"I will." Sophie's voice was calm but firm. "If you like it, I'll learn. I want to."
Bruce blinked for a moment, caught off guard.
She wasn't joking.
She meant it with her whole heart.
He stared at her a little longer, something warm and quiet slipping into his chest, softening that cold front he always carried.
They sat together for a little while, sharing the dish piece by piece.
Bruce fed her gently, Sophie accepting each bite with a soft smile that warmed him more than the food ever could.
Then Sophie paused.
Shaking her head, she rose gracefully from her seat.
"You're the one who did all the work, carrying me all the way from the Adventurer Guild to my home…" she said softly. "So allow me to feed you."
She flicked her hair back in a smooth, feminine motion… a motion that felt so effortlessly beautiful Bruce found himself staring for a second.
Then, without warning, she stepped in front of him and gently lowered herself onto his lap.
Bruce's brain crashed.
