The Youngest's Privileges

Pizza

Septuplets: Age 7

Cahaya had been in the middle of doodling some weird formulas he had read from the new book he had borrowed from the library, when he heard the door from downstairs. He quickly perked up with a wide smile as soon as he heard their dad call for the septuplets to come downstairs.

"Kids! I bought some pizza!"

He heard Api yell happily followed by rushed footsteps racing down the stairs. Cahaya struggled to arrange his papers and quickly placed a bookmark on the last page he had been reading, hoping he would still remember what the formula was about later once he got back.

"Cahaya! Hurry! Api already took the pizza box!" Daun suddenly appeared by the bedroom door, "You know how hard it is to stop him from eating everything!"

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" He said grabbing a small book from his bed before taking Daun's outstretched hand.

They giggled a bit as they passed by Tanah and Petir who gave them an eyeroll.

They raced down the stairs with Daun holding on to the banister while keeping a tight grip on Cahaya. The youngest snickered at how the other was obviously trying make sure they were careful after being lectured by their mother multiple times on how it was always important to hold on to the railings while going up and down the stairs.

"—actually had two boxes. But Mechabot got greedy."

"Hey! I warned you to buy three boxes!"

Cahaya and Daun entered their dining room to see their Dad staring at Mechabot with annoyance before turning to them, expression melting into fondness.

"Dad! Welcome home!" Daun ran up to the man who quickly crouched down to give his son a hug. Cahaya followed after him.

"Whatcha got there, my little scientist?" Amato then asked, noticing the small book he was clutching.

"It's about botany!" Cahaya said, thrusting the book forward to him proudly, "Daun kept telling me about wanting to make his own garden! So, I borrowed this from the library so I could help him!"

"That's very thoughtful of you." Amato said beaming at him with pride. Solar puffed his chest at the compliment only to laugh when his dad ruffled his cap.

Daun suddenly appeared with two slices and handed Cahaya his slice, who eagerly ate it. He had been hungry the whole afternoon since he wasn't able to eat his lunch in school earlier that day. Some kid in their class had been naughty and had knocked his lunch to the ground while he had been busy memorizing the multiplication table.

Cahaya was not a happy camper after that.

"Hey! Api! You already ate your share!" They turned to see Angin pouting at the boy who was secretly trying to get the last slice. The other septuplets had gathered around the table and their dad was quick to usher Daun and Cahaya to their seats so he could make them some juice.

"But there's still one more piece!" Api said crossing his arms and glaring at his brother for being a tattletale.

"Dad should have it." Petir then said, turning to the man who quickly shook his head.

"Oh, no thank you. Your Mom had put me on a strict diet." Amato said with a slightly amused smile while setting down a pitcher of orange juice for them.

"Then maybe I can—" A quick glare and Mechabot quickly shut his mouth.

"Well, I finished first so..." Air stared at the slice of pizza with determination but Api was quick to stand up on his seat.

"Hey! No fair! We didn't make a deal about that!"

"Api, sit down! You're going to fall!" Tanah, who sat next to him, grabbed him by the arm.