Crimson Bonds [MxM]

19

You Get the Key to My Heart

Peter is at the store, busy with inventory. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead does little to soothe his frayed nerves. He's wearing one of his favourite jumpers—a deep blue one—with black jeans and black shoes. He'd like to say he feels better about the whole Saifa situation, but two long weeks have done nothing to ease the guilt gnawing at his insides. Every time he thinks of Saifa, a sharp pang of regret twists in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

The worst part is hearing directly from Aiman how badly the High Fae had reacted. The Werewolf called earlier this evening, his voice tight with upset and disappointment. "Peter, while you were busy running away, Saifa tried to catch up with you. He couldn't, and when he realised that, he came back inside. He sat at the bar with me... and he cried, Peter. He cried."

Peter made Saifa cry.

The words echo in his mind, a relentless reminder of his failure. He regrets leaving the way he did. He should have talked to Saifa, should have stayed and explained himself. Even if the Fae doesn't like him the way Peter does, he should've known that Saifa would've understood. Saifa is kind, empathetic, and smart—he wouldn't have rejected their friendship just because Peter has feelings for him.

He sighs deeply, his breath catching in his throat as he places Saifa's favourite brand of caramel macchiato on the shelf. The colourful bottles gleam under the harsh store lights, but they bring no comfort. The High Fae hasn't returned to the shop since that night, and Peter feels a loneliness so profound that it threatens to consume him.

Once he's done stocking the shelves, Peter returns to the counter, scrolling aimlessly through his phone. He plugs his earbuds deep into his ears, drowning out the world with soft music, trying to find solace in the melody. But no matter how hard he tries, his thoughts keep circling back to Saifa—their kiss, the way his heart had soared, and the crushing fear that followed. He remembers Saifa's eyes right before he kissed him, the way his lips had glistened under the dim lights, the green of his eyes darkening with something more. And then, like a coward, Peter had run, leaving Saifa behind, confused and hurt.

A sharp pang of guilt cuts through him, making his hands tremble. He should apologise, but that would mean facing Saifa, and that's a confrontation he's not ready for. Sighing once more, Peter straightens, pulling his earbuds out as he glances around the empty shop. The silence is deafening, pressing down on him as he pockets his phone and grabs a small bottle of chocolate milk from his backpack. Needing to clear his head, he steps outside, the cool night air hitting his face like a splash of cold water.

He squats by the door, resting his head against the rough brick wall, his horns grazing it as he looks up at the sky. The stars twinkle brightly above him, their silver light scattered across the endless darkness, but tonight, their beauty feels hollow, distant. Peter knows it's his fault—entirely, wholly, his fault. The realisation settles like a stone in his gut as he sips his chocolate milk, wishing it were something stronger to dull the ache in his chest. But he can't risk drinking on the job; he needs this paycheck, this routine to keep him grounded, even if his heart feels like it's unravelling thread by thread.

He lets his mind drift to his sisters, who he hasn't spoken to in far too long. He misses them, misses their voices, their teasing, their warmth. Perhaps he should call them tomorrow when the sun is up. Or maybe even visit them in Faurbs. The thought brings a small measure of comfort, but it's fleeting, like a flame snuffed out by the wind.

Lost in his thoughts, Peter doesn't notice the tall figure approaching until a shadow falls over him. He startles, his heart lurching as he looks up to find Saifa standing in front of him. The sight of the High Fae, his expression unreadable, sends a bolt of fear through Peter's veins. He towers above Peter, his presence imposing.