A/N: 14.03.20

Hey guys! So a lot of countries are in quarantine because of the coronavirus. I know it's all over the news and that some of you are tired of hearing about it, but I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. Take care of yourselves and the people around you xx

Here's this week's update. Chapter 14 will be published on Patreon in an hour. Enjoy xx

P.s: I changed the book cover. What so you guys think?

Warning:at the end of the chapter are some pictures of how I imagine Astrid. Please skip if you prefer keeping your imagination.

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The first two days of their assignment went exactly as Noah had expected. He had gotten absolutely no information from Aleksei who continued to ignore him, only addressing him when he needed the baby, as Noah quotes, to “Shut up”.

On the third day, Astrid advised that he change tactics. So he did. He attempted asking Roman some questions, but despite his kindness, Roman was cunning and sly, dodging every dangerous topic. He ended up reversing the roles, asking more about Noah. By the end of the day, Roman managed to get Noah’s entire life biography.

In the afternoon, they had culinary class. Noah knew that he was running out of time, and told himself that he'd try again with Aleksei. They entered the classroon that had multiple metal counters with sinks, and rows of cabinets full of kitchen supplies. It looked like a medieval version of a restaurant kitchen: less shiny and metallic, and darker with more wood.

“We’re going to bake cupcakes today,” said Mrs. Pie. “Please partner-up with your husband or wife, we will be working in pairs today.”

Noah went to Aleksei's table and greeted him with a small smile that he ignored. Mrs. Pie started to explain everything and gave the normal safety protocol. There was a piece of paper with all of the ingredients and steps, and it was the student’s job to work as a team and back the cupcakes correctly.

Or make them edible at the very least.

After everyone washed their hands, the classroom filled with chatter, everyone getting along with one another.

Almost everyone anyway.

Aleksei stood on the other end of the counter at least a meter away from Noah who couldn't help but frown at the distance. He noticed that Aleksei wasn't wearing an apron and quietly went to the storage room to get one for him. But the only one he could find was a pink apron with strawberry patterns with the words, "You're berry special!" In the middle.

Noah searched the entire closet, but it was the last one left. Hesitant, he returned to Aleksei who was measuring the flour.

"Here, you should put this on," said Noah, handing him the apron. Aleksei glared at the "You're berry special!" And cocked an unimpressed brow.

"It was the last one," explained Noah sheepishly, but Aleksei didn't flinch. "If you don't like this one, I can always give you mine."

But Aleksei didn't like the idea of having to wear something that smelt of Noah. "My hands are covered in flour. I'll do it later."

Later? You mean never.

"You're going to dirty your uniform," frowned Noah.

"I won't."

But Noah didn't believe Aleksei and took a step closer towards him, stepping on his tiptoes to get the top over his head. Alekei's eyes widened at how close Noah was standing to him, feeling an eccentric spark flicker inside him. He held his breath so he couldn't smell Noah, but he could still see the innocent, bright greenery ringed around Noah's pupils.

He was struck by Noah's boldness. Aleksei has his suspicions that Noah knew exactly who and what he was, yet he couldn't sense any fear or fright from him no matter how many times he focused on Noah's heartbeat and breathing.

"I'll tie a knot in front of your waist so you can untie it later," said Noah, leaning forward and wrapping the strings around Aleksei's waist. It was almost as if he was reaching in to hug Aleksei and for some reason, he didn't hate it.

In fact, Aleksei wanted to pull Noah into his arms and press him against his chest to study Noah's warmth a little closer.

Aleksei remained completely silent, studying Noah's face who pulled away with the strings, tying a knot in front. Noah took longer than he expected to tie it, but he didn't complain because it gave him more time to look at Noah.

"There," smiled Noah proudly. He looked up towards Aleksei. He blinked at the rigid expression. "Um, is there something wrong?"

"What have you done to me?" Aleksei asked, catching him off guard.

What have I done to you?

"Is it too tight?" Blinked Noah. "I can always loosen the knot if you want."

Aleksei pulled away, realizing what he had just said and shook his head. "No, never mind. Forget it."

He returned to his side of the counter with he unmoving scowl on his face and Noah wondered what he had done to make him even madder.

He noticed that Astrid was glaring at him and stiffened at the scary look in her eyes. She nodded towards Aleksei.

"Go," she mouthed, tapping her wrist and indicating that they were running out of time. Noah held back a sigh and slowly approached Aleksei, expecting him to move away from him like he always did.

But to his surprise, Aleksei remained where he was. He didn't bother sparing Noah a glance, but for the first time, he let Noah stay close to him.

Noah pressed his lips together to hide the smile that was starting to form. He didn't think it'd make him this happy to stand beside Aleksei.

"Discretion is not your strong point," noted Aleksei monotonously. Noah flinched.

"I'm just happy," he admitted.

"Why on Earth would you be that?" Snorted Aleksei in almost a mocking tone.

"Because I thought you hated me."

Aleksei didn't answer which made Noah frown. "Do you?"

He was about to answer "yes" out of habit, but noticed the anticipation in Noah bright eyes. So he decided to change his answer and asked, “Why do you think that I would?”

Noah raised his brows. There was a list full of reasons he could of.

“The fact that you're always keep a one-meter distance from me could be an example,” Noah pointed out.

"Do you expect me to cuddle you?" He snorted sarcastically. Noah's cheeks flushed.

"No," he quickly stuttered. "I just don't want you to stay so far away from me like I'm some kind of disease. Do I smell bad or something?”

“On the contrary,” muttered Aleksei under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” he sighed, taking the bowl from Noah and pouring the mixture into each cupcake holder. “But to answer your question, I don’t hate you."

Noah smiled widely.

"You're really going to have to work on that," noted Aleksei and Noah tried his best not to smile.

"So if you don't hate me," Noah began. "Does that mean we can be friends?"

"No." Aleksei put the tray into the oven.

“What? Why not?" He whined.

“We're already husband and wife. Isn't that enough?"

Noah frowned, remembering how Roman told him that Aleksei didn’t get along very well with people. He wanted to ask why, but he knew that Aleksei wouldn’t answer a direct question like that. Though, despite Aleksei’s cold attitude, there didn't seem to be anything threatening about Aleksei, at least, he didn't feel like he was in danger when they were talking.

"Then I want a divorce," huffed Noah, finally catching Aleksei's attention.

"A divorce?" He scoffed.

"Yes, a divorce. I can't be married to someone who doesn't even want to talk to me."

"I never said I didn't want to talk to you."

Noah shrugged. "Isn't it true though?"

"Partially."

“You're really going to have to work on your communication skills," said Noah, grabbing the dirty bowls and piling them in the sink. "And until then, you sir, can sleep on the couch."

Aleksei bit his lips, trying his best not to smile. He followed Noah, leaning his waist against the counter and watching him angrily wet the bowls.

"Why do you want to talk to me so badly?"

"You want me to tell you why?" Asked Noah, his hands on his hips. Aleksei handed him a towel to dry his wet hands.

“Please,” he smirked.

“I think you're lonely."

Aleksei blinked at the accusation. "Come again?"

"I think you’re lonely. Lonelier than you let on, lonelier than you realize, and that you’re afraid.”

Instantly, Aleksei cracked up, unable to hold back his laughter. His eyes were now sparkling with amusement and curiosity, and he couldn't help but find Noah marvelously interesting, and asked, “Afraid of what?”

“Afraid that people will see you the way that you see yourself."

Now that the smell of baked goods filled the air, Aleksei didn't have a problem being near Noah. But he realized that it wasn't his scent that intrigued him.

“Afraid that people will see me the way I see myself?" Aleksei mused. "What cheesy novel did you get that from?”

“Your eyes."

Aleksei could hear Roman laughing from across the room, but he remained focused on Noah, his eyes hardening.

“Noah." It was the first time Aleksei said his name, and hearing his velvet voice pronounce it made his heart skip a beat. Noah had heard his name more than a million times, but nobody said it the way Aleksei did. "You shouldn't play with fire."

“Why?" He asked in a daring way. "Because you think it's dangerous?”

Aleksei lowered his head to Noah's height, bringing them on the same level.

"Oh, sweetheart, because it is."

His bright blue eyes had an abrupt intensity. They were an arctic blue, with a bitter coldness that stretched through the grey, winter sky.

Noah stiffened, feeling blood rush up to his cheeks. But he refused to look away first, feeling as if he'd lose to Aleksei if he did.

"Don't go around getting ideas that something dangerous can be safe. You'll hurt yourself."

“And what cheesy book did you get that from?” he asked, trying not to get lost in the blizzard blue.

“My own,” smiled Aleksei with a strange tone lingering in his voice that betrayed the pull of his lips. “Now watch over the muffins, or they’ll burn.”

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A/N: Please leave a vote if you enjoyed this chapter!

Btw, what's your guys' astrology sign?

I'm Taurus ♉

Down below are some pictures of Astrid Calum: