If I may play the me's advocate for a moment...

The crew of the Cape Rouge never did know what might happen, when the children returned to the island. Year after year, their arrival had been a surprise, some reflection of changes and shifts and possibilities they could never quite put their finger on.

So in that sense, today had been a surprise.

But, for once, a somewhat harmonious one.

"Right, so I've got french fries and fish fingers for the tiny one with no palate," Lucifer said, hurrying through the galley. "Duke! Red sauce?"

"I want french fries and fish fingers too," Rory said drily, "And Toni isn't tiny."

"I'm ten!"

( Yes, I have red sauce, Duke said. And ketchup, and mayonnaise, and tartar sauce and lemon wedges... )

Duke snorted, reaching over to ruffle Lucifer's hair before setting more plates on the table. "Now, now, girls, be nice. . . ."

"Our children?" Octavia said, the joking tone dampened some by the utter, helpless softness of her voice. "I'm not sure they know how."

[[ open to those who are here; preplayed and possibly SPed due to various people moving around various countries. ]]