16

Devan's face softened into a smile. "I appreciate that. And I'm glad you had fun, even if it was under the wrong circumstances. Let's just make sure we're both on the same page next time."

Salvia smiled back, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Deal. And I promise, if I'm feeling restless or need something, I'll let you know."

"Good," Devan said, reaching out to ruffle her hair affectionately. "Now, let's spend some time together. We can talk, catch up, or do whatever you'd like. I missed you."

Salvia's eyes brightened at the offer. "That sounds perfect. Thank you, Uncle."

As they settled into the living room, Devan felt a renewed sense of connection with Salvia. Despite the misunderstandings and the occasional friction, he knew their bond was strong, and moments like this reassured him of that.

Devan paused, feeling the warmth of Salvia's hug seep through his body. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes. He turned to face her, seeing the genuine gratitude in her eyes.

"You don't have to thank me," Devan said softly, reaching up to gently pat her back. "I care about you. It's only natural to worry when you're not around."

Salvia pulled back slightly, her smile growing. "I know. And I appreciate it more than you know. I'm really sorry for making you worry and for not communicating."

Devan nodded. "It's okay. We both made mistakes. What matters is that we're here now and we can work through this."

"Yeah," Salvia agreed. "I'll make sure to keep in touch and let you know how I'm feeling."

Devan smiled, his earlier frustration melting away. "Sounds like a plan. Now, go get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day, and we both need to be ready for it."

Salvia nodded, a sense of relief and warmth filling her. "Goodnight, Uncle."

"Goodnight, Salvia," Devan replied, watching as she headed towards her room. 

As Devan turned to leave, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the challenges and misunderstandings, moments like these reminded him of the deep bond he shared with Salvia. He hoped that with more open communication and understanding, they could navigate their relationship with greater ease and affection.

Salvia's heart raced as she reflected on the evening's events. For the first time, she had truly experienced someone else's genuine concern for her well-being. Devan's anger, though it initially felt unsettling, now seemed to reveal a deeper layer of care she hadn't fully recognized before. 

The sincerity in Devan's eyes and his willingness to come home early out of worry touched her deeply. It was clear to Salvia that his anger wasn't just a reaction to her behavior, but a sign of his emotional investment in her life. This realization made her heart swell with affection and gratitude.

Devan's unexpected return and the emotional exchange had brought out feelings in Salvia that she hadn't fully understood before. She felt a mix of relief and joy, knowing that despite their complicated relationship, there was a real connection between them. It was not just about the physical attraction but also about the emotional bond that seemed to be growing stronger.

As she prepared for bed, Salvia couldn't help but smile at the thought of Devan's care and concern. It was a bittersweet feeling—being caught between the frustration of their past misunderstandings and the warmth of his recent actions. She knew that this was a pivotal moment for both of them.

With a sense of renewed hope, Salvia closed her eyes, dreaming of the possibilities for their relationship. She looked forward to the days ahead, hopeful that their bond would continue to deepen and that they could navigate their feelings with greater understanding and compassion.

Salvia's apology was heartfelt, her arms tightening around Devan as she spoke. Her earnestness was palpable, and she could feel Devan's tension slowly dissipating. She hoped that her promise to avoid repeating her mistake and her commitment to always inform him beforehand would ease some of his frustration.

Devan, feeling Salvia's genuine regret and the warmth of her embrace, allowed a small smile to form on his lips. Despite his initial anger, he couldn't help but feel a sense of affection for her persistence and sincerity. Her willingness to make amends and her cheeky grin as she suggested they go out together—whether to the mall, the beach, or even the club—brought a mix of amusement and tenderness.

Devan released Salvia from the hug but couldn't suppress his amused smile as he gently flicked her forehead. "You know, you're quite something," he said, his tone a mix of mock severity and affection. "Trying to make up for everything with a grin and a suggestion for an outing. You really are something else."

Salvia's grin widened, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, if Uncle won't let me go out without him, I might as well suggest some fun places for us to go together, right?"

Devan shook his head, though his smile remained. "Alright, how about this—let's forget about tonight and plan something together. But remember, next time, a little heads-up wouldn't hurt."

Salvia nodded enthusiastically, relieved to see Devan's anger fade into something more positive. "Deal," she said, her voice filled with gratitude and excitement. "I promise to keep you in the loop from now on."

With a final, playful nudge, Devan and Salvia both felt a renewed sense of connection. The tension from earlier in the evening was replaced with a hopeful anticipation for the days ahead, and they both looked forward to their time together with a renewed sense of understanding and affection.

Salvia's admission brought a bit of clarity to Devan's concerns. He listened as she continued to explain, her voice earnest and her eyes sincere. The nightclub outings and the music were more about enjoyment and escape for her, rather than indulging in reckless behavior.

"I don't like getting drunk, Uncle," Salvia said, her tone genuine. "Even though I often go to nightclubs, I just like the music. It's good for dancing."

Devan nodded, trying to reconcile this new information with his previous worries. "I see," he said, his expression softening. "I guess I was just worried about you, and seeing you dressed up like this... well, it's hard not to feel a bit protective."

Salvia smiled, relieved to see that Devan was listening and understanding her side of things. "I appreciate that you care, Uncle. It means a lot to me. But you don't have to worry so much. I know my limits, and I'm careful."

Devan sighed, feeling a bit of the tension lift. "I suppose I just want you to be safe and happy. It's hard for me to balance being protective with wanting you to have your freedom."

"I know," Salvia replied, giving him a reassuring smile. "And I'm grateful for that. We can always talk about things, like we're doing now. It helps me feel closer to you."

Devan's gaze softened as he looked at her. "You're right. Communication is important. And I'm glad you're sharing this with me."

Salvia nodded, feeling a sense of relief and connection. "Thanks for understanding, Uncle. I promise I'll keep you informed and be more considerate of your feelings."

Devan smiled, appreciating her honesty and maturity. "That sounds fair. And remember, if you ever need to talk or if there's anything you want to share, I'm here for you."

They stood there, a newfound understanding between them. The evening's tension had eased, and both felt more connected, ready to face whatever challenges their relationship might bring.

Devan's face turned a deeper shade of red as he tried to hide his embarrassment. Salvia's teasing had clearly hit its mark. 

"I don't like it," Devan replied, his voice gruff as he turned away, struggling to mask the flush on his cheeks. 

"Yeah, I don't like it because Uncle is jealous," Salvia countered with a mischievous grin, clearly pleased with herself for having guessed correctly.

Devan's reaction was a mix of amusement and exasperation. "That's why next time I have to go with Uncle," Salvia continued, her smile widening, "so that people there know that I'm with Uncle's."

Devan could only chuckle at Salvia's playful persistence. It was both endearing and a bit exasperating. "You're quite the troublemaker," he muttered, shaking his head with a smile as he turned and started to head towards the second floor.

Salvia's teasing continued to follow him, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "You seductive devil!"

Devan couldn't help but smile, despite himself. As he climbed the stairs, he felt a mix of amusement and affection for Salvia. Her playful nature had a way of breaking through his more serious exterior, leaving him with a sense of warmth and connection that he hadn't expected.