Dead Men Smiling

6.3

The enemy of my enemy is my ally.
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"I didn't expect his appearance, My Lord. If I had known that the brat would be there, I wouldn't have failed you so spectacularly. "

He rose a brow at the excuse but said nothing on the matter and instead asked on what information they had managed to get on Dolan to which they replied with someone being assigned with tracking and finding the golden eyed male.
"Perhaps you should join forces with The Emperor."

"Join forces with the man I absolutely despise?" He spat out the words like they were an insult. "And why, pray tell, would I do such an outrageous thing?"
Their blue eyes gleamed beneath the head scarf. "Master, the enemy of my enemy is my friend or at least in our case, an ally."

He tilted his head. "Well in that case, Nero is the enemy and Folan the ally, isn't it?"

They sucked in a breath before entering a debate with him about what the best thing to do is. He wanted nothing to do with Nero while they didn't want to be anywhere near Dolan.
He got tired of the nagging and shrugged his shoulders. "You do what you see as acceptable. I'll just assent or veto."
"Thank you Master, you won't be disappointed."
"You better keep y our word, Blue, else I'll sign you up for the next harakiri."

---

Leilani woke up just as the sun was rising and frowned as she tried to remember why she decided to wake up that early when she remembered; it was July 13th.

With that realisation, she got out of bed, did a free stretches and went into the kitchen where she attempted to make breakfast for everyone.
Please note that the key word is attempted.

Wynter stood by the door, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before taking in the messy kitchen. "Good morning, Leilani. Whatever are you up to?"
The latter froze and bristled before turning a glare to the red head. "Nothing that matters to you."

Wynter rose a brow as she took in Leilani's disheveled state before smiling softly. "Today would have been her birthday, isn't it?" "How do you know?"
"Sora talks a bit much. I can help you if you like. Besides I wouldn't fancy burnt or undercooked food on my birthday, even if for some reason you despise me."

Leilani's retort died in her throat as she thought about the offer Wynter was making. She nodded slightly and stepped away from the cooker, causing the latter to smile broadly as she began to make the batter.
As Leilani watched Wynter work, she was reminded of one of her favourite memories.

Leilani was ten when she was watching Jesse and Mason banter while they baked a cake for what she assumed was the children at the orphanage.
"Why are you two arguing?" Leilani had asked, gaining both their attentions!

Mason sent a smile similar to a grimace at the younger. "Your classes are over for the day."
Jess, however, was eager to tell. "It's Mason's birthday today."
"Why are you working then?" The confusion on Leilani's face was genuine. "Today should be your special day."

Maximus walked in with Rowan in tow and ruffled Leilani's hair. "Who is the person having a special day?"
Leilani immediately relayed the information to the pair who told Dolan when he walked in a gave the cake a curious look.

After an argument Mason lost, Jesse baked the cake, Dolan made decorations, Rowan and Maximus picked fruits and made juice while Mason taught Leilani how to make pancakes.
After the meal, Jesse told a story about how the world used to be before everyone become so much more complicated.

Leilani shook her head and tilted her head and smiled at Wynter. "Do you mind if I help?" Wynter faced her with a frown which made Leilani feel bad; she really hadn't been the nicest to the older woman and it was simply because she didn't trust her without being given a reason not to.