"Oh."
He nodded. "So, how about you pick your weapons? One step at a time, Rain. I promise I'm not going anywhere."
I headed for the wall, eyeing a pair of elegant swords hung crossed over each other. "Ok, Zez. How about these?"
I heard his steps falter as he followed me. "What did you call me?"
So I turned around, tensing up at his reaction. "I mean,qezeis father, right? And you're my dad now, but I'm human. Liam saidZehorZezework for the fae version of 'dad,' but like, it feels unfinished. I dunno,childish even. Then my shadow spelled out Zez, and I kinda like it. I mean, maybe it fits? Or Zezzy for when I'm begging? You know, that way it won't get confusing trying to call you both Dad?"
Bracken stood there with his eyes locked on me. His posture was straight and tall, almost like he was locked at attention, but he kept blinking. Finally - slowly - a smile began to return to his mouth and he nodded a few times. I even saw when his throat bobbed as he swallowed.
"That," he said, pausing to clear his throat, "is perfect. I'm definitely ok with being 'Zez.'"
So I pointed at the swords. "And starting with these is ok too?"
Bracken chuckled, the sound a mixture of happiness and awe. "Yeah. It also proves you're definitely my kid. Rain, those were my first weapons."
Chapter Six
RAIN
Bracken worked me hard. Using two swords was very different from just one - and the man made me use the actual weapons. I started out tentative, worried about the sharp edges, but he quickly showed me they wouldn't be a problem.
Evidently, my zez was a badass. No matter how hard I tried, he always managed to block me. Using one of those wooden practice sticks we were given in class, he moved like it was an extension of his will. The man's eyes stayed locked on my sternum, and he was always at least one step ahead of me. Usually, more like ten.
Needless to say, it didn't take long before my arms were burning. And yet, he always stopped me before it got too bad so I could work through positions. Slow, stable work that strained my muscles in different ways. An hour of that and I felt like my body was made of mush.
The best part was I'd actually learned a lot. I'd improved enough to notice it myself! So, when he told me to put the swords away, I felt a little giddy. I couldn't tell if I was good at this yet, but I was definitely getting better.
"Sit," he ordered, pointing to one of the mats in the middle of the room.
"Ok?" I did, waiting for some lecture on how dangerous this sport could be or that I shouldn't use it when playing around.
That was what always came after getting something cool, wasn't it?First there was the fun, but then all the rules were heaped on so we wouldn't make a mistake. With something as dangerous as a real sword, I had a feeling there were going to be a ton of rules.
"Stretch," Bracken said, moving to claim the spot across from me. "If you don't, your muscles will lock up and you'll barely be able to move tomorrow."
"Ok?" I spread my legs and leaned into the center. "So do I suck at this?"
He matched my pose, stretching out his own body, and chuckled. "No. Kid, you're a natural."
My head jerked up at the "kid" part. Was it one of those parent things? I wasn't sure, but I'd never heard him call anyone else that, and I kinda liked it. When Bracken lifted his eyes and smiled at me, I realized my own face held a big shit-eating grin.
"What?" he asked.
"You called me 'kid,'" I explained, looking back down to hide my embarrassment.
He chuckled again, harder this time. "So I guess that makes up for the whole Zez thing, huh? And maybe you don't mind?"
"I kinda like it," I mumbled.
"Good," he said, his tone soft and warm. "That's something I'm allowed to use during class." He shifted to a new angle. "And speaking of classes starting again - in a roundabout way - I wanted to talk to you about family time."
"Ok?" I moved to lean over one leg. "What about family time?"
"I'd like some." He rocked his head from side to side. "It's not convenient with us living in the chaperone's apartment, but dinners? Maybe just visits? Liam and I don't want to intrude on your personal life, but we do want to spend time with our new daughter."
"Like, maybe weekly dinners?" I suggested.
