Chapter 284: Riven The Genius
"Tell me the truth, Eli. Did the coma... Knock out the charm in me?"
Eli’s blush came on like a sunrise, flooding all the way to the tips of his ears. He stumbled back a step, nearly tripping over the edge of the carpet. "O-of course you’re still charming, Riven."
Riven pouted, unconvinced. "Of course you’d say that. You’re my friend. You have to say that."
Those words hit Eli in a place he hadn’t been expecting, and they didn’t feel nearly as warm and safe as they once had. Friend. Just... A friend.
He swallowed, gaze dropping to his boots.
Riven’s tail flicked, considering him. Then, with the most audacious seriousness, he declared, "Then make it up to me."
Eli looked up, startled. "Make it... Up to you?"
"Yes." Riven lifted his chin, as if pronouncing a royal decree. "Sneak me some good wine. I want to get drunk tonight."
Eli’s brows shot up to his hairline. "Absolutely not!"
"Oh, come on," Riven whined, dragging the word out in a pleading drawl. "It’s like I can’t have nice things anymore!"
"No alcohol at a time like this," Eli scolded firmly, crossing his arms to appear resolute. Unfortunately, the effect was undermined by how his voice cracked at the end.
"I won’t get drunk. I promise," Riven said, doing a truly unholy impression of innocence as he widened his green eyes and clasped his hands under his chin. "Just a little. A single glass."