Page 60 of Honeythorn
When it was done, when the echoes of Raphael’s voice inside Milan were starting to settle, Raphael closed the book gently, avoiding Milan’s eyes.
If only Milan had met him years ago, before Jack. If only…
Milan got out of his chair, moving slowly towards Raphael, who was looking at him now. When he reached him, he took hold of Raphael’s hand gently and lifted it up to his lips as Raphael had done a few days ago. Milan felt the tremor that went through Raphael.
“Thank you for sharing that with me,” Milan whispered against his knuckles, for he knew what Raphael had expected—or what had happened in the past.
Mockery. Contempt.
Raphael closed his eyes, and Milan took pity.
“Should we take a walk?”
“All right.”
It was not long ago that the clasp of their hands meant nothing but necessity. Now, as they walked together in the open air, Milan felt it was so much more.
“I was thinking,” Milan started, “why don’t you have any dogs? With how much you like animals, and how fit this estate is to have a couple, I would have thought you’d have some.”
Raphael hummed pensively. “Yes. You’re right. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before.”
Milan did. “Well, that’s why I’m here, Husband. To make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
Raphael smiled down at him. “I guess that’s why I’ve been feeling so well lately.”
Milan smiled back. “And so it should be.”
They didn’t end their walk until the sun was falling, filling the sky with dusk.
**********
As promised, Raphael inquired about an apprenticeship for Milan in the village and informed him that he had gotten an interview, making Milan unbearably giddy for two days. He rode Saturnus into town, following the address he had written on a piece of paper. With a little help from the locals, he managed to make it to the mechanic’s just in time.
Milan was met with a broad, sturdy Omega with a mop of blonde hair on her head.
“Hello. You must be Lord Ledford,” she greeted.
“Milan, please.”
“Call me Bethany then,” she said, motioning for Milan to follow her into her workshop, a rather large space filled with all sorts of metal pieces and machines. The air was thick and humid with steam, but Milan didn’t mind the warmth.
Bethany looked at Milan. “Your husband tells me you’re interested in an apprenticeship. Have you any practical experience?”
“Yes, very interested. And no—no experience besides reading books.”
Bethany grunted, sounding a little sceptical, but said, “Well. Better than nothing.”
“I assure you, I’m a quick learner.”
“We’ll see.”
They stepped further into the workshop, and Milan looked around. It truly was a wonder. Curiosity overcame his manners, and he ran his fingers over different pieces in awe.
“Oh! This is a crawler leg,” Milan said.
“Yes. I’m trying to make it so it doesn’t ruin the roads so much.”
“Yes, I can see the added suspension in the knee. Perhaps the foot should be changed too, into less of a claw.”
