Scales and Hooves (BxB) (Unicorn X Dragon)

Ch. 22 New Surroundings, New Inspiration

"Finally, a new place to call home," Molten sighed happily, placing a box by his feet.

"And it's all ours," Zion said, hanging from Molten's neck and leaning in for a kiss.

Molten laughed. "By ours, I hope you're considering our cat."

"We're adopting a corgi."

"I am not adopting a dachshund crossed with a chihuahua," Molten said. Zion let go of him. Molten picked up the box and walked up the stairs.

"We're not done with this!"

The house was large, a two-storey white house with grey stone cladding on the centre part of the exterior. It had a conservatory-come-kitchen-dining area and a living room at one end and at the other was a study—which Molten was going to turn into a music room, for writing music and keeping his guitar, piano and any other equipment needed to create his "masterpieces". He'd decorate it with posters and other music-related joys of his later.

It had a master bedroom and two other bedrooms along with four bathrooms, two of which were en-suite. They converted most of the attic for two bedrooms, but they were only going to use one room as a gym, leaving the other empty for now. They had already been decorating, having painters in and hiring people to help put in the furniture while one of them would aid in the process—or stand around depending on how Zion was feeling.

The stairs had two landings. The first led to the master and guest bedroom and the bathrooms upstairs, the second went up to the converted attic.

The ground floor comprised another guest bedroom, enormous bathroom, the kitchen, living room and Molten's music room.

It was their dream home with enough space for family to stay, and for their future family to grow. Molten's favourite part was the bay window in the living room, as he had always wanted one in the home, so everyone could see their Christmas tree. Zion's was the jacuzzi around the back of the house—he was very much looking forward to relaxing in it after a swim in their outdoor pool.

*-*-*-*

Zion walked down the hall to Molten's study. They'd been in the house a little over a week, but this morning, Zion hadn't seen him. It was now 3-ish, and he was pretty worried. He held a caramel mocha in his hand, hoping to find out what exactly Molten was doing that was more important than spending time with his fiancé, who he had all but lost his magic for almost a year prior.

Zion knocked on the door. "Molten?" He asked, leaning on the handle.

He didn't get a response.

He drew in a breath and opened the door. Molten sat at a drum pad machine that was linked up to his soundboard and audio mixer. He had a set of headphones on, bopping his head ever so slightly as he listened to the unfinished work he'd created.

Zion walked towards the u-shaped trio of desks ahead, gently placing the glass on the desk Molten was at. He slid off his headphones, letting them rest on his neck.

"Thanks," he said, taking a sip and licking off the cream moustache that was left behind.

"So, what's with hiding away in here all day?" Zion asked, standing behind Molten and putting his hands down by his chest.

"Inspiration hit me," Molten explained, leaning back and looking up at Zion.

"So, you've started on album number three?" Zion asked, looking back down at him, and nuzzling his fringe.

"Pretty much," said Molten. "And once I get inspiration, I have to work with it."

"So, how long will it take?"

"As long as I'll have inspiration, I'll be in here," he said, almost longing that it wouldn't be that way.

"Alright." Zion sighed. "Just... try to take a break now and then, okay?" He asked.

"Yes, I will," he replied, falsely sounding like Zion was ordering him around.

*-*-*-*

"Two weeks. Two fucking weeks," Zion swore. He was video-calling his twin, Mona.

"Ah, come on Zee, he needs to work on this... Or do you want a wedding?" She said, turning up the sass.

Zion sighed. "Don't bring that into this."

Mona laughed. "Oh, don't worry, I shall."

Zion shook his head and lowered his phone, hearing something come from the kitchen.

"And fans—myself included—have been waiting for this album for over two years... What is it?"

"Molten may have finally emerged from his creative trance," Zion said. "Mind if I ring you back?... Probably sometime tomorrow?"

Mona winked. "Sure thing. Just make sure he'll be able to walk in the morning."

Zion's cheeks flushed red before the picture on his phone paused as Mona hung up. He cleared his throat and put his phone down beside him on the black leather sofa. He heard the kitchen go quiet, but he could see that the light was still on. He stood up and walked down the short corridor. He opened the door to the kitchen, immersing himself in the light.

Molten stood in front of the window, looking out at the sun setting off in the distance behind the low-lying hills and tall trees. It was late summer, and the evenings were cool. Behind him was the kitchen and beside him was a piano, a grand piano to be exact—Zion had insisted they get one, Molten thought it was a preposterous idea.

Zion walked closer to him, his hand skimming the countertop of the island.

"How's it going?" Zion asked, putting his hand on Molten's arm.

"Well, I'm out of inspiration," he said, looking down at Zion.

"So, you're going to leave your drum machine and come back to your fiancé?" He asked.

Molten chuckled. "Yep, pretty much," he said, picking Zion up. "And I've missed you," he said, pressing his forehead against his.

"So... Does that mean we get to do something... intimate?" Zion asked, raising his eyebrows both seductively and curiously.

Molten laughed. "All right then," he sighed dramatically. Zion yanked his arm and dragged him out of the room.