Crimson Bonds [MxM]

10

Bye, it's over

Peter is lying on the pavement, his eyes fixed on the dark firmament above him. He's not sprawled out from an accident; he's simply collapsed there, weary and feeling somewhat defeated. After breaking up with Theoden, he felt a hollow mix of exhaustion and numbness. Instead of going home to Anouk and risking a flood of questions, he chose to wander the quiet suburban streets, a weary traveller lost in the dim light of the street lamps.

His surroundings blur as he lies there, oblivious to the dirt collecting on his clothes. The emptiness inside him feels profound, a vast chasm that swallows all but the distant, flickering stars. Peter had hoped that the stars might offer some form of solace or guidance. Strangely, they make him think of Saifa, the one person who has shown him unwavering kindness despite his reluctance.

Peter stares at the sky, his mind wandering to the conversation he'd had with Saifa. The High Fae's compassion had been a beacon in his sea of confusion and pain. It was Saifa's patience and genuine care that had, in part, given Peter the strength to end his painful relationship with Theoden.

He fumbles with his phone, scrolling through contacts, his fingers numb and clumsy. He doesn't find what he's looking for immediately but recalls the piece of paper Saifa had given him weeks ago. Peter's heart beats a little faster as he retrieves the paper from his wallet - he remembers removing the paper from his pants pocket and putting it there -, the handwriting on it scrawled yet comforting. He quickly enters the number into his phone and presses call, his thumb trembling.

The phone rings a few times before Saifa's voice answers, smooth and warm, cutting through the darkness of Peter's night.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Saifa."

There's a brief pause on the other end. Peter can hear muffled noises and the distant murmur of conversation, suggesting that Saifa is in a bustling place.

"Peter? Is that you?" Saifa's voice conveys a mixture of surprise and delight.

"Yeah."

"You're finally calling!" Saifa's tone is light and welcoming, but Peter's voice wavers as he plunges into the reason for his call.

"I just broke up with Theoden."

The line goes quiet, the only sound being the faint background noise of Saifa's environment. Peter waits, feeling the weight of his confession sink in. He's about to withdraw when Saifa's voice comes back, softer now.

"How did it go? Are you alright?"

The soothing quality of Saifa's voice offers some relief, a contrast to the storm of emotions inside Peter. He lies on the pavement, feeling a fleeting sense of peace.

"It was... weird," Peter admits, his voice barely a whisper. "He was surprised. I think he didn't understand why I wanted to break up."

Saifa's voice is a balm to Peter's raw emotions. "Do you want me to come to you? Wherever you are, just text me the address, and I'll be there."

Peter hesitates, feeling vulnerable yet oddly comforted by Saifa's offer. The thought of Saifa's presence, a steady anchor in his turbulent sea, is too tempting to ignore.

"Are you sure? It's late, and I'm not close to the pub."

"It's alright, Peter. Just send me your location, and I'll come to you," Saifa reassures him.

Peter sends his location and waits. The minutes stretch as he continues to lie on the pavement, his phone resting beside him. The stars above seem to mock his indecision and sorrow, and he feels a pang of uncertainty about reaching out to Saifa.

After a while, he hears footsteps approaching, and his heart skips a beat. Saifa's face emerges from the shadows, illuminated by the streetlights. His smile is soft and comforting, his presence a stark contrast to the cold pavement beneath Peter.

"Peter?" Saifa's voice is gentle as he kneels beside him, his eyes reflecting concern and warmth.

"Yeah," Peter manages, his voice hoarse.

Saifa sits beside him, his presence a soothing balm. They sit in silence, the quiet night stretching around them. Saifa's hand reaches out, stroking Peter's hair gently. The touch is tender, almost reverent, and it eases some of Peter's tension.

Peter closes his eyes, leaning into Saifa's touch. The High Fae's fingers move delicately over his scalp and horns, providing an unexpected comfort. Peter's emotions overwhelm him, and tears begin to roll down his cheeks. Saifa doesn't flinch or pull away; instead, he continues to offer gentle, reassuring strokes.

Peter's sobs come in ragged waves, his body shaking with the intensity of his release. He cries for the end of his relationship, for the pain he's endured, and for the bittersweet freedom he now feels. Saifa remains a steadfast presence, murmuring soft reassurances, his hand a steady anchor.

"It's okay," Saifa whispers, his voice a steady, calming force. "You're not alone."

Gradually, Peter's tears subside. The emptiness inside him begins to fill with a new, gentle warmth. When he opens his eyes, he gazes up at the stars, their twinkle now a gentle, reassuring presence.

"Thank you," Peter whispers, his voice barely audible.

Saifa smiles softly, his presence a balm to Peter's weary soul. "You don't need to thank me. I'm here for you."

As the first hints of dawn begin to break through the darkness, Peter feels a fragile yet hopeful sense of renewal. Saifa's kindness and support have become a lifeline, a bridge from his past pain to a future filled with possibility. He feels less alone, his heart lightened by the unexpected solace of a friend who understands him in ways he's just beginning to grasp.

The night may be over, but the comfort of Saifa's presence promises a new beginning, one where Peter can face the world with renewed hope and strength.