The back yard is entirely paved, but there's some beaten up lawn furniture that Alain and Teo have dropped into.

"So, where you been? You know better than to not answer my texts." His tone manages to be teasing, to mostly conceal the continued concern.

"Yeeeeah," Teo draws out. "Funny thing. Dad took off, and it turns out I dropped my phone in the car." (He seems to be saying something there that he isn't actually saying.)

'Chelle pushes Lan and Percy towards seats. "You're making the place look untidy."

Percy sits and observes.

Trouble in the family? that much is obvious and those are not the right set of emotions for "can't access my phone". There is some plan involved. Maybe.

Paradoxically, Percy is curious about what happened, but in a way where he doesn't find the thing on itself interesting like other people would.

"You want some help?"

Teo gives a startled laugh. "Thanks, mate, but there's not much you can do. Unless you've got some miracle universal cure tucked up your sleeve."

Minute headshake.

"Yeah, didn't think so."

Alain squeezes his hand gently. "Hey."

"Mum's back in hospital," Teo explains. "We spent the night there. Dad took off once he dropped us back here."

He seems more resigned to this than anything else. "Okay, do me a favour and distract me. Percy, where did Aaren find you?"

He makes himself grin. "In the street. Minutes before he and his friends wrecked my friends' pride."

"...Tell me no-one called Strath a dyke? Everyone seems to think they'll gain an edge if they do, and yet..."

"It did not give anyone an edge once again. But he was already on the floor anyway." Shrug.

"I still don't get how people miss the fact that that lot are military trained."

"I mean, if you're not paying attention it isn't obvious, especially not when they're tipsy."

"It became obvious very soon, but they had the situation under control very soon."

'Chelle laughs and launches into a story about some of the more ludicrous stories she's heard from her Dad and his unit.

It's warm and friendly, and there's a fair amount of laughter.

About an hour after they arrive a younger boy comes out, blinking sleepily.

Percy tugs Teo's shirt to call his attention. Not before the boy shows up, but with an uncanny reaction time.

"Nero," Teo says, getting to his feet. "You're- I thought you were asleep?"

"Woke up," Nero says like that's the most obvious thing in the world, and it is. He waves vaguely at the others, notices Percy. "-I don't know you?"

"Yeah, I only met 'Chelle and Lan yesterday. Percy, a pleasure to meet you."

"Nero," Nero leans into his brother's side. "Your Dad adopting people again, 'Chelle?"

'Chelle's smile is slightly forced. "Eh, you know what he's like. This one has better manners than Lan."

"Hey! My manners are impeccable!"