I laugh, the sound slipping out before I can stop it. "Gentle first, huh?" I say, grinning. "Torchline float with extra pineapple—sounds really damn good. But don’t think I’m backing down from the Doubletake. If you can handle it, I can too." I give her a crooked smile. "You’re not leaving me as the family lightweight."
When she talks about family dinners, I light up too fast to hide it. "I can't wait," I say—too quick, too eager—and immediately try to smooth it over with a shrug, hugging my knees in tighter. "I just—I'm used to having someone around. All the time. So." I scrape my boot lightly against the rock. "It'll be nice. Different. In a good way." I tack the last part on quickly, shooting her a sideways smile. I’m not looking for pity. I’m lucky, even when it’s lonely. I know that.
The soft trill overhead yanks my attention upward, and when I spot the little dragon tucked among the branches, my breath catches. "Oh my gods," I gush, grinning like an idiot. "She’s yours?"
I’m instantly, pitifully jealous in the best way. "She’s gorgeous," I say honestly, still staring. "I used to dream about getting myself a companion, like my parents. Figured I'd find someone to stick with me, eventually." I laugh under my breath, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. "If Spice ever wants an extra human to curl up on, I’m available. No bond needed."
but my god, you're alive and it's spectacular
