because he could be there now.
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For him, she would be happy to be dirty and wet all the time. That was saying a lot, too, because Valencia considered it rather unladylike to be mucky. Basil brought out a different side in her, though. A side that accepted dirtiness if it meant she got to see him. A part of her that was okay with a bit of ill humor if it meant she was by his side. He made her a more complex version of herself, one that didn't stick quite so hard to her rules and standards. Of course she still had some standards that were unshakeable, but there were some that could use some loosening up. Basil helped her with that. She liked that about him.
It felt... right, when he pulled her into his arms, embracing her in a way that only he did or could. The curve of his neck felt just right for her head so that she could nestle it against him for a moment, just breathing in his scent as she rested there. He seemed to respond in a similar way to her, his own muzzle nuzzling into the crook of her neck. A faint smile curved her lips; this was bliss.
She pulled back with some reluctance to look at his face, then she laughed a bit as he grasped her hand. Like her, it seemed, he wasn't ready to release her completely from their close proximity. She listened to his experience from the storm and frowned a bit. "Sorry to hear that. How is Kofei? Was your house flooded?" she knew that a lot of damage had been done in the Court by the storm, though she had been lucky that her home had not been invaded by any water.
0 points. They're so CUUUTTEEE. I totally did not expect them to end up together when we very first had them meet but now I am like OF COURSE IT HAD TO BE. XD
((000)) Aw, I had my doubts, too! But they seem so good together, now! ;U;"Basil speaks."
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, still idly holding the hand of the female as he spoke. "It could 'ave been worse, I'm sure." The loner said lowly, brushing his hair back again after it'd fallen into his face. It was significantly easier to care for short, and he almost hated to admit that he preferred the length his sister had deemed a more mature and appealing look, but it was still something to get used to.
"Kofei's fine. 'E's from Dublin, so I assume 'e'd do well with the water." The Butler son attempted to jest, knowing the Irish canine (like his British father), often spoke of the almost non-stop rain that seemed to plague the land across the sea.
At least, from the area they were from, anyway.
He gripped her hand a bit tighter, turning in a way to head from the border into deeper into the Court. It would probably be best to travel back in case it decided to rain again. That, and he'd come to visit, after all, not simply stand around like a loon. He smirked at the thought, before answering her final question. "Unfortunately, we did 'ave a bit of a problem with tha'. Rather rancid smellin' stuff, it was. I was less concerned with the damage as I was the bloody smell of it all, to be honest." Basil scoffed some, wrinkling his nose as if he'd caught the dank scent still, "Of course we it 'ad cleared, we 'ad to be cautious of any trouble caused, such as rottin' floorboards or mold... But we were lucky enough." Inwardly, he thanked his Saints without shame. Understanding that his beau was not religious, it wasn't something he'd press on about in conversation. Despite that, though, he considered himself blessed.
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When he said it could have been worse, her heart lurched. "Oui." she replied somberly. Thinking of her own near-death experience as a child with water (the ocean)'s wrath, as well as the presumed death of her mother at the hands of the same. The girl shivered slightly and moved to stand nearer to his shoulder again as if to absorb some of his self-assurance from their contact.
Her eyes shifted to his hair and the way he tucked it back. "Is your hair in need of cutting or do you like it that way?" she asked, chewing on her lower lip thoughtfully. It had just seemed that his toying with it was unusual, not like his normal mannerisms so she assumed it was different than what he was accustomed to. It did seem longish to her. Not that she minded.
"I am glad he is well." after all, she rather liked Kofei. Despite (or perhaps partially because of) his unique relationship with her beau.
She let him guide her so that they were walking into the Court instead of just idling there near the borders. She wrinkled her nose as he spoke of rancid smells, feeling her stomach roll with just the thought. "All's well that ends well, as they say." she said, though she wasn't sure how true that was if it was smelly. Open windows and sunshine would help with that. "I'll have to visit, make sure to spruce the place right back up when I come around. Maybe paint a wall with flowers or something." the last bit was a joke, of course.
He lowered his ears in response to her more sullen reply, but made sure not to dwell on the topic. He noticed her move closer, and welcomed the gesture openly.
"Silvia cut it this way." He laughed softly, rolling his bi-coloured eyes in a playful manner. "It's too short now to brush aside or pull it back, but long enough still to get in the way. I fancy it, I do... It'll jus' take some gettin' used to, is all." The loner shrugged. It was new, as he'd just recently had his sister visit and cut him free from his growing locks, giving him a more mature cut that only reminded him some of his father's, but he would admit to appreciating it; it looked far less sloppy and was far easier to manage.
Basil nodded, "Jus' as I am to see you well. Koko is likely to ask 'ow you are when I return." After all, the coydog had grown fond of Valencia despite their brief meetings. Though the Celtic canine was generally one to easily take on friends, the relationship between the roguish Butler son and his more proper lady was all sorts of interesting; he respected the Courtier highly for her ability to tame the brat.
The merle mutt gave another soft laugh. "It may jus' need it. We managed to clean up a bit, but it could still use some work." Basil nodded, smiling at Valencia.
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At his explanation that Silvia had cut his hair last, she felt a flush of embarrassment. Had she accidentally insulted the young Butler girl's attempt? Yet Basil seemed playful and amused by it, so she didn't linger on the thought. She was just glad she hadn't mentioned him wanting or needing a haircut in front of Silvia. She could only imagine that she might have slighted the young Butler. Since she didn't know the younger litter very well, the last thing she wanted was to get things moving on the wrong foot.
"Well, I like it either way." she encouraged, appreciating how he usually wore it along with the new look. Although it was different, it wasn't unpleasant. Though it would take a bit of adjusting, perhaps. Clearly it was taking some time for him to get used to the cut of it.
Her tail waved as they walked, everything feeling right in the world. She felt centered, finally, and she loved that feeling. Valencia tilted her head slightly as she considered. "Well I can certainly see if we can get candles from Pascal, at the very least, to help with the smells. Maybe we can find some other things too to help fix whatever needs a different look, if you want, of course." all of her offers were contingent upon his approval. She was not trying to change him or his house at all in ways he didn't want.
((000)) Are they headed toward the Butler home, or should they bump into Harv soon? :) "Basil speaks."
He smiled briefly at her compliment, but made no further remarks on the subject. As much as he liked his ego stroked (and being told anything of him was considered liked was definitely taken as a praise), he wasn't ever one to act too over-enthused.
"Oh, oui." Basil nodded, "Candles would be lovely. You said from... Pascal? King Silvano's son?" Despite exiling himself from the Court, he was accustomed to calling the King by his title; it was always so pressed onto him as a pup, as his parents were sticklers on politeness and formality where it was appropriate.
He'd only briefly met the pack leader's boy, and it wasn't until after he'd exiled himself from the Court that he even had that chance. While he could have during his time as a Courtier, there was never any real desire to do so; just as there was no want to meet anybody else. He was more or less obligated to spend time with Valencia (as their 'playdates' were scheduled by their parents), though that was something he was gradually growing appreciative of more and more.
Their impression, in the opinion of the loner, was neither good nor bad. Pascal's take would perhaps differ, but the wayward boy was always thinking in his own favour, seeing nothing wrong with his approach or with whatever words were exchanged by his being; either it was a joke taken too seriously, or an honest remark that couldn't be taken to heart. Either way, if the meeting was miserable, he more than likely blamed it on the misunderstood perspective of the other being present.
He gave a lazy shrug after contemplating the rest of her suggestion, "I could fancy tha', s'long as you're not plannin' on completely changin' the place."
The two males, after all, had moved things about according to their preferences, but another opinion (of somebody who mattered, at least, all else could keep their maws shut, of course) was welcome. Besides, they could use ideas on how to cover any swelling caused by the sitting water, or spots formed from the rot.
It was all right by him.
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Funnier maybe if they're headed to Valencia's house and bump into him? XD
"Oui." she replied to his question; she would consider Pascal a friend as well as a family member, so she thought asking him about candles would be easy enough. Especially since he enjoyed making them to her awareness. Her tail swayed lightly at the idea of visiting him for that and then going out to Halifax; perhaps she could even invite him along to look for books as they had discussed some weeks ago now.
They walked companionably, with the Catori girl steering him toward her home. Though she did eventually want to share him with his family for the visit, first she wanted to show him one of her books full of ideas and plans for the upcoming events she would like to host. Especially if she could convince him - and Kofei! - to come. Perhaps he would even have some ideas of things they could do besides what she had already jotted down.
"So all pink with flowers is out? How disappointing." she joked in reply, shaking her head. "Non, mon ami, you will still have your home. I will just help fix it where it needs fixing and maybe spruce it up where you want." she would never want him to feel she had invaded and changed his space, just as she would never expect him to do the same at her house.
The Lady still lived with her father, but had made sure Liam would be out for the day as part of her plan to take Basil there to see her book. Though her stomach fluttered a bit, anxiously, curiously at the thought of the two of them alone in a house. They had been there before and last time had been... exciting, but also a very dangerous temptation.
((000)) That would be great! xD I can have him enter after Basil's next reply, so they have time to discuss their plans before they get interrupted? "Basil speaks."
"Ah." The boy nodded, acknowledging her response but saying nothing more concerning the candles or the method of obtaining them. He silently wondered if she was hoping to approach the King's son together with the request, or if she'd be just as content doing so alone. It wasn't as if the loner disliked Pascal...
He simply wasn't the type to go so easily to others for assistance.
Valencia was different, but that was a given; already he'd allowed her to see a part of him that was reserved for nobody else. He was less obnoxious around his coydog companion, but only hardly so, and not frequently. Besides that all, he was merely asking for her advice, for another opinion, not for her help with anything.
Though, that would still be appreciated, internally for the sake of his dignity.
The merle mutt laughed softly at the mention of some feminine and floral décor suggestion. Her rhetoric was something he found genuinely amusing.
With another tender squeeze of her hand, Basil cleared his throat to speak. "I jest, ma chère, tha' would be wonderful. " He could trust her enough to know she'd keep from completely renovating the place.
After a short time of walking, the Butler son realized he was being led, obviously somewhere in particular. He'd forgotten if they'd made plans to visit some place specifically, as the rain had kept them apart for an extended period of time, but he could only assume where they'd likely be headed.
"Valencia, dear, are we 'eaded to your 'ome now?" He said with a mock gasp, before his expression grew far more devilish with a grin. "Is there anyone there, should I prepare for awkward introduction?"
He teased, but a part of him seriously hoped to avoid explaining his presence there, especially aside the Courtier. He was by no means ashamed of the girl, but a sinking feeling took over at the thought of admitting their relationship to her family, considering his reputation as a more notorious nuisance.
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Their conversation came easily, as easily as the rain had come to wash them all away. Though she hoped that the ease of their conversation would not dissipate as the water had after it got into the earth. She was certain that they mattered more than that, though. She would work to nurture this relationship like the flowers she was not going to paint on her beau's wall. "Magnifique." she replied with a playful twitch of her tail when he indicated that all would be well with her plans to help spruce up his place.
He made her laugh, though her stomach also fluttered anxiously at his words. Had she thought wrong in what they should do today? "Non, my papa is away." she replied with a shrug of her shoulders. Valencia looked to him with a frown creasing her muzzle. "Do you think... is it not wise? I merely thought to show you what I have been developing for the pack, perhaps grab some food. You can wait outside while I retrieve these things, though, if you'd prefer." if he thought the risk or the temptation would be too great. Since they had both agreed on not doing anything more than holding hands and embracing for now, she didn't want to cause a problem for him. Though she thought she could resist since she was not currently inhibited by alcohol, she couldn't say for him what his situation was.
Val would at least stop by the home for what she needed, though. Since she hadn't known when he would arrive, she hadn't brought everything with her every day. Her free hand brushed against her skirt. She'd also like to change into something a bit less messy than what she was wearing, since it had gotten mucky with the remnants of the flood's mud.
The boy could hardly retain the devious grin that was desperately begging to shine through his nonchalant facade. "Oh, is tha' so? My goodness... Imagine if somebody were to see us." He nodded, mocking interest when in reality, he was more relieved; this would save him from the awkward introduction he was less-than-eagerly awaiting to endure."You, a respectable Lady, an' me, some careless renegade... They would be sure to talk. Though, perhaps they wouldn't speak wholly mere assumptions..."
He looked to her and raised a brow suggestively, before his smirk could no longer be bound. Immediately after, he found himself laughing softly to himself. "Je suis désolé, je suis désolé..." He chuckled, teasingly tugging at the girl's arm. "I'm only teasin', ma chère." The Butler son was unable to keep himself from smiling more.
Though, the last thing that he wanted was for her to no longer trust him with her alone. Playful jests (and for others, downright inappropriate insults) were just part of Basil's vivid personality. While there were times he was known to take it too far (likely majority of the time), he realized that he needed to be less thoughtless if he wished to build a strong bond with the Courtier. Trust and loyalty were important, and it would be a shame to scare her off before he could prove his genuine worth.
"I'm joking. Valencia, as lovely as you are, I 'ave no intentions of doin' anythin' immoral, if that was your fear. I do not find the act particularly temptin', nor do I wish to make you uncomfortable. We made it quite clear what we thought was appropriate for the time bein', an' I will respect tha', despite my reputation." Basil added with a more sympathetic smile, holding her hand gently now.
There was no need or desire to wait outside while his beau was busy gathering things; he was fully capable of resisting his urges (something he took pride in).
After a short moment of silence, the loner looked up from the ground to start something new, anything to change the subject and lighten the air about the two. Though, as soon as he did, the wayward mutt's glance was caught on a familiar figure before them.
His heart raced and his nose wrinkled in irritation as he finally made out who it was.
"Bullocks." He huffed, knowing by now his father had already seen them approaching.
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It had taken long enough for the rain to finally cease.
The entire duration of the storm had nearly been torture for the warrior; during the start of the horrid weather, his youngest had come to him with thoughts of becoming a fighter, like him. The idea was completely unsettling, and he had done his best to persuade young Silvia from rushing into a tier that would leave her hurt and him heartbroken. It was something he could not bear to imagine.
The other days brought constant reminders that he was forced inside, unable to wander as he liked and spend his time at the training grounds. His recent trips to the grounds had become therapeutic; after he had killed a threatening thief in order to defend a close friend as well as himself, the trauma set in place after the events he experienced in his past was advanced. The nightmares were worse and more frequent, preventing him from getting much rest and leaving Aoves to worry. Eventually, it had become manageable, which both comforted and frightened the Cockney canine. On one hand, he no longer worried over the perception of his actions, pondering over the morality of his behavior...
On the other hand, it was hastily regarded as nothing wrong by the dog.
But he couldn't complain completely.
After all, he was able to spend more time with his loved ones. That undoubtedly made up for losing the chance to strike and attack defenseless training dummies until his knuckles bled. Both were effective methods that would either gain him skill requires for his desire profession or gain back the closeness he was fearing he'd lose with his family.
He had found himself combing his daughters' hair, admiring the jewellery the females crafted, and reading through various tales of chivalrous knights and remarkable feats of courage with his remaining son.
These were moments that could not be replaced with anything imaginable. It was time well spent.
However, there were benefits to the finer weather. His mate and children could gather the materials they needed to restock what they'd lost during their time of boredom-influenced creativity, he could go on sparring, and they all no longer had to look outside their window to be met with nothing other than the dismal scene of flooded pack-lands and grey skies.
He'd just returned from a trip to the shore, observing how the rain had effected the shore near where they lived. It was messy, but not beyond repair. The soothing and familiar sound of crushing waves was not overpowered by showering drops or interrupted by booming thunder now.
Brushing his hair back, the shepherd took a look at the scene about him; puddles remained and the mud had not yet returned to solid dirt, but at least those who cared to could walk about without too much trouble.
Then, he spotted a pair of others braving the manageable but unappealing current terrain. Ever curious and characteristically sociable as he was, it should have been no surprise that he would find himself approaching the two, eager for some outside conversation.
He stopped as soon as he saw who they were.
Valencia, he was not shocked to see. She had always struck him as an adventurous youth unlikely to be locked away in her home for too long. He hoped the storm had not brought her trouble, as he was aware of her problem, though through accident.
It was Basil that had been leading the list of canines he had least expected to see walking about the Court.
Furrowing his brow in disbelief, the Briton finally found himself nearing the duo. "What the bloo'y 'ell..." The Butler sire muttered under his breath, slowing his steps.
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Her face flushed, heat rising in her chest up to her throat. It was true, what they were doing was probably quite improper. The mere act of trying to make sure that her father would be away had probably been a bit wrong of her. Valencia frowned slightly, though she knew he spoke in jest. Basil hardly cared about propriety, but he knew she did. As always, he knew exactly how to poke at her with his sarcasm. Though now it no longer made her sad or upset, instead it merely flustered her. Which she was sure amused him.
She gasped truly, though, when he suggested that perhaps it wouldn't all be assumptions. Valencia tapped his shoulder with the palm of her hand. "Why, Basil Butler! I never." though she had, and that was what made her face very very warm. Drunkenly, she had tried to do it all. Everything a proper lady was not supposed to do with someone who was not her mate.
Of course his laughter followed, his amusement obvious. Valencia huffed, though her eyes sparkled to betray that she understood and was amused by his behavior. "So poorly behaved. I can see you were raised by ragamuffins." she joked. Though in truth, she knew the exact opposite; he had been raised by a pair of proper, strong Courtiers.
He clarified further and she smiled at him, though she had known a lot of that from their discussions. She squeezed his arm affectionately. "Ah, mon cher, I know." she leaned in to rest her head a moment against his shoulder before she pulled back so that they could walk more easily again.
The conversation still seemed to weigh on them, though, and she was also trying to think of a better topic. One that might make them laugh or goof off instead of feeling the somber reminder of what their relationship couldn't be right then. Though she didn't really want it, truly, she wanted to wait until when... well, if they took that final step to be sealed together for life.
Her head turned to see Harvey at the same time Basil did. They hadn't revealed the depth of their relationship to their families as a general group yet. Though Estella knew, Harvey and Aoves didn't. Her arm remained loose, though, her smile genuine as she waved to Harvey. All of them knew there was no way to pretend they hadn't seen each other, so Valencia would put on a pretty face and pretend it was a fabulous turn of events. Even as her heart thudded in her chest.
"Bonjour, Harvey!" she called out to him, turning toward Basil to see his expression.
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He laughed joyously, as opposed to his typically sardonic chuckle laced with arrogance and a superiority complex. He actually laughed, a sound that was strange to even himself, but becoming gradually more familiar the more time spent around Valencia.
She had a humour about her that effectively countered his constant testing and teasing, something he found compelling toward his affection for her. Though he'd loath to admit it to select individuals, he found himself actually listening to her, and finding her words interesting.
It caused a feeling he couldn't dare to (or care to) explain.
Afterward, however, he scoffed playfully. "Ragamuffins, right..." He'd add a quip about his father, or perhaps defend his mother (if he felt so obligated to do so), but he ceased mid-remark as he saw his father ahead.
For a moment, he was unsure of what to do, and looked to Valencia for a suggestion. Instead, he witnessed her waving and smiling at the fellow Courtier.
He groaned.
He would have likely pulled away to prevent the barrage of questions he was now sure to receive, but it was clear that the Catori girl wasn't uncomfortable being seen arm-in-arm with the brutish runaway.
And if she was tolerant of the ordeal, he wasn't going to be the one to make a scene.
Though it wouldn't prevent retort. "Oh no, darling..." Basil huffed with an exaggerated sigh. "Now look what you've done. I do 'ope you realize we'll never be rid of 'im, 'e's like an unwanted gift." He considered Harvey somebody he was expected to appreciate, though he never specifically asked for his relation.
When he looked away from his girl and finally met eyes with his father, the glower he received made it obvious that the Butler sire didn't feel too fondly of their meeting either.
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Nothing about the vision before him made any sense to the merle male.
Ahead, he saw a close and well-respected fellow Courtier attached to something that resembled his rebellious boy.
But, it could actually be him. The merle mutt was a sarcastic and insulting individual that effective chased away anybody he came across, even as a pup. There was no way he would lower himself into developing real feelings for another, let alone the beloved Miss Catori. Furthermore, there was absolutely no chance that Valencia could bear dealing with the mongrel's company for more than what was required.
No matter how strongly he wanted to deny it (not being he didn't approve, but mainly because it was completely unpredictable and admittedly made the Squire somewhat uncomfortable), he couldn't change what was fact; Valencia Catori was greeting him warmly while his son stared in disgust, all the while maintaining a gentle hold about the Lady.
He stared for a moment, taking it in slowly; hopefully, this was not the result of some horrible binge the poor Courtier had gone through, convincing her that this was a good idea. He'd have to check inconspicuously for intoxication during their inevitable conversation.
The Briton had given her relationship advice before, but he never expected this to happen.
Still, he was polite for her sake. "Bonjour, Miss Valencia." Harvey said with an attempted smile. He wasn't unhappy, but still in a bit of shock. "...An' Basil. I 'ope the rain 'asn't continued to bring ya any aggro, your poor mum's been worried sick." Before he went on, the Cockney canine forced himself to keep the unspoken words to himself. Now was not the time for a guilt trip, not with company nearby.
Especially when that company also brought questions more important than pity stories.
The Butler sire turned to Valencia and raised a brow. Only have jokingly, he leaned in and said lowly, " 'Ave ya been kidnapped. Blink once for yes, twice for no..."
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<span class="CHARACTERSigName">Harvey Butler</span>
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Their humor was truly bounced off of one another. She was with him as she was with no one else. It was easy to speak with him, to listen to him, to respond to him. Almost as reflexively as she reacted to her own thoughts. Though he often made her blush, that was a good thing in her mind. He kept her on her toes in a positive way; they matched each other well and it was this that made her so blissful about their time together.
She heard her beau groan beside her and shook her head lightly. "There was no way to avoid him without being rude." she said softly so that Harvey wouldn't hear. Of course she hadn't necessarily wanted to avoid the Butler patriarch either, because she had always liked him. She would have done so for the sake of Basil, except that she was not going to be rude to one of her dearest friends for that purpose. Harvey was like a second father to her. Sometimes, he was more a father to her than Liam who had been more of an absentee parent since Rio's disappearance.
Her hand moved to take Basil's, though, reassuring despite the obvious discomfort between both Butler males. There was tension there and she knew it. A lot of life had been... difficult because of Basil. In ways that no other child had driven the Butler parents crazy. So far. Maybe there was yet a litter in their future where there would be someone even wilder than young Basil had been. Hell, adult Basil was still pretty uncouth. Somehow, though, it worked for Valencia.
She laughed at Harvey's words to her and playfully blinked twice. "Non, I am quite content to be with Basil. He was just coming for a visit now that the storm let up, though it sounds like he and Kofei have quite the job ahead of them to get their house in a decent state again." she remarked.
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Teasing with his Lady was different than anybody else. It was most similar to how he would jest with the Irish companion of his, but still lacked the genuine bite that would occasionally appear when he was attempting to trigger a particularly livid reactions from the Celtic canine. With the Courtier, it was more playful, yet with sincere undertones. Some remarks could be considered crude or brash, but it lacked any real poison, and in its place held feelings of high regard for the female.
Realizing this likely should have been unsettling for the notorious brat, but the more that it crossed his mind, the more he felt strangely comfortable with the fact; he was completely at ease in the company of Valencia, and that was okay.
She didn't seem to mind either. Perhaps at first, she found his behavior deplorable (who wouldn't have, he figured), but he found that she was joking back now. It was a nice change; as if they had both influenced the other with their differences in a way that was far better than expected.
Though, what part of their relationship was truly expected...
He shook his head at her comment, despite knowing that she was right. "But we 'aven't even tried! ...An' since when did I care 'bout if I was rude or not?" The boy frowned, borderline pouting at his partner.
It didn't matter much now, however; they had already seen one another, and their meeting up was inevitable.
The loner rolled his eyes at the shepherd's comment. He never really had a liking for his father's ill sense of humour, and found it, instead, rather dull. This instance was no different, and he wasn't to hide that fact.
Basil found himself squeezing at the girl's hand tenderly, before letting out a heavy sigh. "Oui, but it's nothin' to worry over." The Butler son added quickly, hoping not to sound too needy in the company of his father. "We're quite capable, we'll 'ave it back into shape in no time, I'm sure." He added a nod, clearly unamused by the conversation already.
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Hearing that she was, apparently, quite content alongside his son was surreal. If it had been anybody else, he would have called them insane, shrugging it off as a ill-conceived rumour started just for the sake of engaging in silly gossip before going on with his day.
But this was actually happening. The well-respected and admirable Lady Valencia was standing beside the loner, hands locked together affectionately, and she was admitting to being content with it all!
He went from accepting the fact to pondering about it all. How long had they been an item? Surely this was not old news, of Harvey would have picked up on it...
He hoped.
Especially as he considered himself close to the Catori youth. She was an active member of the Court who's actions were recognized with respect. Aside from influence in the pack, the female was like a daughter to the Butler sire, who wished to keep her as protected and happy as he would his own flesh and blood. He was there to speak to her of love, the future, as well as help needed if she should find herself requiring somebody to listen. It was difficult now to see her as anything other than family.
Though perhaps that was to be true before too long.
If he had to choose a suitor for his boy, he couldn't have made a better decision; if anybody could persuade the mongrel to politeness and be welcomed by the Butler crew, it was Valencia. When it came to a proper partner for her, on the other hand...
Basil wasn't his first thought.
But obviously they were happy. Or they at least seemed to be, and that was good enough for the Squire.
"Well, I'll admit tha' I wasn't expectin' dis..." The shepherd shrugged, "But if you're 'appy, I can't possibly be anyfink ovehwise, hm?"
The warrior gave a friendly smile and patted the fellow Courtier's shoulder gently.
Then he looked to Basil, with a raised brow. "...S'tha' so? Best of luck to ya, then." Harvey nodded, crossing his arms now. "Though nobo'y will 'old it 'gainst ya if ya end up askin' for 'elp, y'know. Ain't too good to 'elp somebo'y in need, I ain't, all's ya 'ave to do is ask." He would offer, at least. It wasn't a particularly inviting scenario, but no matter the tension that would follow, the mutt was his son.
Family was top priority, and he'd be there no matter what... If Basil liked it or not.
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She snorted. "Of course you don't care, mon cher, but I do. Which was why I addressed him." she replied with a curl of her lips that was mischievous. Her shoulder bumped against his playfully. It would be fine. It wasn't like it was her father. Then the mortified girl probably would have tried to hide and avoid Liam. Though she wasn't embarrassed of her beau, she knew that Basil wasn't comfortable meeting her dad yet. And that was fine with her. He already knew his own dad, though, so she didn't see any harm in this meeting.
Valencia noted the way that he was quick to make it sound like nothing, so that Harvey would get the message that Basil didn't want help... or at least not the Londoner's assistance. Her ears swayed back briefly, then forward again. A flush coming up to her cheeks as she realized maybe there was more tension here than she had even realized. Perhaps it would have been better to duck Harvey... it just wasn't in her nature to do that to someone she cared about, though. She couldn't have done that. Avoided him like he was someone she didn't want to see. Because for her, all the Butlers were always canines she wanted to see.
"Merci, Harvey, and I will certainly need to stop by soon to catch up with you, your darling wife, and kids." the ones she knew well, anyway. Namely, Essie and Samuel. The others were more of enigmas to her than she would have liked, but that was the nature of them being younger and thus they had not interested her when they were first born. Not the way that Essie, Samuel and Basil's litter had.
There was obviously some more tension between them still as Harvey replied to his son and she smiled brightly, her desire for peace taking hold. "That is very kind of you to offer." though she figured Basil would disagree.
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((000)) So so sorry for the lateness!! ;n; "Basil speaks."
"Ach, oui, ma chère, but this..." His expression was scrunched as he thought for a quick moment. Then, he turned back to his Lady and his ears perked. "This is torture!"
It was exaggerative, of course. But it was clear the mutt was set on not enjoying whatever conversation would be shared with the warrior, no matter what.
He decided it best to stay as quiet as possible, given that whatever should escape his maw was likely going to be negative and promptly disapproved of by the polite female. Not that she controlled him, or anything... He scoffed, rolling his eyes as if internally convincing himself that he was only being cooperative because argument was just not worth his precious time.
Not today, at least.
He'd just recently recovered from a flood, after all. It should be obvious that the loner was simply not in the mood for creative insults and smart remarks.
When Valencia had mentioned the fellow Courtier's offer being kind, the mongrel beside her rolled his eyes again. "Kind my arse..." Basil muttered, actually leaning away and looking about as if he was grumbling about something completely unrelated.
Though he was sure they both knew better.
Disregarding it all, he straightened his stance and returned his attention to the exchange with a forced smile.
"Hm, quite." He started, before nodding toward his beau, "But I'm sure I can manage myself. Besides, Valencia 'as already offered 'er 'elp 'bout the place, so..."
He shrugged, ending the thought with the gesture.
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As it was mentioned that the Catori female would have to visit the Butler residence, the fighter smiled appreciatively. It was always a wonderful experience to have the fellow Courtier over, and as they considered her family, it only ever seemed natural that she would see them at least occasionally.
It was definitely a nice idea. "Of course, Miss Valencia." Harvey nodded, "They'd love tha', I'm sure. You'll 'ave to let Estella know so she can drop by as well, we'll all 'ave a li'l get togeveh, it'll be nice..." He stopped, furrowing his brow for a moment before looking to Basil.
The polite thing to do would involve inviting the Butler brat as well, seeing as he actually was family and the Briton knew his mother would be just as excited to have him over. When it came to his siblings, only Vivienne and Silvia showed any real enjoyment out of the mongrel's company (as Samuel even seemed to despise it), but that didn't give the male any real reason to purposely avoid suggesting his son join them as well.
He cleared his throat, "An' Basil, you're always welcome, ya know tha'." The Butler sire said quickly, before turning back to the young Lady.
With another smile, Harvey did his best to ignore the obvious insult intended toward him.
Not today.
He was growing weak from lack of sleep and his training drove him to exhaustion, which could only be evident to the smart-mouthed mutt. The last thing the Londoner needed was his own kin troubling him more.
"So, hm." Harv started, raised a brow to the tolerable of the two. "Really? Well, then... I'm sure everyfink's in good 'ands. I can trust you to make sure those blokes do as they need." The male said with a cheeky smirk, only hald joking.
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The tension between the males wasn't something she could solve with a few kind words or with her usual gentleness. It was something she would just have to accept, which made her heart ache. The thought of being at odds with Liam that way made her feel physically ill. Of course it was normal for Basil and Harvey, their usual way of communicating probably since wee Basil was still at the breast. Valencia might slowly make strides to help mend the bridge between them, but it was her beau who was setting the fire. Could she even do that to him? No. She couldn't. Wouldn't try to force her own feelings into his relationship with his father.
"Good. I'll find out what dates work for Essie and we'll make a grand night of it. I am sure we could get some great food together."and drink, she felt like saying but didn't. Harvey knew the ghosts that lingered behind her eyes, the way just a taste of the stuff would send her back into a downward horrible spiral. Having Basil had helped her to feel more buoyed, more level, but she was still in danger every day. Avoiding liquor was hard. Harder than she had ever thought it would be. I can quit anytime I want, she had told herself that repeatedly. She had been wrong.
The Lady did her best to ignore Basil's behavior, because there wasn't any point in remarking on it. He knew what he was doing and so did they. Let him do it. Her hand did linger against his shoulder, a gesture both affectionate and comforting. "I am sure we will do very well fixing it up." she said, looking to Basil with a slight shake of her head. "Though there is only so much that can be done, of course." she teased.
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