"Weee, Mom look hahaha Im flying!"
"Hehehe!"
I let out a deep sigh as I watched the three of them—laughing, smiling, completely lost in their own little world of fun.
I still couldn’t quite believe it. Alpheus had sohow managed to win over the twins so quickly.
The girls were usually cautious around strangers—especially Paris. She was the more reserved one, always a little aloof, far more mature for her age.
And yet... here she was, giggling as Alpheus tossed her into the air and caught her with ease, just like he’d done with her sister.
It was hard to believe this was the sa Paris who normally kept people at arm’s length.
Still, as I stood there taking it all in, I felt a gentle wave of relief wash over .
They were happy. They were enjoying themselves.
And for the first ti, I realized that maybe—just maybe—even Paris, with all her thoughtful silences and careful words, was still a child at heart. A little girl who just wanted to feel free and light and playful sotis.
Hayss...
Alpheus really figured them out already.
Apparently, all it took to win them over—especially Paris—was a little skyward toss and the promise of safe arms to catch them.
"Alright, that’s enough, kids!" I called out, stepping in at last.
"Can’t you see how tired Alpheus is from lifting you both over and over? You’re not exactly featherweights, you know."
Egypt imdiately pouted, clearly not ready for the fun to end.
"Are you tired, Mr. Alpheus?" she asked sadly, her big eyes full of worry.
I couldn’t help but sigh again. One glance at Alpheus and it was obvious—he was exhausted.
Sweat beaded at his forehead, and though he tried to smile through it, he was definitely at his limit.
"Hahaha... no, I’m not tired yet.." Alpheus said with a sheepish grin, even though the exhaustion was clearly written all over his face.
"See, Mommy? Mr. Alpheus isn’t tired yet!"
Egypt chid in proudly, then imdiately turned her eager gaze back to him.
"Mr. Alpheuuusss! I want more!" she whined playfully, bouncing in place with outstretched arms.
Alpheus hesitated for a mont, clearly starting to feel the strain.
His eyes briefly flicked over to , as if silently begging for help—for to step in and call Egypt off. But instead of responding, I turned my back on him and pretended not to notice.
That’s what you get.
You could’ve left earlier, but no—now deal with those two little whirlwinds yourself, I muttered in my head, directing it at Alpheus with a wicked smirk only I knew about.
"Ahaha... you’re not tired yet, Egypt?" he asked with an awkward chuckle, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Nope! I want so more!" she exclaid, full of uncontainable energy.
With no other choice, Alpheus sighed in surrender, then picked Egypt up once more and gently tossed her into the air. Her delighted squeal echoed around us as he caught her again.
She twirled in excitent the mont her feet touched the ground, dizzy with joy and ready to go again.
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I watched Alpheus, clearly exhausted after being relentlessly hounded by my daughters.
They hadn’t given him a single break—not until he was completely worn out from lifting and tossing them over and over again.
Even I, their own mother, couldn’t carry both of them for more than a few minutes—they were heavy!
No wonder the two were so eager to be carried and thrown in the air like that. They weren’t used to anyone doing that for them.
"Mr. Alpheus, that was sooo much fun! Hehe... you have to co back again, okay?" Egypt said cheerfully, still beaming with excitent.
Alpheus turned to look at after Egypt’s innocent request, clearly waiting to see what I would say—perhaps hoping for a warm invitation to return.
But no—I would never let him near my daughters again.
"Egypt, don’t bother Mr. Alpheus. He’s a very busy man, and every hour of his day is important. He doesn’t have ti to waste on unnecessary things."
Alpheus’s face faltered for a mont, a flicker of disappointnt in his eyes at my words.
"N-no, it’s okay," he said quickly, offering a reassuring smile. "I can make ti for the kids. And besides, things have slowed down lately—I’ve already finished most of my important work."
He looked back at as if trying to say—I’m willing to make ti for your children... and maybe even for you.
"Really, Uncle Alpheus?" Egypt chid in excitedly, still full of energy.
"Yes," Alpheus replied with a chuckle. "And actually, you don’t have to call Mr. Alpheus anymore. Just call Uncle. You and Paris aren’t strangers to ."
The mont I heard that, I shot him a dagger-like glare.
Not strangers? What was that supposed to an? That carried a completely different implication for —and I didn’t like it one bit.
"You’re so nice, Uncle Alpheus!"
Egypt bead, completely unfazed and clearly loving the new nickna.
"Why are you so kind to us, Uncle?" Paris suddenly asked.
Paris was back by my side, and the joyful sparkle she had while playing earlier was now gone and replaced by her usual serious, guarded expression.
"Does there really have to be a reason to be kind to you two?" Alpheus said, smiling warmly at them.
"But if you need one... I guess it’s because I genuinely like you both. I have nieces your age, and you’re just as adorable as they are."
"Wow! So you really are an uncle now! Maybe you’ll beco a dad soday too!" Egypt said innocently, making Alpheus laugh out loud.
"Maybe I will... and hopefully, he can be your playmate too." he said playfully, giving her a wink that made Egypt giggle.
Then he turned to Paris. "So, Paris, is that a good enough reason for to want to be close to cute kids like you?"
But Paris didn’t respond. She simply looked up at him quietly, then turned and wrapped her arms around my waist, burying her face against .
"Hehe, Uncle Alpheus, Paris is just shy—but she likes you too!"
Egypt grinned, swaying slightly with pride as if she had just shared a very important secret.
Alpheus let out a soft chuckle and reached over to gently ruffle her hair, his smile warm and genuine.
"Is that so?" he murmured fondly. "Hmm... she’s just like soone I know very well."
His gaze shifted subtly—almost playfully—until it landed on . And there it was again. That look.
That familiar smirk paired with a knowing glance, like he was teasing .
Ugh, he’s starting to get annoying!
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