Kaylin awakens to a beam of sunlight filtering softly through the window, its light bouncing off the fresh blanket of snow that had quietly settled over the estate during the night. The room is bathed in a gentle, silvery glow, the world outside hushed by the snowfall. For a moment, they simply lie there, cocooned in warmth, their body nestled into the soft, downy comfort of the nest-like bed.

They tug the thick blankets closer, feeling the bite of the cold air in the room, evidence of the fire having dwindled sometime in the early hours. But the chill is more a distant reminder of the world beyond, while here, within the quiet intimacy of the room, Kaylin feels a deep sense of peace. They haven’t felt this safe, this content, in longer than they can remember.

The room is still, the only sounds the soft creak of the house settling and the distant, faint rustle of movement in the estate beyond their door. But for now, Kaylin remains in their private world, savoring the moment, knowing Brycen is just a room away, and they are welcome- wanted- here.

A smile tugs at the corner of their lips as they snuggle deeper into the bed, letting themselves linger in this feeling of belonging.  After basking in the comfort of the bed for another hour- not sleeping, just enjoying the peace and the lack of anything urgent needing them- they finally get up and head to the water closet attached to the room then to the bath. They don't have indoor plumbing in Greystone, and they enjoy the ease of filling the tub with hot water and soaking in it until their fingers grow wrinkled. They dress in another of the dresses that Vincent had provided them the day before, this one a beautiful deep green and with silver embellishments, and they sit at the vanity. They drink their elixir to mask their omega pheromones and apply makeup to their eyes, then put their face mask on. 

Even after all of that, it's still early in the morning, but they peek into Brycen's room. They smile behind their mask at seeing his sleeping form and quietly shut the door. It's good to see him resting. They head down to the music room Brycen had showed them the prior day and find their way to the piano showcased in the middle of the room.

Kaylin settles at the grand piano, running their fingers lightly over the polished keys. The instrument feels cool beneath their fingertips, smooth and untouched, like something waiting to be awakened. Though it hasn’t been played in years, it’s clear the estate staff takes great care of it- the surface dust-free, the wood gleaming in the morning light that spills through the tall windows.

For a moment, Kaylin just sits there, letting the quiet of the room surround them. The sunlight filters in softly, casting long shadows across the floor, and the scent of polished wood lingers faintly in the air. There’s something almost sacred about the silence of the space, as if it’s waiting for the first notes to break through.

Taking a deep breath, they press a key, the sound ringing out with a rich, resonant tone that vibrates through the stillness. It echoes in the room, not too loud but enough to make their heart flutter. Good, somebody keeps it tuned. They press another key, then another, their fingers moving instinctively over the keys as they test the piano’s voice. It’s warm, mellow, the perfect complement to the stillness of the morning.

Kaylin begins to play, their touch light at first, a soft melody weaving its way through the air. It’s a song they remember from their childhood, one their grandmother had hummed to them when they were small, and the notes seem to come from somewhere deep inside, flowing from their fingers effortlessly. As they play, the world outside seems to fade, the music wrapping around them like a gentle embrace.

They close their eyes, losing themselves in the melody, each note carrying them further away from the worries that have clung to them for so long. Here, in this moment, there are no secrets- just the music, and the quiet warmth of this place that is slowly beginning to feel like home.

The melody shifts, transitioning from the soft, nostalgic lullaby into something livelier, filled with the energy of a distant memory. Kaylin’s fingers dance across the keys with more confidence now, the tune lifting into a bright, playful rhythm. It’s the same song they used to play with their papa, back when the days were simpler, when the two of them would fill their small apartment in the city with music- Kaylin at the piano and their papa with the violin.

They can almost hear it now, the sweet sound of the violin harmonizing with the lively piano notes, their father’s smile as he moved with the music. The memory is vivid- so real it feels like they’re back in that moment, the fire crackling in the fireplace, the scent of bread fresh from the oven, and the warmth of shared laughter between each crescendo and trill.

The rhythm picks up, filling the room with a joyous sound, and Kaylin’s heart lifts with it. They haven’t played this piece in years, not since they moved from their childhood home, but the music is still in their bones, like muscle memory that never fades. Their fingers glide effortlessly over the keys, bringing the melody to life as if it has been waiting all this time to be heard again.

For a few moments, the grand, elegant music room of Brycen’s estate feels like their old apartment. Kaylin can almost picture their papa there with them, standing by the piano with his violin in hand, eyes gleaming with pride and love. The thought brings both warmth and an ache to their chest, but they lean into it, letting the music carry them through the bittersweet nostalgia.

The lively tune crescendos and then slows, winding down into softer, more delicate notes. Kaylin’s hands linger on the keys as the last note fades, leaving a gentle silence in its wake. They sit there for a moment, their heart still racing with the joy of the memory, their breath steadying as the room falls back into stillness.

A round of applause fills the room, pulling Kaylin abruptly from their reverie. Their head shoots up, eyes wide in surprise, and they see Brycen standing in the doorway, looking tousled from sleep but smiling warmly. A few of the household staff linger behind him, clapping with genuine admiration, their faces alight with appreciation.

"Oh, you play so well, my lady," one of the servants exclaims, hands clasped together as if in awe.

Kaylin feels a rush of warmth bloom in their chest, though they can’t help the small flush of embarrassment that colors their cheeks beneath the mask. “I- thank you,” they murmur, their voice soft.

Brycen steps into the room, his smile widening. "You didn’t tell me you could play like that," he says, his voice still rough with sleep. "That was beautiful."

Kaylin glances down at the keys, trying to suppress the grin tugging at their lips. "It’s been a long time since I’ve played," they admit, fingers lightly tracing the edge of the piano. "I didn’t think anyone would be listening."

Brycen chuckles, moving closer, his eyes bright with affection. "I think the entire house could hear it," he teases, "but I don’t think anyone would mind waking up to that kind of music."

The servants murmur in agreement, nodding enthusiastically. Kaylin feels the tension in their shoulders ease, the embarassment from earlier melting away in the warmth of Brycen’s presence and the quiet praise from the staff.

“Well,” Kaylin says, offering a shy smile behind the mask, “I suppose I’ll have to get used to playing for an audience again.”

Brycen reaches out, gently taking their hand and squeezing it. “I’d like that,” he says softly, his thumb brushing over their knuckles. “Anytime you want to play, you have an eager listener right here.”

Kaylin looks up at him, their heart swelling with affection, and for a moment, it feels like everything is exactly where it’s supposed to be. The music, the warmth, the quiet joy of the moment- it’s more than they could have hoped for.

"If you give me a few minutes to become a person," Brycen says with an earnest smile, rubbing his eyes and running a hand through his tousled hair, "we can have breakfast together." His grin softens as he adds, "Feel free to continue playing in the meantime."

Kaylin nods, feeling a flicker of warmth from his words. As Brycen leaves the room to ready himself, Kaylin's fingers return to the piano keys, finding a familiar melody. It’s an old classical ballad, one about the god of love and his mortal lover- a song filled with longing and devotion. Somehow, thinking of Brycen, it feels like the perfect choice.

As their fingers glide over the keys, Kaylin’s thoughts drift. The music flows effortlessly, each note carrying the weight of emotions they’ve struggled to express- love, vulnerability, hope. The story of the ballad echoes in their heart: a god who gave up his immortality for love, and a mortal who learned what it meant to be truly seen. It feels... fitting. More than that, it feels like a reflection of everything unsaid between them, like the music is speaking in ways they themselves cannot.

And as they play, Kaylin can’t help but wonder- haven’t they, too, been hiding behind walls, behind masks? But with Brycen, it felt different. It feels like they are slowly learning to shed the armor, note by note, heart by heart.

As promised, Brycen returns shortly after Kaylin finishes playing, and they close the lid of the piano gently. Brycen leads them to the dining hall where the servants are bringing out food for breakfast. 

"Isabella," Brycen stops one of the servants, "Kaylin and I are going to the gardens later. Can you pack us something to eat while we're out?"

 "Of course, my lord." She turns to Kaylin. "Do you have any sensitivities or dislikes of anything? Or is there anything that you are particularly fond of?" 

Kaylin's heart warms at the consideration. "I'm not sensitive to anything. I'm fond of fruit of any sort. And fresh bread."

Isabella smiles warmly at Kaylin's response. "I have a perfect idea, then. I'll make sure it's packed with care," she says, before turning to continue her duties.

Brycen leads Kaylin to their seats at the dining table, where an assortment of breakfast foods is already being laid out. There’s an abundance of fresh fruits, warm pastries, scrambled eggs, and slices of cheese, all beautifully arranged on silver platters. The rich smell of freshly baked bread fills the air, and Kaylin can’t help but smile.

Brycen pours them both cups of tea, the steam curling up in delicate tendrils between them. "I didn’t know you could play the piano so beautifully," he says, his voice low and warm as they settle into their meal.

Kaylin shrugs modestly, their gaze dropping to the plate. "I don’t get the chance to play often anymore," they admit softly. "We had to sell our piano when we moved.  But when I saw your gorgeous piano, I couldn’t resist. It brought back memories of my papa. We used to play together.  He taught me how to play piano, violin, and even the flute."

Brycen’s expression softens. "I’m glad you played," he says, taking a sip of his tea. "It was beautiful. You have a gift, Kay."

Kaylin blushes slightly behind their mask, grateful for the compliment but also feeling the quiet intimacy that has already settled between them.

They eat in comfortable silence for a while, the clinking of silverware and the crackle of the fire the only sounds in the room. Every now and then, Brycen would glance at Kaylin with a smile, as if just enjoying the simple act of being together like this.

After a while, Brycen sets his cup down and leans back in his chair. "You know, I’ve never really had someone to enjoy this estate with. It’s always felt... too big. Too empty. But having you here... it doesn’t feel like that anymore."

Kaylin looks at him, their heart fluttering at the honesty in his voice. "I’m glad I’m here too," they reply softly, their eyes warm with affection.

The moment lingers between them, the world outside seeming far away. Kaylin can’t remember the last time they felt so... content, like they truly belonged somewhere. Like they could just be without hiding.

They finish their breakfast without rushing, and the servants take away their dishes.  Kaylin isn't used to having people wait on them, it makes them vaguely uncomfortable.

"Ready for the gardens?" Brycen asks, breaking them from their thoughts, a playful glint in his eyes as he stands up, offering his hand to Kaylin.

Kaylin smiles, taking his hand. "I’m ready."