He could remember the last time they had spoken as if it were yesterday. Siarli a newborn, Grace little more than a baby herself. And he had done nothing to see her; he had respected her decision. After all, there was a slight risk that Kaleb might put one and one together, but Sioni figured it was little risk, like. After all, they had given her husband little enough to be jealous of.

He’d kept his distance.

He’d stayed away.

What else was he supposed to do?

"It's fall, Sioni."

“Isn’t it just?” He said quietly, his eyes still on hers. “But some things never change, Cariad. Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring, some flowers never fade.”

"Mummy!...We don't talk to strangers."

“Quite right, Ferch pert,” Sioni said turning.

"You're right. But Sioni is not a stranger. He plays quidditch with your father."

“There’s truth,” Said Sioni, smiling broadly at the worried little girl. “Your Da and I are partners, see? And we’ve been through adventures together, as well.” He turned and watched Espa’s face as he finished. “Quite old friends we are, like.”

“It's getting late," It was not late, it was just after one thirty. "We should probably head home. Charlie will need to go down for her nap soon."

“It is chilly, out of the sun,” Sioni said, looking up at the sky, “But you’ll have the sun for a while yet. But you know what?” He turned back to look at Grace, still hunkered down. “I happen to know a little café near by here, that does the best hot chocolate in the world. Do you think we should go get some?”

"Please don't."

“No trouble at all,” He said, standing. “It’s not like I can’t afford it. Besides, it seems like ages since I saw you all. Grace don’t even remember me, and I was right there when her sister was born. Do you know,” He said, turning back to Grace, “I brought you to the hospital to meet your little sister the day she was born. So you see, I’m hardly a stranger, now.” He reached out his hand.

“More like a long lost Uncle, really. An Uncle who’d like to see his little… nieces, like.” He turned to Espa, his voice quiet.

“And where’s the harm in that?”

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Not Getting Any Younger