Chapter 2: Five Minutes
Asari peered into the small study and found his ward face down on top of the book she was supposed to be reading, presumably asleep.
Shaking his head he made his way over to her before gently nudging the young girl awake. Green eyes fluttered open as they focus on him, a small smile spreading across her lips.
"Asari." She sleepily greeted.
"You were supposed to be reading, not napping little one." He scolded, ruffled her hair.
Not seeing any actual reprimand in his tone she smiled sheepishly at him. "I don't like the book."
"Why is that?"
"It's boring."
"Not all things are pleasant but they help you lear-" He was cut off by the sound of her stomach growling. Her cheeks flushed endearingly and he bit back a chuckle, "Well you cannot hope to concentrate on ancient history if you are not satisfied today. Will you join me for dinner tonight?"
"Yes." She chirped cheerfully as she got off the chair and took his outstretched hand.
"Then let us go join the others."
"Is Daemon here?" She turned hopeful brown eyes at him that dimmed when he shook his head.
"Unfortunately he is still away on business." He squeezed her hand gently, "But Giotto-san will be joining us tonight."
A large grin spread across her lips, "Really!"
"Yes, he finished up his work early today to have dinner with us tonight."
They walked past the grand dining hall that was meant for larger dinners and into a smaller, more intimate setting. Seated at the table were Giotto and G, both stopped their discussion as the pair entered.
"Rose." Giotto greeted, his arms accepting the embrace from the girl.
"I'm so happy to see you!" She smiled up at him, "Big brother G said you weren't coming back until next year!"
Dark eyes narrowed on the red haired man, "G, you have proven yourself once again to be untrustworthy." Asari said as he took his seat across from the storm guardian.
"The brat kept asking, I answered."
Giotto helped Rose into her seat, listening attentively as she told him about all the things she did for the week he was away. It was a ritual they followed whenever he would be gone for long period of time because he wanted to know what she did, and he was glad that she wished to share. Perhaps it wasn't all for her sake though, he found himself entranced with the concerns of a six year old girl, forgetting his own darker ones.
G interrupted her recounting of her week, as part of the ritual. "The boss does not need to know about what your bear said during a tea party."
"Mr. Speckles." She turned her gaze to the red haired guardian.
G raised a brow. "What?"
"His name is Mr. Speckles."
"God Da-"
"Language."
Dinner was pleasant, there was some talk of business, some teasing but overall enjoyable.
After dinner Giotto and Rose made their way to her rooms where he continued a story they had started weeks ago and had been slowly trying to finish whenever they found time.
It wasn't long until he felt her droop against his chest and he closed the book.
"I believe it is time for bed." He moved to lay her down but she had a hold of his shirt.
"Five more minutes." She mumbled, but her eyes were already losing the battle.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm not sleepy."
He held back a chuckle but stayed still, watching as she lost the battle to sleep.
"Perhaps one day you will conquer sleep." He murmured, pressing a light kiss to her forehead before uncurling her hold on his clothing and tucking her in. "Good night Rose."
He joined Asari and G in his office, walking in on another age old ritual.
"Perhaps you should watch your tongue around Rose-chan. Even…"
G said nothing but pulled out a cigarette, but that seemed to make his lecture on holding his tongue extend for longer.
"They are just words, you should be glad I'm not encouraging this." He snapped, letting out a puff of smoke.
Dark eyes narrowed on him, a glint of steel in their depths. "What was that?"
"Nothing."
Using the papers on his desk as cover, Giotto hid a smile.
