Elliot

19 - The balcony

Elliot enjoyed the party more than he had anticipated. For the first time, he felt completely comfortable wearing a dress, the soft fabric swirling around him as he moved. The sparkling details of his outfit reflected his mood, and he loved the feeling of being himself for once, free from the weight of expectations.

The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter, filled with the friendly faces of students from the local university. People were scattered around the apartment, some gathered in small clusters sharing animated stories while others were dancing, their bodies swaying to the beat of the music pulsing through the speakers. The room was adorned with Halloween decorations: cobwebs draped from the corners, fake bats fluttered from the ceiling, and jack-o'-lanterns flickered warmly on tables, their glowing faces creating a cozy ambiance. Elliot found himself swept up in the lively energy, the sound of playful banter mixing with the rhythm of the music. As he danced, losing himself in the rhythm, a smile was permanently etched on his face. He indulged in the sweets Mia and Alec had provided, colorful pastries and candies that added a sugary spark to the night. Despite the fun, he made a conscious effort to stay away from the alcohol; he wanted to remain clear-headed, savoring the joy of the moment without the haze of intoxication. Instead, he focused on the delicious treats, allowing the flavors to fuel his spirits and add to his exhilaration.

Every so often, his eyes wandered across the room to where Nate stood. To his surprise, Nate was actually having a good time, moving to the music with a carefree vibe he hadn't seen before. His vampire costume was sharp, the dark fabric contrasting with his skin and accentuating his physique. Elliot felt a flutter in his chest at the sight of him laughing and dancing with Martin, the pirate. It was as if a weight had lifted from Nate's shoulders, and Elliot couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth watching him enjoy himself, free from the burden that had previously weighed him down.

Even in the midst of the festivities, Elliot couldn't shake off the nagging thoughts about Nate. It was complicated, to say the least. Watching Nate interact with someone else stirred something deep within him—a mix of longing and curiosity. Did Nate still think about him? Did he miss what they had? Even though it was just friendly banter, it had meant something to Elliot, and he missed it.

As the evening wore on, Elliot tried to focus on the fun around him. He danced with Aaron and his new friends, joined in on silly games, and laughed at the playful antics of their group. The sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses surrounded him, the atmosphere warm and inviting. Yet, no matter how much he tried to immerse himself in the party, a part of him remained tethered to Nate, wondering what he was thinking, what he was feeling. The shock of watching him and the pirate kiss had calmed down, but the urge to talk to him persisted.

Finally, unable to resist the pull any longer, Elliot made his way across the room, weaving through the crowd until he reached Nate and Martin. He caught the tail end of their conversation, Martin's laughter ringing out as Nate playfully rolled his eyes.

"Hey, you two!" Elliot called out, trying to keep his tone light as he approached them.

Nate turned, his expression shifting slightly as he met Elliot's gaze. "Elliot! You look amazing!" His words were genuine, though his voice was slightly slurred from the drinks he had consumed. Still, the compliment sent a rush of warmth through Elliot.

"Thanks! You're not looking too bad yourself, vampire," Elliot teased, gesturing to Nate's costume.

Martin chimed in, a cheeky grin on his face. "Yeah, he's been saying he's ready to bite someone all night. I'm Martin, by the way, old friend of the brothers."

"Nice to meet you. I'm the neighbor," Elliot replied, a friendly smile on his face as he extended his hand.

The three of them continued to chat, and for a moment, the tension between Elliot and Nate seemed to dissolve in the shared laughter. The lively atmosphere buzzed around them—music thumping, drinks flowing, and the sounds of friends enjoying the night—everything felt back to how it used to be. It was refreshing to feel this connection again, even if it was tinged with the complexities of their past.