"Her name is Mei Lien," Cam snapped. "Did I program you to abuse every name?"

"No, you programmed me to speak more like D-dude and Shane-y-boy, when they're kickin' back and chillin'."

"My mistake," Cam muttered.

"No," CyberCam corrected. "Your daydream."

The little group fell silent as they contemplated what other daydreams of Cam's his virtual replicant might be privy to.

Cat-girl and cybercuz were somehow managing to carry on a conversation while sparring without Grandfather berating them. He must be distracted--but by what? Marah settled next to her sister, straining to see as much of the situation as she could. This trick was one she'd really like to try in her own classes.

Cat-girl's next question banished all thoughts of Grandfather from her mind. "And a cake," she was saying. "You want a cake, right?"

Marah exchanged wide-eyed glances with Kapri. "What did we miss?" Kapri hissed. "Are they planning their anniversary already?"

"Baby shower?" Marah suggested excitedly.

"No, no, we're getting ahead of ourselves," Kapri realized. "What about the wedding?"

The two of them squealed in unison. "They're planning their wedding!"

Cy blew out the candle on his sort-of birthday cake, and Shane leapt forward. "Let's have cake!" he crowed. He grabbed the knife and twirled it around with a flourish, wincing when his fingers tripped and the knife tumbled to the floor.

Dustin was staring at Shane like he hadn't just seen that, and Tori put her hands on her hips. "Who thought it was a good idea to give Shane a knife?" she demanded of the room at large.

"Sorry I'm late," Cam said with a small smile. "Happy birthday, Cy."

Yeah, 'cause calling Hunter was way more important than celebrating his sort-of brother's birthday. CyberCam smiled anyway, determined not to hold it against him. "Hey, like you always say. Business before pleasure."

For some reason, the reminder made Cam blush.