He flopped his head back against the couch and tried to adjust his position into a more comfortable one. If he were honest with himself, the pain in his foot was almost unbearable and he was worried about how long it would take before he was up and about again. While he knew that Cassian and Azriel could easily handle the business, he hated being away. He took pride in that business, how well he had managed things after his father's death, and he felt neglectful when he wasn't at the helm. That, and he couldn't quite imagine what he was going to do with himself for six weeks. Rhys was not a man who liked to sit still; This was likely going to drive him mad.
A noise at the door had him looking up just as Morrigan swept through into the living room. She always liked to make an entrance, even if there wasn't anyone there to see it.
"You look like shit," she proclaimed, giving Rhys a pointed glare. "And I'd like to know why Azriel called me and not you."
His violet eyes were tired as he answered. "Because he's just as much of a worrying ninny as you are. I knew he would call, so I didn't."
She tisked but decided to ignore the barb. "What can I get you?"
His cousin stood tall in the middle of his living room, surveying him with a sweep of her brown eyes. She was fierce in most everything she did and Rhys guessed that taking care of him was no exception. They'd stood by each other for as long as he could remember. He was grateful she was here now.
He propped himself up more, trying to rise from the couch. "Really, I want to take a hot shower. Then, I'd love something to eat."
Her eyes flashed to his boot, then back up to his face. "I can't help you much with the shower part. Unless you're feeling desperate," she grinned. Rhys gave her a small glare. "I'll see about finding a stool or something we can put in the shower, just in case. While you wash, I'll find something to feed you."
Rhys hesitated, "You're going to cook?"
"Cauldron, no." She scoffed. "I'll order take out."
Rhys let out a breath at that, happy to hear she wasn't going to put too much effort into taking care of him. The last time Mor had tried to cook, no less than three fire departments had shown up to his father's house. Needless to say, she'd been banned from the kitchen ever since. Despite his pain, eating her cooking might just be worse.
"I can manage a shower," he said, hobbling to his feet. "At least I can take the boot off and not have to worry about getting a cast wet."
Mor grabbed the crutches and handed them to Rhys, watching to make sure he was able to get around okay. "Really, Az and Cass should be here to help you. If you fall down, there's no way I'm getting you up off the floor."
Rhys grunted his consent. "Except Az is keeping Cassian out of my hair so I can relax. Really, even if I fall down it'll be much more pleasant to roll around on the floor than listen to Cassian's babbling."
A peel of laughter came from the blond, and Rhys found himself grinning too. Having his cousin around lightened up most any space, and this night had needed her spirit. She wasn't around as often as he would like lately, so he was happy for her presence now.
"If you can get yourself into the bathroom, I'll start calling for dinner. Anything else you think you might need? I can pop over to the store, too, if you'd like."
"Actually, I need to pick up a prescription, if you don't mind. I didn't have the energy to get it on my way home."
Mor nodded. "No problem. I'll grab the food while I'm out, too. The last time we called for delivery it got sent to the wrong apartment."
Rhys chuckled. "Hate it when that happens." The memory of the last botched delivery had him smiling to himself.
Breaking his thought, Mor breezed over and kissed Rhys on the cheek. "I'll wait until you're in the bathroom before I go. Just in case you do fall down."
Her cousin did not deign a reply. Instead, he marched his way down toward the bathroom. Carefully, Rhys maneuvered himself so he was sitting on the toilet cover. From here, he could take off his clothing without the risk of tumbling and without the pressure on his foot. He knew he wouldn't be able to stand for long in the shower - his foot hurt too damn much - but it would be enough to make him feel a little less grimy.
"You all set in there?" Mor's voice floated through the door.
"Yeah, I'm good. You can go."
He heard her goodbye a moment before the door to the apartment closed with a solid thud.
Feyre had forgotten the milk.
All that time spent traipsing around the city and lugging groceries, and she forgot one of the essentials. She was just a little cranky about it. She couldn't wait until morning, either, because she preferred milk in her tea and it wouldn't do to go without in the morning. Tea was essential. Which meant she was now going out to the store again.
She threw the strap of her purse over her shoulder and left the apartment, turning to lock the door behind her. A noise from the apartment across from her made Feyre glance up, hoping to catch sight of her handsome neighbor again - Rhys? Is that was Cassian and Azriel had called him? - but her eyes were met with a woman.
Not what she was expecting.
The blond was gorgeous. Her floral sundress floated about her like she was in water, and she radiated light. Instantly, Feyre felt a strange sinking in her stomach.
The blond's eyes met with hers, surprise shaping her features. "Oh, hullo!" Her voice was even pretty, too, Feyre lamented.
"Hey."
"I've never seen you around here before. Are you new?"
Feyre nodded, "I moved in just yesterday."
The blond grinned, "have you met the boys yet?" There was mischief in her eyes as she asked.
"You mean the big brute, the cocky one, or the gentleman?" Feyre shrugged as the other woman tipped her head back and laughed loudly. It was a musical sound, and despite herself, Feyre liked it.
"Oh, I like you already." The blond grinned, sticking out her hand to Feyre. "I'm Morrigan, but you can call me Mor."
"Feyre." She shook hands and smiled at Mor. "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise. It will be nice to have another female around here. All that testosterone can be a little much. And boys can be so needy!" A sigh sounded from Mor's lips. "Especially now that Rhys is laid up, I'm sure he'll be insufferable."
"Rhys is laid up?"
Slowly, the two girls started toward the stairs, talking as they went. "Yes. He broke his foot at work today - nasty business, construction - and he'll be hobbled for quite a while, I suspect. I've stopped by to take care of him."
The curiosity was getting to be too much. Feyre had to ask. "Have you been dating a long time, then?"
A giggle erupted out of Mor. "Oh, you're too much." She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned to face Feyre. "Got eyes for Rhys, do you?"
A deep crimson flush stained Feyre's cheeks and painted the tips of her ears. She felt like quite an idiot at this point and wished there was a hole she could crawl into. "I...um…"
Morrigan placed a gentle hand on Feyre's arm, "I'm Rhys's cousin, and while I love all of my boys deeply, they're my brothers, really." She smiled when Feyre's eyes met her own. "I'm sorry for teasing you - but really! That blush!"
Feyre managed a weak chuckle. "I'm glad you find my embarrassment cute."
Mor looped her arm through Feyre's and lead the girl out through the front door. "Don't worry, if you spend any time at all with those boys I'm sure you'll hear equally embarrassing things about me, too."
Feyre quirked an eyebrow. "I doubt that."
Mor just shrugged. "Where are you headed, Feyre?"
"I forgot to get milk while I was out today, so I was going to head back to the store."
"I'm off to grab a prescription for Rhys and pick us up some takeout, would you like to join us for dinner?"
Feyre's eyes widened a little. "Oh, I couldn't possibly intrude."
"Yes, yes you can." Mor squeezed the arm she was holding on. "Honestly, it has been so long since any of the boys have had a lady in their lives. I'm in desperate need of girl time. Since I have to wait on Rhys tonight, he doesn't get a say in the company I choose."
Feyre hoped her blush wasn't showing again. The invitation sounded lovely, and she was really hoping to see Rhys again, too. "If you're sure…"
"Yes!" Mor beamed. "What kind of take-out do you like?"
Feyre smiled a little. "Actually, I owe Rhys Mexican, so…"
"Oh, do tell!" The sparkle in Mor's brown eyes made Feyre laugh a little.
"It's nothing, really. My Thai food was delivered to their apartment last night and Rhys brought it over to me. He'd paid for it, too, and wouldn't let me pay him back. He said I could get food the next time. Then, this morning, there was a note under my door saying he preferred Mexican."
When Feyre finished her story, Mor made an interesting noise, her grin stretching even farther. "I see."
Again, the blush returned.
"Well, my dear Feyre, Mexican it is. There's a small store next to the pharmacy where you can get milk, and we can grab the food on our way back." Mor took out her phone and dialed the number to the Mexican restaurant that Rhys liked to frequent. She rattled off an order, making sure to get enough for all three of them. When that was done, she put her phone away and looped her arm back through Feyre's. "Tell me something about yourself," she prompted.
"Um…" Feyre hesitated, not quite knowing what to say. "Well, I just moved to the city, as I said. I went to University here, but I had been living with my sisters in Dover while I went to school."
"What did you study?" Mor's questions were eager.
"Psychology. I've just got a job working as a counselor at the health clinic in the city. I start work next week."
"That sounds fascinating! What work will you do there? Is it a private practice?" Feyre nearly laughed at the enthusiasm on Mor's face.
"No, it's not private. Mostly, I'll see patients who have court-ordered therapy. Someday I hope to open my own practice, but this will be a great experience."
Mor sighed. "I started to go to University. I wanted to study law - protecting truth and justice, you know - but my father insisted I stay home to take care of the family business." Feyre wasn't quite sure how to reply to that. But Mor kept talking, anyway, saving Feyre from having to say anything. "I didn't, of course, so he stopped paying my tuition. He's a nasty piece of work, my father. I've been working as a secretary for Seren Construction, Rhys's company, so I can save up enough money to go back. Rhys offered to pay the costs, but I couldn't do that to him. So...I'll just have to wait, I suppose." She realized she'd been babbling and stopped to grin at Feyre.
They'd reached the pharmacy, so Mor slipped inside to get Rhys's prescription while Feyre went across the street to get her milk.
When the joined up again, the questions started anew. "So, Feyre, boyfriend? Girlfriend?"
Feyre smirked as she asked, "Are you hitting on me, Mor?"
The light danced in Mor's eyes as she gave Feyre a devious look. "Why? Is it working?"
Laughter spilled from Feyre's mouth. "You are beautiful, but no. It's not." She laughed again as Mor pouted. "No, I'm single, at the moment. There was a boy at Uni, Isaac, but that wasn't really that serious. I think he was just up for a good time, and I was so focused on my studies that I didn't really care."
Mor grinned. "You never did tell me if it was Rhys you had your eyes on."
For what seemed the millionth time that night, Feyre blushed. "Who says I have my eyes on any of them?"
"Oh, honey, that look on your face when you saw me outside the apartment spoke volumes! Your hopes were dashed when you thought I might be a girlfriend. It'll be best if you just confess now."
Feyre bit her lip, musing over her answer. "I don't think I will. Not until you at least give me some dirt on 'your boys', as you call them."
The blond smirked and didn't answer, but instead ducked inside the Mexican restaurant to pick up their order. When she emerged again, she looped her arm through Feyre's and they started the walk back to the apartment. "You basically nailed their descriptions earlier. Cassian is the brute, but he's harmless, really. Just don't get him drunk and challenge him to a duel." Feyre gave her a questioning look but said nothing. "Azriel is quite a gentleman, most of the time, and he's the only one of the bunch I'd trust a secret to. And Rhys, well, he is quite full of himself. But he's smart and determined. When he sets his sights on something, nothing will stop him from getting it." She gave Feyre a pointed look.
Feyre's only response was a soft hum.
"They've been best friends - brothers, really - since they were small children. All three of them have been through quite a lot," Morrigan glanced at her companion, "stories they'll have to tell you themselves, if they wish." She smiled, "But they're really wonderful men. You couldn't ask for better neighbors."
Both girls quieted as they neared the apartment building. Feyre was feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the newness in her life - new apartment, new job, new neighbors, and what seemed like a new friend - and Mor was content to enjoy the evening.
As they ascended the stairs, Feyre asked, "Are you sure Rhys won't mind?"
Mor waved a hand in the air and made a dismissive noise. "He'll be delighted. I promise."
Feyre was still a little reluctant, but she would be lying if she said she wasn't curious. There was no denying he was handsome, and since they were going to be neighbors she might as well be neighborly. Plus, she owed him dinner. She dropped her milk off in her own apartment before joining Mor across the hall.
The blond opened the door with a flourish and called out into the apartment, "Rhys, darling, you've got company."
The sound of crutches could be heard down the hallway, and a moment later Rhys's voice echoed, "I would hardly call you company, cuz." Soon after, he appeared with his crutches, and much to her blushing dismay, Feyre noticed he was shirtless. Gloriously shirtless. Inky black tattoos coiled around his biceps, over his chest, and down his rib cage. It was an effort for Feyre to keep her mouth from dropping to the floor.
Not seeming to notice her blush, Rhys paused, and the only sign of surprise on his face was a quick widening of the eyes. "Hi."
Feyre waved, feeling incredibly lame as soon as she did so. "Hi. Sorry to barge in on you…"
Morrigan cut her off, "Nonsense, Rhys is delighted you're here. Aren't you, cuz?" She drawled.
With a preternatural grace, even on crutches, Rhys made his way into the living room and sat on the couch, gesturing for his guest to sit. "Happy to have the company…?" He looked at her expectantly.
"Oh, uh, Feyre." She stuttered, not quite sure what to do. She needed to think of something quickly, though, or she would definitely start drooling over his state of undress. Spotting the bags of food hanging in Mor's arms, she rushed to get them. "I, uh, brought you dinner."
At that, Rhys visibly brightened. "Mexican?" He asked hopefully.
Feyre smiled, "That's what the note said."
Mor looked between the two, a sly smile on her face. She flitted around the kitchen, grabbing plates, napkins, and utensils, calling over her shoulder, "I caught Feyre out in the hallway and she told me how you coerced her into dinner." She grinned at Rhys as she entered the living room, "probably the lamest pickup attempt ever."
Rhys groaned, a slight flush to his skin that Feyre was still trying not to stare at. "You're insufferable," he mumbled.
Mor flipped a tortilla chip in his direction. "I'm nothing of the sort. I'm taking care of you, so you best be grateful."
Rhys sent a violet glare in her direction but shifted his body to face Feyre a little more. "Feyre, you said?"
She nodded, chewing slowly on her enchilada. "Rhysand?"
He grimaced a bit, "Call me Rhys, please. No one calls me Rhysand. What brings you to the city?"
"A new job," she explained, telling him the same story she told Mor earlier. "I haven't really had a chance to explore yet, but I love this city already."
"You'll need a proper tour guide," Mor interjected. "You can't just wander the city by yourself." She glanced over at Rhys, a slight frown on her face. "Normally I would volunteer Rhys, but he's not going anywhere anytime soon with that foot they way it is." She brightened as she turned back to Feyre. "You'll just have to make due with me."
"Oh, I couldn't bother you like that…"
It was Rhys who cut her off this time. "No use in arguing with her, Feyre darling, she won't stop hounding you until she gets her way." He only laughed at the obscene gesture that his cousin sent in his direction.
"Well, that would be lovely, really." Feyre was a bit overwhelmed by these two, but she was excited by the prospect of getting to see more of the city and not having to do it alone just yet. "Thank you."
Mor grinned, a large, toothy grin filled with delight and something a lot like mischief. "You are so very welcome. We're going to have the BEST time."
"Mor…" Rhys's voice held a slight warning. She made a noise and waved him off. "Feyre, I apologize ahead of time for the torture Morrigan will put you thought." He considered her carefully before adding, "Unless of course, you enjoy endless hours of shopping."
Feyre's eyes widened to large owl-like saucers and both of her acquaintances started to laugh. She again felt her neck and cheeks stain crimson and she wondered if maybe she should go. It was Rhys who noticed her discomfort first. He stopped laughing and reached a hand in her direction. "Sorry, Feyre darling. We're not laughing at you, I promise." He sent a glare toward Mor. "You just looked so bewildered at the mention of shopping."
She shrugged, feigning a coolness she didn't feel. "I don't mind shopping, really."
Mor stood and started to clear away the empty plates. "Don't let him worry you, Fey, I promise I won't make you do anything you don't want to."
There was a stretch of silence as Mor cleaned up. Feyre offered to help but was shooed back into the living room where a very tired looking Rhys was still sitting. "You look awful," she said before she quite knew what was coming out of her mouth. "Oh no, I mean…"
Rhys cut her off with a chuckle. "I feel awful. Broken foot." He inclined his head toward the offending appendage. "Hurts like hell."
Feyre settled into her chair a little more, only slightly bothered now by the still naked chest. She studied the tattoos covering his skin, getting a little lost in the whorls and swirls snaking over his body. She only realized she was staring when he cleared his throat, smirking. "See something you like?" He drawled. Feyre's eyes snapped to his and she scowled a bit under her blush. "You are a little red there, Feyre darling." His tone was teasing.
"Prick," she mumbled, looking away. "And I'm not your 'darling'."
"I'm sorry?" He sat forward to hear her better, still smirking.
"I said," She spoke louder this time, "I'm not your 'darling.'" She met his eyes and didn't back down this time. Who was this guy, anyway? She didn't even know him and he was turning her into a blushing mess.
Rhys raised his hands in surrender but the grin didn't quite leave his face. "My apologies, my lady."
Feyre's response was cut off when Mor came sweeping back into the room. "Well, lovelies, I need to get going. Rhys, do you need anything else before I leave?" When her cousin shook his head, Mor turned to Feyre. "It was so wonderful meeting you. I do hope we can get together and go out on the town sometime. Here," she handed her a card, "it's my mobile number. Call me anytime, really." And with that, she was gone.
"Whew," Feyre said, eyes wide again. "She's a force of nature."
Rhys's smile was affectionate this time. "That she is."
He grew quiet again, and Feyre suddenly realized they were very alone in his apartment. She would usually be a little worried at being alone in a strange man's apartment, but Rhys was nearly asleep against the cushions of the couch and looked to be in obvious pain.
"I'm sorry for keeping you awake." She said, and his eyes popped open. "You really look like you could use some rest."
Rhys used his arms to push himself up to the edge of the couch, and Feyre couldn't help but sneak a glance at the muscles that rippled under his skin. "Normally, I would apologize for being such terrible company, but you are right. Next time, though, I promise I'll be much more attentive, Feyre dar-" he stopped short before he could finish the word.
She smiled, "Next time?"
His violet eyes traced their way over her body, sending a delightful shiver up her spine. "Yes, next time." He started to stand, reaching for his crutches. "I'll walk you to your door."
Feyre stood and fumbled for her purse. "Oh no, sit, please. I can walk myself just fine."
He ignored her and thumped slowly across the living room anyway. "I'm sure you can, but what kind of gentleman would I be if I let you walk alone?"
"Gentleman, my ass," Feyre mumbled, and Rhys let out a bark of laughter. "Well, come on then, gimpy. If you insist." She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she rather enjoyed the company of this man, even if he did make her blush constantly. And she would very much like to see him again, too, but she wasn't about to say that, either.
When they reached her apartment, Rhys leaned against the door frame. "Thanks for dinner, Feyre."
This time, her cheeks didn't go pink. "You're welcome. Goodnight, Rhys."
"Goodnight, Feyre."
When she shut the door behind her, Feyre let out a huff of breath at the shiver again skittering up her spine. There was something about the way her name sounded in his mouth that made her knees go a bit watery. She would very much enjoy getting to know her neighbor, she mused. And at the very least, he was not too bad to look at.
