A/N: The next chapter contains mild suggestive themes (not hardcore or anything), if you're not into that then I recommend you skip chapter 12/don't read it. Chapter 12 is where I plan to keep this story at as it stays on trial for the next few days/week.

Chapter 11

I rested on hands on the window sill. Man I have so many problems to deal with right now. I breathed in the cool summer air, the scent of the rain and newly wet grass bringing some peace over my rapidly beating heart. I cleared my mind, listening to the rain, with the sound of soft chatter in the background, enjoying my time alone.

Lazark had found where I rushed off to as he stood quietly watching me stare out the window. He had never realized how much I had really grown until now since I had been always running away from him. His eyes trailed up from my legs, then to my arms and face. I was much taller than before, but was still short in comparison to the other nobles. He noticed that my arms had become much more slender and long, with my silver-grey hair cascading down to my thighs in soft waves and curls, some falling over my left shoulder. My eyelashes had grown much longer, cheekbones more prominent, framing my features beautifully, a taller nose bridge, along with rosy lips that had become much fuller. A stark contrast to the way I had looked eighty years ago when I was still very young, my hair choppy, thin and short, and my visage exuding more boyish features. When I used to follow Lazark everywhere when Kairen was busy, attempting to imitate his every action. The thought of how I had grown, bringing a small blush to Lazark's cheeks.

"Aerei."

I jumped at the sudden sound of his voice. I didn't realize his presence until he spoke, as expected of the family leader of the Kertia's. I hesitated for a moment before turning to meet Lazark's eyes.

He began to make his way toward me.

My legs and heart were telling me to run, but my brain telling me to stay. I attempted to calm myself down by examining what he had worn today. He was dressed in a simple white dress shirt with a casual black coat with gold detailing, that hung down to his calves, black pants, and tall boots reaching up just below his knee with the gold trim that many of Lukedonia's apparel seemed to have. His hair fell perfectly over the left side of his cheek, framing his face. He was just a few inches away from me, towering over me with his height. He was slightly taller than Kairen.

He stared down at me in silence until his lips parted. "Why won't you say anything?"

I tore my eyes away from our shared gaze and looked out the window. "So you still haven't noticed," I said quietly to myself, bringing a hand up to brush a few strands of hair behind my ear.

Lazark heard what I said clearly, it was similar to what Kairen and Karias had said earlier as well.

"I'd like it if you could explain," he asked softly, tilting his head.

I peered at him from the corner of my eyes and sighed. "It's not easy to explain." I struggled with what to say next but couldn't think of anything. I closed my eyes and lowered my head.

"I'm sorry."

I looked up at him in surprise wondering why he was the one apologizing.

"Have I done something causing you to want to avoid me?"

"Of course not." I shook my head and smiled kindly.

This gesture surprised Lazark, though he didn't show it outwardly.

"I didn't want to avoid you. But I just did on instinct. I'm sorry…" I trailed off, no longer able to meet his eyes.

He watched me, remembering how small I always was, bringing forward a wish that was buried deep down under untouched depths. The wish to protect. He touched my cheek involuntarily. Lazark suddenly realized what he was doing, feeling as if he had gone mad since I was not even an adult yet.

I looked up at him again, astonished by this gesture.

"I apologize," he said sheepishly, immediately taking his hand away.

Before he could fully remove his hand, I placed my hand over his, blushing at the feeling. I smiled at him shyly, wondering if he finally understood now. I took my hand away, expecting him to pull his away as well, though it stayed. Instead he had brought his face much closer, my eyes widening and lips opening in surprise. He tilted his head to the side, his lips brushing ever so slightly against mine. I could feel his breath, warm against my skin. I began to close my eyes, slowly leaning in as I gripped his arm.

"Aerei?!"

I nearly jumped out of my skin, startled from the sound of my name being called at the end of the hallway behind me. I pushed at Lazark's chest to separate the two of us before we were seen.

Lazark pulled away and turned towards the window, his cheeks flushing at the thought of what could have transpired.

My mother appeared from behind a wall at the end of the hallway.

"Yes mother?" I was struggling to keep my voice steady, knowing my cheeks were already red.

She approached the two of us with swift steps. "Ah Lazark, it's nice to see you here."

He bowed his head formally in greeting. "Yes, pleasure to see you." His cheeks still stained a slight pink.

"Please give these to Kairen next time you see him."

"Of course mother." I took the books from her hands and bowed to her as she went back the way she came.

As I came to realize what had nearly happened, I froze, afraid to turn towards Lazark. I dropped the books clumsily, barely able to control any physical function. I knelt down to pick them up, Lazark doing the same.

"Let me carry them for you." His voice sounded steady, though his face was still pink and his heart rapidly beating against his chest.

I nodded in response, only noticing just now that I wasn't breathing. I exhaled shakily and drew in several deep breaths as Lazark collected the books. Lazark stood beside me, holding the books. I stood up as well, and we walked in silence back towards the room. As we arrived at the room, everyone was already saying their goodbyes. My eyes were fixed on the ground, my objective being to not meet Lazark's eyes.

Kairen was sitting on the bed as everyone else was filing out of the room as he waved at them.

"Then I'll see you next time." Lazark bowed his head, handing me the books as he watched the top of my head in embarrassment.

"Yes, of course." I returned the gesture, taking the books from his hands.

Lazark started to walk away, following after the others.

I sighed, turning to watch his back. When they had turned the corner, and I could no longer see Lazark, I moved towards Kairen and handed him the books, carefully avoiding his gaze. "Mother said to give these to you."

He took them from me and placed them on the nightstand, staring at me expectantly.

I face planted into the bed, not wanting anyone to see my face.

Kairen smirked, having an idea of what happened. "So, did you kiss?" He asked bluntly.

I muffled out a word salad, nothing I had just said making any sense. My face flushed, reliving that moment again in my mind. I began to roll into a ball with the sheets, not caring that it was too warm.

"Well, judging from the look in your eyes, it looked like you guys had just about made it to first bas-"

I sat up with lightning reflexes, placing a hand over his mouth. "Don't say it."

Kairen had laughed in response to my reaction. He placed a hand on my wrist, taking my hand away from his mouth. "So am I right?"

I nodded, staring at my lap as I pulled my hand away from his grip. Then I began to wonder if it was a mistake to tell Kairen.