“We didn’t traumatize you further?” Rux asked.
“Not even a little.”
But before they could move toward the door, Sam reached across the table. His hand found Mabon’s first, fingers warm and certain, squeezing once before moving to Rux, then Urien. The touch lasted maybe three seconds total, but it branded itself into Mabon’s soul, and he knew Urien and Rux felt the same way.
“Thank you for being honest with me,” Sam said quietly. “For trusting me with this.”
Mabon’s heart stone blazed hot enough that he had to resist checking whether it was glowing through his shirt. Beside him, Rux had gone very still, and Urien’s breath caught audibly. It really sounded like their Treasure was accepting them, andchoosing them despite everything that had happened before.
“We’ll do better,” Mabon promised.
Sam’s smile was crooked, genuine. “You’re doing just fine.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sam
Monday, Rux appeared at the Daily Bean’s side entrance with a wicker basket.
“Lunch,” he announced, as if it were something he did every day. “I promise it’s not seven courses this time.”
Inside, there was a turkey sandwich on fresh-baked bread, cherry tomatoes, and a small container of chocolate mousse. Sam ate in the break room and then texted Rux a photo of the empty containers.
Sam: That was lovely, and the portions just right. No fainting from food overload
Rux: I’m learning restraint
Sam: Thank you
Rux: My dragon is sulking. He wants to feed you constantly
Sam: Tell your dragon I appreciate the offer, but my stomach has limits
/~/~/~/~/
Tuesday, Sam had a late shift, so Urien knocked on Sam’s door at seven in the morning - an almost civilized hour this time - with a tray of seedlings.
“Basil already hates me,” Urien said, eyeing the cat through the window. “I thought we could do something outside.”
They spent two hours in Sam’s tiny backyard plot, Urien’s long fingers demonstrating the proper planting depth for tomatoes. Sam learned about companion planting, how marigolds deterred pests, soil pH, and the difference between determinate and indeterminate varieties.
“You’re a terrible teacher,” Sam said, grinning as he packed dirt around his third seedling.
Urien’s hand stilled. “I’m…”
“Because I want to keep learning. Forever, probably.”
The look on Urien’s face - gods, Sam wanted to kiss him. He didn’t, not yet.He wasn’t that forward. But soon, maybe.
/~/~/~/~/
Wednesday brought Mabon to the coffee shop just before closing, his laptop bag slung over his shoulder and an expression somewhere between apologetic and determined. Sam was in the place alone as it was his turn to lock up, but he was instantly worried about Mabon’s expression.
“We need to talk about the gifts.”
Sam’s stomach dropped. “If you want them back…”
“What? No. Never.” Mabon looked horrified. “But you should know what you have. The gold bar alone...” He opened his laptop, pulled up a spreadsheet that made Sam’s vision blur. “It’s twenty-three thousand dollars, at current market value.”
