The dim glow of lanterns flickered across the underground hideout’s stone walls as Lukas stood in the center of the room, surrounded by the two other Ocelots. The air smelled of leather and faint redstone, the scent of their clandestine little world.

Aiden stepped forward, a dark green jacket draped over his arm—the same shade as the rest of the gang’s, but this one was new, freshly stitched with gold trim. His smirk was softer than usual as he circled Lukas like a cat sizing up its prize.

"Look at you," Aiden purred, voice low enough that only Lukas could hear. "Finally official."

"It’s our jacket," Aiden added, stepping behind him to slide the fabric over Lukas’s shoulders. His fingers lingered—too long to be accidental—before smoothing the lapels. "Suits you."

The other two Ocelots whooped and laughed, but Lukas barely heard them. Not when Aiden leaned in, breath warm against his ear.

"And since you’re special to me now too... might have to add something extra."

Before Lukas could react, Aiden pulled something from his pocket—a small golden pin, shaped like an ocelot’s eye. He fastened it to Lukas’s collar with deliberate slowness.

"There," he murmured. "Now everyone knows."