Gloom in Gold: The Awakening

Chapter Eleven

Home.

Lilith woke up in Miles' bed alone, smiling softly as she read the note he left her.

'Good morning, cutie. Fellon forced me to go to the city with him. He said he needs more t-shirts. Hope to see you later.'

"Fellon," she snickered and went through her morning routine. Miles sure would not mind if she borrowed his shower and a shirt.

Feeling fresh and comfortable she left his room to make herself breakfast. She smiled as she caught a sweet scent coming from the kitchen.

"Good morning Nolen," she smiled as she hugged him from behind.

"Good morning." He relished her warmth, brushing his palms over her arms.

She let go of him, standing at his side she watched as he prepared pancakes. Effortlessly he flipped the one in the pan at the moment, revealing a pancake fit for the cookbooks.

"You can take these," Nolen said and pointed at a plate with several pancakes, "I wanted to bring them to you anyway."

"Aw, really? That is so nice from you." She got to her toes, pullling his face down with one hand she placed a peck on his lips that made his chest warm. "Thank you."

"No worries."

She took her plate and sliced in, eyes widening as she spotted brown spots. "Oh god, you put chocolate in them?"

"Yes. Do you not like that?"

"I love it." She took a bite and smiled happily. "Delicious!"

"I'm happy to hear that." He sat next to her and they finished their portions, putting the dishes away.

Lilith took one of his hands in his, brushing her thumb over his skin; his eyes lingering on her finger. "What are your plans for today?"

"I'll run an errand for Maddox soon."

"Ah I see. Something important?"

"More or less. Just a business relationship thing that Maddox has no time for," he informed and squeezed her hand.

"Speaking of Maddox, is he always this busy? I haven't seen him in days."

"Mostly, yes. If you want to speak to him he is in his office. Do you remember where it is?"

She thought for a moment then nodded. "I do, but I don't want to interrupt him in important work."

"As far as I know there is nothing important right now, only annoying paperworks about enemy clan activity this year." He spotted her confused expression and continued to elaborate. "The clans of each sector communicate with each other. Somewhat similar to politics with countries. There is no fondness but there are many contracts and negotiations amonst the clans. These phases are straining him most, he is usually very frustrated, sleep deprived. Constantly drinking whiskey and coffee."

"Poor Maddox, that sounds like a ton of stress."

"It is. You put me at ease when you're with me, I bet he would enjoy your company as well. I mean, he didn't drink when he sat at your bed when you were still asleep."

Lilith blinked a few times. "He-" She paused long. "He did that?"

"Yeah. Several times. Said fuck the paperwork. He swears so rarely."

She thought for a second. "That's odd isn't it? I mean Erros was there a lot because he watched over my wounds, but why he? If he has so little time too."

"He seemed to like you most from the start," Nolen explained casually as they stood and cleaned, "Like he didn't felt the need to worry about anything. He was the one deciding to get you here."