Three

"Thanks!" I smiled then took the food, putting it into my bag and heading back towards the bus stop. I slowed as I saw Nyx with his friends at that little Galahdian food place then I cleared my throat and went down, softly grabbing his shoulder and making him look at me.

"Sorren!" He was obviously surprised, but I smiled and gripped my grocery bag tighter.

"Uh, thank you, Nyx. For that thing with Tommy and putting him away, I never really thanked you." I said, but he shrugged as he set his beer down. I noticed his friends were being quiet, but I could also tell they were checking me out.

"I actually got you something." I said and reached into my bag, grabbing the ancient Lucien kukris.

"I noticed that you had kukris, and I saw these in the shop the other day." I said and handed the box to him. It was an old pine box with a flick latch, but it had the design of the kukris on the top. He opened it then his eyes went wide as he saw the golden blade. The handle was made of obsidian with silver laced into it, a sign of royalty or nobility.

"The silver-"

"Represents wealth. How- where did you even-" He looked up at me then I smiled as I saw joy and astonishment in his eyes.

"Like I said, I found them in the store the other day. I didn't think much of them, but now that I know that's your chosen blade, I figured I could thank you." I said and he grinned, setting the box down and standing. I tensed as he hugged me, but I hugged him back and smiled into his chest. Astrals, he smells so good!

"This is amazing, Sorren!" He laughed then let go and looked at them, looking at me.

"How the hell do you even find stuff like this?" I shrugged then gripped my bag strap tighter.

"I find that I'm good at finding the unique. It's why I help my grandma at the store." I said and he laughed.

"Yeah, these are definitely unique! They have to be at least four generations old-"

"Five, actually. The symbol on the blade, the roaring Behemoth, it's the sign of Galdrin Caelum, the king of Lucis about five generations ago." I said then he laughed as his friends stared at the box, though one of them was eyeing me.

"You know your history." Nyx said and I giggled.

"Comes with my career. Uh, I actually have to go, but I hope to see you at the shop again." I said and waved, turning to go.

"Sorren!" I looked over my shoulder at Nyx, but he smirked.

"I uh, I got a gift for you too, but I'll tell you next time I see you." I nodded then noticed his eyes drop for a split second and smirked. He's so checking me out! I turned then went up the steps, being sure to add just a bit of a tilt to my hips as I stepped, then I got to the bus station and waited for the bus back to the inner city.

~*-*~

I heard the door open then waited, but the person was silent. I huffed then kept putting the books onto the old shelf, the wooden ladder creaking under me.

"Sorrentina?!"

"Back here, Nyx!" I called then reached over to put the last book away as Nyx came towards me. I screamed as the ladder rung broke, but I felt strong arms catch me. Not that we didn't hit the ground, because we hit pretty hard and I swear I heard bells in my ears.

"Sorren?!" I groaned then looked at Nyx, only to stop as I felt his strong arm under my head. That's why I'm still awake.

"Are you okay?!" He asked as he moved so he was kneeling over me, but I nodded and pushed myself up onto my elbows, smiling at him.

"Yeah, I'm okay. That damn ladder-"

"Nyx?!" A voice called then I looked over his shoulder and stared as I saw his friends, the woman and the guy with the braids, standing there and staring at us.

"Are you two okay?!" The man asked, but Nyx quickly got up and helped me stand.

"Uh, here. Another order, but all three of us were sent." Nyx said then I took the slip and went around him, going towards the back room.

"That's back here." I said as they followed, but my face was hot from my blush. Idiot! I scolded myself then cleared my throat as I got to the portrait for King Regis.

"Here it is." I said then they eyed the portrait.

"The king got a portrait-"

"Of his dogs?" The woman cut Nyx off then I snorted.

"Yeah, well, I get odd requests like this all the time." I said then Nyx eyed me.

"Did you paint this?!" I nodded then they gawked at the painting.

"This is amazing!" I laughed then watched as Nyx and the man got the portrait out and to their car.

"He's pretty cool." I looked at the woman then she crossed her arms, looking at me.

"Crowe Altius. I'm talking about Nyx, he's a pretty cool guy. He's obsessed with those kukris that you gave him." She said then I nodded and looked at Nyx, who was arguing with the man about how to get it into the car.

"That's Libertus Ostium." Crowe said and I nodded.

"You know, Nyx isn't one to fall for just anyone." I looked at Crowe confused, but she smirked.

"Anyway, we'll be going now!" She cheered then Nyx came over as she went to the car, Libertus shutting the trunk.

"Thanks for catching me." I said then he shrugged.

"It's kind of a Glaives job to keep the people safe." He said and I laughed.

"Maybe, but you're supposed to keep people safe from daemons and enemy nations, not old ladders." I said and he grinned.

"You gonna be okay? Nothing hurts?" He asked, but I shook my head and smiled.

"Nothing at all." I said then he nodded, smiling at me.

"Well, I'll see you the next time I'm sent here." I nodded then he turned and went to the car, getting in. It drove off a moment later then I turned, going into the shop.