"Stop copying me!" Her boyish, blond companion pouted sulkily.
"Stop copying me!" Her face was a perfect mimicry. The expressions on both of the children would have tugged the heartstrings of any other woman. Saena merely, impassively, watched.
"I'm not talking to you anymore!" exclaimed the pair in unison. Each turned abruptly so that they stood back-to-back with small frowns, with crossed arms. Just as quickly, the children spun on the spot, pulling down the skin under one eye, sticking out their tongues.
Finally, the boy quirked his lips in irritation. "Let's play some other game."
Saena could taste the words 'you always win at this' in the air.
The girl smiled in response. "Okay."
She made a decision. "Good evening Kyoko, Shou."
"Good evening," replied her daughter, properly bowing. Saena's eyes glinted as she wondered who taught her such etiquette…the okami. Stupid woman. Her daughter didn't need to be any more subservient to others.
Kyoko subtly nudged her friend with an elbow. He grumbled at her, but grudgingly completed the greetings. Little brat.
Crouching down to their level, she asked, "Kyoko, do you like copying Shou?"
The girl brightened instantly. Saena slowly smiled in response, savoring her soon-to-be glory.
