Triton's Destiny

Part Forty-Six

A happy sigh escaped from Maki as he basked in the warm afternoon sunshine on his walk home from the animal hospital. He loved this time of day, when it was still bright and temperate outside, the breeze was fresh off the ocean, and people were out getting things done before the sun went down. This carefree period between workdays ending and evening activities beginning was when Maki had his most interesting conversations with people. This was when he got to learn more about them.

So when he saw Michel hurrying up the street from the bakery toward the building where he lived, Maki smiled at him and waved. "Hi, Michel!"

The blond bakery assistant looked up, his light blue eyes widening when he saw who'd called to him. "Maki!" He stopped in front of him, looking somewhat overwhelmed.

Maki's empathic nature immediately kicked in and his smile warmed. "You're off early today."

"Yeah." Michel shoved his hand through his long blond fringe. "I have plans this evening."

"Really? What kind of plans?" Maki was always fascinated to hear how the townspeople spent their evenings. There was so much to do in Faversham.

"A... um..." Michel blushed. "A date."

With an excited gasp, Maki grabbed his friend's hands. "Oh my gods, Michel! That's wonderful! With whom?"

A soft smile lifted the corner of Michel's lips. "One of the bellhops from the hotel."

Maki clasped his hands to his chest, his effusive joy practically bursting from him. "Oh, I'm so happy for you! Do I know him?"

"I don't... think so. His name is Riley. He's kinda new to Faversham." Michel's blush deepened and he bit his lip.

Maki was grinning so hard his cheeks were beginning to ache but he couldn't seem to stop. He sighed happily. "I hope you have the best time tonight. Where are you going?"

Michel's smile relaxed into something more genuine and he seemed calmer. "He's taking me to dinner. And then to one of the music halls."

"Are you excited?"

"Yes, but..." Michel bit his lip again, looking uncertain. "I'm nervous."

"Why?"

Michel made a helpless sound. "He's so handsome. And nice. And strong. He always has smart things to say. I'm just..." He heaved a sigh. "I'm just a dumb, scrawny kid from the bakery. Oh gods... This is a horrible idea."

"No, no, no!" Maki stepped forward to take Michel's hands again. "You're not dumb or scrawny. Look, I'm skinny too, but that doesn't mean we don't have a different kind of strength. And you're so smart! You could talk to Tristan for days about art. Maybe Riley would like to hear about it too."

"I don't know if he likes art."

"He's taking you to a music hall? So, he likes music?"

"Apparently."

Maki grinned. "Then I'm willing to bet he can appreciate visual art too. You should give it a try."

Michel aimed a thoughtful look at the ground for a second and then covered his face with his hands. "Maki, what am I going to wear?"

With a soft laugh, Maki stroked his hand over Michel's hair. "I've never seen you look anything less than amazing. Riley will love whatever you pick out. I'm sure of it."

Michel sighed a long rush of breath and then looked up at Maki. "Thank you." He stared into Maki's eyes for a moment and then his face broke into a happy smile. Surging forward, he caught Maki in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much."