Crimson Bonds

8

Change

For once, Peter only has late afternoon lectures, so he enjoys the journey to his building, marching through the city at a slow, leisurely pace. The afternoon air is soft despite the end of January creeping closer, and Peter tightens his green coat around his chest, tilting his head back slightly with a contented sigh.

The breeze feels good on his skin, helping to clear his mind. It's nice, soothing even, and for the first time in weeks, his thoughts aren't a chaotic storm. He lazily watches people going to and from work, walking, rushing, or strolling along the pavements. The weather is gradually getting colder, forcing people to cuddle up in scarves and thick coats, savouring their own warmth. A faint glow to the city life is emerging, and everything seems to twinkle in the dwindling light.

For once, Peter's mind is clear, with no clouds on the horizon. He hasn't seen Theoden or his friend for the past week, and maybe that's why. His heart still hurts, but the pain is more diffuse, less like a knife plunged through it, more like the dull throb of a bruise. It's manageable.

As he walks, he suddenly notices a small coffee shop—the kind people flock to for social media-worthy photos. However, what truly stops Peter is the figure of Saifa sitting outside on the terrace, enjoying a cup of something warm and sweet. Peter hesitates. His first thought is to join the Fae, which surprises him. It's unusual and unexpected, and he's unsure how to react. He stands in the middle of the pavement, passersby brushing past him, giving him odd looks that he ignores.

Peter breathes out, watching the puffs of heat fill the air in tiny clouds. His eyes return to Saifa, still seated, still enjoying his drink with a soft, satisfied smile on his face. Even from where he stands, Peter can see how Saifa's eyes shine brightly, giving his features a gracious aura that soothes him deeply within. Saifa has his head slightly tilted back, appearing lost in thought as he watches the sky. Peter realises that the Fae is alone, which is rare for this time of day. Usually, Saifa is surrounded by friends.

After observing Saifa from a distance for a moment longer, Peter decides to go for a coffee at the same shop. Perhaps he'll walk by the Fae and see what he does. He isn't going there because he wants to see Saifa. Absolutely not.

But he's barely halfway to the shop when Saifa's gaze catches his, and the Fae's smile broadens with warmth.

"Hey! Peter!" Saifa waves, his voice carrying over the noise of the city. "How you doing, mate?"

Despite himself, Peter smiles back—though he pointedly avoids waving—before stopping by Saifa's table.

"Hey. I've got a lecture in thirty minutes," he says, glancing at the time on his phone. "I came for an additional dose of caffeine."

Saifa nods enthusiastically. "This place is really good! It's my favourite, actually. Their coffee is amazing," he affirms, his smile radiating warmth so intensely that Peter feels his chest warming despite the cold. "If you have time, you could sit with me," Saifa adds, a note of hesitation in his voice.

"I'll let you know after I get my coffee," Peter replies, offering a reassuring smile before stepping into the small shop.

The café's selection is large, but most of it consists of overly sweet beverages that Peter could never drink. He settles on a simple espresso, hoping it lives up to Saifa's praise. With his coffee in hand, he returns outside, checking the time again. Twenty minutes left. He can afford to enjoy the late afternoon lights with Saifa, he decides, taking a seat across from the Fae. He doesn't look at Saifa directly but instead tilts his head back to watch the sky, the clouds tinged with hues of orange and pink, and the occasional dragon flying high above.