( bad memories do tend to leave deeper roots than the good ones. and perhaps that, subconsciously, was what had kept klaus away from letting any form. in this time, anyway.

but something feels changed; and that in itself may sound cliche, or too sentimental, but with the nearby laughter carrying across tall wood columns, there's something bubbling in his chest that feels like hope. the family, all back together, and it wasn't a thought of sarcasm this time, hissed to a pile of ashes.

all back but the one, though, and klaus catches himself looking around the room to one of the armchairs, still half expecting to see ben perched in it, with a stupid grin on his face and an inside joke between them.

he doesn't, of course not, and clinks glasses with five without missing a beat instead. sweet sweet party time, here they come. ) You sure do like to play hot potato with those. ( a hum, a long sip, and he's carefully watching five, for a moment. ) We're going to have to find you a new hobby. What are you into these days? Knitting? Crochet?

( it's not asked dismissively - the opposite, actually, even if it's not without the soft ribbing that's almost unavoidable with siblings. it's been a long time; why not start catching up on it now? )