Weeks passed and Baz stayed with his tribe. Nik took him through the woods and showed him everything from the maple grove to their mushroom caves. Watching as their time together was slowly melting that cold exterior. The day Nik figured out he liked sweets was the day he stopped worrying Baz would kill him in his sleep. All it was, was a bit of maple sugar, but it was like he’d never tasted sweetness before.

He was talking more, not so much sharing things about himself, but asking questions and on the rare occasion a joke would pass by his lips. Like he was waking up or something.

He’d share stray bits of his life but never in detail. He was an assassin of sorts, confirming what Nik already knew to be true. He’d killed for his goddess many times. When asked why though he’d clam up again, so Nik eventually dropped the subject altogether. He talked about a friend a bit, someone named Daymin, but it Nik didn’t press more on that subject either. There were still too many unknowns with Baz and the last thing he wanted to do was loose the progress.

Baz hungered for knowledge. At first it was basic things about their life and the forest, but he eventually started asking about their magic. Nik was more than happy to show him the powers nature had given him, watching as Baz seemed to look on with envy.

“You can learn you know?” he told him, one night as they sat around the fire. “I’m sure with some practice we can get you connected to nature.”

“I’m fine, she’ll grant me my own power one day.” Baz replied. “Once I’ve proven myself worthy.”

“Still think you’d make a cute fox,” Nik laughed. “You seem to be a little more relaxed lately… then you start talking like that again.”

“Yeah... I not starving has been good for me.” Baz nodded. “... she hasn’t called me back yet.”

“Are you wanting to leave?” Nik asked, his heart sank a bit at the thought, “I’ve actually been getting used to having you around. Still keep thinking your going to stab me in my sleep but...”

“I wouldn’t stab you... I’d slit your throat, you’d die quicker, I’m not sadistic.” Baz seemed to smile. “I don’t mind it here, but I’ve never been gone this long...”

“Hey...” Nik took his hand. “It’s alright to feel that way, it seems like your life’s been pretty rough from what you’ve told me. Being idle must be hard on you.”

“Why do you keep touching me...” Baz sighed though he didn’t let go.

“That’s how people show they care Baz.” Nik smiled. “Just try not to think about it for a bit.”

“Nik...”

“Yes Baz?”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Thank you for helping me but I can’t stay here anymore...”

“Yes you can.” He smiled “you still haven’t found our dark secret, no wonder she hasn’t called you back.”

“There’s Nothing here Nik, I’ve looked...”

“Go if you want, but I think you’d be happier if you stayed...” He paused, thinking about how fond he’s grown of him, “I’d like it if you did.”

“Why would I care? My place is at her side...”

“But I like you at mine.” Nik moved and cupped Baz’s face with his hands, plant a kiss on his lips, it was a risk, but Nik had to know if there was something more to Baz than just a killer. There had to be. there was a warmth there that the Druid has not expected, and he felt the assassin linger for a moment before pulling back.

“No...you shouldn’t have done that…” He felt Baz tremble a bit. “I can’t stay...”

“You can... I can teach you so much Baz.” Nik whispered pressing he forehead against his, this was risky, but if it worked maybe he’d stay. “She hasn’t called you yet, it must mean your mission isn’t over.”

“Yeah...” Baz seemed to long for a connection.

“Stay with me tonight.” Nik rubbed Baz’s face. “Leave in the morning if I can’t change your mind.”

Baz closed his eyes and breathed deep not speaking. Had Nik pushed him too far? The assassin was still trembling but wasn’t pulling away, like he was scared no matter what he did.

“You won’t change this...”

“Come Baz,” Nik pulled him to his feet, “we’re only here for a short time might as well live.”

Nik lead him away from the fire and back to his tent. Inside there was little light, but the glow coming off his companion was more than enough to see by. Angel bloods were strangely delightful Nik thought, wanting to see how much mortal emotion was in there.

“Let’s get you out of that armour,” Nik’s hand undid Baz cloak from around his neck and helped as he sheepishly stripped down to just his trousers. Nik admired the tone of his body, a stag in his prime. He kisses him again, taking off his own shirt and pressing against his shy companion.

He felt Baz’s hand tentatively move across his skin, like he was scared to touch him. He was starting to kiss back now and Nik could feel the smile on his lips as he pulled him down onto the bedding.

“Nikulas...” Baz broke the kiss. “stop… no more than this.”

“That’s fine,” Nik smiled running his hand down Baz’s arm. “I’m good with this.”

They kissed a bit more and settle down into the furs of his bed. Baz tucked in close to him, like he was used to being the little spoon already. He was funny Nik thought, he was so timid right now but the next moment there could be a sword in his gut.

“Thank you Nik,” Baz whispered.

“I just didn’t want you to freeze.” Nik smiled closing his eyes as he pulled Baz close. “Let’s get some rest.”

***********

Nikulas had never expected him to stay, but was surprised non the less when he woke up alone. Like Baz had never been there.

He dressed and went looking just as the sun was starting to creep up. He knew where he’d find him, animals always run to where they feel safest after all. He shifted into an owl and flew himself up to meet him.

Nik landed on Baz shoulder and listened as he finished his prayers before nuzzling him with his owl head.

“You didn’t have to follow me you know.”

“But I did,” Nik shifted back. “Why didn’t you stay?”

“You said I could leave...”

“But did you want to?”

“No.” He shrugged as his swords disappeared from him hands.

“Where do they go when you do that?” Nik causally took his hand.

“Back to the Devine Armoury, until I call for them again.” Baz explained, not moving away from the touch. “I was scared they wouldn’t come to me.”

“We just kissed Baz.”

“Yeah but I wanted more...”

“Then why tell me you wanted to stop?” Nik put his arm around him.

“I’m not allowed to want... I shouldn’t want for anything.” The assassin tensed a bit.

“You’re only human Baz.”

“I’m not a human.”

“Just go with it alright?”

Baz nodded and rested his head into the crook of Niks arm. Still tense but the wanting for connection they were making.

“I like it here.” Baz said after a long silence. “I’ve spent my life in cold marble hall cathedrals looking at the world through stained glass windows. Here it’s a different kind of temple...”

“Natures temple.” Nik added.

“Yeah...”

“There are many gods of this temple. They don’t ask for us to deprive ourselves of the joys of life...” Nik spoke, reaching out his hand making a small yellow flower grow from his palm. “Let me show you.”

“I don’t think that will go over well.” He saw a smile creep across Baz’s face. “But, I need to learn about your people, right?”

“Exactly.” Nik pulled Baz to his feet. “Now then, see if you can catch me?”

Baz looked at him confused.

“I know these forest. Catch me and you’ll know it better too.” He said his form shifting back into an owl and took off into the woods. Baz following close behind.