Page 144 of Gratification in Gluttony

“Toni delivered!” Toni barked back. “Now shut up and let me drive.”

He glanced at Jude beside him, then to Gem, who’s ginormous ass took up the rest of the bench seat. Rusty looked extremely uncomfortable perched on Gem’s lap, hands clutching his tail to his chest as he avoided looking at anyone, ear twitching wildly.

“I still think he should go in the trunk,” Toni muttered.

Gem hooked several arms over the back of the seat behind Jude’s head. “Just drive, Toni.” He dragged several fingers along Toni’s gills soothingly, and Toni grunted wordlessly but obeyed.

Thankfully, the drive to Wrath passed quickly and uneventfully, and they pulled into the parking lot at the base of the trail that would lead them up to the cave entrance a little behind schedule but not by much. The moment the car rolled to a stop, the doors flew open, and everyone scrambled out, stretching and wincing.

“Wait a minute,” Gem whispered, reading the sign at the base of the trail. “Wait a minute!”

“We’re cutting it kinda close,” Rusty said, motioning to the clock on his phone.

Gem turned glistening eyes to Toni, but he shooed the Araknis toward the trail. “Walk first. Cry later.”

They followed the trail up a rather steep incline until they made it to the entrance of the caverns. Jude took Toni’s hand, lacing their fingers at the base of the trail and didn’t let go. Toni didn’t mind that one bit.

As the night worker scanned the code to their tickets, Gem bounced in place, gazing longingly into the maw of the caverns. “How did you even get tickets? It’s always sold out.”

Toni shrugged. “I know a guy.”

“Seriously, it’s almost time,” Rusty said.

The group rushed as quickly as they could through the dark tunnels of the caverns until they arrived in a vast room. Stalagmites and stalactites made of clear minerals covered the floor and ceiling, and they had to pick their way through them like a maze. In the center, the ceiling opened and tunneled up until they could see the night sky above them.

The room was full of people, but it wasn’t packed uncomfortably tight. They managed to find a spot close to the center where they could gather. It was cool and damp, moisture dripping from the sharp formations above their heads. Mist clouded in front of Toni’s mouth with every exhale, andgoosebumps pebbled along his exposed arms. Jude snuggled closer into his side, rubbing warmth into his arms.

“Should have worn a jacket,” his human chided.

“Don’t like sleeves,” Toni retorted.

“I know.” Jude looked up at him with a smile. “Just don’t want you to be cold.”

Leaning in, he ghosted his lips over Jude’s. “I ain’t worried. I got you to warm me up.”

“I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve wanted to see this since I was a kid.” Turning to face the group, Gem blinked rapidly, all eight eyes watering. “Seriously, this is amazing. Thank you so much.”

“Well,” Jude said, a mischievous smirk curling his lips, “it was Rusty’s idea.”

And Rusty stiffened, eyes widening as Gem rounded on him. “No, it wasn’t,” he denied, pointing at Oliver. “It was Oliver’s idea.”

“I mean, it was my idea for the kidnapping, but it was Toni’s idea to throw a surprise party,” Oliver said.

“That’s true,” Toni said smugly. “It was my idea.”

“Yeah, but Rusty suggested the caves,” Jude said, and Toni scowled at his betrayal.

Rusty made a disgruntled chittering noise as Gem, once again, turned toward him. “It was collaborative,” he said dismissively. “We all planned it.”

“But how did you know about the caves?” Gem asked.

“I don’t know, you talked about it once,” Rusty said, glaring at everyone else. “Why is everyone staring at me?”

Before anyone could respond, Gem said, “And you remembered?”

“Uh, I guess,” Rusty said, tail flicking anxiously. “It’s not a big deal.”

Gem pressed two hands to his chest with a simper. “Thanks, Rusty.”

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