For now, there's no difference, Khalid replied. She knew what Ish was asking about, now. He's still fluffy, and there are no primary or pin-feathers yet. Just baby-down.

Khalid almost snorted aloud.

And if he's that annoyed, Caliban must be homicidal.

Khalid rolled her eyes.

"Cal is going to be a little late," she said to Jeane. "Apparently there were some particularly stupid ones tonight."

"Alright. I figured it might be something like that. I'll just wait until he finishes cleaning up his mess, then." Jeane was still amused, though.

"It might not be too long," Khalid said. "Apparently Ish is seriously considering just closing up now."

Jeane snickered. "Someone pissed off the peri," she said with a grin. "Hopefully he won't be too pissed still when he comes home."

"That's what Robin is for," Khalid replied with a grin. "He won't be so pissed off by the time they get home."

Jeane snickered. "True. Robin is good for that." She grinned and settled in to wait. She didn't mind.

It still took another hour and a half for the men to come trooping back. By that time, Khalid was reading with Alexander asleep in her lap, absently rubbing his back. His wings had vanished again a while before.

Jeane was napping on the couch, but she woke up when they got home. Ish was indeed in a better mood now, and Robin was grinning.

"Cal should be along shortly," he said to Jeane.

"Alright." Jeane yawned and got up, brushing her hair back again.

Khalid gave both her men a knowing look, but stood up and took Alexander over to them. The boy was still sleeping soundly.

Ishiah took him first, holding Alexander easily. "I trust you didn't have any problems?" he asked Khalid quietly.

"No more so than usual," Khalid replied. "I even got him to play with his toys long enough for me to be able to work some magic for Jeane."

"I heard about that." Ishiah raised his eyebrows slightly. "Although I take it congratulations are not quite in order yet."

"Not quite yet," Khalid replied. "She'll be sure either way in a couple weeks."

Ish nodded. "Well. I am glad she decided to do something. Caliban would never have agreed." Because he knew his employee, and Cal could be a stubborn son of a bitch.

"He would have kept changing the subject," Khalid agreed. "So she's going to force him to face it. And good for her, really." She paused to take a breath just in time: the door opened and Cal finally came in.

Jeane got up and grinned at him. "Finally done?" she teased gently. "Ready to go home?"

"You have no idea," Cal replied as he slipped an arm around her waist. Home sounded wonderful.

"Alright. Thanks Khalid! I'll see you later!" Jeane grinned and headed outside, starting to walk back home.

"No problem, Jeane," Khalid called back.

Cal just walked with Jeane, fully enjoying the quiet. The weather was turning cold again, so he pulled his jacket a bit tighter, but otherwise he was enjoying the walk with Jeane

"Do you have to work tomorrow?" Jeane asked quietly, looking over at him as they walked. She knew Niko had to work tomorrow, and she was thinking about having some them time.

"No," Cal said. "Not after tonight, I told Ish I'm not going in tomorrow." He looked at her. "Why?"