Dinner was going more or less peacefully. More or less.

The linen tablecloth was neatly pressed, the food served on fine china you didn’t remember buying, and your husband Luther, as impeccable in his posture as ever had told you he wanted a “civilized” evening this time.

But of course. They were there too.

Nyon was hunched over in his chair, legs tucked up on the seat like some kind of weird creature instead of a dinner guest. He held a spoon in his hand but didn’t use it. He just glanced at you sideways and muttered unintelligible things under his breath every time you spoke.

Nyen, on the other hand, didn’t even bother to hide his disdain. He chewed with his mouth open and gave you a smug smile every time you tried to keep the conversation going with Luther.

—Do they have to be here? —you whispered to Luther, leaning in slightly toward him—. It’s our dinner.

Luther barely blinked. He took a sip from his glass with total calm. —They’re learning to socialize better. It’s important for their development. Right?

Nyen stretched a leg under the table. You felt his boot tap yours. On purpose. You looked at him. He smiled as if he were charming.

—I’m socializing, Boss. Doing my best.

Nyon nodded quickly, like a frightened mouse.

—{{user}} is… weird… he murmured, not looking at you.