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If Cyno hadn't remembered Nilou had to get up early the next day, she was sure she would have overstayed her time on his birthday. She was having a wonderful experience at the matra's party. At first, she thought she wouldn't fit in. Then, thanks to Cyno, Collei and sober Kaveh, she felt like part of the group.
The first to return home had been Collei, who only attended the pre-party before the tavern. And thank Lesser God Kusanali. Nilou had never witnessed the famous drunken Kaveh until then. It was true that only Alhaitham came from his lips. Who joined practically at the last minute.
Nilou had risen from her seat. She had a friendly smile on her slightly flushed face. Cyno had bought him a drink, and she had no choice but to accept it. She did not tolerate it overly well, but it had worn off to give way to sleep.
Her feet ached slightly from dancing, especially on the bottom of her feet. As for her voice, it sounded a little raspy, like the way her throat felt.
“Well, guys, thank you so much for inviting me to this wonderful day!” She repeated for the umpteenth time. “But I must be getting back now. Happy birthday again, Cyno.”
Nilou walked over to where Cyno was sitting. Then she watched out of the corner of her eye as Kaveh gestured desperately towards him and the door, growling the birthday man's name under his breath.
When Nilou turned to look at him, he dissimulated. Alhaitham sat silently beside him, reading his book. Then, he caught a few discreet nudges from Tighnari.
Focusing on Cyno, he noticed that he was blushing. He raised his crimson gaze and pursed his lips. To her surprise, he rose as well.
“Let me walk you home, Nilou.” He laid a hand on her shoulder. Nilou shook her head, embarrassed.
“Don't worry! It's your birthday, stay and enjoy yourself. I promise you I'll get there safe and sound.” Her smile widened, signalling him not to worry. “Yes, my house is over here! I'll go down some ramps and stairs and done.”
Even if deep down she wanted him to come with her, she didn't want to disturb him. Cyno seemed to be overthinking it.
Something, Tighnari's hand, probably, pushed him forward. Kaveh frowned even more as his fingers clenched over Alhaitham's hand.
Nilou blushed at having him so close to her. Even in the lively atmosphere of the tavern, it seemed as if the world froze for a few moments as their gazes met.
“I insist. It's no trouble at all.”
Her heart pounded as he took her arm. It was a gentle but firm touch. Like the personality Nilou had the pleasure of discovering. He took a step closer to her, and… He pulled her with him in the direction of the exit.
She blinked in puzzlement for a few moments. When she looked back, the architect shook the scribe euphorically as he shouted something she couldn't quite hear. The forest ranger looked pleased as well. Nilou smiled faintly and let him lead her out, not before exchanging a few loud goodbyes. Of course.
Even though it was a late June night, the wind was refreshing. The dancer saw how that was no problem for those at the tables outside as if the cold made them stronger.
She looked at Cyno with sparkling eyes as they moved through the crowd. He seemed a little overwhelmed by the bustle of people for a while now. Maybe that walk was putting his mind at rest, she hoped. She could see him sigh in relief.
“Hehe. You don't like people much, do you?” She commented once they were completely out of the social area. “Thank you for joining me. I hope these moments of peace do you good.”
Nilou gently took the hand he had removed from her arm. Cyno raised his eyebrow, and his eyes were slightly wide. It was he who squeezed hers, taking her in. His fingers were warm, as seemed his cheeks.
“Well, when it's prolonged exposure, it's tiring. I see you've noticed but don't get me wrong. I did want to walk 'round with you.” And by that slight smirk, she knew he would explain one of his jokes. “'Round like your twirls you do when you dance. Did you get that?” Nilou let out a slight hearty chuckle.
“Yes, round and round!”
She took advantage of the fact that they were slowly walking to raise the hand that held her. In a graceful act, she twirled around herself. She used the same delicacy and elegance in all her dances. When she slowed, her smile widened. Cyno watched her intently, entranced by her.
“Exactly what I meant.” He remarked, smiling quite slightly. But Nilou could proudly see it. “By the way, aren't you cold?”
“That's what I should be asking you! Look at you! You're not wearing anything on top. You're even… barefoot!” Nilou exclaimed as they continued walking. Cyno didn't seem to mind that fact.
“I'm fine.”
“How are you fine? What size are you? I can lend you some of my shoes when I get home.” The matra shook his head. “What about a coat?”
“No need, I'm feeling warm enough as it is.” Nilou clenched his fingers unconsciously, blushing. Cyno averted his gaze. “Because of the alcohol.”
The dancer nodded, understanding. Still, the matra's fingers settled and clung even tighter to hers. Nilou couldn't help but wonder if it was truly just because of that. She decided not to push him, walking a few more steps in comfortable silence. She glanced sideways at him, smiling. Cyno was truly handsome.
“Though being with you is inevitable too, Nilou.” He continued cautiously, albeit without any hint of regret for his words. “You're like a sun, you know? The planets would circle 'round you.”
They had just finished descending the ramp when Cyno made that sudden confession. Nilou felt her pulse throb even more in her chest, almost deafeningly. Her smile widened even more, and she decided to return the compliment, chuckling lightly at having kept up with the spinning reference. There were only a few more stairs to her house. She was sorry to be parting from him so soon.
“Do you think so? Thank you very much! Although you look more like the moon, you also bring warmth, Cyno. Even if you seem cold and distant at first glance, as one gets to know you, one realises that's not true.”
His reddish eyes glowed brighter than any ruby when she uttered those words. Nilou realised she had a new favourite gemstone. And colour.
“That's the first time I've ever been told that. Thank you, I will treasure your words. I try to make people feel more comfortable around me in casual settings, but I'm unsure if it works.” He smiled slightly again, stroking her hand. “I can see it does.”
“Of course, Cyno! Besides, your jokes are witty and funny. You can take for granted I like them.”
“Oh? Now that was a turn 'round of tables.”
They were engaged in a pleasant chat. A much shorter one than both of them would have preferred, for the walk was particularly short. Before Nilou knew it, they had reached the door of her house. In a brief pause, she pulled out her keys and climbed the steps to her front door.
Cyno accompanied her to the door itself. He leaned his back against one of the pillars in front of it, folding his arms, and watched expectantly as she slid the key into the lock.
Nilou left the key inside, but her hand didn't move an inch. She turned to face him determinedly and took a few steps forward.
“Will you let me give you one last present? Close your eyes.”
Maybe he was assuming the wrong idea, but Nilou was a little shy about doing it so suddenly. She would seal her farewell with a kiss on his cheek.
Nilou moved closer to him as he nodded with raised eyebrows. She closed her eyes when her lips rested on his warm cheek, smiling widely once she pulled away.
Cyno seemed speechless for a few moments, his cheeks even redder than before. Nilou appeared to turn around, and then he gently grabbed her wrist.
“Nilou…”
“Yes?”
“…”
“…?”
Nilou felt that he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. He treated her as if her skin was porcelain. His hands rested gently around her waist, ensuring she didn't mind. She moved even closer to him as well.
She looked around excitedly, making sure there were no passers-by who could see them. Adrenaline coursed through her veins at the sight of his reddish gaze, narrowed and magnetic. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Close your eyes again, Cyno.” She whispered.
If he wasn't going to make the move, and he wanted to… She had to. She wasn't even thinking about the situation. Nilou decided to let herself flow as if it was one of her dances. And, as with them, she would have time to worry later. In those moments, she had to let her feelings do all the work.
The Sun timidly approached the Moon, a pure and modest dawn emerging from their union. Nilou felt a warmth inside her that shone brighter than any star.
She intended to keep it simple, short! A kiss and that was it, they would both be satisfied. At least, until it gave way to dusk when the Moon took control of the situation and the Sun realised that his intentions did not match his true desires. Both of them, moreover.
Cyno placed one of his hands behind her neck and kissed her again. Nilou followed in his every step, making sure she implied her comfort. The matra soon became accustomed to her lips, as did her.
The lovers continued to dance in the moonlight until their respective departures. But at least they promised to meet again in the near future.