85 What lies below (2/2)

Orion's cheeks flushed a faint pink, ”Well there were more... but I was stressed and... well they're my favorite...” He made his way over to the oven as the time's dial neared zero. He turned it off and put on pink and teal matching oven mitts also decorated with cupcakes.

Raven and Russ sent each other amused looks. They had only been staying with Orion in his small cottage since their first visit with Shelly and Rin but seeing this side of the gentle giant was still surprising and very amusing to both Russ and Raven. The smell of yet another promising delicious treat felled the air. ”Oh, man! What do ya got there?” Raven asked leaning around Orion's large elbow as Russ did the same on his other side.

”Alright, back up already...” Orion said as he set the cake on top of the stove to cool. He pulled off the mitts and turned off the stove. As he worked the ties of the apron he muttered. ”Can't help if I like to bake when I'm stressed... What's wrong with a man who likes to bake anyways...” He continued to grumble as he folded the apron and placed it in the small cabinet over the stove hood. When he turned back toward them, they were back to stuffing their faces and paying him no mind. He shook his head. ”Next time just leave a message on the fridge or something you two... Especially if crazy shit is going on...”

Russ arched his brows, ”What do you mean next time? You say that like we're all going to be together a while.”

Orion shrugged, ”Well I figured you would need a guard once you return to your homelands and the palace...” He ran his hands through his short hair. ”It's already been approved through the council... I guess I could still get it changed if you have some other plans once your back...”

Russ tried to hide his surprise as he turned back to the sweets, ”Well I mean I'm definitely not saying 'no' now that I found out you could cook.” He hadn't wanted to admit it but the man had begun to grow on him.

”Well if you're done being mad, I say we pack these bad boys into the car and take them down to the bar. I bet I could sell the shit outta these in no time!” She stuffed another cookie into her mouth. ”Besides, I need to make sure Liam has everything he'll need to take over things there.”

Russ grabbed several different treats and set them on a tray. ”Do what you want with the rest, but these are mine!” He paused, his fingers twitched as he moved his hand back and forth over several different pies before he finally picked a chocolate and coconut one. ”And this, too!” He said grabbing the pie and placing it with the tray on a tiny empty space on the table in the corner of the kitchen.

Raven laughed, ”Not even your metabolism is going to be able to burn off all that!” She pulled open three drawers before finally finding the foil to wrap the foods in.

Russ shrugged, ”Don't care... totally worth it!” He grumbled around another mouthful.

Orion shook his head, ”Children... the both of you...” The faint vibration of a call caught his attention. He retrieved his phone from his back pocket as he walked out of the room. ”Hey, what's up?”

[I thought I'd let you know, it's going to be another day or so before we make it there.] Arei said over the loud noise in the background.

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Orion looked over his should, Russ wasn't paying him a bit of attention. Instead, he and Raven were bickering over another cake. He still lowered his voice and continued walking toward the front door. ”Why? What's up? Is something wrong?” He asked worry weighing heavy in his voice. ”Is Jos alright?”

[She's fine. She's been a bit worried about confronting the boy so... I've been distracting her with some sightseeing.]

”Oh ok...” Orion sighed as he closed the door behind him. ”Are you sure it's a good idea... the two of you spending so much time together, that is.” He glanced over at the close window of the tiny house. ”Don't get me wrong I wouldn't be opposed to the two of you together... I just think it best to let them talk first...”

[Don't worry, Ry. I want what's best for her too. I'm not trying to sway her either way. I just... I...] His words trailed off.

”Want her to yourself a little longer?” Orion asked.

Arei sighed. [Sometimes being a twin can be quite bothersome, but as always, your... not wrong...] A soft voice sounded near the table. ”Please, yes... she'll be back in a few minutes.” Arei directed the server before returning to the call. [Don't worry, she's safe with me. I'll not do anything to risk her running out of our lives again. If I can't be more than just a friend with a history then that's fine... for now...]

”If that's what you're telling yourself.” Orion huffed. ”Stay safe... keep her safe,” Orion ordered as he hung up the phone. He flopped down into the hanging swing bench. ”What a mess...”