Crimson Bonds [MxM]

20

I'm Holding On

Saifa has been driving for around fifteen minutes, not uttering a word, and Peter feels increasingly awkward, expecting the worst now. Music is blasting loudly through the car's speakers, surely waking up the whole neighbourhood. He thinks he recognizes one of the latest popular songs and feels the urge to sing along, but bites his tongue, not wanting to upset Saifa further. The Fae is driving, his hands so tightly clenched around the wheel that his knuckles have turned white. Peter wants to say something. Anything, truly. But nothing comes to his mind, and he still feels like telling the whole truth wouldn't help him at all.

Suddenly, Saifa takes a sharp turn, speeding and almost drifting as the car swerves, and Peter can't recognize the road they're on. He frowns. He isn't worried—he trusts Saifa—but he can see just how angry the Fae is, and he doesn't want him to be a danger on the road.

"Saifa..." he attempts, but closes his mouth when the Fae's fingers tighten further around the wheel. The car's tires squeal as they take another corner too fast. Peter's heart skips a beat, fear threading through his veins. He's always liked the thrill of fast cars, but this is different. There's an edge to Saifa's driving tonight that makes him feel like they're teetering on the brink of disaster.

"Please, I know you're mad at me, but could you slow down?" Peter's voice is strained, almost pleading.

Saifa briefly glances at him, frowning, his gaze still cold. Yet, Peter sees his foot lifting from the accelerator and he settles a little in his seat, but the tension remains thick between them, like a storm that's about to break.

The music changes then, something slower, calmer. Peter doesn't recognize the song, but he carefully listens to the lyrics as he tries to find the words to talk to Saifa. The singer talks of giving her lover a choice—whether to leave or stay. The melancholic melody is heavy with resignation, and Peter feels it burrow into his chest, tightening around his heart like a vice.

The song lulls Peter into a state of reflection, the sorrowful lyrics unravelling his thoughts. He almost wants to cover his ears. The voice is gracious and melodious, something beautiful that pulls at his heart, but the words she sings sting and Peter wants to run away, far from the car, far from Saifa.

However, the High Fae abruptly stops the car, parking by the road and turning off the engine with a sigh before reclining in his seat, his eyes lost in the distance. A new song starts playing, but Peter focuses on the outside, trying to see where they are.

The car is parked in the middle of nowhere. They're on the side of a deserted highway, at a crossroad, surrounded by clearing woods, and further away, half-hidden by the trees, there's a greenish river. Peter can hear the water rushing over the river's bed, taking on a deep teal shade in the late-night moonlight. He can't help the small smile that grazes his lips. He didn't know a place so beautiful existed so close to town. He turns to Saifa, but the High Fae has stepped out of the car and is now leaning against the front. He has his arms crossed over his chest, and his head is tilted backward, making his dark curls fall behind.

Peter slightly frowns before opening the door and stepping out, walking around the car to stand in front of the other. Gradually, Saifa shifts his head, his green eyes slowly settling on Peter. He isn't frowning anymore, but his lips are tightly closed in a thin line.

"Saifa..." Peter tries again, his voice more hesitant. "Why are we here?"

The Fae stares at him for a long moment, the only sounds they can hear are the river and the music from the car. It feels like they're the only ones in the world, standing alone by an empty road, surrounded by trees and water.