~~~~~~~~~Sage's POV~~~~~~~~~

It had been a few days, and night had fallen. I was in my fox form, sleeping on Alyssa's bed.

A delicious scent had filled the room, forcing me awake. I perked up, sniffing around the room, and eventually trotting out and downstairs.

I saw Aiden in the kitchen with a few plates of baked goods on the counter, and they all smelled absolutely delicious. I tilted my head, making my way over and jumping onto the counter.

"Midnight snack?" I asked.

He jumped, startled at my sudden voice in the room. Once he saw me, he let out a sigh of relief, relaxing. "O-oh, Sage, you startled me."

I chuckled a bit awkwardly. "S-sorry." I then looked at all the food. "What are you doing?"

"Baking."

"Why?"

He looked at me, giving a small shrug. "I couldn't sleep."

I tilted my head at his response before walking to a recently baked chocolate cake. It had chocolate frosting, chocolate chips all over it, and strawberries dotted on the top. I could drool from the smell, it was delicious!

"Go ahead, I don't have the room to eat all of this." He said with a chuckle.

I looked back at him. "Are you sure?" He gave me a nod as a response, and I cautiously took a small bite. My eyes widened at the flavor, and I ate the rest of it in only a few seconds.

He looked at me in surprise. "Dang, I've never seen anyone eat that fast."

"It's so good, though!!!" I responded cheerfully.

He chuckled a bit as he rubbed the back of his neck, a small sheepish smile on his face. "Thanks."

I couldn't help but let out a giggle, he was adorable...!

W-wait, what?! NO!!! I can't think that!

After that, he got some different ingredients for a new recipe. "What are you gonna make now?"

"Cookies and creme cupcakes."

I looked at the ingredients. "That's a thing?"

"It's rare, but yeah." He answered.

I jumped off the counter, turning human. "How do you make them?"

"Well, how about you help me and I'll show you." He said with a warm smile, and I felt my cheeks heat up. I quickly shook my head, the blush fading away.

"I-I dunno, I haven't baked anything in years.."

"It's not that hard, trust me, you'll do great." He responded.

I looked back at him. I had noticed he'd always have the same warm and welcoming smile on his face. One that gave the impression that he wouldn't hurt a fly.

At this point, I was starting to wonder, maybe we had the wrong targets...?

These people, they weren't bad. They were kind and generous.

Alyse was just an innocent little girl who always saw the glass half full, her cheer was so contagious that she only had to enter a room to lighten everyone's mood.

Iv was a different case. Yeah, she was pretty cocky and sassy, and sometimes a bit rude, but it's all jokes. And you can easily tell she's only trying to make you laugh. I haven't talked to her as much as I have with her siblings, but she was cool to be with.

And of course, Aiden. Where could I start with him?

He was kind, sweet, caring, funny, I always felt so comfortable around him, like I could tell him anything and he'd never judge me or blame me. Just his mere presence brought a smile to my face.

I couldn't. I couldn't kill them. I didn't want to.

This family, they took us in even after we had lied to them about being animals. They accepted us into their home with welcoming smiles.

And for the first time in years...

I was genuinely happy with where I was...

I gave him a smile. "Yeah, why not." I noticed a light pink on his cheeks, but he quickly shook his head.

Around half an hour later, we had already finished the cupcakes. They looked delicious! Aiden took one of the cupcakes and offered it to me. "I'll let you be the judge of this one."

I took the cupcake, taking a bite. Then I quickly devoured the whole thing in seconds, making Aiden let out a laugh. "That good, huh?"

"It's so delicious!!!" I said muffled, cupcakes still in my mouth.

He took a cupcake, eating a bit. "Mm, it is!" He said, smiling brightly. He then gave me a small wink, making my face heat up. "Not bad for someone who hasn't 'baked anything in years.'"

I rolled my eyes with a smile, lightly punching his arm. "Shut up..."

We both laughed a bit, and our gazes soon met. My face grew darker as I looked into his bright blue eyes. I couldn't look away, I didn't want to. I could feel my heart beating faster than normal.

What was this...?

~~~~~~~~~Aiden's POV~~~~~~~~~

We were both looking at each other when her eyes drifted closed as she let out a yawn.

"Tired...?" I asked as I closed the fridge.

She nodded. "It's been a long day..."

I turned to the sink, washing the last bowls. "I can take care of the rest, you go on and get some sleep."

I turned around to see her now asleep, her head resting on her arms which were on the counter. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

She was so cute...

I walked over, gently picking her up bridal style so I could take her to my room. I don't mind sleeping on the couch.

However, as I walked by the couch, she rolled out of me arms and landed on it. I was a bit stunned, but laughed softly. I was gonna walk away when I felt her grab my hand, making my face heat up. I looked down at her, a bit confused.

"S... stay..."

I stayed silent for a few seconds before letting out a sigh, sitting beside her. She scooted over, resting her head on my lap. I lied down against the couch, not wanting to disturb her.

"Sleep well, Sage..."

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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