The Dare of Truth [slash]

Chapter 4

The next days passed uneventfully. Fyn and Eondar went to the concert of a famous violinist, securing an exclusive interview, and a fashion show hosted by one of the top labels of the city. Coincidence had it that the designer still remembered Eondar back from his days as a fashion photographer, and another exclusive was the result.

Fyn had stopped prying for the time being, but, as usual, never stopped talking. Soon, Eondar knew all about the political and social scandals the journalist had uncovered, his favorite books, movies, and music - practically anything. Strangely enough, he seemed to actually enjoy the lifebearer's incessant talking and listened closely.

One morning, however, the photographer looked under the weather. Fyn had just made some coffee for both of them while they had sorted through some photos and noticed that the sire wasn't listening. He just sat there drooping, his eyes not focusing properly.

"Hey, are you okay? You look tired," Fyn asked concerned and gave Eondar a fresh cup of coffee.

"Sorry, sleeping problems," the photographer murmured and took a sip.

"Just tonight?"

Eondar was already used to the inquisition and had stopped trying to hold anything back. "Actually, the whole week. My therapist thinks me being back at the job reminds me of... bad things. But it's not that; I love what I do."

Fyn smiled. "Just give it time. I'm sure your brother-in-law is okay with you taking a day off or so - after the big event we're covering tomorrow, mind you. I need you there."

"No time to sleep; I have to search for an apartment." In a truly tired fashion, Eondar rubbed his eyes. "I've been living with Telias, Jordan, and their kids ever since I got back. Problem is, I don't just have trouble sleeping... I wake up screaming several times a night. Telias, as worried as he is, told me he couldn't tolerate it anymore since I wake the kids and scare them. Twins, just two years old. I don't want them to be afraid of their uncle."

"Oh damn. I'm sorry." Fyn gently patted Eondar's arm. Leaning back against the desk, he stared at the opposite wall, thinking. Then he had an idea. "Listen, it's not an easy task finding a good apartment in this city, and certainly not in two days time. Living in a hotel isn't fun either, since I know your salary - Sorry," he added. "You know what I mean. What I'm proposing... why don't you come live with me for a while? I have a spare room. Okay, it's full of books, but you can close the door behind you. Just until you find a suitable new home."

The sire looked up at Fyn; him sitting and the lifebearer standing was the only configuration that allowed for that. "Are you serious?"

"Of course. See, you're no good to me in this condition. And although I don't like my current assignment, I want to do it as well as possible nevertheless, and that includes you taking your brilliant pictures." Fyn tried to look stern, but he failed as always. "So don't you think I'm just a pushover for that sad face of yours."

Now Eondar had to smile. "Don't worry. And if it's really okay with you, I'll gladly take you up on your offer. But, just for a while, and I'll do the cooking. I learned a great deal of recipes from all over Wyndrah."

Fyn grinned. "See? It was a purely selfish offer on my account to get my own personal chef. I can only burn water."

In truth, Fyn hadn't been sure if it had been right to offer the sire a temporary abode. He was used to living alone, and he had only known the photographer for a week. But he was also not the type to let people down who needed him. For all his big talk, Fyn had a very big soft spot when it came to helping others.

Two days later, Eondar moved in with Fyn. The lifebearer had cleaned up the spare room as much as possible. It had a sleeper sofa in it for guests, but so far it hadn't been used. After all, all of Fyn's friends and family lived close by.