Kirian was pacing again. He had come back to the room after the mission to find it had been restored to its annoyingly calm glory. New books had shown up of every variety, but he never bothered to read further than their titles.

They had come back late yesterday, and it had been easy enough to coax himself into sleep but today was dragging longer and longer. His mind was moving just as fast as his legs.

He stopped in front of the mirror for a moment to readjust his hair for the umpteenth time. He was wearing the sweatpants set again, as no one had given him new clothes. Tobias was likely coming to escort him in another few minutes.

Despite his anger, Kirian couldn't help but feel a little excited at the prospect of dinner with the mysterious man and his even more mysterious wife.

He had seen the band on Sebastian's finger before but he'd never thought to ask about the man's partner. Kirian was fairly sure that Sebastian was older than him, but no more than five, maybe ten years. It was hard to tell as the man held himself like an experienced leader. He really couldn't be older than 30.

And a wife. Kirian wondered what she looked like. If she brought out a warmer, softer side of Sebastian. If she was a dutiful housewife or a leader in her own right.

If Sebastian loved her.

Kirian found the whole situation... interesting. Before he could dwell on it any longer, the door was opening. Kirian stopped mid stride and stood up straight.

Tobias turned on his heel in silence and walked out of the room. Kirian trailed behind as they made their way into the elevator. Clearly the older man had not warmed up to him. Tobias pressed the button for the 35th floor and Kirian mentally catalogued it.

He shifted from foot to foot in an itchy anticipation. Tobias stared straight ahead and when the door opened, walked them directly into a grand dining room.

A dark, lacquered wooden table stretched towards the wall of windows. An antique looking chandelier lit the room from above with dozens of candescent bulbs. The chairs were a similar dark wood with plush velvet seats and ornate, carved armrests. The wallpaper was a dark green. Patterns of grass, leaves, and similar foliage overlapped. The room had an almost gothic air. It was all so different from the rest of the building, and Kirian found he liked it very much.

At the head of the table sat an almost regal Sebastian. He wore a plain white button down but the sleeves were rolled up and the top two buttons undone. Backlit by the setting sun, he looked like a work of art. Long shadows painted under his jaw and in the dip of his collarbone. Little fragments of light shining through the very top of his curls.

Kirian averted his gaze to the woman at his right hand. A bitter taste filled his mouth as he took in her features. She wore a simple, comfortable black dress that contrasted her pale skin. She had dark auburn hair that fell down her back in thick waves. Her eyes were a deep, emerald green. Her face was delicate and pointy, like something out of a fairy tale.

They both turned to him as he walked towards the chair at Sebastian's left side. Tobias whispered something in Sebastian's ear and walks back into the elevator, leaving Kirian with the pair.

Sebastian started, "Kirian, meet my wife, Sarah Radashawn."

The woman gracefully put out her hand from across the table and Kirian shook it. She gave him a warm smile and said in a light, lilting voice, "It's very nice to meet you."

Kirian smiled back, "The pleasure is all mine."

She laughed an aggravatingly perfect laugh and said to her husband, "He's quite the charmer. Where did you find him?"

"He was slitting the necks of some of my men," Sebastian replied. Sarah barely reacted, as if this was normal dinner conversation.

"Well I'm not so good at first impressions myself," She said.

They all laughed and Sebastian said, "His second and third impression weren't much better but I've always been a forgiving man."

Sarah laughed again, laying a hand on Sebastian's arm affectionately.

"Why are you and what have you done to my husband? " She joked.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Kirian asked in a casual tone, "So, how did you two lovebirds meet?"

"Oh, we've known each other for years. Our parents had a meeting when we were preteens and we became friends. It grew into more overtime and we decided to get engaged three years ago. We had a lovely wedding that spring," Sarah said, beaming at her husband.

As she spoke, Sebastian shifted his arm slightly, almost imperceptibly, and Sarah's hand slipped off of it. Kirian caught it with his keen eyes but chose to say nothing.

Sebastian smiled back at her and replied, "A very lovely wedding. Our anniversary is in two months."

"Your parents had a meeting?" Kirian asked.

"Ah yes, my parents lead the Ophid Conglomerate, " Sarah answered.

Kirian just blinked.

"Kirian is... new to the city," Sebastian explained. Sarah's eyebrow twitched, but her serene smile never wavered.

"A true power couple, how romantic, " Kirian cooed. 

He mulled over the information as the conversation continued.

They had a nice dinner of steak and roasted potatoes, all seasoned and cooked to perfection by the staff. They talked about light topics. No one mentioned the circumstances of Kirian's captivity.

"You must have dinner again with us sometime, " Sarah said finally, pushing her dessert plate away lightly. The staff took the cue, and cleared the table around them.

"I would love to," Kirian replied politely and shook her hand once more. The sun has gone down and his belly was full.

Sebastian rose as well, and gestured for Kirian to follow him to the elevator. Kirian sent Sarah a final smile before following. They stood in the elevator in comfortable silence.

Once back at Kirian's room, Sebastian finally spoke.

"I hope you enjoyed dinner."

"I did. Sarah is lovely, " Kirian replied.

"She is," Sebastian said with perfect politeness.

"Well, thank you for walking me to my room, " Kirian sighed.

Sebastian looked down at him with a calculating gaze and suddenly the air feels thick with... something. Tension, maybe? He spoke in his even, low voice.

 "It was no problem, assassin."

"You know you can just call me Kirian."

"I could," Sebastian murmured, tilting his head slightly, "Have a good night." 

And just like that his posture straightened impossibly and his expression was stony once more.

Kirian walked into his room, he jumped a little when the door locked. He resisted the urge to yank at the doorknob and took an even breath instead. This night had given him a lot to think about, but it had also exhausted him. Playing dinner guest was especially taxing when he felt so much like a feral captive. Which made sense, he supposed, because he was a feral captive

Kirian slipped into his bed and let his thoughts run free in his head until sleep finally took him a couple hours later.