Juniper nodded slowly, his mind racing with possibilities. "Thank you, Marshall. I'll think about everything you've said."
Maynard gave a small nod before glancing at Yong-Jin. "Why don't you step outside for a moment, Juniper? I'd like a word with my nephew."
Juniper blinked but complied, rising from his chair. Flora and Fauna followed obediently as he stepped out of the office.
The door shut softly, leaving Maynard and Yong-Jin alone. Silence stretched for a moment before Maynard leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest with a knowing smirk.
"Somethings changed." Maynard said, his tone deceptively casual. "Or rather… the scent has. Subtle, but not to someone like me."
Yong-Jin stiffened, though he kept his expression neutral.
Maynard chuckled, the sound warm and amused. "well… he carries a trace of you." His eyes gleamed. "Seems serious"
A faint flush crept up the tips of Yong-Jin's ears, but his voice stayed even. "That's none of your concern, Uncle."
"On the contrary," Maynard teased, leaning forward. "You know I have to look out for my nephew. And Juniper—" he smirked faintly, "—I don't think he's noticed. Or maybe he doesn't know about marks."
Yong-Jin's composure cracked, just slightly. "Uncle—"
Maynard raised a brow, amused at his reaction. "Ah, so he doesn't know. Interesting." He leaned back in his chair, arms crossing again. "You've always been so careful, Yong-Jin. And yet… four of you? Leaving marks all at once? That's not something you can hide from those with the senses to pick it up."
Yong-Jin's ears flushed deeper, though his voice was steady, if a touch strained. "We agreed upon this now that we live under the same roof."
"Mm," His eyes narrowed playfully. "Tell me, does Juniper even know what it means to be marked?"
Yong-Jin was silent. His stoic mask returned, but his silence was answer enough.
Maynard chuckled, shaking his head. "Walking around carrying four scents, not even realising what that announces to anyone with a nose." He leaned forward, his voice softening, though the teasing never quite left his eyes. "It says he's claimed, to deter others from approach."
Yong-Jin exhaled slowly "...We agreed that Juniper should only have us as partners."
For a moment, Maynard's teasing demeanor eased into something warmer, gentler. He nodded slowly. "I understand the feeling of wanting to keep someone to yourselves, but, it is something you should have had a discussion about before the fact. Better this conversation it comes from you than from someone else less kind."
Yong-Jin's lips pressed into a thin line. He said nothing, but his silence spoke volumes. His uncle's words had hit their mark.
Maynard studied him for a moment longer, then let out a low sigh, leaning back in his chair. The teasing smirk softened into something more thoughtful. "I don't doubt your feelings, Yong-Jin. Yours—or Demetrius's, Gio's or Daiju's. But Juniper's not like us. He doesn't carry the same instincts, nor the knowledge that comes with them so you should let him know."
"I know... I'll tell him."
Yong-Jin looked away,.
Maynard gave a final wave of his hand. "Alright, go out before he starts pacing holes into my hallway."
***
Yong-Jin led Juniper out of headquarters with his usual calm composure, though there was a subtle tension in his shoulders. The hovercraft ride back was quiet at first, Flora and Fauna rested near Juniper's feet.
Juniper tilted his head, studying Yong-Jin's profile. "You're awfully quiet," he said softly. "Did something happen with your uncle?"
Yong-Jin exhaled slowly, hands resting on the steering controls. His gaze stayed ahead, but his tone was gentler than usual. "Juniper… there's something I should explain. Something we should have explained before."
Juniper blinked, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "What is it?"
There was a pause before Yong-Jin finally said, "Marking."