"You told them--! They're going to believe that literally, you know. At least until they get a little older." He laughs anyway, then squeezes his eyes shut as one of them clambers across his face to nip his ear. "Here now, I don't want your little feet in my mouth..."

He reaches up and moves the offender into the crook of his neck and shoulder, where it immediately realizes it's nice and warm and settles in, kneading his jacket collar.

"Oh, dear...is that one ill?" His voice softens, and he reaches out to it gently with his Grace.