Back at the condo, Day and Sariel did a few chores, put away laundry, and discussed what to do for dinner. Since it wasn’t likely that Sariel would be home anytime soon and Seymour had the cooking skills of a cardboard box, they opted for takeout. Even though the Erymanthian boar jerky helped satisfy Day’s immense appetite, there were still times like this they decided to splurge.
What was the point of being rich if they couldn’t cater a sushi party on a whim for the two of them?
Lou had recommended getting a trust and some stocks and a bunch of other fancy stuff set up to protect the money and make sure it would last, and Seymour had agreed to look into it. He didn’t want to be like one of those big lottery winners who blew everything in a mere matter of weeks. No sooner had the words left his lips was there a flurry of messages on his phone confirming the opening of several new accounts with various banks and stock trading companies.
Talos, of course.
There were some serious benefits to being food besties with a faerie king.
Once the food had been delivered, Seymour asked them to please set up the buffet in the living room. Yes, he got a few strange looks, but he couldn’t explain that he and his kitty girl were going to binge watchJonathan Strange & Mr. Norrellwhile they pigged out on sushi together.
After devouring a few grown men’s full body weight in sashimi, nigiri, and more, Day opted to leave a selection for Sariel to have whenever he came home. Seymour took the leftovers to the fridge, and by the time he came back, Day was fast asleep.
He smiled and carefully sat back down beside her. His smile grew as she immediately plastered herself against his side, her little claws pricking at his shirt. He hugged her close, kicked his feet up, and let himself drift.
Only one thing could make this better, and that was…
Ah.
The rustle of wings came to Seymour’s ears, and he smirked, not opening his eyes as he murmured, “You know, we do have a front door.”
“Yes, but I am not fit for public viewing,” Sariel said in a tone that indicated he was pouting.
“Not fit for…?” Seymour blinked his eyes open and then tried not to shout.
Sariel’s suit was torn at his shoulder, the fabric still melding back together, and there was a black liquid splattered across his face.
Seymour had to both quickly and carefully extricate himself from Day’s cuddles so he could rush into Sariel’s arms, hissing frantically. “Sariel! Is that fuckin’ blood?
Sariel blinked. “It is not mine.”
“That does not make me feel better.” Seymour patted over him to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be before pulling Sariel into a tight hug. “Missed you, Daddy.”
“Missed you too, mystella.” Sariel petted the back of Seymour’s head. “Are you all right?”
“I’m great. Just another day of hangin’ out, shoppin’—”
Day snored abruptly.
“Ah, the little one is sleeping?” Sariel smiled fondly.
“Yes.” Seymour chuckled. “You shoulda seen the sushi feast we had. Saved some for you in the?—”
Sariel kissed him, his wings fluttering and hands curling around Seymour to hug him close.
God, yes.
Seymour melted against Sariel’s body, hugging his neck and sliding his other hand up toward those gorgeous wings. There was a throb, a heated moment of tension that promised future pleasure, and it was so easy to get lost within it. “Hey.” He panted. “But you’re really okay?”
“I am okay.” Sariel smiled. “Let us get Day into bed, yes?”
“Yeah. Sounds good, Daddy.”
Sariel reverently carried Day into her room so he could tuck her into the fluffy blankets of her canopy bed.
Seymour followed to make sure she got her favorite stuffed animal—a giant plush cat with a weirdly long body.
Together, they made little adjustment to the covers, turned off the light, and switched on a lamp that cast constellations all around the walls and ceiling. Everything was quiet, peaceful even, and they both lingered in the doorway to make sure Day remained soundly in dream land.
