A twenty-minute walk up the swirling paths to a small hill didn’t tire the two out as Briar expected. Pace steady, they arrived at the top just in time for lunch, according to the sorcerer’s pocket watch. Setting down a blue cloth taken from one of the storage rooms, Briar’s giddy grin never left his face. It was a bright sunny day accompanied by the cool breeze from the sea. Anyone nearby can taste the saltiness of it, but up here on the hill, the wind carried the sweet scent of the wildflowers growing.

“Is this part all right?” He questioned in a loud voice, for Castriel was a few feet away, admiring the view. At the inquiry, the sorcerer hurriedly went to his side, sporting a smile of his own. The basket holding their lunch in his hand.

“Yes, it’s quite fine. Did you bring the umbrella I asked you to hold?”

Briar held up the white umbrella he tucked in between his legs, causing the skirt of the loose dress he wore for the picnic to flutter along with the wind. The sheer white puffy fabric emanates a glow under the sunlight, giving Briar an angelic aura. “Of course! Mustn’t forget. However, I don’t think we will be needing it here. There’s plenty of shade by the trees over there.” Not hearing a response, the young master looked up from his work to stare at the quiet suitor of his. “What’s wrong? You’re quiet all of a sudden.”

Castriel’s face was hidden from his view when the sorcerer answered with a stammer. “Y-yes, I’m fine. I’m just not used to seeing you in a dress, that’s all.”

“Don’t you like it?” Glancing down at the outfit he wore, Briar figured it must have been strange for the man to see another in a garment meant for women. Yet, the fashion lately has been quite accommodating to men like Briar who love to wear dresses and skirts. Even the king himself was wearing a skirt to a party according to some gossip his aunt picked up last time. “I thought you would love to see me in one. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable the whole time.”

Sensing that what he may have said was insulting, the museum curator was instantly in front of Briar, holding him by his arms. His flushed appearance was evident under the sun, obvious for everyone to see who may happen to pass by. Yet right now, his flustered appearance was for Briar’s eyes only. “No, no. Why are you apologizing? I love it. It looks great on you, Briar. Too great, if I have to be honest.”

“So… it doesn’t bother you?”

A reassuring smile was flashed at the young master. “Why would it? If you love to wear dresses, it’s fine by me. Besides, clothes are never meant to be restrictive. It’s just garments at the end of the day.” Stepping back, Castriel rubbed his hands together. “Now, let’s have our lunch. I’m a bit famished really.”

All Briar could do was nod in return, heart singing at the reassurance and compliment he received from the museum curator. Anyone may point out how much of a hopeless romantic he was, but Castriel’s words were enough to placate his worries and for his heart to skip a beat.

Lunch consisted of sandwiches Briar and Castriel made, ranging from containing fruit to special jams the caretaker bought for them. Along with another jug of orange juice freshly squeezed, both ate heartily with a scenic view to pair. After finishing the sandwiches they meticulously prepared, they stretched their bodies and basked under the sun. The sorcerer was quick to pull out the book he brought and began reading. Briar, on the other hand, was already bored of gazing at the flowers.

Sitting up, he glanced at the museum curator immersed in another world and asked. “Castriel, you said earlier that you never got to rest for a long time. Wouldn’t spending an entire month with me affect your business?” It has been boggling his mind earlier and one that may lead him to another discovery of what Castriel’s other intentions are.

“Hm?” Placing his book down, the suitor looked up to smile at Briar. “Before I answer, I assume we’re not doing the three-questions game again?”

Chuckling, Briar nipped a blade of grass and threw it at the teasing sorcerer. “Three questions a day wouldn’t be enough to get to know a person, therefore it’s abolished between us. And if you’re wondering, I won’t mind answering the question you gave me last time.” He giggled, retaliating the tease with his own.

“I shall hold on to that thought, then.” Standing up, the sorcerer’s grin fainted as he then pointed at the sun, causing the young master to squint at it. “The answer to your question is the same reason as why the sun rises and sets every day. Each second is precious, indeed. However, rest is also important in learning more about life and the science behind it. When the sun rises, a new day comes with new discoveries. When the sun sets, those discoveries are put on hold for another day.” Then, gazing back at Briar who sported a mildly confused expression, he smiled softly. “It is as simple as that. Another reason is to spend those thirty days with you, Briar. Days that are as precious to you as it is to me. For that alone, I’m blessed by the stars.”

“O-oh…” Hiding his cheeks that were warm and tinted pink, Briar averted his gaze from his suitor. “I see. That explains it, I guess.” Although he may not admit it aloud, the young master was somehow looking forward to a more heart-stopping reply. To hear such a wholesome response instead made him feel embarrassed.

“Then, will you answer my question last time?”

Eyes wide, Briar was a sputtering mess. Maybe he shouldn’t have teased the sorcerer back as it came back to bite him. “E-eh? Are you being serious? Well…” Transitioning from pink to crimson red, he fiddled with his fingers shyly. “Of course, I haven’t been with any man or anyone for that matter…” Unbeknownst to him, Castriel was eyeing how abashed the young master seemed. The fact that he had been ignoring the sorcerer the first part of their trip and the faraway looks he had were still fresh in the museum curator’s mind.

The rumors of Briar Solentine and a nephilim soldier did reach his ears before the day they were to depart for the countryside. Of how Briar has been searching for a husband, yet couldn’t seem to let go of his love for the nephilim who broke his heart.

“Do you have someone you’re in love with, Briar?”