The shame of that night still burned hot in his chest. Dante had yet to understand what had gone so wrong. It had felt incredible. He had used his body as he was meant to… as far as he knew. The quiet “experiments” since then only seemed to confirm it wasn’t an Apple issue.

So what kind of Dante issue was it? And how the fuck was he supposed to fix it?

The disappointment in her voice, when she thought she hadn’t pleased him, still ached deep in his chest. She had been perfect. The sights and sounds of that night haunted him in all the best ways, and yet here he was, spiraling as he stared into a reflection he couldn’t stand.

Frustration flashed sharp and sudden. With a huff, he struck the water’s surface with his paw, sending ripples shattering his image. Sitting here sulking wasn’t going to fix anything.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice Apple’s approach.

Nor the pounce that hit him with a whump, sending them both sprawling into the pool.

The shock of cold water jolted through him, and he jerked upright, whipping his head to the side, only to be met with the Dusk Queen herself.

Where once he might have snapped on instinct, something softer won out. A laugh broke free instead, surprised and unguarded, as he reached out, caught her, and pulled her back down into the water in a gentle wrestle.