Forever Synth

Chapter 1.5: Homecoming

As I approached the front door, the sun had barely risen. Through the glass, I saw Gavin standing there just as he said he would. I adjusted my corset, ensuring my sleeves were loose and comfortable. Checking my pockets to make sure my key is still on me. My hair was brushed back and tied at the end.

Nervous to be with anyone who wasn't either my family or Baron. Taking a deep breath, relaxing as I prepared myself. I placed my hands on the wooden door and pushed it open to reveal the calming dawn of the blue sky. Large clouds were in the sky, revealing the bright white of the upcoming sun.

I walked up to Gavin, acknowledging my presence. He was delighted, eager to start the day. Swaying his hand for me to follow. The place was slowly waking up as few people were out. Not as active, but getting things done before the masses arrive. Looked at Gavin, he was wearing a scarf around his neck this time. Dark green and burnt marks at the tip. He had more leather with metal trim fortifying his body. He looked as if he was ready for an adventure himself.

Observing down at myself, I still had a royal attire. For everyone around me, it was as if a rose was standing beside a wooden stake sticking out of the ground.

As we walk down the road, passing various housing and diners. This whole time we haven't spoken a single word. He kept to himself, more silent than the usual upbeat. I couldn't help but wonder if he had to act differently when he was out in public compared to being with us.

My hands came together close to my chest, fidgeting with my brooch.

"You look lovely today," Gavin commented and broke the silence between us.

Nervously, I replied, "Yeah, and so do you."

I felt extremely silly to say such a thing. He clearly was different from what I wore or behaved. If we were at the House of Nobles, he would have been ridiculed severely. I looked up at him, cautious if I had offended him. Instead, I got a "heh" followed up with, "thank you".

As I looked around to see so many places we passed, I questioned, "Where are we going?"

He halted, bumping into his back by accident. I quickly fixed my hair while he said, "We're here."

In front of us was a clothing store, but had more than just outfits. It was also an armory that crafted protective clothing as well.

"We're going to get him a new set of clothing?" I pondered.

Gavin chuckles, wrapping his arm around my neck to pull me in. I still hate it when he does that while I grasp his wrist, trying to escape. He raised his other hand towards the shop exclaiming, "We're not going to get him an outfit. We're going to get you to join us."

I froze, flabbergasted at his words. Halting my attempt to break out of his grip, I looked up at him.

"Wait, you want me to wear something like..."

He glanced at me, "You're going to dress up like an adventurer."

My grip tightened, finally breaking out of his hold. I exclaimed, shouting, "You can't make me wear something like that! It's not how a Radcliff should look!"

He rolled his head back, leaning away annoyed. When I started to get used to Gavin's antics this was far beyond what I had imagined. I crossed my arms, pouting to the side. No matter what he said or did, I can't just defy the Radcliff status.

"Haven't you forgotten?" he said, catching my attention just slightly. His present is just in the view of the corner of my eyes. "It's for you and Baron."

As I recalled from last night. He did tell me he wanted to surprise Baron with something he would fall all over for. But little did I know it was me he was talking about. A slight blush patted my cheeks as I thought of it more.