He had managed to stay out of sight for the most part, the gradual influx of kitchen citizens approaching from the other entrance way a few feet to the left. Their gaits ranged from moderately awake to zombie-like(Alistair). It was rather amusing to watch the family dynamic this early in the morning. It put the varied characteristics of each family member on display in an almost an exaggerated matter. Alexia's take-charge approach, Rose's desire to encroach on Alexia's take-charge approach(it wasn't too bad, but Alexia's teenage years were much more turbulent. He was more of an ambassador between two warring countries than a father and husband for seemingly an eternity), Thomas' innocent requests coupled with his pet chicken.<br/><br/>Pet. Chicken. Never thought he would put those two words together.<br/>The farming life.<br/><br/>He chuckled lightly to himself just as he heard Alexia ask if "grandpa" was up. Another thing he never thought he would hear. It was such an amazing thing. His parents talked about becoming grandparents. It was a privilege reserved for those older than he, a right of passage. He didn't FEEL like he had achieved the right, yet here he was, a glowing, bright boy that had all the potential in the world.<br/><br/>David approached Thomas from behind, placing a gentle hand on his grandson's shoulder.<br/>"Grandpa is indeed 'up', as you call it." He looked down at his grandson with a genial smile, a playful glimmer in his eye.<br/>"Good request for breakfast, Tommy. I think you read my mind." He patted his shoulder before moving to his wife, planting a kiss on the side of her head before asking:<br/>"Anything I can do to help or will I just get in the way at this point?" He glanced over at his daughter, nodding to himself. She was handling herself quite well, even with the second child. He remembered a few weeks ago when she was stricken with some kind of bug that had her sidelined for...a week? A few days? It was more than twenty four hours and that got him worried. Of course, his paternal instincts amplified the concern. Rose continually told him that she would be fine, but that didn't stop him from making tea for her or popping in every so often to read her selections from her favorite books. She may be a fully grown, married adult AND parent, but in his mind he'll always see that beautiful little girl roaming the fields, overalls and pigtails completing the picture.<br/>"I can cook, you know." He gave his wife a playful nudge.<br/>"You didn't marry me just because of my dashing good looks."