Love Bites

Chapter 20: My Very Own Garden

It had been three weeks since George was dumped.

He felt defeated. Heart broken. Absolutely shattered, yet anything but surprised.

He was in the midst of preparing for a masquerade party being hosted in the town square. After a painful breakup with his obviously straight boyfriend (he knows from how often he'd come home with lipstick smeared across his lips and down his neck, smelling like perfume, spending more time out of the house than with him) who wanted to experiment, he'd chosen to try getting out of the house after sulking for so long.

Worried for his safety after being with someone who had the means to expose him, he'd been trying to stay safe by staying home.

Sapnap came over a week ago to help him clean up around the house. He was appreciative of the non-judgmental attitude towards his typically tidy and organized area, but felt bad about its condition regardless. His friend actively worked not to act pitiful towards him. It almost felt worse.

He wasn't sure what he was looking for if he's being honest. Attending parties wasn't really his thing, but it was something to do that was different than his normal schedule. Maybe he could distract himself, maybe he could become someone that other people would actually want, he wasn't sure. All he knew is that he didn't want to spend another second wallowing in his house or obsessively hunting vampires until he could hardly stand.

Too many nights were wasted coming home far after his desired bed time, unable to sleep from the wounds and aching. He would wake up, sulk, hunt, and sleep.

There wasn't room for anything else.

He placed his porcelain mask on his face, sliding it up his nose bridge. It felt ridiculous, but it was nice to not be seen. Blending into the crowd like a cob in a corn field.

He stepped out of the house, darting his eyes across the wide field to Sapnap's. His house was lit, so he knew the other was home. He would have invited him, but if he ended up meeting a guy it probably would have gotten awkward. He decides its best if he goes alone.

He took a familiar path down the street and around the corner towards the town square. The stars danced in the sky above him, and he walked with his head up to observe their choreography.

He finally made it to the large stone fountain. Lit lanterns and calm music hit his senses. The chatter of townspeople drowned out any thoughts he tried to muster. He found himself irrationally irritated as he tried to relax a little, taking a seat at the bar counter on an isolated stool, feeling it sink under his weight.

He scanned the crowd with a gentle squint, scrutinizing the men under his gaze.

Most that came to the weekly night gathering were young adults, around his age and looking to marry.

A man with brown hair and miniscule height passed him - not his type.

Another, taller man caught George's eye in the crowd, but of course, he was speaking to a woman in a large hat with a feather sticking out the top. It probably cost more than his entire outfit.

His hope dissipated. What kind of gay man seeks a suitor at a public event? It's shameful to even be out like this. He thought to himself. If they found out what I was looking for, I'd surely be killed.

...I need a drink.

Giving up, he drummed his fingers on the table, well trimmed nails hitting the wood with a clicking sound. He couldn't think of what to order. This shit is unaffordable.