A/N: Daine/Numair fluff, just for fun. Because they're adorable. Just picture Numair in his full black-robe awesomeness. Irresistible.
Words: 324
Characters: Numair, Daine
Time: Anytime after Realm of the Gods
Genre: Romance
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to Tamora Pierce. Not me.
As he came strolling down the palace hallway, tugging awkwardly at his fancy robes, Numair glared at the passing maids who had stopped to look at him in awe. They all gasped and scurried away at once, blushing furiously. A little bewildered, Numair turned the corner to find Daine dressed in torn breeches, a dirty, old shirt, and no shoes, just muddy toes. Her hair was tangled with sweat and dirt and her cheeks were flushed. She, too, looked up at him with her jaw open, though that might have been out of incredulity rather than awe.
"Wow, Numair. You always do clean up so nice. Those are your black-robe mage robes! You look so – powerful. Horse Lords, I'm stunned every time. In a quite good way, too."
Her gaze traced him up and down, clearly taking in the effect of the long, billowing, black silk robes. Numair was wearing his amber eardrop and, oddly enough, he looked even taller than he usually did. His hair was pulled back neatly. Numair had spent a great deal of time to look so put-together, and Daine obviously knew it; she looked very impressed. Stepping close to him, Daine traced over the embroidery along the side of his cloak with her deft, calloused fingers.
"Jon has asked me to look my best for a diplomacy meeting," Numair muttered irritably, tugging at the collar. "I can't wait to get out of these. I hate them."
Daine only smiled coyly. She tugged on Numair's silky-smooth sleeve as she passed him, bouncing up to press a kiss to his cheek.
"Don't worry. I'll have you out of them in no time if you make it back before my evening ride."
Numair was left with nothing to do but stare after her as she walked towards their shared rooms, a certain sly spring in her step. All of a sudden, he found himself wishing fervently that silly things such as a "diplomacy meetings" were optional.