When Nectar opened her eyes, she realized she was staring at Liam's chest and smirked to herself [ I'd recognize those abs anywhere ] Looking up, she realized he had his jaw clenched which meant he was gnashing his teeth which meant he was very upset.
" No need to be so defensive Soul. I mean no harm ", Nectar internally groaned as she recognized Eros' voice [ What are they even talking about? ] He seemed to pull her even closer as he glared at Eros, " That's for you to say and for me to believe ".
Nectar gulped as she felt the tension in the room increase [ What do I do? How do I get them to stop without getting pulled in to whatever this is? ] She took a deep breath and turned her head, trying her best to act like she was still asleep [ Please work ]
Liam suddenly sighed, " Qidu needs her sleep. If there's nothing else, please excuse us ". Eros raised and eyebrow, obviously surprised " You're just gonna leave me here "? Liam shrugged, turning his back on him " Your empire, your castle. I'm not going to tell the emperor what to do in it. Good night ".
Eros clenched his fists and stormed out. Liam chuckled as he used his wind magic to shut the door, " Sometimes, it's too easy ". When Eros stepped out, he frowned and glanced at the door " I feel like I've been tricked somehow ".
~ ~ ~
" How long are you gonna keep pretending "? Nectar flinched as she opened her eyes, " What gave it away "? He shrugged as he opened the bedroom door, " The sudden drop in temperature was unsettling but your breathing changed ".
Nectar nodded slowly, " My temperature changed "? Liam nodded, putting her in bed " Yeah, you had me scared there ". Nectar clenched the sheets as she looked out the window [ What would have happened if Trewa did take control over my body? ]
" What's bothering you "? Liam gently took her chin in his palm and made her look at him and she smiled innocently, " Do I seem like something's bothering me "? He stared at her for a few more seconds then sighed as he got in bed next to her [ She's answering questions with questions again ]
Nectar laughed amusingly, " Not that I'm complaining or anything but what are you doing "? He turned to her and shrugged, " I made a deal with the kids. It was the only way to get them to sleep ".
He suddenly hugged her, making her giggle [ I'm not even gonna ask ] " What's gotten into you tonight "? He shrugged as he looked at the ceiling, " I'm not sure. I just had this sinking feeling I was gonna lose you for some reason. The kids could feel it too ".
Nectar found herself hugging him back as she buried her head in his chest [ And you almost did ] " Don't worry I'm here to stay ". He looked at her and frowned slightly [ Why does it feel like she's trying to convince herself and not me? ]
He suddenly broke the silence after a short while, " You kept saying the name Howard in your sleep. What's that about "? She laughed sadly as she shook her head, " A little boy I know. Did I do anything else in my sleep "?
He opened his mouth to say something but suddenly pursed his lips and shook his head, " None that I can remember " [ You were just crying with a smile on your face ]
He frowned as if suddenly remembering something, " Isn't Howard the name you always wanted to give your child "? When she didn't answer, he realized she'd fallen asleep and frowned [ She was always an expert at avoiding awkward situations ] " Do I even want to know what's going on anymore "?