Vale’s feathers fluffed up; xe was offended, and shook xyr head haughtily. “If I wanted a fool tripping over themselves to please me, I’d date a prosocial and bonk them with shame and guilt loops until they’re locked into doing what I want. But that is boring as fuck.” Then a snort. “If it’s not authentic, I don’t want it. In my experience, antisocials like us are the only ones capable of true authenticity.”

The raven tilted xyr head. Good honesty for honesty trade.

“So, Kane.” Xyr red eyes locked onto the winged fox’s strange eyes. “Knowing what you know, I’ll give you a choice. If you want, I’ll stay your primary handler. I’ll be the one escorting you outside this cell.”

Then xe shrugged. “Or you can tell me to fuck off. And try your luck with the next cannibal who volunteers.”

Kane was nonchalant, but Vale was ecstatic. The raven jumped on the bar and cackled. Unlike the previous cackles, this one grew in volume until the sounds echoed off the cave walls. Step one: trust semi-sorta established, done. Cannibal island ecosystem long-term project begins! Cannibal boyfriend acquisition long-term project is one step closer to completion!

“Hahaha, we are a team!” Vale managed to say through the cackling.

As the cackling died down, the raven bobbed xyr head. “You can keep the bag of trinkets, it looks boring in there!”

Then a fresh burst of cackling, though that died quickly. “I’ll send an idiot with bedding. You need sleep! For tomorrow, FOREST GO BRRRRRRR!” And then another cackle.

Vale jumped off the bar and, with a wingbeat, took to the air. Still. Cackling. “XANTI, GIMME SOME WEED!!”