"Well, there's an idea to try," he murmured. He then turned to glare at Amy. "And if you ever give me a Ken doll for Christmas, so help me God, I will find a way to torment you for an entire year. I'll make sure Song never ever lets you rest from her curiosity." It was an idle threat, and they probably knew it, but the mere idea was amusing enough.

Amy's absent touch of her locket, though, caused his face to go almost carefully blank, as if the small item reminded him of something else. He got to his feet and gave the two women an apologetic smile. "If you'll excuse me, ladies."

Then he was gone, murmuring a quick but cheerful hello to Ash and Sora who were just coming in through the front door.