Heart Pangs

Chapter 26 - Table Talks

It's been a long while since Lux had been invited willingly into a prey's home. He observes the house he's parked in front of from inside his car. It's small, and not just because it's built for prey. But it's pretty. There's a small garden out front and a porch with potted plants. Lux thinks they'd normally be well kept, but the browning leaves and weeded garden beds mark subtle signs of Camille's absence.

It's nearly nine o'clock but Lux has been awake for much longer, trying to make himself presentable. Not for the first time, he wishes this meeting wasn't so last minute. If Lux had known sooner, he wouldn't have eaten so late last night. His stomach works fast but not that fast. There's still a slight curve to his belly, still a comfortable fullness in his gut. Lux had searched deep within his wardrobe that morning for a loose fitting shirt. It isn't often that he has the opportunity to dress down, so the sweatshirt he chose was a crumpled ball at the back of his closet. After giving it a quick wash, he had found that it looked rather nice on him and did a good job at hiding his still slightly distended middle.

The clock on his dashboard flicks to nine o'clock. Lux turns off the engine and steps onto the street. He does not notice anyone out and about, but still, he feels watched and exposed in this prey neighborhood. He moves quickly to climb the steps of Camille's porch. He lifts a hand to ring the doorbell, but the door is opened before he gets the chance.

Benji peers up at him. His eyes are shadowed and his cheeks pale. It's apparent that he hasn't slept well. A second passes where the two of them simply stare at each other. Benji's gaze travels briefly from Lux's face down to his belly. His expression is carefully guarded, so Lux cannot tell whether the sweatshirt does its job or not.

Benji's eyes flick back up to Lux's. "Come in," he says, then steps aside and widens the door.

Lux has to duck to pass through the doorway. He straightens once inside and the top of his head brushes dangerously against the ceiling. Benji closes and locks the door behind him.

There's a long silence. Lux is suddenly keenly aware that, for the first time in over a decade, it's just the two of them. The last time that happened was That Night, and that night feels like ages ago, another lifetime ago. For Lux it was another lifetime ago. He'd been a different person then. A better person. He thinks perhaps Benji has also just had the same realization because he shifts uncomfortably on his feet.

"Thank you for coming," Benji finally says.

Lux nods, glad that the moment is over. "Of course."

Benji clears his throat. "Why don't we go into the kitchen?" He doesn't wait for a response before brushing past Lux and heading down the hallway.

Lux only hesitates a moment before following him down the hall and into a small but cozy looking kitchen.

Lux is spared from thinking of something to say by Benji immediately asking, "Coffee?" He's looking at Lux like he's not sure he's just said the right thing.

Lux nods. "Yes, thank you. That would be nice."

Benji's gaze lingers a little longer before he turns and starts preparing a pot to brew.

The only place to sit is at the prey-sized kitchen table, so Lux pulls out a chair and carefully folds himself into it. It's not exactly comfortable but it's better than nothing.

As Lux watches Benji flit about, pointedly keeping his gaze fixated on pouring coffee grinds and water in the coffee maker, he wonders if all the formalities are Benji's way of stalling, holding off the inevitable unpleasant conversation. Lux doesn't mind. He also isn't particularly looking forward to the oncoming discussion.