I stare and stare and stare at the piece of paper in my hand, but still I cannot believe what I am seeing. I read the letter again to see if I missed something, but no.
When the words start to digest and I understand all that is written, I lift a hand to cover my mouth. I can't take my eyes off the letter. To think Nox would do something like that for me... To ask a favor from the crown prince... To do all this without ever considering it much... That is just so Nox.
Tears sting my eyes, but I won't let them fall until I have all the information I need.
"You... You..." I just can't form the words.
Nox seems to have anticipated my estonitioment. "I asked Weston to help me - to help you - and he agreed. He sent me the documents which show that you can leave your uncle's house if you find a different place to live at until you come of age and can claim your parents' left fortune."
"What?" I am so confused the only question that comes to mind is: "Where would I live? I don't have any other remaining family."
"It doesn't say that you need to live with a member of your family." he says simply. "You can live anywhere you like." he takes a step forward. "In fact, I thought you could... stay here, if you like."
For a long moment, I can't say anything. "You... You want me to live with you?"
"With my father and I." He nods. "I thought that because we know you already, and we have such a big house, and money is not a problem, I just thought that you'd feel better staying here. I would definitely feel relieved if you were to do so. I wouldn't need to worry so much because you'd always be around." He finishes with a slight smile.
Tears sting my eyes once more, and I can't seem to repress them. He's done all this for me... How could I think that he isn't really my friend? I take the remaining steps to him and wrap my hands around his neck. I bury my face in the crook of his neck and I know he can feel my tears, because I feel his whole body soften.
His arms wrap around me, and I can feel them tightening to the verge of pain, but I don't care. I can't sort out my feelings, but all I care about is that he's here with me, and now he gave me an opportunity so that he will always be here for me. How could I turn down such an offer...? Yet, it's not entirely up to me. "What did your father say when you asked him?" I ask, ready for to tell me that he didn't ask yet, or that his father said it wouldn't be a good idea -
"He asked me why it took me so long to do this. I told him that it really should have been done years ago. He is fine with it if you are." He treasures me. "Don't worry." I still didn't release him from the hug, but now it's more comfortab;e to us, so we just stay like this. "Sage, I know it can be a little strange for you, but it shouldn't. You are hardly ever in your uncle's house, you are mostly here, and you've slept here more than once. Just imagine that this is going to be every night instead of occasionally." he sighs and his hold on me tightens for a moment. "I really want you to stay, though I know it is your choice, and you have every right to say no, but... Just to make sure you know, I really really want you here. Forever."
I can't help but blush, and I am thankful that he can't see it. But I don't get to celebrate it much, because he breaks the hug and holds my hand between our bodies, looking at my now wet face. "You... You want me here?" I ask.
He smiles softly. "Yes." he says. "Will you come live with me, Sage?"
I smile at him lovingly yet a bit sadly. "You know that... my uncle wouldn't let me come here. I'm sure that those documents of yours require some kind of agreement of his part. He won't give it. You know he wouldn't."
He pulls me a little closer. I don't know how I feel about that, It feels good but... It's scary, too. I don't know where to look, what to feel, or how to behave. "We can talk to him. Even if he wouldn't want to cooperate, we can try, at least."
"What if he'll say no?"
"Then we'll figure it out." he says reassuringly. "We'll figure it out and find a way for you to have a better life all the same. you deserve that." Hisface becomes sader with his last few words.
I brush a thumb over the back of his hand. "Nox..." I trail. A little smile appears on my face. "Alright."
His smile brightens with his whole face. "Alright?"
I nod, happy to see him beaming.
He leans forward and gives me a little kiss on the cheek. "Wonderful. Let's go talk with my father now."
He doesn't let go of my hands as he leads me away with a happy smile. I can't help but to smile as well.