---
"You're thinking…,??" Fizz said finally, from the crook of John's elbow.
"I am," John said.
"About the capital?"
"About six months," John said. "And about circles. And ranks. And how to make a one look, from a distance, like a four."
Fizz snorted. "We cheat."
"We work," John said, and even he heard the promise there.
"Then we cheat a little," Fizz amended, settling with a theatrical sigh. "Also… the party was good. I forgive you for everything. Especially vanishing my cute fur. I enjoyed the pancakes party."
"It was." Jon replied.
"I ate five hundred and eight pancakes," Fizz said proudly.
"The board says five hundred and six," John said.
Fizz yawned. "Ruel can't count."
John smiled into the night where no one could see it. "Sleep."
