Yeah, one word for it. Not exactly things he looks forward to doing, but they’ve all got to get done sometime. And it’s a relief now most of them are.

That’s what he keeps trying to remind himself of. ‘Tis the idea. Ikea? Quick and easy? Not bloody likely, but he appreciates her optimism. He’s hoping so.

Really glad he wasn’t seconded to do security at Glasto this year. Bit claustrophobic, you ask him.

Last week was such a long month.

His first time getting a bespoke suit; early birthday present to himself. Bit mental, actually.

Right, well, he’s trying something new. Glad she thinks so.

After work stress relief.

Frequently, actually. Less so when he’s working, ‘cos, y’know, the sort of subject matter they deal with. But yeah.

Today will be. . . an interesting day, to say the least. Thank fuck he’s not on the night shift.

He doesn’t miss being uniform, having to supervise polling stations and all that. Gonna be mental this evening. They’ve always got a million and one things on.

There’s a fresh cup of her favourite coffee from Costa and a small box with a cupcake inside sitting on — cleo.’s desk. It’s not much, but he wanted to make sure she knew they didn’t forget her birthday.

Christ, she sure is. He’s up and getting the door now; ignore the fact that he’s got on a tiara and has glitter on his shirt. He and Lacey were just having a tea party.

Feeling exceptionally old today, but he’s using the new mug Lacey gave him for his birthday. Small victories.

Must’ve really hurt when she fell from heaven.

Still recovering, but he and Lacey absolutely had a wonderful time. ( She’s tried to sneak another piece of cake at least three times today. )

he’s alive, so there’s that. just completely run off his feet with work and christmas and the like, but he’s managing, as one does. . . .and her?

that’s fair. he’s been doing loads of overtime at work to pay for christmas and such, and spending every moment of his time not at work either doing daddy duty or sleeping. hey, congrats! so. . . cake. he thinks this calls for celebratory cake.

yeah, alright – fair play. lace’s doing good, actually. getting real big now, glad to have her home for the break. been a nice change, really. brill. he was thinking chocolate, unless she has a different preference?

“yeah, and last i remember, i were bringing ‘ome lacey in a pram,” toby agrees with a chuckle, which he uses to successfully dispel a yawn. it’s settled, then; he’ll head out and pick one up from aldi, shall he?

“don’t start. but yeah, i mean, we’re ‘angin’ in there, so it’s all good. trying to enjoy the tiny bit o’ time off we ‘ave, innit,” he chuckles, shrugging slightly and giving a vague nod. shall he go and come back, or is she tagging along?