Have you ever asked someone what love is? - Azriel x OC

Part 4

"Where are we going?" Cas bounced at my side, his small hand holding mine as we strolled down the cobbled streets of downtown.

"I thought we would go out on a little date, just us two" I smiled down at him, his little pointed ears sticking out beneath the mess of white curls. They were the only thing that illuded to us being related, otherwise our faces were vastly different. He looked more like mum.

He smiled happily, babbling to me about what he did at school, about his friends. He was a good kid, a troublemaker for sure, but he was kind. And gentle for the most part. I was glad he had friends, I had met some of the mums, playdates and park visits. They were...interesting. I don't think they were too fond of me but I'd do it for Cas. Anything that made him feel like he belonged.

"are we going to the fancy restaurant?" his blue eyes peered up at me, tugging at the collared shirt I had dressed him in.

"Yeah, we are. Are you excited?" we weaved through the people, and I kept my grip on him firm.

"yeah!" I chuckled at his enthusiasm.

We stood out like sore thumbs here, our white hair a stark contrast against the darkness of the night court people.

Our father had been from Winter, our mother from Day. Both of them soldiers in their separate courts. From what they told me when I was a kid, they had met on a battlefield somewhere, one of the many wars that were fought before my time.

They had seen each other, felt the bond snap into place and as soon as the fight was over, abandoned both their courts and fled to dawn. Where they had me, and eventually Cas.

And then Amarantha happened.

"Hi! Have you got a table for two available?" I asked the hostess, her dark hair pinned back expertly. Her piercing gaze met mine and I kept my polite smile as she looked across the restaurant, Cas bouncing at my side.

"Let me check" she walked away briskly, and I followed her with my eyes. Something cold brushed over my legs and I looked down to see shadows. Azriel must be close. Unfortunately, Cas also noticed them too and began pulling at my arm.

"Shadow man!"

"Cas!" I called as he slipped from my grasp running into the restaurant much to my embarrassment. I apologised to the stern woman, chasing after him in my low heels. I spotted him near the end of the room, next to a circular table kneeling on the floor playing in a mass of shadows. I knew the people sat at the table. I'd run into half of them over the last month and a bit.

"Alex! What a pleasure!" Feyre greeted and I flushed under the gazes of the table.

"I am so sorry to interrupt your meal" I apologized, shooting a look at an oblivious Cas. Shadows darted towards my feet and a smile quirked my lips, flicking my eyes to the Shadowsinger, who met my gaze with his dark eyes. "C'mon Cas. time to go"

His little face met mine and I could see the tears building, feeling my heart drop to my feet. Please not here.

"Why don't the two of you join us, there's room for two more" hurriedly, I shook my head at Rhysand's offer.

"No, it's okay we've disturbed you enough" I crouched down to Cas, dress scattering around the floor. "Lovey, come on, I thought we were going for ice cream later?"

"I want to stay" he protested with an adorable frown, shadows moving around him.

"Alex, it's okay. We'd be more than happy to have you join us" Feyre assured, and Azriel coaxed Cas into the chair next to him, to which he obliged happily. The Shadowsinger rose an eyebrow at me and I fought and internal battle. Fuck.

Rhysand chuckled and Cassian, lord of bloodshed, stood up, pulling out the free chair next to him.

"it's a lot easier if you don't argue with them, trust me" he muttered with a wink and I sighed, sitting down with a small smile.

"thank you" I smoothed my hands over my legs, soft fabric of my dress settling my nerves. "I am truly-"

"if you say sorry one more time I'm going to have to order another bottle of wine" the pretty blonde haired woman teased, smirk tickling her lips as she raised the glass of dark red wine. "it would be so very terrible" she quirked an eyebrow at me and I smiled.

"well, I am sorry" Cassian cackled and smiles lit the table.

"Your name is Alex then?" Morrigan, the blonde woman asked, and I nodded "and you work at the florist?"

"She owns the florist" Azriel answered for me, helping Cas with his napkin. It was a little unnerving that I wasn't sat next to him, so used to helping him that it put me a little on edge not having him next to me.

"wow, I didn't realise your name had changed" Mor glared at Azriel who shot her a look.

"easy children" Rhysand chided "tell us more about yourself Alex"

"Um there's not much to tell" I admitted, "I own the florist, like Azriel said" we met eyes quickly "Cas is my troublemaking little brother"

"I'm not trouble" Cas protested at his name and my lips curved, eyes shining in amusement as I gazed at him.

"No my darling. You are very well behaved, aren't you?" he nodded proudly, reaching for the salt and pepper shakers "what do well behaved children do at the table?" I asked softly and he paused, putting his hands in his lap.

"keep their hands to themselves" he reminded himself and I winked at him.

"good work"

"wow. Do you think you could teach Cassian that?" Feyre joked and Rhysand smirked as the man himself gasped dramatically, hand on heart.

"I am well behaved"

"We have yet to see it" Rhysand prowled, and Cassian rolled his eyes.