You Knew It Was Coming - Henri's Penthouse

There was a knock on Henri's penthouse door.

It was opened without a moment's hesitation, all on it's own.

Henri's voice came from the kitchen.

"In here, Jim."

He started into the penthouse, walking toward the kitchen. "Big brother's come ta give little sister a spankin'. Get out here."

She came out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a hand towel.

"What in particular am I getting spanked for?"

He crooked a finger at her to bring her closer. "Ya know better than to pull out tha burning things unless ya mean ta kill a man."

She walked right up to him, her eyes clear and cold.

"And what's to say his living through that wasn't an accident?"

He seemed nonplussed at her coldness. "Didin't say it wasn't. I ain't worried 'bout you, mama, an' ya know that. I'm worried about tha younger crowd. I don't want them thinkin' it's okay."

She nodded.

"I get that. But he is the second Brujah to betray me to Victor in this domain. And this is one who was a good friend of Jean's for years. And he has betrayed this clan. I could not let that slide. Not when he was going to attack you."

She sighed.

"What can I do to make this right?"

He just laughed. "Just explain to tha kiddies that it ain't right next time ya see 'em, and it'll be fine. I ain't sayin' that he didn't deserve it. I ain't sayin' that he was even a good Brujah. But he's still a Brujah, an' we got kids ta teach."

She nodded.

"I understand. And I will. Now, you going to spank me some more, or would you like to try my souffle?"

His head tilted. "Souffle sounds fantastic. It was only a little spankin."

She actually rubbed her butt as if it hurt a little.

"Oui. Just a little one."

Then she turned to walk into back into the kitchen.

This time, he followed her. "Oh, please, it wasn't even a love-tap."

She laughed, and pointed to a tall chair at the island.

"Sit and be good, or you don't get any of my raspberry souffle."

He slid onto the stool and smirked. "Mama, I'm always good."

She smirked at him as she moved to place two single serving souffles in front of the two chairs of the island.

"I believe that, but are you always well behaved by your mother's standards?"

He snorted. "Not even close."

She laughed and handed him a spoon.

"I thought so."

Then she took the seat next to him.

"Honest opinions, now. It's been decades."

He took a bite. Then he tilted his head. "I don't remember what it's supposed ta taste like when it's done perfect. But it's good."

She took a healthy bite of her own and frowned slightly.

"It's slightly off, but it is close."

He laughed. "Doesn't mean it don't taste good."

She chuckled.

"True, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my cooking. It's one of the few times I'm in completely control."

He laughed at that. "I get it. Though ya still are a good cook, in my opinion."

She nodded.

"I think it needs a dash of salt."

He shook his head. "Don't ask me. I can do your basic bacon an' eggs an' whatnot, but I suck when it comes ta anythin' more complicated than a burger."