ROUTINE

so save me a slice of that life

AND WHAT? LET HER WASTE HER POTENTIAL?


vivid memories of his conversation with his alternative self still ridicule him from time to time. especially in regards to cait. that’s why he’s put off visiting her for so long. the excuse of work and responsibilities buys him time but eventually she worms her way onto his calendar.

CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THE AMOUNT OF TIMELINES SHE SQUANDERS HER LIFE AWAY AS A FUCKING HOUSE WIFE?

fernando thinks nothing of it. not because he disagrees—

that’s what frightens him. the other fernando is still a fernando. their thinking is similar, enough that the same thought have plagued him before.

—but because he knows he’s right. however cait decides to spend her life, as long as she remains celebi’s avatar, his life insurance policy is in place.

to think anything else is wasteful.

which is why he lost.

“…”

a stammered grunt clears his throat before his knuckles rasp against her door.

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
cait alfric

ROUTINE

so save me a slice of that life

WHEN THE DOOR OPENS the first thing he sees is cait. and, to his surprise, it’s the only thing he sees.

not the difference in her figure.

not the exhaustion bore into her feature.

not her choice in wear or the background of her abode.

all he sees is cait alfric. his cait alfric.

“…”

his arms wrap around her well before he can work up a word, even when it comes into his head with a robust autopilot that’s repeated the greetings so many times before.

SINCE SHE WANTED TO WASTE HER LIFE, I PUT HER TO WORK.

he squeezes her. squeezes her hard and firm. to make sure this cait is tangible and real.

alive.

“alfric,” he answers with a demure grin that sinks into her shoulder.

he doesn’t let go.

“you look lovely.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
cait alfric

ROUTINE

so save me a slice of that life

NIECES. right. that’s what they were—bonds forged through time and feelings rather than something as official as blood. it’s the same loose connection that binds MATIAS SILPH as his brother. legalities and concepts that transcend strict fact of the matter.

“of course.” he follows her in without protest. the urgency behind his step portrays an enthusiasm that should not exist.

“what an honor.”

the sight of the two girls brings a smile to his face. theatrics, but common courtesy nonetheless. the actual sight of children, even babies, means little to him, but he knows how to play his part. they’re supposed to be cute and cuddly. elicit absolute joy. so he dotes on them within the believable realm of the personality he’s sculpted.

“ah.”

a slow squat and the creak of his knees brings him to ground level with their swings. he looks at primrose first, then enca, and then between the both of them.

“ha, ha, ha. they’re absolutely adorable.”

a small string of MISTY TERRAIN encircles his finger, revolving at a slow but constant speed.

“you should be proud, alfric.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
cait alfric

ROUTINE

so save me a slice of that life

“INDEED.”

fernando would even go as far as to touch them if not for his own sensitivity in exposing themselves to an outsider. their safety is paramount to her own. after all, he expects one, if not both, to take after their mother.

where others see an adorable set of twins, he sees a meal ticket being raised to replace their predecessor.

“everything is the same as it always is, alfric.”

which, in short means that nothing has changed his dynamics.

whether the threat be foreign or domestic, this universe or the next, fernando carries on with a cautious foot. it leaves him uninjured and saddled with the work of those who didn’t make it. the only real harm he ever suffers is the ones self inflicted.

endless hours and more work.

“i ate before i came.”

the MISTY TERRAIN plumes before dissolving into nothingness. he smiles at the twins before rising, turning to face her.

“but i can never refuse you, alfric.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
cait alfric

ROUTINE

so save me a slice of that life

WHEN SHE LEAVES HIM she leaves him for good. there’s not much for him to do but stand there awkwardly. his gaze cuts to both twins but that’s about it.

his nose wriggles.

so these are alfrics kids. feel weird to finally acknowledge it. but before distaste can manifest he remembers her note.

the other alfric.

“tch.”

upon her return, he joins her, visibly content with her snack and taking the initiative to express himself beyond the reserved and few between faces of fernando silph.

“you’re fine, alfric,” he nods. “having kids is a commitment and should be the first priority in your life. i understand.”

he reaches for the tea, sipping gingerly.

“but what would you have game do? step down?”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
cait alfric

ROUTINE

so save me a slice of that life

HER EXPLANATION MAKES SENSE. all viable concerns of a new mother who wants her children to have both parents. but what that leads into catches him by surprise.

that’s all it takes for him to narrow his eyes.

“check on what exactly?”

he pauses for good measure.

“what do you mean beyond serving the league?”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
cait alfric

ROUTINE

so save me a slice of that life

“PERHAPS.”

herein lies his problem: there are two paths forward. one that reveals the truth, what he thinks about Sénon Game and what could be a life of debauchery. the other shies away from being involved in their marriage and whatever issues may arise in the future.

one could remove an unsavory piece on the board. the other is safer, guaranteeing that cait will forever stay in his camp.

fernando sits on this thought, contemplating cait’s words, before settling somewhere in the middle.

“there is more to life than just work, alfric,” say the fernando silph.

“but i understand your concern; have you talked to him about it?”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
cait alfric