”Sorry, Pharynx,” came Clyepus. Huddled to Thorax’s opposite side, the drone peeked out from behind his alpha’s chest crystals. “We can’t go home yet. The princess ponies invited us to have dinner with them. I think we’re obligated.”

“Which means we can’t let you bugnap Thorax, either,” Xenica continued, pressing herself into Thorax’s immediate side and offering a sly little smirk. “Or continue to rile him up, for that matter. Could you tone down the tough love for a bit? Physical meals get spoiled by stress, you know. Adds way too much spice.”

“Glad to know I’m just a meal ticket at this point, guys,” Thorax mumbled from within his cocoon of hugs.