Anthony was deadly tired. He was walking like a zombie as he entered his house; kicking his shoes somewhere he didn't care. The queue was long in his university when he was trying to enroll and he had to endure ample time for it. Anthony fished his phone and went to check the time, sighing; he was feeling relieved that it's only 1pm in the afternoon and he's sure by now that Aegir was finally home from fetching his gauntlets.
A lazy smile crept on Anthony's face. He's certain that Aegir will definitely flaunt his new gauntlets to him excitedly. "Well, that will heal my tired self, " he absent-mindedly muttered looking at the plastic bags he's carrying; full of ingredients for tonight's dinner.
Anthony remembered that Aegir requested having a salmon party tonight.
If only Anthony had heard what he carelessly spat, he'll surely flip by now. Perhaps his exhaustion made him a little delusional.
"Aegir? I am home! " he called his housemate. Although he knew that Aegir must be with their cats in the living room by now, watching television.
He walked towards the living room with a smile on his face. He found Aegir cozily lying by the sofa; his head at the right corner of it and his long hair sprawled on the floor. The television was open with an image of cats being shown. Aegir was not watching, rather, he was busy cuddling with their two cats. Their two cats were lying on Aegir's chest and he was showering them with kisses and pampering massages. Soft meows, purring, and occasional giggles coming from Aegir and their cats could also serenade the warm place.
Anthony stopped on his tracks and decided to watch them for a while. He couldn't wipe out his smile while gazing at them. His heart felt full and almost like it's more magical than the existence of powers in his world; this caused him to have that sensation of being healed, more potent than even Vin's healing abilities.
Before meeting Aegir and their cats, his life was considered completely dull. He'll just come home after a long day without a sense of excitement and purpose other than lying on his bed to rest. Right now, it's different. He's always looking forward because he knows that he'll not be alone.
Anthony watched Aegir suddenly get up, an obvious pout on his lips. Aegir looked at their cats and spoke to them, tone complaining, "Ah! I'm getting impatient! When will he come home? " The cats tilted their heads to Aegir's question. A mellow meow escaped their tiny lips.
Anthony chuckled because of what Aegir had said. He shook his head softly. Anthony knew that Aegir arrived 10-15 minutes before him because his housemate still had his pink long sleeves and jeans on; the same outfit he wore before entering the magic mirror to go to the blacksmith.
He's just impatient... or maybe he's also getting hungry.
Tibby, the eldest of the two kittens who already had the ability to speak, placed his little paw on Aegir's plump cheek. "Don't worry! " the little kitten beamed, making Aegir smile and pat the little kitten's head.
Anthony wasn't that shocked anymore when he made peace with the truth he now couldn't deny. For him now, these things are considered his new normal.
He also couldn't help but to get his phone from his pocket and proceeded to take a couple of photos while watching Aegir hugging the kittens.
'What if I'll just surprise him that I'm home? ' A thought ran to Anthony's mind. He was snickering to himself. He's in the mood to tease his housemate after all they weren't together for a few hours.
Anthony quietly approached Aegir, his heart fuelled with anticipation of his plan to surprise him. His reactions will be funny, he's quite sure. He tiptoed and went to grab both of Aegir's shoulders from the back; earning a gasp and a hiss from the oblivious guy.
Anthony's laughs echoed in the living room even out shining the volume of the show being played on their television.
It took a minute for Aegir to glare at his master, almost like he's ready to dig his claw to his face that was enjoying his misery. Aegir took a couple of breaths to calm himself; he then grabbed one of the pillows on the sofa and hit Anthony repeatedly. Anthony was trying to shield himself using his arms but he's miserably failing. He couldn't concentrate on protecting himself from it because his laughter still didn't die down. He was really enjoying it.
"Idiot! Idiot! How could you! " Aegir grumbled, continuing to smack his master with a pillow; now, he took another one and simultaneously beat his master with it.
The two kittens could just watch in tranquility as they saw both of their caretakers 'bicker'. Or perhaps, it's one-sided because Aegir was the only one hitting and berating Anthony who was not even angry at receiving the attacks; in fact, he's entertained by it. The light on his eyes were even serene but glowing lively just like the moon in its full form.
Aegir's attacks turned slow each passing second, indicating that he's getting tired of it. With a pout, he returned the pillows on the sofa. His brows were still crumpled as he stared at his master; his hands now placed on his hips.
Anthony grinned, his hand found its place on the top of Aegir's head. He patted it gently. "I'm home! But I am not sorry I startled you, " Anthony announced himself; smirking.
Aegir frowned, a visible pink tint flashed on his face. Aegir tried to look away but eventually he gave in to what he really wanted to do. His arms wrapped around his master and his face buried on his chest, inhaling his familiar and comforting scent.
Anthony was glued on the spot, body rigid like a statue placed on an exhibit. He found his cheeks burning hot, he's sure that he's redder than a tomato now. He's quietly praying that Aegir won't hear how loud his heart is beating right now or he'll probably just come with an excuse that it's because of the adrenaline when they're having a pillow fight a while ago.
Aegir bobbed his head to look at Anthony, this time his forest green eyes are now coated in tears. He still couldn't forget the idea that Anthony might leave him and that thought was the one making him anxious of Anthony's return. He was so afraid that Anthony would not come home and that he's in terrible danger.
"You wouldn't leave me, right? Promise me? " Aegir was whimpering, tears continued to fall from his cheeks, soaking Anthony's chest.
Anthony doesn't know what's the reason why Aegir suddenly said these horrible words but somehow it affects him; almost like an anvil was placed on his heart. His throat suddenly went dry and the thought of leaving Aegir hypothetically made him angry towards himself. He knew that if Aegir left his side, his life would turn to the same barren and cold land once again.
And he couldn't afford that!
Anthony's thumb went to wipe down Aegir's tears, shaking his head; saying a hard no. He then rubbed Aegir's hair. "No, silly. Why would I do that? Pinky swear! " Anthony raised his pinky finger, Aegir also raised his now both of their fingers intertwined with each other.
Aegir's whimpering died down, a sweet smile etched on his pink lips; trusting fully what Anthony had said. He wasn't still sure if he loved his master but one thing he's sure of... He won't let him leave.
Aegir suddenly remembered what the alpaca tasked him to do. He slid his hand inside his jeans to take the box. "By the way, master. I want to give you something. " Aegir broke from their embrace. He took Anthony's palm who were quite bewildered by Aegir's sudden action.
Anthony felt like choking when he saw Aegir's ring finger. He saw a silver ring wrapped around Aegir's slender finger. He's not dumb not to assume that whatever it is inside on the velvet box Aegir placed on his palm was not a ring.
He stared at the box absent-mindedly. He never made a sound nor a move when Aegir opened the box, proving his suspicions correct—it was indeed a silver ring. Their designs weren't the same, Anthony's ring has a raven's face and wings engraved. Its eyes were made of violet colored stones.
He's really trying to push the idea of that identical ring aside. Perhaps it's just a gift and a coincidence. He's trying so hard but his mind went into the gutter.
Anthony's words couldn't reach his tongue, he was adamantly trying to think straight but all his mind could see was a blank sheet. Almost like a foreign fire ignited his heart as he felt Aegir locked gazes with him. His cheek tainted red almost like newly bloomed roses in spring.
He couldn't hear anything but the sound of his own heartbeat. And any minute from now... perhaps he'll get insane.
Aegir took the box again and now he slid the ring to Anthony's cold ring finger just like Cross had instructed him. He mustered a triumphant smile as he saw how the ring fit perfectly on Anthony's finger.
He looked at Anthony who was now red from his face down to his neck. Aegir didn't know why Anthony looked this way because of a ring. But it doesn't look bad. For Aegir, his master's appearance seemed adorable.
Aegir explained to Anthony about the ring and when it dawned on him; Anthony placed both of his hands on his face—trying to cover his embarrassed face.
Of course, why would he think it was an engagement ring out of all things?! What's wrong with him?
Although he couldn't push away the feeling of disappointment upon learning that the ring wasn't from Aegir. Now, Anthony could now slowly discern that whatever's happening to him right now was something not normal.
He has an idea but his rational mind wants to push it aside. He suddenly has the urge to consult a therapist or he'll go nuts.
And it wasn't just Anthony who fell down the rabbit hole that day. When Anthony went to the kitchen to prepare some snacks, Aegir went to read the books Vin had given him. Aegir wished that he shouldn't have opened it because the images stayed on his mind—creating various scenarios.
It was a series of books about two men's romantic journey with each other. They were affectionately staring at each other on the book's cover and even worse—the cover for series two is the same men… kissing.
-
Artemisia felt a presence walking straight to her shop. She immediately went down the stairs with her usual old hag disguise. She knew that this person is not someone that's part of people because they knew nothing about the magic mirror portal.
She finds this person dubious. They're not her patrons on her side business either. She got no new appointment for today.
She sat by the blood red sofa, waiting for the person to come. Eventually, the door of her shop creaked open and a man stepped in. The man's face was dead serious but there's something in his eyes that shows deep fear and it's not directed to Artemisia or her shop but to an entirely different reason.
The man was familiar, as Artemisia stared at the man; she remembered his face. He was Saint and Anthony and Aegir knew him.
Why was he here?
Artemisia decided to stay put and hear what Saint has to say. When Saint found her by the sofa; he quickened his pace as if he's really eager to talk to her. Artemisia could tell that there's something bothering him. Artemisia could read him and by what energy she could pick up from him—she started to worry.
When Saint was already in front of her, she saw his hands shaking, trying his best to speak. "I should've gone to Anthony but I figured out it's best to come here. I know your secrets but don't worry I don't intend to tell it. In fact, I am here to give you some information, " Saint's voice was stuttering. Whatever information he had took a toll on him because of the presence of dark and heavy eye bags dangling below his eyes.
Artemisia wasn't prepared on what Saint told her. She could tell that he wasn't lying because the veracity of this information may even endanger this human's life but he chose not to hide it.
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