Vaughn blinked, eyes widening in disbelief. No way he heard that right—did he? “Bi^ch.” The word hung in the air, sharp and totally uncalled for. His heart skipped a beat. Their sweet, innocent little one—barely old enough to string two words together—had just dropped their first curse word, and aimed it at him of all people, just for taking Mr. Oinky away.
Vaughn’s gaze snapped to Blaze, whose lips curled into a small sigh, like this was somehow his problem now. Blaze met Claire’s wide eyes, softening. “Look, bug,” they said, brushing a lock of hair from their forehead, “you can’t say that. That’s a grown-up word, okay?” The tone was warm but with just enough edge to it as they ruffled Claire’s hair like they hadn’t just heard a tiny demon curse at their partner.
Vaughn, still clutching Mr. Oinky like it was the last thing keeping him from getting cursed out again, shot Claire a mock-glare, his brow furrowing. “You’re not getting Mr. Oinky back until you eat all your veggies, capisce?” His voice was strict, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. He hated sounding like the bad guy, but seriously, calling him a bitch over a stuffed animal? Not today.