TOTCF content because my brain go brr

Cale & On (Father-Daughter Scams)

Cale listlessly looked out the carriage window, mindlessly petting the grey kitten in his lap. He looked at peace as he stared out the windows, seeming to enjoy the views of the kingdom. The kitten on his lap knew better however. Cale Henituse was despairing quietly about the fact he had to go and visit the northeast nobles instead of slacking at home. He internally cursed out his royal hyung for being a pain. He sighed with a crestfallen expression.

On snickered before moving to fit more comfortably on Cale's lap. She lifted her head so Cale's soft touch went to the space between her ears. She purred as he pouted. His eyes then gleamed with recognition at the familiar walls of the county that the carriage window neared. The Wheelsman estate was decorated with blacks, reds and silvers. The colours of the Commander Cale draped across the estate.  

Cale willfully ignored the colours as the carriage came to a halt. Ohn jumped up and quickly transformed into her human body. Her braided hair flowed down to her shoulders and her skirt swayed down to her ankles. It was darker purple and was adorned with silver jewelry; a small gift from Cale a week or so ago. She straightened out her skirt and then waited for her old man of a guardian to pick himself up off the seat. 

Hilsman bowed down as he opened the door. Cale briskly stepped down and put out his hand to help On down. She looked at his hand before looking back at him. A raised eyebrow was all Cale could do before On jumped out onto him. Protectively, he went to protect her head and stumbed; teetering close to falling. His eyes widened at the girl in his hands once he stabilised. 

He looked down to the precious cargo in his arms. "What the fuck was that?" Cale deadpanned. Hilsman awwed once he understood both nobles were safe and unharmed. On looked at him with surprise then squirmed her way out of his grasp. Eric, Gilbert and Amiru approached them from the carriage with haste. Worry was obvious on their faces so he waved placatingly.

"Hello hyung-" Eric almost bodied Cale in a full bear hug. Cale could feel the excitement radiating off him. He could also feel his company slink past him to hide near the carriage at the rambuctious welcome. Amiru stood behind recording Eric lift Cale in the air with a magic recording device. Her laughter served as background noise to Cale choking. 

"We missed you Cale!" Eric said, once he composed himself. Amiru and Gilbert also gave him a quick squeeze before gushing. Cale hummed quietly and then noticed how Ohn was fixing her dress and her hair. He lifted an eyebrow and it only rose higher when she brought her finger to her lips when she glanced towards him. 

"Ohn?" He gently nudged her towards them, where she shyly looked back from his legs. Cale blanked as she slowly creeped from behind him with a cute expression. He stifled laughter as she smiled innocently at her uncles and aunts. This was some very dramatic acting, and he was curious what it was for.

"Hello Eric-Ahjussi." She flashed her dimples with her wide smile. It was very effective. Eric's eyes shone with an uncle-y sparkle. Cale watched her show, pride flowing through his veins. Her acting might've gone a Choi Han-esque route, but that was nothing that couldn't be fixed with a little shaping. His little scammer.

"I'm your Ahjussi? Did Cale tell you to call me that?" He flustered, but hid his smile modestly. Amiru and Gilbert looked on in envy. He picked her up and messed with her hair. She shook her head. He was clearly getting weaker. Cale cheered silently. 

"No, you're just my favourite." She played her finishing move. She let out a giggle too and hid her face. Cale let out a small unnoticed snicker at her embarassing moves, but nonetheless, it worked. Eric had fully melted, his guard was dropped. Only then did Cale notice how her hand now held a worn leather wallet. 

He choked on his laughter and waved away the concerns while he tried to recover. There were benefits for raising Ohn into a smart, strong girl. He could only hope she would give him a share. Cale watched her slip the wallet and into her pocket.

As hard as he laughed, he knew that it would be bothersome if she kept it all, so he paid for lunch and dinner. That seemed to be sufficient. When he waved goodbye, and bought all the souvenirs, he spent the carriage ride home ribbing at her gently as she giggled and boasted about her successful pickpocketing. 

—-

"Hey Cale?" Eric called through the magic communication device. "Do you know where my wallet is? I can't find it."