Crimson Bonds [MxM]

15

The night before

Morning turns to day, and day turns to night. The darkening sky is slowly being filled with twinkling stars, and the last flying creatures are going home. Not a cloud is in sight, and everything is crisp and clear. A gentle breeze settles over the city despite the winter weather.

Peter stands outside the store, a warm coffee tightly in his hands. He gazes up at the darkening sky, trying to order his chaotic thoughts. Earlier today, he saw Theoden and the Nymph girl—Maria, he forced himself to remember—share a kiss. They looked happy, holding hands, and something inside Peter's chest cracked despite himself. It felt as if the remnants of his love for Theoden had ignited and burned him, leaving him with the ashes of what they used to have, as they disappeared.

Feeling suffocated again, Peter has taken a break while the store is empty. He sips his coffee pensively, closing his eyes briefly as he lets his head fall back, feeling his horns gently hit the wall behind him. He feels tired, but it's more than just exhaustion. It's like being sore after a long, laborious day.

Seeing Theoden moving on... It hurt, a lot, but less than he thought it would. It only reinforced how right he had been to end it with him.

Now... Now, Peter wonders if he's allowed to move on too. If he can let his heart stir and pull for someone else. His mind swirls with images of a familiar face, one with soft dark copper hair, golden skin, and impossibly deep green eyes.

Peter sighs, running his free hand through his short hair. He doesn't understand why Saifa confuses him this way. Sure, he isn't oblivious to the rapid beating of his heart in the High Fae's presence or how he always smiles around him, but unlike when he fell for Theoden, he doesn't understand why this is happening. Why so soon? He doesn't want to fall for anyone—not now, perhaps not ever—even if it's childish to deny love altogether because of one heartbreak.

He sighs, pressing the skin under his eyes carefully, avoiding his short claws. He takes another gulp of his coffee, ignoring the burn on his tongue. His eyes catch sight of a tall silhouette cutting through the shadows and marching in his direction.

Peter immediately recognizes Saifa with his guitar slung over his shoulder and his hands deep inside his coat's pockets.

Unhelpfully, Peter's heart starts speeding with each step the Fae takes. It's a Saturday night, Peter remembers. Saifa must have a big show tonight. The High Fae is effortlessly stylish in his red jacket and tight black skinny jeans. From under the coat, Peter can glimpse a grey shirt. He can't deny it—Saifa looks good. Really good.

"Hey," Saifa greets as he stops in front of Peter.

"'Evening," Peter replies with a forced smile, raising his cup in a casual greeting.

"On a break?" Saifa tilts his head, holding the door open to the store.

"Not anymore," Peter grumbles as he slowly stands.

Peter takes the door handle from Saifa's hand, pushing it open and allowing Saifa to walk inside first. He then strolls toward the counter where his many books are still open, highlighters and pens messily spread on top. Behind him, Saifa walks to the coffee shelf, grabbing his usual drink before following Peter to the counter.

Peter watches him. The scene feels familiar—Saifa entering the shop, picking up his coffee, walking over to the counter with a bright smile. He's seen it a dozen times before, probably more. Yet, it is only now that his heart jerks with a strange intensity, making his hands turn clammy. He mirrors Saifa's smile despite the confusion gnawing at him.

"Big show tonight?" Peter inquires as he rings up Saifa's caramel macchiato, taking his money and giving him the receipt.

"Yeah... I mean, it's Saturday," Saifa replies, taking the coffee and immediately opening the bottle to take a long gulp. That's unusual. "A lot of people will be there."

Peter scrutinises Saifa closely. For the first time since they knew each other, the High Fae looks genuinely tired. Dark purple shadows mar the area under his green eyes. Peter realises that Saifa must be struggling more than he let on. The hangover might have been worse than it appeared this morning.

"Do you wanna come by?" Saifa then asks, wiping the corner of his lips with the back of his hand.

"Er— I don't think I can do shots again," Peter says, grimacing at the thought. Studying at the library with a hangover had been a nightmare, and he still feels tired and a bit nauseous. But Saifa chuckles, shaking his head slightly.

"I promise, no shots tonight," he declares with a laugh, beaming at Peter. "I don't think I can handle it either, anyway." He tilts his head, copper strands shifting with the movement, light catching them in a golden halo. "So? Are you coming?"

Peter blinks, trying to collect his thoughts. "Yeah. Sure. I'll come by after my shift."

Seemingly satisfied with Peter's answer, Saifa takes the remainder of his coffee, readjusts his guitar over his shoulder, and leaves the store with a wave and a slight bounce in his step.

As Peter watches Saifa leave, a soft, content smile stretches his lips. However, a sudden chill sweeps through the store, making Peter shiver despite his warm coat. He looks around, noticing the usually comforting space now feels eerily empty. The familiar hum of the heater has stopped, and the silence feels heavier than it should.

Peter's phone buzzes, snapping him out of his thoughts. It's a message from Anouk:

Hey, have you seen the news?

There's been a power outage in your area.

Looks like you might have trouble with the store.

Peter's heart sinks. The power outage would explain the cold and the silence. He grabs his coat and hurries to the back of the store to check the fuse box. The flickering lights and absence of warmth are ominous, making the task more daunting.

As he wrestles with the fuse box, Aiman and Anouk burst through the door, concern etched on their faces.

"Need a hand?" Anouk asks, her eyes scanning the darkened store.

Peter shakes his head, determination in his eyes. "No, I've got this. I need to close up first. The store's still open, and I can't leave it like this." He sighs. "I promised Saifa that I'll be there for his show tonight... Seems like I won't be able to make it."

Aiman nods understandingly, a determined glint in his eyes. "We'll help you get everything sorted out, then you can head to the show."

With their assistance, Peter manages to close the shop, lock up, and ensure everything is secure. The power flickers back on just as they finish. Exhausted but relieved, Peter turns to his friends.

"Thanks for the help," he says, his gratitude evident.

Anouk gives him a supportive smile. "Just make sure you go easy on yourself tonight. You deserve a break."

Peter nods, rushing out of the store and heading towards Saifa's show. His mind is still a whirlwind of thoughts—the day's events, Saifa's offer, the store's sudden trouble. As he makes his way to the venue, he hopes the night will offer some clarity. Or at least a moment of escape from the chaos that has surrounded him.