~𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞~

~𝒯𝓌𝒾𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒯ℯ𝓃𝒹ℯ𝓇𝓃ℯ𝓈𝓈~

➪ 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
➪𝟏/𝟐𝟓/𝟔𝟎𝟑𝟕
➪𝟗:𝟐𝟑 𝐚𝐦

The rhythmic thud of Maximus's hooves against the earth slowed, and with a final pat to his neck, I slid from his back, securing him at the stables. Our morning of shopping and socializing stretched out before us, and I wanted no equine distractions.

Evan, my little trooper, was already awake and raring to go by the time we reached the shops, his bright eyes scanning the unfamiliar sights. I'd given him his fruit mix on the way, so his energy was buoyant, not beset by hunger pangs. He chattered excitedly, pointing at everything, and I smiled, indulging him.

Hand in small hands, we set out to conquer the day. The cobblestone street was cool beneath our feet, and the air was thick with the scent of fresh bread and roasting meats. Our first stop: Moonbean Morsels, the bakery owned by my dear friend Odessa.

As I pushed open the door, a bell above it rang out, and the heavenly scent of sweet vanilla and yeast enveloped us, making my stomach growl. Odessa's voice rang out from the back, "Good morning, I'll be right with you in a moment."

I waited, a smile playing on my lips, as Evan wandered to the display case, his eyes wide at the colorful array of treats. There were flaky pastries, glistening with sugar, and towering cakes, frosted in vibrant hues.

He pressed his small hands to the glass, and I chuckled, remembering when I used to do the same. Then, the sound of footsteps, light and quick, and Odessa emerged, a tray of steaming loaves in her hands.

Her eyes met mine, and a squeal of delight escaped her as she rushed around the counter to envelop me in a warm hug. Evan giggled as she transferred her attention to him, showering his face in kisses and spinning him around in a dizzying circle.

"I missed you guys so much, how have you been?" she asked, settling Evan onto the counter as I took a stool beside him. "We've been good, but I think Evan has a story to tell his aunt Dessa," I said, raising an eyebrow at my little boy.

He launched into a babbling tale of snow play and hot chocolate, his face aglow, and Odessa listened, beaming, as she packed a selection of treats into a bag for us. She handed Evan a flaky pastry, and he dug in contentedly, a smear of icing decorating his cheek.

"Dessa, have you heard anything about the Border Clan expanding into the Enchanted Forest?" I asked, my tone casual, but my eyes probing. Odessa's expression turned serious, a flicker of worry in her eyes. "Yes, I've heard rumors. Just be careful, okay?" she said, her voice low.

Our intimate moment was shattered by the jingle of the door, and the murmur of new customers. Evan, finished with his snack, climbed down from the counter, sippy cup in hand. "We'll catch up later this week, Dessa," I promised, gathering our things.

We exchanged whispered "I love yous" as we made our exit. The bell above the door rang out again as we emerged back into the bright morning light.

The rest of the morning passed in a whirl of activity, Evan and I making the rounds of his favorite shops. We oohed and ahhed over sparkling trinkets, and Evan even got to pick out a few pretty herbs at Esoteric Essence, the new potions shop.

The proprietor, a friendly witch, fawned over Evan, declaring him the cutest, and he rewarded her with a shy smile. I watched, a warm feeling in my chest, as he wandered the aisles, taking in the unfamiliar sights and smells.

As I paid, a voice echoed in my ear, a voice that made my blood run cold. "Takumi, come on man, this is the last stop, I promise." My heart lurched as I turned, my eyes meeting those of the man who haunted my dreams. For a moment, we just stared, the air thick with unspoken words.

I felt Evan's weight against my leg, and I reached down, scooping him up, and cradling him close as he nuzzled into my neck. With a final, weighted glance at Takumi, I bid the shopkeeper farewell and made my escape. I didn't draw a full breath until we were out on the street, the door firmly shut behind us.

The bright sunlight was a balm to my frazzled nerves, and I forced a bright smile, for Evan's sake. that was until a voice stopped me forcing me to turn around.

"It's you." pausing for a momment, "your the one from that night." he rasped out to me as I shifted Evan in my arms causing him to look at him. I could tell that he was taking in my appearance and how his eyes ran over me, as he was about to speak again a grainy voice appeared next to him. looking over to see a beautiful with fair skin and doe eyes make her presence known by grabbing onto him.

From this turned around quickly and made my way back to Maximus because I couldn't see him with any other person even though we weren't together. It was just one lousy night.

"Well, buddy, what do you say we head home? I bet Maximus is getting impatient." Evan yawned, rubbing his eyes, and I adjusted my hold on him, beginning the walk back to the stables. My mind whirled, but for now, I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the warm weight of my little boy in my arms, and the peaceful rustle of the wind through the trees.