Crimson Bonds [MxM]

14

Afterglow

Peter has not tried to resist. He doesn't have any other choice but to follow Saifa. When the High Fae had stopped at the counter, hailing Aiman for a drink, and the latter came back with a plate of twelve shots of an unknown bright purple alcohol that looked suspiciously like one of Anouk's worst potions, Peter had tried to run away before he resigned himself. He was going to get drunk tonight, whether he liked it or not.

"Here!" Saifa hands him the first shot.

By the smell only, Peter thinks it's probably vodka with something else that smells fruity. He truly wonders if Aiman didn't ask Anouk to make some sort of potion to add to the cocktails and shots he serves the clients.

Turning to the High Fae by his side, he watches with wide eyes Saifa gulping his own shot in one go, throwing his head back as he does so. When he swallows, he notices that Peter hasn't touched his own, and he frowns, although he still grins brightly. "Come on, Peter! It's Friday! You can go a little crazy on a Friday night."

Peter stares for a moment. Then, a moment longer, hesitating, the purple shot still in his hand. But then, he thinks, what does he have to lose? Nothing. So, he brings the small glass to his lips, ignoring the vodka's bitter smell and focusing on the fruity taste, before jerking his head backwards and drinking it all in one gulp.

Peter decides the burning sensation of gulping such a strong shot is worth it when he opens his eyes and sees Saifa beaming, his lips stretching in a happy smile as he hands them both another shot. They drink them all, and by his fourth, Peter already feels his mind getting pleasantly foggy. Everything seems to be brighter and shinier, especially Saifa, who, in his eyes, glows the most splendid among all.

The more he drinks, the louder the music gets. Peter is vaguely aware that it may not be the case, that he is just drunk. Nonetheless, everything is a lot more than it was a moment prior. All of Peter's attention is turned to Saifa, who has the brightest smile he has ever seen stretching his lips, and he notices that the Fae is dancing, swaying his hips and moving his shoulders as he stays close to him. Soon, Saifa turns to Peter, beaming, and he takes his elbow, pushing him towards the dance floor.

***

The night passes in a blur of two bodies dancing, sometimes with other people, often together. Between fuzzy smiles and bleary lights. The general effervescence fills the Fae and Peter as they throw their heads back and sing along to whatever is playing. They drink and forget the world around them. They even forget to be shy and to hesitate as everything feels more manageable at that moment, through the fog.

Peter can hardly remember what led to it, but there's a moment when he finds himself leaning closer to Saifa, the music fading into a distant hum as their faces come dangerously close. His heart pounds in his chest, unsure if it's from the alcohol or something else. Before he can second-guess himself, Saifa's lips brush against his in a fleeting, unsteady kiss. The contact sends a jolt through Peter, sharp and electric, making him stumble back slightly.

Saifa pulls away, eyes wide and searching Peter's face. There's a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.

"Sorry," Saifa says quickly, his voice hoarse, though Peter is sure the apology is unnecessary. The atmosphere between them shifts, becoming awkward and heavy. Peter is left grappling with a mix of embarrassment and confusion, unsure if he imagined the whole thing.

The rest of the night blurs into a chaotic whirlwind. They end up leaving the club together, the fresh night air hitting Peter's face like a slap. Saifa stays close, their earlier intimacy hanging between them like a palpable force. It's a night neither of them will easily forget, but for very different reasons.