He’s more talkative, laughing with everyone, and he and Sevryn aren’t at each other’s throats every few minutes.
So they’re getting there.
“Creed, please allow me to help you clean up. I hate feeling like we’re running off and leaving you a mess,” Doren says as Creed clears the plates when everyone stands.
“I’ve got it. I clean while I cook, so all I have to take care of are these plates and cups. Appreciate the offer, though.”
“Take no offence, dear Discovery,” Riven says as he pats Doren on the back. “He can’t stand people in his kitchen. So, even if you did help, he’d just go behind you and do it again.”
“I only go behind you.”
We all chuckle at the offended glare on Riven’s face and even Creed gives him a little smirk.
“I’ll walk you all out,” Thayla says as she links her arm through Yemi’s and escorts them all to the front door.
“Did you fix Amick a plate?” I ask as Creed starts washing dishes.
“Yeah, it’s over there. You really think he’s going to eat tonight?”
“No, but I’m still going to offer it.”
“Offer what?” Thayla asks as she comes back into the kitchen.
“Amick some dinner.”
“Oh…” Her eyes drift from me to his door. “He put a knot in his soul.”
Creed and I give her a soft but tight smile, while Riven slings his arm over her shoulder.
“Well, I didn’t, little burden, so shove all the feelings at me that you want.”
“Not funny,” she says, elbowing him. “I’m worried about him, about tomorrow. Everything, really. I don’t like that he’s locked my soul out and himself in his room.”
I tug her from Riven’s side and into my chest. My arms wrap around her as she lays her head against my heart.
“I know saying everything’s going to be okay is a promise we can’t keep, so I won’t say that, but whatever happens, we’regoing to take care of it together. Amick’s going to be fine one way or another. That, I will promise and make sure of. Okay?”
Her chest expands, then deflates. “Okay.”
“Go to your room and relax. Take a bath or shower, then climb into bed. I’m going to go check on him and see if he wants to eat.”
“Okay. Tell him I love him and still expect him in my bed before my eyes close.”
I chuckle and glance down at her teasing smirk. “Will do, little goddess.”
“Race you to your hot spring,” Riven shouts as he hauls ass down her hall.
“Fucking cheater.”
Not a heartbeat later, she starshoots out of my arms.
“Who do you think won?” Creed asks.
I snort and arch a brow. “I’m pretty sure one way or another, she’ll be the winner.”
Once he realizes what I really mean, his gaze narrows at my laugh. I pat him on his back as he grumbles about this being taurnshit that he has to finish dishes while Riven finishes Thayla.
Good thing we’ve learned this little thing called sharing.
