Strings Of Fate

Chapter 15

Eating together was strange. Sanvish's tail tangled around his waist as the man sat as close to Terrence as he could get away with. Marquez was also touching him though he sat opposite. His knees were pressing against Terrence's. Terrence's cheeks were burning, but it was nice, kind of, having the two tease and chat with him. They didn't have much time, but Terrence's chest was fuzzy as fur brushed against his skin. He was almost sad when it was over.

"Come on," Marquez ordered, grabbing Terrence's jacket and tossing it over to him. It landed on his head, and Terrence clutched to the material before it could fall to the floor. Sanvish was packing up the containers, unwashed but unconcerned with that fact. "We need to get going."

"Have a good night," Terrence put the jacket on the side and sat on the sofa comfortably. He was not going to the circus tonight. He was exhausted from the day. They couldn't expect him to do anything more than sleep right now. Right?

"Terrence." The growl was a matter of fact, and Terrence debating locking himself in the bathroom. The way everyone was acting, it might work. Marquez could break the door down rather easily, but they didn't want him unhappy. They would leave someone guarding the door until he was brave or hungry enough to leave at the very least. Or get someone to come and guilt him into behaving.

A tail flicked against his head, and a hand tilted his head backwards. Sharp claws ran against the vulnerable, tender skin under his chin and the shadows around Marquez throbbing ominously. A threat bloomed in the air between them, unvoiced but hanging over them. His body sunk more into the pillows, exhaustion running through him. He didn't have the energy for this. Sleep sounded heavenly. His sheets were fresh and clean for once, and some of Marquez and Sanvish's scent was around to help him fall under. Or he could go curl up next to Danny. It would make sure the man was home and not being courted.

"You are coming with us," Marquez said, but his voice was softer. Low but not rumbling with anger or with orders. "I know you're tired, but the others need to see you."

"They watched me all day," Terrence couldn't quite keep the whine out of his voice. Childish or not, a more welcome feeling than he'd like to admit or not, having the circus watch his every move had weighed on his shoulders. Fingers rolled through his hair. The sharp claws moved to scratch lightly and rubbed circles. His eyes watered, but he didn't move.

Marquez let him have a moment. Then the hands moved and pushed at his back. "Up." They were on one-word orders again. Brilliant.

Terrence obeyed, pulling on his jacket. It was Sanvish who appeared in front of him to do up the zipper and fix the collar. Tutting as Terrence didn't look at him. Another brush of cheek against cheek, fur tickling his nose, before he was marched out of the apartment. Marquez's arm was at his back, and Sanvish fluttered about the two of them with a pleased smile on his face. He wasn't sure if someone locked the door, but the circus had eyes on the building now. It was safe.

There was a line at the gates. They walked past it, Marquez letting go of Terrence to flirt, charm and chat with people as they went. Sanvish was equally social, though the two kept them moving with a clear air of needing to be elsewhere. Children buzzed around them with enchanted energy, with their parents looking on amused at the awe in their eyes. Teenagers laughed in groups, and adults danced about each other in a mix of couples and friends and some in between. The smells of freshly baked goods and sweets rolled throughout, the wind helping the ambience of the place even outside the gates. The music held him close, swirling around him and running down his back. The call to run away and stay with them tugged.