Galent smiled. He met Pinks’ gaze, and ever so slowly, he leaned closer, kissing the top of Zarrie’s head through the blanket.
Pinks really, really wanted to have Galent’s babies.
“What’s her real name?” Galent murmured.
Pinks gulped. “Not yet. You haven’t earned it yet.”
Galent raised an eyebrow. “Okay. I will try harder.”
He opened his door and got out of the car, before opening the other door for Pinks. Pinks frowned. “I can get out by myself.”
“Your legs might be shaky after what we’ve just been through.” Galent scooped Pinks out of the car, Zarrie in Pinks’ arms, and carried them to the porch. Handsome opened the front doors for them.
“What’syourreal name?” Pinks asked Handsome.
Galent groaned. “Don’t even try.”
“I’ll tell you,” Handsome said. To which Galent raised a very doubtful eyebrow. Handsome leaned in and whispered in Pinks’ ear, “My real name is Hiddly Humpity Hump Bump.”
Galent snorted. Pinks grimaced. “That’s not actually your name, is it?”
“Nope!” Handsome cackled and flounced away.
“Told you,” Galent said, setting Pinks on his feet. “Make yourself at home. I’ll get Zarrie’s things unpacked wherever you want them.”
Pinks wandered through the door, staring at the high ceilings and spacious rooms. Bright daylight shone through all thewindows. A huge, bed-sized couch occupied a significant part of the living room. The kitchen was covered in redwood cabinetry of all shapes and sizes, and odd little copper contraptions hung from the walls; they looked like spindly props from a steampunk movie set.
Limesicart rolled in after them, squeaking its wheels pitifully when Pinks headed up the stairs.
“Later,” Pinks said. “Galent might carry you upstairs, but you’re not allowed to crash into anything if he does. Okay?”
The cart nudged eagerly against him, lifting its flap. Pinks gave it a few tender pets.
He showed Zarrie the different rooms upstairs. There was an office, a small library full of old books, a few guest rooms, and some empty rooms. At the end of the hallway was a set of double doors—probably Galent’s bedroom.
“Well?” Galent said from behind Pinks, startling him. “Are you going in?”
“You make it sound weird,” Pinks said, but he opened the door handle.
Galent’s bedroom was a rich dark blue—walls, ceiling, even his bedspread. But it wasn’t just blue—stars and galaxies covered the space, from tiny stars to large spiral galaxies, and colorful clouds that Pinks remembered seeing in some of the magazines at the safehouse. There was a wooden bookcase in one corner, filled with books.
“You like to read,” Pinks said with some surprise. Galent nodded. “You didn’t read at the safehouse.”
“I had something better to occupy my attention with.” Galent grinned and wrapped his arms around Pinks from behind. He looked over Pinks’ shoulder. “Hey, Zarrie.”
Zarrie yawned and reached for Galent again; Galent smoothly avoided her hand.
Pinks froze. “You’re still cursed?”
Galent sighed. “Yes. She took another chunk, but there’s still some left.”
“Damn it. I’m sorry.”
They looked at each other. Galent’s mouth curved into a soft smile. “It’s not your fault, Sweety-Pinks. I’ll figure it out.”
Pinks wasn’t sure how, but at least they were safe in Galent’s home for now. “You were going to show me my gifts.”
Galent sucked in a slow breath, looking nervous. “All right.”