Sophie stared at him for a moment, then smiled. Her expression softened, warm.
"I do not know what you will become in the future, Bruce," she said quietly. "But whatever it is, I am glad I get to watch it happen."
Bruce did not look away. "Having you by my side is a blessing."
Their eyes held for a moment—simple, natural, undeniably powerful, Sophie ended up looking away blushing. This wasn't a standard date, but for some reason it felt like it.
After that, they continued eating, talking casually about Ash's appetite, Lily trying to feed him candy again, and Sophie mocking Bruce for being too serious about everything.
Minutes passed. The plates were emptied. Bruce sat back and wiped his mouth with a napkin, when suddenly Vaelith's voice resounded in his mind.
[Your presence is required at your residence urgently. Your mother is currently in a difficult situation.]
His expression changed at once. The relaxed atmosphere died instantly.
'What now,' he thought sharply.
