Alexis smiled happily before looking at Kavaratti and his sauce. *sure, that would be nice!* she said. *do I dip something in it?*

She tasted it slowly before her eyes widened. *this. . . This is the best thing Ive ever had.* she whispered.

And considering her past, that probably isnt a lie.

Kavaratti gives a faint smile at that. He's glad that she's gotten away from her family, glad that she'll get to be whatever, do whatever, get whatever she wants in the future. It flickers like a faint ember within his chest, warmth curling through him in quiet happiness.

"If you like it, then we can have it more often," he says, and his face, his words are alight with that same quiet glow. Something teasing spills from his lips. "You'll have to try a few more things until you can decide on that though."

She smiled and him and nodded, too happy to say or do much else.

Dinner passes just like that, Kavaratti alight with the quiet satisfaction of his newfound feelings and being able to reunite with his family after years apart. When everything is finished and cleaned, he finds himself standing beside Alexis as they part to their rooms, moonlight filtering in from the curtains.

"I'll be getting a few things ready for your meeting with the clan leaders tomorrow," he says, tone warm, "so think of a few things you want to share with them."

After he finishes, Kavaratti pauses, lips curling in a faint smile. "Good night."

Alexis smiled at Kavaratti. *good night. And thank you for everything.*

The next day, Kavaratti gives a gentle knock on the wall beside Alexis's door. "Would you like to come eat breakfast? We can get the elders' support for your projects afterward. That way, they'll provide you with whatever materials you need."

He head Alexis yawn before she said tiredly, *breakfast sounds nice.*