I grabbed a glass of whiskey and chugged it, refilled it and set it back down as I cooked. Alcohol was dangerous for me as it made my mind fuzzy and easier to manipulate but I wanted to drown my problems tonight. “Hey Z?” I ask without looking up at her.

Zelaphor was watching me but clearly didn’t think much of my drinking. I’m glad she’s a partier. “Yeah? What’s up kid?” She asked.

“You’re a great companion.” I said softly before taking a sip from my drink. Nexxis rubbed up against my leg before trotting back out to the living room with the boys. I was such a lightweight that even though I drank more than I ever should I was already feeling the effects. My mood started to lift and I started to dance a little as I cooked.

“Oh, uh thanks? Even though I was being a bitch earlier…?” She asked curiously. She looked a bit cheerful as she watched me, even joining in, “Yeah! Shake that thing kid!” She cheered.

“Well yeah. But you kept uncle Caderyn alive and now my soulmate. Which makes you wonderful.” I said, “And I’m a bitch too so it makes us even.” I shrugged but started to laugh hysterically and taking another drink. My cheeks were getting rosy. “Foods almost ready!” I called from the kitchen.

“Aw now you’re just being a flirt.” Zelaphor says with a giggle.

“Thank you dear!” Caderyn called back, “Let us know how we can help if you need us.”

“Mister kitten can set the table! Please and Thank you!” I called followed by a laugh, “Whiskey or tea Uncle?”

“Are you mister kitten?” I heard my uncle ask Malachi; I could clearly imagine his unamused expression as his cute, expressive ears fold back. My uncle chuckled, “If we’re celebrating tonight, I wouldn’t mind some whiskey.” He called back.

I heard Malachi take a deep breath and approach the kitchen. Zelaphor laughed, “Malachi hates being called a cat, you know this.” She said.

“I know! But he still acts like one and I can’t stop thinking about it. He’s so adorable!” I said happily and clearly intoxicated, “Shh he’s coming.” I said in a loud whisper that he could clearly hear. I danced over to him as he entered the kitchen and wrapped my arms around his waist, “You’ll have a glass too won’t you?” I asked lightly, booping him on the nose with a large grin plastered on my face. Alcohol prominent on my breath.

“Uh, yeah I’ll have a small glass tonight.” Malachi said, a little surprised by my behavior. His nose twitched and he watched me carefully. He’s on to me. “Have you been drinking already?” He asked.

“She has a little—extreme light weight.” Zelaphor joked with a snicker.

“Ah—well I’m glad to see you having fun. You needed help setting the table?” He asked.

“I had—” I started counting on my fingers before holding up three, “Three glasses! I’m not that light weight!” I exclaim with a dramatic pout. I very quickly grinned though, “Yes please!” I said happily, kissed his cheek, then danced away to fill up a glass of whiskey for him and Caderyn.

Malachi chuckled but managed to neatly set the table in the time it took me to carefully pour two glasses of whiskey. Zelaphor started to bring out some of the food after the table was set and my uncle took in a deep breath, “Ah, it smells like heaven. The aura of a celestial.” He said as he set his staff to the side and began to sit at the table.

I danced out of the kitchen with the alcohol, set them down, danced back and grabbed the main course. I set it on table, a divine looking roast with steamed vegetables and a delectable sauce drizzled over it. “Bon Appetit!” I called out happily.

“This looks wonderful. Thank you Lia and Zelaphor.” Caderyn said as he began to grab some of the food. “The gods surely blessed you with talent my dear.”

“Yes, thank you so much.” Malachi said and he did not hold back with how much he added to his plate. Zelaphor was so ready to eat that she threw off her apron and quickly went to grab some for herself.

I giggle happily but put one finger in the air, “I have but one request. Leave enough for one serving please.” I said with an adorable smile. I went and got a smaller plate from the kitchen and grabbed some food for Nexxis, setting it on the ground so that she could eat with us. “Thank you uncle, I wonder if you recognize it. It’s one of my mom’s favorites.” I started nibbling at the food. “I—upgraded it of course but that’s only because I’ve been studying the culinary arts so much.”

Malachi embarrassingly slowed down plating his food and finally picked up his fork. It really was like heaven. The meat and its flavors melted in his mouth and with the aroma filling the room it made it impossible to resist.

“It does greatly remind me of home. Even with your skills and improvements, it reminds me so much of my sister. Thank you again, for all of this.” Caderyn said as he enjoyed his meal. He did try to tell Malachi to slow down and enjoy his food which caused Zelaphor to snicker.

“If you eat too quickly you can’t enjoy it properly.” I giggled as I poured my next glass of whiskey, swaying a bit in my seat. “Of course uncle. I’m glad you all enjoy it.” I said smiling.

“Sorry—I just get so hungry sometimes.” Malachi said as he slowed down a bit, although his plate was too clean for it to matter. I giggled.

I eventually finished my food and grabbed a fresh plate, making a beautifully presentable dish as if serving it in a high-end restaurant. “I’ll be back.” I said and wobbly walked out the back door with the plate of food. Malachi was curious and looked around the corner to see where I was going.

I walked to the edge of Caderyn’s yard without leaving and sat down, placing the food in front of me. I remembered my whiskey so I occasionally took sips of it. I didn’t know my mother as well as Togira but I still loved her and I missed her every day. I liked to offer her food on major occasions. Nexxis and even Zagasihr were always quiet when I began doing things like this.

At some point Malachi sat down next to me and looked at me. “Are you offering food to your mother…?” He asked softly, casually watching the whiskey in my hand.

Tears had sprung to my eyes and I never noticed but I curtained off my face with my hair. I took another sip of whiskey before responding, “It was one of her favorite dishes. Wonder if she’ll enjoy the changes I made to it…” I said answering indirectly. “Is it weird? I shouldn’t be doing this huh…”

“No I don’t think it’s weird.” Malachi said. “In some cultures, it’s said that the souls of those who passed are drawn to the aroma of their favorite foods when their family comes together to celebrate their life.” He said trying to be supportive. “I’m sure through the aroma, your mother can taste your wonderful cooking. I’m sure she loves it.”

I wiped my cheek, “Thanks.” I said softly and turn to smile a little at him. “You’re like a little ray of sunshine.” I giggled but almost toppled over thanks to the alcohol messing with my balance. Zagasihr sounded disgusted but I could feel his faint hunger creeping up. I’m hope he can hold out until we leave my uncle’s.

Malachi reached out and put his arm around me to help me balance. He smiled though, “I try my best.” He said in a loving fashion. “Are you going to be okay? Anything I can do for you?” He asked as he noticed the tear stains on my face.

I leaned into him, taking in his smell, the smell of fresh summer rain, and his warmth, how soft his shirt was against my skin, the soft beating of his heart, and I looked up with my chin resting against him and smiled, “I’ll be alright. This is nice…” I said softly as I closed my eyes. “The alcohol helps numb it all for now.”

“I wouldn’t suggest alcohol to numb you… you have me and Caderyn if you need help. Lean on us okay?” Malachi said as he worried for me. He always worries. He’s so sweet. “It would break my heart to see you fall to alcoholism…”

“I only do it once in a while… but usually to have fun. I can’t drink so often, Zagasihr can easily take me over when I’m intoxicated.” I moved to take another sip of my whiskey. “I won’t have more than this okay?” I said as a promise, lifting my near empty glass. “It might take a moment for me to remember what it’s like to lean on others. Please—be patient with me…”

“Of course I’ll be patient. I just want you to know you have me now.” Malachi said sweetly. “I don’t have an issue with you having fun with a few drinks. I want you to be safe and not feel you have to numb yourself though.”

“Just today… I know I shouldn’t but I just really miss my mom today. I’ll do better next time.” I said softly before gulping down the remainder of my drink. “Do we go back and celebrate now?” I asked looking at him, but there was water in my eyes again. Damn this sensitivity.

“I can understand that. I miss my mom too, but at least we know they’re resting peacefully.” Malachi said softly, “We don’t have to go back if you need a moment. It’s okay to mourn…” Malachi wrapped his other arm around me now and pulled me in for a hug.

I was surprised, his warm embrace, the idea that he finally let me in, the comfort that washed over me. I hugged him back, readjusting myself in his lap to get as close to him as possible, burying my face into his neck and I began sniffling a little.

“I’m sorry this evening has been tough for you…” He said softly as he rested his hands against my lower back. I felt him warm up, he’s blushing.

“It’s been tough for you too.” I pointed out as I thought back to the conversation he had with my uncle. I pulled back and rested my arms on his shoulders and I started to play with his hair, “I could get lost in your eyes.” I said as I stared at the golden globes that floated in a sea of yellow.

“I’ll be alright. Didn’t mean to have cried like that. I feel a little embarrassed.” He said with an adorable smile, “I could get lost in your eyes too. I can see so much of your soul through them. It’s beautiful.” His tail fell in a circle around us.

“Don’t be embarrassed.” I said returning his smile. “you have a beautiful soul” I said, lost in thought and blushed around the alcohol at his compliment. I slowly started to lean in closer to him. He leaned closer too but clearly didn’t know what to do.

I had wanted to kiss him but an idea popped into my head and I pulled his head down to my chest, causing him to fall on top of me due to my clumsy behavior. He looked super blushed now as his face was pressed into my breasts. I wanted to allow him to hear my heart like I heard his. He was going to get up and apologize but he found himself silent as he listened to my heartbeat. I felt something though, no sound but he was purring. It had to be a purr.

He even has that? Zagasihr laughs.

I started giggling happily for a moment before quieting down and letting my breathing settle, relaxing. My heart fluttered once in awhile as I laid there and played with his fluffy black hair. I looked up as the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky.

“You have a wonderful heartbeat. So strong and feisty, yet so gentle.” Malachi mumbled, breaking the silence as he was in his own little world. I blushed even harder when he positioned himself interestingly between my legs in an effort not to crush me with his weight.

I breathed a giggled. “I’m glad you like my heart. It’s all yours.” I said, my breathing stuttered with the thought. I really did want him to have me. I never want to leave this man’s side. “I enjoy this… we should do it more often.” I was breathless.

“It’s very peaceful.” Malachi mumbled, crickets began playing their music and fireflies danced in the yard. “I can move if my weight and horns make you uncomfortable.” He said, it was as if I casted a spell on him. This wasn’t really like him but I loved it.

“You aren’t making me uncomfortable. Quite the opposite really. I don’t want you to move.” I laughed. “But—it’s getting late and we should head back inside… can- can we do this again?” I asked timidly.

“Sure, we can schedule another time.” Malachi said as he eventually raises his head off me. His eyes locked onto mine but he started blushing as he sat over me. “I—uh, let me help you.” He said as he helped me sit back up.

“Schedule a time.” I teased with a snicker. As soon as I sat up I immediately kissed him, using one had to curl my fingers into his hair and continue holding his hand with the other.

Malachi made a funny, surprised noise as we kissed, his eyes falling closed as a new excitement stirred within him. His heart began racing and he found a new, unusual kind of hunger growing.

Can you not? I’m right here you know. When you had your girlfriend it was great but—Zagasihr said.

His thoughts caused my anticipation and excitement to calm a bit and finally I had to pull away, regretfully. “More—later.” I said breathlessly. I definitely wanted more later but I could also sense something, oddly familiar, but I couldn’t figure out how to bring it up. It will have to wait.

He nodded his head, “Y-yeah okay.” He said as he tried to calm himself. He wasn’t sure what was wrong with him, it wasn’t terrible but there was something small yet dark that wanted to lash out. It worried him for a moment. “Should we head back in before master gets worried?”

“He can see us from here. But we should head back, I want to show him something.” I said but watched him for a moment, I recognized that look on his face and I knew. I started rubbing his arm. “You’re going to be okay; I promise.”

“Y-yeah of course.” Malachi said but looked surprised. It was as if I read his mind and it threw him off.

I smiled, kissed him again, and held his hand as we headed back to the house.