"But next year, you need to find out when my birthday is and prepare a gift."
Ren stifled a small chuckle.
Childish.
He thought, but nodded anyway. Maybe it was a good idea. Zayden had given him a life he could only dream of. If Ren could, he would give him anything he desired.
"No, not like this. You have to make a pinky promise." Zayden extended his small finger, waiting for Ren's. But the man seemed unsure what was expected from him, frozen in place.
"Ren," Zayden said, gently tapping the omega's bony knuckles. "You need to wrap your pinky around mine," he explained patiently.
He did not scold Ren for not understanding or making him feel stupid for not knowing like most did.
A faint tint of red bloomed on Ren's cheeks, and he quickly lowered his head, letting his short hair hide his face. Slowly, he raised his hand and did as Zayden instructed.
The touch felt electric. They locked eyes, and the silence stretched comfortably between them.
