The Moomoo Milk Cheese truly outshone the ranch's—richer, creamier, with a subtle sweetness.
But Ron couldn't stomach the odd combo of cheese, cauliflower, and peppers. He had Maru taste-test first.
Before the dishes even hit the table, Maru was already won over by the flavors.
"Goodness—can I order this Cheese from the farm?" she asked, blowing on a steaming bite.
"Take some home if you'd like," Ron said.
The farm overflowed with Milk and Cheese. He'd planned to sell it, but without the bottling machine ready, he stored it in iron barrels in the fridge. Most of the Cheese went to Gus; the rest to Shane, Pam, and Jodi. He'd briefly sold some via the Shipping Bin but stopped when he realized it undercut local dairy prices.
Seeing Maru's reaction, Ron plated the food and signaled Indeedee to serve.
After dishing out meals, Rattata scrambled onto the table, and everyone dug in noisily.
---
Meanwhile, at the Carpenter's…
Sebastian finished his freelance work, stretched, and turned to Croagunk lounging on his bed.
Its cheeks puffed with each breath. Noticing Sebastian's gaze, it slowly turned its head.
Sebastian chuckled softly.
Croagunk's presence eased his loneliness. Though he felt like an outsider in this family, this "family member" loved him fiercely—even if neither showed it well, both appearing cold and distant.
"Let's eat."
It was Maru's birthday. He'd taken a huge project today—maybe to avoid seeing her as the center of attention.
Avoidance didn't solve problems, but it made him comfortable. That was enough.
"Goo…" Croagunk exhaled, pushing off the bed with its claws.
As a bipedal frog, its hunched posture looked perpetually weary, dragging its arms as it trailed Sebastian.
"Yoba, please don't let it be right after her birthday," Sebastian muttered, opening the basement door.
The hallway light was on—late for dinner.
He sighed. "Should've bought a pizza from Gus. Even cold would've been better than walking into that 'perfect family' scene."
Heavy-footed, he climbed the stairs with Croagunk.
"Goo…"
That odd croak—Sebastian knew it was comfort. He smiled at Croagunk and kept going.
In the dining room, Demetrius sat expressionless at the table.
His dark skin hid emotions, but untouched dishes spoke volumes.
Sebastian headed straight to the fridge, grabbing bread.
"They're eating at the farm tonight," Demetrius said abruptly.
"Huh?" Sebastian froze, confused.
"Try it? I made it specially," Demetrius added stiffly.
He'd read 'How to Be a Good Stepfather' but couldn't apply its formulas to Sebastian.
"It's for Maru. Wait till she's back," Sebastian said, splitting the bread. He ate half and handed the rest to Croagunk.
Croagunk took the bread.
In that moment, their blank expressions mirrored each other so closely that Demetrius saw them as one.
"They won't be back. Try it—you haven't eaten," Demetrius urged, awkwardly lifting a fork.
"Goo…" Croagunk rumbled.
Demetrius winced. How did Robin—a radiant woman—have such a son? Silent, with bizarre tastes…
Sebastian exchanged a glance with Croagunk. No conflict desired, and the food wasn't bad.
They reached a silent agreement and sat across from Demetrius.
"Alright, I'll try it."
He speared a bite, then handed Croagunk a fork. "You too."
They ate quietly, punctuated by Croagunk's strange murmurs—harmonious yet eerie.
Then—voices at the door.
Robin and Maru returned.
Sebastian and Demetrius both exhaled in relief.
"Sorry, dear! You cooked all this—" Robin spotted them and beamed. "I thought you'd skip dinner without us!"
"I told you they'd get along fine alone!" Maru said, then brightened. "Where's my cake? It's not too late—I can still make a wish!"
"Here." Demetrius brought out the cake.
Lights off. Candlelight flickered.
Maru stood before it, eyes closed, hands clasped.
May our family thrive…
May Sebastian and Dad bond…
May my relationship with Sebastian improve…
She paused.
May Dad control on me less…
May I finally live my own life.
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