Ayen’s occasional childish side was always welcome. It did not matter if this was only brought to the surface by the guiding backlash or when it would truly come out without its influence.

As the two began whispering to each other, Devion continued with his work. Once he was done putting the cake inside the oven, he washed his hands and wiped them, glancing at the two having a somewhat serious conversation.

Devion sat beside them and listened, occasionally chiming in.

This went on until the cake was done, and Devion went to decorating it. The two stopped and watched Devion again.

Ayen did not need anything, but Devion found some fresh-cut fruits in the fridge and put them there just to have a somewhat fresh look. It somehow did not fit, but no one cared.

Soon, the three of them were sitting in their living room, looking at the cake that was large enough for them. The three fell silent, just staring at it.

What should they do next?

They were at a loss.

Khal and Devion were not the type to celebrate anything. Maybe on birthdays, but those were ordinary days for them at this point. Not to mention Ayen, who had nothing to celebrate for, not even his birthdays.

Slowly, the three glanced at each other.

Ayen was actually waiting for the two to take over, while Khal and Devion were also waiting for Ayen. The three stared silently at each other for a few seconds before they could not help but chuckle at how silly they looked.

"Ayen, you’re the one who suggested it."

Devion ended that silent staring contest and urged the initiator to start this celebration.

The guide was now sitting between them; the backlash symptom had yet to fade, and so they were sitting so much closer to each other.

In reality, even if there was no backlash, their seating arrangement was always like this.

Ayen, his chin propped up on his knees, looked at him.

"Should I?"

Khal’s hand stroked Ayen’s hair as he leaned back, relaxing.

Devion nodded.

"Then, let’s start." Ayen’s lackluster intro made the two espers laugh.

However, they already accepted that. They did not have any tradition of any ceremony, so Devion went to cut the cake. He put it on one plate.

"We can just share," he said, even with only one fork. "I don’t want to wash the dishes."

That was an excuse. And they also did not feel the need to.

Khal and Ayen, unsurprisingly, agreed. Devion put a slice on their plate and gave it to Ayen.

"Taste it first, my guide." He even kneeled as he offered it to Ayen. Khal’s lips curled into an amused smile, his head propped in his hand.

The exhaustion in his eyes actually remained, but he could not feel most of it. He only felt content and comfortable.

If it were the sober Ayen, he would have already rolled his eyes at Devion, but Ayen played along this time and took the plate from the kneeling Devion with a nod.

"Of course, my esper."

Khal shook his head at their antics, but the smile on his lips never faltered and even widened until it reached the bottom of his eyes.

"Please," Devion motioned for Ayen to start tasting the cake as he got up from his knees and sat beside Ayen again.

"How is it?" Devion asked.

Even if he knew it would taste great, he always asked Ayen and even Khal each time he presented them a new dish.

Ayen licked his lips, and, as if the judge, he nodded slightly.

"It’s good." Slowly, he smiled and turned to Khal. "Taste some?"

Of course, Khal would not refuse. He opened his mouth and let Ayen feed him a cake. Devion glanced at him. Noticing it, Khal deliberately paused for a few seconds and met Devion’s gaze.

Narrowing his eyes, Devion stretched his hand and jabbed him at the shoulder.

"Stop teasing me."

Khal chuckled lightly and finally responded.

"Best cake ever," Khal put a thumbs up and grinned at him.

Although he knew Khal was intentionally hyping him up, Devion loved hearing those words, so his lips curled in a smug smile.

"Of course." Devion shrugged, looking as though it was nothing, but the spark in his eyes said otherwise.

Ayen leaned on Khal’s chest and ate more of the cake. He might not be into sweets, but once in a while, he would love a taste of Devion’s desserts.

"Taste your cake," Khal called out, his eyes almost dropping already.

Devion nodded and let Ayen feed him, too. The three did nothing but eat that slice of cake.

That was enough for a celebration, if what they did could be called one.

The couch was not big enough for them, but Ayen loved the proximity. And so, he lay down as he pillowed on Khal’s lap while his legs stretched on Devion’s. The two were leaning on the couch.

The cake was already abandoned at the side.

"You can rest, Khal," Ayen whispered after a while. It was probably already deep into the night.

Though Ayen and Devion had their rest, Khal might not have. The two knew that he took care of them.

Devion was more than familiar with such sights, but he was never used to them. What was more for Ayen?

Devion leaned his head against the back of the couch, staring at Khal.

"Sleep, Khal. We’re here to look after you."

He was not sleepy, and Ayen probably would not be able to fall asleep until the backlash symptoms wore off.

Devion knew it was not enough and so added.

"We won’t leave the room."

This place was considered Khal’s territory, around which he put barriers to keep the people inside safe. Once danger was detected, he would sense it immediately.

Khal would be lying if he said that he was not exhausted. His condition was not right. He did not answer immediately, and let the two look at him, convincing him with their gaze.

And so, eventually, he caved in.

This was also because he could see that Devion was in good condition, and Ayen’s backlash was mild enough.

Once this was settled, Khal lowered his guard, and the exhaustion quickly consumed him.

They went to the bedroom, and Khal began his rest. And that was not a good one.

For the first time, Ayen witnessed Khal having a fever.