Without hesitation. Without caring about composure or elegance or dignity or any of the things Vlad Jr. usually cared about. He just wrapped his arms around his friend and held on. His face pressed into Drake's shoulder. His hands gripped the back of Drake's red shirt.
Drake blinked in surprise, his arms still raised from his dramatic entrance. His mouth hung open for a second. Then his face brightened, and he smiled even wider, and he hugged back just as tightly.
"I missed you too," Drake said, his voice quieter now, just for Vlad Jr.
Vlad Jr. didn't answer. He just held on a little longer.
The next second—
Everyone joined.
Kelpie rushed in, his water spraying everywhere in his excitement, soaking Drake's shoes and Vlad Jr.'s pants. "You're back! You're back! You're back!" he chanted, his voice high and happy.
Rocky followed carefully, patting Drake's back with his strong, steady hand. "Welcome back," he said softly. "We saved your spot for the games."
