On to the bedroom

Viola found herself just enjoying the conversation and the company as the meal continued. The occasional fry grabbing notwithstanding, it had been just pure goofiness and family fun. She felt accepted; like she'd just found a spot that had been waiting patiently for her, and stepped into it like she'd always belonged.

Which was why she felt guilty that she wished that Cindy was here. The thought kept rolling around in her head as Lauren smiled or caressed her back. She could practically see the elegant blonde sitting across from her in the currently empty spot. Not the one that Miranda had abandoned, rather the conspicuously bare spot on the dinner table.

Viola thought it was kinda funny that she noticed that. The way that the family set out the table, it always seemed like they tried to stay together on one side. And they'd put her right in the middle. Add in the looks that Titania was still trying to hide, and she was delighted in the feelings of both family and desire.

"So... thank you so much for dinner." Viola remarked as she looked at the last bit of food on her plate. She was full, but was worried that Robin or Titania might think she didn't like the food if she didn't finish.

Robin noted the look on Viola's face, and quickly spoke up.

"We always make huge portions around here. That's what leftover night is for." Robin remarked, helping gather up some of the uneaten food. He moved to the stairwell and slapped his hand against the railing. "Miranda! Two minute warning!"

"That joke was old when I was two, dad!" Miranda shouted back from the top of the stairs, and Viola smiled a bit, leaning into Lauren's arms.

"I didn't burn it, did I?" Titania asked earnestly.

"No, it was great... just... too much food!" Viola snuggled against Lauren a bit more. She actually was feeling a bit tired at this point. The urge to just relax was running through her head, and she contemplated how it would feel racing back through the cold. Maybe the kitty door tonight. After what was obviously happening, because Lauren's fingers on her earlobes left no illusions as to her intentions.

"Great. Well, uh... night, I guess. " Titania smiled again at Viola, and was delighted at the slightly feline look that Viola gave in return. It was satisfied, happy. Titania glanced to where her father was placing a few fries and some remainders of burgers into plastic containers, and tried to figure out what it was that she saw in him. She was under the firm impression that she would never get what women saw in him.

"We're heading to the room soon, so if you want the tv tonight..." Lauren offered Titania, pointing with her free hand towards the main room.

"That's be great, thanks."

The soft sound of the system boot soon joined the clatter of dishes as Miranda took care of clearing the table. It was a little eerie how well coordinated they seemed to be on it, but it had been a while since Viola had been around a large family, and never around them for this long. She wondered if it would have been like this if her mom had stayed with her own dad, and the thought that she still needed to call her mom ran through her head. She shook off the impulse as a yawn went through her.

"I could relax for a bit, but I'm not feeling sick and twisted **** tonight." Viola commented, the thought of the high pitched cackle just too much for her.

"How bout just funny ****?" Robin asked, shutting the fridge door with a quick tap of his foot, as he lowered himself a little and crossed his ankles. He then elevated onto his toes again, spinning the ankle in a circle, and moving into a quick step which left him facing back towards the room.

"What was that?" Viola asked, not certain what the motion or the statement had meant.

"Huh, just a little footwork." Robin answered as Lauren aided Viola towards the stairs.

"No, uh, funny ****?" Viola asked, looking at a small blue and white case that Robin had snatched up.

"Don't worry, if you don't like how it ends, there's two other endings." Robin smiled, reaching out to grasp Viola's hand. She gripped his hand tightly, delighted to feel the invitation in his gesture. Her new bracelet rubbed gently against the back of her wrist as she did so, and it felt absolutely right.