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𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒 eased his leather satchel out from under his bed frame, holding his breath tight in his lungs despite himself. There was no way his mom could've heard him from all the way across their manor, but he didn't want to take any chances.

This had to go perfectly, or it wouldn't work. He'd lost too much time already to planning to mess this up. He was more than ready for the voyage he was going to take... all he had to do now was get out of the house.

Eden slid the bag over his shoulder, finally letting himself breathe. He smoothed his hands over his tunic and closed his eyes for a second.

It wouldn't be the first time he'd snuck out late at night... but it was definitely the first time it was for something like this. It was the first time he'd be gone for more than a couple of hours, and the first time something might be deeply different when he returned.

Eden checked his appearance in the oak lined mirror across from his bed. Same boyish body... same lean muscles he'd built from climbing the trees just past where their property ended and chasing the fae, but just lanky enough for it to hardly show. He'd always suspected his mirror had some kind of magic in it... it always made him look more flushed than he actually was, more bright and alive. His mother had given it to him on his thirteenth birthday, four years before. It must have cost her a fortune.

Eden puffed up his cheeks with air and drew his fingers through his curls, letting them tumble back into place on his forehead. He had to stop thinking about his mom... he felt bad enough already about leaving her without any warning... he just knew she'd worry even more if she knew where he was going.

Getting downstairs wasn't too difficult -- he knew every inch of his home like the back of his hand, and it was easy for him to navigate, even in the pitch darkness. He felt around, resisting the urge to slide down the banister like he preferred to during the day, carefully taking the steps down to the front hall.

His fingers were just brushing the cold metal handles to the front doors after snatching his heavy coat from it's hook when he heard a floorboard creak behind him, and his blood ran cold. He turned slowly, preparing to be faced with his mother's worried face, or perhaps one of the snitch-happy servants that he'd somehow awakened. He prepared his entire body for the crushing disappointment of failure.

When he saw who it was, he let out a sigh of relief, leaning against the door and allowing himself to relax.

Sam stared back at him, his deep green eyes inquisitive and unblinking. He was clutching a lantern in his hand, the candle inside very nearly burned down to the hilt.

"You aren't supposed to be in here," Eden breathed, rubbing his palm against his own forehead. "You could get in trouble."

"I know," Sam whispered back, his brow furrowed in contempt, his gaze flickering to Eden's bag. "Where are you going?"

Eden considered making a run for it... he was certainly faster than Sam, he could probably make it... but Sam had the key to the stables, and if he went and got one of the horses, Eden was done for. He knew he wouldn't go as far as to tell his mother, but he had no doubt he'd personally drag him back to bed if he saw it fit.

Eden assessed him. He was wearing a blue flannel button down and brown pants, as well as shoes that were completely laced up... he clearly hadn't been sleeping. He must have suspected Eden was up to something... maybe he hadn't been as opaque around him as he'd believed himself to be.

Eden sighed and pressed two fingers to his temple, looking up to meet Sam's curious eyes. He was once again reminded that Sam was taller than him, and his stomach twisted.

"I'm going to Sheffield," he told him, speaking slowly and examining his face for any trace of understanding.

Sam's expression only darkened with confusion. "Sheffield? Why? That's all the way on the other side of the mountains."

Eden looked down at his feet, scuffing the toe of his shoe against the floorboards. He really didn't want to spell it out for him, especially since he already knew how he would react. Sam worried about him even more than his own mother did.

"Because," Eden muttered, avoiding his eyes. "There's supposed to be a demi-god there."

He could almost hear the face Sam was making, hanging in the heavy nighttime air. "Oh."

He knew he'd heard the stories too... everyone had. There was rumored to be a demi-god who hung around the mortals, disguised within them... and he was hard to find, and not always in the same place, but if you put in the effort to find him, he was supposed to give you whatever you wanted. Including the answer to any question. And Eden had been determined to go to Sheffield and find him ever since he'd heard he was there.

"Eden..." Sam continued, rubbing his knuckles against his buzzcut. His tanned skin looked almost pale in the candlelight. He looked almost lost for words, his face screwed up in internal conflict.

Eden smiled sheepishly at him. He was going, there was no question about that... but Sam's disapproval would make it a whole lot harder. They'd been friends for years, ever since Sam had been old enough to start working in the stables with his father. He had an almost otherworldly connection with the animals... the job had clicked with him instantly, and Eden had clicked with him, too. Eden's mother was perfectly happy with his friendship with a servant... but Sam's father seemed to have a problem with it. Hence why it was risky for him to even be inside the house like he was.

Sam bit his lip. "You can't go by foot, that'll take days."

Eden's heart sunk into his stomach. "I packed food..." He nodded toward his satchel. "And blankets... I'll be fine..."

Sam let out a low groan.

"Do you have to go this late at night? What if you're attacked?"

"You know my mother can't know..." Eden pursed his lips. "And... I'm prepared for that. I can defend myself. I have my slingshot," he told him, only realizing how silly it sounded after he'd said it.

Sam rolled his eyes and ran his free hand over his face.

"God, I can't believe I'm doing this," he whispered under his breath, before looking him dead in the eyes. "Come on. You'll take one of the horses."

Eden's head snapped back up and he stared at him, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest. "Really?"

Sam nodded, glaring at him, but reaching out to take his hand. Eden happily took it, a grin stretching across his face uncontrollably.

He allowed Sam to lead him across the house to the back door, and down the path toward the stables. Once they were outside, he couldn't help glancing upwards every few seconds to take in the sky that was teeming with stars. The crescent moon seemed to wink down at him and he fought back another wild smile. He was secretly incredibly happy to be leaving at night, although he'd never tell Sam... if he knew, he'd only think he was crazier than he already did, and he'd never let him go.

Eden looked over at him as they walked, fallen leaves and twigs snapping and crackling beneath their feet. His hand was warm and steady in his, and a little rough from work... he hadn't let go yet. His expression was stern and stiff... but Eden could see the softness just beyond his eyes as if he was looking at him through a magnifying glass. He wasn't angry... it was only misplaced concern. He cared about anything and everything far too deeply for his own good, and Eden knew he was one of those things he cared about.

He liked being one of the things Sam cared about.

Eden almost wished he could come... but he had to go alone. And, besides, Sam would never agree. It wouldn't be worth the hell he'd surely receive from his father when he returned.

When they came to a stop at the stable gates, Sam let go of his hand to pull a little rusty looking silver key from his shirt pocket. He smiled rigidly at Eden, stepping forward and shoving it into the lock.

"Are you sure about this?" Eden asked him softly, following him past the tall wooden gates, silently praying he wouldn't change his mind. Sam's lantern flickered, the light dancing over the stalls. Most of the horses were missing from the little window in the doors, presumably asleep, but a few of them stood tall and still, watching them pass by silently.

"Yes," Sam muttered, examining each stall they passed carefully. "I don't think I can stop you, so you might as well be a little safer."

Eden smiled, pleased with himself. "Thank you..."

Sam grunted. "No problem."

He paused at one of the stalls. A brown horse peered out at him, it's head swaying as if dancing to inaudible music. Sam smiled, reaching in to stroke the creature's nose gently.

He turned back to Eden, his face softened considerably. "This is Clover," he murmured. "He'll take care of you."

Sam dismounted a saddle from the wall and Eden looked at the horse. He had gentle eyes, he noticed... almost human-like in their simulated empathy. They kind of reminded him of Sam's eyes.

Sam pulled the door open and led the horse out. Eden chewed on his lip, stepping back to give them space.

"Sam," he whispered. He'd been avoiding it, but... he had to say something. "Is this going to get you in trouble?"

Sam paused, not looking at him. He ran his fingers over the horse's side, humming softly.

"No," he deadpanned after a few seconds, continuing through the barn as if nothing had happened. Eden frowned at his back, jogging after him to catch up.

"You're lying."

"Does it matter?"

Eden hugged himself, stopping in his tracks again and watching him. "It matters to me."

Sam shrugged, and looked back to smile at him meekly.

"Come on. You want to be gone by morning, don't you?"

Eden sighed, obeying reluctantly. They stepped outside and he watched Sam tie the saddle to Clover's back, toying with the straps of his satchel. Finally he let Sam take the bag from him, tying it down as well where it would be safe.

He took Sam's hand and pushed his foot into the stirrup, using it to hoist himself up on the creature's back.

Eden smiled at the feeling, taking the reigns in his hands and leaning forward to scratch behind Clover's ear. It had been a while since he'd gone riding. He could feel Sam's eyes on him and his cheeks went a little hot.

"You should be back within two days taking him," he said softly, the corners of his lips pulled up the slightest bit. "I'll try and cover for you, okay? Please be careful, Eden."

Eden nodded firmly.

"I will."

Sam paused, digging his teeth into his lower lip. "One more thing..."

Eden watched as he set down the lantern and unbuttoned the blue flannel, and his heart skipped a beat against his control. Sam shouldered it off of him, revealing the sleeveless white shirt he wore underneath. His muscle definition was clear even in the dim light, shifting beneath the cloth as he held out the shirt.

"I have a coat," Eden muttered, raising an eyebrow at him. Sam huffed, tilting his head at him.

"Just take it. It gets really cold up there, especially at night... an extra layer couldn't hurt."

Eden nodded and took it from his outstretched hand, abashed by the gesture.

"I'll miss you," he told him, tying it to his waist. He was still a bit in shock that Sam had agreed to let him go.

Sam smiled, reaching out and tapping his fist against his knee. "I'll miss you too. Now hurry up, before someone wakes up."

Eden smiled back at him, leaning over and kissing him lightly on the cheek. Before Sam could react he was tugging on the reigns, his eyes set on the path off the property toward the mountains. His heart was racing in his chest, pounding in his ears and fluttering with nerves, but he ignored it.

This was the beginning of something really big.

Eden Flores could feel it.