baby blue sedan

Deteste watched quietly as Aria departed. His lips pursed and his front teeth caught on them. The small movements of anxiety. He had not thought much about the separation so that Laxago's disappearance would not drive him insane. He watched in the direction that Aria had parted many minutes after she was out of sight. He could hear Jupiter's movements and as he fought to control his thoughts and emotions he felt hypersensitive of his awareness. This was an attribute that had helped him as a killer for hire. A sensitivity to absolutely everything. He could hear and feel every minute movement in Jupiter's pacing. Beyond that the gentle shift of her swollen belly. Beyond that the earth bellowing gently with every step made by the Sol.


So you're not hiding her? The sol spoke. It was only then that Deteste turned to look at Jupiter. Regardless of her nervous pacing, and the disappointment he could not clearly decipher in her speech, her crown of cream reminded him of the Ludicael and the value the pack had claimed in his heart.
Every member had shown him kindness. There was more in the world for Deteste now. More than Laxago and his bloody history. He looked up the Sol once more. His affect now calm. He would wait until she had finished speaking all her thoughts before addressing the forming misunderstanding between them. Laxago had instilled years of patience in Deteste and he would apply them here with Jupiter. A woman who had lived only half his total years and yet had stumbled upon so much responsibility. He understood the specks of immaturity in Jupiter, so few as they were. And he loved her more for it. In a year, in two, or sooner she would become a powerful but kind leader. But also a mother and independent woman. He had never seen such depth and such beauty before and his only desire now was to preserve it.


He breathed deeply before addressing Jupiter and took a moment to closely observe her. This was an intimate moment. Deteste had not before seen the Sol as emotionally vulnerable as she was now. Their interactions had been, for the most part, so formal. With the flutter of her lids she looked even smaller. He had revered Jupiter almost as an immaculate being but here they were. Her trust surprised him greatly. He still considered himself a stranger to the Sol and to the Ludicael. She knew nothing of his past and very little of his personal faults yet she was investing such important things in his discretion. He breathed again and smiled kindly, but tiredly at the Sol. She left, Jupiter. Without consulting me. I have tried to trace her within the confines of the Ludicael but she left many false trails and I.... I have duties here. I was not exactly hiding her, but the den I kept her in is out of the way and difficult to find and discern. I only wished for her to have the isolation she desired. It will be a safe place for your children. I will lead you to it and expand it for your needs. He swallowed dryly, unsure how to answer the second question honestly for he was unsure about his own emotions. I will be okay. he spoke, his voice smaller than he intended, I thank you.... for the trust you have in me. I am here to serve you, Sol. I will not falter.