For centuries vampires and witches have been enemies. Now they are civil to each other but barely.
When the vampire prince and the grandson of the Coven Head announce their engagement shock and rage ensue. Vampires and witches don't get married and...
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Flower meanings: peace, tranquility
Nico stirs the pot of stew on the stove while he thinks about earlier with Lotus. He's not sure what happened to cause Lotus' abrupt change. He said he wasn't feeling well. Nico has a feeling it was emotional distress that was the problem and not a physical injury or illness.
Frowning, he goes to the counter and starts chopping vegetables to add to the stew. The sound of his knife hitting the chopping board and the light drumming of rain falling on the roof are the only noises in the kitchen. Enyo is back with their abuela, so he is alone again.
He isn't usually lonely. He likes being alone. But today the house feels empty, and he hates it. He moves around the kitchen restlessly, trying to stay busy so he doesn't have to think. His familiar wanders in and gives him a judging look.
"I know," Nico says. "I know, okay? I like peace and calm and being by myself so this evening should be perfect. But it's not."
He's about to go into a detailed rant about his own frustration but a light knock on the kitchen door leading into the garden makes him pause. He glances at Ignis. The cat simply licks its paw calmly and gives him nothing. Nico frowns at it and goes to the door.
He feels a sense of déjà vu when he sees Lotus standing on the stone path. He's rain soaked and shivering but unlike last time there are no signs of any injuries and he looks uncertain instead of afraid. He doesn't resist when Nico reaches out to cup his elbow and pull him inside and out of the cold rain.
"Did something happen?" Nico asks, worried. "Are you okay?"
"I am fine." Lotus looks a little embarrassed. He pushes a few wet strands of hair out of his face. "I just—I, um, I wanted to see you." His cheeks flush a soft pink. "I am not usually this impulsive. Sorry, I should just go."
"Wait!" Lotus stops with his hand on the doorknob. He looks at Nico questioningly. It's Nico's turn to feel a little embarrassed. "It's pouring out," he says quickly. "You can't go back in this weather."
Lotus looks out at the rain falling in the garden. "I suppose not."
"Just stay for a little while," Nico almost pleads. "At least until the rain stops." Behind him he can feel Ignis giving him a knowing look. It is supposed to rain all night.
Lotus closes the door. "I will stay. But only until the rain stops."
Nico can't hold back his smile. Already the house feels less empty. "I'm just finishing making supper. You should take a shower to warm up. You can borrow some of my clothes."
Lotus is only too willing to do this. "Thank you." He knows his way around the house now but Nico still goes upstairs with him and helps him find something to wear before going back to the kitchen to finish cooking.
Left to himself Lotus showers leisurely. Something that's always wound tight within his core seemed to have relaxed the moment he stepped inside Verbena House. He can't make himself rush even though he wants to spend more time with Nico. But it is supposed to rain all night, he reminds himself. I have time.
