Crimson Bonds [MxM]

16

I can't let it go

It had been a month since Peter broke up with Theoden. A long month of four weeks, too many days, and endless hours spent trying to learn how to live without him. Not that it was a new experience—Theoden's neglect had taught Peter how to be alone long before the breakup. That thought doesn't comfort him, but today is a beautiful day. The first week of February has begun, and though the weather is still frigid—colder, even—the sun shines brightly over Altala, warming everything it touches, if only slightly.

Peter sits outside the campus Student's House, a tall, white, four-story building with wide windows that let in as much sunlight as possible. In front of the House, a dozen tables and benches await students who want to study outside, a perk that will be more enjoyable when spring arrives. Today, Peter is alone except for a few students smoking nearby, their breath and cigarette smoke mingling in the cold air. He's the only one with books spread across the table, his laptop open, and a coffee travel mug within reach. The chilly breeze nips at his exposed skin, but he's prepared with his thickest coat, a warm jumper, and his favourite wool socks and scarf. His thin tail is curled tightly around his hips to shield it from the cold.

The cold breeze sharpens his focus as he taps rapidly on his laptop's keyboard, ideas flowing as he writes his essay. It isn't due until next week, but inspiration struck, and Peter decided to seize it. He even managed to persuade Anouk to join him, though she should have arrived by now.

As he leans back briefly, cradling his coffee in both hands and savouring the warmth spreading through his fingers, Peter's attention drifts from his laptop to the world around him. That's when he sees them.

Theoden and his new girlfriend sit on a bench across the street, holding hands and talking with love-sick smiles. The sight doesn't exactly hurt anymore, but it tugs at Peter's heart uncomfortably, a reminder of everything he and Theoden never had, even at their best. Perhaps he should have known their relationship was doomed from the start.

Before Peter can dwell too much on his failed relationship, a familiar tall silhouette steps into his view, blocking the couple from sight.

"Hello," Peter greets, squinting up at Saifa, who seems to glow with an ethereal halo as the sun shines behind him. Sometimes, Peter wonders if Saifa is an Angel rather than a High Fae. Angels are rare, and they don't usually mingle with the common folk, but they are said to be the most beautiful of all beings, even surpassing mermaids and succubi. However, Angels have wings—great, white, fluffy wings—and he's never seen a feather on Saifa's back, so perhaps it's just his imagination.

"Hey," Saifa replies, sitting across from Peter, effectively blocking his view of Theoden and his girlfriend. Peter can't help but wonder if Saifa is doing it on purpose.

"Working hard?" Saifa asks, nodding at the mess of books and papers surrounding Peter's laptop.

"Hmm," Peter murmurs, barely nodding as he returns his attention to his laptop, trying to refocus on his essay. But his eyes betray him—they always do—and he can't help but glance at Saifa, noticing the guitar resting beside him.

"Why do you have your guitar?" Peter asks, awkwardly pointing at the instrument with his coffee mug.

"A girl in one of my classes asked me to do a little show she could film for an assignment," Saifa shrugs, placing the guitar on his lap and strumming it gently. "It was weird playing in front of a camera," he adds pensively.

"I'm sure you did well," Peter says, smiling as he stretches, trying to shake off the remnants of the uncomfortable encounter he just had.

"What about you?" Saifa inquires, gesturing to the chaos of study materials on the table. "How're your studies going?"