Whittaker Estate

Chris drove up, his large frame cramped uncomfortably into the small and rather dirty taxi. He looked out of the window as they drove up and couldn't believe his eyes. He knew his brother had done well for himself, but this? Chris handed the driver his fare and, not very gracefully, clambered out of the taxi, tugging his luggage with him.

Tom was meditating in an armchair when a knock sounded at his door. "Come in," he called, unmoving. A butler quietly opened the door. "You have a visitor, sir, in a rather shabby taxi." Tom nodded and stood. "On my way."

Chris picked up his suitcase easily and ascended the stairs to the grand-looking double doors. He took a deep breath and looked around, just taking everything in. He felt more than slightly out-of-place here in his loose Hawaiian shirt, old shorts, worn sandals and long, untamed hair; if it was anyone other than Tom, Chris would probably have left by now. Instead, he awkwardly glanced around then gave a short, sharp knock on the doors and waited.

There was a pause, before a door slid back on well-oiled hinges. A classic butler, tailcoat and all, looked out. "Yes, can I help you, sir?"

"Oh, er... yes. Yes, I'm here to see Tom." Chris replied awkwardly, stuttering slightly.

"Tom, sir?" The butler had the classic 'annoyed' butler drawl.

"Yes. Mr..." Not Lokison, Not Lokison Chris thought, desperately trying to remember Tom's new name. "Whittaker!" Chris said triumphantly, then coughed self-consciously, as he realised how loud it was.

"Ah, yes." The butler nodded. "If you'll kindly wait in here, sir." He opened the door and ascended the staircase.

Chris picked up his slightly tatty suitcase and walked in, the sound of his sandals on the smooth floors seeming cringingly loud. He watched the butler go up the stairs then let his eyes wander, taking in the sophisticated grandeur of his surroundings, but not daring to move a muscle for fear of knocking and breaking something.

Tom smiled as Plato suddenly appeared by his side, and gently rubbed his ears before nodding to the butler. The door at the top of the staircase opened and the two stepped out. Tom descended the staircase, one hand on Plato's head, the other on the polished banister.

Chris turned his head so fast that cricked his neck. Raising a hand to rub it, he stared at Tom, having to make a conscious effort to keep his mouth closed. Chris smiled awkwardly as Tom reached the bottom. "Hello little brother."

Tom attempted to regain his composure, but it was already lost. He sighed. "You couldn't let me have my big moment, could you?" he rolled his eyes and swept his hand back through his hair. Unfortunately, Plato took that as his cue to pad forwards to investigate the visitor.

Chris chuckled. This was the Tom he knew and loved. He tensed as the panther approached, eyeing it nervously.

"Plato." Tom called sternly, but the panther didn't listen. As if drawn by a magnet, Admetus and Apollo also migrated to the hallway, obviously leaving Cleopatra and Artemis with the cubs. "Hey." He frowned as none of them heeded his words, then stepped in front of Chris, palms out.
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Chris took a step back, almost tripping over his suitcase, watching Tom and the panthers intently.

Tom kept a stern face as he raised his palms, stepping backwards slightly to keep all three boys in his view, speaking to each in turn until they finally backed off and sat down, at which point he reached forward and rubbed their ears fondly, praising them for obeying.

"They're your... pets?" Chris clarified, raising an eyebrow.

"Residents. Not pets. They're still wild animals." Tom corrected. "Come on, meet the family." He beckoned and gestured to each of the males in turn, "Plato, Apollo and Admetus."

"You live with a family of wild animals that you have named after intelligent people. " Chris responded, still watching the panthers out of the corner of his eye.

"Technically, they chose the names." Tom responded with a smirk, laughing to himself as he concentrated, forming the body of a King Cobra around Chris' neck. Thanks to frequent practice, his illusions could now have some solidity.

Chris stiffened, even though he knew from Tom's smirk that it wasn't real. "I can feel it too!" Chris said, surprised.

"Oh, you flatter me." Tom grinned. "Magic fingers..." he wiggled them teasingly.

Chris chuckled. It was now his turn to concentrate as he caused a strong breeze to blow through the open door straight to Tom's face, barely ruffling a few strands of his own hair, for a seconds before subsiding.

Tom scowled as his carefully slicked back hair was swept out of its style. "Meanie." He grunted.