"You better not get tofu dogs," Emmett grumbled, pushing the cart forward by kicking the bottom of it like a petulant kid.

"I'm not," Julian said, tossing regular hot dogs into the cart and going up another aisle for ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. "Chili or not?" he called back over his shoulder.

"Whatever." Emmett kicked the cart again.

Julian stalked back to him and threw the condiments in. Emmett moved to kick the cart again, but Julian rolled it out of range.

"What is your problem?" Julian asked. "What on earth could you have against the Fourth of July? Hot dogs, apple pie, oohing and ahhing over fireworks, patriotic music, waving flags - the freaking celebration of Independence! What?"

"Bettymumblemunble." Emmett said, looking at the floor.

"Betty what? Julian asked.

"Betty doesn't like the fireworks. They sound like gunshots and it makes her unsettled. I should be there with her." Emmett sounded genuinely worried.

Julian gave him the look that said he was being stupid. "Correct me if I'm wrong," he said. "But doesn't Betty have a nice, new terrarium, complete with a triple-locked vault door?"

"Yeah," Emmett said.

"And isn't that nice, new terrarium with a triple-locked vault door soundproof?"

Emmett uncrossed his arms and looked up sheepishly at Julian. "Did you say something about apple pie?

Julian leaned in and kissed him on the forehead.

Emmett grinned. "Can we get ice cream?"