After a moment's thought, Cassian set his fork down and said seriously, "Nattie, I've been thinking. What I said yesterday might've put pressure on you." Natalie opened her mouth, wanting to explain, but no words came out. Cassian continued, "You don't need to feel pressured, and you don't need to be upset. If you feel like we're moving too fast, or that I've crossed a line and made you feel unsafe, I'll be more careful from now on." Looking at his earnest expression, Natalie pressed her lips together. He was too good. So good it left her a little helpless. "Cassian, I wasn't upset. I just had things to take care of today, that's why I didn't bring you along." Then she added, "You don't need to overthink it. This is my first time being in a close relationship, so maybe I don't always handle things perfectly—" Before she could finish, Cassian's eyes widened slightly. "First time?" Natalie blinked. "Huh?" Cassian asked again, "You just said this is your first serious relationship?" She nodded. "Yeah." Cassian pressed, "But didn't you say once you had some unforgettable ex-boyfriend ... " Unforgettable what? Natalie almost laughed, then explained, "I don't have an ex-boyfriend. I made that up." Cassian quietly picked his fork back up. "Don't make things up next time."After a beat, he smiled again and dropped some food onto her plate. "Eat more." Natalie saw his grin practically stretch to his ears and had to stifle a laugh. That's all it takes to make him this happy? The tension from yesterday melted. They didn't bring it up again, finishing the fondue with easy laughter. When they were done, Natalie scooped out the leftover meat and vegetables, rinsed them off, and dropped everything into Lucky and Baron's bowls. Watching Lucky devour his portion, she scratched her head. "Feels like I forgot something ... " Cassian thought a moment. "Doesn't seem like it." Lucky, head down in her food, slanted a sly look at them from the corner of her eye but said nothing. That night, just as Natalie lay down in bed, she shot upright. "I remember now!" Lucky, who had already curled up in her own little bed, jumped in fright and gave a disgruntled groan. Natalie patted him. "We forgot Cash!" Lucky turned her head away, suddenly looking guilty. Natalie caught it instantly, her brow arched. "Dumb dog—you remembered already, didn't you?" Lucky turned her back, pretending not to hear. That ugly rooster? Forget him. What, I'm supposed to remind you to bring him home, too? Natalie rolled her eyes. "You've got plenty of attitude."She got up to dress. "I need to go get him." Her movement roused Cassian from the next room. They ran into each other in the living room. After hearing her out, Cassian also changed clothes. "I forgot Cash, too. Come on, let's bring him back." When Olivia opened her door, there was Cash, standing in the middle of her living room, feet planted, face full of outrage. Natalie gave an embarrassed smile. "Sorry, Olivia—I completely forgot him." Olivia laughed. "Don't worry about it. He's been fine here." The rooster strutted to the doorway, glaring at Natalie with pure indignation. He wanted more freedom, sure. But this much freedom? She basically abandoned him! Cassian crouched down and scooped him up, covering the rooster's accusatory eyes with his hand. "I know you're hurt. But don't be." Cash didn't seem like he was in the mood to answer that. Natalie said goodbye. "Thanks, Olivia. We'll head back. Rest early." Olivia said, "Goodnight." At Olivia's feet, the hen Snowy and her chick Sunny stared unblinking as Cash was carried away. Back at Unit 1402, Lucky took one look at the rooster in Cassian's arms and instantly looked disappointed.Great. The ugly bird's back. Guess I'll never get rid of him. Cassian lifted his hand from Cash's face, and the rooster immediately turned a glare on Natalie. Cassian covered his eyes again. They went back and forth a few rounds until finally Cash lowered his head in defeat and quietly nestled up to Natalie. Cassian looked satisfied and handed him over. Natalie said in surprise, "You're not bad at training pets." He smirked. "I can't manage people, but pets? That I've got down." Natalie raised a brow. "What do you mean you can't manage people?" He spread his hands. "I can't manage at all. I'm the one being managed." Natalie laughed and playfully punched his arm. Cassian was speechless. "Can you change your way of flirting?" The two of them, with dog and rooster in tow, made a racket before Natalie finally took Lucky back to the bedroom. Before sleep, she slipped into her storage space to check the water tank. With every faucet in the villa running, it was filling fast—almost full already.