𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 | azriel

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

When Flavia left that morning, the smile fell from Azriel's face. It was the day of her date and all he wanted to do was get on his hands and knees and beg her to go with him instead. To distract himself, Azriel cleaned around Flavia's apartment.

He cleaned and tidied even if he didn't need to. Anything to get his mind off of Flavia's date that night. He had checked in with Feyre when he woke that morning about how the painting was going. Apparently painting takes time and Azriel shouldn't rush her. He huffed out a laugh and continued to fold the blanket he had in his hands.

The more Azriel cleaned dishes, washed down Flavia's countertops and sorted everything out, he began to feel a slight pain in his chest. This should be the life he should have had years ago. Azriel never considered himself a domestic person, preferring the life of training and working. But the moment his family all found their mates and true love and began to talk to him about what happened the previous night. When Cassian complained about the chores he had to do when the House of Wind sided with Nesta in an argument (which was all the time). When Rhys and Feyre would come into a meeting tired and talked about staying up all night because Nyx wouldn't settle. When Mor announced that she and Emerie were moving in together.

Azriel had no escape from the happiness around him. He hadn't had to bring someone to his dungeon in Hewn City in nearly ten months. The missions he was sent on didn't take up nearly the same amount of time they normally did but sometimes Azriel would find ways to stretch them out.

After constantly craving work and training, Azriel couldn't believe that he was now sorting out Flavia's cutlery and finding himself enjoying it. Maybe he was finally maturing at his big age. Maybe it made him feel useful. Azriel knew the real answer but didn't want to admit it to himself.

He continued to dote around the apartment.

***

When Flavia returned that evening, she was shocked to see Azriel making dinner. He wore her apron and bit his lip in concentration.

"What are you making?" Flavia asked, knocking Azriel out of his concentration.

"Dinner," Azriel said. "I don't know exactly what but I remember you mentioning it once."

"It smells amazing," Flavia said, walking over to join him at his side.

"I am not just a pretty face," Azriel teased.

Flavia rolled her eyes. "Who told you that?"

"I know you've been thinking it," Azriel retorted.

Flavia held his gaze for a moment before clearing her throat and looked away. "I need to get ready for my date. Try not to burn the building down."

As Flavia left the kitchen, Azriel watched her walk away, feeling a tightening in his chest. He ignored it and went back to preparing his dinner.

***

Azriel served up his dinner onto a plate, feeling extremely excited to eat it. Just as he pulled out the chair to sit—

"Az," Flavia called from her bedroom. "I need help!"

Azriel got to his feet instantly and walked the short distance to her bedroom. He lightly pushed open the door. "Yes?"

"I need you to help me lace the rest of my dress up," Flavia said, opening the door for him. "I managed to get the bottom part done but I can't reach any further."

The moment she was revealed to him, Azriel's mouth opened in shock. Standing before him was the most beautiful female he had ever seen. Her dress was a deep crimson and flowed around her legs effortlessly. With every movement the dress moved around her like dancing flames.