Return to sender

Day out

A mixture of strange things greeted you upon waking - usually they wouldn't be odd, but disorientation kicked in the moment you opened your eyes and it took some time to adjust and recall exactly where you were. The sound of waves was soothing yet unexpected, the scent of freshness combined with breakfast also well received however it made no sense, none of these things should be here, not in your apartment. And then there was the vacant space beside you, one usually occupied by another body and you patted the sheets, stupidly searching an empty bed for Levi as if he'd simply become lost in the covers.

Pictures lay foggy in your mind, brain trying to cope with the change of scenery and figure out how you got here; it felt alarming to be so confused after all this time, any incidents of misplaced judgement a bygone and you began to panic. Dull light illuminated the scene, speaking of either an early morning or bleak outlook and you turned to check the time, seeing not your digital red display but an old fashioned analogue alarm clock, antique-looking and round. Two brass circles sat atop the item, ready to be rattled when the prescribed hour was reached and you frowned at it, unfamiliar face staring back and ticking quietly.

You knew Levi lived by the coast and presumed that's where you were, but couldn't fathom how. For some reason, your whole journey had been erased as the last thing you could clearly recollect was crying over a jar. Closing your eyes again, you swallowed down the creeping dread and tried to connect the dots, paint a picture that would bring this all back to normal and explain your whereabouts. You searched the depths of your mind, struggled and prayed to find just one single piece of evidence, anything to ease the disorientation that made the world spin in sickening colours behind your lids. Measured breaths were taken, shaking air blown out between parted lips and you dredged the memory banks, seeking out a singular truth.

Not much was attained at first but a flicker of hope broke through, a random image that kind of helped - lights playing off droplets of rain on glass, moving source of brightness creating a spray of delicate little globes and you suddenly sat up, convinced you'd cracked the code.

"The bus."

Now that had been discovered, a flood gate opened and it all came tumbling through, your whole trip, not every last bit but some parts shone out down to the finest details like how the coach smelled, felt, sounded...

"Morning." Levi appeared holding a tray, one loaded with food and a steaming pot of tea, the aroma telling you it was going to be a magnificent breakfast and he frowned lightly, the wideness in your gaze troubling. He expected this may happen, a lapse in knowledge of your location and the feast was placed down carefully, man joining you under the fluffy duvet and arranging the edible treats with a gentle hand. Pouring drinks, silver eyes kept a close watch as you shook your head, fuzziness chased away physically. "Got everything?"

"I think so, Levi. Shit, that was weird."

"Well, remove familiar settings..." Your lover didn't know what else to say and opted to keep quiet on the subject, allow you to process this - any questions could be asked. "Here." Hot liquid was passed over and you took it gingerly, warmth spreading from your palms as you cradled the mug, thoughtful and creating a more vivid picture.

"Did we meet Mike?"

"We did."

"He's huge, right?"

"Fucking massive."

"Ok, I remember him." Sipping delicately, you smiled, content that enough had been stored internally. "Thanks Levi. I guess you're right about familiar settings."

"Of course I am. Now eat, you need your strength." He smirked, playful elbow dug into your arm and you grinned back, excited for the day ahead.

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