Russell let go of Robert's arm as they appeared out the front of Kate and Zac's house.
"Reckon we should've called?" Robert asked, looking up at the door.
"Nah," Russell grinned. "We're her favourite brothers."
"Her only brothers," Robert pointed out.
"Formalities," Russell said, waving his hand airily. "Besides, we've gotta check up on the Shep, don't we? Have to make sure he's going to grow up good and cheeky, like his uncles."
Robert smirked. "Yeah, we do."
Russell chuckled and pressed the doorbell.
Zac
Zac shot a look at Ella when the bell rang. She gave a nod, and he stood and made his way to the door. He glanced through the peephole, and then opened the door.
"No sorry," Zac said jokingly. "We don't want any."
Russell and Robert
"How dare you!" Russell grinned.
"Kate will want us!" Robert exclaimed.
Zac
Zac chuckled wickedly and held the door open for them.
"Well, I suppose you may have a point," he said. "Come on in."
Russell and Robert
"And how is our favourite brother in law?" Russell asked, walking into the house.
Robert snorted. "Our only one."
"I am trying to make him feel special, sheesh!"
Zac
"Well, I was feeling very special until Rob opened his big mouth," Zac replied.
He pressed the back of his hand to his forehead while the other closed the door.
"Oh woe, oh what will become of me?" he said dramatically, the dropped his hands and yelled: "Hey Kate! Your brothers are here!"
Robert, Russell and Kate
"Yelling at our sister like she was cattle," Robert tsked. "And my mouth isn't that big, I can't fit my whole fist in there."
Russell snorted. "I am refraining from being disgusting."
Kate wandered into the room, Shepherd hitched up on her hip.
"Oh God, you losers," she grinned.
"Sheppy!" Russell greeted. "And hello, K-Bo!"
Robert held his arms out for Shepherd.
"Dibs on holding my nephew first!"
Zac
"Hey, it's a big house," Zac said with a grin, "most of the time, anyway."
He patted the wall of his magical house with affection.
Robert, Kate and Russell
Robert took Shepherd from Kate and grinned broadly. "Hey there, little fella. It's your favourite Uncle Robbie!"
Kate chuckled and gave Russell a hug. "So, you're just here to annoy us?"
Russell nodded. "And because we missed you. And Zac. And Shep. Mostly Shep."
Zac
"He is fairly adorable," said Zac. "Probably gets it from his mother."
Zac grinned at Kate.
Kate, Russell and Robert
"Well, yeah," Kate said, in a 'duh' voice. She leaned over and gave Zac a kiss on the cheek.
"Alright, demon brothers, I suppose you're hungry?"
"Ah, you know us so well!" Russell chuckled.
"I was going to make pizzas for lunch, is that ok with everyone?"
"So well trained!" Robert joked. "Zac, you have done well."
Shepherd, meanwhile, was giggling in his uncle's arms.
Zac and Saku
"Shh!" Zac said in an exaggerated whisper, waving his hands frantically. "You'll tip her off!"
"Did I hear someone say pizza?" Saku's voice called down from somewhere up the stairs. "I'll have barbeque chicken, no veggies."
"Typical cat, ears prick up at the mention of food," Zac said. "Meanwhile, you ask him to do chores and not a peep."
Kate, Russell and Robert
"S-Man," Kate called up the stairs. "I have anchovies if you want as well?"
Russell chuckled. "Look at her, all considerate. Where was this Kate when we were kids?"
"Beating us up," Robert nodded. "She doesn't look it, but she packs a mean punch."
Zac and Saku
"Yeah," Zac said with a grin at Robert. "It's always the ones you least suspect."
Saku came bounding down the stairs.
"Oooh barbeque chicken and anchovy pizza," Saku said contentedly. "I'm salivating already. Just so you know, Kate, you're awesome."
"Suck up," said Zac.
"Nah, I leave that for you," Saku replied.
Kate, Robert and Russell
"I know," Kate winked at Saku.
"Modest too," Robert snorted.
"Come on, woman!" Russell hurried Kate. "You have two starving brothers, one starving step son, and one starving hubby. Get back in the kitchen where you belong!"
Kate raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to be struck by lightning when you next go outside? I could arrange that?"
Russell looked nervous. "Um... no."
Zac and Saku
"Gee, you'd think they be smart enough by now to know not to annoy you," Saku said to Kate.
"I'm just glad I'm not the only one who put their foot in their mouth every now and then," Zac said, grinning.