"I like coffee more, but... Ah, do you have sugar and cream to go with it? I don't like it black."

The conversation was almost deceptively mundane. Despite Reed's obvious plea for attention, Manaka didn't remark on the Dartrix, even after he fluffed his feathers. Chiffon, who had been following at Manaka's heels, tilted her head up at the bird... And then chirped a cute little noise that cut through the air of the kitchen, immediately garnering Manaka's attention.

"Eh? What is it, Chiffon?" she asked, kneeling down to scoop Chiffon up into her arms.

Chiffon didn't answer, silently shooting an impish look in Reed's direction.