sweet dreams

“The stuff you’re making, for that client?” You still knew nothing about it. You reached behind his neck to straighten a folded piece, running your nails gently over his skin. A spot you knew was particularly sensitive. His eyes fluttered for just a second. 

“Oh, yes that's right.” He cleared his throat and sat straighter. “I believe I’m almost done.”

“Sounded like the opposite last night,” you said. 

“Did I keep you awake?” Guilt creeped into his gaze but you fought it away with a chaste kiss. His hands settled on your hips. 

“Not really,” you said. His fingers squeezed lightly. You cupped his cheek, “I fell asleep eventually.” Truly, it didn’t bother you. He was a restless sleeper at best and an insomniac at worst. You’d learn to handle nights filled with mindless background noise. 

“I’m sorry, I should have been more considerate,” he said, ever the gentleman. 

You hummed, “it’s alright, what’re you working on anyways to keep you so busy?” There was no ill intent in the comment. He wasn’t neglecting his teachings or you but there was a sluggishness to his daily movements that told you it was draining him.

You shimmied out of his hold as you awaited his reply. His day robe and woven belt were already laid out beside him. You heard him slip into it as you pawed mindlessly through the wardrobe for your own clothes. A thin chemise dress was currently the only thing that separated you from the cool morning air at the moment. 

A shadow suddenly fell over you and Qifrey’s arms wrapped slowly around your waist. He pulled you back into and you let out a breath of amusement as he buried his head in the crook of your neck. He planted kisses along the plane of your neck as you pulled your robe from the closet, examining it carefully. 

The weather was quite nice today, but you were sure you’d need your legs free for the activities that followed. It would go well with a loose pair of pants, maybe you should—

“Qifrey!” He’d sunk his teeth into the junction of your neck. It didn’t hurt but it startled you. You clutched your clothes to your chest as you spun to face him. He smiled innocently. 

“We have places to be,” you said, stepping around him to lay your clothes on the bed. 

After a full week of traditional lessons there was always a day off. For everyone. No excuses. It was good for the girls. The boys, who worked themselves to the bone, were a bit more reluctant but would tag along in the end. Balancing work and play, hobbies and responsibilities were crucial. This week, you were all going for a much needed walk and a picnic on the hill. 

When you leant over to smooth out the creases in your clothes Qifrey’s hands slid underneath the edge of your short dress. You yelped and turned, balancing your hands on his shoulders as he hiked up your leg to rest against his hip. 

“What did I just say!” You laughed as he leaned in to attack your neck again. Nipping and kissing every inch he could reach. You let out a quiet moan when he hit just below your ear. The gesture sent a tingle down your spine and the sound was music to him. He wanted nothing more than to hear it played again and again and again. He captured your lips with his and you melted immediately. 

Clothes forgotten, you wrapped your arms around his neck and titled up and into him. He reacted to the motion in kind, deepening the kiss with a content hum. Your fingers threaded through the strands of hair at the base of his neck and he sagged into you. His hand, secured to your hip, the only thing you think was keeping up standing, squeezed. 

A knock at the door made you both freeze. 

“Are you both even up?” Olruggio’s deep voice floated under the door, his shadow covering the light.  “These girls are ready to bolt.”

“Hey!” Tetia’s was not happy with that accusation. 

“If you’re ready just get out here—Oi! Someone get that damn brushbuddy outta the cabinets. He’s goin’ tah tear something apart!” 

There was a stampede of feet and Olruggio called again, “And don’t run!” His steps were heavy as he rushed after them.

Qifrey smiled against your lips, giving you one gentle peck after pulling away. 

“Let’s go save him, shall we?” he inquired. You could hear the girls battling the brushbuddy and you prayed none of the dishware got broken this time. 

You shimmied into your clothes, a little peeved that Qifrey has always had the ability to rile you up and act as if he’s done nothing. He held the door open for you, the cacophony of kids now much louder and you hurried through to help them. But, before you stepped from his side you paused, rocked to your toes and kissed him one more time. It was tantalizingly slow, lingering as you pulled away and caught his eye, half hooded and watching for his reaction sweetly.

“Come on, let’s go.” You saw him gulp and he flexed his hand after he pulled the door shut. You smiled and turned heel, marching to the kitchen with new found vigor. 

“Alright! Where did this little guy go to hide?” 

“Here! Here!” Coco cried. 

“Ah, there he is, come here you little—” There was a crash and a peal of laughter as the brushbuddy escaped everyone's grasp once more.

You held a basket in the crook of your arm as you walked the trail. The brush buddy that’d caused such chaos only an hour ago was currently atop the tea towel that secured the food in place, sleeping without a care in the world.  

The path you walked was worn to dirt, and the canopy of overgrown trees that lined the way allowed just the right amount of light to peek through. The leaves rustled in the gentle wind and the birds whistled just overhead. You’d see a rabbit or two dart across before disappearing into the underbrush. 

Qifrey was a few yards ahead, far enough that you could see him but only just make out what he was saying to the girls. They orbited him, laughing and smiling as they skipped by his side. You watched amused as Tetia dove into one of the bushes before popping up with a vibrant yellow flower in her hand. She encouraged a Qifrey closer and kneeled at her side, allowing her to tuck it against his ear. 

“They’ve got a lot of energy today,” Olruggio walked beside you, a picnic quilt strapped to his back. You knew they wanted nothing to do with academics right now so being out here was, you were sure, rejuvenating.

“Hm, I’m not surprised,” you smiled, “it’s been a rough few days, first time I think they’re having genuine fun.” The lesson earlier this week left them mentally exhausted. The ones that followed were no better. Learning magic meant continuously expanding on what you already knew. If you didn't have the foundation, you'd never understand what was to come. 

“They got it eventually,” you added. You were proud of them.

“I knew they would.” Olruggio said. 

You nudged his shoulder with yours. “Why don’t you try a lesson?” 

He scoffed, “I could neva'. Far too much work.” 

“I think they’d like it though,” you hummed. The girls’ laughter melded with Qifrey’s. They were running circles around him and he was trying to catch them. He reached for Agott first, who slipped just out of his fingers. He dove for Richeh next who squealed when he nabbed her. Picking her up and sprinting away. 

“We have to save Richeh!” Tetia cried heroically. You smiled as they all rushed after their teacher. 

“I don’t have the same touch he does.” Olruggio said. “I’m much too impatient.” 

“Oh, the great contraption maker? Who spends hours and hours on a single project trying to perfect it doesn’t have the patience to teach a bunch of preteen girls?” You looked up at him, he pursed his lips and huffed, avoiding your gaze. 

“I just…can’t. I don’t think they’ll listen to me as well. I’m not nearly as good a teacher.” 

“You teach them all the time, you know,” you said. The kids were a decent distance ahead, all you could hear were the faded trails of their laughter. Qifrey had paused however, holding Richeh playfully captive as the girls fought him off. Qifrey held them at bay with soft wind spells and a tree branch for a sword.

“They watch you, when you work.” He was not a man of words, never had been and never will be. He doesn’t give grand speeches like Qifrey or design lesson plans but he does have a passion for his work that the girls see everyday. 

“When I make those messes you don’t like,” he smirked.

You rolled your eyes, “you don’t notice? How they hover. Some of them do it more than the others, but I've caught them all studying you, and trying to mimic it.” Coco and Agott did it most often. Coco would be perched on the arm of the couch while Olruggio was hunched over the coffee table. Her eyes would be bright and curious as she watched him tinker with dials and paint sigils. Agott would hover off the back, body folded at the waist, standing on her toes, far enough to the side that she wouldn’t be in Olruggio’s way. She’d watch him, her fingers twitching, following the movements of his hands as they patterned spells. 

You never said anything when they did it, knowing as soon as you did they’d scatter. 

“They adore you, Olruggio,” you said kindly. 

He stuttered, “I don’t think—”

“Master Olly! Help us!” Tetia was hovering just a few inches off the ground, Qifrey’s wind spell keeping her at an arms distance from a laughing Richeh. They'd yet to save their captured companion. Agott’s jaw was clenched and her arms crossed over her chest in a frustration, the wind whipped her curly hair. You had to hold in a laugh at Coco’s second failed attempt to dive for her. “Master Olly, please!”

You looked at Olruggio expectantly, “Well, Master Olly? You going to help?” 

Olruggio rolled his eyes and secured the strap of the blanket to his chest, rolling up his sleeves dramatically, “I’m comin’ girls!” You smiled as he jogged forward, using his strength to over power Qifrey’s magic. 

“They really do adore you.” you muttered quietly to yourself. Olruggio marched right through Qifrey’s defenses and plucked Richeh out of his arms. He hoisted her into the air like she weighed nothing. She held her arms aloft, out straight and to the side, stiff as a board as he moved her. All the girls cheered and Qifrey dramatically surrendered.

You giggled. 

“Ah, how sweet. What a lovely family.” 

You jerked and spun, the laughter of your family fading as the winds rushed out of the trees. The trail behind you was engulfed in darkness and the unsettling voice echoed on the wind. It pitched you forward and you dug your heels into the soil to keep from falling. Your ears rung, symbols crashing, ringing, pulsing down your neck. The phrase had been simple, but it did not come from anyone currently around you.

As quickly as the atmosphere had changed, it righted itself. Sucking away into nothing, spinning into normalcy as some invisible force drained the darkness. 

You turned back slowly. No one else seemed to notice. Your heart thundered in your chest. 

Coco waved and called your name, “Come on! We’re almost there.” 

You glanced back for a second, the path remained clear and bright. Sunlight dancing through the leaves. 

“I’m coming!” you said.

Your steps were a bit faster as you rushed to catch up with them, hoping that the darkness wasn’t biting at your heels.

“You alright?” Olruggio asked as he plopped down next to you. You were cutting an orange, the juices slipping down your fingers with each pass. It smelled divine. You placed the small batch into the diced fruit bowl by your knees, before picking up another.

“Hm?” You cut slowly, careful to not knock your finger on the blade. The rhythm was grounding. Schlik, schlik, schlik but that whisper persisted. 

“You’ve been a bit off since we set everything up.” He said. He reached for a fruit but you paused and glared at him. He retreated. He’d have to wait like everyone. 

“I’m well,” you said. You couldn’t deny that the voice had left you unsettled. Senaka’s unexpected visit was days ago, but it had seeped out of your memory. You’d put the palm quire he’d given you away, unsure what to do with it. There had been no sign of him, no whisper for days. Not until now. You glanced back at the forest line several times while laying out the blanket and arranging the pillows. When you helped Qifrey pitch the canopy you’d messed up the sigil’s twice. Simple spells you should have been able to do with your eyes closed, but couldn't. Olruggio had to step in and fix it.

“And when that straggler came by too.” He hummed. He was watching the girls run around in the field. “You didn’t tell us who it was.”

“It was nothing,” you said. Olruggio regarded you carefully and you avoided his eyes. 

“Are you sure?” Olruggio said, he shifted facing you, not letting you get run away from this, “because Qifrey and I—”

“Stars, are they high energy today or am I just getting old?” Qifrey said as he fell into the seat beside you. Your racing heart settled in his presence. When he smiled up at you, a little sweaty and breathless, you smiled back.

“You’re not getting old, darling.” You handed him an orange slice and he thanked you with a gentle kiss on the cheek. You handed Olruggio the next one. He took it cautiously, still trying to catch your eyes. When you made point to focus on the fruits in your hand he surrendered his attempts. He plucked the orange from its rind and tossed the fruit into his mouth.

“Impeccable timing, as always.” Olruggio muttered. You feel your stomach sour when he says it. You know he was only trying to help but you didn’t know what to say. Senaka was gone, or should be gone, and he wasn’t a problem anymore. 

Well he shouldn’t be but that voice sounded so much like him. Raspy in a strange way. The pitch was the same as when he was at your front door, filling you with that sense of unsettling fear but not knowing why you were scared.

And there was still the matter of the spell. If Olruggio decided to report it, Coco would surely be taken from you. 

Schlik. Schlik. Schlik.

You didn’t know what to do.

“Mama!” Tetia called to you. She was standing at your feet, posture proud and tall with her hands on her hips as she towered over you. Her mud dipped shoes were going to surely stain the cotton blanket but you had a spell for that.

“Come play with us.” 

“Tetia, I’m preparing lunch, how about after.” 

“Richeh won’t play anymore unless the three of you join. She says she doesn’t think you should be left out.” 

“We aren’t left out sweetheart, we like watching you.” She pouted and crossed her arms.

“And I don’t think Mr. Olruggio’s old weathered bones could handle it.” You saw a sliver of a grin poke from the corner of her lips.

“Oi, M’ not that old!” 

"Pleaseeeeeee.” You heard the whine begin to bubble. Oh no, here come the waterworks. She sniffled dramatically putting on a show she knew was going to work. And it did. You caved. You groaned as you stood, offering the girl a cut strawberry before letting her take your hand. "Yay!"

You yanked Qifrey to his feet and in turn he grabbed Olruggio by the collar who had sneakily plucked a handful of grapes from the bowl. His cheeks were stuffed and he almost choked when Qifrey made him stand. 

The three of you followed Tetia, hand-in-hand, to the crest of the hill where the other three girls stood. 

“Richeh thinks she can outrun the adults.” Agott said, “I told her that was pointless.”

“It’s a test.” Richeh said. Oh, she wanted to get back at Qifrey for capturing her earlier. You hid a smile. 

“But you hate tests…” Coco said, titling her head. 

“…not this one.” 

“Right,” Agott started, “so what are the rules then.”

“You,” she pointed to you and the boys, “have to catch all of us.” Well, how fair was that, you wanted to say. Those girls were nimble and far smaller than any of you. “If you can’t do it, Master Qifrey can’t make us do another lesson like that again.”

Agott scoffed, “don’t be ridiculous Richeh, we have to learn it can’t all be easy.”

“And what happens if we win?” Qifrey inquired. Olruggio muttered a quiet, “don’t encourage them.”

“We’ll do all the dishes,” Richeh said.

“What!” Agott said. Tetia whined.

“—for a week.”

“A week!” Agott’s voice cracked.

“Deal.” Olruggio said. The two of them stared at each other like fighters in a ring. It was rather silly given that Qifrey had to lean forward to meet her at eye level. Richeh stood on her toes, hands on her hips as she made her self as large as possible. Puffed up like a liongoat. 

Qifrey opened his mouth to commence their little battle but Richeh began without announcement.

She darted around you and you could’t help but smile as she, somehow, also skirted past Olruggio.

She clicked her heels together to give herself a little boost. She’s quick, you’ll give her that.

“Oi, you’re cheatin’ you brat!” Coco laughed as Olruggio spun on her, trying to grab her. She squealed and hit the ground rolling foolishly out of the way. The abrupt movement had Olruggio stumbling to keep himself from faceplanting in the soil.

It was a mess of arms and legs and yelling and laughter as you and the boys tried to herd in the girls. Just as Agott slipped between your legs, somehow successfully ducking under your skirt without getting tangled, you tripped and fell forward. Crashing right into Olruggio. 

“Woah—Ah!” You gripped his shoulders as the two of you teetered on the edge of the hill. You were losing balance and you felt Qifrey grab at the back of your top, trying to tug you towards him to stop the plummet but you both lurched the opposite way instead.

Gravity handled the rest. It took all three of you down. 

It wasn’t far and wasn’t long but you felt Olruggio bring his hands up to protect the back of your head as you rolled down the hill. You heard Qifrey’s grunt of force as he tried to stop himself from crashing into you. Your breath caught as at the sudden rush and the rich scent of grass and smoke. It was overwhelming.

When you hit the bottom of the hill you popped up immediately, running on a small shot of adrenaline.

You were half sprawled across Olruggio, cocked to the side and using his chest for stability, your hips and legs settled awkwardly on the ground. A strange side posture that wasn't all that comfortable. He gulped down thick swaths of air. His eyes were closed and he was laid out uncomfortable but he was no worse for wear. 

You checked him for injuries, no scrapes or bruises but there were blades of grass in his hair and dirt on his cheeks. He blinked, his eyes dazed, and you’re sure his head was spinning from the tumble. Yours certainly was. 

You felt a hand fall on your hip and you look over your shoulder to see that Qifrey had crawled to you. He’s just as much a mess. His dress had grass stains in various places, his glasses sat crookedly on his nose but he was also uninjured. 

His eyes darted from point to point on your body. Neck, shoulder, chest, and hands, making sure that nothing was out of place or bleeding. So, when he discerned that all was well he started to laugh. A rich sound that bubbled from his chest steadily. 

“I fear we may be as bad as the children,” he said. How ridiculous that all was. You laughed too as you thought about it. You were all far too big to be playing like this but how amusing it was. Qifrey situated himself into a sitting position, settled beside you and Orluggio's strange embrace. 

You refocused on Olruggio, cupping his cheeks as you questioned him, “Olly? You okay?” 

“Those damn kids are going to be the death of me.” He groaned, sitting up. You were still half in his lap, and his hand fell to your waist automatically. You pulled grass from his hair and tried to gently wipe the dirt from his cheeks. It only smudged. 

“They were just playing, it’s our fault really. None of us were paying attention.” You chuckled. 

Qifrey shuffled closer. His hand fell on Olruggio's shoulder, “Are you alright?" He inquired. Olruggio nodded, unfazed by the touching. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll be sore in the morning though.” When he fully opened his eyes, that dizzying daze no longer gripping him, they widened.

Both you and Qifrey were only inches from him, and he’d not realized until this moment. 

“Olly?”

“A-are you alright?” he asked you. His cheeks were pink, you hoped he hadn't burned.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” he’d kept the brunt of the impact off of you with his own body. 

Qifrey lifted his hand to the back of Olruggio’s head. Olruggio stiffened. You placed your hand on his chest as his face grew crimson. 

“Olly, are you sure you’re alright?” you asked.

Qifrey’s hand caressed the back of his head, fingers cradling him. Your hand had unknowingly slipped across the open plain if his shirt, your fingers brushing his skin delicately. His chest was clammy from running around and the pace of his heart was so fast you were genuinely starting to worry.

“Yes. Yes! I’m fine!” he said and he jerked away. You yelped as he stood. He shook his clothes and ran a hand through his hair. You looked up at him, confused. Have you done something?

“Mama! Master Olruggio!—”

“We’re down here girls!” Olruggio choked out. He buttoned his top closed and straightened the billowing sleeves. He looked around his feet as if seeking something he dropped, which he didn’t, all of his gear was still on the blanket. He patted his hips and then his chest and then mumbled something incoherently before practically sprinting away. 

Qifrey helped you stand, dusting your clothes. “Nothing hurts?" He asked gently. His hands twisted your hips from left to right as he double checked you for injury. 

“I’m okay, I swear. Did I….Did I say something wrong?” Qifrey ignored Olruggio’s march up the hill but you couldn’t break away from it. The girls crowded him, patting him as he would them and did circles around his frame to make sure he wasn’t bleeding. They were apologizing profusely. 

Qifrey squeezed your hand reassuringly.

It's late, you've made them dinner, cleaned and packed the lunches for tomorrow so Qifrey doesn't have to. You've finished the laundry so Olruggio didn't need to worry about monitoring the wash barrel. All while still helping the girls get ready for bed, and putting them to sleep with all the typical evening fuss.

You're lying in bed now, in Qifrey's room where the wood frame looms over you, shrouded by delicately scalloped silk and waving chiffon. The bed is usually full, the three of you curled around each other warmly, but it is empty and the drapery feels more like a prison than a cocoon.

You twiddle your thumbs as you watch the door, your back propped against one of Olruggios many pillows. Your eyes dart to the candle by the beside, another hour has past and it's well past midnight now, where are they?

You sigh and untuck from the sheets, pulling on a robe and stepping to the door. Your hand hovers over the knob. Should you? They're busy, most likely, they only ever do this when their is a million things on their plate and they can barely balance them. You shouldn't complain, they're both working so hard to keep you and the girls comfortable and happy.

But you miss them.

You miss Olruggio's laughter after a long day of work. Where you’re perched on his lap on the living room floor, leaning against him as Qifrey sits across for you and tells you about the girl's silly adventures.

You miss the way Qifrey sneaks up on you in the evening, playfully kissing you until Olruggio arrives and he pulls him into the fray.

You miss getting ready for bed with them, dressing down from the day and dressing comfortably for the night. Brushing out Qifrey's messy locks and trimming the few stray hairs from Olruggio's beard.

You miss them so much that you’re in their study now, completely unaware that you’d wandered their during your musings.

Both men are hunched over a project. They’re muttering to one another, trying to a solve a problem you didn't understand. They both look so focused. You can see the girls' spell working on the end of the table, marked carefully by Qifrey's hand.

Maybe you should just leave? You shouldn't disturb—

"Do you think if I move this line it will—what are you doin' up?" Olruggio asks. Your hand freezes on the doorknob, your plan to secretly exit and go back to bed thwarted.

"I uh—" you feel like a child that's just been caught in a lie. "nothing, I'll—”

"My love?" Qifrey tilts his head.

"WhenareyoucomingtobedImissyou." You blurt out. You silently curse yourself and you can feel the hot sensation of frustration simmer behind your eyes.

"What?" Olruggio sets down his pen and is leaning against the table. Both of them give you their full attention.

"I—" You sigh and pull your robe tighter around your body. "I miss you. Both of you. And I just wanted to know when you'll be coming to bed. It's been busy I know, I'm sorry—I just..." your voice trails. You feel like a fool, demanding something like this.

There’s a pause filled with silence. Your fingers twist the fabric of your robe. Olruggio speaks first.

"Shit. We did it again, Qifrey." He sighs and moves, closing his notebook and unsealing his spell.

"No, no! It's okay. I shouldn't have asked." You say quickly.

Qifrey's face twists when he looks at the taper candles. They're almost at the base of their wicks. He mimics Olruggio, collecting his things and storing them away. He blows out the light in the room just as Olruggio taps a lantern to life.

"Come, my love. Let's go to bed," Qifrey says as he gathers your hands. Olruggio places his on your back, firmly pressing his palm into you. You relax into their touch.

“We told yuh last time, if this ever happened again to yell at us.” Olruggio says as Qifrey navigates your little group to your bedroom.

“I can’t do that, Olruggio, you know that.” It wasn’t fair of you to take them away from their work just because you wanted a few extra kisses and to cuddle before bed.

“We know you struggle to rest peacefully when we aren’t there. We’re sorry for being so neglectful.” Qifrey says gently. You're back in your bedroom and both he and Olruggio swiftly change their clothes. Olruggio approaches you from behind and Qifrey in front. Qifrey skillfully unravels the belt of your robe, Olruggio pulls it down your shoulders, making sure to leave a solid kiss at the base of your neck. Qifrey leans in and kisses you on lips, the gesture filled with apologies.

“We’ll hold you all night tonight, how does that sound?”

Like heaven.