Peacekeepers

Chapter 2: Lazy Afternoon

"I come with a delivery of one tired keeper!" Poppy said loudly as she knocked on the door of the house.

There were quick steps from inside before the door opened, Sebastian smiling in amusement down to Poppy. "You starting a courier side business, now?"

"Haha very funny." Poppy said sarcastically.

"Hey sweetie." Diane smiled up to Sebastian as she leaned against his chest with a soft sigh.

"Hmm, overdid it a bit?" He asked in a firm tone.

"Not that much." Diane scoffed. "I just need a nap and I'll be right as rain." She smiled against him, breathing in his scent happily.

Sebastian chuckled and set a hand on her head affectionately. "Thanks for the delivery Poppy, I'll take it from here. Are you and Danny planning on having another date night soon?"

Poppy blushed, wondering how many people were thinking of her relationship. It seemed everyone certainly supported it, at least. "I was thinking of showing him some nifflers sometime soon, maybe later this week."

"Well let us know, I'm sure these two would be happy at the opportunity to help watch the kids." Sebastian chuckled softly, patting Diane's head gently.

"Alright, thanks for the offer. I'll send you an owl when I have a time set." Poppy smiled happily.

"You want some cookies? Diane just made them." Sebastian motioned over his shoulder with his head, not wanting his hands to leave Diane.

"Sure, that sounds good." Poppy smiled, a bit amused that Sebastian had mellowed out so much in the recent years. Being in this relationship had certainly been good for him.

Sebastian led her into the house as he guided Diane forward with a hand against the small of her back, a possessive touch that had Diane smiling softly.

"You sit on the couch, flower. I'll take care of this." He said firmly, making a downward motion to emphasize himself.

"So bossy." She pouted dramatically, but sat on the couch with a soft sigh, leaning her head back against the cushion.

"If you wind up passing out because you overdid it, Ominis will kick my ass." Sebastian muttered, guiding Poppy into the kitchen and opening the tin of cookies on the counter. "Help yourself. She's been baking up a storm so there's plenty more."

Poppy glanced over her shoulder toward the parlor where Diane remained sitting. "How has she been doing?" She asked softly.

"She's nervous, but that's to be expected." Sebastian said quietly with a little shrug.

"She said you've been keeping something from her and Ominis." Poppy gave him a critical look. "You're not planning something stupid, are you?"

Sebastian gave a soft laugh and shook his head. "No. Just something that... well, let's just say I'm not as worried about the battle as I am about that. I have more on my mind." He smiled warmly, looking out the kitchen window thoughtfully.

Poppy tilted her head curiously before she made a little gasp. "Wait- are you-" she said in shock.

Sebastian put a finger up to his mouth to tell her to keep quiet, glancing toward the parlor. "I'm waiting for the right time."

Poppy gave a soft gasp, her breath turning fast as she realized he'd all but confirmed her guess. "Oh Merlin- oh- oh my-" she tried not to freak out, her eyes wide as she fanned her face to try and hide how emotional she was getting.

Sebastian chuckled at her reaction, amused that she was freaking out so much. "Keep quiet about it, though. I don't want those two guessing too much. I'd rather it be a surprise."