Chapter Two
TheyarrivedbackinCoralShoreintheearlyevening,theLyftdroppingthemoffinfrontofthesouvenirshop.Itwasearlyenoughthattheshopwouldstillbeopen,buthedecidedtoheadstraightintotheapartment;thethoughtofgoingintotheshopfirstmadehimnervous.Floriantookinadeepbreath,grabbedKade’shand,andledhimupthestairs.Hefumbledwiththekeysasheunlockedthedoor,butfinallytheywerebackinsidethelittleapartment,hishome.Theysteppedintothekitchen,andFlorian’seyeslingeredatthetable—wherehehadmetKadeforthefirsttime,wherehehadmethisfather—beforeturningtoKade.
“Just put your stuff anywhere,” he said, gesturing toward the living room. “You can sleep in my room.”
“Alright,” Kade agreed, and set his backpack down on the couch as Florian headed for his room.
It was just as he had left it. Florian breathed a sigh of relief; he had not truly thought his uncle would get rid of or even touch his things, but seeing the familiar space was comforting. The moment that he set down his backpack, though, he could hear footsteps coming from the stairwell, heavy and quick. August must have heard them arrive. Steeling himself, he stepped back out into the hall, as he heard the front door open.
“Florian!” his uncle’s voice called out, and August emerged from the entryway, eyes wide.
“Hi,” Florian replied, his voice small as he walked toward him. August all but leapt at him, closing the distance quickly and grabbing Florian in a tight hug.
“Oh, Florian,” he sighed as he squeezed him, and tentatively Florian returned the hug. August smelled like the ocean, like salt and sandalwood. “I’m so glad you’re alright.”
The worry in his voice and the comforting familiarity of his scent was more than enough to break Florian’s tenuous hold on his emotions, and tears began to burn at his eyes.
“I missed you,” he managed to choke out, burying his face against his uncle’s shoulder. He hadn’t meant to cry.
“I missed you too, kiddo,” August sighed, giving him one last squeeze, before releasing him and holding him at arm’s length to get a better look at him. Florian wiped his eyes, embarrassed; but August’s wistful, nervous smile didn’t waver. “I guess you’re really not a kid anymore.”
Florian managed a bitter laugh at that. “I guess not.”
“I’m so sorry about Jerah,” he said softly, and Florian winced. “I... I guess I don’t even know what to say. How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay,” he said quickly, glancing over at Kade. He stood silently in the living room, politely looking away. “I’ll be alright.”
“I don’t blame you for wanting to get away from it all,” August sighed, following Florian’s eyes as if noticing Kade for the first time. “Thank you for coming with him, Kade.”
“Of course,” Kade replied stiffly, looking over at them just long enough to give August a curt nod.
“How long do you think you’ll be in town?” August asked, turning to Florian once more.
“I’m not sure. Probably not very long. We’re heading up to Canada, so we can see Kade’s family and do some stuff there.”
“That’s a good idea. The wolf clan has always been loyal to the fae, but going to see them directly should help keep a positive relationship,” August said. A hint of a smile crept onto his face, the first sign of joy from his uncle that Florian had seen so far, as he added, “Since you’re the king now and all.”
“Ugh,” Florian groaned, stepping away. “Don’t remind me.” August chuckled, then looked back over at Kade.
“Well, I’ll get some extra blankets and pillows for you, Kade,” he said. “The couch might be a little small for you, but it’s probably still more comfortable than the floor.”
Kade and Florian exchanged a nervous glance. There was no point in hiding it, Florian thought, but still he felt suddenly anxious.
“He can stay in my room,” he said quickly, before he could think better of it. August looked at him, confused, till he blurted out, “We’re, um... We’re dating?” The last part came out as a squeaky question, and he cleared his throat before saying again. “We’re dating.”
August blinked. “Oh.” He looked between the two of them again, his brows starting to furrow. “Well, um. Alright then.”
Florian couldn’t get a read on what his uncle was thinking—whatever flicker of emotion that was on his face vanished after a brief instant. August moved toward his room, speaking over his shoulder with a suspiciously light tone, “Well, I’ll still get you some extra pillows. Florian, could you help me?”
“Uh, sure,” he stammered, exchanging one last confused look with Kade, and went to follow his uncle.
When they were in his room, August closed the door behind them and gave Florian an appraising look. “What?” Florian asked nervously, frowning. August hesitated.
“How long ago did you and Cameron break up?” he finally asked, and Florian scowled.
“Is that what this is about?” he muttered.
“I’m serious. How long has it been?”
