Out of Context Snippets

Cinderella

Fandom: Ace Attorney/Original Material
Story: Catherine gets a party invite and Saul has to indulge her ballroom dreams.

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The front door shut a little more excitedly today, shaking the walls of the house as two sets of tapping retreated from the front end of the house, one much smaller but quickly rushing upstairs as another creaked along the floorboards into the kitchen.

He was surprised to hear that much commotion, or anything for that matter. The sounds of rushing water spilling out of the tap drowned out most of any noise.

A chair creaked as it was dragged over towards the counter and someone plopped into it to accompany him at the sink, just far enough away to not soak her homework in dish water.

"Was that a sad or happy rush?" He simply asked aloud, turning off the faucet for a moment before dumping a fork in the drying rack.

"Hyper. Don't see why it's important."

"I just need to know so I know how to react. I'm guessing it was a classmate's birthday today?"

"Alexander's, actually. Besides the cupcake she ate on the way in, she was invited to a 'ball' later tonight. I'm sure she'll tell you about it when she gets the frosting off her face."

He chuckled a bit, "No wonder... I'm sure I can whip up something she can take to the party. Or at least take and not share."

Gwen looked up at him, "You know, Uncle Saul, that we can help you out with all that stuff, right? Even if you may be our guardian, you don't have to do everything around here."

He huffed, "It's fine! I can handle a few chores per day. I've been bed ridden for a week, so I've earned a bit of productivity time... Even if it is a bad idea."

"Yeah, but not every day should be a productive day, especially after what happened last week." She sighed as he gave her a sarcastic but knowing look, "Fine, but at least let me help with the baking today. Don't want you almost burning down the kitchen again."

"Deal, but you'll have to do most of the work. I think I did too much today." He smirked a bit as he carefully sat at the table.

She rolled her eyes, "Should've seen that coming."

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"What? Nah. You guys did not actually become a four man acapella group." Gwen scrunched up her nose, holding back on laughing.

"Well, duh." Saul checked the time on the stove, stirring a pot of mashed potatoes with a goofy grin, "We were college students! What else were we supposed to do? Join the varsity football team? Puh-lease."

"So you, Uncle Dallas, Uncle Edgar, and Uncle Andrew all decided to try and make music as your backup career?"

"... Maybe over a few pints, but it's fine. Obviously, I chose a much better career in the end."

"Sure." She giggled a bit, "Can I book you guys to sing at my Sweet Sixteen? That would be the best entertainment money could buy."

"Depends on what they'd say, I suppose. You'll just have to wait until then."

Quick tapping came up from behind and a little hand tugged the back of his shirt.

"Daddy! Daddy! Can I ask you something?"

He glanced over his shoulder, down at a small child dressed up in a princess costume down to the glittery tiara and everything. He quietly turned down the burner the potatoes were on, "Someone dressed up all nice today! What do you need, princess?"

"I, Princess Catherine," She stood proudly, "have been invited to a royal ball!"

"Oh, how exciting!"

"See? There's the proof in why Cath had a cupcake today. I guess the sugar may have hyped her up too much." Gwen tucked away her papers before leaning on the table.

"I got that." He hummed a bit in amusement, "Gwen, do you mind checking the chicken while I entertain her majesty?"

Gwen moved over to the stove as Saul sat down at the table, Cath skipping up after him.

"Can you teach me to dance before the ball? I never got lessons." She looked mildly embarrassed.

He thought for a moment, "I mean, I can try, but only after we enjoy the royal feast, alright?"

She nodded excitedly, "Okay! But try not to step on my toes!"

Gwen snorted.

"Fair enough." He smooshed Cath's face a bit before planting a kiss on her head, "I'll watch where I'm stepping then. Don't want to keep the princess from her big dance, huh?"

"And no kisses either! I heard boys have cooties!" She stuck her tongue out before wandering away.

"Maybe it's the start of a plague." Gwen grinned as she leaned on the counter.

He pouted in response, "Hey, my love for you two is not that bad! Rude..."

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