The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

meeting orion - pt 2

Orion was glad to get out of the townhouse, and Vienna was glad to see him go. She followed them back to the market, Orion's small hand holding onto Aurora's. Her heart swelled at the feeling of having time with a child, but she didn't allow herself to get too hopeful. Orion may choose not to stay with her, and Azriel may not want to take him on.

"I want chocolate cake," Orion announced loudly as they circled around the vendors. Aurora laughed and let him lead her to several carts of sweets. There was no chocolate cake, but lots of cookies and candies. Aurora purchased several treats for the boy and they settled in the grass in the center of the square. He happily munched, observing the crowd of fae around him. Aurora watched him with a smile, offering the sickly sweet lemon drink every now and then.

Her eyes lifted to the vendors and settled on a figure marching toward them. Her smile dropped when she marked Elain's angry face. Her arms were piled with the bags Aurora was meant to carry.

"I thought you were going to come back! Where have you been? Who is this?" Elain snapped, throwing the bags to the ground and plopping down beside Aurora.

"This is Orion. We decided to have a nice time eating sweets," Aurora explained. Elain lifted a brow at the child, who seemed to do the same.

"Nice to meet you, Orion," Elain said before giving Aurora a quizzical look.

"You bought a lot," Orion commented. Aurora bit back her grin and met Elain's eyes.

"I'll explain later," Aurora murmured. Elain just huffed and looked back down to the boy. He was studying her, and then Aurora, and then back to Elain.

"Are you two married?" Elain nearly shrieked at the assumption, Aurora just laughed.

"No, she is like my sister. I have a mate, though. Would you like to meet him?" Aurora suggested, hoping he would agree. Orion shoved the last of a berry topped chocolate into his mouth and studied her with that same suspicious look.

"I guess so," he mumbled, snatching the cup of lemon drink from her and taking a swig. Aurora nodded and looked to Elain.

"Do you want to join us back at the estate? Az is training Nyx today," she asked. Elain sighed and looked around at her bags.

"Yes, Mor is probably there, too," she huffed and stood. Aurora stood, too, and offered a hand to Orion. He gave her a sneer and pushed himself from the ground, grabbing his garbage and shoving it into Aurora's hand. She just placed it into her bag and offered an arm for several of Elain's bags. The three of them began walking the few blocks to the estate.

It was silent, for the most part. Orion made a few comments about people or homes he found disapproving. Aurora watched him with glee, praying to the Mother that Azriel fell in love with him, just as she did. The sun brought pink to his cheeks and forehead, his too-big clothes covering most of his arms and legs. As rough as he may be, Aurora already adored him.

As they neared the estate, Orion squinted at the home. He pushed his empty cup to one arm, cradling it against his side. "Are you rich or somethin'?" Mortal dialect, indeed.

"This is the home of the High Lord and High Lady," Aurora explained. Orion's dark eyes widened and shot to her face.

"Really? You think they want me to live with them?" His excitement brought a small pain to her chest. Of course, a child with nothing would want a massive home and wealthy parents. Would she, Azriel, and their townhome suffice?

"Well, they're very close to me. They're like family. We could talk to them, if you'd like," Aurora spoke softly, giving him a smile despite her nerves. Elain just hummed and hurried past them, pushing through the front doors. Aurora and Orion followed so that she could leave the bags and his empty cup inside. When their arms were free, she led him out the back and through the hedges to the training ring.