"I think so. If you can live there, I'm sure I'll survive."

"I'll be sad if you don't."

"Well we can't have that."

"No sad Rubies allowed?"

"Not on a permanent basis. Maybe temporarily to help with Art, but that will be reviewed case-by-case."

Kiss. "A very reasonable and measured declaration, your Majesty."

"As all of mine are."

"Naturally, being made by such a measured and rational Empress."

Hee.

She laughs and leans against Ellie. "So - packing, and heading over... I'll make sure the whole crowd's not there to start, just my foster dad... Hang out for a few days, then you head off to do apartment hunting while I keep myself out of trouble?"

"Believable, except for the part where you stay out of trouble."

Snicker. "It's almost like you've met me."

"Well, maybe once or twice."

"I'm just that memorable, I guess!"

"You are."

Happy kiss.

"So, tomorrow morning good for heading out? Or would you rather go tonight?"

"I think it can wait until tomorrow. Give them time to expect us."

"People I like are generally pretty used to me sometimes showing up randomly, but, fair. Also gives me time to do grocery shopping before we end up eating stale mac and cheese out of the pantry for dinner."

"The horror-!"

Giggle. "I got fed and all as a kid, but my foster dad's kinda shit at feeding himself."

"A good thing we're visiting, then."

"Exactly! We'll leave him with groceries if nothing else."

Shoulder bump.

Bump.

"Thanks for - being willing to meet people, I guess."

"You like them. I'll give them a chance, at least."