Twinning

A near identical-grin was returned to Haiku, excited by the prospect of mischief and adventure. The two of them were being quiet, so very, very quiet. Their soft whispers were barely breathed, yet heard and understood between them. Sometimes, Ru felt as though he could merely think it, and his brother understood. Such was the bond that had begun between them from birth.

He climbed gently onto his brother's back. Paws slipping down the sides of his brother's tuffy, growing coat. He scrambled further up, biting back a soft laugh as he wobbled and balanced on two paws aboard his brother. His forepaws landed gently on the shelf, and he scrambled upwards. For a moment, he fancied what he might do if their parents woke and turned towards them. Haiku could pretend to be sleeping at the base of the alcove. Would Ru freeze, and pretend to be just another piece of armoury equipment?

Chewing on his bottom lip to keep from laughing, he grabbed the knife in his maw. It was heavier than he expected, and he almost dropped it. He managed to keep hold, and pushed it gently towards the edge, “ ‘s heavy. You ‘eady?” he muttered down from around his mouthful.

"Speech"