It's rare to see that particular smile on any version of Avan. Even in the dead of winter with his shirt off, Popp feels warm right to the core. He's pretty glad Avan didn't start crying, because that would have set him off too for sure.

"Guess what, we're doing hugs now. Don't stab me this time, okay?"

Avan gets the warning because he's got a back full of sharp and no glasses (despite the stitchwork inspection? He must be nearsighted) They're doing hugs now! It's fine there's already blood on everything.