Heir Apparent (Finn & Alicio)

[ode]

"There is," Finn grudgingly admitted before sighing. "Do whatever you wish. You are the nanny, see to him as you see fit."

[phantasmalunar]

"Thank you, could we perhaps have an escort?" Alicio asked.

[ode]

Finn shrugged. "I've got nothing better to do and today is the servants shopping day. So it's me you'll have."

[phantasmalunar]

"Oh, it would be splendid if you joined us, milord," Alicio said smiling brightly.

[ode]

Finn grinned back. Finishing up breakfast, he awaited the nanny and his charge in the foyer.

[phantasmalunar]

Alicio quickly cleaned Luca up before taking the boy by the hand to where his uncle was waiting.

[ode]

Finn greeted them and walked then the few blocks to the zoo.

Luca immediately started bouncing when he saw a street vendor selling animal hats.

[phantasmalunar]

Alicio smiled. "If you're a good boy, perhaps your uncle will let you have one on the way out," he said.

[ode]

Finn nodded. After all he didn't mind buying the boy things. "Then you'll know which animal you like best," he said with a nod.

Luca just glared at him, not much caring if his uncle made sense or not.

[phantasmalunar]

Alicio took the boy's hand and began to lead him down a walkway. "Oh, look Luca, look at that thing in the cage. Isn't he funny?"

[ode]

Luca clapped his hands and tugged on Alicio's shirt tails until he was picked up. Hugging the man, he stuck a finger in his mouth. "Preeeetty," he said arounf his thumb.

[phantasmalunar]

Alicio hugged the boy back and leaned his head on his. "Isn't it? Shall we see the next thing?"

[ode]

Finn paused a moment at the sight and was surprised when he felt a lurch in his gut that felt very much like longing.

Luca nodded. "You like da an-mals?"

[phantasmalunar]

Alicio nodded cutely. "Yes Nanny Cio loves small cute things."

[ode]

"Like me!" Luca chirped.

Finn laughed. "What about large, handsome things?" he asked, referring to himself.