Thank you for those reviews ILY 3

Angus sat on one side of the dining table, Taako on the other. Ren is at the bar counter that separates the second kitchen from the other living area. Lup doesn't really stay anywhere long enough to count as sitting. And the whole talk has felt like it's Angus versus Lup Taako and Ren.

Well, Lup Taako and Ren... and Barry.

Although Barry purposefully sat at the far end of the table with his head in a newspaper as the elves questioned Angus. Angus had noticed he had only actually turned the page twice but he appreciated the thought. Angus was surprised Magnus wasn't on the stone on loud-speaker to weigh in, or that Merle hadn't been dragged into medieate. Hell why not get Lucretia down here in Director mode taking notes while they're at it? Kravitz was out on a job. Angus wasn't sure if Taako would be reacting better or worse with his husband there.

"Seriously though, little man. It's a stressful job to take on. Is it the money?" Lup asks. ``Is nerd lord charging more for school fees? Soccer team doing a fundraiser?"

"Does it matter?" Angus says getting very exasperated.

"Well, yes? Dunno if you've noticed my dear but we're not exactly skint." Lup offered. "Can we help? Heck we could build you your own school if you asked."

"No. no thank you. It's not about the money."

"Then what the fuck?" Taako asks.

"Because it's a job and it's fun!" Angus said defensively.

"Having worked behind a bar, I call horse shit.'' Ren says. "Don't get me wrong, the Davy Lamp had its perks. But it was hard work. And it's like two up from retail. Plus Drunks are easy compared to angry caffeinated people."

"That doesn't mean you have to dunk on it. Also Why were you even there today?" Angus complained. "Taako's school is way too far across town to get a quick bite to eat."

"Some doofus put frogspawn in the staff room coffee machine." Ren shrugged. (Taako was suddenly very interested in his nails.) "I had a free lesson so I thought I'd go for a walk and find somewhere nice. I like the halving district, it reminds me of Refuge. But less sand."

"You've magic powers!" Angus pointed out. "Why not just get rid of the frogspawn?"

"Still tastes gross to drink out of." Ren frowned "Besides it was a nice day. And I'm quite partial to hot chocolate now and then."

"So why tell Taako I was working there?"

"Why not tell me?!" Taako cut in.

"I just mentioned it cos he'd never mentioned it." Ren defensively, hands up. "Don't magic missile the messenger."

"Oooh maybe the little bear's got a crush on someone there, bro?" Lup fake whispered. She's even doing the cat face. "Maybe that's why it's a secret so we don't embarrass him."

"No! No I don't! It's because- look. Just don't tell the others I'm there. I don't want a repeat of this. Promise." Angus pleads. It takes some more arguing but they promise. "And don't come to my work either."

"Why not?"

"Just promise." Angus pleads. And it stinks this time because the twins are not as sneaky at crossing their fingers behind their backs as they think they are. "You have stainless-steel pots behind you, I can see your hands!"

"You still haven't explained why this is such a big secret." Taako pressed.

"Because I don't want a repeat of this." Angus repeats. And then gives up. "Whatever, I'm out. I better be heading back to class anyway, I've a lecture."

"Here y'are." Barry says and conjures a portal. It's the first thing he's said since hello. He hasn't looked up from his paper till now. "Have a good class kiddo. And best luck with the new- well newish job."

"Thank you sir." Angus gives him a one armed hug and steps through it. "Bye everyone, call me when you stop dicking around."

"Hey, don't you walk away from me-!" is the last thing he hears from Taako as he arrives back in the Academy Quad.

Angus, as Barry had wished him, indeed has a good class. And a pleasant evening too.

After that however, Angus had a fortnight from hell.