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Veryl shuffled her feet in the shadows, watching as the newlyweds whispered to each other. Soft music floated in the warm evening air, and people mingled about while others danced slowly around the outdoor dance floor.
It had been an easy day, playing security. Shadows were scattered throughout the venue, keeping the peace for one of their own. Everything had gone off without a hitch, they just needed to see it through to the end. Until then, she could enjoy a quiet moment or two observing someone else's happiness.
"They look very happy." The voice that accompanied her everywhere reached out to caress her bare shoulders. Though there was no chill in the air, goosebumps rose on her flesh as she turned to anticipate Jericho. He look relaxed and almost youthful in the expression that had him smiling at her as he handed her a flute of champagne.
Before she could give into her hesitation that opened her mouth, he took care of her concern, "don't worry, the others have it covered. I gave them their instructions, and the honeymoon team will be here soon to take over." When he presented the flute again, she gratefully accepted.
It took no more than a few sips for her to finally relax, leaning against one of the many columns that surrounded the courtyard. The moonlight cascaded down to add to the illumination of the torches, and spotlighted her partner in a way that made him almost glimmer.
The champagne was short lived by the time she found her voice.
"Do you think they know how close they were to being poisoned right there at the end?" She asked quietly.
Jericho took a slow drink and contemplated the happy couple. "I hope not. I wouldn't want that hanging over my head on a day like this." Shaking his head, he continued. "We stopped it though. With any luck, they'll never know." He smiled warmly at Veryl.
"That bastard almost ruined my dress." Veryl scoffed, recalling the necrotic knife she'd dodged with all the grace she could muster in heels.
Leaning close, Jericho grinned, his eyes sparkling. "I'm glad he didn't. You look lovely in that dress."
"I should, Mae insisted on a corset." Veryl huffed and gave him a once over, the small smirk on his lips, the way his suit fitted him just so, how his hair was styled. "I haven't seen you dressed out like this since the ball, it really suits you." She blamed the heat in her cheeks on the alcohol she downed and the warmth of the evening.
Blushing at her words, Jericho chuckled. "Maybe we should find excuses to get dressed up more often? Maybe attend some events where we don't have to work?" Still smiling at her, he reached out to brush a thumb across her cheek. "And this is better than the ball. I can see your face this time."
Veryl leaned into the gentle touch, "we're really done for the evening?" She doubted she would leave the sense of responsibility behind, but it certainly informed how much she would take advantage of his attention.
"Mhmm." His hand still rested against her cheek. "I'm all yours for the night." He shifted to hold out his hand for hers and bowed, reminiscent of when he'd done the same at the masquerade. The night that had changed everything. "May I have this dance?" He asked, a sly grin spreading across his face, as he tried not to giggle.
Veryl deposited both of their glasses on a nearby step, and accepted his hand with the same grace she had portrayed that evening. All of the familiar moments an echo as he led her to the floor, placed a hand on her waist and led her in the same steps they'd danced that night.
This time, the air felt lighter, the nerves less, and the tension that had permeated the evening was a distant memory they laughed about. They were nothing more than Shadows, happiest when they could only see each other. They danced for a while, spinning around and laughing, not caring if they stumbled through the steps. There were no consequences tonight, at least, nothing that was their concern.
It didn't take long for responsibilities to fall to the wayside as a new detail moved in to cover the couple as they took their leave. From what Veryl understood, their romance had been unexpected but celebrated; everyone claimed to have seen it coming. By her own observations, she could tell the pair was completely absorbed in each other, the world only as large as they deemed it.
By the time the guests had filtered out, Jericho and Veryl found themselves sitting staggard on some steps, staring out at the sky as she draped herself against his legs. His hand moved gently along the small part of her arm that was exposed.
"…it really was lovely, they looked so in love." She remarked on the lavish ceremony that had taken place earlier in the day. It had been full of beautiful flourishes of magic and out of season florals, elegantly dressed people and the most ardent words. A dreamy sigh quietly escaped her lungs.
"It was beautiful." Jericho's words concurred with hers, but his eyes were only on her. She couldn't see his face from her spot on the stairs, but the look he was giving her now was surely just as full of love as the newlyweds' had been for each other. "Did you have a good time, Amata?"
She glanced up at him, happy to hear the term on his lips. "One of these days, we'll be invited as guests." She wrinkled her nose.
"Hmm. I'd be happy to be your date anywhere, invited guest or not." He chuckled softly. "But yes, that would be a welcome change."
A sudden loud crack had her jumping and covering her head. When it passed she lifted her head to figure out what happened. In a moment, Jericho was reaching for her and pulling her closer, "careful, it's just fireworks, Ver." He lifted his hand to point to where another glittery explosion took over the sky. Even though she jumped every time a new one took off, she was fascinated by the way they varied in size, shape, and color.
A few minutes into the show, and much calmer, she looked back to Jericho, only to find him watching her. They were tucked close, and she could see the way the light danced in his eyes, completely mesmerized by the way he held her captive there.
"Ver, can I kiss you?" Jericho echoed his question from the night of the masquerade, from the first time he had ever kissed her. This time, the nerves were absent from his voice, no shake in his hands. Just a warm, knowing smile spreading across his features as he watched her.
Languidly, her arms reached around his neck, and she gave him the soft smile he always earned so easily, "Always."
The butterflies in her chest threatened to take flight as her eyes slowly closed and their lips met, a slow and endearing kiss that lingered within the comfort of a warm embrace. It lay somewhere between soft and pliant, and pressing and important. She was eager to seek him out again and again. The fatigue of the day was quite forgotten as he pulled her in and kissed her senseless.
As the pair melted into each other, far in the distance, fireworks lit up the sky overhead.