WHEN Nikolai returned to the annex that served as Monik Lee's room, he saw Gavin coming out of the great shaman's room with a bright look on his face.
[His "counseling" must have gone well.]
He was relieved.
Nikolai may not like Gavin that much, but as a fellow father, he sympathized with his older cousin.
[And his child would be my niece or nephew, so I want the child to be born.]
"You finally look relieved now, Gavin."
"Ah, you're back," Gavin said, smiling at Nikolai. Then he grabbed his shoulders and squeezed them slightly. "My not-so-cute little cousin, thank you. Thank you so much. And I mean it."
Nikolai made a disgusted face. "You're being creepy, Gavin."
"I know, but I'm actually holding back already. Can't you see that I'm trying my best not to hug you?"
"Gross."
