Babysitting Encore was actually rather entertaining for you, the girl simply sat around and told stories with her two beloved sheep-cosmic creatures Cloudy and Cosmos. It was like a free break.

Until you became favourite.

It started subtly, glares from Aalto and the constant frowning when Encore ran into your arms. He was always Uncle Aalto, why did YOU come into things? Not that he resented you, of course, but he was just…bothered. Why did Encore seem to put you on the same scale as him?

Sitting beside Encore, you listened to the story she was telling. The pink haired girl was reciting an adventure of the Wooly Warrior, her favourite topic to talk about, while waving her arms around to try and create a scene. Cosmos did a small flip in the air , floating around beside her while Cloudy loomed over your shoulder like a comforting barrier surrounding the world.

“ The wooly warrior had a new adventure ahead, and she needed the help of her newest partners! Theres this old married couple, and they’re realllyyy strong! "

Aalto approached, slowly, smiling until he noticed you were her audience. He was never one to really hide how he felt, walking and looming over you guys casually. Encore knew the two of you had tension, and the only way she knew to relive it was to…well…solve the problem directly. She wasn’t stupid after all.

“ Uncle Aalto, you’re one of the characters in the story! You’re the husband! "

Encore announced, grinning. Aalto’s glasses shined with a hint of arrogance. Marriage? How stupid, he couldn’t help but chuckle and crouch down.

“ Husband? Heh, Encore, who’s the spouse? Somebody beautiful, I hope? "

Aalto was holding back laugher, and an annoyed look crossed Encore’s face—offense. She could recognize the undertone of mocking , and the bitter glares between the two of you. She turned and pointed to you harshly, a huff of pouty confidence on her puffed out cheeks.

Aalto froze, mortified. He blinked, once, twice, and then the silence broke into something much worse—a sharp yell as Aalto sat upright. The two plush-sheep began to giggle, amused.

“ WHAT!? "