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While they’d both been helpful, Nikki was just as glad they were gone. They wanted more time with Gunter without an audience.
Gunter studied them for a moment. There was a recognition in his face, a tautness Nikki couldn’t place. “I really did worry you.”
“You’re in pain. I don’t like seeing you in pain. And bleeding.” Nikki didn’t know what else to say to get that message through.
Gunter held out a hand, encouraging them closer, then brought them to sit sideways on his lap. Nikki was extremely pleased with the offer to cuddle and promptly took advantage, although they were careful not to put a hand anywhere along the injured side.
“Dragons are far sturdier than humans,” Gunter finally said. His fingers came up, carding through Nikki’s long hair, the touch gentle and soothing. “It’s why I wasn’t worried about it. Sora was happy you finally trusted him enough to come for help, otherwise he might have just given me the supplies to treat myself.”
Nikki frowned a little. “That’s not what he said.”
“No, he was enjoying himself immensely. Well, alright, he probably would have bandaged me himself. He’s thorough about medical matters that way.” Gunter’s head cocked a little. “What surprises me is when Lisette talked about dating, you seemed surprised she knew?”
“I was until I remembered Cassie recording everything.”
“Ah. True. She probably uploaded it, and the entire castle knew before dawn.” Gunter snorted, eyes crinkling up in amusement. “And to think I used to complain sometimes the castle was too quiet. It certainly hasn’t been since the Noh twins descended. But it robbed me of the chance to say this properly. Nikki.”
Nikki perked up hopefully. Would he finally say something? Make things official between them?
“I like you.” Gunter’s words were a soft caress. “I’m not quite sure where I stand with you, though. What do you want from me? Is the relationship between us something you’re just experimenting with—”
Nikki shook their head firmly no. Oh hell no, and where had that thought even sprouted from? Nikki wanted it firmly rooted out of Gunter’s head. Pronto.
Gunter’s tension eased and he looked relieved. “Then, would you like to court?””
They’d already been courting for weeks, in Nikki’s mind. But they were glad Gunter said those words and made things official between them. “Yes. Absolutely yes.”
Gunter relaxed further. “Thank you. I’m really happy we’re on the same page.”
Silly dragon. He had nothing to worry about. Nikki pressed in for a kiss, taking their time with it, because Gunter was sweet to kiss and there was no reason to ever rush that.
Gunter kissed back, good hand in Nikki’s hair, bad hand resting on their hip, keeping Nikki precisely where he wanted them.
Not that Nikki had any plans of going anywhere.
Ever.
Nikki tried to occupy themself that evening by staying on their tablet, looking up art supplies and pretty things. But it didn’t really work. Something about being on the Jaeggi compound had stirred up old feelings. Feelings of being trapped, imprisoned. Feelings of longing to escape.
Being in Burkhard Castle was in no way comparable to the Jaeggi’s control except for the same vigilance, with similar rules about leaving. Of course, it made sense—they were in a state of war, so precautions had to be taken. But it felt, on a purely emotional level, like Nikki was once again hemmed in on all sides. As if they didn’t have the freedom to leave.
The urge to go out vibrated under their skin, jittery and uncomfortable, like thousands of ants crawling everywhere. It got to the point Nikki couldn’t ignore it. No matter how Nikki fought the urge, they still found themself on their feet, pulling on shoes and a light jacket, heading out.
Not far. They wouldn’t ever choose to go far from Gunter. But a walk outside the castle walls should do it. Just that would prove to Nikki they could leave if they wanted to. And maybe the feeling of being locked inside would finally fade with proof.
They went out the back side, as it was the closest door to the main grounds from their room. The route passed by the greenhouse, which sat mostly still and quiet at this hour of the evening. Nikki didn’t think anything of it until they had their hand on the side gate leading out to the main road.
“Nikki?”
Turning, they spied Tori coming out of the greenhouse, a plant cutting in one hand. Eucalyptus, it looked like.
Caught flat-footed, their hand on the open door, Nikki felt strangely guilty. Like a cat-burglar caught in the act.
“Uh. Hi?”
“Hi, but what are you doing? It’s a bit late to go into town; all the shops are closed at this hour. Do you need something?”
Nikki stared at Tori’s innocent-looking face, with his innocent inquiry, and really had no way to answer. A tendril of panic snaked down their spine and started doing the wiggle. Would they be in trouble for being out here? Maybe they should make a break for it and just run back to their room?
