A/N: Sorry for the long break, was on a trip. Happy Holidays all! Again, more skipping-time-style oneshots. I hope you still enjoy. Read and review! Thank you all!

EDITED

Stretching her arms above her head, Daine pointed. "What's that one?"

"Part of Draco, the dragon. See those four to the left that make up the head? And then the body and tail? The bright stars, there. There's also - "

"I see it," she said hastily, smiling. Numair laughed.

"Sorry. I forget, sometimes, that you're a good deal smarter than most of the people I teach. Either that, or I'm just not used to teaching constellations when I'm actually looking at them at the same time."

"Sure," Daine said, shaking her head. "Sure, whatever you say."

They lay in silence for another moment, a warm breeze making Daine's hair blow across her face and tickle her nose. It was so dark that the only things she could see were the stars and the moon. All the trees and houses were just vague shadows. Occasionally, she would hear a car rush by on the distant streets, but for the most part, it was silent. Another smiled stretched across her face. She shifted onto her side, turning her head and whispering into Numair's ear. It felt wrong, somehow, to talk too loudly in the silence. She pointed up to her left. "Is that a constellation? Those stars, over there?"

"It is. That's Aquila, the eagle." Numair, too, turned his head towards her, their faces inches apart in the darkness. "She was a pet-servant of Zeus. She flew down to Earth and, very gently, brought him a child, the son of the king of Troy – Ganymede. Ganymede was to be Zeus's cup-bearer. Pleased beyond words, Zeus swore that he would honor his Aquila even after her death. He kept his word – Aquila lives on in the sky."

"That one's pretty," commented Daine. She flipped onto her back again, eyes wide. "But, Ganymede – what happened to him?"

Numair pointed into the sky, creating a shape with his finger. "See there? Ganymede's there. He's known as Aquarius. But that's him – living on in the stars as well."

"I like stories," Daine sighed, closing her eyes. "Tell me another?"

"Do you know the tale of Andromeda?"

"No."

"Look directly above you."

Daine blinked open her eyes and searched for a shape among the glitters. "There?" she asked, a bright glimmer twinkling at her fingertip.

"No, not that one. This is the center, and then her arms and legs go this way." Numair lifted his hand to wrap it around hers. His palm was rough and warm. Slowly, he moved her hand so that she was pointing at the right stars. "There - and there. Do you see it?"

"Yeah," Daine murmured.

"Andromeda was a maiden. A princess. Her mother Cassiopeia said she was beautiful, more beautiful than even the water nymphs. There were many people who loved her for her beauty – and so there were also many people who burned with jealousy. For example, the water nymphs." Numair moved his hands through the air as he spoke, he fingers and voice painting the myth into reality in the darkness. Daine's eyes closed again as the words washed over her, his voice warm and soft. "Those water nymphs didn't appreciate Cassiopeia's insolence in claiming that her daughter more beautiful than they. They arranged for Andromeda to be sacrificed. So the maiden was chained to a cold, lonely rock by the sea, stripped of her clothing, and left as a gift for the vicious sea-monsters who ruled the wide oceans."

"What happened to her?" Turning on to her side again, Daine snuggled in closer to Numair's form. One of his arms wrapped around her shoulders.

"At the very last moment, she was rescued. There was a monster upon her, and she was defenseless; its deadly sharp teeth were only inches away. But Perseus the hero arrived, destroyed the beast after a great battle, and set her free. They were soon married, too – even though Perseus was meant to be married to another. "

"Sounds like the same old stories we have today," yawned Daine, rubbing her tired eyes.

"In many ways, it is indeed," said Numair, a small smile stretching slowly across his face.

"You're good at telling stories, you know."

"Really? You think so?" Numair turned his head slightly so he could see her. She nodded sleepily.

"Mhm."

"I appreciate it, then. Thank you."

"What's your favorite constellation?"

"My favorite?"

"Yeah."

"They're all too beautiful," Numair said, turning his face back to the sky. The moon's glow cast a shine over his face and sparkled in his eyes. "My favorite, though. I've always liked Sagittarius, the archer. There, by the horizon."

"Mhmm," murmured Daine again. His words were calming.

"Sagittarius was a centaur, by the name of Chiron. Very talented with the bow and arrow – can you see it there? He was the teacher of all the young heroes. Perhaps that is why I like him. But, Chiron was shot and killed by none other than Hercules himself – Hercules was too far away to see that he had killed a friend. So, in his memory, Hercules cast Chiron into the stars so that he would never be forgotten."

He paused for a minute, sensing a stillness that hadn't been there before. Daine didn't respond, and, curious, Numair turned back to her. "Daine?"

She was asleep. Her mouth was open slightly and her small hands were curled into loose fists, resting next to his chest. Numair smiled, feeling her slow breaths tickle across his skin. He stood, very slowly, and lifted her up with him, holding her in his arms like she was made of porcelain. He carried her inside and laid her down on his couch. It was surely far too late to wake her to send her back to Onua's. As Daine left his arms, she shifted and shivered, a tiny crease appearing on her forehead. Numair ran a hand over her wild hair. Despite everything, she still had that strange childish innocence, though she was far from a child. She was sixteen. She hadn't been a child for years.

Finding a blanket and extra pillow in the corner of a mostly unused closet, he laid it over her small form and slipped the softer pillow under her head. She smiled in her sleep. On impulse, Numair leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her cheek. "Sleep well, Daine," he murmured, his lips curling into a tiny smile.

He wished he could've stayed near the couch with her, but he knew that was impractical. Back in his room, he fell onto his bed and, despite the late hour, didn't drift off into sleep for a long while.

The next morning, Numair woke to someone yanking the covers off of him and growling like an angry animal. Scrambling in the cold, he blinked open his eyes to find a seething Onua above him, glowering furiously, looking just like a wild horse about to begin a stampede.

"What the hell, Onua?" spluttered Numair, snatching a blanket. "I'm not wearing anything!"

"You're wearing boxers," she said irritably. "Why is Daine on your couch?"

"Talk a little quieter, will you?" groaned Numair. "Is she still asleep?"

"Yeah, she is," muttered Onua, her voice marginally quieter now, but still positively laced with frustration. "Why the hell wasn't she at my place last night like she was supposed to be?"

"She was here at one last night and - "

"Why?!"

"Let me finish! We were having a lesson. Constellations. She fell asleep and I figured it'd be best not to wake her up. You could've called me if you were worried."

"I didn't know she was gone until this morning!"

"Well, where were you?"

"Beside the point," grumbled Onua, crossing her arms. "You should've let me know. She can't spend the night over here, Numair."

"Why not?" Annoyed, Numair stood, overshadowing Onua with his height. She didn't back down, jabbing a finger at his bare chest.

"Because, Numair! You're a single man and she's a girl. She's sixteen, and - "

"You're just making up excuses," said Numair, his voice cold. "You know I wouldn't do that."

"Maybe I am, Numair, but other people don't know you like I do," she hissed. "You've just got to be careful, all right?"

Numair threw his arms up in surrender, glowering. "You win, okay? Will you please be quiet?"

"Fine," spat Onua. They both glared at each other for a minute, unmoving, refusing to back down. Onua pursed her lips and frowned, her dark eyes still burning, though she seemed a little bit calmer than before. She raised an eyebrow amusedly. "Do you want some clothes?"

Before Numair could respond, a small, relaxed voice came from his doorway. Looking up, Numair saw Daine leaning against the doorframe and trying very hard not to laugh. Her hair was still mussed with sleep and her stance was weary, but she was very much awake, her eyes twinkling. "Morning, Numair, Onua," she said, grinning.

Numair groaned and covered his face with his hands. He heard Daine's burst of laughter, and he could imagine the face that went with it. It wasn't really the ideal start to his day.

"I hate these things."

"You hate what?"

"Formal parties," muttered Numair, placing his feet stubbornly on his coffee table. He made no attempt to move towards the jacket and tie on the couch, and he was still wearing his usual weekend clothes of jeans and a t-shirt. Daine stood and looked him over critically, blocking his view of the muted TV above the fireplace. He made a huffy sound of indignation, throwing his arms in the air, but Daine refused to budge.

"You've got to start getting ready," she commanded sternly. "You're going to be late, you know."

"You're not exactly ready yourself," retorted Numair, pointing to her attire, which was no less casual than his.

Daine felt a slight blush creep across her cheeks. "I shouldn't have to go to this party. I won't know anyone."

"You'll know me."

"It's a university party, Numair - "

"A party for teachers and students. You're my student. You are coming."

Daine groaned, putting her face in her hands. She couldn't imagine a worse torture than standing awkwardly in fancy clothes and smiling at a bunch of people who she didn't know and who would instantly question her right to be there. "I don't have anything to wear," she lied hopefully.

"Nice try," said Numair.. "I know you went shopping with Miri this weekend."

"Well, it's at Onua's."

"Again, nice try. I heard you hide it somewhere when I was in my room."

"I didn't hide it," Daine muttered. "I just put in the other bathroom. Out of sight."

"Of course."

"We're getting off-subject," said Daine irritably. "Numair, you've still got to get ready. Go, before I have to make you."

Numair sat resolutely in his chair for another minute, his eyes locked with hers in a dramatic staring contest. It didn't end until Daine lost her patience, grabbed Numair's arm, yanked him out of the chair, shoved his shirt and tie into his hands, and pushed him into his room to change. He stumbled as Daine moved forward to close the door, ignoring his steady stream of protests.

"You're a demanding one, my dear," came a dry voice from behind the closed door.

Daine didn't bother to reply. She could hear the sounds of rustling clothes, proof that Numair was – most likely – attempting to look slightly professional. Sitting on the edge of the couch, she tapped her foot as she waited for him to come out again, hoping that somehow he'd forget about asking her to tag along. It didn't seem likely. Daine sighed.

Just then, Numair's door squeaked open, and he came out, fully dressed in slacks, a faintly pinstriped white button-down, a dark suit jacket, a patterned red tie, and even formal black dress shoes. He fidgeted awkwardly with the tie – it was a little twisted at the top – and he sighed, looking extremely uncomfortable. But somehow, he still looked good. His graceful body was no less noticeable in the formal wear, and his face was no less attractive than it was when he smiled and his eyes sparkled. His had shaved and pulled his long hair into a neat ponytail. Impressed, Daine jumped up and came over to help him, easily shaking his tie into place and pressing it neat and flat. Numair frowned.

"How is it that you know how to do that better than I do?"

"I've no idea," Daine said honestly. She stepped back and looked up at him, smiling. "Wow, Numair. You look nice."

"Right," said Numair, fidgeting some more.

"No, really," Daine assured him. She took her seat on the couch again. "Anyone who doesn't know you might think you look that smart all the time."

"Thanks for the compliment." Numair's eyes scanned over her, stretched casually over the cushions. "Don't think you are going to get out of this so easily, Daine."

"But, Numair - "

"If I have to get all dressed up, so do you."

"But you're the only one that actually has to go to the stupid party."

Numair looked at her imploringly, pressing his hands together and raising his eyebrows. "Please? I'll enjoy it more if you're there. It'll be hell around all the old crazies otherwise."

Daine sighed. Looking at his hopeful, encouraging face, she knew she couldn't refuse. His pleading won her over. "Oh, all right," she said huffily, making her way to the other bathroom where she'd left her dress. Behind her, Numair cheered, making her grin a little.

Her dress was a mid-length, delicate thing that Miri had picked out. She'd said it would look absolutely perfect on Daine. It was light blue, almost the same shade as Daine's eyes, and faded into a slightly darker shade at the bottom. The top paled to almost-white, a hint of color just barely discernable. Slipping into the silky fabric, Daine tied the halter-top tightly under her wild hair – which she wasn't even going to attempt to tame before the party – and then tried to straighten out any wrinkles or funny spots on her figure. Looking in the mirror, Daine figured that at least the dress fit her well. It could have been worse. Over the past few years, her body had matured and grown far more than she'd expected. She was still slender – years of malnourishment left a permanent mark – but Daine was no longer living in that bony child's body. Glancing at her chest, Daine thought bemusedly that Miri must have picked out the dress under the impression that Daine was going to try to seduce someone by the time the night was over. It was far more low-cut than she was used to, and she certainly filled it out. The cerulean fabric was soft and smooth, with a layer of sheer on the outside, and a narrow tie around the middle to pull it tight under her chest. Daine tied a bow in the back, checking to make sure the tails weren't too long or too uneven. Lastly, she looked inside the small bag that had been hanging on the dress's coathanger. Something sparkled in the fluorescent light. Pulling it out, Daine saw that it was a glittering silver necklace, all of it flawless, with a clear crystal charm shaped like an open heart. Daine had never seen it before – but it was beautiful. Reaching back into the bag, Daine found a note scrawled in Miri's hasty hand.

Think of this as three birthdays' and two Christmases worth of presents that I never got you. Wear it to impress someone special, all right? Miri.

Daine laughed. It was so like Miri, to do something like that. Just as she was trying to clasp it around her neck, a knock sounded on the door, and Numair's voice called out to her.

"What takes you so long?"

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Daine said hurriedly. Cursing, she set down the necklace temporarily and slid on her shoes – sparkly white sandals with a tiny heel that Miri had also recommended. Daine extracted her limited supply of makeup from an extra bag she'd brought when she dropped off the dress and did what she could to her flushed face. She was already wearing small, simple crystal earrings – she hated wearing bracelets and rings, so none of that – and she still couldn't get the necklace to clasp right.

"Think you could help me with this?" Daine asked, opening the door with one hand while still holding the stubborn necklace behind her head with the other.

Numair turned around to face her, still looking very smart in the formal wear – and then stopped short. He stared at her for a minute, an almost stunned look on his face. His eyes were wide as he gazed at her. Blushing a little, Daine smiled hesitantly. "Can you help me?"

Numair blinked and seemed to snap out of his trance. "Sure," he said quickly, coming over to her. "Of course."

Turning around, Daine lifted her hair off of her neck so he could reach the clasp. When his hands touched hers, she let go of the chain to let him work. Numair brushed her hair off to the side, and then started to fiddle with the clasp, his warm fingertips skimming lightly across the skin at her neck. A shiver ran down Daine's spine.

"Are you cold?"

"No, no, I'm fine," said Daine hurriedly. In moments, Numair had the clasp done, and he let her hair fall back into place again. Daine turned around, smiling at him in thanks. He still looked mildly bewildered.

"You look amazing, Daine."

"So do you," replied Daine, conscious again of a flush on her cheeks. She hated dressing up.

Numair just smiled sympathetically and offered her his arm. Daine sighed, despite the smirk that twitched at her lips. She took Numair's arm and let him lead her to the door. He motioned her regally through it with a little bow as if she were some sort of royalty. Daine laughed, making Numair's grin widen as they hurried towards his beaten-up car.