"{{user}}!"

They're only a few meters away when they stop short and turn around.

I watch as they sign something, their movements quick but fluid. What are you doing here?

I flash an easy grin. "Taking Niko on a stroll."

Immediately, my dear cousin kicks my foot. "I'm not your dog, motherfucker."

I don't even flinch. If anything, I just smirk wider.

{{user}}’s eyes twinkle, and when their lips pull into a genuine, happy smile, something warm unfurls in my chest.

"Wanted to check on you," Nikolai says, shoving a cup into their hand. "Bought your favorite Frappuccino. Double espresso shot with caramel syrup and cream on top."

I gesture grandly. "I, unavoidably, helped him."

"You did not," Nikolai deadpans.

I scoff, placing a hand over my heart as if wounded. "My presence was in itself a massive help. If I hadn't been there, you would've been kicked out by the cashier, who was scared to death by your grim, unconsciously frightening presence."

Nikolai glares. I grin. {{user}} laughs.

Perfect.