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dracoqueen22a/n: Beyond time for an update. Warnings this chapter for some hetness including kisses. *grins* Please enjoy!
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
Master List: The Break of Day
Summary: A friendship that takes everyone by surprise slowly evolves into a deeper bond as Azriel, illegitimate son of the house Celestine, and Kieran, heir to the house Azura, throw themselves into the heart of a building altercation that explodes into an all out revolution.
May 9th, 1980
Kieran was pretty sure he was drunk. Or at least more than halfway there. His world was a happy dance of colors and he felt like dancing, only there was no music to provide the beat.
The taste of Rozlin was sweet on his tongue, but that didn't stop him from sampling the donchar every chance he could. The alcohol was free-flowing, Harper's donation to the cause of her and Lyra's successful graduation.
With a grin on his lips and a bottle in his hands, Kieran bounced out of the unoccupied kitchen and into the cozy den. They were, for a change of pace, celebrating at Souya's house in Moriarty. Kieran loved coming here almost as much as he enjoyed visiting Azriel's home.
Souya's house was smaller and cramped, but every room bristled with interesting odds and ends. Julianne, Souya's mom, was an avid collector of just about anything and everything. Knickknacks, clocks, knitted blankets, small tables, wind chimes, woven rugs, metallic sculptures, stained glass, interesting leaves… There was always something to entertain. Kieran could spend hours just nosing through Julianne's collections.
Kieran's gaze swept through the room, finding Harper sprawled indolently over one of the cushioned chairs. Her cheeks were rosy, eyes glittering, and she was relentlessly teasing her cousin. It had taken much coaxing to get Yonah to agree to come to Moriarty. Actually, they’d more or less kidnapped her, but after the liberal application of alcohol, Yonah had stopped protesting.
Mostly.
Besides, she wouldn't be Yonah if she didn't complain about something.
“Kieran!” Harper bubbled as she spotted him, leaping from her chair with a happy bounce. “There you are!”
“Here I am,” he replied merrily. “Did you miss me?”
“Only a lot!” Her arms draped over his shoulders as she leaned against him. “I'm in need of some affection.”
His eyebrow arched. “Are you asking me to oblige?”
“If you don't mind.”
“Why would I?”
Harper laughed and pulled him against her, their lips meeting in a messy kiss. Kieran tasted alcohol as her tongue slid into his mouth, warm and wet. She pressed their bodies together, all pliant, soft curves.
Kieran hummed in his throat as Harper messily nipped at his lips. “Hmm. Methinks you are drunker than I am.”
“I don't get drunk,” Harper replied archly.
“Don't believe her, Kieran. She's had three time as much as any of us,” Yonah interrupted loudly, punctuating her words with a hiccup. “Though knowing my cousin, she'd want to kiss you anyway.”
Really now? How intriguing.
“So I'm not a convenient pair of lips?”
“Oh, you're convenient. But I like you in spite of that,” Harper purred.
Yonah rolled her eyes and made a gagging sound. Kieran just laughed and carefully extracted himself from Harper’s embrace. She swayed on her feet, and Kieran gave her a little nudge back to the chair. She flopped into it gracelessly, a satisfied smile on her lips.
“Remind me when you're sober,” Kieran said.
Yonah snorted over her wine glass. “You're one to talk.”
“At least I own up to it.” Kieran turned in a slow circle, careful not to knock over Julianne's hanging lantern. “We're missing half our team.”
Harper giggled. “It took you that long to notice?”
Kieran pouted and then took a hearty swig of his bottle. “I blame the donchar. Where are they?”
“Somewhere that way.” Yonah's arm flapped in a vague gesture to an adjoining hallway. “Azriel muttered something about needing some air--”
“--and Souya and Lyra wanted some privacy,” Harper chimed in.
Kieran's curiosity was stoked. “I see. Well, carry on ladies. I'll return shortly.”
“You had better,” Harper sang after him, somehow making it sound like a threat.
Amused, Kieran tottered down the hallway, wondering if Souya or Lyra had finally mustered up the courage to confess what everyone else already knew. Either that or they were still dancing around each other in an embarrassing waltz that was almost painful to see. Or maybe Julianne had suborned them into a drinking contest. Say what he would about the woman and her decorating tastes, she could drink the lot of them under the table and still be up before dawn the next morning, bright and perky.
Though admittedly, Kieran hadn’t seen her for a while, and it was possible that she’d left to let them have their fun alone. She was nice like that.
The door to the bathroom was open, revealing that it was unoccupied. Julianne's door was closed tightly, but Kieran didn't think Souya would dare intrude on his mother's inner sanctum. Which meant they were either in Souya's room or the backyard – Kieran was voting for the former.
To his curiosity's relief, Souya's door was halfway open, as though pushed in haste but lacking the necessary force. There was also a light on. Kieran paused, peering inside, quite certain neither Souya nor Lyra would risk complete nudity or anything remotely resembling sex. Not with their friends there to embarrass them at least.
He was right. Though their combined modesty hadn't stopped them from making out in a shadowy corner. Lyra was perched on Souya's lap, her hands fisted in his shirt, and Souya had a firm grip on her hips. They were fully clothed, however, which indicated that little more than kissing and some groping was all to be had tonight.
Kieran considered interrupting them for a devious moment before deciding against it. It had taken almost two years for things to progress this far. Best not to ruin the momentum.
He backed away quietly, content to save his teasing for later. When he could mortify them both without feeling guilty for it.
Two mysteries solved, Kieran continued searching for the last: namely Azriel's location. The garden was the only place left to check.
Unlike the house, Julianne's garden was small and simple. One half was a plot of vegetables, the other an accompanying assortment of bright perennials. She had foregone planting any trees, opting instead for a few leafy rhododendrons.
Kieran found Azriel standing in the middle, head tilted up toward the night sky. He was smiling but seemed contemplative.
“So this is where you've been hiding.”
“I wasn't hiding,” Azriel replied as he turned to face Kieran.
He grinned. “Sure you weren't.” He lifted the bottle, shaking it in Azriel's direction. “You look a little sober. Let me fix that.”
Azriel arched his brow. “I have work in the morning.”
“I didn't say you had to overdo it,” Kieran retorted and cozied up to Azriel's side, nudging the bottle his direction. “At least taste it.”
“I'm not a fan of donchar,” Azriel commented and waved the offer away.
Kieran shoved the bottle under his nose. “You haven't tried this,” he sang.
Azriel sighed and took it from him. “Sometimes, I swear you're the little demon sitting on my shoulder.”
Kieran blinked. And blinked again.
“What are you talking about?”
Azriel took a swig and made a face of disapproval. “It's an old wives tale, that our conscience takes physical form in the shape of an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other. They offer conflicting opinions as a matter of course.”
Kieran laughed. “I think both of mine are demons then.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me.” Azriel hadn't him back the bottle. “Here. Take this.”
“Still don't like it, huh?” the younger man asked sing-song.
“Too sweet.”
“Your loss.” Kieran shrugged and tipped the bottle toward his lips, the bubbly drink dancing over his tongue.
His friend gave him a look. “Let’s head back inside. We've only got an hour or so before Julianne returns and kicks us out.”
“So she did leave,” Kieran mused as Azriel tugged him along. The brunet was even good enough not to protest when Kieran used him as a crutch. Especially since the ground was doing the oddest shift and roll beneath his feet. “Another good hour for drinking then.”
“In an hour you'll be asleep,” Azriel countered.
“No, I won't,” Kieran argued. And that was when he remembered. “Oh. Guess what I saw?”
Azriel actually seemed hesitant. As though wary what he’d hear.
“I'm afraid to ask, but... what?”
Kieran grinned. “Souya and Lyra doing the tango of tongues in his room. Finally.”
“It was a long time in coming. I'm glad to hear it.” Azriel helped him up the two steps to the back door and into the house. “Though perhaps you should let him share the news from now on. We all know how Grayshire treats such things.”
He had a point.
“I can keep a secret,” Kieran insisted and stumbled before Azriel steadied him.
“I know you can.”
They managed to get down the hallway, emerging in the sitting room. To Kieran's surprise, Lyra and Souya had joined the others.
“Ah, the missing duo returns,” Lyra said, her hair mussed and cheeks stained pink.
“We were about to send a search party,” Harper added with a giggle.
Kieran sniffed. “Certain someones here have no room to talk.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Souya flushed to the roots of his hair and cleared his throat noisily. Lyra smirked.
“I don't know what you mean,” she insisted.
“I'm sure you don't.”
Azriel gripped Kieran's arm warningly. “Anyway,” he inserted pointedly. “We’ve all gathered once more. Shall we let the celebration continue?”
“Hadley, you are far too sober.” Harper pointed a wobbly fingers his direction.
Kieran threw up his arms. “That's what I've been saying all along.” He grabbed Azriel, tugging him to the couch.
He plopped down next to Harper and made Azriel sit on his other side, so he was snuggled between them. And all without spilling a drop of his donchar. Waste not, want not.
Yonah shook her head. “You two will drown in your overindulgence one day.”
“Then at least we'll go with a smile,” Harper countered and pressed against Kieran, leaning her head on his shoulder. “So tell us... what are your plans now that we've escaped, Lyra?”
Kieran was tipsy, but not so far gone that he didn't catch the lingering look Lyra gave Souya.
Interesting. Very interesting.
“I'll work with the Dryden of course,” Lyra answered and accepted the bottle Yonah handed her. “Mother tells me there's a new project that might interest me.”
A subtle tremor raced through Azriel's frame; Kieran felt it.
“What kind of project?” the brunet questioned.
Lyra shrugged. “I don't have any details yet. Apparently, it's a joint project with the Wyndham.”
“I see.”
Azriel sounded worried. Which was confusing more than anything.
“What about you, Harper?” Souya asked, looking a little less embarrassed. Or at least, he could attribute the ruddiness of his cheeks to drink.
Harper chuckled. “The Brigade of course. I'm aiming for Spec Ops.”
Yonah's brows crawled toward her hairline. A rather amusing look for her really.
“That's the first I've heard of this,” she stated almost dramatically. “Your parents can't possibly approve.”
Huh. Kieran had known about this. So had Lyra. And Azriel since Kieran had told the latter. Was her cousin the only person Harper hadn't told?
“It's not their decision to make.” Harper lifted her chin, and yes, she looked too much like Yonah then. “It's mine.”
Kieran reached up, patting her on the head. “What about your family's business?” he asked, hoping to forestall any argument.
“I’m not an only child, you know,” Harper put in dryly.
“Yes, but...” Yonah trailed off, as though struggling to find an appropriate way to outline Harper's brother's many failings.
“I think it's admirable that Harper's striking out on her own,” Lyra announced then. “In fact, this calls for a toast.”
Kieran wriggled in his seat. “I can't argue with that.”
“Wait!” Harper leapt from the couch and dashed out of the room, into the kitchen, before anyone could so much as twitch.
Kieran blinked, off balance by her abrupt move. “What was that about?”
“We can't have a toast unless everyone has a drink,” Harper shouted from the kitchen.
“Ah. The insanity explained,” Lyra said with a smirk.
“Please don't raid my ma's liquor cabinet!” Souya shouted back.
“No need,” Harper reappeared in the doorway, carrying a glass filled with a creamy liquid. “I had something else in mind.”
“Is that... milk?” Yonah sounded horrified. Well, that probably explained why she was so short.
Harper grinned and thrust her cup at Azriel. “They didn't have any juice, and I didn't think you'd want more alcohol.”
“Uh... thank you,” Azriel said with something like bemusement.
“My pleasure.” Harper grinned and flopped back down. “Now, carry on with the toast, Lyra.”
Lyra rose to her feet, lifting her glass toward the ceiling. “To Harper, for having the balls to bust the mold.” She giggled.
“To Harper,” they echoed, Kieran included, and lifted their drinks in unison.
And then they drank.
o0o0o
August 5th, 1980
The last refrains of the closing song echoed in Azriel's ears, resounding through him. The cheerful chorus was infectious, and he caught himself trying to hum the catchy tune.
Beside him, Titania chuckled. Her eyes were a tad too bright.
“It gets stuck in your head, doesn't it?”
Azriel cleared his throat noisily. “A little,” he admitted. “I can see why it is your favorite.”
The play, Married to a Shrew, was a comedic musical with a great cast and punchy dialogue. Azriel had never heard of it before Titania invited him, but now he considered looking up other works by the playwright.
“Thanks for coming with me,” Titania said as they joined the slow moving crowd making its exit. “These sorts of things are always more enjoyable with company.”
“I agree,” he replied with a smile. “I appreciate the invitation.”
Outside, evening had set in with an evident chill, proof positive that the autumn season was soon at hand. Azriel inhaled the scent of smoke on the wind, enjoying the relaxed attitude of the outing. Kieran would definitely pout once he learned he’d missed this.
“I hear you've acquired another assistant,” Azriel commented as they turned away from the crowded streets.
Titania grinned. “Yes. Though she doesn't have your experience. Are you still enjoying your new position?”
“I'm satisfied,” Azriel allowed, thinking of the long hours he had been spending in the Archives. He was learning much though. “One day, I might even have my own apprentice to assign all of the mundane tasks.”
“How lucky.” Titania paused, her eyes brightening. “Oh look! The strauben vendor is still open. Interested?”
Fried dough and sugar? Sounded like the exact thing Kieran would want.
Titania linked her arm through his. “Come on. It'll be my treat.”
It was difficult to decline when she was so insistent. Kieran was much the same way. So Azriel didn't protest or pull free as she tugged him toward the vendor. It was late enough that there was no line, and the scent of fried dough and sweet syrups invaded Azriel's senses. His stomach growled; Titania laughed.
“I suppose that settles it,” Azriel said with good humor. “My hunger speaks for itself.”
“I thought so. Opinions on topping?” she questioned with an even wider grin.
“Plain powdered sugar is fine with me.”
Titania squeezed his arm. “I should’ve guessed.” She extracted herself, bounding up to the counter to place their order.
Azriel wasn't surprised when she asked for the apple-cinnamon. Like Kieran, Titania had quite the sweet tooth. No wonder they got on so well.
While they waited, Titania was quick to invite conversation once more.
“Have you seen The Death of Deus yet?”
Azriel shook his head. “No. I had double shifts the week it opened.”
Titania made a face. But her nose wiggled at the scent of cinnamon floating her way.
“What could be so important that the Archives would need double shifts?” she poised, but he wasn’t sure how rhetorical that was.
“Some of the windows broke in a storm,” he explained with a twitch of his mouth downwards. “It was a scramble to save everything before their information was ruined or lost.”
Azriel frowned deeper. Last week had been exhausting to say the least. Snacks grabbed hastily in the intermittent breaks. Falling into his bed and sleeping so deeply he didn't even dream. Some nights, he merely curled up in a quiet corner of the Archives. Even with that effort, however, some of the material had been unable to be saved.
So much history had been lost with no way to reclaim it. Though Azriel did have an appointment next week with the head of House Arlen. There was a slim possibility that the noble family had copied some of the lost scrolls few decades back.
“That explains why you looked so terrible when I saw you Monday,” she mused.
Azriel nodded. “Most of the mess has been cleaned, but the windows need to be replaced. We've contacted the Jeode in hopes that they can create something more resistant.”
The vendor called to them, steam rising from two strauben wrapped in a thin paper for easier consumption. Azriel retrieved everything as Titania leapt forward to pay. Like Kieran, she was bad for doing that.
“Makes sense,” she responded when Azriel handed her a strauben. “If the Jeode succeed, I'm sure Lord Vasuda will mandate the replacement of all windows in important buildings.”
“It would be wise to do so.”
Azriel nibbled on his own, powdered sugar flecking to the ground and dusting his clothes as well. Titania made a noise of contentment and rattled the paper wrapping her pastry.
“Well, enough about work.” She made a vague wave with one hand. “How about a more interesting topic?”
That earned her a lifted brow. “Such as?”
“You. Your family.” She tilted her head. “Do you have any siblings?”
Azriel felt a squirming disquiet in his belly. This wasn’t a good line of questioning. Not at all.
“No, I don't.”
He didn't even have any half-siblings for that matter. His father's wife was barren; ironic, since he’d shoved away a pregnant Neorah to marry her.
“You?” Azriel asked, hoping to deflect attention.
“Two younger brothers.” She wiped a drop of glaze from the corner of her mouth and sucked it off her finger. “They’re noisy nuisances, but I love them all the same. They'll be in the Conservatory in a couple of years.”
He turned that over in his head. “Twins?” he questioned with utter curiosity.
She nodded and nibbled at the same time. “Yes. Pretty strange huh?”
“Not so. Lords Adair and Aidan are twins,” he pointed out. “And I think Kieran said his chef was one, too. I've never met any others though.”
“They are very rare,” Titania agreed and glanced at his strauben. “Is it good?”
“Yes, thank you.” To prove his point, Azriel took another hefty bite.
His companion's lips curved. “You're welcome. Now tell me more about yourself.”
Azriel blinked. Outside of his uncles and mother, nobody but Kieran really wanted to know about him. Except Manah, of course. But she was a special case.
“Is there something in particular...?”
She tapped her chin. “Hmm. Well, what do you do outside of work? Other than read and spend time with Kieran?”
Unfortunately, he couldn't tell her of Manah. Or the time spent researching the old traditions and performing them as time suited. He couldn't tell her of a good portion of his interests. It was like he had a second life really. One he kept hidden for good reason.
“Sometimes I work in the garden,” he said and winced. Most men his age probably had better things to do. “Or I take a walk in the forest.”
“Garden?” Her tone was too bland.
“It belongs to my mother, but pulling weeds helps me think sometimes,” he admitted.
Titania giggled though. “Actually that makes sense. It sounds like you.” She peered at him. “Are you and your mother close?”
It was a loaded question. Queries about his mother inevitably lead to curiosity about his father, a topic Azriel had managed to avoid so far. Titania knew nothing of the social stigma surrounding Azriel; he wanted to keep it that way.
“You could say that,” he hedged. “My father wasn't around much, so we had each other and my uncles.”
Titania inclined her head. But she wasn’t nearly as happy now.
“I see.” She sounded wistful. “My mother died last year, and I often wish we had chances to be closer. Hindsight and all that.”
Something within Azriel clenched. He honestly didn't know what he would do if he lost his mother. She was his most important person. Only Kieran and Manah came close. One was his first human friend and one wasn’t human at all.
“I'm sorry to hear that.” And he really meant it.
“Thanks, but I'm all right. I miss her often though.” She smiled softly at the last of her strauben. “Well, that's an unhappy topic. I didn't mean to drag the conversation down.”
“You didn't,” Azriel assured her. “But we can change the subject if you'd prefer.”
“Okay then.” She paused to consider. “What’s your element?”
Ah. This was a comfortable topic.
“Air. You?”
“Fire.” She rolled her shoulder. “Not a bad combination then. Though they say opposites attract.”
“I seem to recall hearing that at some time or another.” Azriel carefully wrapped what remained of his pastry, tucking it into his pocket. “Do you ever find occasion to use your magic anymore?”
Titania shook her head. “Not in the records. Or ever for that matter. It sometimes makes me wonder why it's such a requirement for the Conservatory in the first place.”
It was a valid point. One Azriel had asked himself before. How refreshing to hear it from someone else, however.
“Because it is tradition I suppose,” Azriel replied. “Mankind will cling to the familiar in order to escape the terror of that which isn't known.”
Titania tilted her head to the side.
“Aubergine, wasn't it?”
“You know your philosophers.”
“Just the one.” She shrugged. “His treatise on human behavior has always intrigued me.”
Azriel smiled. “Hearkening, no doubt, back to your childhood wish to become an Advocate.”
“You've found me out.” She laughed as she tilted her head back, peering up at the dark sky. “Thanks for coming, Azriel. I enjoyed this.”
“As did I.”
Much to his surprise, his response wasn't born of sheer politeness. He actually did enjoy the evening. Titania had a sharp mind, and if her off hand comments were anything to judge, she wasn't a blind believer either.
“I wouldn't mind another night such as this.”
Her gaze lowered, focusing warmly on him. But there was a faint bit of redness to her cheeks that he didn’t quite understand.
“That's what I'd hoped you would say,” she admitted. “Since I've walked you home and all.”
Azriel blinked, looking around them, a tad surprised to find that he was standing at the gate to his house. He hadn't realized Titania was steering him there. He hadn’t even known that she knew where he lived. Though it was possible Kieran had told her.
“Why, so you have.”
Titania chuckled. “I wondered if you'd ever notice. You can be very tunnel-visioned, can't you?”
“Kieran has often accused me of such.”
Titania came closer, the scent of her soap and apple-cinnamon strauden floating around her. “Then allow me to spell it out for you.”
She leaned forward, fingers of one hand curling around his arm. Azriel correctly guessed her intent seconds before their mouths connected. Titania's lips brushed over his like a warm, soft flutter. She pressed against him, all gentle angles, before she pulled back enough to look him in the eye.
“Plainly put, I'm interested in seeing more of you.” She made a motion between them. “In a more official capacity.”
Azriel felt his face heat up. This was certainly a first for him.
“Oh.”
Laughter danced in her eyes. “Yes. Oh. Do you have an answer for me or do you need time to think about it?”
His insides fluttered. “I don't. Need time, I mean.” By the gods, he wasn't making any sense, was he? “I would enjoy spending more time with you.”
“Then you won't mind if I do this again.”
She kissed him, her lips soft and lingering, halfway to tease. Her fingers squeezed his arm as her other hand brushed against his hip. She pressed against him, and the gate rattled behind Azriel as he leaned against it
Titania's mouth parted, tongue flicking against his lips, but going no further. Instead, she pulled back. But not before darting forward, tongue lapping at the corner of Azriel's mouth.
“You missed a bit of powdered sugar there.” Her tongue wet her lips as though she sought to savor a good taste.
Azriel gathered his wits, tilting his mouth toward her. “Did I miss anything else?”
“Nope. Unfortunately, I got it all.” Titania squeezed his arm again before releasing his hip with evident reluctance. “Unless, of course, there's something inside you want to share with me.”
A nervous chuckle bubbled up behind Azriel's lips. “Not tonight, I'm afraid. My composure has yet to right itself.”
“I'll take that as a compliment,” Titania replied dryly. “Lunch tomorrow?”
“I wouldn't miss it.”
“Good.” Titania's mouth was sultry, her fingers lingering on his arm. “See you then.”
“Goodnight.”
Titania released him. “Pleasant dreams.” She turned back to the main thoroughfare.
He watched her go, insides a knot of restless anticipation. His lips still felt warm, the corner of his mouth damp where her tongue had touched him. He inhaled, and the lingering traces of her herbal soap invaded his senses. Azriel felt in a bit of a daze, truth be told.
He finally stirred, let himself through the gate and into his quiet house as though walking in a dream. He readied for bed with a lingering sense of bewilderment. In the mirror, he caught a goofy smile on his face and felt like a fool.
It had been a good night.
*****
a/n: Three more chapters left in part one of The Break of Day. Feedback is always welcome and appreciated!
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
Master List: The Break of Day
Summary: A friendship that takes everyone by surprise slowly evolves into a deeper bond as Azriel, illegitimate son of the house Celestine, and Kieran, heir to the house Azura, throw themselves into the heart of a building altercation that explodes into an all out revolution.
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The Break of Day
Part One: Chapter Seventeen
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The Break of Day
Part One: Chapter Seventeen
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May 9th, 1980
Kieran was pretty sure he was drunk. Or at least more than halfway there. His world was a happy dance of colors and he felt like dancing, only there was no music to provide the beat.
The taste of Rozlin was sweet on his tongue, but that didn't stop him from sampling the donchar every chance he could. The alcohol was free-flowing, Harper's donation to the cause of her and Lyra's successful graduation.
With a grin on his lips and a bottle in his hands, Kieran bounced out of the unoccupied kitchen and into the cozy den. They were, for a change of pace, celebrating at Souya's house in Moriarty. Kieran loved coming here almost as much as he enjoyed visiting Azriel's home.
Souya's house was smaller and cramped, but every room bristled with interesting odds and ends. Julianne, Souya's mom, was an avid collector of just about anything and everything. Knickknacks, clocks, knitted blankets, small tables, wind chimes, woven rugs, metallic sculptures, stained glass, interesting leaves… There was always something to entertain. Kieran could spend hours just nosing through Julianne's collections.
Kieran's gaze swept through the room, finding Harper sprawled indolently over one of the cushioned chairs. Her cheeks were rosy, eyes glittering, and she was relentlessly teasing her cousin. It had taken much coaxing to get Yonah to agree to come to Moriarty. Actually, they’d more or less kidnapped her, but after the liberal application of alcohol, Yonah had stopped protesting.
Mostly.
Besides, she wouldn't be Yonah if she didn't complain about something.
“Kieran!” Harper bubbled as she spotted him, leaping from her chair with a happy bounce. “There you are!”
“Here I am,” he replied merrily. “Did you miss me?”
“Only a lot!” Her arms draped over his shoulders as she leaned against him. “I'm in need of some affection.”
His eyebrow arched. “Are you asking me to oblige?”
“If you don't mind.”
“Why would I?”
Harper laughed and pulled him against her, their lips meeting in a messy kiss. Kieran tasted alcohol as her tongue slid into his mouth, warm and wet. She pressed their bodies together, all pliant, soft curves.
Kieran hummed in his throat as Harper messily nipped at his lips. “Hmm. Methinks you are drunker than I am.”
“I don't get drunk,” Harper replied archly.
“Don't believe her, Kieran. She's had three time as much as any of us,” Yonah interrupted loudly, punctuating her words with a hiccup. “Though knowing my cousin, she'd want to kiss you anyway.”
Really now? How intriguing.
“So I'm not a convenient pair of lips?”
“Oh, you're convenient. But I like you in spite of that,” Harper purred.
Yonah rolled her eyes and made a gagging sound. Kieran just laughed and carefully extracted himself from Harper’s embrace. She swayed on her feet, and Kieran gave her a little nudge back to the chair. She flopped into it gracelessly, a satisfied smile on her lips.
“Remind me when you're sober,” Kieran said.
Yonah snorted over her wine glass. “You're one to talk.”
“At least I own up to it.” Kieran turned in a slow circle, careful not to knock over Julianne's hanging lantern. “We're missing half our team.”
Harper giggled. “It took you that long to notice?”
Kieran pouted and then took a hearty swig of his bottle. “I blame the donchar. Where are they?”
“Somewhere that way.” Yonah's arm flapped in a vague gesture to an adjoining hallway. “Azriel muttered something about needing some air--”
“--and Souya and Lyra wanted some privacy,” Harper chimed in.
Kieran's curiosity was stoked. “I see. Well, carry on ladies. I'll return shortly.”
“You had better,” Harper sang after him, somehow making it sound like a threat.
Amused, Kieran tottered down the hallway, wondering if Souya or Lyra had finally mustered up the courage to confess what everyone else already knew. Either that or they were still dancing around each other in an embarrassing waltz that was almost painful to see. Or maybe Julianne had suborned them into a drinking contest. Say what he would about the woman and her decorating tastes, she could drink the lot of them under the table and still be up before dawn the next morning, bright and perky.
Though admittedly, Kieran hadn’t seen her for a while, and it was possible that she’d left to let them have their fun alone. She was nice like that.
The door to the bathroom was open, revealing that it was unoccupied. Julianne's door was closed tightly, but Kieran didn't think Souya would dare intrude on his mother's inner sanctum. Which meant they were either in Souya's room or the backyard – Kieran was voting for the former.
To his curiosity's relief, Souya's door was halfway open, as though pushed in haste but lacking the necessary force. There was also a light on. Kieran paused, peering inside, quite certain neither Souya nor Lyra would risk complete nudity or anything remotely resembling sex. Not with their friends there to embarrass them at least.
He was right. Though their combined modesty hadn't stopped them from making out in a shadowy corner. Lyra was perched on Souya's lap, her hands fisted in his shirt, and Souya had a firm grip on her hips. They were fully clothed, however, which indicated that little more than kissing and some groping was all to be had tonight.
Kieran considered interrupting them for a devious moment before deciding against it. It had taken almost two years for things to progress this far. Best not to ruin the momentum.
He backed away quietly, content to save his teasing for later. When he could mortify them both without feeling guilty for it.
Two mysteries solved, Kieran continued searching for the last: namely Azriel's location. The garden was the only place left to check.
Unlike the house, Julianne's garden was small and simple. One half was a plot of vegetables, the other an accompanying assortment of bright perennials. She had foregone planting any trees, opting instead for a few leafy rhododendrons.
Kieran found Azriel standing in the middle, head tilted up toward the night sky. He was smiling but seemed contemplative.
“So this is where you've been hiding.”
“I wasn't hiding,” Azriel replied as he turned to face Kieran.
He grinned. “Sure you weren't.” He lifted the bottle, shaking it in Azriel's direction. “You look a little sober. Let me fix that.”
Azriel arched his brow. “I have work in the morning.”
“I didn't say you had to overdo it,” Kieran retorted and cozied up to Azriel's side, nudging the bottle his direction. “At least taste it.”
“I'm not a fan of donchar,” Azriel commented and waved the offer away.
Kieran shoved the bottle under his nose. “You haven't tried this,” he sang.
Azriel sighed and took it from him. “Sometimes, I swear you're the little demon sitting on my shoulder.”
Kieran blinked. And blinked again.
“What are you talking about?”
Azriel took a swig and made a face of disapproval. “It's an old wives tale, that our conscience takes physical form in the shape of an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other. They offer conflicting opinions as a matter of course.”
Kieran laughed. “I think both of mine are demons then.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me.” Azriel hadn't him back the bottle. “Here. Take this.”
“Still don't like it, huh?” the younger man asked sing-song.
“Too sweet.”
“Your loss.” Kieran shrugged and tipped the bottle toward his lips, the bubbly drink dancing over his tongue.
His friend gave him a look. “Let’s head back inside. We've only got an hour or so before Julianne returns and kicks us out.”
“So she did leave,” Kieran mused as Azriel tugged him along. The brunet was even good enough not to protest when Kieran used him as a crutch. Especially since the ground was doing the oddest shift and roll beneath his feet. “Another good hour for drinking then.”
“In an hour you'll be asleep,” Azriel countered.
“No, I won't,” Kieran argued. And that was when he remembered. “Oh. Guess what I saw?”
Azriel actually seemed hesitant. As though wary what he’d hear.
“I'm afraid to ask, but... what?”
Kieran grinned. “Souya and Lyra doing the tango of tongues in his room. Finally.”
“It was a long time in coming. I'm glad to hear it.” Azriel helped him up the two steps to the back door and into the house. “Though perhaps you should let him share the news from now on. We all know how Grayshire treats such things.”
He had a point.
“I can keep a secret,” Kieran insisted and stumbled before Azriel steadied him.
“I know you can.”
They managed to get down the hallway, emerging in the sitting room. To Kieran's surprise, Lyra and Souya had joined the others.
“Ah, the missing duo returns,” Lyra said, her hair mussed and cheeks stained pink.
“We were about to send a search party,” Harper added with a giggle.
Kieran sniffed. “Certain someones here have no room to talk.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Souya flushed to the roots of his hair and cleared his throat noisily. Lyra smirked.
“I don't know what you mean,” she insisted.
“I'm sure you don't.”
Azriel gripped Kieran's arm warningly. “Anyway,” he inserted pointedly. “We’ve all gathered once more. Shall we let the celebration continue?”
“Hadley, you are far too sober.” Harper pointed a wobbly fingers his direction.
Kieran threw up his arms. “That's what I've been saying all along.” He grabbed Azriel, tugging him to the couch.
He plopped down next to Harper and made Azriel sit on his other side, so he was snuggled between them. And all without spilling a drop of his donchar. Waste not, want not.
Yonah shook her head. “You two will drown in your overindulgence one day.”
“Then at least we'll go with a smile,” Harper countered and pressed against Kieran, leaning her head on his shoulder. “So tell us... what are your plans now that we've escaped, Lyra?”
Kieran was tipsy, but not so far gone that he didn't catch the lingering look Lyra gave Souya.
Interesting. Very interesting.
“I'll work with the Dryden of course,” Lyra answered and accepted the bottle Yonah handed her. “Mother tells me there's a new project that might interest me.”
A subtle tremor raced through Azriel's frame; Kieran felt it.
“What kind of project?” the brunet questioned.
Lyra shrugged. “I don't have any details yet. Apparently, it's a joint project with the Wyndham.”
“I see.”
Azriel sounded worried. Which was confusing more than anything.
“What about you, Harper?” Souya asked, looking a little less embarrassed. Or at least, he could attribute the ruddiness of his cheeks to drink.
Harper chuckled. “The Brigade of course. I'm aiming for Spec Ops.”
Yonah's brows crawled toward her hairline. A rather amusing look for her really.
“That's the first I've heard of this,” she stated almost dramatically. “Your parents can't possibly approve.”
Huh. Kieran had known about this. So had Lyra. And Azriel since Kieran had told the latter. Was her cousin the only person Harper hadn't told?
“It's not their decision to make.” Harper lifted her chin, and yes, she looked too much like Yonah then. “It's mine.”
Kieran reached up, patting her on the head. “What about your family's business?” he asked, hoping to forestall any argument.
“I’m not an only child, you know,” Harper put in dryly.
“Yes, but...” Yonah trailed off, as though struggling to find an appropriate way to outline Harper's brother's many failings.
“I think it's admirable that Harper's striking out on her own,” Lyra announced then. “In fact, this calls for a toast.”
Kieran wriggled in his seat. “I can't argue with that.”
“Wait!” Harper leapt from the couch and dashed out of the room, into the kitchen, before anyone could so much as twitch.
Kieran blinked, off balance by her abrupt move. “What was that about?”
“We can't have a toast unless everyone has a drink,” Harper shouted from the kitchen.
“Ah. The insanity explained,” Lyra said with a smirk.
“Please don't raid my ma's liquor cabinet!” Souya shouted back.
“No need,” Harper reappeared in the doorway, carrying a glass filled with a creamy liquid. “I had something else in mind.”
“Is that... milk?” Yonah sounded horrified. Well, that probably explained why she was so short.
Harper grinned and thrust her cup at Azriel. “They didn't have any juice, and I didn't think you'd want more alcohol.”
“Uh... thank you,” Azriel said with something like bemusement.
“My pleasure.” Harper grinned and flopped back down. “Now, carry on with the toast, Lyra.”
Lyra rose to her feet, lifting her glass toward the ceiling. “To Harper, for having the balls to bust the mold.” She giggled.
“To Harper,” they echoed, Kieran included, and lifted their drinks in unison.
And then they drank.
August 5th, 1980
The last refrains of the closing song echoed in Azriel's ears, resounding through him. The cheerful chorus was infectious, and he caught himself trying to hum the catchy tune.
Beside him, Titania chuckled. Her eyes were a tad too bright.
“It gets stuck in your head, doesn't it?”
Azriel cleared his throat noisily. “A little,” he admitted. “I can see why it is your favorite.”
The play, Married to a Shrew, was a comedic musical with a great cast and punchy dialogue. Azriel had never heard of it before Titania invited him, but now he considered looking up other works by the playwright.
“Thanks for coming with me,” Titania said as they joined the slow moving crowd making its exit. “These sorts of things are always more enjoyable with company.”
“I agree,” he replied with a smile. “I appreciate the invitation.”
Outside, evening had set in with an evident chill, proof positive that the autumn season was soon at hand. Azriel inhaled the scent of smoke on the wind, enjoying the relaxed attitude of the outing. Kieran would definitely pout once he learned he’d missed this.
“I hear you've acquired another assistant,” Azriel commented as they turned away from the crowded streets.
Titania grinned. “Yes. Though she doesn't have your experience. Are you still enjoying your new position?”
“I'm satisfied,” Azriel allowed, thinking of the long hours he had been spending in the Archives. He was learning much though. “One day, I might even have my own apprentice to assign all of the mundane tasks.”
“How lucky.” Titania paused, her eyes brightening. “Oh look! The strauben vendor is still open. Interested?”
Fried dough and sugar? Sounded like the exact thing Kieran would want.
Titania linked her arm through his. “Come on. It'll be my treat.”
It was difficult to decline when she was so insistent. Kieran was much the same way. So Azriel didn't protest or pull free as she tugged him toward the vendor. It was late enough that there was no line, and the scent of fried dough and sweet syrups invaded Azriel's senses. His stomach growled; Titania laughed.
“I suppose that settles it,” Azriel said with good humor. “My hunger speaks for itself.”
“I thought so. Opinions on topping?” she questioned with an even wider grin.
“Plain powdered sugar is fine with me.”
Titania squeezed his arm. “I should’ve guessed.” She extracted herself, bounding up to the counter to place their order.
Azriel wasn't surprised when she asked for the apple-cinnamon. Like Kieran, Titania had quite the sweet tooth. No wonder they got on so well.
While they waited, Titania was quick to invite conversation once more.
“Have you seen The Death of Deus yet?”
Azriel shook his head. “No. I had double shifts the week it opened.”
Titania made a face. But her nose wiggled at the scent of cinnamon floating her way.
“What could be so important that the Archives would need double shifts?” she poised, but he wasn’t sure how rhetorical that was.
“Some of the windows broke in a storm,” he explained with a twitch of his mouth downwards. “It was a scramble to save everything before their information was ruined or lost.”
Azriel frowned deeper. Last week had been exhausting to say the least. Snacks grabbed hastily in the intermittent breaks. Falling into his bed and sleeping so deeply he didn't even dream. Some nights, he merely curled up in a quiet corner of the Archives. Even with that effort, however, some of the material had been unable to be saved.
So much history had been lost with no way to reclaim it. Though Azriel did have an appointment next week with the head of House Arlen. There was a slim possibility that the noble family had copied some of the lost scrolls few decades back.
“That explains why you looked so terrible when I saw you Monday,” she mused.
Azriel nodded. “Most of the mess has been cleaned, but the windows need to be replaced. We've contacted the Jeode in hopes that they can create something more resistant.”
The vendor called to them, steam rising from two strauben wrapped in a thin paper for easier consumption. Azriel retrieved everything as Titania leapt forward to pay. Like Kieran, she was bad for doing that.
“Makes sense,” she responded when Azriel handed her a strauben. “If the Jeode succeed, I'm sure Lord Vasuda will mandate the replacement of all windows in important buildings.”
“It would be wise to do so.”
Azriel nibbled on his own, powdered sugar flecking to the ground and dusting his clothes as well. Titania made a noise of contentment and rattled the paper wrapping her pastry.
“Well, enough about work.” She made a vague wave with one hand. “How about a more interesting topic?”
That earned her a lifted brow. “Such as?”
“You. Your family.” She tilted her head. “Do you have any siblings?”
Azriel felt a squirming disquiet in his belly. This wasn’t a good line of questioning. Not at all.
“No, I don't.”
He didn't even have any half-siblings for that matter. His father's wife was barren; ironic, since he’d shoved away a pregnant Neorah to marry her.
“You?” Azriel asked, hoping to deflect attention.
“Two younger brothers.” She wiped a drop of glaze from the corner of her mouth and sucked it off her finger. “They’re noisy nuisances, but I love them all the same. They'll be in the Conservatory in a couple of years.”
He turned that over in his head. “Twins?” he questioned with utter curiosity.
She nodded and nibbled at the same time. “Yes. Pretty strange huh?”
“Not so. Lords Adair and Aidan are twins,” he pointed out. “And I think Kieran said his chef was one, too. I've never met any others though.”
“They are very rare,” Titania agreed and glanced at his strauben. “Is it good?”
“Yes, thank you.” To prove his point, Azriel took another hefty bite.
His companion's lips curved. “You're welcome. Now tell me more about yourself.”
Azriel blinked. Outside of his uncles and mother, nobody but Kieran really wanted to know about him. Except Manah, of course. But she was a special case.
“Is there something in particular...?”
She tapped her chin. “Hmm. Well, what do you do outside of work? Other than read and spend time with Kieran?”
Unfortunately, he couldn't tell her of Manah. Or the time spent researching the old traditions and performing them as time suited. He couldn't tell her of a good portion of his interests. It was like he had a second life really. One he kept hidden for good reason.
“Sometimes I work in the garden,” he said and winced. Most men his age probably had better things to do. “Or I take a walk in the forest.”
“Garden?” Her tone was too bland.
“It belongs to my mother, but pulling weeds helps me think sometimes,” he admitted.
Titania giggled though. “Actually that makes sense. It sounds like you.” She peered at him. “Are you and your mother close?”
It was a loaded question. Queries about his mother inevitably lead to curiosity about his father, a topic Azriel had managed to avoid so far. Titania knew nothing of the social stigma surrounding Azriel; he wanted to keep it that way.
“You could say that,” he hedged. “My father wasn't around much, so we had each other and my uncles.”
Titania inclined her head. But she wasn’t nearly as happy now.
“I see.” She sounded wistful. “My mother died last year, and I often wish we had chances to be closer. Hindsight and all that.”
Something within Azriel clenched. He honestly didn't know what he would do if he lost his mother. She was his most important person. Only Kieran and Manah came close. One was his first human friend and one wasn’t human at all.
“I'm sorry to hear that.” And he really meant it.
“Thanks, but I'm all right. I miss her often though.” She smiled softly at the last of her strauben. “Well, that's an unhappy topic. I didn't mean to drag the conversation down.”
“You didn't,” Azriel assured her. “But we can change the subject if you'd prefer.”
“Okay then.” She paused to consider. “What’s your element?”
Ah. This was a comfortable topic.
“Air. You?”
“Fire.” She rolled her shoulder. “Not a bad combination then. Though they say opposites attract.”
“I seem to recall hearing that at some time or another.” Azriel carefully wrapped what remained of his pastry, tucking it into his pocket. “Do you ever find occasion to use your magic anymore?”
Titania shook her head. “Not in the records. Or ever for that matter. It sometimes makes me wonder why it's such a requirement for the Conservatory in the first place.”
It was a valid point. One Azriel had asked himself before. How refreshing to hear it from someone else, however.
“Because it is tradition I suppose,” Azriel replied. “Mankind will cling to the familiar in order to escape the terror of that which isn't known.”
Titania tilted her head to the side.
“Aubergine, wasn't it?”
“You know your philosophers.”
“Just the one.” She shrugged. “His treatise on human behavior has always intrigued me.”
Azriel smiled. “Hearkening, no doubt, back to your childhood wish to become an Advocate.”
“You've found me out.” She laughed as she tilted her head back, peering up at the dark sky. “Thanks for coming, Azriel. I enjoyed this.”
“As did I.”
Much to his surprise, his response wasn't born of sheer politeness. He actually did enjoy the evening. Titania had a sharp mind, and if her off hand comments were anything to judge, she wasn't a blind believer either.
“I wouldn't mind another night such as this.”
Her gaze lowered, focusing warmly on him. But there was a faint bit of redness to her cheeks that he didn’t quite understand.
“That's what I'd hoped you would say,” she admitted. “Since I've walked you home and all.”
Azriel blinked, looking around them, a tad surprised to find that he was standing at the gate to his house. He hadn't realized Titania was steering him there. He hadn’t even known that she knew where he lived. Though it was possible Kieran had told her.
“Why, so you have.”
Titania chuckled. “I wondered if you'd ever notice. You can be very tunnel-visioned, can't you?”
“Kieran has often accused me of such.”
Titania came closer, the scent of her soap and apple-cinnamon strauden floating around her. “Then allow me to spell it out for you.”
She leaned forward, fingers of one hand curling around his arm. Azriel correctly guessed her intent seconds before their mouths connected. Titania's lips brushed over his like a warm, soft flutter. She pressed against him, all gentle angles, before she pulled back enough to look him in the eye.
“Plainly put, I'm interested in seeing more of you.” She made a motion between them. “In a more official capacity.”
Azriel felt his face heat up. This was certainly a first for him.
“Oh.”
Laughter danced in her eyes. “Yes. Oh. Do you have an answer for me or do you need time to think about it?”
His insides fluttered. “I don't. Need time, I mean.” By the gods, he wasn't making any sense, was he? “I would enjoy spending more time with you.”
“Then you won't mind if I do this again.”
She kissed him, her lips soft and lingering, halfway to tease. Her fingers squeezed his arm as her other hand brushed against his hip. She pressed against him, and the gate rattled behind Azriel as he leaned against it
Titania's mouth parted, tongue flicking against his lips, but going no further. Instead, she pulled back. But not before darting forward, tongue lapping at the corner of Azriel's mouth.
“You missed a bit of powdered sugar there.” Her tongue wet her lips as though she sought to savor a good taste.
Azriel gathered his wits, tilting his mouth toward her. “Did I miss anything else?”
“Nope. Unfortunately, I got it all.” Titania squeezed his arm again before releasing his hip with evident reluctance. “Unless, of course, there's something inside you want to share with me.”
A nervous chuckle bubbled up behind Azriel's lips. “Not tonight, I'm afraid. My composure has yet to right itself.”
“I'll take that as a compliment,” Titania replied dryly. “Lunch tomorrow?”
“I wouldn't miss it.”
“Good.” Titania's mouth was sultry, her fingers lingering on his arm. “See you then.”
“Goodnight.”
Titania released him. “Pleasant dreams.” She turned back to the main thoroughfare.
He watched her go, insides a knot of restless anticipation. His lips still felt warm, the corner of his mouth damp where her tongue had touched him. He inhaled, and the lingering traces of her herbal soap invaded his senses. Azriel felt in a bit of a daze, truth be told.
He finally stirred, let himself through the gate and into his quiet house as though walking in a dream. He readied for bed with a lingering sense of bewilderment. In the mirror, he caught a goofy smile on his face and felt like a fool.
It had been a good night.
a/n: Three more chapters left in part one of The Break of Day. Feedback is always welcome and appreciated!
