Page 52 of Nitro

"Yesterday," I replied, my voice carrying a hint of smug satisfaction that I didn't bother hiding.

In this moment, I relished the triumph, and I didn't care if it showed.

Spike feigned offense, setting his fork down.

"I'm your best friend. I should be the first to know about such things," he complained.

"Well, one thing led to the next, and besides, you needed rest. You're the first to know about the news, by the way," I said, offering Spike a small smile.

"Nitro, Dylan just texted me. He and Whizz are having breakfast downstairs. Can I go see them?" Tommy asked, glancing up from his cellphone. I nodded in response.

"Sure, you don't need to ask me permission for things like that," I gently reminded him.

Tommy flushed slightly at the reminder but nodded nonetheless. He approached me shyly, then leaned in to give me a kiss on the cheek.

"It's great seeing you, Spike. Get well soon," Tommy said to Spike before turning and leaving the room.

I watched him go, a warmth spreading through me at his simple display of affection.

Tommy had a way of making even the simplest moments special.

Turning back to Spike, I noted a flicker of something in his eyes – a mix of envy and longing.

I wanted to tell him his turn would come eventually, but I didn’t want to give him false hope.

"Tommy's doing good, isn't he?" Spike asked me, breaking the silence that had settled in the room.

"I remember you worrying weeks earlier about how you're worried he wasn't ready to be on his own in Moon Burrow," he added.

"He's not alone. Tommy always had me," I reminded him, glancing at Spike.

"That's not what I meant," Spike said, his tone more serious.

"Yeah, I get what you mean," I acknowledged. "Tommy's come really far from being Hick’s captive.”

"That reminds me, Venom paid me a visit earlier this morning," Spike said.

Ah, that certainly explained Spike's surly mood when Tommy and I arrived.

"What did the big boss want?" I asked, curious about the unexpected visit.

"He came to remind me, us, about our apology visit to Olaf and his pack. A date's been set. Next Friday," Spike disclosed.

The reminder hung in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation. I just wanted this whole Olaf affair to be over.

I nodded, then looked him over again.

"I can go by myself and settle the score," I offered.

Spike adamantly shook his head.

"No way, this was my fault. I'll fix it. My body will be right as rain by next Friday,” Spike said.

"It's a date then," I said, injecting a hint of humor into the conversation.

"Yeah, it's a date," Spike replied glumly.

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