She smiled. "Since we've cleared things up, there's no more tension between us. Aurum, happy birthday."

She dipped her finger in a bit of cream and smeared it on his face.

"The birthday boy needs this. Keep it on, no wiping," Gale said.

He nodded with a smile. "Alright."

Gale lowered her head and took a bite of cake before sitting down.

She was still a little uncomfortable being so close to him. She was only used to being close to Shawn, in a proximity where she could catch a whiff of his s