[Infinity's End] The Break of Day 01-20
Jul. 6th, 2012 09:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
n_wilkinsona/n: Special thanks to azardarkstar for the betawork on this.
Title: The Break of Day
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
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.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20)
May 1st, 1981
It was a scandal that rippled through all of Grayshire, even trickling down into Moriarty. The gravity of Kieran's graduation had been underscored by the whispers. The truth that the heir of House Dryden had absconded with her common lover. That she had married him.
Kieran was a mite bit upset that Souya and Lyra had eloped. He'd been looking forward to attending their – far, far in the future – wedding. He supposed he couldn't blame them though. No one – save their friends – would approve of such a union.
And even all their friends hadn't been much of a support. Yonah, in particular, had been livid. As though she considered their marriage a personal betrayal. She refused to come to the wedding party, citing the hope that Lyra – now called Lilah for strictly political reasons – would soon come to her senses.
“You dabble with trash,” Yonah had said with a sneer. “You don't marry it.”
Needless to say, Kieran was pretty torqued at her right now. But he didn't want to think about that at the moment. It was time to celebrate!
Souya and Lyra had gotten married! And Kieran had finally graduated from the Conservatory. Souya should have also, but since he'd eloped during the ceremony, Kieran wasn't sure what was going to happen. Technically, he finished all his classes with high scores, landing somewhere in the top twenty.
Judging by Souya's blinding grin, however, he wasn't too concerned about that part.
So here they were, crammed into Azriel's tiny house – much to Azriel's tested patience. Kieran had escaped Marduk's disapproving clutches by a small sneak out the back door, and Harper had supplied the alcohol. Good ole Harper. Oh, and Miss Neorah had set out plates of goodies before rushing out to her night shift, claiming it was better to be gone for the sake of her sanity. Such a generous woman.
Save for Yonah's cruel words, all was right in Kieran's world. Especially since he was comfortably smooshed between Azriel and Harper. The best place to be in his opinion.
“Well,” Harper said loudly, smacking her lips. “What's next?”
Lyra – Lilah… whatever – blinked. “Next?”
Harper's grin was hawkish. “When shall I expect a niece or nephew to spoil?”
Kieran's eyes rounded. But he couldn’t help a snicker.
“Harper!” he chastised. “It's way too soon to be thinking about that.” He didn't think he could take a kid so soon!
She punched his shoulder in retaliation. “So? It's also too early for them to marry.”
Lyra and Souya exchanged a shy glance. The latter carried a hint of red in his cheeks.
“She has a point,” Souya said carefully, as though embarrassed. As if he could be such a thing.
“I think we should worry more about living arrangements and jobs first,” Lyra retorted, rolling her eyes. The soft smile on her lips belied her annoyed tone.
Kieran took a swig from his bottle and tried to hand it off to Azriel. Who declined by way of pushing it back his direction.
“Has your family indicated an opinion yet?” Azriel asked, sounding a touch concerned. And with good reason.
Lyra was a Dryden after all and their preferred heir. Rarely would any noble let their child run off with a commoner. Usually said commoner would conveniently disappear. The Dryden weren't exactly known for their mercy.
Lyra took Souya's hand, interlacing their fingers. The look on her face was one of love and determination.
“I'm no longer a Dryden,” she announced, “and not just because of my vows. I invoked Auriel's Law.”
Kieran's brows arched upward. Way upward. Even Azriel seemed impressed.
“Wow. I didn't think anyone even remembered that existed.”
Auriel’s Law was archaic, one of the first rights given and later forgotten. Kieran only knew of it because he was supposedly the next in line for his family and only because Marduk insisted he know all the laws backwards, forwards, and sideways. If only to break them better, though he father probably preferred not to think of it that way.
Regardless, it was still old school. Very old school. He was surprised Azriel even knew enough to be impressed. Kieran didn’t think it’d been used in centuries. At least, not that anyone admitted to.
By abandoning the Dryden name, Lyra had surrendered all rights to their property, wealth, and bloodline. No wonder she had also changed from Lyra to Lilah; she had given up that, too. For all intents and purposes, Lyra Dryden was dead and dust in the wind. She no longer existed.
Lyra had surrendered everything to be with Souya.
It was the romantic stuff the best children’s tales were made of. Or something like that.
“That takes balls.” Harper saluted them with a bottle. “I'm impressed.”
Lilah's – Kieran would have to remember to call her that – blush deepened. “We honestly didn't see any other choice.”
“Still. What will you do now?” Azriel questioned, ever practical. Though his aether resonated with concern as well.
The newlyweds exchanged another loving glance. It was mildly nauseating, but Azriel thankfully bumped his shoulder before Kieran could comment.
“We aren’t without our skills,” Lilah answered. “We’re also both educated which is unfortunately rare in Moriarty.”
“A teacher perhaps. That would certainly suit you.” Azriel tilted his head. “I know that construction crews are always in desperate need of earth-shapers.”
“See?” Harper threw an arm on the back of the couch, fingers tickling at Kieran's neck. “Sounds like they'll be just fine to me.”
He fidgeted. “Stop that.”
“Why? Are you ticklish?” Harper sounded downright devilish.
Kieran squirmed. “You know I am.” He tried to twist away, pressing closer to Azriel. “Help me!”
That earned him a snort.
“You don't seem to be in any real danger.”
“Traitor!” Kieran accused and dissolved into helpless laughter as Harper attacked him with both hands.
“This is supposed to be a party!” she declared with a mad glee. “No more serious talk.” Her fingers dug into his ribs.
Kieran held up his hands in a plead for mercy. “Okay, okay. I give.”
“Hmph. You break so easily,” Harper said, but at least, she stopped her ticklish assault. “Good thing you're not in the Brigade.”
“You're evil.” Pouting, Kieran searched for the bottle of wine he'd dropped, grateful he'd had enough sense to keep corking it.
“It's all part of my charm.” Harper winked and rocked to her feet. “Now we need some music. I'm in the mood for dancing.”
“And who's going to supply the music?” Kieran laughed.
She seemed to consider that for a moment. “You raise a good point. We still need something to liven up this party.”
“Isn't that why you brought all the alcohol?” Azriel asked, sounding amused. Nevertheless, he did rise to his feet, padding silently out of the room.
Kieran took another swig of his wine bottle. “He's up to something.”
“You would know,” Lilah replied with a very out of character giggle.
Clearly, the alcohol was getting to her head.
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“Isn't it obvious?” Souya commented, waving a hand through the air. “You know him the best out of any of us.”
Well, Souya wasn't exactly wrong. Azriel considered the rest of them companions, but he only really opened up to Kieran. It was a huge token of trust that he allowed them to have the celebration at his home.
And it hadn't taken Kieran much convincing either. All he'd had to do was ask.
Azriel returned, carrying a wooden stringed instrument. Was that a violin? Why did he have one?
Harper spotted him immediately. “You have a violin! My prayers for entertainment have been answered!”
“I didn't know you played,” Kieran said, unable to help his pout. He thought he knew everything about Azriel. Or at least all the things that weren't very personal.
Azriel slid the bow over the strings, producing a long, steady note. “I'm not that good,” he admitted. “I only really know one song.”
Harper swung an arm over his shoulders, leaning close. “Oh? Something you don't excel at? I don't believe it.”
“I'm far from perfect.” Azriel's fingers clenched around the violin, striking a discordant note.
Laughing, Harper planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek. “I'm just teasing, Azriel. Play us something?”
“If you insist.” Azriel stepped out from under her arm and tucked the violin against his shoulder. “But I only know the Minuet of Fire.”
Oh. Kieran loved that song. It was soft and simple with a rising crescendo toward the end that made him tingle. It also better resembled a love song, which was perfect considering the nature of their celebration.
“Fine by me,” Harper said as she made a beeline for Kieran. “Because I know how to play, too.” She held a hand out in invitation, waggling her fingers. “May I have this dance?”
“You didn't tell me you could play either,” Kieran grumbled, but he took her hand and let her pull him to his feet.
Harper grinned. “I like to pretend I can't. It doesn't fit my image.”
The first strains filled the small living space. Kieran found himself submitting to Harper's lead as she spun him around into the first turn. Nearby, Souya and Lilah rocked together, their eyes locked. Kieran could practically feel the love radiating off of them.
“Let me guess,” Kieran said playfully. “Your parents made you learn?”
“Mother was desperate to instill the finer manners into me.” Harper winked.
The music continued to play, a soft trill of rising and falling notes. Harper spun Kieran around, her natural grace a great asset. This, too, she’d been taught.
Kieran laughed softly. “Between you and Azriel, I don't know who is more full of surprises.”
“Definitely Azriel.” Harper spun him into a dip then pulled him up into her arms. “He's a bundle of mystery.”
“Mmm.” Kieran nuzzled against her affectionately, the buzz of her aether a tantalizing brush against his own. “Too bad Titania couldn't come.”
She hushed him then. “Shh. I'm trying to hear the rest of the song.”
Chuckling to himself, Kieran obliged, closing his mouth and his eyes. He gave his concentration to the music, while the alcohol in his veins gave him an almost floaty feeling in return.
Dancing with Harper was nice. He enjoyed it. Of course, kissing Harper was even better. As were other things. A part of him wistfully wondered if he could have convinced Azriel to dance with him, too.
The song reached a crescendo, which swelled through Kieran's entire being. Azriel was right in that he lacked the skills, but the small mistakes were bearable, hardly noticeable. And there was something appealing about the determined yet amateur manner in which he played.
The final notes echoed in the room, beautiful and haunting. Kieran's eyes opened, and he smiled as he caught sight of Lilah and Souya kissing. Aww. He bet twenty copper that they'd sneak off the first chance they could get. They were newlyweds, after all.
And the idea of a niece or nephew was appealing the more he thought about it.
“Oh, that looks like a good idea,” Harper murmured a second before her hand touched his chin, tilting their lips together.
Mmm. Yes. Kieran liked this quite a lot. Harper tasted like the ale she'd been drinking all night. Maybe they would have to sneak away, too.
Clapping encouraged them to end the kiss, where Harper and Kieran joined in. Azriel tipped his head in a light bow.
“Thank you.”
Harper released Kieran. “No, thank you,” she said, reaching for the violin. “My turn now.”
Kieran flopped down on the couch, reaching for the bottle of wine he'd abandoned earlier. It sloshed loudly, and he peered through the dark glass. Hmm. More than half empty. No wonder he was feeling so giddy.
He tipped the bottle up, swallowing a mouthful. This was a night for celebration after all.
Music with a cheerful note started up as Harper began to play. The couch jostled when someone sat next to him – Azriel by the feel of his aether. Kieran was gracious enough to offer a sip of his wine.
Not unexpectedly, Azriel politely declined.
“I do not hold my alcohol as well as you.”
Kieran snuggled up to his best friend. “Right now, I don't think I'm doing that great either.” He leaned his head on Azriel's shoulder. “Remind me why Titania couldn't come.”
“She felt it wasn't her place,” the brunet replied with an audible sigh. “She wouldn't let me convince her otherwise.”
“Hmph. Guess I'll have to have a talk with her then.”
He felt more than saw Azriel roll his eyes.
“You are the master of wooing the reluctant.”
Kieran grinned. “I'll take that as a compliment.” He tilted up his bottle, draining the last drop. “Mmm. Good stuff.”
“I don't envy your headache in the morning,” Azriel said dryly.
“Lucky, I brought an Azura Special then.” Kieran dug into his pocket, producing a small vial of pale powder. “One dose of this in a glass of water, and I'll be good as new.”
Azriel took the bottle for closer inspection. “Is it safe?”
“Hasn't killed me yet.”
“Hardly reassuring.” His friend handed it back. “Seems a little like cheating, however.”
“Nope. Just playing it smart.” Kieran tucked his homemade cure away and tipped his head toward Souya and Lilah. “How long before they skip out, you think?”
Azriel gave a chuckle. “I'm impressed they've made it this far.”
Kieran tried to get up, the cheery music calling to his feet, but his world spun around him. He dropped back down next to Azriel. Yep. Right here was fine by him.
“I'm rooting for them,” Azriel added, though his voice was softer, more contemplative. “This is no small challenge.”
Kieran's gaze landed on the happy couple. They looked so… In love. Mesmerized by each other. A bunch of other bubbly adjectives.
“I know.” Kieran shrugged. “But Souya's stubborn and Lilah even more so. They'll probably be happier than any of us.”
“You may be right.”
There was a strange note to Azriel's voice. Regret? Disappointment? Resignation?
Kieran couldn't guess. His thoughts were too muddled by the wine.
“Awww.” Kieran poked Azriel on the cheek and took his hand at the same time. “I don't care what Yonah says. If you were a woman, I'd marry you.”
Azriel turned to look at him. “Thank you, I suppose.” He shook his head and shrugged. “If you were a woman, I'd marry you, too.”
“You're silly,” Kieran retorted, squeezing his fingers. “We can't both be the woman. We only need one woman.”
“And that would be you,” his friend put in dryly, but he didn’t wiggle free.
Kieran giggled – clearly he'd had too much to drink. Or maybe not enough.
“Well, I’d look great in a dress.” He paused, recalling days of youth. “I do look great in a dress. And I’d cook for you.”
“Poison me more like,” Azriel grumbled, but his voice was far too entertained.
Kieran ignored him. “I’d clean. I’d mind the children.”
“Let them roam freely. Without supervision.”
“I’d even host parties and everything. Impress all the guests. Yeah.” Kieran nodded before abruptly leaning forward. “I’d be the perfect wife for you!”
His announcement was perfectly timed with the end of Harper's song. His statement ended up being loud enough to catch everyone's attention. Kieran would’ve been embarrassed if he weren't so tipsy.
No, come to think of it. Kieran wouldn’t have been embarrassed at all.
Harper just laughed.
“You would make a great wife,” she teased and set Azriel's violin aside, safely on top of a nearby bookshelf.
“Better than you anyway.”
Kieran stuck out his tongue and tried to lurch to his feet. Harper grabbed his arms before his legs gave out, and he stumbled, loose-limbed, against her.
“Mmm. Nice.”
“Is that so?” Harper arched her brow. “Something tells me you’re through for the night.”
Kieran blew a raspberry at her.
“I'm fine,” he tried to complain, but it came out all slurred.
She kissed him on the forehead even as she chortled.
“You're cute when you're drunk.”
“You going to take me home then?” Kieran asked brightly, trying to rub against her.
Souya barked a laugh. “I think Kieran has the right idea.” He took his wife's hand, kissing her palm. “Home?”
Her eyes all but sparkled.
“Home,” Lilah agreed.
“Sorry, sweets. You know you can't come home with me,” Harper said apologetically, only to whirl him around and thrust him on unsteady legs toward Azriel. “Hadley will take care of you.”
Azriel dropped an empty wine bottle in his haste to catch Kieran, who tumbled gracelessly against him. He tried not to sulk too much. He would have liked to go with Harper but staying with Azriel was just as good. Maybe even better.
“You planned it this way,” Azriel grumbled, but it was good-natured. He didn't seem to mind Kieran snuggling against him too much anyway.
Harper grinned. “You do make an excellent babysitter.” She turned to Souya and Lilah, performing a perfunctory salute. “Congrats and good luck you two. I'm expecting a niece or nephew soon.”
Souya nearly choked. Lilah rolled her eyes.
“Thanks, Harper. Come see us when we get settled.”
“Will do.” She turned and winked at Azriel. “You have a good night, and you--” Here she blew a kiss to Kieran. “We'll catch up later.”
“Promises, promises.” Kieran grumbled and swayed on his feet. Fatigue attacked him, eyelids feeling heavy.
Souya and Lilah also said their farewells, and Kieran might have mumbled something back at them. He was so tired though. And then, his world started moving.
“What?” He almost yelped, clutching at Azriel. Who of course, laughed at him.
“Time for bed you drunkard.”
“Mmm, not drunk.”
“Oh? You can barely walk.”
He might have a point. Still... well, Kieran couldn't come up with a retort. Which was all well and good because Azriel chose that moment to drop him down on the bed.
Kieran landed in a sprawl.
“Omph. Oye. I'm delicate here,” he whined.
“Hardly,” Azriel drawled. “Now go to sleep.” He straightened as if to leave.
Kieran's arm snaked upward to stop his retreat. “Don't go.”
“The bed doesn't fit two,” Azriel replied, but there was amusement in his voice and glinting in his eyes.
Kieran swallowed, and he suddenly didn’t feel quite as tired. He tugged Azriel down hard. The other man was just enough off balance that he tipped over. Azriel caught himself with a hand on the wall, but he was still where Kieran wanted him.
“It could,” Kieran attempted to cajole. “You don't want me to be lonely, do you?”
Azriel chuckled. “You are very drunk.”
“And you are very tempting.”
He reached up, curling an arm around the back of Azriel's neck. Before the brunet could even think to protest, he dragged Azriel down.
Their lips met in a wonderful, heated kiss.
Azriel made a startled noise but didn't immediately jerk away, deepening the kiss after a moment's hesitation. Their tongues touched with a frisson of heat down Kieran's spine. He wanted more. Wanted something. He wanted to not sleep alone for once. He nibbled on Azriel's lip, tasting the sweet after-hint of whatever Azriel had been sipping. His fingers massaged Azriel's neck. He reached out with his other hand, intending to bury it in brown hair. Except it was also the only thing bracing him, and Kieran flopped back onto the bed.
Azriel let out a startled sound, struggling to catch himself. The moment shattered. Heat stole into Kieran's cheeks.
“Oops.” His lips tingled. He ran his tongue over them experimentally.
Azriel cleared his throat, opened his mouth to speak, and then promptly closed again. He abruptly straightened, dragging a hand through his hair. He fell back a pace and gathered his composure.
“Good night, Kieran.”
The brunet turned to the door. Thoughts tumbling like a drunken dervish, Kieran snuggled into a pillow that smelled of his best friend.
“See you tomorrow,” Kieran called after him.
“Always.”
Azriel blew out the candle, leaving Kieran in darkness and solitude. Save for the feel of Azriel's aether in the bedding.
Kieran fell into sleep gladly.
*****
a/n: This officially ends part one of The Break of Day. Part two will pick up several years later. I'm not sure when I will start posting it as I'm a slacker who hasn't written the first chapter. My bad.
Reviews are welcome! They inspire me to put words to paper. :)
Title: The Break of Day
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
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.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20)
----------------------------------------
Part One: Chapter Twenty
----------------------------------------
Part One: Chapter Twenty
----------------------------------------
May 1st, 1981
It was a scandal that rippled through all of Grayshire, even trickling down into Moriarty. The gravity of Kieran's graduation had been underscored by the whispers. The truth that the heir of House Dryden had absconded with her common lover. That she had married him.
Kieran was a mite bit upset that Souya and Lyra had eloped. He'd been looking forward to attending their – far, far in the future – wedding. He supposed he couldn't blame them though. No one – save their friends – would approve of such a union.
And even all their friends hadn't been much of a support. Yonah, in particular, had been livid. As though she considered their marriage a personal betrayal. She refused to come to the wedding party, citing the hope that Lyra – now called Lilah for strictly political reasons – would soon come to her senses.
“You dabble with trash,” Yonah had said with a sneer. “You don't marry it.”
Needless to say, Kieran was pretty torqued at her right now. But he didn't want to think about that at the moment. It was time to celebrate!
Souya and Lyra had gotten married! And Kieran had finally graduated from the Conservatory. Souya should have also, but since he'd eloped during the ceremony, Kieran wasn't sure what was going to happen. Technically, he finished all his classes with high scores, landing somewhere in the top twenty.
Judging by Souya's blinding grin, however, he wasn't too concerned about that part.
So here they were, crammed into Azriel's tiny house – much to Azriel's tested patience. Kieran had escaped Marduk's disapproving clutches by a small sneak out the back door, and Harper had supplied the alcohol. Good ole Harper. Oh, and Miss Neorah had set out plates of goodies before rushing out to her night shift, claiming it was better to be gone for the sake of her sanity. Such a generous woman.
Save for Yonah's cruel words, all was right in Kieran's world. Especially since he was comfortably smooshed between Azriel and Harper. The best place to be in his opinion.
“Well,” Harper said loudly, smacking her lips. “What's next?”
Lyra – Lilah… whatever – blinked. “Next?”
Harper's grin was hawkish. “When shall I expect a niece or nephew to spoil?”
Kieran's eyes rounded. But he couldn’t help a snicker.
“Harper!” he chastised. “It's way too soon to be thinking about that.” He didn't think he could take a kid so soon!
She punched his shoulder in retaliation. “So? It's also too early for them to marry.”
Lyra and Souya exchanged a shy glance. The latter carried a hint of red in his cheeks.
“She has a point,” Souya said carefully, as though embarrassed. As if he could be such a thing.
“I think we should worry more about living arrangements and jobs first,” Lyra retorted, rolling her eyes. The soft smile on her lips belied her annoyed tone.
Kieran took a swig from his bottle and tried to hand it off to Azriel. Who declined by way of pushing it back his direction.
“Has your family indicated an opinion yet?” Azriel asked, sounding a touch concerned. And with good reason.
Lyra was a Dryden after all and their preferred heir. Rarely would any noble let their child run off with a commoner. Usually said commoner would conveniently disappear. The Dryden weren't exactly known for their mercy.
Lyra took Souya's hand, interlacing their fingers. The look on her face was one of love and determination.
“I'm no longer a Dryden,” she announced, “and not just because of my vows. I invoked Auriel's Law.”
Kieran's brows arched upward. Way upward. Even Azriel seemed impressed.
“Wow. I didn't think anyone even remembered that existed.”
Auriel’s Law was archaic, one of the first rights given and later forgotten. Kieran only knew of it because he was supposedly the next in line for his family and only because Marduk insisted he know all the laws backwards, forwards, and sideways. If only to break them better, though he father probably preferred not to think of it that way.
Regardless, it was still old school. Very old school. He was surprised Azriel even knew enough to be impressed. Kieran didn’t think it’d been used in centuries. At least, not that anyone admitted to.
By abandoning the Dryden name, Lyra had surrendered all rights to their property, wealth, and bloodline. No wonder she had also changed from Lyra to Lilah; she had given up that, too. For all intents and purposes, Lyra Dryden was dead and dust in the wind. She no longer existed.
Lyra had surrendered everything to be with Souya.
It was the romantic stuff the best children’s tales were made of. Or something like that.
“That takes balls.” Harper saluted them with a bottle. “I'm impressed.”
Lilah's – Kieran would have to remember to call her that – blush deepened. “We honestly didn't see any other choice.”
“Still. What will you do now?” Azriel questioned, ever practical. Though his aether resonated with concern as well.
The newlyweds exchanged another loving glance. It was mildly nauseating, but Azriel thankfully bumped his shoulder before Kieran could comment.
“We aren’t without our skills,” Lilah answered. “We’re also both educated which is unfortunately rare in Moriarty.”
“A teacher perhaps. That would certainly suit you.” Azriel tilted his head. “I know that construction crews are always in desperate need of earth-shapers.”
“See?” Harper threw an arm on the back of the couch, fingers tickling at Kieran's neck. “Sounds like they'll be just fine to me.”
He fidgeted. “Stop that.”
“Why? Are you ticklish?” Harper sounded downright devilish.
Kieran squirmed. “You know I am.” He tried to twist away, pressing closer to Azriel. “Help me!”
That earned him a snort.
“You don't seem to be in any real danger.”
“Traitor!” Kieran accused and dissolved into helpless laughter as Harper attacked him with both hands.
“This is supposed to be a party!” she declared with a mad glee. “No more serious talk.” Her fingers dug into his ribs.
Kieran held up his hands in a plead for mercy. “Okay, okay. I give.”
“Hmph. You break so easily,” Harper said, but at least, she stopped her ticklish assault. “Good thing you're not in the Brigade.”
“You're evil.” Pouting, Kieran searched for the bottle of wine he'd dropped, grateful he'd had enough sense to keep corking it.
“It's all part of my charm.” Harper winked and rocked to her feet. “Now we need some music. I'm in the mood for dancing.”
“And who's going to supply the music?” Kieran laughed.
She seemed to consider that for a moment. “You raise a good point. We still need something to liven up this party.”
“Isn't that why you brought all the alcohol?” Azriel asked, sounding amused. Nevertheless, he did rise to his feet, padding silently out of the room.
Kieran took another swig of his wine bottle. “He's up to something.”
“You would know,” Lilah replied with a very out of character giggle.
Clearly, the alcohol was getting to her head.
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“Isn't it obvious?” Souya commented, waving a hand through the air. “You know him the best out of any of us.”
Well, Souya wasn't exactly wrong. Azriel considered the rest of them companions, but he only really opened up to Kieran. It was a huge token of trust that he allowed them to have the celebration at his home.
And it hadn't taken Kieran much convincing either. All he'd had to do was ask.
Azriel returned, carrying a wooden stringed instrument. Was that a violin? Why did he have one?
Harper spotted him immediately. “You have a violin! My prayers for entertainment have been answered!”
“I didn't know you played,” Kieran said, unable to help his pout. He thought he knew everything about Azriel. Or at least all the things that weren't very personal.
Azriel slid the bow over the strings, producing a long, steady note. “I'm not that good,” he admitted. “I only really know one song.”
Harper swung an arm over his shoulders, leaning close. “Oh? Something you don't excel at? I don't believe it.”
“I'm far from perfect.” Azriel's fingers clenched around the violin, striking a discordant note.
Laughing, Harper planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek. “I'm just teasing, Azriel. Play us something?”
“If you insist.” Azriel stepped out from under her arm and tucked the violin against his shoulder. “But I only know the Minuet of Fire.”
Oh. Kieran loved that song. It was soft and simple with a rising crescendo toward the end that made him tingle. It also better resembled a love song, which was perfect considering the nature of their celebration.
“Fine by me,” Harper said as she made a beeline for Kieran. “Because I know how to play, too.” She held a hand out in invitation, waggling her fingers. “May I have this dance?”
“You didn't tell me you could play either,” Kieran grumbled, but he took her hand and let her pull him to his feet.
Harper grinned. “I like to pretend I can't. It doesn't fit my image.”
The first strains filled the small living space. Kieran found himself submitting to Harper's lead as she spun him around into the first turn. Nearby, Souya and Lilah rocked together, their eyes locked. Kieran could practically feel the love radiating off of them.
“Let me guess,” Kieran said playfully. “Your parents made you learn?”
“Mother was desperate to instill the finer manners into me.” Harper winked.
The music continued to play, a soft trill of rising and falling notes. Harper spun Kieran around, her natural grace a great asset. This, too, she’d been taught.
Kieran laughed softly. “Between you and Azriel, I don't know who is more full of surprises.”
“Definitely Azriel.” Harper spun him into a dip then pulled him up into her arms. “He's a bundle of mystery.”
“Mmm.” Kieran nuzzled against her affectionately, the buzz of her aether a tantalizing brush against his own. “Too bad Titania couldn't come.”
She hushed him then. “Shh. I'm trying to hear the rest of the song.”
Chuckling to himself, Kieran obliged, closing his mouth and his eyes. He gave his concentration to the music, while the alcohol in his veins gave him an almost floaty feeling in return.
Dancing with Harper was nice. He enjoyed it. Of course, kissing Harper was even better. As were other things. A part of him wistfully wondered if he could have convinced Azriel to dance with him, too.
The song reached a crescendo, which swelled through Kieran's entire being. Azriel was right in that he lacked the skills, but the small mistakes were bearable, hardly noticeable. And there was something appealing about the determined yet amateur manner in which he played.
The final notes echoed in the room, beautiful and haunting. Kieran's eyes opened, and he smiled as he caught sight of Lilah and Souya kissing. Aww. He bet twenty copper that they'd sneak off the first chance they could get. They were newlyweds, after all.
And the idea of a niece or nephew was appealing the more he thought about it.
“Oh, that looks like a good idea,” Harper murmured a second before her hand touched his chin, tilting their lips together.
Mmm. Yes. Kieran liked this quite a lot. Harper tasted like the ale she'd been drinking all night. Maybe they would have to sneak away, too.
Clapping encouraged them to end the kiss, where Harper and Kieran joined in. Azriel tipped his head in a light bow.
“Thank you.”
Harper released Kieran. “No, thank you,” she said, reaching for the violin. “My turn now.”
Kieran flopped down on the couch, reaching for the bottle of wine he'd abandoned earlier. It sloshed loudly, and he peered through the dark glass. Hmm. More than half empty. No wonder he was feeling so giddy.
He tipped the bottle up, swallowing a mouthful. This was a night for celebration after all.
Music with a cheerful note started up as Harper began to play. The couch jostled when someone sat next to him – Azriel by the feel of his aether. Kieran was gracious enough to offer a sip of his wine.
Not unexpectedly, Azriel politely declined.
“I do not hold my alcohol as well as you.”
Kieran snuggled up to his best friend. “Right now, I don't think I'm doing that great either.” He leaned his head on Azriel's shoulder. “Remind me why Titania couldn't come.”
“She felt it wasn't her place,” the brunet replied with an audible sigh. “She wouldn't let me convince her otherwise.”
“Hmph. Guess I'll have to have a talk with her then.”
He felt more than saw Azriel roll his eyes.
“You are the master of wooing the reluctant.”
Kieran grinned. “I'll take that as a compliment.” He tilted up his bottle, draining the last drop. “Mmm. Good stuff.”
“I don't envy your headache in the morning,” Azriel said dryly.
“Lucky, I brought an Azura Special then.” Kieran dug into his pocket, producing a small vial of pale powder. “One dose of this in a glass of water, and I'll be good as new.”
Azriel took the bottle for closer inspection. “Is it safe?”
“Hasn't killed me yet.”
“Hardly reassuring.” His friend handed it back. “Seems a little like cheating, however.”
“Nope. Just playing it smart.” Kieran tucked his homemade cure away and tipped his head toward Souya and Lilah. “How long before they skip out, you think?”
Azriel gave a chuckle. “I'm impressed they've made it this far.”
Kieran tried to get up, the cheery music calling to his feet, but his world spun around him. He dropped back down next to Azriel. Yep. Right here was fine by him.
“I'm rooting for them,” Azriel added, though his voice was softer, more contemplative. “This is no small challenge.”
Kieran's gaze landed on the happy couple. They looked so… In love. Mesmerized by each other. A bunch of other bubbly adjectives.
“I know.” Kieran shrugged. “But Souya's stubborn and Lilah even more so. They'll probably be happier than any of us.”
“You may be right.”
There was a strange note to Azriel's voice. Regret? Disappointment? Resignation?
Kieran couldn't guess. His thoughts were too muddled by the wine.
“Awww.” Kieran poked Azriel on the cheek and took his hand at the same time. “I don't care what Yonah says. If you were a woman, I'd marry you.”
Azriel turned to look at him. “Thank you, I suppose.” He shook his head and shrugged. “If you were a woman, I'd marry you, too.”
“You're silly,” Kieran retorted, squeezing his fingers. “We can't both be the woman. We only need one woman.”
“And that would be you,” his friend put in dryly, but he didn’t wiggle free.
Kieran giggled – clearly he'd had too much to drink. Or maybe not enough.
“Well, I’d look great in a dress.” He paused, recalling days of youth. “I do look great in a dress. And I’d cook for you.”
“Poison me more like,” Azriel grumbled, but his voice was far too entertained.
Kieran ignored him. “I’d clean. I’d mind the children.”
“Let them roam freely. Without supervision.”
“I’d even host parties and everything. Impress all the guests. Yeah.” Kieran nodded before abruptly leaning forward. “I’d be the perfect wife for you!”
His announcement was perfectly timed with the end of Harper's song. His statement ended up being loud enough to catch everyone's attention. Kieran would’ve been embarrassed if he weren't so tipsy.
No, come to think of it. Kieran wouldn’t have been embarrassed at all.
Harper just laughed.
“You would make a great wife,” she teased and set Azriel's violin aside, safely on top of a nearby bookshelf.
“Better than you anyway.”
Kieran stuck out his tongue and tried to lurch to his feet. Harper grabbed his arms before his legs gave out, and he stumbled, loose-limbed, against her.
“Mmm. Nice.”
“Is that so?” Harper arched her brow. “Something tells me you’re through for the night.”
Kieran blew a raspberry at her.
“I'm fine,” he tried to complain, but it came out all slurred.
She kissed him on the forehead even as she chortled.
“You're cute when you're drunk.”
“You going to take me home then?” Kieran asked brightly, trying to rub against her.
Souya barked a laugh. “I think Kieran has the right idea.” He took his wife's hand, kissing her palm. “Home?”
Her eyes all but sparkled.
“Home,” Lilah agreed.
“Sorry, sweets. You know you can't come home with me,” Harper said apologetically, only to whirl him around and thrust him on unsteady legs toward Azriel. “Hadley will take care of you.”
Azriel dropped an empty wine bottle in his haste to catch Kieran, who tumbled gracelessly against him. He tried not to sulk too much. He would have liked to go with Harper but staying with Azriel was just as good. Maybe even better.
“You planned it this way,” Azriel grumbled, but it was good-natured. He didn't seem to mind Kieran snuggling against him too much anyway.
Harper grinned. “You do make an excellent babysitter.” She turned to Souya and Lilah, performing a perfunctory salute. “Congrats and good luck you two. I'm expecting a niece or nephew soon.”
Souya nearly choked. Lilah rolled her eyes.
“Thanks, Harper. Come see us when we get settled.”
“Will do.” She turned and winked at Azriel. “You have a good night, and you--” Here she blew a kiss to Kieran. “We'll catch up later.”
“Promises, promises.” Kieran grumbled and swayed on his feet. Fatigue attacked him, eyelids feeling heavy.
Souya and Lilah also said their farewells, and Kieran might have mumbled something back at them. He was so tired though. And then, his world started moving.
“What?” He almost yelped, clutching at Azriel. Who of course, laughed at him.
“Time for bed you drunkard.”
“Mmm, not drunk.”
“Oh? You can barely walk.”
He might have a point. Still... well, Kieran couldn't come up with a retort. Which was all well and good because Azriel chose that moment to drop him down on the bed.
Kieran landed in a sprawl.
“Omph. Oye. I'm delicate here,” he whined.
“Hardly,” Azriel drawled. “Now go to sleep.” He straightened as if to leave.
Kieran's arm snaked upward to stop his retreat. “Don't go.”
“The bed doesn't fit two,” Azriel replied, but there was amusement in his voice and glinting in his eyes.
Kieran swallowed, and he suddenly didn’t feel quite as tired. He tugged Azriel down hard. The other man was just enough off balance that he tipped over. Azriel caught himself with a hand on the wall, but he was still where Kieran wanted him.
“It could,” Kieran attempted to cajole. “You don't want me to be lonely, do you?”
Azriel chuckled. “You are very drunk.”
“And you are very tempting.”
He reached up, curling an arm around the back of Azriel's neck. Before the brunet could even think to protest, he dragged Azriel down.
Their lips met in a wonderful, heated kiss.
Azriel made a startled noise but didn't immediately jerk away, deepening the kiss after a moment's hesitation. Their tongues touched with a frisson of heat down Kieran's spine. He wanted more. Wanted something. He wanted to not sleep alone for once. He nibbled on Azriel's lip, tasting the sweet after-hint of whatever Azriel had been sipping. His fingers massaged Azriel's neck. He reached out with his other hand, intending to bury it in brown hair. Except it was also the only thing bracing him, and Kieran flopped back onto the bed.
Azriel let out a startled sound, struggling to catch himself. The moment shattered. Heat stole into Kieran's cheeks.
“Oops.” His lips tingled. He ran his tongue over them experimentally.
Azriel cleared his throat, opened his mouth to speak, and then promptly closed again. He abruptly straightened, dragging a hand through his hair. He fell back a pace and gathered his composure.
“Good night, Kieran.”
The brunet turned to the door. Thoughts tumbling like a drunken dervish, Kieran snuggled into a pillow that smelled of his best friend.
“See you tomorrow,” Kieran called after him.
“Always.”
Azriel blew out the candle, leaving Kieran in darkness and solitude. Save for the feel of Azriel's aether in the bedding.
Kieran fell into sleep gladly.
a/n: This officially ends part one of The Break of Day. Part two will pick up several years later. I'm not sure when I will start posting it as I'm a slacker who hasn't written the first chapter. My bad.
Reviews are welcome! They inspire me to put words to paper. :)
