Chapter 152: Chapter 152- Night kiss
Julian walked back to his quarters, the night air still clinging to his clothes. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside and froze for a moment, Celestia was still awake.
Her eyes, which so often carried a cold and distant sharpness, softened the instant they met his. She rose gracefully to greet him, a faint warmth flickering in her expression.
"Welcome back," she said softly.
Julian closed the door behind him and tilted his head slightly. "Why aren’t you asleep yet?"
"I wasn’t ready to sleep," Celestia replied, her voice calm but carrying a subtle weight. After a brief pause, her gaze lingered on him. "So... how did your talk with the city lord go?"
Julian let out a slow breath, the faintest trace of weariness in his tone. "It went smoothly. No complications."
Julian let his shoulders relax as he removed his cloak and set it aside. Celestia’s gaze followed him, steady and searching, as though she was weighing every movement he made.
"I see.." she murmured, though there was no accusation in her tone, only a quiet concern.
Julian glanced at her. "Things took longer than expected. But nothing went wrong."
Celestia lowered her eyes for a moment, her fingers brushing lightly over the edge of the chair she had been sitting on. "I stayed awake... because I wanted to hear it directly from you. What did he ask of you?"
Julian paused, studying her expression. Her voice was calm, but the way she held herself betrayed a faint tension, the kind that came from too many unspoken worries.
"He wanted to confirm my position," Julian said simply. "And I gave him the answers he needed. For now, everything is in balance."
Celestia lifted her gaze again, her eyes warmer now, though still shadowed by doubt. "You always make it sound so simple... but I know it never really is."
Julian leaned back against the edge of the table, arms folded loosely. "Mr. Glain wants me to keep an eye on Leo’s movements," he said at last, his tone calm but edged with something unreadable.
Celestia’s brows knit together, her voice sharp with disapproval. "That’s a soft-hearted approach. Why not remove him entirely instead of holding back? It only burdens you further."
Julian’s lips curved faintly, almost into a smirk. "Because Mr. Glain has his own designs. And if I follow through blindly, I’ll only play into them. I intend to bend his plan, not obey it."
Celestia exhaled, half exasperated and half resigned. "That’s so typical of you, Julian... to take the harder path just because it’s yours."
Julian straightened, his gaze firm. "I’m not like the men who dance to Mr. Glain’s strings. I don’t take orders, I weigh them."
Celestia studied him for a long moment before nodding, her tone softening yet carrying conviction. "You’re right. We can’t let others think we’re weak... not for a single moment."
Julian gave a small nod, the faintest shadow of irritation flickering across his features. "I don’t care much for their plan either. Too soft and too forgiving. Maybe that’s Kevin’s naïveté rubbing off on them."
Celestia rolled her eyes, a sharp sound escaping her throat. "That man is too innocent. So naïve it makes me want to shake him until he finally wakes up. Sometimes I wonder if he even understands the kind of world we’re living in."
Julian’s expression hardened, the resolve in his voice like tempered steel. "Then I’ll finish what I started. I freed that mutant girl... which means I’m the one who has to hunt her down. Once this is over, I’ll track her. Personally."
Celestia’s gaze sharpened, but there was no disagreement, only the same cold understanding reflected in her eyes. "You’re right. We can’t let a creature like that grow unchecked. If we do, she’ll become a threat not just to this city, but to all of us."
Julian gave a slow nod, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And Kevin... he’ll pay dearly for the chaos he’s caused."
Celestia let out a soft laugh, the sound low and edged with amusement. "Now that’s an idea I can get behind."
The night air had grown colder, seeping through the walls with its quiet bite. Celestia tilted her head, her gaze softening as she studied him. "It’s freezing tonight. Would you like some coffee?"
Julian leaned back against the sofa, exhaling faintly. "That would be fine."
"Then I’ll make it for you," she said, her voice light but steady. Rising gracefully, she disappeared into the kitchen. The faint sound of water filling a kettle and the quiet clink of cups echoed from the other room.
Left alone for a moment, Julian sank deeper into the sofa, his thoughts a restless tide. His gaze followed the faint light spilling from the kitchen doorway. "What about the others?" he called out.
"They’re exhausted," Celestia’s voice answered from the kitchen, carrying a warmth that contrasted her usual coldness. "All of them fell asleep the moment they hit their beds."
Julian lowered his gaze, fingers drumming lightly against the armrest. "I can’t help but feel guilty. They’re all worn out because of me."
From the kitchen, Celestia’s calm voice floated back as she poured sugar into the cup. "It’s not something you should blame yourself for. They chose this path, and truth be told, they enjoyed being part of it."
Julian leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees. His tone carried a trace of doubt. "Enjoyed it...?"
Celestia stepped back into the room, holding the steaming cup between her hands. The light from the lamp cast a soft glow over her features as she met his eyes. "Don’t trouble yourself, Julian. They will follow you no matter where you go. That’s not obligation, it’s loyalty. And more than that... it’s trust."
She set the cup before him with quiet grace, her lips curving in the faintest of smiles.
Julian accepted the cup of coffee with a small nod of thanks. Celestia then slid onto the sofa beside him, her body close enough that she rested her head lightly on his shoulder.
"Is it... alright if I act a little spoiled?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.
Julian’s left hand moved instinctively, gently stroking her hair. "It’s perfectly fine," he replied calmly.
Celestia closed her eyes briefly, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. "Honestly... I’m still haunted by nightmares about my friends. But... those dreams have started to fade. Because you’re always here, by my side, making new memories with me. That... that’s what makes me truly happy every day. Even though I miss them, I know... it’s a sign that they’ve found peace."
She shifted slightly, leaning a little closer, as if drawing comfort from his presence.
Julian continued to gently stroke her hair, his touch calm and reassuring. "I’ll make even more memories with you... so you’ll always be happy," he said softly.
Celestia lifted her head slightly, a small smile forming on her lips. "I’ll be looking forward to that," she replied warmly.
Julian’s gaze softened as he spoke, "And I... I’m happy too, being with you and the others."
Celestia’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling. "Then you should tell them yourself. Hearing it from you... it will surely make them happy too."
Julian nodded firmly. "I will. I promise I’ll do that."
Celestia spoke softly, "And.. it seems Zoe also wants to say something to you."
Julian raised an eyebrow. "Zoe wants to say what?"
Celestia shrugged slightly, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "I’m not sure... maybe you should ask her yourself."
Julian frowned a little. "Did she act too hastily toward me?"
Celestia turned to him, her expression tinged with apology. "Well... I was the one who started it. You two should have had that moment alone, the first time."
Julian let out a soft sigh, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "It’s also because of the alcohol... so what can you do?"
Celestia blushed, her voice soft and slightly embarrassed. "I... I was too proactive when I was drunk."
Julian nodded gently. "I’ll try to find some time alone with Zoe."
Celestia smiled and said, "I’ll help with that."
Then, Julian leaned in and pressed his lips against hers for a brief moment. Celestia responded, softly returning the kiss. Julian pulled back slightly, and Celestia, still blushing, asked, "Why did you kiss me all of a sudden?"
Julian shrugged lightly, a faint smile on his lips. "I just... wanted to."
Celestia could only smile in response and leaned forward, kissing Julian once again.
They shared a brief kiss before pulling away, both of them breathing a little heavier than before. Celestia, still catching her breath, said softly, "We should probably sleep... it’s already late."
Julian shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "We’ll sleep after this."
Celestia could only smile, a mix of resignation and acceptance, as the quiet night around them seemed to echo with the sound of their shared presence.