#amabiel

“Amy please, no one needs to know what I do with my personal life.” Tarq all but begs his sister not to tell the others what's going on.

“What Amy? What's so important?” Gaviel finally shows up to the season faction, a look of mild annoyance on his face.

“Tarquarn has a date.” She says excitedly.

“It's not a date.” Tarq mumbles, choosing to look at the floor rather than the room that was staring at him.

“Tarquarn has a date?” Torquaret questions.

“Yes.” Amy nods.

“No.” Tarq says quietly.

“With who?” Cetar asks.

“A demon named Adonis.” Amy supplies.

“Sounds like fun.” Tariel adds in. “What are you guys doing?”

“They're going out to dinner tonight at seven.” Amy answers for him.

“Sounds like fun.” Attarib muses.

“I'm not so sure how I feel about this.” Tarq says. “I didn't agree to a whole lot, I barely got a word in. Amy did all the talking really.”

“Amabiel.” Amatiel scolds her.

“What? If I didn't step in he would have froze up and start choking on his words. We all know how his people skills are.”

Everyone makes some kind of sound or gesture of agreement at that still finding it a little unfair of what their sister did by roping him into going on a date.

“It has be quite some time.” Guabarel puts in. “Maybe you should try putting yourself out there.”

“I don't know if I even am….that way.” Tarq struggles a little to put his sentence together.

“He wouldn't have said anything to you if you weren't.” Spugliguel offers.

“Our brother's right.” Tubiel nods in agreement.

“Tarq don't worry about it, you'll be fine.” Gargatel reassures him.

“And if for some reason it's not you're allowed to call an early night. That's how dating works.” Tariel smiles.

“Dating?! I never agreed to that. I thought it was going to be just the one.” Tarq starts to panic a little.

“Tarquarn breathe, it's okay.” Cara places both her hands on his shoulders and gets him to focus on her. “If he asks to see you again and you don't want to, you're allowed to say no. Just keep that in mind okay?”

“Okay.” Tarq nods.

“Don't worry about it little brother.” Commissoros throws an arm over his shoulders and pulls him close. “Everything will be fine, it all sounds like you're just nervous. It's been awhile since you've played this game.”

“I hardly remember there being a last time.” Tarq looks up at him confused.

“It was a long time ago, before Terry long. It doesn't matter though, they weren't worth your time.” Attarib says, she was leaning against her desk. “In the meantime you need to get ready. Know what's acceptable and unacceptable on your first outing with someone.”

“How will I know that?” Tarq questions, he didn't really know all the rules to dating.

“I'll help you.” Cetar offers.

“Me too.” Amatiel steps up.

“What the hell, I'll help you too Tarq. You're going to need it.” Gaviel also offers to help his brother.

“Me too!” Tariel jumps up excitedly. “I've spent some time in the Venus faction to develop an understanding of what's going on.”

“And you know how to talk to people and make friends better than any of us.” Gav muses.

“Aw thanks Gav.” Tariel smiles.

“Come on Tarq.” Cetar places a hand on his shoulder. “We'll show you the do’s and don'ts of outings with someone.”

“This should be interesting.” Matti comments, walking away with them.

“This is going to be so much fun.” Tariel claps her hands together.

“Try not to worry too much about it, everything will be fine.” Gaviel reassures.

“What exactly am I supposed to say?” Tarq questions.

“Anything but not anything you want, if that makes sense.” Tariel answers.

“Example, you can talk about what you do but there's no need to mention of a murder streak if you have one.” Matti supplies the answer.

“I don't, you all know that.”

“It's an example Tarq it's alright.” Gaviel pauses a moment to think. “You don't exactly have to but open up a little about yourself if he asks.”

“He already knows that I am an angel of fall.”

“That's a start.” Cetar does his best to sound encouraging.

“I guess.” Tarq shrugs. “I don't know if I can do this.”

“Getting cold feet is normal, you'll get passed it soon enough.” Gaviel reassures. “It happens don't worry about it.”

“Is it too late to back out?” Tarq asks.

“Yes, and not showing up without notifying ahead of time is rude.” Tariel scolds her older brother.

“Very well.” Tarq sighs.

“In order to get on his good side you should try to say something nice. Comment on how he looks or something like that.” Cetar does his best to give him advice.

“You have to tell us how it went when you get back.” Tariel smiles. “Don't leave anything out.”

“How long does it normally last?”

“An hour at most, sometimes two but it depends.” Amatiel shrugs. “Not much really happens on the first few dates. It's a getting to know you kind of thing.”

“We have to wrap this up soon guys.” Tariel says. “It's getting closer to seven.”

Tarquarn feels his heart start to beat just a little faster in his chest. “Is it really that close?”

“Looks like it.” Matti nods.

“You're going to do just fine brother, just take a deep breath.” Cetar places a hand on his shoulder.

“I can go with you to meet up with him Tarq.” Terry offers.

“I should be fine Tariel, thank you though.”

“Better get going.” Gav reminds him. “He isn't mortal so it won't take him long to get there.”

Tarquarn sighs as he puts his book down, looks like he wasn't going to get the peace and quiet he thought he would get. Why were his brother and sister so loud about disagreements? Amabiel was a grown woman who could make her own choices, if they were stupid then she would learn. Gaviel should see that, unfortunately he was blinded by his emotions. Tarq stood and started to leave, might as well let them fight it out in peace. He didn't want to hear the escalation anyway.

"Where are you going sir?" A guard asked as he walked by.

"Town, I need to get out for a little bit."

"Would like someone to accompany you?”

"No that's quite alright, just make sure my brother doesn't kill my sister." With that Tarq leaves to wander the town, he'll come back when they've settled their issues. In the meantime he might as well see what the people were up to and what problems need to be addressed.

As he wandered through the town, no one really seemed to notice him, instead carrying on their work as usual, going around him when necessary. He got a few nods from the more friendly townspeople, but that was about it.

A young woman seemed to be struggling with getting a basket upright, it nearly toppling over on her.

"Here let me help." Tarq reaches over her and pushes it into place.

"Thank you." The woman smiles at him.

"You're very welcome." He smiles back at her and continues on his way. It looked like today wasn't going to be a very exciting day.

Out of the corner of his eye Tarq could've sworn he saw someone staring at him, and when he turned to look there was a dark haired man looking at him with a curious gaze, not even turning his head away when they made eye contact. Instead he smiled pleasantly, winking before turning back to his drink.

Tarq does his best at a friendly smile and waves back, walking away as he did so. He suddenly felt out of place in his own kingdom, it was an odd feeling but he brushed it off. He told himself things were fine, that he was fine and he was just being silly.

 Later on Tarq forgets about the man in town and returns to the castle, hoping that whatever his brother and sister were fighting about had stopped. It had at some point after he left, they spoke about the day's events. Tarq tells them about his time spent in town, keeping the brief encounter to himself. Amy makes a point of reminding them about the party they were going to have in a few short days and how they should start focusing on that. Tarq becomes so focused on helping Amy and Gav make sure things are ready and run smoothly that he completely forgets about the stranger in town all together. He has his sister help him with last minute things, she fusses over his hair a little insisting that he style it a certain way. He smacks her hand away when people start to enter the castle.

The guests seemed to just keep coming in a never-ending flow, a few familiar faces passing by as he greeted them.

"Nice to see you again." A charming male voice came from behind him.

Tarq looks him behind him to see who was speaking. "I'm sorry do I know you?"

The curly dark haired man behind him chuckled, his deep purple eyes regarding Tarq with amusement. "Not really, I saw you in town a few days ago, you looked like you were having a good time."

Tarq had to think back for a moment, if he saw this man in town he looked different then than he does now. "You did?"

"Yes, I did. We made eye contact, you waved back silly." He smiled, obviously finding this all very funny.

"Oh, I must've been caught up with other matters that I've forgotten." Tarq tries to explain away, turning a light shade of pink. He wasn't used to people he's just met calling him things like that.

"That's quite alright, I'm Adonis by the way. Would you care to dance?" He held out his hand.

"Tarquarn, that's okay maybe later."

"Shame."

"If that's what you wish to believe." Tarq looks over Adonis's shoulder, Gaviel is waving to him to get his attention. "Excuse me but my brother needs me."

"Perhaps I'll see you later on in the night?" Adonis smiled.

"Maybe." Tarq says as he moves around him going to see what his brother wanted.

"Tarq you remember prince Caleb don't you?"

"How can I forget?" Tarq smiles and goes to shake his hand. "It's wonderful to see you again Cal."

"And you." Caleb smiles back at him.

"I'm sorry to cut this short but Gaviel I need to step out for a moment."

"Why? Are you okay?" Gaviel looks to his brother with concern.

"Yes I'm fine, I just need to step out collect my thoughts."

"Oh, I understand. Take your time Tarq, Amy and I can handle it just fine on our own."

"Thank you." Tarq steps out of the room and walks outside, he really wasn't much of a people person. At least not at large social events like this one, how he let Amy convince him of having a large gathering like this one he has no idea. It was just too many people at the time, a little time alone wasn't going to hurt. He chose to spend time in the garden, it was quiet and he found peace there.

"You must have a fantastic gardener, these roses look magnificent." Adonis stood, admiring the bushes.

Tarq jumps at the sudden voice, he could've sworn he was alone. How the hell did he get out here so fast? "How did you-didn't I just-" Tarq was confused at how that was possible.

"Are you alright Prince Tarquarn?" Adonis looked confused.

Tarquarn runs a hand through his hair. "I don't know now. Didn't I just finish talking with you? How did you get out here so fast? Not everybody knows where our garden is, especially not those new here."

Adonis shrugged. "I guess you could say I followed my nose, you can't deny that the garden smells divine." He smiled. "So what brings you out here, don't you have lots of guests to be entertaining?"

"I suppose that's possible." Tarq muses, the garden was filled with many different flowers. "Social gatherings are more Amabiel's area of expertise, they'll be fine without me for a little while."

"I suppose parties aren't everyone's cup of tea, I rather enjoy them seeing as it means I get to meet all sorts of new people, though you seem to be the most interesting one I've met so far."

"Why so?" Tarq's hand slowly goes for a blade he was taught to always have somewhere on his person out of reflex and takes a cautious step back. He didn't trust people for a good reason, nothing good usually came after statements like that.

"Why not? You're quiet and kind from what I've seen, and handsome at that." Adonis grinned, handing him a red rose.

"What's wrong with being self reserved?" Tarq relaxes taking the rose from him.

"Absolutely nothing, it's actually quite endearing."

"Endearing?" Tarq frowns at that, he's been told his quiet personality is a lot of things but never was it called endearing.

"Yes, quite endearing." Adonis smiles, sitting down on the bench. "Join me?"

"How?"

"How what?"

"How is it endearing? I'm used to my sister calling it slightly concerning."

"I don't know, it makes you more mysterious I suppose." Adonis chuckled.

"I've been called a lot of things but I don't think mysterious is one of them." Tarq relents and sits down next to him.

"I suppose not." Adonis smiled. "So, would you like to rejoin the party now?"

"I probably should. Amy gets unreasonably worried when I slip away for a little while." Tarq sighs.

"Might I join you?"

"If you wish." Tarq rises to his feet.

Adonis holds out his hand for Tarq to take. "Then shall we my prince?" Adonis gave his most charming smile.

Tarq hesitates a moment, he wasn't sure if he wanted to take his hand or not. A couple moments pass and he decides to take the offered hand. "Of course."

Adonis leads him to the ballroom and onto the dancefloor, effortlessly blending them into the dance that was already going.

"Looks like you got that dance after all." Tarq laughs a little.

"Looks like I did." Adonis smiles, pulling him into a spin.

Tarq smiles and shakes his head slightly. His guard was still up but he relaxed slightly the longer he was around him.

Meanwhile off to the side his brother and sister were watching him, Amy was having a hard time keeping a smirky smile from her face.

"Leave him alone." Gaviel warns her.

"You know I have to."

"Just don't embarrass him. And wait until the dance is over before you bother him."

"That I can do." Amabiel smiles, she wasn't going to let him live this down.

The song came to an end and Adonis spun him out, bowing at the end. "You're a lovely dancer." Adonis smiled charmingly.

"Thank you, our mother made a point of us knowing how to dance." Amy saw her chance and took it, looking to Gaviel she smiles her famous mischievous grin and walks from his side.

"Tarquarn." She calls to him, getting his attention.

Tarq looks over to her his smile fades as he takes his hand back and takes a few small steps away from Adonis. "Amabiel." He nods at his sister. "Shouldn't you be bothering our brother?"

"He tires of me bothering him, so I thought I'd pester you instead."

"How lovely." Tarq responds dryly.

"Who is this then? I don't believe we've met."

Tarq looks down a moment, he could sense the impending taunting as he spoke. "This is Adonis, Amy. We've only just met, I suggest you don't get your hopes up."

"Very nice to meet you, Amy is short for Amabiel."

"It's lovely to meet you my lady." Adonis smiles, taking her hand and placing a kiss on the top. "I'm enjoying your party quite a bit."

"That's good, I see you got my brother to open up a little." She looks up at Tarq smiling.

Tarq looks away from her, avoiding her gaze. "What I choose to do at our events doesn't need to be commented on Amy."

"I'm not doing anything wrong I'm simply getting to know our guests is all."

"I know your games Amabiel, I'm not falling for them like Gav did."

"What games?" She puts on an innocent look.

"You know what games." Tarq mumbles under his breath. "Pardon me, I forgot to take care of something important." He stalks away from the two of them.

"Now you did it Amy." Gaviel scolds, he was watching his brother's body language and stepped in too late. "You can't leave well enough alone."

"What? I didn't mean any harm by it."

"I'm sorry for my sister's stupidity." Gaviel apologizes to Adonis.

Adonis was watching Tarq go, looking disappointed and sad to see him go. "It's alright."

"Tarq wait!" Gaviel calls after him.

"Tarq please!" Amy starts to follow. "Do you want to come with? He seems to have a slight interest in you."

"I'm not sure, I don't want to overstep."

"It'll be fine I assure you."

Adonis nods. "Then I'll come with."

Amabiel smiles. "Good if we can't calm him down maybe you can."

"Amy!"

"Coming Gav!" Amabiel takes off to catch up with her brothers.

Gaviel had gotten Tarq to stop and listen to him. "Amabiel is just playing games you've said yourself to not fall for them."

"Tarq I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on you two."

"Why can't you leave well enough alone Amy?" Tarq gives his sister a disappointed look.

"I'm sorry Tarq." Amy pleads.

"You brought Adonis with you?" Tarq questions confused. "My sister dragged you into this?"

"I was asked to help and I agreed." Adonis responded, stepping closer so that Tarq could smell something sweet on him like perfume. It smelled nice. "I merely wished to make sure you were alright." He smiled pleasantly.

"You barely know me though." Tarq gave him a funny look, giving Amy a quick regard. "You are forgiven Amy, just stay out of other's personal life."

"Done, come on Gav people are going to notice that we've left."

"I don't understand he forgave you just like that?" Gaviel questions as he's pulled away.

"Uh huh now let's go."

"They're off in a hurry." Tarq comments.

Adonis chuckled. "Your sister sure is an interesting character." He mused.

"You can say that." Tarq thinks about his choice of words. "Though she has her moments." Tarq tugs slightly at his collar, the sudden shift in atmosphere felt off.

"Are you feeling alright?" Adonis asked, placing a concerned hand on his shoulder.

That sweet scent smelled stronger when Adonis stepped closer. "Yes I'm fine, at least I think I am." Tarq turns a few shades redder, feeling a little flustered.

"You look a little red dear, would you like to sit down?" Adonis offered, gesturing to one of the hall couches.

"Perhaps, there's an odd scent in the air. It's not bad, but it's not something I've encountered before."

"Perfume perhaps? Many people are wearing such tonight."

"Maybe." Tarq sits down, the scent still felt strong and he felt his head spinning a little.

Adonis frowned, the smell slowly becoming fainter. "Are you getting hungry my prince?"

"A little." His complexion starts to go back to normal, his mind feeling clear.

"Perhaps we should get you something to eat then."

"Yeah, perhaps."

When they return to the dining hall Tarq starts feeling like himself again. His brother and sister notice their return, Gaviel smiles at him and Amy gives a small wave. Tarq gives his acknowledgement and continues on his way.

"The party seems to have died down a bit."

"Well it is starting to get a bit late." Adonis points out. "I do hope I'll get to see you again after tonight."

"Perhaps." Tarq muses. "Though it's very rare that I leave, when I do it's usually for meetings and everything else that comes with being a prince."

Adonis nodded. "May I write to you?"

"I don't see why not."

Adonis smiled, pleased. "I'm glad to hear that Prince Tarquarn."

Tarq chuckles. "You can call me Tarq, most do."

"If that is what you wish." Adonis grinned. "Unfortunately I must go now." He reached for Tarq's hand to kiss it. "I'll write to you as soon as I can."

Tarq blushes slightly at the gesture. "In your own time."