"And probably some false negatives, I at least have certainly not heard every single Christmas song in the world. In my world." Omnomnom pancakes.

"It's not especially something I've made a study of, either."  Om nom indeed.

At exactly nine o'clock, Xavier's phone buzzes.  He looks somewhat concerned.  "One moment -"  And then he's reading, and then he's typing.  Pretty furiously.

.......can they be much snugglier. To compensate for this.

They can be somewhat snugglier.  Xavier seems pretty distracted.

Haru smushes his entire face into Xavier's shoulder and tries not to start crying about it. Why is this his backlash. It is the worst. Why can't he just have seizures or something.

Type type phone down.  "I'm sorry, there's been a change of plans.  What were you saying?"

"I don't remember. Something about Christmas songs. What's the change of plans?"

"...Oh, you look awful."  Now they can snuggle up a little closer, yes.  "Apparently you're not the only person who's appeared from a different world, and another one has requested to come be with me specifically out of a list of government employees.  So I'll need to go get her, and you'll be staying here with Ariel."

"She can't get a cab? Does she have backlash too?"

"She's apparently eight years old.  And no."

"Well, she wouldn't, if she's eight, twice that would be markedly early for an awakening. How in the world did she pick someone off a list of government employees - how was the process 'show her a list of government employees and let her pick one' decided on, isn't that weird? -"

"I'd quite like to know that as well!  They haven't responded yet."

"Are you going to wait till Ari's up?"

"No."  Phone buzz.  "Can you go wake her or shall I come along -"

"Uh. Please come along."

"Mhm."  Phone phone.  "Apparently she asked for someone within my department, and also had questions about my physical characteristics."  Type type type.

"Maybe you're... famous in her universe or something...? Like, some people must match to found the same countries and write the same songs? I guess? Though I can't actually think of a major historical figure or famous person I'd have wanted to be placed with when I was eight..."

"That would really be something."  He scoops Haru into a bridal carry and heads for the guest room.

Being carried is nice insofar as things can at present be nice. "Whee. What's her name?"

"They haven't said."  Knock knock knock.  "Ariel, get up.  I have to leave."

"Mnnnnnghg..."

"May we come in?"

"Can I - have like a minute?"

"Yes.  Please get dressed unless you don't mind doing it with Haru in the room."

Sighhhhhhhhh.  "'Kay."