Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sersi wove through the crowds trying to figure out where in all the festivities the rest of the Eternals were.

The Olympic games were going on and an offer had been extended for the Eternals to watch and participate in a gesture of thanks for their recent help in dealing with some Deviants.

Well, not all could participate. Only the men could as per their customs. Thena and Sprite had seemed most annoyed by this so Ajak had tried her best to temper their irritation.

It was such a warm day too in Olympia.

Sersi ducked around a side alley trying to reach an entrance to the arena.

“Sersi!”

That was Sprite’s voice, but where was she?

Sersi turned about trying to find the red-haired woman.

“Over here. Here!”

She ended up almost tripping over her.

“Ah! Sorry.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Sprite dusted herself off quickly. “Where have you been? We were all wondering.”

“I got caught up watching some of the children having their own pretend games. I got to be the judge. I’m sure I am not as well trained as the Hellanodikai.”

Sprite waved in her hand in the air as if to hurry Sersi’s story along.

“Well, we were looking for you. You missed watching Ikaris.”

Sersi paused.

“Oh, no. I was hoping to see . . . I lost track of time with the children.”

She wondered if he was upset—though that would be hard for her to entirely believe. He usually did not take such things personally.

“Well, how did it go?”

He was going to throw the discus, if she remembered correctly.

“He won of course.” Sprite said shortly. “Gilgamesh still needs to wrestle and Druig is going to race.”

“Druig?”

Sersi had glanced to her left where she had spotted Makkari with Ajak off to one side.

Sprite wiggled her fingers.

“Well, Makkari in Druig form.”

“So, that’s Druig with Ajak.”

Sprite hushed her.

“Keep it to yourself. You know how they feel about cheating—well it’s not really cheating.”

Sersi pressed her lips together and nodded.

Makkari even offered to just race the horses themselves but their hosts were only so lenient with their rules.

“Is he out here? Ikaris.” She clarified.

“Somewhere.” Sprite shrugged uselessly. “I think Kingo and him were going to grab a drink.”

Sersi looked about the busy area trying to figure out the best place to look. Markets had sprung up to accompany the games so food and drink could be found in several places.

“He won a crown of course.” Sprite put in. “Those olive branch ones.”

“Oh?”

She had better hurry then as she could not see Ikaris putting up with wearing such a thing for long.

“Someone was very eager to congratulate him.”

“What?”

Sersi turned to face Sprite again.

The other woman was giving her a pointed smile.

Sersi frowned.

Once, several years back, one of the temples was badly damaged by a deviant. Ajak encouraged them all to help in the cleanup.

Ikaris had found one of the temple’s idols with its head cracked off lying in the dusty rubble.

He had brought it to her to fix and after she did, she gave it back and told him to return it to the goddesses who were at the temple.

He balked at first and she had to coax him into the task.

It wouldn’t kill him to talk with the people more and come out of that cold exterior he always seemed to wear around the humans.

She watched with a smile as he approached the temple’s damaged entrance cautiously.

One of the temple maidens had come out to greet him warmly as one of their saviors.

Sersi wasn’t quite sure what he said as he held out the statue, but he did so a touch awkwardly.

The maiden smiled and accepted it back.

Which had been the start of a problem.

Well not really a problem, just a thorn in her side.

The same maid with her innocent smile and flaxen hair had blossomed into a very pretty woman.

That in itself wasn’t a problem as many ladies were beautiful, but it was her habit of being out and about in town when she and Ikaris were that was annoying.

On one hand, it really shouldn’t be a concern as Ikaris was uninterested in human women—well in any human to be honest.

(They were working on it, which is how this mess came about in the first place.)

On the other, the maiden was lovely and . . . curvy in the way men seemed to appreciate in this time.

Sersi usually gave no thought to her own unchanging form but considering its rather . . . slenderness . . .

Glancing back at Sprite showed a smirk on the woman’s face.

Sprite had found it hilarious the predicament Sersi had made for herself.

To make it all worse, Ikaris would recognize the temple goddess and greet her when he noticed her in the crowds of people at the market.

He would glance at herself hoping to see her being proud of him for interacting with the local people and she felt that she couldn’t chastise him for trying to act like she had wished. The goddess—Pers . . .something—would always inquire how they were and what plans they had for the day.

The girl always looked unquestionably pretty and always seemed to find a way to engage Ikaris in conversation. During this, Sersi would spend a considerable amount of time trying to decide if the maiden had grown taller than her.

Not that such a thing would matter.

Sometimes she wished Ikaris had a less handsome face and did his smile always have to be so charming?

Why was he smiling at all at this woman?

“Well, I would find him if I were you.” Sprite sing-sang, before wandering off.

Sersi huffed and started walking again.

Mercifully, she spotted Kingo and Ikaris was not too far off.

Both men had a cup in their hand and, true to Sprite’s word, a crown of olive leaves sat upon Ikaris’s head—and Kingo’s as well.

“Ikaris! Kingo!”

She approached quickly a lightness filling her upon seeing her husband.

“Sersi!”

He greeted her with a wider smile than normal which cheered her heart to see him relaxed and having a good time.

“We were looking for you.” He greeted her.

“I’m sorry. I got caught up with some children.”

She reached up to touch the crown on his brow.

“Oh, yes . . . I received that.”

“It looks very nice.” She complimented.

“He did a great job!” Kingo told her excitedly. “The discus he threw flew far—well not very far—I mean not unnaturally far—Ajak said not to overdo it.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I’m sorry I didn’t see it.”

Ikaris shrugged.

“If you really desire it, I can throw something for you to view later.”

“Hey, let’s go watch Gilgamesh! I told Thena we would.” Kingo encouraged.

“Go on ahead.” Ikaris said after a moment.

“I’ll save you guys a seat!”

Ikaris held up a hand of farewell.

“Do you want a drink too?” Ikaris offered her.

“Yes please, it is warm here today.”

Ikaris nodded in agreement as he paid for another cup.

“Oh, I was told that we could attend a ceremony going on at the temple after the games today. Do you wish to go see?”

Sersi narrowed her eyes.

She wondered who could have possibly invited him.

Her eyes wandered for a moment over the crowds to see if she spotted a flaxen-haired head.

“I think I would like to return home.”

He looked surprised at this.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes . . . you are probably tired and should rest your arm.”

“It was only a few throws and not even at full strength.” He informed her. “Someone said something about dancing perhaps.”

No, she would not let that tempt her.

“Well, I am feeling quite warm and would like a bit of a rest as well.”

“Oh . . . well, if you would like to rest, we can do so.”

He always caved so easily to her which she appreciated.

“Yes, that sound nice.”

“I’ll tell Ajak.”

Sersi stayed put and waited for her husband to return.

He did so quickly.

“We can go now if you still would like to.”

“Yes, please.”

“Shall we walk?” He offered.

She nodded.

If nothing else, she could enjoy seeing the booths as they headed back to their place.

Upon arriving in this part of Greece, the Eternals could not come to an agreement about where to settle.

Kingo wanted to live near the theater, Gilgamesh near the markets, Ikaris up high, Phastos somewhere quiet, Sprite seemed to not want to be with any of them, and so on and so on . . .

Ajak declared that they could split up somewhat and at least cover more of the city if deviants attacked.

Sersi was happy with the small home they were occupying.

It was two stories, which made Ikaris happy as well as having a small courtyard which pleased her.

She made changes to the house as she desired including putting a window by the bath to let fresh air in.

Once they were inside Sersi hurried up the stairs.

“I’ll fill up the tub so you can soak your shoulder and arm.”

“If you like. I thought you said you wished to rest.”

“I will once I have taken care of you. I wouldn’t want you to be sore if a deviant appears.”

She knew that was the angle to play.

“All right then. I’ll be quick though.”

Sersi continued up the stairs and made her way to the stone tub.

First, she threw some sand in to change it into water and then focused on making it hot.

Ikaris wandered in and started shedding his clothes.

“A lot of work for an arm.” He commented.

“Well, it is a very nice arm.”

He gave her a tempting smile and touched a hand to the water.

“Too hot?”

“It will be fine.”

He clambered in being careful not to splash too much water out.

“I’ll be right back.”

Sersi made her way quickly to another room to find him fresh clothes.

Making her way back, she set the clothes off to the side and picked up Ikaris’s olive crown off the pile of his discarded clothes.

“I suppose they are kind of silly.”

“Certainly not.” She told her husband. “It is a symbol to be proud of.”

Deciding upon it, Sersi changed the leaves into solid silver to preserve it.

“There.” She placed it back on his head. “You can keep it forever—add it to the collection back on the Domo.”

“I suppose I could. There will be several after today from everyone.”

“Well, this one will be yours and it will help you remember today.”

“Today is a good day to remember.”

She smiled, happy that he thought as much.

It was good to see him enjoying activities with the people.

She walked around the head of the tub to place her hands on his shoulders and start to knead the muscle there.

He gave a groan of thanks as he closed his eyes.

“Will I get to do the same for you later?” He offered.

Sersi smiled.

“We will see.”

Ikaris opened his eyes and asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to see the display at the temple later? When I was talking to Per—”

 “—I am quite fine, thank you.” Sersi said quickly. “Ceremonies happen all the time at all the various temples.”

“As you wish then.”

He still seemed a bit mystified at her attitude but didn’t push it.            

She let her one of her hands wander up the base of his neck and up into his hair. It sometimes made her envious as she felt that his hair was softer than hers.

Maybe it was all that wind that blew through it.

“You’re being very affectionate, wife.”

Sersi paused.

Was she normally not? Had she been neglecting him? Was . . .

“I didn’t mean it in a bad way.” Ikaris said quickly. “Just . . . “

She quickly dried her hands and grabbed a towel for him as well as a robe.

“I was just noting it.” He continued abruptly as he stood up. “I wasn’t complaining.”

A note of humor tinged his voice but his face looked uncertain as if he wasn’t sure if he had said something wrong.

She was glad to hear this at least.

“Sersi?”

She turned back to face him realizing that she hadn’t said anything yet.

“Of course, sorry. I was just thinking.”

“Is something wrong? You seem tense.”

He finished tying his robe and gently reached out to hold her by the arms.

“Are you upset about something? You can tell me if you like. You always listen to me ramble.”

“No, it’s all right. Just something silly. Don’t worry.”

“Are you sad that you missed watching me? It wasn’t very important and not even that exciting anyway.”

“No, well . . . I mean, I was a bit upset at myself. I mean, I should have been there to congratulate you at the least.”

“You were in the end. I knew you would turn up.”

“I . . . hope you know that I didn’t intend to act like it wasn’t important to me.” She admitted.

Ikaris rarely participated in human games and to miss it—and worse to have some other woman there to congratulate him . . .

His brow furrowed.

“I just threw a stone, Sersi. Anyone can do that. Nothing worth fretting over.” He assured her. “I’m not surprised you were with some of the children. It probably was more interesting to you. Besides, you told me to do my best and even if you weren’t there, I did so for you.”

She smiled brightly at this.

“Yes, it seems that you did. You did well.”

He took off the now silver crown of leaves and placed it on her head.

“Then if I am the champion of . . .”

“Discus.” Sersi inserted.

“. . . Discus. Then you can be my champion.”

These words warmed her heart and made it feel lighter.

“And what feat must I do to prove it?”

“Simply be yourself and let me stay with you.”

“I feel like we already do that.”

“And so well.”

He pressed a kiss to her hand before clasping it over his chest.

She felt a fresh breeze of air enter the room and watched as it played with the leaves of a nearby potted palm.

“Then you will be my champion as well.” She replied using his words.

His clear blue eyes met her gentle green steadily.

“However, I may serve, my lady.”

He gave an exaggerated bow which made her laugh.

“Then we are a matching pair.”

And, she supposed, they were.

Nothing could change that—and no one either.

She was just being silly even after all these years of marriage.

“Maybe we can go see what is going on at the temple after all.” She offered up.

“You haven’t rested any.”

“We have a bit of time. Enough time for me to relax.”

“Rest then. I’ll make sure you don’t miss it.” He assured her.

“I know you won’t.”

Chapter Text

It was so lovely of a night, Sersi just had to find a way to wander outside.

To be honest, she wasn’t even sure why she had come to this party. She had been invited to be sure but she really didn’t know anyone.

It had been nice of Kingo to invite her and she had been surprised to receive an invitation. Judging by the size of this grand old English estate, Kingo had invited everyone he possibly knew to this party celebrating the end of filming on his current movie.

Her small consulting role had been enough to garner an invitation. She did not flatter herself thinking that Kingo had invited her personally. No doubt, her name was just on a list somewhere as being involved in the project.

It had been a nice gesture still.

A party had been a pleasant change of pace from her normal life routine of the past few months. She thought the highlight of her year would be being on a movie set but here she was now.

Her colleagues had seemed envious enough. They told her to take pictures to show them and to have a good time.

And she was.

Kind of.

The people were nice and there were plenty around to talk to, but small talk was one thing and standing alone was another.

She could have invited someone but she couldn’t choose between her friends—not that Thena was interested—and she couldn’t choose between her coworkers either. And, well, there was recent breakup…

So alone it was.

The house was beautiful and was designed so one grand room flowed into another.

Music filled the space, there was dancing, food, drink—it seemed like a movie set itself.

A large picture of Kingo hung about just in case someone would forget why they had been invited there.

She had to smile.

Should she find Kingo to say hello or would that be presumptuous?

What was the etiquette here?

No idea.

She turned a corner to find that someone had opened the large French doors and people were now milling on the deck overlooking the gardens.

If you had the money—this was the life.

Walking out showed a small group of men and a few women smoking and drinking generally enjoying the night air.

“Looking for someone?” One of them asked.

“No, just wandering. Thanks.”

Avoiding the smokey air, she went down the stairs to the lower gardens.

It was a magical feeling to wander under vines of flowers wrapped around awnings dotted with tiny lights.

She tried not to grin too much as she passed a couple and found a small alcove to sit and enjoy.

If she was alone, this wasn’t too bad of a place to be.

She set her small clutch down on the bench next to her.

It would be perfect for a wedding. How much did renting a place like this cost?

Maybe she could find the person who booked this party and ask them.

That assistant Kingo always had near him, Karun. He must be here somewhere.

She wouldn’t need to feel awkward approaching him.

Finding him would be the only issue.

It seemed like a plan at least even if the answer didn’t matter much.

Muscling up the energy to move, she stood up—and directly into someone.

The other person gave a slight yelp but reached out to steady her all the same as she wobbled back slightly.

“I am so sorry. I swear I am not hiding here trying to jump out at people.”

“Well, that is comforting to know.” The man responded. “Guess it serves me right traipsing around out here on my own.”

Sersi found this hard to believe. Even in the dim twinkle lights, she could see he was a handsome man.

“Didn’t come with anyone either?”

Was he an actor in the movie or someone who worked on set? Or…

“Would you believe I just threw the invite up on the fridge and forgot about it? I didn’t recall it until Kingo texted me to make sure I was still coming.”

A personal friend then?

A least close enough to text with the star himself.

“I tend to squirrel out of things.” The man admitted.

It was refreshing to hear such honesty

“Really?”

“Well…I agree when I am in a good mood and then regret it later when the time comes.”

“I suppose we can all relate to that at some point or another.”

There was a slight moment of silence between them.

Both seemed to be glancing at each other while trying not to look as if they were.

“I’m Ikaris.”

“Sersi.” She offered up in return.

He gave a dip of his head.

His hair was brown? Or slightly blond? And seemed to be slightly curly even slicked back which was an attractive look.

There were plenty of attractive people at this party, but he was just the complete package.

Wow.

Stop staring.

Sersi glanced away and reached down to tug at one of her heels.

“Purple.”

“What?” He questioned.

She felt her face grow hot.

“Sorry, I was saying you are not wearing purple. It was tonight’s theme.”

The invitation had specified that everyone should wear some shade of purple.

Sersi herself had gone out (honestly, probably spent too much) and bought a black dress with purple cutouts. It was a bit more of an abstract dress than she normally wore but she had felt good about it.

He gave her a look she couldn’t quite decipher but it came with a slight grin.

His hands reached down and lifted up his tailored trousers to reveal purple socks.

Sersi had to laugh.

“Does that count?” She had to ask.

“It’s purple and I am wearing it, so yes. It was the cheapest thing I could think of to buy outside of a bowtie or something.”

“Well played then.”

“I don’t know why he requested such a thing. Kingo is wearing an entire suit of purple I don’t know why the rest of us have to get dragged in—well I actually do. It’s Kingo.”

“Did you work on the movie?”

Ikaris made a face.

“Not at all. I just know Kingo from university before his career took off. And you?”

“Oh, I just was consulted at one point when they were doing filming in a historical area. Not that they needed my expertise much as the movie involves magic and they had a unicorn on set when I was there.”

“Knowing Kingo it was probably real.”

“That would be something wouldn’t it?”

It was a very pretty horse regardless.

“What do you do for a living then?” She had to ask.

Was that too invasive?

“Ah, just a pilot. Some commercial but mostly private.”

“That hardly seems like just anything. I’m glad planes fly but sometimes it just doesn’t seem possible that they can.”

“It can be a little strange if you think about it too much. I would be lying if I said I was used to it. Every time you take off…it’s a small miracle of science. Kingo wanted me to fly his plane but… it would have just been weird. Kingo can be a bit crazy.” Ikaris said matter of flatly.

“Where is a good place to fly?” Sers asked.

“Oh, Edinburgh I suppose. Or anyplace over the green landscapes and farms.”

“Are you from there?”

“Well, I…” He paused for a moment and seemed to fumble for the right words.

“Oh! Sorry, you don’t have to tell me. I didn’t mean to pry. Terribly rude of me.”

“No, I ah…” He blinked a few times. “Sorry. I’m not sure where my words went.”

“Too many drinks already?” She teased.

“A glass of whisky to be sure. Kingo doesn’t skimp on anything for these things.”

“He’s very generous.”

Ikaris gave a soft snort.

“Yeah, he is—always has been. A very loveable sometime outrageous human.”

“So you have been to parties like this before?”

It was an easy assumption to make.

“A few here and there. I honestly don’t even know the plot of this latest film, but it’s Kingo so it usually follows a formula.”

“He is starting to be so iconic that he is his own genre by now.”

Sersi felt the need to point this out.

Ikaris shook his head in a fond way.

“Are…are you headed anywhere in particular from here?”

She tried not to feel too flattered that he was asking.

It was as if she was a character in a music video and Ikaris was the handsome man who appeared beside her.

“I did have a thought about seeing if I could get into any of the other unused rooms in the house.”

“Exploring?”

“If you’re up for it.” Sersi tacked on.

“Sure. Beats anything else I would be doing. Lead on.”

He followed behind her as she exited the garden and climbed the stairs up to the porch.

Ikaris yawned at this point.

“What time is it anyway?”

He fished out his phone from his suit jacket pocket.

Sersi then realized that her hands were empty.

“Oh! My clutch, I left it down there.”

“I can go—”

“It’s all right.” She assured him. “I’ll meet you inside.”

He nodded and continued in.

By the time she made it back up the stairs and into the main room, it took a bit of time to spot him.

She did though. He was with Kingo who noticed her and waved her over.

“Sersi, there you are.”

The movie star himself was indeed dressed in a rich purple suit with accents of gold.

She was surprised he remembered her name.

“Hello, yes. Thank you for inviting me. This is lovely.”

“Yeah, yeah, I try not to disappoint. Everyone has worked hard for me so this is my gift to them.” The star explained. “Oh hey, this is my pal Ikaris. Ikaris this is Sersi. She works at a museum in London and advised us on a few scene locations.”

Ikaris opened his mouth but then closed it.

He must have made up his mind, because then he spoke.

“Hello, nice to meet you.”

“Yes, of course.” She agreed, smiling at the private joke.

She offered her hand for a shake but Ikaris took it to press a kiss to it instead.

“Hey, none of that.” Kingo broke in with a hand on each of their arms breaking their connection. “She’s got a boyfriend.”

Sersi watched Ikaris’s face fall for half a second.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“No! Ah, actually, I mean…I don’t anymore. Currently that is.” She clarified.

An awkward confession but there it was.

“What?” Kingo asked. “That’s too bad. Sorry. I never liked him anyway.”

This was an interesting statement as Sersi was certain that Kingo had never met her former boyfriend and she had only mentioned him in passing once in a vague way. How did he even remember?

“It happens.”

“Well, this is a good place to meet people. Let me see here.”

Kingo glanced around the room in thought.

“No, really, it’s fine.”

“No, no, no.” Kingo argued. “This could be good. Ehh…not him…no…major no…maybe…kind of…”

Why wouldn’t he stop talking?

Ikaris looked awkwardly about as if he wasn’t sure he should stay.

“You’re very kind Kingo but I’m fine right now. I’ve met Ikaris at least.”

She risked a glance at Ikaris who looked back at her as if he was understanding what she was trying to say.

Kingo’s face made it seem that this was not quite the accomplishment she thought it was.

Ikaris gave the other man a slight punch to his shoulder.

“Hey I need this arm.” Kingo said, swatting his hand away. “This is a very famous arm. I have a witness I could sue.”

“And I know who actually caused the—.”

“Ah!” Kingo hushed him with a waved hand. “You are not supposed to talk about that! You promised.”

Ikaris raised an eyebrow.

Kingo gave Sersi a quick glance.

“It involved hair dye and I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Very mysterious.” She had to comment.

“It’s can be very dangerous to have friends that know your past.” Kingo tacked on ominously.

“Now that is being too dramatic. You said it was at best an accident.”

Kingo rocked back on his heels at his friend’s words.

“Well then, I say you get a drink and hang out with Ikaris. Make sure he doesn’t leave too early. Force him to have some fun.”

“I suppose I can try.”

Ikaris’s steady blue eyes and hint of a smile convinced her that he could be persuaded.

“Do you want to dance?” He offered. “I’m not the best but I won’t step on your feet at least.”

“See?” Kingo slapped his back. “That is the spirit! Where is Karun? We need to liven things up around here.”

The movie star wandered off.

Sersi took Ikaris’s offered hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.

Maybe alone was the way to come after all.

Chapter Text

Ikaris woke up.

Why though?

He sat up and rubbed his neck to ease the ache caused by falling asleep awkwardly on his lumpy couch.

There was a knock at the door.

Assuming it was no one he really wanted to speak with, he wandered over and looked out the peephole.

He started.

It was Sersi.

Sersi was at his door for some reason and his flat was a mess.

“Just a moment!”  He called out.

His mother had told him once that he would regret not keeping his flat tidy if he ever had a girl over.

He had just given her a snort.

As if that would ever happen.

Well…

It took a bit of scrambling to make at least the front space look presentable.

Clothes he needed to fold were thrown into his bedroom, a rugby ball was tossed into a cabinet, and he tried to at least make a neat stack of all his textbooks.

Shoes were heaved into the closet.

He opened the door.

“Hey there.”

Wow, lame start.

He could salvage it though.

“Hello. Sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Were you in the shower?”

“What? No, no I don’t shower—I mean I wasn’t showering.”

Fantastic. Now she will think you don’t bathe.

“I was just…doing some stuff.”

Sersi kindly nodded as if this was something understandable.

Ikaris would not claim to be a great conversationalist but he had plenty of things he would like to say to her.

But the words would never come out. Or they would in the wrong way or order. It was best just to keep his mouth shut.

She was just too perfect he had tried to tell himself. He was messy and prickly.

Sersi was just…lovely. A living personification of the word.

Kind, gentle, warm with a strong heart.

All wrapped up in a slim figure with long black hair and clear green eyes.

“Ikaris?”

“Yes, what? Sorry.”

Focus you idiot.

“Do you want to come in?” He offered.

“Thanks.”

She moved past him and into the room.

He hoped she wasn’t looking too closely.

“This is pretty nice. By the way Gilgamesh talked about it, he made it sound more like a dungeon than a basement.”

Why was Gilgamesh slagging off about his place?

“Well, there were no flats available on the ground floor so…here I am. Can I get you something to drink?”

And what exactly do you have to offer her?

“Oh, ah…I guess just water.”

“Sure, just take a seat wherever.”

The choice was the lumpy couch or his computer chair.

The fridge proved to be on the empty side, but once he pushed aside the few cans of beer and energy drinks there was a bottle of water lying on the side.

Mercifully not frozen.

“Here you are.”

She had chosen the couch.

“Thanks.” Sersi paused for a moment. “You are probably wondering why I am here.”

His brain hadn’t made it that far.

“Makkari wasn’t back yet from hanging out with Druig and Thena moved farther with Gilgamesh than I was willing to go today.”

Oh, so he was her third choice.

At least you are on a list of choices.

“No, no, it’s fine.”

“It just seemed so quiet and I didn’t want to be alone.”

“Are you okay?”

She looked okay but Sersi always looked okay—more than okay actually.

Sersi favored earth tones and was wearing brown slacks with a green toned sweater.

Her face maybe looked a bit…red.

“It’s not so bad. I just…been having trouble with my boyfriend.”

Ikaris frowned.

Oh, that guy.

She pulled up her knees to her chest and gave a sniff.

A thought crossed his mind.

“Did he hurt you?” Ikaris charged.

If that idiot…

Sersi looked alarmed.

“What? No. No, of course not. He’s not like that.” She assured him. “We just had a little argument. Those seem to be happening more and more lately.”

“I can’t really see you as the arguing type.” He had to tell her.

“Well, I can be if I feel like I am being pushed around—metaphorically.”

She said this quickly before he could become angry again.

Ikaris spun the chair at his desk around and sat down.

“Well, you shouldn’t be.”

Simple as that.

Sersi gave a small huff of laughter.

“Yeah…”

Silence lingered as she took a sip of water.

“Do you guys have a match soon?”

“What?” Ikaris’s head tried to switch gears.

“Are you guys playing rugby soon?”

“Oh, yeah. Next week actually. Kro’s team so…” Ikaris made a face.

Kro was a nasty piece of work.

“Do you guys have to play them? They’re the team that plays so rough.” Her voice was laced with concern. “That play with Druig…”

“I know. I would have taken a swing at him if Makkari hadn’t beaten to me and you know how Druig and I am.”

Kro hadn’t even seen her coming from off the sidelines.

“I’m always surprised that you and Druig can even be on the same team.”

“We’re fine as long as we have a common enemy.”

“Is that all it takes?”

She was smiling now.

Ikaris shrugged.

“Less talking between us is always better.”

Druig had no problem telling Ikaris that he thought he was aloof, arrogant, dense…

She broke off their eye contact and looked off to the side.

“I suppose I know what to do but I just kind of hate it.”

Ikaris figured that they were back to talking about her problems.

“What is that then?”

Sersi uncurled her body and put her feet back on the floor.

“Have any tips on breaking up with people?” She asked.

Him?

Hardly.

“I think you have to have a relationship with someone in order to be able to break up with them.”

She looked surprised by this.

“Really? I thought you…well…Thena…never mind…” She waved her hands.

Why was everyone talking about him to Sersi? About his love life no less.

So what if he didn’t have a girlfriend? He could have one if he wanted to—probably. In truth, it wasn’t that he didn’t get flirted with or chatted up when he was out. It was flattering to a point.

The women were nice and talented, pretty and funny, smart and…not Sersi.

That bit would always hurt his heart.

It was pretty pathetic to pine after a woman who showed you no particular interest.

It felt wrong to him to go on dates with someone when he knew his heart wasn’t in it even if he tried to be interested.

Yet here they sat feet apart and his coward mouth wouldn’t speak about it.

Would be weird at this point.

“Breaking up always seems so messy, yeah?”

“It doesn’t have to be.” Ikaris countered. “I am sure you will be tactful about it.”

“I’ll feel horrible.”

She admitted this with a grim look.

“Well, it won’t last once you are on the other side. He should expect it if he is not treating you right.”

“I don’t think he considers such things.”

“Then don’t feel badly about it.”

Sersi nodded but still frowned.

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you want me to go with you when you tell him?” He offered. “I can be nearby, at least, if you are afraid he might react badly.”

“I hope it won’t go that badly.”

“Just in case then. Where is he?”

Sersi’s eyes grew wide.

“I don’t think I’m up for it right now. I…I want to think on it for a small bit.”

“However you like. Just let me know.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Her smile was a good sight.

“Better luck next time and all that.”

This seemed like good, bland advice.

“I suppose so.” She agreed. “Ajak has been dropping these little hits once in a while that there is someone she thinks I would be good with but she never says who. I have never really asked her. I usually suppose she is just teasing.”

Ajak too?

Ajak had been the one person he had confided in about his interest in Sersi for her only to smile and say that she already knew.

So why would she push Sersi towards some other person?

Maybe someone else had confided in her as well.

Ajak was a good person to talk to and to have listen.

It seemed everyone was against him then.

Great.

“I suppose I should get going. Let you do all that stuff you were doing.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He assured her.

Sersi stood up anyway.

“Thanks. Really Ikaris.”

He followed suit and stood up.

“Of course. Anytime.”

They made short small talk and Sersi gave a small wave of goodbye before she exited the hall and disappeared out of sight.

Ikaris sighed.

Thanks, friends. Loads of help the lot of you.

He shut the door.

Chapter Text

Where was this idiot?

Ikaris poked his head around the corner down the various halls trying to spot his friend.

He weaved around the other students who were either hanging about or rushing to get home.

So where was Druig?

Ikaris continued on out into the yard trying to see if he was out there.

The day was lovely and warm and much too nice to waste inside.

He just wanted to get home to change out of this blazer and tie.

A backpack on the ground caught his eyes.

It was Druig’s to be sure but why it was plopped by the base of a tree on the far side of the yard he had no idea.

Did he forget it somehow? Surely not.

Ikaris looked to his left and then to his right, looking for his friend.

“Up here!”

Ikaris took a step back and looked up into the limbs of the tree and spotted the shape of a human.

“Druig? Are you up there?”  Ikaris moved his head to try and get a better look between the branches.

Ikaris turned his head and looked over at the fence that separated their school yard from the one next door.

“Are you spying on the girl’s school?” He reasoned out.

“What? No.” Druig insisted. He moved his face so that he could make eye contact with Ikaris.

“It seems like you are.” He shot back.

“Don’t go running off to rat me out to your father.”

Ikaris snorted.

Just because his father was one of their instructors . . .

“Then you are spying.”

“No, just . . . observing.”

Ikaris snorted again.

“Hush both of you.”

“Gilgamesh?!”

That was surprising. What was he doing up there?

“Either come up or stop drawing attention Ikaris.” He instructed.

Ikaris shoved Druig’s backpack to the backside of the tree before stashing his bag as well and then carefully made his way up.

Gilgamesh reached out and grabbed him to steady his ascent.

Once he was securely balanced on a branch, Ikaris looked over at his friends.

Druig had his blazer off—who knows where that ended up—and Gilgamesh was in a light sweater with the sleeves rolled up.

Druig at least had a school book in his lap.

“Studying?”

“Trying to fit some in while waiting.”

“Waiting for what?” Ikaris had to ask.

He looked over across the way in the girl’s schoolyard.

“Or who?” He clarified.

Druig seemed as if he didn’t want to answer so Gilgamesh went ahead.

“There are a couple of girls we like.”

“So you are watching them creepily from a tree.”

“Observing!”

“It doesn’t help putting it that way Druig.”

Ikaris looked over again and watched as the girls slowly spilled out the front doors and head towards the main gates.

“They are friends with this other girl and play tennis a few blocks over at the courts.”

Obviously, he had observed more than once.

“Which ones are they?”

“The one Druig called dibs on isn’t out yet.”

“Don’t put it like that Gilgamesh. No one can call dibs on a girl. It’s not right.” Druig said primly.

Gilgamesh shrugged.

“Never mind, like any of them that you want Ikaris.”

“I was interested in her first though so . . . “

Druig trailed off and both he and Gilgamesh took glance over and then relax again.

Must not be her. Or them?

Druig flipped another page of his book.

“So how long has this been going on?”

Druig shrugged.

“I would just come up here to be alone—and then one day I saw her.”

“Do you know anything about her? Her name?”

“Makkari I think. It’s been a bit tough to read sign language from here but I think that is right.”

Sign language?

“With two ‘k’s’.” Druig clarified.

Ikaris adjusted his seat and pulled at his tie.

“So when can we go?”

“Just after I see her.”

“Do you want to come Gilgamesh? Druig and I are just going to hang at my place for some reason.”

“Wow, sounds fun.” Gilgamesh deadpanned. “I can for a couple hours but then I have to help my parents at the restaurant.”

Druig sighed.

“Ikaris, have you already done this work?”

“Which one?” He asked.

He tried to shift over as Druig leaned his textbook towards him.

Once Ikaris had a few fingers on it, Druig let it go—but too soon.

The book fell out of the tree, over the fence, and on to the ground on the girl’s side.

“Ikaris!”

“What? I didn’t know you were going to give it to me!” He argued.

“Well jump down and get it.”

“What?”

“You’re supposed to be the athletic one anyway.”

Ikaris huffed and stared down where the book lay.

It had landed in the grass at least and shut--not splayed open.

The distance to the ground wasn’t terribly bad. Ikaris mostly had to be worried about making it over the fence.

He clambered over to another branch and shook it trying to test its strength.

“Be careful.” Gilgamesh urged.

Ikaris inched down the branch.

The limb itself didn’t hang over the fence so he was going to have to wing it a bit.

Ikaris gripped the limb and had a bit of a swing as he maneuvered his body over the fence.

“Wow, I didn’t think he would do it.” Druig’s voice carried over a bit.

Ikaris walked a few steps and grabbed the book and gave it a quick dusting.

He turned to face the wall when a thought struck him.

“How am I supposed to get back up?”

Druig’s facial response wasn’t positive.

“Uh . . . just . . . jump?”

“Grabbing onto what?”

The fence on his side was smooth and he wasn’t sure if he could grab the top of the wooden fence that he had just come over or reach the tree limb.

“Here. Take the book at least.”

Ikaris heaved it up . . .

 . . . .and missed.

It fell right back onto the ground.

“Wow. Great job Ikaris.”

“Well hold on a moment.”

Ikaris bent down and picked it up once more.

Actually.” Gilgamesh pointed out. “You might want to hide.”

Ikaris didn’t pause to look around and dove into some bushes and shrubs nearby. He tried to pull his feet in. Ugh, it was dirty in here and he was going to hear about it from his mother.

Voices.

He tried to pull himself in more.

What was the punishment if he got caught over here? Oh, gosh if his father heard about this . . .

“I’ll see you later then!” A light voice called out.

Someone seemed to be getting closer. She was humming whoever she was. Why was she was even coming this way?

Maybe she would pass by.

Ikaris held his breath as if that would help.

“Um . . . excuse me?”

He hoped she wasn’t talking to him.

He felt something knock into his shoe.

“Excuse me?”

At least she wasn’t yelling or drawing attention to him.

“What are you doing over here?”

There was a hesitancy in her voice but not fear. Curiosity maybe.

 “Ah . . . I dropped my mate’s book over the fence—by accident.”  He explained quickly. “I just needed it back.”

“Oh. I suppose you don’t want me drawing attention to you then?”

“That would be excellent thanks.” He responded.

“There aren’t too many people out right now—especially out over here. You might be able to make it to the front gate.”

“I’ll wait. I’m fine.” He could wait as long as he could adjust to get the twig out of his back. “Thanks for stopping by.”

Whoever it was, she laughed.

“Well, I am sad to say, sir, that I didn’t just stop by for you. There is a caterpillar in a cocoon in this bush and I have been monitoring it.”

Ikaris shot out of the bush quickly brushing himself off.

“I said a caterpillar not a spider.” The girl chastised with another laugh at him.

“Well I don’t want him on me and he certainly doesn’t want me knocking into him.”

Ikaris brushed through his hair before turning his attention to the girl.

She was . . . beautiful.

“I’m Ikaris.”

The girl blinked before responding to his blunt statement.

“I’m Sersi.”

Ikaris nodded.

“I’ll help you out if you would like.” She—Sersi offered.

 Ikaris grabbed Druig’s textbook again.

“If you don’t mind. You won’t get in trouble will you?”

He didn’t want to get her in trouble.

“I’m the one who is supposed to be here.” The sparkle in her green eyes almost caused him not to hear what she was saying.

She had a point.

“But we should move along quickly.”

He had no reason not to agree. “All right then.”

The gate wasn’t too far away as Ikaris and Sersi headed for it as calmly as possible.

“How did the book get over here? You said you dropped it?”

He didn’t think he should tell her about the tree. It would probably be creepy even if Druig didn’t intend it to be.

“Oh, ah . . . I was . . . See . . . I was . . . “

“Sersi!”

Sersi suddenly grabbed his arm as if they were caught now.

Seeing the adult strolling towards them made Ikaris think that this was a possibility as the older woman drew closer.

The woman didn’t look particularly mean or cross but that could be hard to tell with adults in charge.

“Miss Ajak!”

Ikaris was impressed at how calm Sersi seemed as they both stopped within a few feet of the woman.

“You left your notebook on your desk again.” The teacher spoke, handing out the slightly crinkled book. “Who is this?”

Ikaris stood up straighter and was going to answer, but he and Sersi ended up talking over each other slightly.

“Oh, this is Ikaris he . . .”

“ . . . I was going to walk her to the tennis courts.”

Sersi turned to him with a surprised look on her face and he realized that he probably shouldn’t know that part.

“Was he?” The woman, Miss Ajak, seemed to question.

Both of them nodded.

Miss Ajak smiled them warmly and crossed her arms.

“You must be a special young man Ikaris.” She began. “Because I feel like it was only a few weeks ago that Sersi was telling me how that it was silly for young ladies to waste their time on boys at this age.”

Sersi blushed at this.

“Oh, I . . . well not all boys . . . it isn’t a waste all the time . . .  just . . . “

The teacher mercifully cut her off.

“You attend the boy’s school next door?”

Ikaris nodded.

His navy blue blazer with the school crest should make that obvious enough—smudged as it was.

Miss Ajak seemed to hum in thought. “If you see your headmaster Arishem you may tell him I said ‘hello’ but nothing further.”

This seemed a bit strange but Ikaris wasn’t going to ask questions.

“Yes ma’am.”

His firm response seemed to make her smile more.

“Well, maybe you young men are being taught properly over there after all.”

Ikaris wasn’t sure what to do with that comment either.

“Go along then.”

Sersi grabbed Ikaris’s hand and got both of them moving.

They were about to the gate when Sersi paused.

“Oh, I do actually need to grab my tennis gear.”

“I’ll wait. We are about to the gate anyway and I don’t think we will get in too much trouble now that school is truly out.”

“You don’t h—I mean, you don’t need to feel like you have to walk me there.”

She was looking at her black shoes but then met his eyes shyly.

“Well I told your teacher that so I shouldn’t be a liar at least.”

He wouldn’t mind spending some time with her anyway if she didn’t have any objections.

Her green eyes seemed to glow for a moment, before nodding.

“Well, wait by the gate then and I will meet you—oh, my friends, we go together.”

“I think we can all go together. My mates are waiting for me too and won’t mind a walk.”

“Okay. I’ll round them up.”

Sersi dashed off with her gray skirt swishing with her quick movements.

He didn’t walk out yet but stood off to the side of the gate as other girls went passed him.

Most gave him a glance or a stare but they didn’t say anything—probably wanting to avoid the strange boy loitering but not causing trouble.

He saw Sersi pause on her way back to him to talk to another girl who had approached and observed both of them.

Ikaris knew he should eavesdrop but their voices did carry…

“Who is that?” The girl questioned with a nod of her head.

“Oh, ah . . . just . . .” Sersi seemed to flounder for a moment before finding something to say. She gave a quick glance back at him and then spoke again. “He’s . . . my boyfriend.”

The taller girl made a snort of a noise.

“Please. You’re a smart girl Sersi but you are kind of a mouse. No way you could get a boy like that.”

Ikaris watched as Sersi’s shoulders sunk a bit at the others girl’s words.

He wondered if she was often picked on or teased even by other students.

She seemed too kind to have to endure such a thing. Ikaris’s fingers itched to do something for her. Even if her statement wasn’t true, it didn’t need to be dismissed like that.

Sersi however, stood her ground and her chin rose.

“Well I can.” She stated firmly.

Ikaris felt proud of her—which was maybe a bit odd since they had technically only just met. Maybe there was a chance for meeting in future? He would like that.

Focusing back on Sersi and the girl, Ikaris watched as Sersi almost marched back to where he stood.

He felt a bit frozen and wasn’t sure what she wanted him to do. Should he do something—say something? His acting skills were lacking and he was a terrible liar—at least his mum always said so.

Sersi seemed a bit frozen as well but finally quietly spoke, “I am going to kiss you…if that is okay?”

“Oh . . . ah . . . okay?”

She gave a small nod and leaned up towards him.

Running on the instinct of the moment, Ikaris leaned down slightly to meet her part way.

They both seemed a bit shocked when their lips brushed. Both their eyes opened and seemed to try and figure out how they felt about it.

Sersi gave him a smile and leaned up again to try again.

This time, they were both a little smoother.

Ikaris had kissed a girl once, but only on a dare.

This was . . . was different.

He felt her hands release from his arms and realized he had no idea when she had put her hands on his shoulders.

Wow.

A couple of girls snickered as they walked passed causing them to break apart for good.

Ikaris wasn’t sure what to say or do again. Was his face red? He hoped not.

Sersi had red dusting her cheeks but it only served to make her prettier. She gave a quick glance over her shoulder before speaking again. “So . . . do you want to get going?”

“Yeah . . . yeah. Sure.”

Where were they going again? Tennis . . . something about tennis. That’s right, she had her bag now.

“Lead the way.” He offered.

She nodded and walked out the gate with him close behind.

“Pssst. Ikaris . . .”

Ikaris halted as he spotted Druig’s head sticking out from a nearby bush.

“What the heck are you doing? You were supposed to get my book not start snogging girls over there!” He hissed.

“I have it!” Ikaris hissed back, tossing the book towards him, “And it is your fault that I was even over there.”

“Are you guys okay?”

Ikaris turned back to Sersi who came closer to see what was going on.

Druig stood up from the bush and somehow, Gilgamesh followed him out as well.

For some reason, neither of his friends seemed interested in him anymore.

“Hello.” Gilgamesh greeted Sersi.

“Hello.” She replied back. “You two must be Ikaris’s friends.”

Druig nodded.

“Are you going to the tennis courts with your friends?”

She seemed surprised and looked between all the boys.

“Well, some of them yes.”

“The cute one?” Druig said quickly.

Gilgamesh nodded as well.

An amused smile crossed her face.

“Oh . . . which ‘cute’ one is that?”

“The tall willowy graceful one with golden hair.” Gilgamesh said.

“The one that speaks sign language. Makkari. With the braided hair and quick feet.” Druig butt in. “And a great smile and bright eyes that seem to always be laughing. She runs for the track team and the very air around her seems to m. . .”  Druig trailed off as he took in the expressions of his mates.

Sersi let out a small giggle.

“Well I am sure they will be happy to hear that they have admirers with such lovely words about them.”

Her words seemed tinged with sadness or maybe envy at the end.

“You are very beautiful too.” Ikaris put in quickly.

Sersi’s face colored again.

“I’ll go see if they are ready to go then.”

She raced back through the gates.

An elbow connected with Ikaris’s side.

“Oww, what the he. . . “

“You sounded like a total idiot.”

“I’m not the one who went on and on about some girl I am stalking.”

Druig crossed his arms.

Gilgamesh took the break in the spat to hand Ikaris back his book bag.

“It seems to be working out all right. We will get to meet them at least.”

“Right.” Druig started running his hands through his hair and dusting off his clothes.

Gilgamesh grabbed a stray leaf off of his own shoulder.

“Does my hair look okay?”

“Same as always.” Ikaris assessed. “I generally assume you don’t do anything with it anyway.”

“He’s been trying lately.” Gilgamesh offered up before getting a glare from the man in question.

“Putting in effort huh?”

“Not all of us meet a girl and kiss her within twenty minutes.”

Ikaris shrugged.

“Hey, she kissed me.”

That didn’t seem to appease the shorter man.

“You have all the luck . . .”

“Well if you . . .”

Gilgamesh cleared his throat.

“Peace, mates . . . unless you want to make a bad impression on the ladies.”

Both of them dropped the conversation instantly as Sersi and her friends came into view.

Besides Sersi, a tall blonde girl and a dark skinned girl with a mischievous smile on her face.

“Hello.”  The blonde woman said solemnly as she surveyed each of them.

“Hello.” Gilgamesh responded seemingly for the group.

“Sersi said you were wishing to see us?”

It sounded like they were being accused of something.

The shorter girl elbowed the tall blonde.

Druig stepped forward and made some hesitant gestures with his hands.

“It is with two ‘k’s’.” Druig announced aloud. “Makkari”

“We are all happy for you.” Ikaris muttered while looking about.

“We were hoping to walk with you to the tennis courts.” Gilgamesh continued. “If you have no objection of course.”

Both shorter girls seemed to look at the taller girl for her approval.

“Do any of you play?”

It was the boy’s turn to look at each other.

Ikaris thought his father owned a racket but he had no idea where it was.

“I’ve played a little.” Gilgamesh confessed. “But I am not a good player.”

“I suppose I know the principles of the game.” Druig offered up.

Only Ikaris was left to say his piece but Sersi spared him.

“We have enough rackets and a few spares. We can teach them. It would be nice to play doubles, Thena.”

The blonde, Thena, pondered this.

“Yes, it would be nice to test our strength against others.”

Thena seemed to eye them more as experiments for a test than fellow players.

“We would be delighted.”

Leave it to Gilgamesh to at least sound composed, Ikaris had to think.

“Can I offer to carry your equipment?”

This seemed a bit much, but Thena raised an eyebrow and allowed it.

Maybe Gilgamesh would prove to be the smoothest of them all.

He felt Sersi grab his hand.

A glance showed Makkari, with two ‘k’s’ and Druig managing to talk just fine.

“Was he practicing to speak with her? That is so sweet.” Sersi gushed.

“Oh, ah . . . yeah I guess. He had noticed her before.”

Ikaris was trying to stay clear of the whole observing thing.

“Let’s all be friends then.”  Sersi declared.

“Ah, yes. Yes I think that would be good.” He rushed to say.

She smiled as she still held his hand.

“Let’s start walking.” Thena announced. “No need to stand around looking lost.”

Ikaris wasn’t sure who was looking lost but went along as Sersi tugged his hand.

The sun was still shinning, he managed to not get in trouble and everyone seemed happy.

This was the start of something good.

Chapter Text

“…and we are back with Dr. Soh. Continuing our discussion on your latest project for the city, how can interested parties get involved?”

Sersi paused to take a sip of her tea as her guest spoke.

“I encourage locals who are ready to accept this challenge to go to my website and sign up to participate. As I said before, anyone can become a backyard scientist in their own ecoculture and I am excited to once again to have the public’s assistance as we explore the world around us.”

Sersi maneuvered around her keyboard and mic to shuffle some papers on her desk.

“I’m sure people will be excited to join you in this project. Dr. Soh’s website will be linked to in the description of this episode and can be found by—”

She took out an ear bud and tilted her head to listen.

“Dr. Soh, I need to break for a moment. Can you hold on?”

“Of course, Sersi. We are almost done anyway.” The woman’s kind voice assured her. “Sorry if I’ve talked to much.”

“No, no! Not at all. It’s been very interesting. I can just hear my baby crying so I’ll have to check in on her really quickly.”

“I’ll wait.” The voice on the other end confirmed.

Sersi hit pause on the recording and took off her earbuds.

Walking down the hall and entering the second room showed a fussy baby awake in her crib.

“Darling, why are you awake?” She wondered. “I fed you and changed you—you seemed sleepy.”

Her hands carefully picked up the child and tried to talked soothingly.

“Can you rest for a bit more? Please?”

She was close to being done with this interview.

Small blue eyes didn’t seem to promise anything.

“Well, you can be quiet for a bit, right?”

Sersi carried the baby out of the small room and back towards her home studio.

Her feet stopped.

Someone was unlocking the front door.

Ikaris.

Perfect timing.

Turning around, she headed down the stairs towards the landing.

The door opened and Ikaris entered.

“Hey, there are my two favorite ladies.”

He gave them a tired smile.

“Can you take her for a bit? I am finishing up an interview.”

The poor man didn’t have a choice as he quickly took his daughter from her.

Sersi was halfway up the stairs when she turned around to say—

“Welcome back! Love you.”

“Sure thing.”

His voice echoed up the stairs.

Sersi was quick to put in her earbuds as she sat down.

“Dr Soh? I’m back. Are you ready to wrap up?”

“I’m still here.”

“Anything else you want to cover?”

“I am giving a lecture at the library at the end of the month—if this episode will be out by then.”

“Yes, it will be out by next week.” She promised.

“Excellent.”

“All right….3….2…1…”

Sersi hit record again.

-

-

-

Sersi headed back down the stairs and heard the pealing squeal of a happy baby.

Ikaris had tossed his travel bag and his uniform’s jacket at the bottom of the stairs in a heap.

Turning to the front room, she spied her husband sitting on the floor lifting the baby up and down while making funny noises.

“Daddy’s gonna’ eat your nose.” He sing-sang before touching his lips to his daughter’s nose.

The little girl squealed again.

“She only laughs like that when she is with you.” She complained gently.

Ikaris gave her a smile.

“No….”

“Yes, she’ll giggle with me but her whole little body laughs when she is with you.”

“Maybe because you don’t eat her nose.”

Sersi just shook her head.

“The things we say while talking to babies.”

Ikaris laid the baby on her back as Sersi came to sit down next to him.

She greeted him properly with a kiss.

“Sorry about earlier. Welcome back.”

“Thank you. It’s good to be back finally.”

Her hand made a pass through his hair.

“I need to get to it cut.” Ikaris mentioned as she did so.

“I like it when it starts to curl.” She pouted.

Ikaris made a face.

“Well, I don’t like that it has to be long to do so.”

“A loss…”

A corner of his mouth quirked.

“Have things here been all right?”

She nodded.

“Pretty much just the same. We’ve been waiting for you. That dust storm caused a lot of trouble, huh?”

“It was crazy to see. Not unexpected, but it's the first time I have been grounded due to it. Dubai was covered.”

“I watched some of Kingo’s videos he sent. You were strangely absent from them.”

Kingo at least was his favorite co-pilot of the bunch.

“When Kingo gets into his ‘videographer’ mode I tent to stay clear. I headed to the gym.”

“Did you have workout clothes?”

“Eh, I just used a t-shirt and some joggers. I didn’t do anything too labor intensive.”

“The hotel looked nice.”

“I suppose. They just shoved us wherever to wait it out.” He added with a shrug. “I woke up a few times in the night because I felt like I heard this little one crying.”

He tickled the little girl’s belly.

“She looks slightly bigger.”

“Oh Ikaris, you were only gone a few days.”

He looked sheepish.

“I know, I feel like I’m going to come home one day and find a grown daughter who wants to drive the car.”

“It will be a long time for that.”

Sersi picked up her baby and held her tight.

At least, she hoped so.

“Podcast all done?”

“Yep, I will send it to my editor and it will be up by next week.”

Sersi placed her little girl back on the floor once again and touched her small foot.

He gave a smile.

“What?” She asked curiously.

“First you had an editor and then a manager—my wife is becoming a big deal.”

“Not really, but I guess…” She paused a moment before letting him know her news.

He sat patiently with a waiting smile on his face.

“…I guess my book is going to be published?”

“Sersi, that is great!”

He pulled her close to press a kiss to her head.

“Congratulations. I’m so proud of you.”

Sersi pushed her black hair back behind her ears and gave a smile.

“Yeah, well, it will still be a little while until it comes out. A few things need to be tweaked and settled upon.”

“That is really great Sersi. Really.”

“It’s just crazy. The podcast was just a side project for me to explore topics I found interesting and when it became popular and took off…so I started writing and…and I start teaching in the fall…I just…. wow.”

“You will be a busy lady.” Ikaris commented.

“I hope I don’t get too overwhelmed with all of this.

“It will be a learning experience to be sure—for both of us. Hear that princess?” The little girl’s head moved at the sound of her father’s voice. “Your mummy is going to be a famous woman.”

“Maybe then your father won’t have to work so hard.”

“Sersi…”

Ikaris glanced at her softly.

He had told her often that she could take her time figuring out where she wanted to go in her career. There would be no pressure on her from him.

“I know you don’t like doing international flights.”

“Eh, it’s not that bad. They are just…long. Takes me further away from home.”

“You’d think a man that loves to fly would be more interested in seeing the world.”

“When I was starting out I was always out and about when I was able. After a while, it just becomes another place. They are all interesting and amazing I’m sure but…”

Their baby gave a squeal—this one not so happy.

“…I like it here much better.”

Sersi scooped up the little girl again and hushed her soothingly.

“My manager said that when the book comes out I should do some local interviews and maybe do a few appearances at local bookshops—nothing too far away.”

“Well then, we will both be there for you.” He promised.

“Do you think I am taking too much on? You feel as if you miss so much being gone a few days; I fear what it will feel like if I am working as well as constantly busy with this book—and my podcast.”

“You know Ajak said she would help us out if she can.”

Their next-door neighbor was nice like that.

“Plus, my mum loves to help if we need her to.”

“I’m not so worried about that part.” Sersi admitted. “Just that…what if she thinks I am neglecting her?”

Sersi nodded to the baby in her arms.

“You are not. You will come home—you can work from home some days.”

“She will only be this small for so long.”

“We will make it work—for the both of you. She will see you plenty. Some parents travel a lot for their work and see their children for short bits—military families have it even harder.. Life has to go on even for mothers and fathers.”

“I suppose I should be grateful for my situation.”

She did have a good one—being able to pursue what she wanted with a husband who supports her and works hard to provide for their small family.

Ikaris yawed.

“Well, take a shower.” Sersi instructed her husband. “And I will get this little one fed and hopefully tucked into bed.”

Ikaris agreed.

Doing a few more things in their nighttime routine, Sersi closed the door quietly and headed for the bedroom.

“I like this bed.” Ikaris announced when she came in.

“Why? It isn’t even a good brand.”

Ikaris shifted under the covers.

“It’s not that. I just like how it feels—even all these pillows you have on it.” He teased.

Sersi smiled as she plopped down next to him.

“The little bairn all tucked in?”

“For how long? We will see.”

Sersi pulled back her the covers on her side and let out a sigh.

“I feel like it has been quite a week and it’s not even over yet.”

“You’re living an action-packed life now it seems.”

“I thought that was your territory.”

“Trust me, you don’t want ‘action-packed’ on a plane—just smooth and clear.”

“I’m glad you are back.” She murmured.

“Stuck with me again it seems.”

“Stop.”

She adjusted some pillows and tucked herself in against him giving his bicep a squeeze.

Ikaris teased her once that that was how she checked to make sure it was him when he arrived back late at night and crawled into their bed.

She had to admit that she was very familiar with his arms.

Ikaris moved his head just enough to press a kiss against her hair.

“G’night luv. Sleep well.”

“Until she wakes us up.” Sersi had to mention .

Ikaris sighed but with an understanding smile.

“Or until then.”

He turned off the light.

Chapter Text

“You should check in on her.”

Thena’s first words of the day directed towards her caused Ajak to frown.

True, there had been an air of sadness over all of them of late, but Sersi was taking it the hardest.

Ajak gave a deep sigh and agreed.

“I will go see her.”

With that assurance, Thena gave a nod and continued out of the village towards the morning sun.

It felt warm and the rays usually felt comforting—they still were but in a more solemn manner.

The light of a new day should bring the air of encouragement and excitement, but of late that was harder to find.

They had been on this planet—this mission—for less than fifty rotations of this planet’s suns without too much variation from previous missions as far as Ajak could remember.

Until recently, when something repeated for only the second time she could recall.

A few smiles and morning greetings were aimed her way as the village got to work with the morning light. She continued down her path.

Makkari and Druig wandered past her on their way out as well. They acknowledged her briefly.

Ajak couldn’t remember who was doing patrol first this morning.

Kingo or Gilgamesh?

It wasn’t too large of a concern at this moment.

She stopped at the threshold of a small hut.

Sersi always found a way to make her dwelling places the loveliest. Her gift made it easier no doubt but she had talent and a good eye for making spaces cheerful and bright.

“May I come in? Sersi?”

Despite there being no answer, Ajak wandered in.

She knew Sersi must be in here.

The poor thing had not left in days.

Ajak glanced around looking for life.

“Sersi?”

The Prime Eternal turned to the left to wander into the other small room and found the object of her search there.

Sersi sat on the plain brown fabrics of her makeshift bed with her knees pulled against her chest.

“Sersi, child.” Ajak whispered softly.

The woman’s head turned and she gave Ajak a weak smile that was quick to fade.

Ajak moved towards the bed as Sersi attempted to wipe her tears.

It was hard to see the normally pleasant eternal in such a state.

Reaching out to touch her hand, Ajak rubbed it gently.

It had been a lot to take in.

Ajak could recall many missions where one of the team was lost. Some seemed to get killed more easily than others.

But Ikaris…

There had only been one other time when he had been killed.

It had been early into a mission and the rest of the work proved difficult without his talents. Ajak felt relief when they had completed their task and were all brought together again by Arishem.

And on they went again.

On that mission, Ikaris and Sersi had not had time to spark much interest. They were cordial teammates but not much else at that early stage.

Among the things Ajak enjoyed seeing every new mission, was how long it took Ikaris and Sersi to go from lingering glances to open love.

This time, they were in the lingering phase slowly tipping into something more—but it had been cut short.

“Thena said I should look in on you.”

Sersi gave a small sniff before she spoke.

“She checked in on me last night.”

“I should have checked in again sooner.” Ajak said apologetically

“It’s all right. There is a mission after all.”

Ikaris had been buried three days ago.

He had been in the air at the time battling a deviant when another had come up from behind him.

Ikaris had pivoted abruptly and the deviant took the opening to slam him in the side of a cliff with such force that the whole mountain shook and rocks came down.

Ajak had forbidden Sersi from seeing his body.

It had been crumpled in an eerie way and Ajak did not want Sersi to have that be her last image of him.

Ajak herself had been disturbed by the scene—and she had seen quite a lot.

Most wounds she could heal, however; this, she could not.

Ajak took a seat on the edge of the bed gently.

“I know I should be helping more.” Sersi gave another sniff. “I’m sorry I’ve…”

“Take your time.” Ajak murmured. “There is no rush.”

“I should be out in the fields. I think I would maybe feel better if I was out there but I can’t seem to get my body to move.”

This confession saddened her.

“I know the people miss seeing you—but there is time for you to mourn.”

Sersi nodded and rested her head back on her knees.

Ajak tried to think of something comforting to say. She had counseled many of the eternals upon the loss of one of the others throughout their missions. It was starting to become wearying to her.

Their grief was real—but it would not be forever,

The next mission would bring them all together again, so while she would regret the death of one of her team, her own grief could be comforted in the fact that it was not permanent.

But the grief in front of her was.

Ajak studied Sersi as she fiddled with something around her wrist before wiping her eyes again.

“What is this?” She inquired.

Perhaps a change in subject would help the situation.

“Were you working with the ladies again making jewelry?”

Recently, the tribe had been working on incorporating leather into their daily wear.

Sersi wordlessly handed over the leather bracelet.

It was a narrow band embroidered with a sun and stars.

“Very nice. A fine piece of work. The color of the thread is quite vibrant.”

The yellow stood out well against the tanned leather.

“I…I was…it was going to be for him.”

Ajak paused at this.

“He…I suppose he wouldn’t have worn it.”

“No.” Ajak counseled gently. “He would have. Of course, he would have.”

It was beginning to be the stage where Sersi could wheedle him into doing thing he normally wouldn’t—and a bracelet wouldn’t be asking much.

Sersi gave a sob as Ajak handed it back to her.

“Wear it then and think of him fondly.”

Ajak helped her tie it around her wrist once more.

“You…” Ajak paused before continuing. “…one day, you will see him again.”

The other eternal gave a strangled laugh.

“Is that supposed to be a comfort? Like how the inhabitants here believe that they will meet their deceased loved ones someday beyond the stars?’

It was the first time Ajak could remember Sersi being bitter.

At this moment, Ajak decided to try something different.

There was no harm in trying it out. If there was, she would know for next time.

“Sersi, what if I told you that you will see Ikaris again?”

The mass of dark hair lifted up so that she could look at the prime.

“What do you mean?”

Ajak took a deep breath and tried to speak carefully.

“I will tell you something that only I, as prime, have knowledge of from Arishem himself.”

Sersi sat up straighter and rubbed her nose.

“What is it?”

“This mission here is not our first—nor will it be our last. Each mission we are sent on is like a fresh start. If someone gets lost they are…recreated by Arishem. We are always sent together.”

“What other missions? I only know of this one.”

“I know. It’s…Arishem starts us fresh each time. It’s…just how things are.”

It was still difficult for her to understand so it was even harder to try to explain it.

“So…he will be recreated again and we will all be together…next time?”

“Yes.” Ajak nodded. “When this mission is over we will all be together again.”

“But only you will remember this one?”

“Yes. I know it is hard to understand.”

But Sersi didn’t seem to care too much about the details.

“You promise this is true?”

She grasped Ajak’s hands.

“Yes, I do. It might take hundreds, thousands of years on this planet but we will all be together again.”

Sersi now considered this solemnly.

“This…version of me won’t remember my time here with him—but there will be another me that will have another him?”

“Yes, that is the cycle.”

“When the mission is complete we can start over.”

Ajak inclined her head.

Sersi stood up slowly and squared her shoulders.

“Very well. That is good to know.”

“I only request that you do not tell anyone else.”

Ajak wasn’t sure what would occur if that happened.

“Of course. What matters is that we complete this mission.”

Sersi’s firm response felt like she was channeling Ikaris himself.

“Well yes, we must complete the mission as we always do.”

The population must flourish and the deviants needed to be wiped out—same as always until the time was right for a new Celestial to come forth.

“Then we will.”

Sersi’s answer gave Ajak hope that she could find peace in the meantime but it had a side effect Ajak did not foresee.

Now, Sersi never played with the children anymore or took time to invest herself into the population’s culture.

She focused on crops and the inhabitant’s advancements.

Any way she could, to do her part in the mission effort.

No tears were shed if villages were burned or there was death.

If others were stronger that meant that they would grow faster.

Never one to actively involve herself in a fight, Sersi would not hold back if Deviants attacked and would create ruthless weapons to destroy them.

Thena was impressed.

Others were worried.

They had not expected Ikaris’s death to alter her so much.

Only Ajak knew she had one goal in mind and while she understood, it was painful to lose the gentle, kind-spirited Sersi in place of this one driven by a singular goal.

-

-

-

In the end, Ajak wasn’t sure if what she had done was right—or if she would do it again if there was another situation like this.

But as the world started to rip apart and looks of horror or uncertainty fell onto the others faces, Sersi’s only held a look of joy.

-

-

-

“Let me get that for you.”

Ajak glanced over her shoulder to see Ikaris reaching down to grab a large urn filled with sand and place it up on a nearby pedestal.

Sersi stood by appreciatively and watched as he did so.

“Thank you.”

With a glow and a touch of her hand, the sand was changed to water.

“Perhaps next time you could fill it with something lighter.” Ikaris suggested, though not unkindly.

Sersi gave a rueful smile and nodded.

“I suppose I should. I guess I was just eager to start making fresh water available while they dig the new well.”

Ikaris nodded at this and looked around before speaking to her again.

“Is there anything else I can do?”

Ajak risked another glance to see a look of surprise cross Sersi’s face before breaking into a smile.

“Well, maybe if you don’t mind…”

Ajak turned her attention back towards the basket she was attempting to weave with a soft smile.

For now, everything was how it should be again.

-

-

-

Chapter Text

What is Mama Ikaris doing?

At the moment, passive aggressively making tea.

Ikaris glanced up from his phone to take a peek in the kitchen as his mother busied about in preparation.

Why is that?

Because I didn’t tell her who was coming over.

His phone buzzed again quickly.

Why didn’t you tell her?

Much more fun this way. Promise.

Don’t tease her too much. I’ll be there soon.

Another message popped up with a heart.

“Ikaris, is this girl coming over allergic to anything?”

It was polite of his mother to ask but her tone held no courtesy.

“Not that I know of.”

She nodded and went back to the kitchen with another hard look at him.

His mother did not like being dropped the news this morning that Ikaris was having a girl over for her to meet.

She was even more annoyed that he wouldn’t tell her much about the girl—only that she was coming over and they should have some tea.

The small table near the front window was already set with a small tray of various biscuits and a few fresh cut flowers from the garden.

“It’s a shame this girl couldn’t give more notice.”

Ikaris bit his lip to quench a smile before saying, “I asked her to come Mum. I didn’t foresee Da getting injured the other day. Besides, you weren’t doing anything today besides our trip to see him at the hospital.”

She didn’t respond to this as she pulled down a few mugs.

Her back remained taunt.

He had done his best to hide that he was currently seeing someone. When his mother got a whiff of something, there was no end to the pestering even when he wasn’t physically around.

She was predisposed to not like the few women he had actually brought for her to meet and when it didn’t work out she always gave him a raise of her brow with the reminder that she didn’t think they were right for him anyway.

Modern women, in her mind, were much too self-centered and never had the right temperament. Who was raising women like this? Why could he not find a nice simple girl and stop bothering with these wisps of girls with no personality who only seemingly cared about looking pretty?

Ikaris shook his head at the thought of the coming surprise as his phone buzzed again.

Just got here. Should I knock?

We will meet you at the door.

“Ma? She’s here.”

His mother turned around with a pinch in her lips and a displeased expression.

“Very well.”

She took off her apron and hung it up on the old hook by the kitchen door only pausing a moment to check the tight bun of her hair.

Ikaris said nothing as she took a peek out of the blinds.

She looked back at him in confusion.

“It’s just Sersi.”

“Just? Don’t say that.” Ikaris said as he reached for the door handle.

“But…you made it seem like you were dating this girl.”

The moment he was waiting for.

“I am.”

He opened the door.

Sersi stood there looking as if she was fighting a smile at his mother’s shocked expression.

“Do you not like me anymore Mama Ikaris?”

It was like a switch flipped.

“Sersi, child, of course not!  Come in, come in—just this stupid boy of mine playing games with me.”

She pushed passed Ikaris to bring Sersi inside.

Sersi and Ikaris shared a smile.

“Sit down. I’ll make the tea that you like.”

“No, please, whatever you made is fine Mama. Don’t work now; I came to talk.”

His mother pressed her lips together in uncertainty.

“Well, at least let me get different biscuits.”

She grabbed the platter and headed back to the kitchen.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Ikaris repeated back. “Good flight?”

“Yeah, it was.”

He grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.

Sersi looked lovely today as always and was dressed very prettily with her long black hair down.

“Are you pleased with yourself?”

“Yes.”

He was truly.

This moment was a long time coming and he was going to enjoy it.

“Here we are. Eat as many as you like Sersi.”

“Mother, were you going to hide the good biscuits from our guest?”

“Everyone is not entitled to your nana’s shortbread.”

“It is very good.” Sersi commented giving a piece a quick dip in her tea.

It was well known in town that Ikaris’s nan take a knack for making sweets and even had a small shop for a short time.

Ikaris stole a piece for himself as his mother sat down.

“Don’t sit there Ikaris; sit next to Sersi.”

Ikaris paused but moved to his left to take the chair next her.

“There, now I can look at you both.”

“You could have done that anyway.” He had to point out.

Sersi reached over to touch his hand.

“Stop teasing now.”

“Well, you both must tell me how this came about.”

The couple exchanged a glance and he gave her a nod.

-

“Well, Mama, it just… fell into place.”

Ikaris gave her hand another squeeze.

It was a bit hard to condense down.

There was a knock at the front door.

Ikaris rose out of his seat to peak out the window.

“Looks like the post. I’ll get it.”

He stood fully out of his chair and gave her a soft smile before leaving the room.

Mama Ikaris reached over to take her hand.

“So, tell me how you convinced my stupid boy to come to his senses.”

Sersi started slowly, “You know it is not entirely his fault, mama. I was dating someone when we first met and…then he was dating someone.”

His mother gave a nod.

Sersi always knew that she liked Ikaris—he was so calm and a good listener. She always felt warmth from him and enjoyed when his humorous side came out.

Most people didn’t think he had one.

They hung out with friends and met up a few times platonically.

He was always so friendly and kind towards her.

She always remembered when she first met his mother, Mama Ikaris, when he brought her to an event as his date.

It was so sweet and she was charmed by the short Scottish woman and her friendly personality.

The woman had become a dear acquaintance and thus her moniker.

“I know,” His mother began. “I didn’t like any of them—but I liked you.”

“Thank you mama.”

“Not that he brought many of them to meet me—only two.”

Sersi didn’t comment on this but hoped that she might be the last.

“You dated that man of yours for a while.” The older woman touched on softly.

She had and she liked him but….

“I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“No, it’s okay. It wasn’t a bad break up we just realized we were both in a rut and there wasn’t much…we were together because we were together—kind of like a loop of apathy.”

A bit awkward to explain.

“But I think you two will do so well together.” Mama Ikaris continued. “You two just…spark. I can see it.”

Sersi felt a blush on her face but smiled happily.

A soft rap came to the door frame to interrupt.

Ikaris held up a box.

“I signed for it.”

“Those are new shoes for your father. Did Ikaris tell you what that stubborn man did?”

Sersi nodded with a grimace.

“Fell off a ladder. The man is not a spry thing anymore. What did he think he was doing trimming branches up that high?”

The woman shook her head.

“Thick head—all the men in this family.”

“Hey!” Ikaris objected.

“You can’t argue with me.”

“Eh, I suppose I can’t.”

“We saw him early in the day—he will be coming home soon. No doubt the hospital is tired of his grumbling about needing to get back to his garden. He’ll have a cast on his leg for a while and it will serve him right.”

Sersi tried not to smile at the family's banter.

“Sersi, can you stay long?”

She had to be truthful.

“Not too long actually. A few hours at most. I work tomorrow.”

Mama Ikaris slapped her son’s arm.

“You should have had her over for the weekend.”

Sersi came to his defense, “I had plans then, sorry. We just really wanted to tell you.”

The woman seemed mollified at this.

“Well at least have a bit of a walk. I can make us something light for lunch if you like.”

“I would like that very much, mama.”

His mother shooed the couple out the door and told them to take a short walk towards town before shutting the door.

“Well, that went well.”

“Yes it did.”

Sersi felt very happy about the day’s events. It made the flight worth it.

“You want to walk a bit, yeah?”

“Yep.” She answered. "When will you be coming back down?"

"I'll be back by Monday. Have to get back to work myself."

Good. She would be happy to have him back again even though it was selfish to want him back after just a short trip to see his parents.

Sersi touched his hand as she spotted something out of the corner of her eye and whispered, “Is she spying on us?”

“Most likely.”

Sersi hummed.

“Should we kiss or something?”

Ikaris gave a bark of laughter.

“I suppose we could.”

She leaned up to give him a peck.

“Ready to go?”

“Yea—actually let me grab a pair of sunglasses. Do you—”

“I have some, thanks.”

He ducked back inside.

“Ikaris?”

He detoured to the kitchen.

“Yes, Mum?”

“Can you pick up a bit of cheese—whatever Sersi likes.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And, Ikaris?”

He gave a smile as he turned around again.

“Yes?”

“You better be marrying that girl.”

“In time, if she’ll have me.”

Chapter Text

“You should have been there. The wedding was lovely.”

Sersi knew he wasn’t too sorry to miss the occasion but she felt that it still needed to be said.

Ikaris’s nose twitched.

“No doubt the couple had an enjoyable day despite my absence.” He adjusted one of his sleeve cuffs before speaking again. “Did you both have a good time? Did I miss cake?”

“There was cake indeed.” Ajak spoke up from her place in the chair nearest the fireplace.

“Lemon.” Sersi offered up, knowing he was not particularly fond of the flavor. “Thena’s favorite.”

Now his lips twitched in the way she was very familiar with.

“Sounds as if I did not miss much then. I did send a gift ahead of course. Only proper.”

“That was very thoughtful. I believe a good time was had by all.”

Ikaris nodded at the older woman’s words.

“I found myself enjoying the event very much. Of course, the whole affair was in part due to my own involvement.” Sersi said.

She was quite proud of this fact.

Ikaris sighed.

“Ma’am.” He addressed Ajak. “Are you going to allow this nonsense to continue?”

He gave Sersi a quick glance with humor in his blue eyes.

“It has been harmless, Mr. Ikaris. Sersi dearly loves to help her friends and acquaintances in any way she can. It’s only a current fancy.”

“Not a fancy, ma-ma. I am quite satisfied with my success. Everyone said that Thena would die an old maid. It was my introducing her to Gilgamesh that changed the tide. It took some encouragement and some gentle influence, but the results are there for you to see.”

There was no doubt.

“Nonsense, the thing would have occurred naturally given time. You just rushed it along.”

Sersi found amusement in this,

“Is that envy I hear? Now really, Mr. Ikaris…”

“Envy? Hardly. Unless you think I had designs on Miss Thena myself?”

Sersi fought back a snort.

They were very unbecoming in women she thought.

“Certainly not.”

It was true that Ikaris and Thena were always slightly at odds for one reason or another. He would have no interest in her.

Ikaris’s only cares seemed to be keeping his record books in order and making sure all his flocks of sheep were accounted for at the end of each night.

Sersi gave a soft touch to her black hair which had been pinned up on her head for the day. A few strands had come loose.

“Thena’s dress was very fine.” Ajak added. “Mrs. Godfrey did an excellent job. Sersi had her hair done so prettily you should have seen it”

“No doubt ma’am I will have a chance in the future to gaze upon Sersi’s hair.” He promised before he glanced back at his troublesome neighbor.

Her mother’s attempts to change the direction of the conversation did not go unnoticed.

 “Truly Sersi, you must not treat people’s lives as items to be rearranged like furniture in your home.”

“I have done a great deal of good.” She objected. “Gilgamesh has a fine wife for his estate and Thena has a man who appreciates her talents.”

“Indeed.” Ikaris put in dryly.

Sersi had to smile as he leaned against the light-yellow pattern of the papered wall.

“I see nothing wrong with it. My success…”

“Success?” Ikaris broke in. “You can hardly claim that much credit. You did not direct their hearts.”

She would not let him discredit her involvement.

“I was instrumental. Gilgamesh had been a bachelor for a long time. I had feared he would end up like you.”

At this, Ikaris did snort and Ajak gave a word of chastisement towards her.

Sersi smiled regardless as she stood up.

She was wearing her favorite green dress that everyone always commented on for its elegant look.

Someone had to try to keep up fashion in this part of the country and she was happy to do so.

“Indeed, this has been a success. A success so great that I feel I must turn my attention elsewhere.”

“And what poor soul is your next target?”

“How was your cousin, Mr. Ikaris? Does he live well in London? Do you think he will ever visit you here?”

“Sersi…”

“Did you buy that waistcoat there? I do not think I have seen it before.”

It was blue with a double line of buttons down the front—very fine and surprising stylish for his tastes.

“My cousin Druig is well. I don’t know if he will ever come this way. He has no reason to.”

“To see you of course.” She insisted.

“I doubt he would ever find the need for that.”

His tone was firm and he looked rankled now so she decided to have pity.

“I think my friend Makkari would benefit from a spouse. She seemed to watch the ceremony so fondly the other day that I think it must be so.”

Makkari seemed to enjoy every moment of the festivities.

Sersi would try her best then to see to it that she had such a day of her own.

A Mr. Kingo had come to town recently, but not enough time had passed to grasp his character.

Time would tell.

“And you have discussed this with her?”

“Mr. Ikaris, such matters are delicate and are not just spoken aloud bluntly as is your manner.”

He seemed like he was going to object but bit his tongue.

“Ma’am, your child has grown quite sure of herself.”

“Child?” Sersi repeated. “Now you do sound quite the old bachelor. I do not recall you being considerably older than me.”

“I recall your being born.”

A superior air was in his tone.

“Very well then.”

She conceded mockingly with a slight curtsy.

“You are both children.” Ajak said with a fond smile. “That is how it seems to me.”

Ikaris and Sersi exchanged a small glance and a smile that showed their small war of words would be put aside.

“Will you not stay for supper?”

She hoped he might.

Ikaris shook his head.

“You are very kind as always but I fear being away from my estate has left a few things undone that need doing before day’s end.”

“Tomorrow then?” Her ma-ma offered.

“If you would have me, I would be delighted.”

Sersi had to smile at his formality as if their families had not known each other for years.

Ikaris glanced at the clock and gave each of them a short bow.

“Tomorrow then, ladies.”

Ajak arose to stand by his side with an offer to show him her rose bushes on the way out.

Sersi sat back down in comfort and stared about the grand room.

She had no engagements for the evening and could focus on either her sewing or her reading.

Alas, no parties were on the horizon until next Saturday.

It was only at the Moffett’s but she would still attend as a courtesy.

Perhaps new gloves could be purchased for the occasion.

Should that chair in the corner get new fabric perhaps?

She would have to consider it.

Her mother entered to the room to announce that she was going to freshen up before dinner.

Sersi was once again alone.

Perhaps she would have to find a reason to have a party herself.

It was not quite summer so it would not be too hot to enjoy the estate’s gardens.

There was nothing her mother loved more in the world than a fine garden.

A party would give her a chance to get a view of prospects for Makkari if Ikaris did not interfere.

It would do him some good to get him out of his empty halls and into the company of his peers.

He should really be setting an example for the other men.

Ikaris could be quite fine when he chose to be.

That stiff demeanor that he always seemed to wear in public was no doubt what was keeping eligible woman away.

Sersi’s brow furrowed as she considered this.

She could not picture any woman by his side.

He would want no one too stuffy or too shrill, but he needed a woman with spirit who would challenge his mind and encourage him to engage with his fellow man.

A party at his estate would be a fine thing indeed but he loathed to plan them.

No woman fitting such a description came to her mind.

In fact, it seemed strange to picture anyone at his side at all.

Ikaris she could picture.

He did not appreciate men who spent too much time and coin on their appearance and not enough at their work or on their minds. Ikaris himself, however, always looked well. Simple but proper dress with his high boots if he was walking between their two houses.

It was a walk she often made herself.

He always welcomed her into his home.

If he had a wife, she would not be able to visit as often as she liked.

Sersi set down her book trying to decipher the strange feeling that had come over her.

Hunger, no doubt, and fatigue from the day’s events.

She had been busy on her rounds that is all.

Her attention must turn to Makkari then.

She would find a suitable match for her friend.

Chapter Text

“Ikaris, come on!”

He supposed that he could only pretend to brush his teeth for so long.

Twisting the knob, he let the water run before turning it off.

The bathroom door opened to reveal Sersi.

“The movie starts at six thirty, you know?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m coming.”

He didn’t make much effort to move quickly.

“Come on! Come on!”

Sersi was wrapping a scarf around her neck and handed him his coat.

“Can’t we just wait until it’s on the box?”

“What?” Sersi paused. “No. You know it looks much better on the big screen. Besides we haven’t been on a date in a while.”

He watched as she adjusted her beanie over her long black hair.

“Do you want a hat?” She offered.

“Naw.”

“Suit yourself.”

She stuffed the flat keys into her pocket and prodded him out.

Sersi grabbed his hand and swung it with his.

“Aren’t you excited at all?”

Ikaris made a face.

When Kingo had told them a few years back that he was planning on staring in a movie based on Ikaris himself—i.e., Sprite’s tale—the news was…

Sersi was excited by the idea and thought Ikaris should be flattered.

Ikaris…didn’t want any tale of his—real or not—being made into a spectacle. The tale was as old as dirt at this point who would want to go see such a film?

Apparently, a lot of people.

Maybe that was the draw of Kingo though.

The film itself was playing in a smaller cinema but it was still nice.

Sersi handed him a bucket of popcorn as they took their seats.

“It’s subtitled.” She informed him. “In case your languages are a bit rusty.”

Ikaris shrugged.

He would find out he supposed.

The poster for this movie was kind of ridiculous.

Sersi had insisted that he take a picture of her with the poster so she could send it to Kingo. He was happy to know that they were about to see it and wanted to know what they thought.

A kick to the back of Ikaris’s chair caused him to look back with a quick glare.

It was just a child though so he turned back quickly.

The crowd hushed as the lights dimmed and Sersi gave an excited squirm in the seat next to him.

Several very loud and outlandish trailers played before the actual movie began.

And it was…

Ikaris thought it was going to be based on Sprite’s original tale with some changes.

However, this movie had singing, dancing, and lots of action, as Kingo flew around saving people against large backdrops.

Did he really look like that?

Surely not.

Sersi gave him a smile halfway through but he didn’t think he returned it.

It was very bizarre to see your friend playing a character that was supposed to be you.

Maybe he was being too harsh.

He stuffed more popcorn in his mouth.

The audience laughed and cheered following the on-screen hero’s adventures.

The climax of the film had Kingo flying through fiery debris to save a woman from the top of a crumbling tower.

This bit made a memory tickle in the back of Ikaris’s mind.

This scene had happened—albeit a bit differently. Not so much fire and brimstone. Though, he did save a woman from a tower before it collapsed due to damage done by a deviant.

Overdramatic to say the least.

Kingo scooped the woman and sailed off as the tower crumbled behind them.

Sersi seemed to be paying extra attention to this part.

Once Kingo’s feet touched the ground, the woman rewarded him with a kiss.

Which Ikaris did remember—well he remembered Kingo laughing at his reaction after the fact.

Sersi sat up in her seat and frowned.

Ikaris wondered if she didn’t like the portrayal of the woman in distress, or maybe she didn’t like that the woman wasn’t supposed to be her?

The movie ended not long after with Kingo flying off towards the sunset with cheers from the villagers he helped save.

A song started up as the credits began to roll.

As the lights came up, Ikaris gave Sersi a glance.

She wasn’t frowning anymore but her brow was still furrowed.

He broke the silence between them.

“Ready to go?”

“Yeah.” She nodded, adjusted her coat.

They wove around the other patrons and headed out.

Ikaris let them walk a few blocks before he spoke.

“So that was a…movie, eh?”

“That seems to be the case.”

“Quite…elaborate. I thought he was going to go with Sprite’s tale.”

“Well, I suppose everything has to be a bit grander nowadays. I did like the music.”

Ikaris smiled.

Dancing and music always made Sersi happy.

“He didn’t even have wings.”

“You don’t have wings.”

“Yes, but, well I suppose I shouldn’t care. It’s not really me.”

“You’re right. It’s just some story idea Kingo dreamed up.”

Ikaris sensed that her mood was brighter and slid his hand into hers.

“Well, I suppose my life wouldn’t be as exciting as Kingo would hope for. I should not be surprised.” He sighed.

Sure, they had all done amazing things and seen amazing sights, but they couldn’t really tell anyone about it.

For the best that way.

“I said we would chat with him and let him know what we thought.”

“Oh, ah…” Ikaris wasn’t sure if he had anything to say about it. There must be something good he could say. Good sets or lights or something. That was a thing to compliment, wasn’t it?

“Let’s stop and give him a call.”

Sersi tugged his hand and sat down on a nearby bench.

“He might be asleep.” Ikaris protested.

“It’s Kingo. You know he is waiting to hear our thoughts.”

“Do we have thoughts?” He had to ask.

“Yes, now sit.”

Ikaris plopped down.

Sersi held up her phone and Kingo’s face soon filled the screen.

“Hey! My lovely friends! Did you go see it?”

“Yes, we just got out.”

Sersi turned her phone to try and capture some of Ikaris’s face as well.

“Well? Don’t leave me hanging here.”

“Oh, well…”

Ikaris and Sersi glanced at each other.

Why was she looking at him? She was the one who said that they would call him.

“Well…”

“I thought…” Ikaris paused as he spoke over Sersi.

“Well not both of you at once.” Kingo complained. “You first Sersi. I expect more depth of a review from you.”

“I guess… I really like the colors of the costumes and you know that I always love the music in your movies.”

“Yeah, yeah…”

“And ah.” Sersi gave Ikaris a glance. “It was very dramatic.”

Ikaris decided to at least nod along to show agreement.

“It could have been better.” Kingo sighed. “I thought about putting a dragon at the end but the CGI would have been very expensive and we were slightly overbudget already. Really a shame.”

“Maybe next time.” Sersi consoled.

“Yeah, but the rest of the end bit was pretty accurate. Right Boss? I thought so.”

Ikaris felt Sersi’s eyes on him so he answered carefully.

“Ah…a bit more fire than I remembered.”

“Well, I had to jazz some stuff up. Theatrics.” Kingo insisted. “I’m considering doing something on Gilgamesh next, what do you think?”

Ikaris had nothing to say to that.

“The lady was very pretty.” Sersi said evenly.

“Did you recognize her? She was in a movie of mine a few years back. Not exactly what the woman looked like but only Ikaris and I would know that.”

“I see.”

“Hey Kingo...” Ikaris spoke up.

“Next time I have a movie coming out, I’ll invite you guys out here and you can come to the premier—red carpet, limos, the whole works.” Kingo offered.

“That would be nice, right Sersi?”

Ikaris spoke quickly even though the idea was not ideal to him.

She lowered the phone.

“It could be.” She conceded.

“Well, this star needs his beauty rest—after my massage of course. You kids have a good night.”

Neither Sersi or Ikaris said anything in closing as the call ended.

His wife stood up and he followed.

Silence lingered but Ikaris could tell it was not the good kind.

When the door to their flat was opened, Ikaris worked on hanging up his coat and took Sersi’s from her as well.

Sersi muttered something about taking a shower, so Ikaris did various tasks until she emerged.

Her mood was hard for him to decipher.

Was she really upset a woman some thousand years ago or so had kissed him? It wasn’t even…he wouldn’t have even recalled it if Kingo hadn’t put it in his movie.

It wasn’t even really a kiss—not like a love kiss.

Ikaris thought this did make a difference.

He watched her go into the kitchen so he followed.

She had changed into her sleeping clothes which was some soft pajama bottoms with a cropped top that left a temping sliver of skin showing.

“Do you want me to wash the dishes?” He offered as he came up behind her sliding his hands around her waist.

“I think I can handle a plate, two bowls, a spoon and a glass cup.”

“Well, I figured I could offer.”

“I’m fine. Go take a shower.”

It was said lightly but firmly.

Okay then. Not a good start.

He figured he should at least do as she said.

It was a quick shower though, as he wanted to deal with all this.

This was silly. They could talk about this.

So why did he feel nervous?

Their flat wasn’t too large so finding her again was not difficult.

She was in bed. Well, sitting on the bed anyway, looking at her phone.

Ikaris entered wordlessly and hung up his jacket that he had left on a chair on the hook on the back of the door.

He pushed back the covers on his side and slid in leaving a respectable distance between them.

So…

“Do you want to talk about it?”

A beat.

“…about what?”

“Sersi.”

He glanced at her and she looked away.

“What?” She repeated with a slight shrug of one shoulder.

Ikaris reached out to fiddle with a strand of her black hair.

She shoved his shoulder as a smile was threatening on her face.

“Talk to me.”

It wasn’t normal for her to be the silent one between them.

“I’m just…It’s just…I’m fine…It’s silly.”

“Well you are upset so it seems like it is not fine.”

“No, I just… I mean… I don’t blame you.” She spit out after a moment. “I guess I can’t blame a woman for…kissing you if you saved her.”

“I wouldn’t have even remembered it if Kingo hadn’t put it in movie.” He admitted.

Perhaps this would make her feel better?

Sersi shifted.

“She’s long gone now…had a husband I think. At least, that is the impression I got once she ran back to the rest of her people who were fleeing.”

“Well… as long as it wasn’t serious.”

“Of course not.”

How could she doubt it? She knew that he only had eyes for her.

She gave him an apologetic smile.

“I don’t know why it irked me so much—I didn’t even see it.”

Ikaris shrugged.

“It happens.”

Sersi’s eyes narrowed.

“Oh, it does?”

“No! I mean the…feelings thing…that bit.”

Sometimes, his words were not the best.

“You know me.” He continued. “You’re the only thing in this world I have ever wanted.”

This got him the first real smile since after the movie.

“I know.”

“And I promise I will not let anyone else kiss me.”

“Well, I suppose I can accept that.”

Her eyes looked brighter as she moved up towards the headboard to pull the covers down.

Ikaris shifted in case she needed more room.

“Don’t go too far.”

He moved slightly back into her space.

Sersi pulled the covers up and smoothed them out before scooting close to him.

He let her get adjusted before putting an arm behind his head.

“Better now?”

Sersi turned off the lights and wiggled closer to him.

“Sorry I reacted so…coldly…it’s pretty silly now that I think about it.”

“Well, if it makes you feel better, I think I am very selfish when it comes to you too.”

It was true. The number of men he had glared at alone for merely talking to her was astronomical.

“Then there is nothing else to do then to stick together.”

That seemed like it would be a good idea forever.

Chapter Text

<This is a nice place.>

Sersi agreed with Makkari’s assessment.

The bar Thena had chosen was busy but not crowded. It was very festively decorated and had a great atmosphere.

The groups in the place seemed to be a mature crowd which helped keep the noise levels not too loud or the whole place not too crazy.

Sersi was always happy when she didn’t need to complain about the noise levels and sound like an old lady.

Thena was staring at her phone with a certain expression.

“Anyone else going to make it?” Sersi had to ask.

“Well, Ajak has that client who made the absurd decision to get married tonight so she has to be there to oversee everything. The joy of being a wedding planner no doubt. However, she says she is making a small mint from the event so she will buy us a drink next time—and with Gilgamesh working tonight—I decided to just call it a lady’s night.”

Makkari gave a bit of a pout at this.

“Oh, you know Druig is fine at home playing his video games. Besides, we aren’t even going to be out until midnight. Then I can go hang out at Gil’s restaurant, you can go back to Druig, and Sersi….”

“—My flatmate is having some people over so I can stand awkwardly around and talk to them.” She spoke up quickly before Thena could fill in something for herself. “I mean, I have met a few of them before, so it shouldn’t be too bad.”

Thena gave her an unconvinced look and Makkari reached over to pat her hand.

Truly though, she didn’t need pity because she wasn’t in a relationship at the moment. Her last one had been… and well, while she was glad it was behind her, she wasn’t quite looking forward to the dating game again.

Anyway…

Those were problems for the new year and she was going to enjoy her time here with her friends.

Thena filled up her glass a second time.

The door to the bar opened again to let more revelers in with cheers and greetings.

<Has anyone made resolutions?>

Thena’s lips twitched.

“Let Gil teach me how to cook something.”

<At least you can get private lessons from a professional.> Makkari pointed out. <What about you, Sersi?>

“Oh, ah… read more I suppose. I’ve given up on trying to be on time more often.”

It was just a fact.

<What about you?> She pointed to Makkari.

<Probably try to volunteer more. There are so many good causes….>

Sersi nodded.

That was something else she should try to find more time for.

Why did it feel that when you became an adult that you ran out of time constantly?

How long had they been sitting here already?

Sersi grabbed her phone from her purse.

“Well how about…Hello….”

Thena’s abrupt change of conversation and tone caused Sersi to look up from her phone.

A man was standing by their table now and judging by a few visual cues, she could tell he had most likely had a few too many.

“Tonight’s entertainment.”

Thena sounded a bit too excited at the prospect as she cracked her knuckles.

Sersi reached her hand out to touch her friend’s arm.

“Thena, don’t…he seems harmless.”

He did.

He was a bit of a shorter man with messy brown hair. He had very bright eyes and a smile as he started to talk.

“ ‘ello.”

Makkari’s lips twisted as she fought a smile while judging the other's reactions.

“And what can we do for you?” Thena asked calmly.

“I was just poppin’ over for a chat.”

“I see.”

Sersi followed Thena’s gaze as it trailed in the direction from where the man seemed to have come from.

A table of what appeared to be only men was off to the corner of the room.

“How are you all then? Did I ask that yet?”

“You did not.”

“Oh…” The man seemed to blank out for a moment.

“Did you need something perhaps?” Thena probed.

“Ah….no….no I do’t think so.”

His words slurred slightly and mudded his Irish accent.

All the ladies exchanged a look.

“You were sent over here then?”

Thena’s guess was probably correct. A joke on the slightly intoxicated man from his buddies. Her blond friend turned her piercing gaze towards the table of men again.

“What? No, Ikaris would kill me.”

The man formed a clear thought again causing Thena to turn her attention back to him as the other two woman perked up at this.

“What do you mean?”

<He doesn’t seem that drunk does he?>

Sersi shook her head in the negative.

“Ikaris thinks she’s pretty but won’t do a thing ‘bout it.”

Sersi found herself at the end of the man’s pointed finger.

Makkari’s mouth fell open as Thena’s eyebrow was raised again in amusement.

“What?”

Did come out like a squeak?

She felt her face grow hot.

“Really…..?” Thena drawled with interest.

Sersi risked a glance back towards the table, but none of the men seemed anything other than amused judging by their smiles and glances over.

The man nodded.

“Shy is he?” Thena guessed.

“Eh, not really. Awkward is a better word.”

Thena hummed at this information.

“What do you think Sersi?”

“What? Ah….”

It was flattering she supposed but then again, none of the men seemed to care too much that their friend had wandered over here. Maybe him ‘liking’ her was part of the joke too.

<Ask him what his friend is like. He might be more honest given his current state.> Makkari inserted.

Thena relayed this while Sersi looked over towards the table a bit more boldly.

Once again, humor seemed to be the main theme at the table.

That is, until another man walked over and set down a few bottles on the table.

He first glanced her way—and then seemed to a double-take.

He had blue eyes—they blew so open wide it was hard not to notice.

The men’s table erupted with chuckles as the man quickly wove around other patrons to get towards their table.

“Gerald! Gerald! What are you doing?” He grabbed the shorter man’s arm. “I am so sorry he is disturbing you.”

“No, no!” The man, now Gerald said. “They aren’t buggin’ me at all.”

The other man stared at him blankly for a moment.

“You are the one buggin’ them you clown.”

Gerald didn’t seem to know what to think about this.

Was this Ikaris then?

He was handsome to be sure—maybe a touch too handsome.

Blue eyes, tousled hair, strong jaw…..

Makkari was giving her the side eye with an encouraging expression.

Slightly, intimidatingly handsome.

She was trying not to look at him though.

Makkari nudging her under the table wasn’t helping either.

“Ah, well….”

“I’m so sorry about this.” The man repeated again. His eyes seemed to mostly be fixed on Thena.

“No harm done.”

“See? It’s all fine and that.”

“You hush.”

Gerald seemed to take no offense at this.

“But Ikaris…”

“Go, go now.” The man confirmed to be Ikaris ordered again. “So sorry again.”

Makkari gave a thumbs up as Thena graciously swept the interruption aside.

Sersi murmured her own words which she was certain got lost in the exchange.

Ikaris seemed to take note of it however and gave her a small nod.

Taking the arm of his friend, he tugged him along back to their seats.

Makkari tapped her arm.

<Go chat him up.>

<What? No—it would be too awkward now.>

Not with the whole table of men laughing it up as Ikaris reached over to knock one of them on the back of the head as he sat down.

<He’s cute. Come on.>

Sersi shook her head.

Thena strangely didn’t seem up to offering her opinion.

Makkari continued to argue, <He’s tall and has good hair. What does he sound like?>

Sersi faltered for a moment.

<Like ah…. well Scottish I suppose and not a deep voice but not high…”

<You should go for it!>

Now she was thinking Makkari had had too much to drink—not really but….

<No, the moment is past. It would be weird.>

No way she was walking over there.

They moved on--not that there seemed much else to talk about anymore.

Thena swirled her wine while Makkari stared at her phone.

<So…. are we heading out soon?>

“So eager to get back to Druig huh?”

<It is New Year’s Eve.> Makkari insisted.

“Well go on. I’ll get the tab.”

Makkari gave a grin and was out of the room in a flash after saying her goodbyes.

“You’ll be getting back to Gilgamesh then?”

Thena nodded.

“I can hang out at the restaurant until the place winds down and then we can head home.”

Thena grabbed her purse and Sersi followed suit in grabbing her coat.

“Do you want me to split it with you?”

Thena waved her hand. “It’s fine. My treat.”

“Well, cheers then.”

Thena bumped her shoulder with a smile.

Sersi let her gaze fall back towards the men’s table but quickly glanced away.

Thena caught the attention of one of the people behind the bar’s counter.

“I’ll pay our bill now when you are ready.”

The woman tapped her fingernails across the countertop with a smile.

“Well, your bill has been covered so you don’t need to be worrying about it.”

Sersi looked towards Thena in surprise as her friend narrowed her eyes.

“I see. Might our kind benefactor still be here?”

“Perhaps.” The other woman teased.

Thena turned towards Sersi who in turn tilted her head slightly to stare back at the men’s table.

Thena then reached for napkin and then borrowed a pen.

“Give this to hi—the person, would you?”

“Sure thing, luv.”

Sersi tugged on Thena’s arm.

“You didn’t write anything rude did you?”

“Rude? Of course not. The man just paid for our drinks.”

Sersi nodded.

“I gave him your phone number.”

She started at this and grabbed Thena’s arm before she reached the exit.

“What? Why? You…”

“Two main reasons—well three.” Thena stopped outside of the bar to explain herself.

One—you did seem interested, two—he had an expensive watch on his wrist, and three—he did pay our bill. So, I figure he has some cash to throw about.”

“What?” Sersi repeated again.

“I simply wrote ‘her name is Sersi´ and put your phone number underneath.

Thena looked much too pleased with herself.

“So outside of the bizarre encounter, there might be a chance if he really isn’t too shy.”

Sersi wasn’t sure what to say.

A car pulled up to the curb and Thena reached for the door.

“Let’s get going to our respective places. A new year awaits, Sersi. And I hope it will bring you something good.”

Well then, Sersi had to admit that she was hoping the same thing.

Chapter Text

Ikaris heaved a sigh as he flipped the collar of his jacket up to try to hold off the wind.

Wind and spitting rain.

Fantastic.

Where was this place again?

He glanced up and down the row and took a turn to the left.

A yawn escaped him as looked up again at the shop names. A squad car parked in front of one of the shops made his search easier.

It seemed like a nice street.

Fancy shops and small boutiques lined both sides of the street along with a few specialty restaurants.

Giving a nod to one of the constables, he passed by the taped off front area of the store and walked through the open front door. Though technically, he could have just walked through the main front window as it had been smashed in.

Floor to ceiling glass it seemed to have been.

Art gallery.

White walls, bright lights, clean lines.

Ikaris scanned the room to see who was here.

A hand shot up.

“Ikaris!”

“Druig.” Ikaris avoided the glass to meet the man halfway. “What have we got? Smash and grab?”

“Seems so. Only one piece of art was stolen.”

That seemed strange but…

Druig handed him a clipboard.

“The owner called it in after she arrived here this morning.”

Ikaris flipped through the pages, scanning for any information that seemed to jump out at him.

“Security?”

“Silent alarm and some footage—it’s being copied as we speak.

“Right.”

“Whelp? Any orders, Sarge?”

Ikaris rolled his eyes at Druig’s mock formality.

“I assume standard procedures are being followed?”

It had been a while since he worked a robbery.

“Of course.”

Druig was usually trustworthy although the dark-haired man certainly knew how to push the line and push his buttons.

“Where is the owner?”

Druig nodded over his shoulder.

“M’lady.” He called out.

Ikaris was confused.

“Is she titled?”

Druig snorted.

“No, she just seems very elegant. It seemed to fit.”

Not perhaps the most professional thing but he could let it slide.

A woman came over towards them.

She was pretty, graceful, Asian descent—styled well in a business style dress paired with flats.

“Yes?”

Druig nodded towards Ikaris.

This is our Sergeant, Ikaris. F’raid you’ll be stuck talking to him for a bit.”

Her smile came easily but a bit tired at the corners which was understandable.

“Nice to meet you despite the circumstances.”

She offered her hand and he shook it.

Her hand was slender like the rest of her, but her handshake was firm.

“Is there a quiet place we can talk, ma’am?” Ikaris asked.

“Yes, of course, this way please.”

She led him to a back-office room which was small but contained a computer desk and the usual assortment of office space décor and necessary equipment.

He waited for her to sit before sitting down opposite her and pulling out a pen.

“Ma’am, would you mind answering some more questions for me?”

“Of course, but I did already answer some from one of the other officers.” She pointed out.

He smiled gently.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to try your patience some then.”

“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.” She explained with a wave of her hands.  “I can answer whatever; I just thought it would save you some time.”

“Not a problem.” He said, hoping that it made her feel not so embarrassed. “It’s just how things are.”

“Yes, of course. Please ask away. You are here to help after all.”

“How long have you owned this gallery?”

“Almost two years.”

“Have you ever had problems before?”

She shook her head.

“It’s a nice street. Busy at times but quiet.”

“Any possible reasons you can think of for the break in besides someone just choosing this place at random?”

“No. I—I don’t think so.”

“Do you have any enemies?”

“E—enemies?” She repeated with wide eyes.

“Perhaps I am being dramatic.” He amended. “Any problems with anyone who would seek a kind of revenge? Competitors? Unhappy customers? Upset family relations?”

“No—I would hope not. No.”

The idea appeared to startle her.

She did seem the calm and serene type.

“Who has keys to this property?”

“Oh, myself, my mum—well my parents technically I suppose, and a university student who works on the weekends.”

Ikaris shifted a few pages around.

“Her name is….?”

He tried to read the handwriting on the report.

“Sprite.” She offered up.

“Is that her legal name?”

The owner nodded.

“Do you have an address on file for her?”

“Yes. I haven’t told her anything yet. She would be in class and I didn’t want to worry her. Today is Tuesday anyway—she hasn’t been here for a few days.”

“Does she have any outstanding debts that you know of?”

It would not be unusual for a student to need money.

At this point, Sersi looked offended.

“I’m afraid ma’am I have to consider every angle."

Her shoulder’s relaxed.

“Right. No, I don’t believe so. We have talked about her working more days but she is going to see how her schedule pans out. It’s her first year there.”

“Is the piece particularly valuable?”

“It’s not the most expensive that we have on display.”

“Any particular opinion on why this…. painting?”

Ikaris re-checked the note to double check on what kind of art it was.

“I suppose it was a smaller size—but beyond that….”

“Is the artist controversial?”

Sersi gave a laugh.

“Certainly not. Makkari is a local artist who mostly paints landscapes or interpretations of abandoned buildings throughout the city. A few abstracts when the mood hits her. She is popular among local collectors and has a decent following online.”

“Is it insured?”

“Yes.”

“Would you show me where the picture hung?”

“I can.”

She stood up and he followed.

They weaved around several officers until she brought him to stand in front of a wall.

It had several paintings hanging but there was an empty space and a title plaque with no corresponding art.

Ikaris traced the trail from the broken glass window around towards the gallery wall.

Visible from the street. Easy to scope out behind the desk at the entrance.

Seemed a simple enough explanation.

“Anyone of suspicion hanging about? Odd delivery persons or anyone making unusual inquiries?”

“Not really. Sorry. I don’t think I am being much help.”

Ikaris had to smile at her apologetic tone.

“The truth is always helpful. It’s just best to ask as many questions as possible even if they seem unlikely.”

“I suppose that is a good way of thinking about it.”

Her smile was light and easy in return.

He looked back down at the report to focus.

“What would you say the…”

“Boss! You’re here!”

Ikaris whipped his head around at the sound of Kingo’s voice.

“Ah, Kingo. I have been for a bit.”

The other man’s shoulders drooped.

“What? Druig didn’t tell me. That guy is the worst.”

“Yes well…”

“The worst.” Kingo repeated again with a look towards Sersi.

She seemed amused by this.

“Yes, well, getting back to things… is your team almost done Kingo?”

“Yeah, we have almost everything wrapped up. There are some nice pieces in here too. Not much photography though, but that is okay. I like the collection in the back—the ones done in the style of old movie posters in black and white. Very creative. It reminds me of—.”

“Kingo. Let’s start wrapping up then, yeah?”

“Sure thing Boss. I’m going to do one more pass now that the sun is coming around.”

Ikaris raised an eyebrow at this but let it be as Kingo headed off.

“Ikaris.” Druig called out. “They are done dusting for prints.”

“Security footage?”

“It’s being taken back to be looked at further.” Druig explained again.

“Good. That is our best shot I think. Everything else seems pretty by the numbers for a simple robbery.”

Druig nodded.

“We can always—who is that?”

Ikaris followed Druig’s gaze to the door where a dark-skinned woman stood looking around with wide eyes.

Sersi raised a hand.

“That is the artist, Makkari.”

One of the officers looks towards Ikaris and he motioned to allow her in.

“The artist?” Druig repeated, still not looking away. “She’ll have to be interviewed and finger printed as well.”

Ikaris sighed.

“I suppose so. Let’s…”

“—Sarge, I volunteer for this mission.” Druig stated with a salute.

“What? Ah… all right I guess…I mean….”

Ikaris was startled by the woman appearing beside the small group. He had to do a double take from the door back to the space besides him. He hadn’t even heard her approach.

“Hello, ma’am.” He greeted her. “Would you be able to answer some questions?”

The woman seemed to think about it before giving a thumbs up.

“Very goo—”

Ikaris paused again as Sersi touched his arm.

“Makkari uses sign language.” Sersi explained. “She can read lips but sometimes different accents can be hard to work out the first-time meeting someone.”

“Oh. Ah….” Ikaris was unsure what to do. Did anyone on the team know…

“I know a bit.” Druig piped up. “And maybe she will fancy my accent more.”

Ikaris watched suspiciously as Druig made a few motions with his hands.

Makkari raised an eyebrow but gave a nod.

“And I will be more than happy with some additional teaching it the lovely lass is agreeable.”

At this, Ikaris snorted.

“Try to be professional about it.” He murmured under his breath towards the other man.

Druig gave another mock salute before motioning Makkari to follow.

The artist subtly gave a wink towards her friend before she followed Druig towards the main desk.

Ikaris cleared his throat.

“I apologize. The team seem to be in very light spirits today.”

Sersi looked unaffected by this.

“I don’t mind. It’s kind of put me at ease a bit. Everyone has been very nice. Makes me feel as if everyone cares and is trying to help me out.”

Her eyes wandered behind them and Ikaris turned his head slightly to see Druig being a bit too thorough as he fingerprinted Makkari.

The woman didn’t seem too annoyed by this however as she gave Druig an easy smile.

“Oi, Ikaris.” Druig called over. “No one is dead. There is no need for your usual intensity.”

Ikaris shot him a look but didn’t say anything.

“You work in homicide?”

Sersi’s soft voice caused him to look back towards her.

“Ah, yes. Normally that is. I’m just…helping out.”

The truth was that he was on a bit of break from homicide after a particularly nasty case. The higher ups thought it seemed like a good idea to make him take a break.

He wasn’t sure how he felt about it.

“Well I appreciate your help on my own case. Boring as it might be.”

“Of course, ma’am.” He said a bit robotically.

This got a smile from her for some reason.

“Sersi? What is all this?”

Another man had appeared by the door and peered in as one of the officers put a hand back to hold him back.

“Gil! Ah…” She glanced back towards Ikaris who gave a wave of his hand to allow the man in.

They were wrapping up anyway.

The man was large but made his way carefully over.

“One of my guys told me when I got in that he had seen police cars outside here.”

Sersi gave a simple shrug.

“A break in it seems. One of Makkari’s paintings got stolen.”

The man’s eyes grew wide.

“What? Really? It’s usually so quiet here. That is awful. Are you all right?”

“I wasn’t here at the time so I am thankful for that at least.”

“Nothing else was taken?”

“That seems to be about it. Thena’s paintings are all still here.”

“I can’t believe this.” The man repeated again before glancing at Ikaris. “Sorry. Hello, there I’m Gilgamesh. I have a shop nearby.”

Ikaris gave him a nod.

“What kind of shop?” Kingo asked from the side.

“A restaurant.” Gilgamesh searched his pockets and pulled out a business card and handed it over.

“Oooohh, spring rolls.” Kingo said with interest.

“You can scan the QR code for the full menu. Stop by sometime if you want.”

“Do you have vegetarian options?”

“Of course. Plenty.”

“The noodles are very good.” Sersi spoke up.

“Where is this?”

Druig and Makkari had come over as well.

“Just around the corner. Stop by if you are feeling hungry.”

“Always.” Druig responded.

Kingo handed him the business card.

Ikaris noted that Druig was eating now.

“Sersi offered us some fruit earlier.” He explained innocently before taking another bite of the apple.

“There is more if you want something.” She offered.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Maybe we’ll stop by.”

Druig gave the card a spin before shooting Makkari a smile.

“Well, we should wrap up here and let these business people get back to their lives.”

Gilgamesh made his goodbyes and headed off.

Kingo started to oversee packing up the equipment.

Ikaris watched Druig and Makkari continue to talk to each other in silence.

Hopefully he was being professional.

At least the rain had stopped and sunlight was peeking through as Kingo had mentioned earlier.

Ikaris took another lap around the small showroom and paused to look at a few of the pieces.

More than slightly out of the price range for something he would buy for his mother.

“Ikaris?”

“Yes?”

Sersi had come back to stand beside him.

She looked uncertain for a moment.

“Sorry, a…. Sergeant.”

“It’s not a big deal—either way.”

He would respond to whichever.

She nodded with a smile and appeared to be at ease again.

“See anything you like?”

“Oh, well I am not really any great…. art admirer.”

True.

The walls of his small flat were mostly bare.

“These are interesting.”

“The artist’s name is Thena. Her current collection is based on female heroes in history and fiction.”

That explained the theme.

“Who is this then?”

“Maid Marian.”

“Ah.”

It was a dynamic piece to be certain.

The colors were bold, and it seemed that any moment the woman would release the arrow she had nocked back.

“It’s a very creative idea.”

“Have you ever dabbled yourself?”

Sersi asked it with a teasing smile.

“Art? I mean, probably a finger-painting or two when I was young. I doubt it would fetch much. You are much better off with these.”

“Boss! We are almost ready to go.”

He gave Kingo a nod.

“Well, we will be in touch with anything else we found or if we have any follow up questions.”

“Of course. This is a new experience for me so whatever I can do…”

“Hopefully, the only time.”

For her sake, he hoped so.

“We will get out of your way then. No doubt you have more phone calls to make.”

Sersi sighed and pushed back some strands of her hair.

“I suppose so.”

She paused to sign something over to Makkari who was still standing with Druig,

Her face flushed for a moment and made a few more hand motions.

“Everything okay?” He felt the need to ask.

“Yes, just a…. girl stuff.”

None of his business then.

“Right. Well, we will take our leave from you ma’am. Please reach out if the need arises. I’m sure someone will be in touch with you with a few follow-ups.”

“I certainly will think things over. I have watched plenty of police dramas. I never thought I would be involved in something myself.”

“Give me a lift back, would you Sarge?” Druig asked while walking passed him.

“Why can’t you ride with Kingo?”

Druig raised an eyebrow.

“Please don’t subject me to the singing.”

That he could sympathize with.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

A construction truck was out front now working on boarding up the space where the glass had been.

Makkari gave them a wave and Sersi added one of her own as Ikaris and Druig headed down the street.

“Why did you park so far away?”

“I wasn’t quite sure which one it was.”

Druig would usually make a comment at this but a free ride without singing must have kept his mouth shut.

Ikaris pulled away from the curb and headed in the direction of the station.

“Gilgamesh’s restaurant looks nice. I might check it out.”

“Yeah?” Ikaris took a turn.

“Yeah, might make a date of it.”

“With who?”

“Makkari.”

Ikaris frowned.

“You can’t date someone connected with—.”

“She’s not a suspect is she?”

“Well, no. Not as far as I can tell.” He had to admit.

“If she is, she is as much a suspect as Sersi.”

Ikaris tapped the breaks.

“Well, she definitely is not.”

“Is that bias I hear?”

“What? No, certainly not.”

It just didn’t fit the situation.

Druig hummed and he crossed his arms.

“To bad. I was thinking we could make a double date of it.”

“With who?” Ikaris found himself repeating again.

“Sersi.”

Oh.

His first thought of that was not unpleasant.

But.

“We can’t date people connected with a case.”

Druig sighed.

“You are a true officer of the law, Ikaris.”

“Well, professionalism is important.”

“How about this? We solve this case and then see about getting a date with the ladies.”

Ikaris tried not to respond too quickly.

“We have to solve the case first—if we can.”

“Deal. We’ll catch this baddie in no time. Hopefully he was sloppy.”

Ikaris adjusted his hands around the steering wheel.

“Do you think they would be interested?” He had to ask.

“Two fine upstanding officers of the law who are solving a case on their behalf? I would think so.”

Maybe he had a point.

“Besides…” Druig dragged out. “Makkari told me that Sersi thought you were cute.”

Ikaris stopped at the red light.

“She said that?”

“That’s what Makkari told me anyway.”

Oh. Well then.

Maybe it was nice to not deal with a murder this time.

This crime seemed like it might have a benefit.

“You’re grinning.”

Ikaris straightened up and evened out his lips.

“No, I’m not.”

He was a professional after all.

Chapter Text

“Sersi, here you are. Ikaris told us he was bringing you.”

Ikaris watched as Sersi gave a smile.

“I am glad I was able to. I never feel as if I have enough of a chance to talk to Ikaris’s co-workers.”

“He could bring you along some workday—we wouldn’t mind.” The woman said with a cheeky smile.

“It’s hard to find time when we both work so much.” Ikaris pointed out.

“Nonsense, I am sure something could be figured out. Well, it so nice to have you at this little party. Ten years is a small number to celebrate being around but in business you take what you can get.”

“It’s a good milestone to celebrate.” Sersi agreed.

“And I must say, I love how well you and Ikaris match. Your style is just lovely—like a shop window.”

Ikaris glanced down at the green accents in his suit that matched his wife’s dress.

“Well, I figure if he gets lost people will know who to return him to.”

Sersi sent a teasing smile his way.

“I don’t blame you.” His co-worker commented giving Sersi a playful nudge. “I’m sure some ladies wouldn’t want to return him at all.”

His wife gave a smile and squeezed his arm tighter at her words.

It was safe to say that they were mostly beyond jealousy at this point in their lives but there were always little flares of possessiveness if someone pressed too much.

“Make sure to eat some hors d'oeuvres. The catering team that the company hired is fantastic.”

“I’m sure we will.” Sersi promised as she gave Ikaris’s arm a slight nudge to encourage him to walk.

“How long do we have to mingle?”

“These are your own co-workers.” She reminded him.

“Yes and I see then every workday.”

“Well, it nice that everyone can relax around each other.”

“I suppose so.” He had to concede.

“Who is your boss again? Point her out to me.”

Ikaris glanced around the room.

“To your left, passed the piano, talking to the woman in red on the couch.”

His gaze must had caught the attention of the older woman and she finished up and wandered over towards them.

“So nice you both could come.” She greeted.

“It looks so lovely here.” Sersi replied.

“Yes, these spaces managed to clean up nicely.”

It was true. The office’s meeting spaces had been cleared out for round standing tables and a bar for people to mingle around.

Soft music played while people chatted.

“Please take advantage of the balcony. It’s on the chilly side I know, but I had them decorate out there regardless.”

Sersi’s smile grew.

“That sounds wonderful. Ikaris will show me, I’m sure.”

His boss gave him a pat on the shoulder and moved on.

“Should we grab drinks and then go to the balcony?”

“Sure, come on.”

They stopped at the bar to grab drinks and stayed a short bit for some conversation before heading out.

When Ikaris opened the door to the balcony, a cool breeze blew past them.

“Maybe we should stay inside?” He offered.

“We can manage. A few other people are.” His wife pointed out.

There did appear to be several hearty pairs out on the balcony.

Lights were strung overhead with several tables set up to stand around.

Several alcoves had been created with fake vines to give some privacy if desired and the view showcased the setting sun perfectly.

Sersi tugged him towards one such place.

“The view from here is amazing.”

Too bad his office window had no such view.

“I never get tired of looking at skyscrapers and remembering when their structures were just sticks and mud.”

Humans indeed had come a long way from when the Eternals first touched down.

Ikaris supposed it wasn’t too chilly out. Sersi seemed happy to be here at the least.

He set his drink down and shifted to stand closer to her

She smiled at his action but said nothing as she continued to gaze outwards.

Ikaris reached for his drink again when it seemed like a ball of light hit him.

He looked quickly at Sersi to see if they were under attack.

She looked unhurt but her face looked shocked.

Gold light incased him and he only had a second to look to her again before his eyes were forced closed.

+

+

+

“Ikaris.”

Ikaris thrust his eyes open and flailed his arms before realizing that though he was in space, he wasn’t falling.

He turned his head to see what had said his name.

It was the largest . . . thing that he had ever seen. It was . . .

“Arishem?”

It was more a whisper than he had intended.

“It is I Ikaris.”

Ikaris had no idea what to do.

Ajak had never told them what to do if they spoke to Arishem.

Should he bow or . . .

“What do you need of me?”

He assumed that was the proper thing to ask.

“Ajak is no more. She was killed by a mutated deviant.”

What? No!

“She’s gone?” Ikaris managed to spit this out hoarsely.

She couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible.

“From this world, yes. You are to carry on in her place Ikaris.”

“What? I . . .”

He couldn’t do that. He . . .

“You know my will, do you not? Continue to carry it out. Fight these evolving deviants before they become strong once again.” The Celestial ordered. “The emergence is close. Fulfill your purpose and bring forth new worlds at the birth of this new celestial being.”

There was so much Ikaris wanted to say but words would no longer pass his lips. How did Ajak make it sound easy to talk to him?

“You are the prime eternal now Ikaris. Carry on the mission. Lead as Ajak would.”

Ikaris tried to open his mouth but the golden light seem to freeze him again.

+

+

+

Once his eyes were opened, he was back on the balcony under the twinkling lights.

“Ikaris? Ikaris?” A soft voice was pleading.

He knew it.

“Sersi?”

He rubbed at his eyes trying to uncloud them and clear his mind.

“Are you . . . what happened? What was . . .”

“Ajak is dead.”

It was perhaps rude to cut her off and break this to her in this manner but Ikaris had a habit of being blunt.

Horror crossed his wife’s face.

“No! How! That can’t be true.” She reached out to touch his arm carefully as if she wasn’t sure she would be able to.

“I spoke to Arishem. He . . . he told me it was true. I . . .”

He was still in shock.

His hand, which always seemed steady, was shaking.

Sersi grabbed it quickly. Her motion knocked a drink from the table and broke it on the wood floor.

“Just go slowly.”

Her voice was firm even as her eyes filled with tears.

“He said that she was killed by a mutated deviant.” Whatever that meant. “How long was I gone for?”

The sky seemed darker now and Ikaris had lost track of time.

“Only a few moments, no one noticed.” She assured him.

He glanced about.

No one was staring out at them in suspicion.

“If it went on much longer, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.” Sersi admitted. “I thought about weaving more vines around us but I thought it would draw more attention.”

“It felt like longer.”

It was cold there in that space—was it actually space?

“Did Arishem say what we should do?”

“We keep on. Find the deviants before they . . . change more.”

“Change?” She repeated. “How have they changed?”

“I don’t know. He . . . he just said they did, or have or are or . . .”

He was confused.

“We should go.” Sersi said decidedly. “We can—.”

“A little accident here?” One of the servers asked as he stopped to pick up the broken glass.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Sersi was quick to say. “I was clumsy.”

“No problem, ma’am. Can I get a replacement for you?’ He offered.

“I think we are just about done. Thank you.”

Ikaris felt Sersi tug at his arm and he followed her wordlessly.

They were stopped a few times by various well-meaning conversationalists and submitted to a painful amount of small talk before they continued on and picked up their coats.

Nothing much was said on the road home.

Ikaris wasn’t sure what he even wanted to say and was fearful of what could come out of his mouth. Sersi had her lips pressed together and gazed at him rather than the world outside the car window.

“Ikaris.”

“Whut?’

He looked over at her.

“It’s green.”

He looked back up at the lights and tapped the gas.

Maybe he should have made her drive.

By the time they got back, Sersi had the door open and the lights on before he could blink.

Ikaris took his suit jacket off and rubbed at his throat.

“Do you want some tea?” She offered.

“No, no I . . . I don’t know . . .”

Nothing was going to help solve this.

She made herself a cup in a shimmer of golden light before seemingly realizing that she was still in her dress.

“I’ll be right back.”

Ikaris watched as she whisked away towards their bedroom. He in turn, sat heavily on the couch and undid his tie.

How could Ajak be dead?

He rubbed the base of his throat wondering if he could feel the orb that now resided in him.

Was her body somewhere? How many deviants were there?

The best thing to do would be to choose a first step and then start.

But which step?

Tell Sersi?

Not tell Sersi.

Let everything happen as Arishem had designed or . . .

Keep quiet as Ajak had ordered years and years ago.

What was making him question everything now?

Perhaps he always had a bit in his heart, but as much as Ajak trusted him, she never seemed to want his input on the topic. But now, now, he was in charge.

So . . . where did that leave him?

“Should I text the others?”

Sersi spoke as she came back into the room now in a cardigan and some soft pants.

She quickly sat next to him.

“Or . . . is Ajak . . . should we find her and bury her?”

Would there be anything to bury? Ikaris wondered.

Sersi wiped at her eyes and reached for her cup of tea.

“I can’t believe one of us is gone and to be Ajak . . . not even in the middle of a fight . . . I . . .”

Ikaris managed to reach out and place a hand on her knee wordlessly.

Perhaps he was too stunned and upset to cry at the moment. Perhaps, he truly wouldn’t believe it until he saw it with his own eyes.

“We should tell the others, right? Or those at least that use phones. We should probably meet over in the States.” Sersi pondered. “Or we could . . . oh . . .”

Ikaris glanced at her as she cut off.

She was looking strangely at him and he wasn’t sure why.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be telling you what to do. You talked to Arishem. That means you are the Prime Eternal now.”

Her tone was . . . uncertain, much like his own heart.

His hand on her knee tightened.

“Please don’t think I’ve gained any wisdom or insight because of it. I appreciate any of your thoughts.”

“It’s just so strange.” She murmured softly.

He wasn’t sure what she meant by that.

She reached out a hand to cup his cheek gently.

“We all knew you were Ajak’s right hand but for it to actually be necessary to take her place here. I . . .”

“I don’t think we ever thought we would lose anyone.” He said softly.

It didn’t seem like it at least.

Bumps, bruises, cuts, stabs, poisons—Ajak could heal and soothe it all.

What could he do?

What should he do?

Ikaris passed a hand over his face and tried to think calmly.

“We should travel to where she lived first and assess the situation. See if we can figure out where the deviant went and how many there are. I don’t want to alert everyone if there is only one.”

Getting everyone assembled to just fight one seemed a waste of time.

“Should we leave now? Tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow, I suppose. Early.”

Ikaris did not feel like flying all the way tonight. He felt as if his whole body was made of stone.

“I’ll pack a few things. We have the weekend to figure things out before we have to worry about our workplaces.”

Ah, that too.

“Okay.” He agreed quietly.

Sersi folded into him more and he rested his chin on top of her head.

The smell of lilies and amber still clung to her hair and body from her perfume.

If he closed his eyes tightly enough, would all these problems fade away?

Apparently not.

Should he tell her now?

Tell her what?

His throat locked up and he felt his heart race.

Ajak was not there to give him orders or direct him.

He knew what Arishem ordered.

What could they even do anyway if he did tell her—and them?

Assuming she didn’t hate him for it.

What were creatures against their creator?

Could Arishem be reasoned with on this topic?

Ikaris shook his head.

What was he even thinking?

“Ikaris, are you...?” Seri trailed off as she lifted up her head to meet his gaze.

“I think I need some air.”

Sersi sat up straighter and looked towards the kitchen.

They did have a nice small balcony but that wasn’t what he meant.

“I’ll be back in a bit.”

He wanted to ask her to come with, but that would mean having her at his side while he fought with his own mind on the topics that were swirling.

It was best to get some space.

“Okay.”

Her tone was gentle and perhaps a bit concerned but she gave a nod.

He grabbed a different jacket and walked out.

+

+

+

“Just a . . . pint of something.” Ikaris finally said.

His walking took him around a few streets until he found the pub tucked in the corner of a row.

The bartender shrugged and grabbed a mug from the stack.

“Not feeling particular?”

“I suppose not.”

Ikaris pulled out a barstool and sat down.

It was fairly quiet in this place at this time of night.

“We close in an hour.” The bartender offered up.

That was some time to think in peace he supposed.

“I won’t keep you longer than that then.” Ikaris promised.

The bartender shrugged again.

“Doesn’t matter to me. Take your time.”

Ikaris took a sip of his drink and tried to think.

Ajak was dead, he was prime now, and the emergence was close at hand it seemed.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

What was he supposed to do? He was alone more than ever.

Ajak was the one who had told him—she was the only one who had known and now she was gone.

“Trouble with the missus?”

Ikaris blinked his eyes opened.

“What? No . . . no . . .”

“The mother-in-law then?” The man behind the bar asked.

“Ah, no . . .”

“Your job?”

“N—well, maybe. I guess.” Ikaris settled on.

“Ha! I can usually get it in three. You see a lot in a pub like this.”

“I’m sure.”

He didn’t expect to be analyzed while he sat.

“What’s the trouble—if you don’t mind me prying.”

Ikaris wasn’t sure what to say.

It really wasn’t a normal kind of problem.

“Um, I suppose I got . . . promoted and I am not sure what to do.”

“Nervous?” The other man guessed.

“I’m not sure I can do this anymore—or want to.”

There, he had said it out loud.

The barkeep hummed.

“How long have you been at this job?”

“A long time.”

“You could turn it down I suppose—unless it would make your wife unhappy.”

“No it . . . “

“You could get another job. A pain, I know, but you could.”

Ikaris gave a cough of a laugh before setting down his drink again.

“Not really an option.”

“Family business?” The man guessed.

“Something like that.”

“I wouldn’t let that hold you down. This isn’t the old times of our great grandparents. You can go to school for everything nowadays—move anywhere—learn anything.”

The older man seemed to know what he was talking about so Ikaris decided to take a gamble.

“This . . . path. It’s all I’ve ever known.”

“Well . . .” The other man began. “. . . maps are made for a reason it’s true. Sometimes though, you just have to blaze a new trail and mark it out yourself.”

Ikaris opened his mouth and then closed it.

His advice wasn’t going to apply as much as he had hoped it might.

That what he got for asking a human.

“I don’t know if I have that option.”

What could he do?

This was the path Ajak had them on for . . . millennia possibly. Could he change it in such a short time? What would he tell the others? Should he tell the others?

Should he ask Arishem?

Ikaris shivered.

He did not want to go to that cold dark place wherever it was.

“Have you talked to your wife about it? Your family?”

“It’s a pretty recent development.”

“Well then take some time to think about it. Sleep. No need to be dramatic and go to the bottom of a bottle.”

Ikaris downed the last liquid in his glass and set it back on the counter.

“One drink could hardly do that.” He insisted.

He had drunken many versions of alcohol over the centuries and never to the point of drunkenness. Such a thing would be dangerous if a threat arose.

He would never be so reckless.

“Feeling any better?”

Ikaris shrugged.

“Not really.”

“Well, seems like not much can be done about it tonight. Just keep in mind, if you get to call the shots now, then run things how you wish. Don’t let what others have done confine you if you think there is a better way forward for the business."

Ikaris pressed his lips together.

How could he be a better leader than Ajak? She had been chosen by Arishem himself and led them all this time. Ikaris hardly had a winning personality for a good leader—he was not blind to this fact.

This path was ordered by Arishem and Ajak had guided them along since they had woken up. How was he supposed to go against that and go a different way? Who was he to make such a choice?

“I don’t know . . .”

“Well.” The barkeeper said with a slight smile. “No need to take my advice. Advice is not one size fits all anyway.”

Ikaris stood up and thanked the man.

“Part of my job I feel. Get home safe now.”

Ikaris buttoned up his coat and walked back out into the night.

By the time he made it back to the flat, the lights were still on and Sersi was still up.

She must have noticed his confused look.

“Did you think I would go to sleep after all this?’ She questioned as she rose from the armchair to meet him by the door.

“I . . .”

He realized he selfishly hadn’t thought of what she might be doing while he was away.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wander for so long.”

“Did you just wander?” She asked knowingly as she took his jacket from him.

“I stopped at a pub.” He admitted sheepishly. “It was quiet and out of the cold.”

“Well, you are back now.”

She hung up his jacket and tugged his hand.

“Change for bed and . . . maybe we can just sleep?”

“Actually . . . can I talk to you for a bit?”

He tried to keep his tone even.

“Of course.”

Her face was always so warm and trusting.

How could he tell her the truth?

He had kept the secret for years—all these years. Every second of every day.

Ever since being told by Ajak, his emotions around this topic were never stable.

He tried for years to pretend that it wasn’t true, that maybe he dreamt it and it wasn’t real.

Life could just continue with Sersi and he didn’t have to consider the end of everything.

The rest of the group thought they lived for ever and had forever, which was true in a certain way, but that wasn’t the whole truth.

Maybe this was a mistake.

They were almost to the couch when Ikaris pulled back.

“I, uh . . . give me a moment.”

He walked through the kitchen and went out the door to their small porch.

Leaning his arms against the wooden rail, he tried to breathe.

What was the right thing to do?

Once the others knew there was no unknowing.

Would the group fall into chaos?

They would have questions for him and he didn’t know all the answers.

Arishem would but. . .  

Ikaris rubbed at the base of his throat wishing the golden orb away.

He wished all of this would go away—to forget—for it not to be a burden . . .

“Ikaris, it’s cold. Come back inside please.”

Sersi had opened the window to call to him.

Reluctantly, he did so now more confused than ever.

“I’m sorry.” She began gently. “I know you are upset about Ajak, but I don’t think she would want you to freeze while mourning her.”

If only that was the sole problem.

“How about I put a kettle on?  Would do us both some good I think.”

Sersi wiped at her eyes as she turned back into the kitchen.

Ikaris sat at the table in silence.

If he told her and she . . . hated him, what would he do? If she was understanding . . .

“Sersi, there are things . . . being prime . . . I . . .”

“I know you will do your best.” His wife said encouragingly. “And I will do anything that I can to help you—you know that.”

He did and he in turn tried to do what was best for her.

“I don’t think . . . Sersi, with Ajak . . . being gone, there are things . . . things she told me that I was supposed to keep secret and I don’t know what to do about that now.”

A frown crossed her pretty face.

“What do you mean? Secrets about what? Are they things only Primes get to know?”

“Perhaps, I don’t know . . .” He admitted freely.

“Is it wrong for you to tell me? But, wait, you just said Ajak told you?”

He nodded and fiddled with the spoon she had set before him along with a fresh cup of tea.

She sat down opposite him.

“Well, if you feel comfortable telling me.” She said with a shrug.

He wasn’t.

He hated all of this.

Why did she have to be so lovely and kind and he so stubborn and loyal?

“You don’t have to tell me now.” She said sweetly.  “You can think about it.”

“If I think about it any longer my head might explode with all the thoughts or I might . . . fly too close to the sun to escape this torture.”

This wasn’t the first time he had referenced Sprite’s tale but it was the first time he was half serious about it—not really but maybe . . .

Sersi rose out of her chair in alarm.

“What? What are you talking about?”

It was the most honest he had ever allowed himself to be on the topic.

“I mean, ever since Ajak told me—and she told me long ago—I’ve hated the part of myself that blindly promised not to tell anyone else.”

“Well . . . what is it?” Sersi prompted.

Ikaris grabbed her hand desperately.

“Just tell me that you will try to understand. That you won’t hate me right away.”

“Ikaris, of course not. How could you think such a thing?”

The thought had never entered her head that he could be so awful. What a disappointment he would be to her.

He broke his gaze away from her nervously to take a drink of his hot tea.

She changed the grip of their hands so that she was gripping his.

“I won’t let go.”

Ikaris took a deep breath, looked at her steadily, and opened his mouth.

Chapter Text

Ikaris was in a mood.

He’s always in a mood.

Sersi shook her head as Druig’s voice echoed in her mind.

Her dear husband could be sometimes but this mood was different.

Some women would tell her that their husbands would get angry or snap at them when something was wrong but with Ikaris it wasn’t like that.

Ikaris tended to be quiet with which she had no objections. He would never prattle on endlessly or tell stories with no point or purpose.

He would answer her questions about his day and ask some in return but he would never just talk to make noise.

Some of their friends would find it silly, but just hearing his footsteps across the floor was comforting to hear from the other room.

But this was different.

He was deadly silent and his mouth was set at a firm line as if he had been asked to lead people into a battle.

She had given him several hours after he had gotten home to work through it and chose to talk to her about the problem.

He still hadn’t.

Giving a quick look over their kitchen partition, she could see the top of his dirty blond hair from where he was sitting on the couch.

Making a decision, she shut her laptop and wandered out into the sitting room.

Ikaris had some of his work papers out and was twirling a pen in his hand mindlessly as he glanced over them.

The direct route was usually best.

“Coming in!”

It was the only warning she gave him before plopping down beside him.

This jostled some of his paper causing them to fall on the floor and he dropped his pen.

“—What? Sersi.”

She stopped his hands from reaching for his things.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“What? Noth…I mean…” He paused to scratch the back of his head.

He took in a deep breath and turned his blue eyes back to her. She could tell he was about to give in and explain.

“So, when I was at work today, one of the head bosses stopped to talk to me—”

“Well he probably noticed that you have been working a lot of Saturdays.” Sersi broke in.

“Well, if they are willing to pay me overtime until they find someone to fill the gap I might as well.”

He had been doing so for a little over a month now.

When he had spoken to her about how he might be picking up more hours if he could, she had been slightly worried. Working six days a week would be tiring but she knew his reason for it.

She had mentioned recently that she hoped that they could have a child in the coming year and he had taken this very seriously.

He was working hard to earn a little extra money to save away.

It was very endearing.

“Anyway, he wanted to offer me a chance to be promoted to a manager in—”

“Ikaris! That is great!” Sersi through her arms around his neck in a hug.

“Yes, well, yes….”

He gave her a squeeze and she released him somewhat so she could sit back.

“You’ve been working so hard and it has paid off.”

“You haven’t heard all of it yet.” He cautioned.

“Well, what is it?”

The news seemed good so why was he down?

“The trial period would take place at another branch.”

Oh.

“Oh, well that is…where would it be?”

The company was fairly large and had several branches.

“New York.”

Oh.

“For four to six months.” He finished with a frown.

“Wow, okay.” Sersi tried to process this. “Really? It has to be that long?”

“It’s a trial period so it will give them enough time to see how I handle it”

“But you wouldn’t be permanently there?” She had to ask. “If they promoted you?”

“I’ve been told they would keep me in London if possible unless we would be willing to move elsewhere—Bristol or Oxford even—but that is far down the line at the moment.”

“Four to six months is…”

Sersi counted out the months on her fingers.

“It would cover the summer. I wouldn’t be teaching school and I could come over there. Any sort of administrative work that I need to handle can be done remotely.”

That was a bright spot.

“Besides, it’s not like the olden days. I won’t be wasting away waiting from a letter from you.”

She poked his shoulder.

“I’ll be all right. It will be a bit odd I suppose.”

They had been married for three years now or seven thousand—as Sprite would say dramatically to anyone who would listen.

She could be such a bug.

“I’m not worried about you. You’ll be fine.” Ikaris began with an adorable pout on his face. “I’m worried about me.”

Sersi had to hold back a laugh.

“Well, you won’t have to wait on a letter from me either. You can’t tell them ‘No’, Ikaris. Or what? Tell them, ‘Maybe next time?’ Next time they might send you to Munich. The states are manageable—no real language barrier.”

“I suppose so.”

“You’ll be alright. I know you will be working hard so the time will seem to fly by and I will join you when I can. Then I will keep you busy in your time off. We can go see sights and museums—I can see what shows are on Broadway.”

“We are supposed to be trying to save money, remember?”

“We both work. We aren’t destitute. If I am going all the way to New York I want to see some sites. Plus, if you get this promotion…”

“Okay, okay, since you put it like that.” He sighed. “I suppose I can let them know tomorrow. Do I even own a suitcase?”

“I think so in the closet somewhere.”

“Eh, all right. I’ll try to pack light. I probably will be living out of a hotel room. I’ll pick five good shirts and ti…”

“Five?” Sersi questioned. “Why only five?”

“Well, I can wear one Monday through Friday and then wash them on the weekends.”

“Ikaris, you cannot only bring five shirts. People will notice.”

New York was a fashionable city. He couldn’t wear the same five shirts for months on end.

“You want to make a good impression, remember?”

“Fine, I’ll…I can buy some when I get there. They have shops.”

“Okay, just…send me pictures before you do, okay?"

“Do you not trust me to buy shirts?”

She gave him a look.

“You would probably buy several in different shades of blue.”

“I can change out ties.” Ikaris argued. “No one is judging my choice of shirt. I have nice suits.”

She had seen to that.

Ikaris never gave much thoughts to his clothes as long as they seemed nice and didn’t have holes.

Now that she was thinking about all this she was starting to feel sad about having to let him go off for a bit.

But, she wouldn’t let him know that. She would be strong.

This was good and she was happy for him.

Summer would come soon enough and she would be with him again.

“Well, this all seems exciting. So…yay?”

This was a good thing after all

Ikaris sighed resignedly.

“I suppose so.”

Sersi kissed his forehead.

Chapter Text

Sersi sat patiently with the other women and girls on the floor as they watched Thena pace the hard wood floor with a phone pressed to her ear.

She was muttering which wasn’t a good sign.

They were down their pianist and were at a standstill.

“We could just play music through the speakers.”

The whisper came from the woman next to her.

“You know Thena. We are getting closer to the show so she wants the rehearsals to be as realistic as possible.”

Although, if they didn’t start doing something active soon, she was going to lose the younger students who were tired of sitting.

“Let’s do some stretching to get loose, yeah?”

Sersi didn’t think Thena would mind her taking some control of the group while she was trying to sort things out.

She was basically the woman’s right hand after all—even if the ballet company wasn’t her own.

It had started out as a favor to Thena to dance in one of her small productions and then here and there as her schedule allowed.

Her job as a ballet dancer in a major company had to remain her focus.

Sersi stood up to stretch alongside the other ladies taking a moment to pull down one leg of her practice tights.

“Fantastic.” Thena announced as she put down her phone on the top of the piano.

Sersi wandered over with a sympathetic look.

“Is he not able to make it?”

Thena ran a hand through her pale gold hair.

“He’s sick.”

“That’s not his fault Thena. These things happen.”

“I haven’t been sick in years. I refuse to.” She said proudly.

Sersi didn’t doubt this. Thena was very strong willed.

“We will have to go with option two then. Hold on.”

Thena picked up her phone again and wandered off.

Sersi went back to stretching and helping some of the younger girls with their shoes.

A few moments later, Thena rejoined them stopping with her hands on her hips.

“Well, we are going with plan ‘B’ then. ‘B’ for my brother.”

“Your brother?” Sersi repeated.

She only knew a little bit.

He was a pianist in a London based orchestra. Ikaris had been overseas somewhere for the past several months touring.

That meant he was back it could be assumed.

“Well, that is good then.”

Thena shrugged.

“He was a little whiny about it but I told him he had no choice.”

“That is very nice of him.”

Her friend sniffed.

“Maybe without the whining. “

“It’s nice to have a brother that can help out.”

Sersi herself had a few sisters, but no brothers—not that her sisters wouldn’t help her out.

“You can have him if you want. Might be useful for me to be rid of him.”

Now she knew Thena was teasing.

Thena clapped her hands then.

“Ladies, let’s finish up and get ready.

+

+

+

“All, right, all right, I’m here.”

The man announced after opening the studio door.

All eyes turned to him including Sersi’s.

He didn’t look particularly happy though.

Which was shame as he was a handsome man.

Thena clapped her hands.

“We will work from the younger students to our volunteer dancers. This way.”

Thena’s brother followed along to the brown upright piano in the middle of the dance floor.

“Why is it here?” He asked.

“They are going to dance around it.”

He made a face.

“It’s modern.”

Ikaris then rolled his eyes but sat down.

It was funny to see them interact. Both were serious, stubborn, and critical. Their features were similarly sharp and defined. Pale hair was on top of both of their heads although Ikaris’s leaned sandier in color.

His eyes were a deeper blue she thought.

Maybe.

She joined the older ladies waiting off to the side while the children went first.

Ikaris’s fingers danced up and down the keys with various looks and grimaces at the different sounds.

Sersi personally didn’t think it was that out of tune—but what did she know?

“Stop making faces and do the thing where you hit the keys in the correct order. People seem to like that.”

Thena’s orders were received with a curt nod before he fiddled with the screen that had been placed on the piano to display the music.

He swiped through it methodically.

“All right, take your places please. Ikaris, for the first time around, please keep a slower time.”

The younger girls went forward getting into position with a few giggles and smiles.

Even Ikaris softened at the sight of the eager students ready to perform.

He glanced towards his sister who gave him a nod and he began.

The music that filled the air was light and playful, quick and staccato in places.

“Up, down, up, down.” Thena chanted in certain places. “Keep the toes pointed.”

Thena had choreographed the dance to be a bit easier on the younger girls  

Sersi had to admit that her eyes kept straying from the girls to the man playing.

He seemed to be concentrating too.

Certainly better than their normal pianist—no offense Geoffrey.

The girls all ended on the last note although Karly on the end wobbled a slight bit which Thena called her on.

“Again then, we will go normal speed. Take a moment to gather your breath and we will begin.”

Sersi watched along with the other ladies as the girls ran through their performance once more and then it was time to move on.

Sersi sat patiently as other performers went.

Don Quixote

Sleeping Beauty

A few different modern pieces.

Sersi was wondering if someone should get Ikaris some water as he as the only one not getting a break.

Maybe it helped that he wasn’t dressed in a suit.

Simple trousers and with a henley with the sleeves rolled up—would be more breathable than his normal performance attire.

“Sersi, you are up next.”

The Awakening of Flora

She gave her toes a final flex and came onto the dance floor.

Ikaris was swiping through the pages on the screen glancing at the music beforehand.

There was no need to rush him so she gave another tug on her tights

Their eyes met and she gave him a nod.

The music rolled along in its chirping fashion with little notes and flourishes along the way.

Up-down-step-step-turns of the feet-small hops and soft spins—Sersi was careful to not get too close to the piano

It felt as if she was the small ballet dancer in a music box

Up-down-leg lift-spin-leg work-leg lift-hop-hop-reach-spin…

“Smile.” Thena suggested.

Right.

It was a short piece but Thena had made changes to challenge her with the choreography—no going easy on her. She was a professional and could handle it.

One more spin-turn-reach out with her hands…

Done.

Thena’s face was unreadable.

“A bit rushed at the end, but that is all I suppose.”

Sersi accepted this criticism with a nod.

Thena returned it and motioned for the next lady up.

While the two exchanged a few words, Sersi took a moment to fetch a bottle of water for Ikaris and placed it on the edge of the piano.

He gave her a smile of thanks and took a quick sip as Thena clapped her hands.

“Let’s continue then.”

Perhaps it was because she had such a front row view that she was enjoying watching Ikaris play more than the dancing—not that Tiania wasn’t very good and danced effortlessly.

The show would no doubt go over well. Once everyone was properly dressed and a few other pieces of orchestra assembled, no doubt it would be a successful evening.

Another feather for Thena’s cap.

“Very good everyone. Practice is this next Thursday. Practice, practice, practice.” Thena repeated. Her eyes sweeping back and forth over her dancers. “Also, for those who wish to come, we are still on for sushi at the usual place. Get home safely everyone.”

A few of the younger girls were quick to head out to the small locker room area to change.

Sersi followed listening to their excited chatter.

She hurried to freshen up as well before the other ladies entered.

It was a small space so it was best to get in and out.

The dance room was now mostly empty.

Ikaris still sat at the piano talking with one of the younger students.

Layla, who was the shyest girl of Thena’s class, had mustered up the courage to ask Ikaris for an autograph judging by pen and small paper Ikaris handed back to her.

The girl’s face turned slightly red matching her hair and bounced away with a smile on her face.

It was hard not to smile as well.

Besides Ikaris at the piano now, the room was empty.

He plucked at a few keys aimlessly with his head tilted slightly listening to the sound.

“Do you take requests?”

His head turned sharply as he watched her approach from the side. A soft smile was on his face.

“As long as it’s not ‘Rapsody in Blue’ in its entirety. I don’t think I have time for all that.”

Sersi shook her head in the negative.

Ikaris scooted slightly over and patted the empty place on wooden bench besides him.

She lowered herself down and set a fiver on the piano.

He gave a slight guff, but asked, “What do you want to hear?”

“Do you know ‘Aquarium’ from Carnival of the Animals?”

Ikaris’s lips twitched and his fingers hovered over the black and white keys for a moment before he started up.

“Is it this one?”

Sersi shook her head.

“That’s the right piece but the wrong movement. That’s ‘The Swan’.”

Ikaris frowned as his hands stopped.

“It sort of goes…” Sersi picked out of few notes that she thought was correct.

Ikaris raised an eyebrow.

Self-consciously she pulled her hands away.

“I don’t know that much really.”

A smile crossed his face again as he picked up the melody with much more confidence and certainly more talent that she had.

It was amazing the sound one instrument could produce.

She closed her eyes as the notes trickled out in soft magical fashion trickling and skipping along.

A grin was fighting to cross her face.

How magical it was to pull so many types of music out of an instrument.

Nothing else was spoken aloud as the piece finally came to an end.

“Thank you. It sounded very wonderful.”

He gave a dip of his head.

“I’m sure you have practiced a lot in your life and it has paid off. Thena told me once that most of her memories of you growing up have you seated at a piano. She said that even after your parents divorced and your father took you to Scotland, she knew that is where your still would be.”

At this, the hand that Ikaris had raised to grab the tablet off the stand froze for a moment.

Sersi bit her lip.

Thena had always been very candid about her parent’s failed marriage but perhaps it was wrong to speak so casually about it to her sibling.

Ikaris spoke up after a moment, “Yes, I suppose I was.”

There was a certain raw tone in his voice that caused Sersi to make a change in the conversation.

“And where have you come from? Thena said recently you had gotten back from somewhere.”

He looked amused at this.

“She seems to find quite a lot of time to talk about me.”

“I think she is proud.” Sersi told him honestly.

Thena could be cavalier and brush off her brother’s accomplishments but Sersi could tell there was real pride there when she talked of him.

Both siblings were respected in their careers. Even after her injury, Thena had persevered and started her own small company filled with students and a few friends who volunteered when they could.

If Sersi had found Thena dedicated as a fellow dancer, she was even a stronger leader—and respected just the same.

Ikaris’s face held a look of doubt as his finger picked out another song to fill the space with.

“Se—Sersi, there you are. Ready to go?” Thena asked. “Ikaris, are you coming?”

“Are you buying?”

Thena made a face.

“Why should I?”

“I should get something—even your friend gave me this.”

Sersi’s fiver was waved in the air.

Thena frowned.

“Don’t give him money. He doesn’t need handouts.”

“And you need to be less stingy and get this piano tuned.” Ikaris shot back. “What’s the point of having these ladies work hard only to reward them with a shoddy instrument?”

“We won’t even be using this piano for the performance. It isn’t that bad. There is a proper one on site at the theater.”

“Well, I would get it sorted if I were you.”

“Noted.”

Thena ended the conversation neatly and gave Sersi a head nod to follow.

“It was nice to meet you.” She said while moving to stand up.

It was a bit sad that he would not be joining them.

“Yes, you as well. You are a fine dancer.”

The compliment was received well—and much like little Layla—she left the room with a smile on her face.

+

+

+

Several months later, Thena had texted her about needing a relaxing day and wanting to know if she could use a spa day as well.

Sersi decided that she could indeed use some extra pampering in her life.

So there they sat winding down in a warm sauna after several hours at the spa.

Sersi reached her hands over her head in a stretch.

“This was a good idea.” She offered up. “Plus, we haven’t hung out in a while.”

“Indeed.”

“Do you have your sights set on anything new soon?”

Sersi had been too busy to be involved in anything besides her own company’s production which had left her out of the loop.

“I’m working on a few ideas. The girls are eager to focus on something.”

Sersi understood the feeling.

It was always good to sink your teeth into something new. Even after a successful run of shows there was always the next project to look towards.

“You’ve been busy.”

Sersi nodded at her friend’s words.

There was some time now to relax.

“I have, but you know I will always be part of a project if I can. The last one was such fun—plus it went over so well.”

“Yes it did.” Thena agreed. “Seems like a long time ago.”

It had been a bit of time for sure.

“Speaking of that time….”

Sersi glanced up at the change of tone in Thena’s voice with interest.

“Perhaps you remember a certain innocuous comment I made concerning my brother.”

Ah.

She knew where this conversation was heading now. A smile fought to stay off her face as she tried to achieve a neutral look.

“I did not expect you to take it so literally.”

A smile could not be fought off forever.

“Do you hate it?” Sersi asked honestly.

Thena made a face.

“I would have preferred to have learned it from one of you and not a picture I saw online.”

“What? A picture? Where?”

“You attended a well-known charity event and didn’t notice them taking your picture?”

The disbelief was palpable but also held some humor.

“Well, I know a picture was taken but I thought it was just for your mother’s …personal use or something.”

Thena rolled her eyes.

“It was only on the charity website. You looked quite comfortable with your arm entwined in his.”

A slight blush came to her cheeks even with the heat.

“Do you hate it then?” She had to know and Thena could be honest. “I can stop if you wan—”

“Why would you let me stop you?” Thena gave her an incredulous look.

A slight laugh escaped her at her friend’s reaction.

“You know what I mean.”

“What did my mother say? No doubt you met her.”

Sersi nodded.

She had.

The woman was most definitely where Thena got her serious expressions and stern eyebrows from.

“She told me that ‘it was nice to meet me and she hoped to see me again’.”

Thena’s lips twitched.

“Is that good or bad?”

To be honest, she was a bit nervous to ask this—it had seemed positive at the time despite the woman’s serious tone.

“…it’s a good sign I would say. She is usually quick to dismiss people she doesn’t want us to be with.”

This was said very nonchalantly but that was Thena’s way.

“Okay then.”

Her expression must have said something because Thena began to clarify.

“As long as my mother has been having this charity event every year, she has always had certain ideas of the people we should attend with. Once Gilgamesh and I got settled it became less of a bother to me but Ikaris does still have to deal with it.”

“Who does he usually bring?” Sersi had to ask.

“No one lately-which also irritates our mother. The only thing worse than attending with the wrong person is showing up with no one.”

Sersi filed this information away.

“She’s a bit of a stubborn woman but what can I say?”

Thea gave a shrug and fixed the tie of her towel.

No pressure then.

Her friend gave a sigh and glanced over at her once more. “I suppose I can tolerate it, although he should know better than to steal one of my people behind my back.”

A laugh escaped Sersi’s throat.

“Am I stolen?”

“You know what I mean.” Thena parroted dryly. “I hate when does something sneaky—it’s unbecoming and unattractive in men.”

“Noted.”

“Ugh, why are you even attracted to him anyway? Is it his hands—don’t answer that. I want to be able to eat whatever Gil is making for dinner tonight.”

Sersi kept her mouth shut and her comments to herself, but a small laugh did escape her as Thena rolled her eyes dramatically.

+

+

+

“You shouldn’t leave your door unlocked.”

Really, he wouldn’t let her get away with such a habit.

“I only did so when you texted that you were close by.” Ikaris asserted.

She made sure that her face told him that she still didn’t approve but still accepted his kiss when he leaned down slightly.

“How was your afternoon with Thena? Also, you really must give me pointers on how you talk to her for so long.”

Sersi gave him a slight push towards the kitchen before following him back there herself.

“You haven’t watched the next episode yet, right?”

“I said I wouldn’t” He reminded her. “And I haven’t—although I was stuck at the airport for a while and it was tempting.”

That was good then.

“Well, you don’t have to wait any longer now.”

She had brought some fruit and he had made some popcorn, so their snack set up was ready to go.

His couch gave a slight creek from the wooden frame as she sat down but it was still comfortable.

He was planning on moving in a few weeks to a new place that would better accommodate his piano and have no neighbors to annoy with his practicing. Ikaris had told her that he couldn’t believe he had been there as long as he had. She had to remind him that he hadn’t really been there much at all with his traveling.

“Will you take this couch with you?”

He shrugged.

“I guess so. Do you not like it? Have any recommendations?”

“No, just an innocent question—no motive.”

“Well, you can let me know.”

While he fiddled with the remote she decided to bring something up.

“Have you heard from Thena today?”

“I assumed she was busy with you. Why? Did you tell her?” He paused looking with interest at her.

They had discussed it before—telling Thena they were dating—Ikaris’s opinion was that it was none of her business. As for Sersi, she saw no reason to rush telling her until they had…felt things out a bit more and had become more established.

After a few months passed by, she had decided that the time had come.

Ikaris said he would do it—although he still thought that it was none of her business, but Sersi insisted that she would handle it.

She would probably be a bit more tactful about it and Ikaris couldn’t argue with that.

As the days rolled on, her stress about such a conversation started to haunt with visions of how Thena might react and what that outcome could mean.

Honestly, it had been a relief that Thena brough it up and in a humorous fashion was a good sign to start.

“She found out herself.” Sersi announced. “From the charity’s website.”

“That little sneak.” Ikaris muttered. “She told me once she never bothers to go on that site—especially if it is not her year to attend. Well, I suppose that works. Should I expect an angry phone call?”

“I don’t think so, but knowing Thena there will be some ribbing about it.”

“No doubt.” Ikaris reached for his glass.

“I think she approves, but disliked finding out about it from a third party.”

Thena’s brother rolled his eyes in similar fashion to his sister.

“She’ll live. How many episodes do you want to watch?”

“Just one probably. I go in earlier tomorrow.”

His knee bumped into hers.

“You could stay here tonight so we could watch more.”

Sneaky man knew what that tone of voice did to her—and unlike Thena’s opinion, it had the effect of making him terribly attractive.

“I have to get to practice early tomorrow.” She repeated without much force.

“I can give you a lift.”

“—Ikaris.”

“We won’t watch that many more. There will be plenty of time for your beauty sleep.”

That earned him a look.

“I’ll behave. Promise.” He raised a hand with an innocent expression. “I’ll even sleep on the couch if you want.”

Well, there was no need for such drastic measures and she told him so..

An arm was looped around her waist to pull her closer and a kiss pressed to the side of her head.

“You won’t always be getting your way you know.”

This bit of information from her amused him.

“I will take what I can get. At least until the day I retire and then have nothing else to do but follow you around on your traveling tours carrying your luggage about.”

“I can only imagine such a thing.”

The thought of Ikaris following her about like some bellhop…she laughed at the idea of him wearing the traditional outfit complete with the cap.

“You don’t have to laugh. It’s not that funny/”

“No, it wasn’t that—not directly anyway.”

Ikaris raised an eyebrow but otherwise said nothing.

“Will you play something for me tonight before we sleep?” She begged sweetly.

Sersi knew the effect this had on him as well.

“Exploiting me already, aye?”

“Already? I’ve been doing it for months.”

Ikaris laughed openly at this.

“Yeah, sure.”

She snuggled against his side as he pressed a button on the remote and tossed it aside.

Ikaris’s phone suddenly buzzed.

He gave it half a glance before tossing it too aside.

“Unknown number?”

“Very known—Thena.”

“Ah.”

She was curious to know what Thena would say to her brother.

Ikaris seemed to read her thoughts.

“She is either calling to gloat or lecture. Both can wait until tomorrow.”

It could.

Chapter Text

Sersi carefully carried the small holder with coffees for the rest of the team. She had volunteered to go out for it. It was a lovely spring day and it gave her an opportunity for some fresh air and a small break from the office.

Everyone had thanked her but secretly she was more than happy to get outside.

It wasn’t a far walk and she had even ordered ahead.

The doors back to the office building loomed in front of her and she pushed the carousal doors around that let her back into the lobby.

One of the security guards gave her a nod as she scanned herself back in and made a comment on the nice smell of the coffee.

She hit the button to summon a lift and waited until one of the buttons lit up accompanied with a soft chime as the door opened.

It was empty so she climbed aboard without having to wait.

Back to work it seemed then.

The lift stopped again and a man got on pressing a different floor button.

He gave her a brief nod but remained quiet.

Now it was a large business headquarters to be sure, but she didn’t know if she had seen him before.

The man was very handsome—and it wasn’t just the suit which was a three piece with a vest done in a lightly plaid pattern in dark blue.

Okay then, she definitely hadn’t seen him before.

She tried to refocus on the elevator door and not looking at the other person in the lift. They were the only two so it was a little hard to hide such a look.

No need to make a fool of herself.

A strange sound caused both of them to glance at each other.

Sersi gave a soft smile as nothing else happened and the man’s shoulders relaxed from their tense position.

“It seems—”

Then there was a louder creaking metal sound and the elevator seemed to hiccup.

“Uh…”

The man reached out to grab the side rail.

“Oh, no, no, no….” He muttered as the sound continued.

The elevator thudded to a halt.

“No, no, no, no….”

The button to open the doors didn’t respond.

Sersi set down the coffees.

“Oh, no.”

“At least we aren’t falling.”

“What?”

This did not seem to comfort the man.

She tried again.

“It will be okay.” She spoke as she pressed the ‘help’ button. “There are lots of people about.”

“Lift 3, is there a problem?”

“Yes, ah the lift has stopped. There have been loud noises as well.”

“All right hold tight. We will send some people your way. It seems to have stopped between floors at the moment.”

“Thank you.” She responded.

That was fine then.

Sersi turned back towards the man to notice he had gone quite pale.

“How about you sit down?” She suggested kindly. “Do you want a coffee? I have several to choose from.”

He stared blankly at her for a moment, before easing himself down to the floor.

A shaky hand was run through his hair as he let out a deep breath.

Sersi sat down as we

“Don’t like small spaces?”

“No.” He gave a shake of his head.

“We will be all right. Stare at your phone or something to take your mind off it.”

The man reached into his jacket pocket and came up empty.

“Must be on my desk.”

Sersi reached for her own and tapped a bit until she pulled up a video of someone’s walk-through of a forest.

“Here, just focus on this.”

He took the phone from her hands carefully.

She gave his shoulder a squeeze as the sound speaker chirped again.

“Lift 3, there seems to be some debris in the elevator shaft. I am calling out a team to work out it as well as extract you.”

“Thank you. We will sit tight. We have some coffee at least.”

The lift made another sound.

“Oh, no.”

“It’s okay.” Sersi repeated again but with slightly less confidence. “Just take deep breaths in and out.”

“Sit tight Lift 3.” The voice on the other side said.

“Isn’t that advice for pregnant woman?” The man croaked.

“It’s not just for pregnant woman.”

“There is a pregnant woman on board?” The voice asked. “Try to remain calm. Help is coming.”

“No! Ah…..”

Sersi looked back from the voice box to the man and then just gave a shrug.

“Maybe they will come more quickly if they think that.”

She knelt back down to sit next to him.

“How about we start with some names?”

He looked up from the phone.

“I’m Ikaris.”

“Sersi.”

He gave a nod and licked his lips.

“Sure about that coffee? I have six different kinds and a few dairy free even.”

“I’m fine, really.”

He wasn’t but she understood what he meant.

“I was just out for a quick trip to grab them.” Sersi explained. “Where were you headed?”

“Back to my office and then I have—had—a meeting to go to.”

“Well, this is one way to escape work.”

She gave a smile but he didn’t return it.

His lips were set in a line and his blue eyes held worry.

For some reason, her hand reached out to touch his forehead.

“Are you hot? You seem quite warm.”

Ikaris didn’t seem phased by any of this and nodded.

“A bit yeah.”

He reached up to loosen his tie and Sersi helped him take his suit coat off.

“Any better?’

“I guess.”

Sersi rubbed a button with her finger tip.

“This is a nice jacket.”

“My…my sister got it for me.” He offered up.

Well, that was nice. Obviously a sister with good taste—and a healthy bank account.

Sersi’s phone buzzed.

“Ah, here.”

She took it back from him and sent a text back.

“The rest of my team is wondering where I am with their coffee.”

She had quite an excuse.

Her phone chimed several times with new messages all coming in at once which she responded too.

“They said we are free to drink the coffee.”

She had already been sipping on hers.

He shook his head again.

“I think if I drink anything I’m going to throw up.” Honesty filled his voice.

“I understand.”

Ikaris let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes.

“Do you want to watch more videos or should I describe something to you?” She offered.

“I suppose if you want.”

Sersi tried to think of what to say.

Her last holiday to see her brother had been nice so she described that.

The town he lived in. The coast and the sound of the ocean. The little shops that dotted the streets.

The way the streetlights looked at sunset when you walked down the main square.

Ikaris gave a shuddering breath and exhaled.

His face seemed less pale.

Her eager hand reached out to comb through his hair.

“Better?”

It took a moment, but he opened his eyes.

It suddenly struck her how intimate it was and pulled back her hand.

She usually wasn’t even this handsy on a first date.

He didn’t look offended.

“Yes, although you might have to keep talking.”

Ikaris had a slight smile on his face which only improved the overall look of it.

“I can probably do that as long as you are not picky on the subject.”

He gave a slight head shake.

“Well I can tell you about—”

There was a bang on the door.

“We are going to work on getting the door open, okay?” A voice called out.

Ikaris and Sersi exchanged a glance.

“Yes, thank you.” Sersi called out.

She leaned slightly closer to Ikaris and bumped her shoulder into his.

“We are going to be out soon.”

“Good. Good.” He gulped.

There were numerous sounds coming from outside the door now and voices could be made out.

With a creak and a groan, the lift’s doors were opened by pairs of hands.

Though, it turned out that they had gotten stuck slightly below the next level.

A main got on his belly and reached his hands down.

“Alright, time to get out now. Break’s over.”

The quip got a smile from Sersi as she glanced towards Ikaris so see if he wanted to go first.

“Go ahead.” He nodded. “Ladies first.”

She thought about objecting but decided that he might not want to appear unchivalrous by going before her. It might get some comments.

Sersi reached up to grab the man’s hands and with a slight lift from Ikaris was out onto the carpet.

Whatever floor they were on, a small group had gathered being slightly kept back by a maintenance worker.

Ikaris climbed out next with a helping hand and stayed seated for a moment before standing up.

He ran a hand through his hair and straightened up his tie. Just like that, he was back to the composed man who had gotten onto the lift with her.

“You both okay?” One of the engineers asked them. “Is a… that is….”

The man’s confusion clicked.

“Oh, ah,” Sersi spoke up quickly. “No pregnant woman. Sorry. There was a misunderstanding over the speaker.”

The man’s face cleared.

“Okay, Okay, right then. Well, the other lifts are still working if you still are up for taking one.”

Sersi glanced up at the floor number. She was only two floors down. She could take the stairs for now.

The small crowd dispersed around them since the ‘rescue’ was over.

Ikaris was staring at the lift with a glare.

She took a step towards him.

“Hey, do you—”  

“Ikaris! Where have you been?” A cool voice issued from down the hall.

Sersi found herself slightly struck as the CEO of the company herself came down the hall with purpose—crisp beige pantsuit and with her pale hair artfully arranged.

Sersi had never talked to her before—and only had seen her in person a few times.

“Thena I…” Ikaris trailed off.

“I have been calling your phone for the last half hour.” Thena stated critically.

“..left it on my desk. Sorry.”

Sersi felt a bit odd standing between the two of them.

She knew Thena was married. Was this her husband? That could have been awkward.

“Where is your jacket?”

“We were trapped on the elevator.” Sersi blurted out.

If Ikaris wasn’t going to say something someone really should.

The CEO turned her gaze on her with a raised eyebrow before glancing towards the lift and the working men.

“I see.” Her gaze swiveled back towards Ikaris. “Are you all right?”

Her tone had softened.

“Yeah, I uh, yeah…it just felt long.”

Ikaris rubbed the back of his neck and Sersi got the impression that he wished to forget the whole thing.

“Hey, we got your jacket here and some lukewarm coffee.” One of the men lifted both items up out of the lift.

Ikaris accepted his jacket and folded it over his arm.

Sersi figured that if anyone wanted the coffee now they could just warm it up.

“Well, I postponed the meeting anyway---we still are supposed to have lunch with a client thought. I’ll have the car pulled around front in ten minutes.”

With that, Thena strode away; her long legs moving her quickly along.

 “Uh, thank you. Sorry about…uh…”

Sersi interrupted his stumbling along.

“It’s okay. We all have things we don’t like. If we ever get stuck in a snake pit you will have to do the same for me.”

A small huff of a laugh escaped him.

“Well, I will be trying to avoid those too. Thank you Sersi.”

“Ikaris.”

“Ikaris!”

At Thena’s voice, Ikaris whipped back around and headed down the hall with a short glance her way once more.

Sersi took another glance at the lift, before pushing open the door to the stairs.

That was that then.

-

-

-

It wasn’t.

The next day at work, there was a small bouquet of flowers on her desk.

Her coworkers were guessing and teasing who it was from as Sersi removed the small card and quickly opened it.

Her eyes fell to the signature at the bottom first.

“It’s from the CEO.”

“Wow.”

“Really?”

“Must be because you got stuck.”

A few murmured around her desk.

The note itself was brief.

Sersi,

I apologize for the incident with the lift. I will see to it that they are inspected more frequently.

You did well with handling my brother. Perhaps you would enjoy his company more when he is not in a state of panic.

Let me know.

She simply signed her name and left a business card with her contact information.

“Well, what does it say?"

Sersi glanced up to find eyes staring at her.

“It’s about the lift getting stuck. No need to apologize though. It wasn’t her fault.”

Some nodded and everyone turned back to their work.

Sersi sat down and reread the note.

Ikaris was her brother then.

Was…was she really trying to set them up?

She supposed she should be flattered that Thena would let a random office worker date her brother.

Sersi bit her lip as she turned the business card around in her hand.

She supposed they had already been on a mini date and circumstance notwithstanding; they had gotten along.

Sersi tucked the card away.

No need to decide right now. There was work to do.

She pressed the back of her hand against her cheek to make sure she wasn’t flushed.

It had already been decided, but she would wait a couple hours or so to not appear quite so eager.

Maybe just an hour.

… or a half hour…..

Chapter Text

<Sersi is here!>

Makkari threw her hands up in the air as soon as she spotted Sersi coming into the restaurant.

“Yes I am!” She announced happily.

Ajak stood up to give her a kiss on the cheek before she sat down among all the other ladies.

It was good to hang with all of them again.

“What do you want to drink?” Thena asked her. “We already have a bottle of—”

“Nothing sadly. Thank you though. Just some sparkling water will be fine.”

“Boo.”

Sersi smiled at Thena’s dour face.

“No booze for the baby.” She reminded her.

“I suppose not.” Thena yielded.

<We still have our designated driver. That is good at least.>

Makkari was trying to point out the positives.

Ajak nodded in agreement.

“It will give Ikaris a break I suppose.”

Sersi had to smile as Ikaris always did kindly volunteer.

Thena snorted.

“I suppose it is a grave sacrifice coming from a Scotsman.”

Sersi shoved her shoulder.

“Where is the grown baby? Watching the smaller one I suppose?”

“Really, Thena.” Ajak chastised. “You should be grateful Ikaris is watching him so that we get some time with Sersi.”

“And he hasn’t texted me yet so things must be going well.” She hoped so anyway. “I did tell him to send me a photo though.”

<How have you been feeling?>

Sersi thought about it for a moment.

<Pretty good I guess. Tired some days and my emotions can still be all over. Just trying to not to be too hard on myself and take these first few months easy.>

“As you should.” Ajak agreed with a warm smile. “Having a child is no small task.”

It wasn’t.

“It really is so joyous though.” Sersi had to confess. “Suddenly there is this small squealing, soft human that needs attention all the time. I know that might not sound appealing, but I love it so much.”

“You certainly have the mother gene.”

Thena’s comment seemed to be in agreement with everyone else’s thoughts.

<Yes, how many dates did you scare away with that?> Makkari teased.

Sersi had to grin as she thought about it.

<Several I think. I was very up front about it. No ‘maybes’ or ‘in the future’ for me.>

“What did Ikaris say then?”

Everyone seemed interested in hearing the answer.

“Oh, I…well if I remember correctly he just shrugged and said, ‘okay’.”

Thena snorted.

“To the point as always.”

She had to agree.

Sersi did like children and did want some of her own—and now she had one.

<Do you miss the little one?>

<It does feel suddenly strange to not have him around. He’s been my world since he was born. I’ll have to remember how to have a regular conversation that isn’t in baby speak.>

It wasn’t entirely true she supposed, she talked to Ikaris as well and not in baby gibberish.

“We are happy that your new family is doing well and we are glad to have you out with us.”

Ajak lifted her glass in toast and Sersi joined in with her small cup.

-

-

All was quiet when Sersi got back.

She didn’t stay out that late as she wasn’t used to it and she couldn’t be too tired the next morning.

As she opened the door, no baby was crying and there were no sounds to be heard.

The small light over the kitchen sink was on as she slipped off her flats and hung her keys up on the designated iron hook.

Movement caught her attention.

Ikaris was on the couch.

Sersi crept over to his side.

Her husband was lying on his back with his head resting against a folded arm.

Snoring sounds were coming from his slightly opened mouth.

Giving a quiet laugh, she reached over to pull his large, white rimmed reading glasses off his face and set them down onto the coffee table.

Marks were left on his nose from where they had perched.

She gave him a soft shake.

“Ikaris? Hon?”

“Wh…w…what? Uh…Ser…Sersi?”

He yawned.

“Hey, I’m back.” She whispered before kissing his forehead.

“M’kay. Good.” He mumbled.

“Don’t move. I’m going to change.”

“…k….”

Sersi quietly went down the hall to throw on some loose clothes, wash her face, as well as check on her little baby boy.

The little thing appeared snug and sound asleep in the crib beside their bed.

That was good then.

Ikaris had nodded off into dreamworld again by the time she came around.

A blanket from a closet was procured and draped over him as she found some room at his side.

“M…w…what?”

“Just me. Rest, okay?”

“…okay…”

She smiled as he sleepily repeated the word.

“I had a good time tonight.”

“…hmm…”

“Thanks.”

“…hmmm…”

“You were okay then, yeah?”

“…ye….”

“This is very dangerous. I could probably get you to agree to anything in this state.”

Ikaris muttered something else and Sersi snuggled up more against his side while trying not to fall off of the couch.

He shifted and she scooted in closer.

It felt so warm here.

She closed her eyes.

-

-

“Hm…. w…what? Sersi?”

She gave him a smile.

“Good morning.”

“Why is our bed small?’

“We’re on the couch.” She informed him as he rubbed his eyes.

“Why?”

“You fell asleep here and made it so nice and warm. I couldn’t resist.”

“That uh…” He yawned. “…I mean…”

A cry hit the air and Ikaris sat up quickly.

“Where did I put him?”

“He is in his bed. Calm down. You did everything fine.”

She had gotten up once to check on him already.

Ikaris leaned back slightly against the couch’s arm.

“I think so. You left me that list. I…”

She moved aside so that he could stand up and scramble around the kitchen.

When he found it, he waved the paper in the air.

“Yes, see? I did all of this. I fed him and…”

Sersi trailed down the hall to scoop up her baby.

“…and then I ate and put him to bed and turned on the monitor.”

He held up the paper again as proof when she returned.

“Well done.”

Ikaris reached out to touch the small hand of his son.

“We did okay, didn’t we mate? Not too shabby.”

“You both are in one piece and I am grateful for that.”

Sersi went to sit down in order to feed the fussy baby.

“All right, there you go. You slept so well you must be hungry.”

The baby had no comment to this as his attention was given to the available milk being offered.

It was a very strange sensation but was how the nature of the thing worked.

She ran a hand over her son’s soft dark hair and glanced over at Ikaris who seemed to be, as usual, enjoying the soft moments of the morning.

“Do you want breakfast?” Ikaris offered, breaking the silence.

“That would be nice, thanks.”

“Eggs? Oatmeal? Yogurt?”

“Do we still have berries?”

“I think so. I’ll check in case they have molded.”

“And some toast then, please.”

“On it.”

“What did you two do last night?”

Ikaris rummaged in the cupboards before he responded.

“Well, we watch 'Uncle' Druig’s team lose so that was good fun. He was fussy a few times and I gave him that milk that you left. Although.” Ikaris paused. “I think he was upset he wasn’t getting the whole, authentic experience. He could tell the difference I believe.”

She had to laugh at this and tried not to jostle the baby.

“A smart boy, huh?”

“Overall, it went okay I think. Some crying—mostly from him.”

Ikaris shot her a grin.

“Did you have a nice time?”

“We did. It felt very strange to not be here and to be out like a normal person with friends.”

“Well, we will do our best to get you back out there. Huh, mate?”

The little boy appeared to be dozing off again.

“Seems like the easy life. Fully belly and back to sleep.” Ikaris commented.

“Well not yet. Want to burp him?”

“Ah, sure.” Ikaris took the bundle gingerly and held him close to his shoulder.

He started to fuss.

“Hey, hey, you can’t sleep yet. We have to get your tummy settled.” Ikaris instructed his son. “Am I doing to it hard? It always seemed like I am doing it too hard.”

Sersi wasn’t even sure if he was touching the baby’s back at all.

“A bit more. Just a light pat—think of petting a dog.”

Ikaris made a face but tried his best.

It took a bit of trying, but it eventually worked out.

“Here. I’ll take him back so you can keep going on breakfast.”

Ikaris cobbled together food quickly and exchanged food for the baby with Sersi.

The child didn’t seem to appreciate it.

“Hey, hey. Your mom has to eat food so she can make your food, okay? That is how it works. Pretty convenient for you I think.”

The child quieted down in his father’s arms as Ikaris rocked him back and forth.

“See? He can be reasoned with.”

Ikaris’s proud smile faded as the child began to cry again.

Sersi watched cautiously as Ikaris tried to calm the child down which worked after some time.

“Round two then. Okay.”

“You’re doing great.”

“Yeah? Well, I’m trying.”

He really was.

Even in the early days when he was nervous, she knew he was going to be a good father.

“I’m glad you had a nice time, Sersi.”

“Me too. Thanks for handling things here.”

“Well…I need to get good at it, yeah? He’s going to be here for a while.”

Sersi smiled at this but then couldn’t help but frown thinking about a time when this little boy would take his first steps and then someday steps of his own away from her into the world.

“Sersi? Are you okay?” Ikaris was quickly at her side.

She quickly wiped a tear away.

“Yeah, just hormones and stuff. Sorry. Can I hold him again?”

Ikaris gently handed the child over with a brow furrowed in concern.

“He’s so small right now.” She murmured. “Such little hands.”

“They are.”

Sersi took a deep breath.

Ikaris stole a berry out of the bowl he had set aside for her.

“Sorry, I’ll try not to cry this morning.”

“It’s okay.” He assured her, running a hand down her back. “Don’t worry about it.”

“We should all do something today—like a walk around the block or down to the park. What do you say?”

Ikaris nodded.

“Sure, do you want a shower first?’

“You can go ahead. I’ll hang out here with the little man.”

Ikaris kissed the top of her head.

“Okay. You be a good little bairn now, right? For your mum?”

He gave a soft touch to the babe’s cheek and gave a touch to Sersi’s chin.

“I’ll be quick.”

“Take your time.” She insisted.

She would be trying to enjoy all the little, quiet moments that she could.

Chapter Text

“That poor boy is still out there alone. If I ever find the girl that stood him up I’ll…” Ajak made a fisting motion with her hands. “…find her mother and tell her what kind of daughter she raised.”

Sersi tried to fight a smile but it proved a losing battle. The corners of her face softened though.

“He’s been out there for two hours now, hasn’t he?”

Ajak crossed her arms over her black waiter’s vest—somehow it still looked as nice and pressed as when she had shown up for her shift earlier in the day.

“Yes. Look at him. What girl would stand him up—him and his cute baby face?”

“Baby face? I doubt he is much younger than me.”

“I know what I said and I stand by it.”

A tap on her arm caused Sersi to turn around.

Makkari waved the last salad ticket she had rung in at her face.

Sersi snatched it and reread what she had put in.

“Eff on the side? What?” Sersi stared at it again. “Oh, eggs.” <Egg on the side.>

Makkari smirked.

<I figured.>

<Least it gave you a laugh.>

Makkari nodded before stopping to retie the red bandana she wore over her braids.

It had been quite a busy dinner rush but it had simmered down to a few groupings of tables and some people hanging around the bar.

<Is the guy that got stood up still out there?>

<Yes, Ajak is very upset for him.>

Makkari shared her smile.

Ajak’s instincts for compassion and protection were directed to anyone in need.

“Sersi?”

“Yes Chef?”

Gilgamesh had paused to linger at the expo station.

“Kitchen closes in a half hour. If we could get a reminder for all our guests and get any last orders in….”

“We can do that. Ajak, do you still want to go?”

Ajak frown and glanced towards the dining room.

“I can close out his check. He’s the last table you have, yeah?”

“I suppose so.” She answered with a sigh.

“That loner, huh?” Gil asked. “What has he gotten?”

“Two glasses of wine—only one drunk—and one appetizer.” Ajak recited.

“Well, Sersi, see if he wants a dessert—just comp his whole bill. It’s fine.”

Sersi nodded before assuring Ajak that she would handle it and that there was no reason not to go home and get some sleep.

Tomorrow would be the start of a busy weekend. The restaurant was about booked for both Saturday and Sunday.

“I’ll go do a final check of the tables.”

Sersi checked her appearance in the mirror and pushed out the door from the kitchen. Taking the short hallway and then making a left turn, Sersi reached the dining room and took a survey of who was still there.

She stopped by the bar and let Druig know that it was last call for food from the kitchen.

“The few stragglers here are good I think, I’ll check with the couple at the end.” He assured her.  “Pretty boy is still here.”

Sersi shot Druig a look, but still glanced over to the man still sitting alone at a table for two.

She could remember when he had arrived and been seated.

He had a few nervous ticks but waited patiently as Ajak came over to see about getting him anything in advance of his guest arriving.

His style seemed very nice.

A dark blue suit with a grey tie over a white shirt. Very clean and classic.

Very handsome.

But all alone.

“Shame.” Druig drawled. “What kind of woman do you think she was? Forgetful? Too good for him? Spiteful?”

Sersi shushed him.

Druig finished rinsing out a glass and set it aside to dry.

She excused herself to finish her rounds.

The three ladies at a table didn’t want any dessert, neither did the four-top in the corner, which just left Ajak’s last guest.

She approached.

“Hello.”

The man turned from looking out at the dark sky over the cityscape towards her.

“Oh, hello.”

“Ajak had to leave, but I promised her that I would take care of you for the rest of the night.”

“Oh.” The man glanced at the silver watch on his wrist. “I guess I have been here a while at this point.”

This last sentence was added sheepishly.

“Do you want any dessert? It’s on the house but you will be limited to what the kitchen has left.”

“No, that’s okay. It’s late enough as it is. I won’t keep anyone any longer—suppose I should have left an hour ago.” He muttered.

“Maybe she forgot?”

Sersi couldn’t help trying to soften situation.

The man cracked a small smile but shook his head.

“It’s fine. I guess I should have seen it coming.”

Druig was starting to clean up the bar and the other tables were settling their checks with the other server so Sersi made a decision to sit down at the table.

He looked a bit surprised but didn’t object.

“Why do you say that?”

Her question was definitely prying and she was prepared for him to tell her so but he answered her.

“I met her through a friend of mine. Probably—certainly out of my league I guess. She had just seemed…nice. We seemed to be getting along at the party we were both at.”

“What’s her name?”

Sersi was somewhat proud of her abilities to spy on people via their social media accounts if they were public.

The man paused a moment but provided a name.

“I’m Sersi—did I say that?”

“I’m Ikaris.”

Fortunately, the girl’s last name wasn’t that common so she was found fairly easily.

She had last posted a photo over an hour ago at a popular bar that had just opened up.

“What does that face mean?”

Sersi looked up from her phone.

Should she lie or tell the truth?

Ikaris spoke before she could decide.

“It doesn’t matter. I got stood up—it happens. I should have realized she said ‘yes’ too easily.”

Sersi frowned.

“You couldn’t have really known.”

“I suppose not.” He sighed. “I guess… I know men get a bad rap sometimes, but I would prefer a straight up ‘no’ to being stood up. We have feelings too.”

“I agree. Woman can be very callous. Especially when they think they are ‘better’ than the person asking them out.”

She had seen it before.

“I suppose both sexes have things to work on.”

Ikaris gave a soft snort.

“Suppose so.”

“Are you sure about dessert? Even some ice cream? It’s made in house. Makkari is still back in the kitchen. I could have her scoop some.”

Her friend would be more than willing.

The man across from her gave a small smile again and glanced down at his hands.

Laya whats-her-face must have serious issues to have not even given this man a chance. Obviously a few screws loose in that girl.

“Sure… I mean….” He stumbled over his words. “A scoop wouldn’t hurt.”

She smiled.

“What flavor?”

Sersi stood up quickly.

“Whatever you think is the best.”

She excused herself and walked back down the short hallway and back through the kitchen doors.

Makkari was the last one in the kitchen.

<Can you get me one scoop of ice cream? Whatever you think the best one is please.>

Makkari tossed her rag back into the cleaning bucket.

<…For…? >

<A guest.>

Makkari dried her hands and put on a plastic glove to start scooping.

Pulling a chilled bowl out from its location in the freezer, she dropped in a large scoop of a pink churned concoction specked with chocolate flakes.

<The cute one?>

Sersi snagged the bowl while making a face at Makkari.

Her friend’s face only had a smirk.

“Here you are.”

Ikaris sat up a bit straighter as she set the crystal bowl down.

“Do you have another spoon?”

Sersi paused as she had provided one already in the bowl, but pulled one out from her waiter’s apron’s pocket to give to him.

Taking it, he set it down in the bowl opposite him and gave a nod to the empty chair across from him.

“Sit, if you are able.”

At that late hour, there were not many people left there to object—not that she thought anyone would.

She sat down carefully and grabbed one of the spoons.

“What flavor is it?”

“Strawberries and chocolate. Made with fresh dairy from the countryside, strawberries from the south, and imported French chocolate.”

Her short spiel was listened to patiently before he picked up the spoon closest to him.

“They create a new flavor every month outside of the standard flavors they make. Some people just get a seat at the bar just to try the ice cream alone.”

Ikaris glanced that way.

“Sounds like a very dedicated crowd. I can hardly blame them.”

He scooped up another bit.

Cold-creamy-fruity-rich chocolate—if Sersi didn’t work on her feet she would be in trouble.

One more year at school and hopefully—yet sadly—it would be time to move on to start her career.

“What do you do?”

“Whut?”

Perhaps that was too intrusive.

“Sorry, never mind.”

“No, no…it’s not that. My mind wandered off. Ah…” His face looked distressed for a moment before he spoke again. “Digital marketing. Sometimes I try to think of other ways to say it to make it more interesting.”

“Sounds like a legitimate career.” Sersi commented. “No need to be ashamed.”

“Eh, I know.” He raised a hand to scratch behind his ear.

Somehow he looked very young all of a sudden.

Maybe that is what Ajak was picking up on.

“I’m studying natural science with a focus on museum archives.”

Ikaris sighed.

“See? This is what I mean. I should have become an astronaut.”

Sersi couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her.

“Were you going to?”

“No.” He admitted. “I would have been rubbish at it—my mum hates airplanes. No way she would let me have a career that lets me ride one into space.”

Sersi took another spoonful of the softening ice cream.

“Hello, I’m an astronaut. See? Loads more exciting.” He huffed. “Maybe I could just change my first name to astronaut and then I could say…”

A hand came up to Sersi’s mouth to stop herself from spitting out the ice cream in her mouth.

“…yeah…my mum wouldn’t let me do that either.” There was a cheeky grin on his face.

Sersi made a motion to grab something to drink but realized there was nothing on her side of the table.

“Here, you can have the rest of this one if you want.” He offered.

Ajak must have removed the one glass of drunken wine leaving only the other.

“Oh, I …”

From somewhere, Druig appeared with two thin glasses placing both of the table. “Last of the bottle, it shouldn’t go to waste.”

Both glassed were only half filled.

He gave Sersi a wink and continued on his path back towards the kitchen.

“I suppose it shouldn’t.” Ikaris spoke up.

Sersi nodded and took a small sip.

Champagne—Champagne and strawberries.

Was her face getting red?

Those scheming little sneaks. Makkari and Druig were a dangerous match.

“Everything okay?”

“Yes, sorry. Just thinking of some friends. Terrible busybodies.”

His face turned blank.

“I must be tired. Sorry.” She repeated.

Ikaris blinked and his face cleared.

“No doubt, it’s late. I should be getting out of your hair. I’ll pay and be…”

 “Not worry about it. It’s on the house—chef’s orders.”

“It’s fine really. I’ll pay the bill please.”

“It will be a bajillion pounds then…a bajillion pounds and two pence.”

Ikaris slumped back in his chair then with a defeated smile.

“Well, I suppose that is slightly over my credit limit. Are you sure?”

She nodded.

“Chef insisted.”

“Thank you.” Ikaris let out a sigh and looked around the now empty dining room. “I suppose I would have been more help if I had put on an apron and worked than sitting here getting stiff legs.”

“I’ll let you know if we have a job opening, but I warn you it still isn’t as fancy as an astronaut.”

“Well at least I would have accomplished something this evening.”

His eyes met her for a moment.

Ikaris rose to his feet.

“I’ll leave so you can finish up.”

Sersi stood as well.

“Good night then.”

“Good night.” He repeated.

She watched as he wandered past the hostess stand where he was wished a good night as well and then he turned left.

No doubt, he would take the elevator down to street level and be on his way home.

Her hands felt oddly numb, but she worked quickly to clear off the table and get the flatware to the dish pit.

The cleaners would be in soon to vacuum and tidy the dining room up.

=

=

=

Why the lunch rush was this busy on a Tuesday, she had no idea.

The restaurant didn’t have many reservations at the beginning but the rainy weather seemed to have brought people in off the street looking for a nice meal.

“Sersi, can you run this order to the bar?”

Five more minutes and then she could leave.

“Sure thing.”

She grabbed the dish of ice cream off the counter, making note of which seat it was going to, before tossing the bit of paper in the trash.

Ajak walked past her in a bit of a rush, but paused to give a grin.

Sersi returned it wordlessly and maneuvered around other servers and bussers, trying to keep against the wall to her left.

Druig didn’t even glance at her as she wandered behind the bar.

Twelve…thirteen, fourtee….

“Here is your….oh.”

It was Ikaris.

A million thoughts entered her mind.

A glance back at Druig showed him giving the other patrons all his attention and certainly not glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

“It’s a new flavor this month.”

She set the dish down.

“I know.”

Peaches and cream.

He was dressed casually today in some slacks and a sweater.

Sersi suddenly had no idea what to say.

“Say, Sersi, aren’t you off the clock soon?” Druig broke in very cooly.

“Ah…yes…. if…”

“Great, Thomas here is wrapping up so I’ll save you a seat.”

Druig gave Ikaris a glance before turning his attention to another guest at the end of the curved bar.

“I’ll…go clock out.”

“Quickly or I might eat it all.” Ikaris advised.

His smile loosened her tongue.

“We could just order more.”

He gave her a look.

“Prices were a bit steep last time I was here but I will consider it.”

Sersi promised to hurry back not before giving Druig’s foot a whack on her way out.

Makkari probably deserved the same, but by the time she had reached the kitchen her vengeful spirit had turned into giddy butterflies.

She grabbed another spoon.

Chapter Text

“So do you want to tell him or me?”

The question caught Sersi off guard. In fact, she hadn’t even heard Druig sneaking up on her.

Well, he probably just walked up to her but for Druig “sneaking up” always seemed more appropriate.

“What are you talking about?”

She had no idea where this conversation could be going.

Druig nodded his dark-haired head off to the left before taking a sip of his drink.

Sersi tried to glance not too pointedly.

There were several people she knew off in that direction…that person she didn’t…was it that lady’s hideous dress colour? Wait, Druig had said “him” …

Druig rolled his eyes with a sigh.

Sersi apologized with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Ikaris.”

That caught her attention as she glanced around again.

Ikaris was here.

She hadn’t seen him arrive and with…. what’s her name? Laya? Mikalya? M….

“Michelle. I think.” Druig spoke up ending her train of thought. “Hard to keep track.”

Sersi realized she had been mouthing her guesses.

“Oh, right.”

She had met the woman before.

“Why is it hard to keep track? He hasn’t been dating her that long.”

Several months—at least she thought so—she wasn’t keeping track….

“All the girls Ikaris dates kind of blend together. Which is why I am wondering which one of us should tell him about this one.”

Sersi still wasn’t sure what to say.

“What do you mean?”

“Come on Sersi, she’s just….eh…you know. You’re a woman. You should be more in tune with this type of stuff. She’s just wrong for him.”

Curious that Druig was taking an interest in this. Sersi couldn’t deny that the wom—Michelle hadn’t really endeared herself to any of their small friend group.

“Found your perfect girl so you are ready to solve other people’s love lives huh?” She questioned.

Druig didn’t deny it.

“It is just irritating and you know I’m not Ikaris’s biggest cheerleader but…I think we could kill two birds with one stone here.”

“What are you talking about?” Sersi felt as if she kept saying that.

“One of us needs to get him to see the light about her. Might as well be today.”

“Druig, this is literally a New Years Eve Party.” Sersi tried to hiss quietly.

“Exactly, fresh start.”

Sersi just stared at him and wondered if she needed to get Makkari over here to control her boyfriend.

“You’re a smart girl Sersi. You’ll figure it out. Just keep an eye on them for a bit.”

Druig picked up his glass and wandered off.

She watched the couple for a few moments.

Ikaris stopped at the bar while Michelle had stopped to talk to another woman.

After a moment, he returned with a tall stemmed glass in one of his hands.

Ikaris went to join her but was shooed away by a well-manicured hand She saw as he stood there for a moment longer looking confused but shrugged and walked away.

He eventually returned the drink to the bar.

It took Sersi a moment, but she caught Ikaris’s eye and gave him a wave.

He broke out into a smile and made his way towards her weaving through various people as he went.

“Sersi!” He greeted her with a smile and accepted her hug.

“Hello, how are you? You look so festive!”

She let her hand run down the front of his forest green sweater. It had a vintage reindeer sewn on to the front in a patch quilt sort of pattern.

“Your mother has been busy.”

“She always is this time of year but she loves it.”

Sersi could see Michelle glancing over towards them.

“Did you see them for Christmas?”

Ikaris nodded.

“Yeah, yeah I did. Michelle was away for some time in France so it gave me extra reason to hang around them.”

“Has she been back long?”

“A few days.” He offered up.

“Well, I am sure she had a good trip then.” Was all Sersi had to say.

Ikaris gave a shrug.

“I guess so. We haven’t talked about it much.”

What do they talk about then? Sersi had to wonder.

“Still plenty of time for that I’m sure. Even—”

She was cut off by Michelle.

“Sersi, dear, there you are. How are you?”

Sersi received a faux kiss on the cheek and gave the blond a smile.

“I’m doing lovely. Thank you. Enjoying the atmosphere. Your dress is grand.”

Michelle obliged with a small twirl showing off the layers of her gold dress full of tulle and lace.

“You are too sweet. I’ve had this thing for ages.”

“Sersi, did you—”

“Ikaris, luv, why don’t you go and get me a drink. Hm?” Michelle interrupted with a pat to his cheek.

Ikaris blinked.

“Oh, ah, sure. I’ll be right back.”

His eyes gave a quick glance towards Sersi before he headed back, once again, to the bar.

Sersi cleared her throat.

“I was telling Ikaris that he looks very festive.”

The blond gave a laugh.

“He can surprisingly be such a child at times.”

“The holidays are a good time to be childlike I suppose.”

Michelle's smile lessened a touch in the corners.

“I suppose the festive season hits us all differently. His mother did make it so he at best wear it at least once.”

Sersi tried to let this comment pass.

“He said you have gotten back from France recently. Were you able to have enough time off to see your parents?”

“I can hardly escape them this time of year.” She complained. “You would think my sister and her family would take up all of their time.”

If this was some sort of joke Sersi wasn’t in on it.

She herself mostly only saw her parents during the holidays and once in a while in the summer.

“Did you have any time to see Ikaris’s family?”

Michelle looked amused and it was starting to grate on Sersis’s usually calm temperament.

“We’ve only been dating four months—a bit early to meet the family don’t you think?” She finished in a whisper. “Plus, they live so far and from what I can tell from maps in the middle of nowhere really.”

Sersi herself had met Ikaris’s parents—and they weren’t even dating.

They had come to visit him and he had wanted them to meet her. She had been delighted to.

“How was France then?” Sersi settled on. “Any new skincare lines I should know about?”

“Just exhausting. The brand is launching new line with a celebrity soon. I’ll have to go back when the official announcement is made so….” Michelle put a finger to her lips. “If they keep having me travel there, I might have to end up moving. I don’t think I would mind though. I’ve found a good yoga instructor over there; although I would miss mine here.”

There was no mention of Ikaris in this.

Sersi glanced to see if she could spot Druig but only saw Ikaris talking to Gilgamesh and Thena.

When had they arrived?

“Where is that silly goose?”

Sersi tried not to react.

Did she mean Ikaris?

He was in motion again after parting with their friends.

“Sorry. Stopped to talk to Thena and Gil. I swear Thena had grown but it turns out it is just those heels you ladies seem to be able to walk in.”

Michelle took her glass.

“Thena does not mind seeming taller. The center of attention has never bothered her.” Sersi commented.

She herself would hate it.

“A strong woman to be sure.” Michelle tacked on.

Ikaris took this break in talking to ask, “Sersi, were you able to see your newest nephew?”

A grin lit her face.

“I was. I can never get over his tiny feet. He was on the large size too my poor sister but she is doing great. His big sister is quite proud of him even though she is only four.”

“That’s good. My mum has a few things knit if your sister is interested. She can’t help herself.” He ended with a chuckle.

“Any child would be very happy to have some of your mum’s knitting. I text you the address later so she can drop them in the post.”

“Thanks.”

Ikaris gave a dip of this head which in the soft lighting and the twinkling strands of lights throughout the room made his hair seem almost gold.

Gold hair and blue eyes.

“Do you two have any resolutions for the new year?” Sersi spoke quickly. “I am trying to get an idea for one that isn’t cliché. I want to do something that I can actually put my mind to.”

“I haven’t thought about it much.” Ikaris confessed with a look towards Michelle.

“I try to think of self-improvement as something to aim for all year round. I started a new health regiment this year and it seems to be paying off. I suppose I should be setting more time aside for meditation.”

“Oh, well that sounds like a good way to think of it.” Sersi supposed it was best to not think of it as a daily challenge but more of a goal to strive for. “Perhaps I can try to work on time management again—although I usually give up on that one.”

Ikaris gave a grin.

“I don’t know how I’d feel about a Sersi who is on time. I don’t know if I would know you anymore.”

Sersi huffed playfully.

“Being late isn’t a personality. It’s just a…habit.”

“You are almost so consistently late that I could probably set a watch to it. In a way, you on time in your own set of time.”

“Well I wish everyone could have your perspective.” She gave a swat to his arm. “Everyone gives me guff about it.”

“Well…one can only be late to one’s own birthday dinner so many times before comments start to crop up.” He pointed out. “It was a surprise last time and you still were late.”

“I didn’t know.” Sersi defended herself. “I thought Makkari was just having dinner with me so I told her I was going to pop into the library quickly.”

“Quickly?” Ikaris clarified.

Sersi knew she was stuck.

She had started to read the book she had requested and ended up being a bit later than she had meant to and discovered all her friends assembled waiting for her.

Ikaris started laughing.

“Well, she could have texted me and just—’

“Oh! I am so sorry.”

Sersi was startled by the feeling of something wet hitting her neck that it took her a moment to register what had happened.

Michelle had turned slightly, drink in hand, and had bumped into her with an elbow.

Champaigne was clear at least.

“Oh, ah….” Ikaris had reached up and realized that he was not wearing the standard suit jacket so he had no pocket square to offer her.

“It’s okay.” Sersi spoke quickly. “Let me just rinse some water on it.

She could feel the liquid seeping down her blouse’s side.

“It’s not much, anyway. Excuse me. I’ll be back.”

Sersi took a few turns and found a wash room that was empty at the moment.

Unbuttoning her blouse, she tried to rinse out the side which only made the damp spot worse. At least the colour was black. Her plaid red skirt was untouched by the spill.

It was slightly cold now only in her camisole.

She took the moment to take a deep breath.

Using the hand dryer, she tried to pass the garment underneath hoping the heat wasn’t too hot to damage the silky fabric.

It could have been worse.

Sersi re-buttoned her top, fixed her hair and headed out.

“How is it?”

“Ikaris.”

He had been leaning against the wall opposite the washrooms as she had come out.

“It will be okay I think. At least it wasn’t red wine.”

“Well, send me the bill when you get it cleaned.”

“Really, Ikaris. It isn’t a horrible stain. I will wash it out at home when I get back to my flat later.”

His mouth didn’t move from its thin line.

“It really isn’t bad.” Sersi repeated touching the buttons of her blouse.

“I don’t know why she is like this.”

Sersi looked up but then quickly back down towards her hands.

“She didn’t do it on purpose.”

Now, there was no way of knowing this for certain and she worked hard to not look at Ikaris as she spoke or she would betray this fact.

“I’ll talk to her about it.”

Her head rose quickly this time.

“Ikaris, no. It’s not…. don’t start a fight over an accident. Not on New Years Eve. You don’t want to start a new year like that, yeah?”

His face shifted but he kept his gaze on hers.

“You are right. I don’t.”

Sersi managed a nod as a strange lump was in her throat.

“Go on then. I’ll catch up.”

Ikaris glanced down the hallway and then back towards her once more before walking down towards the main party area.

Now she was feeling a bit chilly, no doubt from her damp blouse.

“You okay?”

Sersi started but then relaxed.

“Druig, how do you do that? I swear you must have cat feet hidden in those shoes.”

Her comment was only met with a smile.

She sighed.

“I’m fine. Just a small accident that is all.”

Druig let out a soft hum.

“What do you have Ikaris doing? He seemed quite on a mission.”

Sersi frowned.

“Hopefully nothing,”

Nothing he would regret any way.

“Did you talk to him about it?”

She really didn’t want to talk about this.

“I didn’t.”

“Up to me then, huh?”

Druig leaned against the wall in the fashion that Ikaris had been.

The question lingered.

“It’s not that…” Sersi paused to gather her thoughts. “I don’t know if it is my place to say something.”

Druig snorted.

“I suppose he is to blame somewhat if he can’t see it.”

“See what? That she doesn’t seem attached to him whatsoever and treats him like a shiny object that she can keep by her side?”

Druig’s eyebrows rose and Sersi realized that she didn’t mean to be quite so blunt.

“Ah, so you have noticed.”

“It would be hard not to.”

She bit her lip as Druig gave a laugh.

“Some honesty. Good.”

“I have no reason not to be honest but some situations are…delicate.”

What should she do? Barge in and tell Ikaris to ditch his girlfriend and get with her instead?

It might seem slightly out of nowhere. Even if…well…

“Seems to me that you are the right woman to handle ‘delicate’.” Druig gave her a pointed look. “Especially this situation. I feel that at this point, Ikaris might not mind a nudge in a certain direction—a much better direction in my opinion. I can’t think he would fight it that much. You’re a much better option.”

Sersi tried to react to this comment.

She had been teased as much about it.

Ikaris and her gravitated towards each other like they were magnetized.

People sometimes would assume that they were together if they were introduced together at an event. It would be brushed off with a laugh and a quick clarification.

It happened so often that she never put much thought into it anymore.

“Even if nothing else.” Druig broke into her thoughts. “You’re a good enough friend to tell him the truth.”

“He hasn’t asked.”

“He has to know.” Druig countered. “Someone just might need to help him set himself free—if he wants to be. If he wants to be stuck with that…” His face twisted. “Well, she will probably dump him before he figures it out.”

Sersi wasn’t sure if she wanted that to happen either. Being dumped wasn’t a good feeling.

Druig let out a sigh.

“Come on Sersi. At least give it a go. Try. Give the man options. He has a thick head remember? All us Celts do.”

In the moment, she appreciated his self-deprecating humor.

“Is Makkari nearby? She is less pushy.”

“Maybe not to your face.” Druig informed her. “But she has similar thoughts on the matter but understands that you don’t like to be pushed about it. I have no such qualms as you know.”

Sersi would have laughed but moved aside slightly to make room for more people heading to the restroom.

Keeping her voice low, she said “It might be too late for all of that. I…I told him not to squabble with her—not tonight.”

“Well, next time yeah? You would be doing all of us a favor even if the only thing accomplished was ridding him of her. No one likes her and to your credit you always try to be kind to her.”

Sersi always felt badly about that—not that Michelle had done much to earn anyone’s goodwill. Perhaps that is why she always tried to be accepting of her—for Ikaris’s sake.

“And what do you get for your goodwill? Not much. Mostly jealousy. She knows you and Ikaris have more chemistry than she and him ever could. Maybe it’s the holiday season or too much alcohol or the lovely lass that came with me here tonight, so forgive this Irishman’s mushiness, but if you and Ikaris don’t give it a go it will be a shame.”

“Makkari is making you soft. I don’t think you have had enough time to drink that much.”

“Either way…” Druig lifted his glass in a toast.

“Well, I suppose we should both start by not loitering around the washroom.” Sersi suggested.

Druig agreed with it and they both walked back into the main ballroom.

She didn’t see Ikaris or Michelle as best as she could see in the still dim twinkle lights.

Her eyes landed on Thena who gave a tilt of her head.

How did she know?

Sersi walked off in that direction and came down the main corridor which led to the main hallway from the front door.

It was almost empty.

Almost.

“Ikaris?”

Sersi had to call his name again as he faced the closed door with his hands in his pockets.

He turned around.

“Sersi…”

His mood did not seem too affected either way.

She walked forward cautiously.

“Is everything all right? I mean…”

Ikaris gave a small easy smile.

“Aye, it’s good now.”

“Good.” She tried to sound positive about it. If he was happy she would be glad for him—or try to be. But why was he standing by the door?

“You two aren’t leaving are you? The party hasn’t been going for that long and no one has made any silly speeches yet.”

“No, ah…no. I’m not leaving but she did.”

The words dissolved into the silence of the hall.

“Oh, Ikaris, I told you n—.”

He reached out to grab one of her hands which had started waving about.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Really. I did take your advice in a way. I didn’t want to start off the New Year like that. It’s silly to try and force something you know isn’t going to work.”

Sersi kept quiet after this.

“But I am assuming you were already picking up on that last part….” He added softly.

“I…I tried to give you the best advice that I could.”

It was an honest reply.

“I appreciate that. I know that you always will and unlike Druig you won’t make several other comments either.”

“Not tonight did he?” She asked with wide eyes.

“No not tonight. Tonight, I only received looks.”

Sersi grimaced but fought a smile.

“Our friends are the best aren’t they?”

“They try to do their best I think.”

Ikaris didn’t disagree with this assessment.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

His apology came out of nowhere.

“For you having to deal with her. I know she would sometimes…”

Ikaris’s mouth shuffled a bit as he tried to think of a word.

Sersi stopped him.

“It’s okay. I will just put it down as making me a more patient person.”

Ikaris shook his head slightly.

“You are too good Sersi. It’s why I always…” His face grew very serious. “…Can I be presumptuous?”

“Uh, sure. I don’t kn—.”

His hand came up to cup her jaw as he pressed his lips into her.

Sersi would not admit to wondering what a kiss from Ikaris would feel like—especially if he was dating someone at the time—but once in a while…

Whatever she had imagined in her mind had been swept away by the real thing.

If she was Michelle, she would have fought a bit harder to stay with Ikaris for his kisses alone.

“Trust me” Ikaris whispered. “I never kissed her like this.”

Sersi’s face colored.

Had she said some of that out loud?

She buried her head into his shoulder and he could feel his body shake with a laugh.

“Was I too presumptuous?” He said close to her ear.

“No, in fact you could have been presumptuous a long while ago.”

Ikaris gave a wince as she pulled back.

“I can kind of be thick headed.”

“I know, and I can be… a bit too timid.”

“It’s not that I didn’t…I mean, I knew that I had feelings for you… I just…wasn’t sure what to do with them.” He gave a sheepish smile.

“You could have said something.” Sersi teased.

“You could have said something. I didn’t want to be caught in an awkward spot if I was reading things wrong—and you know I can’t always read a room.”

Sersi had to bite her lip to try and not smile.

Ikaris could be a bit dense in that regard.

“I understand. We can both look back at how silly we were.” She counseled.

Her hands slid up and down his sides comfortingly as a small crossed his face.

The bit of silence gave her the opportunity to steal a kiss.

He froze suddenly and Sersi wasn’t sure what she did wrong.

“Oh, I uh…sorry…I just realized that it might be bad form for a guy to kiss a new girl after just breaking up with his last one.”

Sersi could understand this, but it didn’t bug her personally. She wasn’t going to be a rebound girl.

She supposed that she didn’t want to seem like the girl who stole another lady’s guy either.

“Well, I suppose we can wait a bit.”

Ikaris looked concerned.

“How long is a ‘bit’?”

Sersi pulled out her phone.

“I say three more hours about.”

“What happens then?”

“A whole new year.” She informed him. “And I think that is waiting quite long enough. So, why don’t we find the fireplace in one of those side rooms and I can try to dry out a bit while we wait?”

Ikaris offered his hand and she took it.

Somehow she knew upon seeing Druig the bugger would already know the news.

And as the minutes ticked away, the unspoken words had seemingly rippled through their little friend group with Druig—who perhaps at this point had actually had a touch too much—wore one of the biggest grins of them all.

The grandfather clock in the room started to chime.

Chapter Text

Sersi heard the apartment door open and close alongside the small familiar jangle of a set of keys.

“Hey, I’m back!”

Her older sister’s head poked around the door frame to her bedroom.

“How was it?”

Sersi had decided not to go herself—she had studying to do—but she was glad that her sister went.

“Eh.”

Her sister plopped down on the edge of the bed causing Sersi’s notebook to shift off her lap.

She grabbed it before it could fall to the floor.

“Fine I guess. The place was nice. We left before it got too crazy. Good atmosphere though. I can see it becoming popular. Lee has high hopes for it due to its location.”

Sersi nodded vaguely since she knew nothing about the real-estate of nightclubs.

“How was Lee?”

Her sister sighed and pulled the band out of her long black hair letting it all come down in dark waves. As the eldest sister of the family, she was definitely the prettiest.

Plus, she had a good sense of style.

Smart and beautiful—she was the complete package.

“Lee’s fine. In a good mood with the successful launch. Sort of was in ‘entrepreneur mode’ tonight.” This was said with a roll of her eyes.

Her sister wouldn’t stand for being eye candy.

“So the night was…?”

“Fine once we got past all that. Do you think he is vain? Be honest.”

Sersi bit her lip.

He was a nice-looking man to be sure. She couldn’t quite say either way.

“He has a good face.” Her sister continued. “I think it is because he knows he looks good that I get irritated by it.”

“Well I….”

“He can kind of grate on me I think. I think it does.”

Sersi gave her sister a look over.

“Are you slightly drunk?”

That got a grin from her sister.

“Maybe a little.” She confessed. “Maybe it is just because auntie set us up and she would remind me about it for the rest of my life if we get married. I have to get out of this outfit.”

Her sister left and quickly shed her silky orange dress and reappeared in a pair of grey boy shorts and a t-shirt.

This time, she took up the only chair Sersi had in the room next to her small desk.

“Oh! Oh.” Her sister pulled up her knees as she glanced towards her younger sister. “Guess who I saw there?”

“I’m sure I couldn’t guess.” Sersi admitted.

Plenty of celebrities could have been invited by Lee’s family to attend the opening.

“Ikaris.”

Sersi paused.

Oh.

“Oh?”

The words came out cautiously.

Her sister nodded.

“I talked to him for a short bit. He said he is back from his study abroad course. You should hit him up.”

“I don’t know. If he was at a party like that…he was probably with someone.”

The older of the women shook her head.

“I talked to him for probably seven minutes. Any self-respecting woman would have walked over to let me know she had a claim. I’m quite a threat.”

Sersi had to laugh as her sister tossed her hair to great effect.

“Maybe it was a very self-assured woman.”

“No way.” Was the argument that came back.

Sersi shook her head.

“Seriously, reach out to him. See if he wants to meet up again. You guys haven’t been broken up for that long. I could never understand what happened really. You didn’t want to talk about it and I didn’t want to push.”

Sersi had been grateful for that.

“I didn’t think long term relationships were our style. He was going to be gone.” Sersi gave a small shrug. “I didn’t want to hold him back if he found someone while he was out traveling.”

“What?”

Her sister looked dumbfounded.

“Sersi, he wasn’t going to war; he was studying abroad. You know plenty of people have partners in the military and can make it work. You don’t think you guys could make it several months?”

“Well, I….it was mutual though.” Sersi argued. “He agreed to it.”

Her sister threw up her hands.

“Well, what was he supposed to say when you suggested it? You probably made it seem that you wanted to. I cannot believe you.”

Sersi bit her lip as her sister left the room again.

Perhaps it had been silly.

“Do you think L……is…..t….boy?”

“What?” Sersi called out towards the door.

Her sister returned with a bottle of water.

“Do you think Lee is too much of a pretty boy?”

“What do you mean?”

Sersi was trying to keep track of these various conversations.

“Talking with Ikaris…you know? He has such a great face. Like, that is a man. I bet he knows how to change a tire. Do you think he does?”

“Probably. His father is some sort of vehicle technician for a government transportation group.”

“I knew it.”

Sersi shook her head at her sister’s words.

“So don’t let all that history with him go to waste for some poor judgement. Remember how much mum loved him? I bring Lee home it’s all—who’s his family, what is his job, what are his connections? You bring Ikaris home and none of those questions matter because he looks and sounds like he belongs in one of those dramas mum watches on the BBC.”

True, their mother had been very fond of Ikaris.

“Gosh, our mother can be so superficial—am I superficial?”

“Drink your water.” Sersi advised.

Her sister did so.

“Well maybe we could trade. I’ll take Ikaris and you can have Lee. That way it will be the same men and we won’t make mother too angry.”

“You…you date Ikaris? He’d be too young for you.”

“Please.” Her sister snarked. “I’ll have you know that some people think that I’m the younger of the two of us. Though I suppose both of you are still in uni.”

“Would you really give Lee up?”

Sersi was certain her sister was fond of him—though she had always been one to be slightly less heart-on-her-sleeve unlike herself.

“No. I wouldn’t. He’s fun and exciting—but not reckless. Were a match that way.” Her sister’s head turned back around to face her. “Like you and Ikaris seem to be. You’re warm and kind; Ikaris is steady and supportive.”

He was.

Sersi glanced towards her phone.

“I’m not going to have to force you to call him, am I? If nothing else, think how great the four of us look in pictures—is that vain? Am I vain?”

“Go to bed. Drink more of your water.” Sersi repeated.

“But think about it huh? Call him.”

“Okay, fine then. I will.”

It wouldn’t hurt to reach out.

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

Her sister held out a pinky and with a laugh Sersi connected it with her own.

-

-

-

Sersi unlocked the door to a familiar face.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

Ikaris greeted her with a small smile as she waved him in.

“Thanks for coming over.”

It was a bit formal but she felt that something needed to be said.

“I was hoping to hear from you to be honest.” He admitted. “I saw your sister the other day and uh, I thought maybe you would be with her.”

“Not that time. Sorry. I had things that needed to get done. You were there though.”

It was slightly odd as Ikaris generally hated crowds and loud noise in general.

“Kingo invited me and then the idiot didn’t show. He was at a completely different party. He’s getting too famous.” Ikaris shook his head.

Kingo had found some success in a small indie movie that was making the rounds.

“Were you horribly bored?”

He shrugged a shoulder.

“I was actually on my way to leave when…when I bumped into your sister. We talked for a bit and then ah, Lee needed her someplace.”

Sersi nodded and rocked back on her heels.

“How was life abroad?”

“Not quite sure what all the fuss is about.” He said plainly. “I still had to study. Food was okay.”

Leave it to Ikaris to not be impressed.

“I’m glad you are back now.”

Slight hesitation came across his face. Caution was in his blue eyes.

“Yeah?”

She nodded with a small lump in her throat.

Would he take her back?

“I’ve missed you.”

The words came out with an exhale so quickly she almost missed it.

“Really?”

“‘Course.”

She surged forward and his arms eagerly wrapped around her to hold her close.

A kiss was pressed to her head.

“Do you want to—”

The door to the apartment had opened again slamming into Ikaris’s back and giving him a small shove forward.

“Oh, sorr—Ikaris.”

Her sister glanced between the two of them with a growing smile.

“Should I stay out or…?”

Sersi shot her sister a look.

“We were headed out anyway. Have you eaten?”

Ikaris shook his head.

“Not since the morning.”

“Let’s grab something then.”

She tugged his hand to lead the way while trying to ignore her sister’s smirky face.

Chapter Text

“So…I think I have a date tomorrow.”

Thena looked up from her laptop screen to her friend.

“Oh, is Dane back already? I thought he was gone for another week.”

Sersi’s pretty face was in a frown so Thena was certain that there was something that she was missing.

“He is actually…”

Thena’s fingers stopped typing.

“So this date is—”

“I didn’t realize it.” Sersi broke in. “I mean, I guess I didn’t think it through all the way when I said ‘yes’. He just asked if I wanted to get a drink with him sometime and I—”

“You are going on a date behind Dane’s back?”

Sersi wasn’t that type of girl.

“No. Yes. I mean, I wasn’t trying to.” Sersi took a moment to plop down in the spare chair that sat in Thena’s office.

Ah, this made sense.

“Sersi, what have I told you about being too kind to people?  Some people read those signals wrong.”

Her friend sighed.

“I know, I know. Usually, it doesn’t come up. Our friend group knows I am dating Dane—”

“Just message this guy then and tell him you are busy or something has come up.”

Sersi’s frown deepened.

“Where did you meet this guy anyway?”

“At that party I went with you to last Friday.”

It was Thena’s turn to frown now.

“I don’t remember you meeting someone.”

She would have recalled someone new.

“You were busy talking to someone else when Gilgamesh—”

“Gil?”

She must have said it loud enough because the man wandered in.

“Did you call?”

“When I am forced away at an event I expect you to watch out for Sersi and not let strange men talk to her.”

Gilgamesh gave a chuckle.

“What strange men?”

“Ikaris.”

Thena’s nose wrinkled at hearing this new name.

“Ikaris isn’t strange—well don’t ask Druig I suppose—but he is on my handball team. Solid sort of mate I would say.”

“Still.” Thena insisted.

“Sorry my love. I will do better next time. Why though? Was he rude to you?”

He turned to Sersi as he spoke.

Her black-haired head shook in the negative.

“No, in fact, the opposite. He was very nice.”

“Doesn’t sound too bad then.”

 “He asked to see me again and I agreed to it.”

Gilgamesh gave a shrug and looked towards Thena who raised an eyebrow.

“…Oh! Because…. oh…. ah, I can tell him that you are with someone if you want me to.”

Thena expected this to go over well with Sersi but it didn’t seem to.

“Just remember for next time then.” She instructed her husband.

Gilgamesh took this as a signal for him to move along so the ladies could talk.

Thena turned back towards Sersi.

“So what is going on then? Do you want to see this man?”

It didn’t quite make sense.

Sersi shifted for a moment and her mouth twitched.

“You are right. I should message him.”

“Wait.” Thena put her hand out. “I’m sorry. I am not giving you time to explain what you are feeling. There is something going on obviously. Feel free to tell me.”

Sersi’s eyebrows raised.

“Really?”

Thena nodded.

Gilgamesh had been encouraging her to not just issue a snap decision and insist her thoughts on matters be followed. So, she would make sure to hear her friends out—especially Sersi. She could easily change her mind based on advice from others and Thena didn’t want to be another person who tried to impose on her.

Sersi took a deep breath.

“Well, you know how Dane got a trial per se to see if he would be a good fit for the acquisitions department.”

“Which you support.” Thena butted in.

“Yes, of course I did—do.” Sersi amended. “He finds such joy in it and loves traveling. Somehow he manages to get himself in an out of the funniest situations in all these countries where he is traveling.”

Thena watched her friend shake her head fondly.

“But….”

Thena knew there was a ‘but’.

“It has just been seeming so long. I can’t decide if I am being fickle though. Do I not love him enough to let him go off and come back?”

“Does he love you enough to stay?”

Sersi paused.

“I care about him too much to ask him. He truly loves the work.”

“More than you?” Thena questioned.

“I don’t…I haven’t really talked with him about the issue. Does he just expect me to see him every few months?”

“To keep watering his plants and getting his mail?”

Thena couldn’t help but tack on the things she knew her friend was doing.

Sersi shifted in her seat.

 “Let’s talk about this other man. Why do you feel you want to see him?”

“Well, I know this sounds vain, but most everyone in our friend circle knows that I am with Dane, so it was nice to be approached by someone who showed interest in me and what I do.”

“Flirtatious interest?”

Thena had to tease as she knew Sersi’s face would grow red.

“Ikaris was very…subtle…not boisterous or too nosey. We talked for a decent chunk of time—I don’t even know how long…” Sersi turned her head as if in thought. “He asked me to dance…”

Thena raised an eyebrow.

“And where was I all this time while you played Cinderella?”

Sersi gave a giggle of a laugh with her face filling again with light color.

“That’s what you get for being so connected Thena. Everyone wants to talk to you.”

A curse sometimes to be honest.

“Well, I have to know more about this Ikaris man then. What does prince charming do?”

Sersi gave her friend a quiet chastisement before answering.

“He’s a graphic designer for the city—mainly focuses on transportation. Have you seen the new art by the bus stops? He did that.”

Thena hummed.

“Sounds like solid work.” She conceded. “I am assuming his looks aren’t too shabby.”

Her friend’s mouth twisted from a smile to neutral back to a smile.

“Hair?”

‘Sandy I suppose. Tan and gold.”

“Eyes?

“Unbelievable kind of blue.”

“How is his dancing?”

“Decent. Better than average I would say.”

“And the rest of him?” Thena dangled.

“Well he does play handball, so very fit—at least from what I can see of his arms.”

“For now.”

This got Thena a shove on her arm.

Sersi’s face dissolved back into a frown.

“See though? Is all that a reason to abandon Dane?”

“It seems to me you need to talk things out with him.”

“I hate choices that seem so final.” Sersi sighed.

“It might not be.” Thena had to point out. “Maybe he will give up the opportunity if he gets to be with you.”

Sersi shook her head.

“I know he won’t and funnily enough I somehow now that it is not just because he doesn’t care. I know he cares but…”

Sersi dissolved into silence and Thena found she had no wisdom at the moment to offer.

“He’ll be back in a week. I will try to talk to him then and see where we stand.”

“And Ikaris?”

Sersi raised her hands to massage her forehead.

“I will see him at least. It was just for a drink. Wouldn’t it be funny if he meant nothing by it and I made the whole thing up?”

“I highly doubt that.”

It sounded like Sersi had an understanding of the situation.

“I suppose I could still make a mess of things when I tell him I have a boyfriend that I’m not sure where I stand with. He might be put off.”

“People have complicated lives.” Thena comforted. “It’s not like you are married. You are being honest with him as soon as possible.”

Sersi nodded but was biting her lip in worry.

=

=

=

Sersi’s stomach was in knots the whole day—while she was at work, coming home from work, getting ready to go out, and sitting on the train on the way to place she had chosen to meet Ikaris at.

The situation wasn’t that serious and she hadn’t meant to lead him on.

Would he believe her?

Her hand shook slightly as she reached for the door of the restaurant but a couple was coming out and the man held the door for her to enter.

Thanking him, she entered and looked about.

Somehow, her eyes found his.

She made her way over and plopped down next to him where he sat at the marble topped bar.

“Hi.”

“Hi. G’ evening.”

She realized that she hadn’t told Thena about his accent and its effect on her.

“Evening.” She returned his greeting. “Have I kept you long? Sorry about running late.”

She usually was but he didn’t need to know that at this stage.

“Naw, I’m not too far from here. After work today, it’s been nice to sit.”

“Were you not sitting already?”

“Not today. I was out and about scouting locations for a few new adverts for public safety.”

The bartender stopped by to get their drink orders.

The place was busy but not crowded with enough atmosphere to not let silence seem awkward.

“How about you? How was your week? It feels like ages since I’ve seen you.”

The words fell from his lips easily but there was tenderness in them that sent a shiver down her spine.

She couldn’t get distracted.

The truth had to be settled.

“Listen, Ikaris…before we talk the night away and I….” forget wasn’t the right word “… Can I tell you something?”

It was off her chest.

“Sure.”

Their drinks were set in front of them.

She was nervous again.

Her face must have shown it.

“Well…?” He gave her a grin. “Should I guess?”

“What?”

The conversation wasn’t supposed to be so lighthearted.

“It can’t be that bad can it? You aren’t married are you?”

“No.”

“Don’t like animals? You’re a vegan?”

“Stop please.” A laugh escaped her as his grin widened.

“Go ahead then. I’m listening.”

He took a sip of his drink and waited.

“Should I turn my back to you?”

“No. I…no.” She squared her shoulders. She was an adult. She could handle this. Okay… “I sort of have a boyfriend.”

Ikaris went still.

“Define ‘sort of’.”

“I have a boyfriend.” She confessed. “But it’s sort of…. the situation is…it’s not something….”

For some reason, the man laughed again.

“Sersi, I’m not bolting out the door.” He promised.

Looking down, she hadn’t realized that her hand had griped the sleeve of his jacket.

She apologized and pulled her hand back.

“Go on.”

“Well, we’ve hit kind of a make-or-break point. At least, I think so.”

“Sounds a bit complicated.”

“Yeah.”

Her fingers fiddled with the stem of her glass.

“So, I assume you are leaning to ‘break’ or is that too personal of a question?”

“I think so but I feel awful saying it. I just wanted to let you know. I realize that it was unfair to accept…I mean, I was just going to text you that I couldn’t make it but…”

“I understand. I appreciate your honesty. I can tell that you are distressed so don’t worry I don’t think badly of you for it. I suppose it was bold of me to think you weren’t with someone. I should have asked Gil.”

“No, the fault really is mine.” She assured him.

Her hand almost reached out to touch his but pulled back.

Ikaris’s fingers stippled along the marble.

“Well, we can still have a drink then, yeah? Until…”

Sersi bit her lip.

“He’s back next week and I need to talk to him about everything. Can I…can I string you along until then?”

A corner of his mouth quirked up.

“I suppose so. If you think there is hope.”

It still wasn’t an ideal situation and she wasn’t eager to have the conversation with Dane but she had to move forward.

Her shoulder’s relaxed.

“I think I am glad to be here with you.”

This seemed to be sufficient for him.

=

=

=

“And here I have…now where did I put it?”

Sersi watched as Dane rummaged around one of his duffels.

She had arrived only a few moments ago to Dane’s flat and he was seemingly trying to get every story from his trip out in the first few minutes.

“You should probably take a breath.” She advised. “Or have a drink of water.”

“I will I will.” He laughed. “I just feel like I have so much to say—and so much more work to do! Did I send you the picture from—Ah! Here it is.:

His face was smiling as he held out a small rock.

“For you from Egypt. Another for your collection.”

It was dropped into her palm and she thanked him for it.

How should this conversation start?

“Dane….”

“Anyway, I was….oh.”

He stood there for a moment staring at another rock he had pulled from his bag.

“…I’m not sure where this rock is from. Well, it is yours also.”

“Thank you.”

Sersi took a moment, to put both stones into her purse.

“I have a poster for you as well somewhere. A bit cliché maybe but how many times does a guy get to go to Turkey? Well hopefully more.  Did you get that video I sent you of the sunset?” Dane moved some of his dark hair that had fallen into his face. “I have to get this cut sometime soon. Looking a bit overgrown for my ‘Indiana Jones’ look.”

“A touch perhaps. Dane, about all your traveling…”

Perhaps that was a good way to start.

“Yes. I have my next schedule planned out. Back to Egypt to work on borrowing some things for some exhibits. Then to Cypris—very excited about that actually. Don’t tell the higher ups but I am having a bit too much fun I think—sleep has been terrible but other than that…” Dane shrugged his shoulders with a smile.

“I am glad you are enjoying it. I know you were hoping for this position.”

“I am certainly trying my best. When you do you think you want to come see me? I’ll have to check my schedule to see what times I could fit you in.”

This was the time it seemed.

“Actually Dane, I need to talk to you about that.”

“Getting cold feet?” He teased. “It’s not as far as it seems—I mean it is far but…”

“I guess I mean about our situation….”

“Is this about the plants? I can get someone else to water them Sersi. You are always too eager to offer.”

“The plants have been fine. What I mean is with this position you are aiming to have. Where do I fit in?”

There it was out in the open.

Dane didn’t frown but his face shifted.

“Oh, well…. I mean, if you don’t see me in the in between travel times…. you will still see me every few months. Sometimes more.”

“Sometimes less.” She had to point out.

“Well, I guess it is the nature of it.” Dane admitted honestly. “I suppose…I suppose it’s not quite fair to you is it?”

Sersi bit her lip.

Funny how she had all this time to prepare and now was not sure what to say.

“I suppose I have been horrible. Up and leaving you.”

“You didn’t up and leave. You knew a few months in advance.”

“I was just so focused on the opportunity I guess I—well to my shame I kind of…didn’t consider your side of things.”

Sersi couldn’t even be upset with him even as he admitted the truth.

Dane wasn’t that kind of guy who would just shove people aside or use them for his own benefit.

He didn’t mean to not consider her—his excitement had gotten in the way and she had been too happy for him to push the point at the moment.

Dane shoved his bag aside and sat on the end of his bed.

“So, what do you want to do?”

What did she want?

“I…. I like cheering you on but…”

“…that’s doesn’t sound very romantic when you put it like that.” Dane added humorously.

“Sorry.”

She waited as he gave a sigh and scratched his chin.

“…We can still be friends, yeah? I mean, I can still send you memes and stuff? You don’t have to water my plants or anything anymore.”

A weight was off her chest again but there was a touch of sadness.

This part of her life was coming to an end.

“I don’t mind watering your plants.”

“No, no…you can find something else to fill your time. My mother can…. oh gosh…she is going to be upset with me. I keep choosing dead things over women---no offense.”

“Some of those skeletons are very nice.”

Dane rubbed his forehead while he gave a chuckle.

“You really were too good for me Sersi. You might be too good for anyone.”

“Well, I hope not. I would like to have someone.”

Maybe Ikaris?

It was too soon to know.

“Then I am sure you will find him. Anyone would be a fool not to snatch you up. Use me as a reference.”

“Stop it.” She insisted. “I’m just happy that we are…still friendly.”

“Of course. We are both good natured and easy going—were we too much alike?”

This gave Sersi pause.

“I think we shouldn’t waste too much time worrying over it. It didn’t end in horror or anything.”

“Will your friends give me a hard time if they run across me?”

“I wouldn’t think much beyond light ribbing.” She had to be honest.

“That I can handle.”

=

=

=

“Well? How has it been going? I feel like it has been forever since we have caught up.”

“Thena, we work in the same building.”

Thena pushed back from her desk.

“Yes, well things have been busy.”

Annoyingly so in fact.

“Yes, well I have a moment now. Sit down and tell me how your new arm candy is working out.”

Sersi stood there a moment with a look but eventually maneuvered around to sit down in one of the chairs by her desk.

“I still have to meet him sometime you know.”

“You’ve met him once. Ikaris told me so.”

Thena pushed a strand of her golden hair out of her face.

“Yes, well it was briefly months ago and he was merely a friend of Gilgamesh who I didn’t even bother to remember. No doubt I didn’t give him the proper onceover in order to pass judgement on him.”

“Well, we are supposed to go out for dinner now aren’t we?”

“Hmm. Yes. I suppose so. You might as well tell me how you are feeling about him so I know how severe I should be.”

“None at all I hope. Please Thena.”

Sersi put on a pleading face.

“Well then tell me all his good points then.”

She knew Sersi would be honest and that would be her guide.

I…like him. He is very considerate and is always ready to help me with anything. He holds open doors for me and he carried my groceries the other day when we both went shopping after work.”

Old fashioned manners that would appeal to Sersi’s romantic sensibilities—check.

“He can also be very protective of me. A man thought I was trying to cut in the line at the till and started blustering—I thought Ikaris was going to fight him.”

This gave Thena pause. Sersi wasn’t one for violence but her face held no disgust.

“And you thought that was…. noble?” She took a stab at an answer.

“It felt very…” Sersi paused as a small smile crossed her face. “I kind of liked having someone to step in. I suppose that is usually your job if we are out somewhere.”

It was Thena’s turn to pause.

It was true that numerous times the ladies had gone out some intruding random man had to be chased away from Sersi’s vicinity.

Now it seemed that her role was being taken over—perhaps not a bad thing for Sersi to have someone strong at her side.

“Well then, we have gone over too many positives.” She sniffed. “You must tell me some of his flaws so I don’t think he is too perfect.”

This got Sersi to smile with a shake of her head.

“He can be stubborn. Sometimes I feel like he is slightly afraid to be too open with me. Like he is worried about becoming too close so early on. But his heart seems so strong even though he is very sensible. A contradiction. I suppose I have been accused of too much heart and too little head sometimes.”

Sersi grinned at her self-deprecating joke.

“A balance then—between the both of you.”

Sersi bit her lip but gave a smile that grew wider.

“Adorable.”

“Don’t mock Thena.”

“Just a comment. If you are satisfied then I will be too.”

Ikaris might be a good man for her.

A man who supported her and would help clear a path to get her where she needed to be.

“I will look forward to dinner then. Text me sometime soon with a date and location before some idiot takes up my time.”

Sersi agreed.

Thena was proud of her.

She was growing stronger too all on her own.

Chapter Text

Next.

Next.

Next.

Ikaris stared down at his phone in annoyance as none of the songs playing were to his liking.

In fact, all of them were just irritating somehow.

He closed out of it entirely leaving his earbuds in as he waited for his bus.

The day was done and he just wanted to get back to his flat and relax.

It was Tuesday though, so he really should go to the gym.

Ugh.

He wasn’t sure if he was feeling up to that.

Probably could talk himself out of it at this point.

Letting out a yawn, he glanced at the time again.

Just a bit more and then he would be on his way.

He scratched a hand over his chin feeling the stubble already growing back there.

Ikaris moved his feet slightly to avoid the wheels of a pram being pushed past the bench he sat on.

The world kept going by as he waited on his bus.

People watching could be a nice way to pass the time.

Usually, it was the same sort of crowd at this time of day. Office workers types, tourists, and people just out doing the normal errands with their shopping bags. There were a few groups of school children here and there rushing about as well.

One skipped past him to stare up at the advertisements that had been pinned to a display board.

Ikaris could honestly say he never glanced at it much.

Posters for art displays, items for sale, missing pets, people looking for flatmates….

A yawn escaped him.

His eyes wandered over to the red-haired school girl again who had put her backpack down and was rummaging in it. She pulled out a small stack of paper and from that took one sheet.

There wasn’t much more room on the board.

The girl frown as she stared up and took on the top of her toes seeing if she could find a space.

“There is another board on the other side.” Ikaris suggested. He didn’t know if it would have any more room on it though.

She pivoted towards him with interested eyes.

“Yeah?”

“Maybe.” He had to be honest that he didn’t know for certain.

The girl sighed and glanced towards the bus stop on the other side of the road.

Ikaris got a quick glance at her paper and his heart dropped.

Besides the words, it seemed to have a picture of a person on it.

A missing person?

He grimaced.

To think a child would be going about hanging posters to find a family member…

“Who is missing?” Ikaris asked gently.

“What?” The girl looked confused.

“Your poster? Is it for a missing person?”

The girl looked down at it.

“No. It’s for my teacher.”

“A fundraiser then?”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his bus approaching.

He stood up and grabbed his own bag.

“Nope. My teacher needs a husband. I’m trying to help her find one.”

“What?”

The bus came to a stop and people got off and on.

Ikaris gave it a glance but something caused his feet to remain as the bus pulled away.

There would be another one along shortly he told himself.

“What do you mean?” He asked her again.

“I have a teacher at school who is chronically single. I have no idea why. She is pretty and smart. So, I figured I would help her out.”

 Ikaris then found himself being eyed critically.

“How about you? Do you need a wife?”

He took a moment to glance around. Was this some sort of prank? It seemed like something his mother would do—either trying to set him up or drive home the fact he was still single.

“Ah….”

“Well?” The girl pressed with crossed arms. “Here. Take a look.”

Ikaris accepted the offered paper and turned it around.

The title was eye catching enough.

Wanted: Groom

The picture even more so.

“She’s pretty, right?”

Yeah, yes she was.

“Uh…yeah.”

The picture was black and white but much information could still be gathered.

She was of Asian descent, had long dark hair, and a lovely smile.

She was beautiful.

“She’s a teacher?”

The girl nodded.

“Let’s start with the basics. What’s your name?”

Ikaris straightened up.

“Ikaris.”

The girl lips twitched.

“What is yours?” Ikaris asked in return.

“I’m Sprite. So, what do you do for a living?”

“Nothing too exciting. I work in marketing for an airline company.”

“An office worker.” He couldn’t decipher her tone.

“Not entirely. It’s a private company but we do work overseas. I travel a bit here and there for business.”

“Do you like the outdoors?’

“Sure.” He gave a shrug.

“But you have a home, right?”

“I don’t live in a tent if that is what you mean.”

Sprite paced in front of him for a moment.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-seven”

Sprite frowned.

“Huh, a younger man. I don’t know how she would feel about that.”

Ikaris made a sound in his throat.

“She can’t be that much older than me.”

Sprite was a just a kid—a few years difference didn’t make that much difference when you got older.

“I suppose not. But that can be for her to decide.”

“Seriously now. She can’t be much older.” He protested.

“I believe she is turning thirty this year.”

That was nothing then. He still hadn’t had his birthday yet.

“Tell me some about her then.”

The paper didn’t say much besides her name and occupation.

Sersi.

“Well, she is a teacher—everyone’s favorite really. She loves the outdoors and music. She’s not much of a cook I’ll be honest with you. She is always very patient and kind.”

“Why do you think she’s single then?”

Sersi sounded like an ideal woman from these simple facts.

“Why are you single?” Sprite countered.

Ikaris’s mouth came open before closing.

Fair point.

“Busy I guess and…it sometimes feels like there are no…simply honest woman left. People can be so fake.”

“You’re not a player, right?”

“A player…? What? No.”

Sprite’s lips twitched.

“I’m definitely not like that.”

He was always loyal to whoever he was currently dating—which at the moment was no one.

Sprite gazed at him carefully inspecting him from his shoes up.

After a moment, she nodded.

“All right. This could work maybe. Give me your number.”

She handed over her phone and he carefully punched in his number.

Sprite gave it a glance before shoving it back in her jacket’s pocket.

“I’ll guess I will wait to hang these until I see if this works out.”

“And you might to get Sersi’s permission before you hang her picture everywhere.”

Sprite shrugged unaffectedly.

“I wasn’t giving out any of her information. I was going to vet people for her—some people pay good money for that.”

He had to chuckle at this.

“You mean well.” Albeit a bit unorthodox.

“I’ll set something up then.” The girl promised.

“After you explain to her, right?”

“Yeah, fine. Hold still.”

Ikaris did so as she pulled out her phone again and held it up.

“This way, she knows what you look like too.”

“And in full color—she has the advantage.”

 Sprite brushed past this as she looked at him carefully again.

“Well, I have to get going. I will be contacting you soon, okay?”

“Got it.” He promised.

Another bus pulled away.

He definitely wasn’t going to the gym at this point.

Seriously, Sprite held out her hand and Ikaris shook it.

“Good.”

Sprite headed off and he watched her disappear into the commotion of the city’s streets.

He sat back down and glanced at his phone.

Another bus would be by shortly.

He played with the edges of the paper and stared at the face looking back towards him.

This was crazy, right?

Still, he was willing to give it a chance.