Chapter Text
When I’m sick and tired, and my mind is barely there,
When a machine keeps me alive,
And I’m losing all my hair,
I hope you kiss my rotten head–
... and pull the plug.
12
Phainon was 12 years old, when he lost his father.
Hieronymus was a lively man, and in every way possible, he reminded Phainon of the sun. Warm, comforting, and someone who took every opportunity he had to make everyone else’s day just a little bit brighter. He was forgiving, kind, and everything Phainon had dreamt to be when he got older.
That’s precisely why the world felt a lot colder when his father was taken away from him.
Though Phainon never quite understood what exactly happened, the only thing he could remember was watching the most animated, playful man he knew, slowly begin to move less and less, as though his blood was slowly being replaced by rocks, and stone. For the whole year leading up to his father's death, Phainon wordlessly watched something he didn't even know about gradually suck the life out of the only man he knew that was so full of it.
And words would never be able to explain the emotions on his mother's face when she received the news. The overwhelming grief, and the lack of knowledge on how you're supposed to tell your 12-year-old son that his father is gone, and he would never be coming back.
When the news spread across his family, his aunt, Aglaea, and her daughter, Cipher, had come all the way from Okhema to express their condolences. Phainon distinctly remembered Aglaea taking Audata somewhere they could privately speak without the reach of the children’s ears, and having Cipher stay with her younger cousin, to keep him distracted. Cipher would crack jokes like she normally would, but Phainon could tell that it was an attempt at distraction. She may have only been a year older than him, but Phainon knew she fully understood what was happening.
During the day of the funeral, Audata had scooped Phainon up into her arms, holding him tightly through their tears, and promising she would never let him go, no matter what. Phainon was too young to understand what had taken Hieronymus away, and Audata had no intention of trying to explain it just yet.
What mattered was, Hieronymus was gone. It didn`t matter how, at least, not to Audata. She focused on raising Phainon the way she knew her late husband would, even if that meant fighting countless urges to break down, and lose her mind, whenever her oblivious son would ask her—
”Mom, when is Papa coming back?”
Audata didn't know how many more times she could look her son in the eye, and speak empty promises of Hieronymus' return. It just didn`t feel right.
Phainon didn't know if it was from the stress, or from anything else, but even his body seemed to have a physical reaction to their family's loss. His breathing would become labored over the slightest tasks, though not every day, it would still happen enough times to be deemed concerning. He'd begin to feel aches throughout his shoulder, his back, and he decided against letting Audata know, out of the impression that he shouldn't have added more to her plate.
And so, Phainon's life fell into the silent void that his father had left him and Audata with. Though he was too young to understand the situation they were going through, he grew old enough to realize that Hieronymus would never walk through their door again. Audata would never entertain his questions about his father's death, not when she firmly believed that her late husband deserved to be remembered for how he lived, and not how he died.
With her life, as long as she could, Audata vowed she would shield Phainon from that truth.
15
Phainon was 15 years old when he began to learn how to live life like he once used to. He started training his interest in music, learning how to translate his grief, his emotions, and everything that makes up the messy mosaic he is today, into a captivating melody.
Since Phainon was never really keen about being onstage, he keeps his work mostly confined to the comfort of the backstage. He takes up jobs at his school’s theatre troupe as a Musical Director, and oftentimes, a Stage Manager, if he’s feeling like working himself to the bone. When opportunities do arise, though, he’s never turned down an offer to be onstage.
Especially when it came to performing with bands, of course. Though he never had the time to form a solid band of his own, his preceding reputation would result in Phainon being a commonly scouted, temporary vocalist, for bands who would need him.
It was around this time where his usual symptoms of respiratory issues only increased in severity, though it was previously ruled out as asthma, and nothing more. He'd spoken to Audata about it, and got no explanation as to why her face fell the way it did. It was also getting increasingly difficult to ignore the lumps forming on his shoulders and back, and they never truly went away.
And although he deemed it unnecessary, Audata insisted on scheduling him for a monthly checkup with one of the best doctors she knew. Dr. Anaxagoras Makris, a licensed medical professional that a friend of Audata’s had recommended, was the one responsible for overseeing his monthly checkups.
Dr. Anaxagoras Makris was… an interesting man, to say the least. He was blunt, and unforgiving, even to children. However he was never cruel. Still, he treated Phainon with respect, and he’d really like to believe that he’s begun to grow on the eccentric doctor.
In these little ways, Phainon rebuilds his life—that seemed to have come to a stagnant halt—from the ground up, doing his best to live like a normal teenager. Or, at least, how he thought normal teenagers should be living their lives.
Audata grows and learns alongside him, but Phainon never fails to notice the silent sadness in her eyes whenever she smiles. Her eyes grew lines underneath them a few years too early, a physical, and permanent reminder of the hand their family had been dealt.
She takes care of him, keeps him alive the only way she knows how. Sometimes, Phainon disliked how she treated him as though he was made out of glass. Like he was fragile, tearing at the seams. Audata would always look at him in a way that reminded Phainon of how she would stare sadly at her husband’s hospital room, wondering why the world always chose to extinguish the brightest flames first.
Phainon doesn’t speak about the nights he spends wide awake, suffering the consequences of living in a thin-walled house. For more nights than he could count, he would wordlessly listen, feeling completely useless as his mother wailed and sobbed in her room, crying for her late husband as if she’d just lost him yesterday.
Every single night, it would make Phainon feel like he killed a part of his mother, every time he used to ask her if his father would ever come back. He felt as though killing is all he ever does.
He could never really make out what she was saying, but Phainon thought that to be for the best. He never questioned how sore and hoarse Audata’s voice had sounded the next day, nor did he acknowledge the redness under her puffy eyes. All he could do was embrace her, maybe make her a slightly burnt meal if he woke up early enough, and support her just as she’d supported him before.
Still, Phainon begins living life as he always wanted to. He begins making friends at school aside from Cipher, and it wasn’t long before they added some new faces into their little circle. Namely, the twins, Castorice and Polyxia. They’d met, and became close friends, after Phainon and Cipher chased away a couple of kids who were picking on Polyxia for being unable to walk. Ever since then, the four had grown close, and an inseparable force they were.
Those three girls in question, as odd of a trio as they were, always stood up for him, too, when he was picked on for not having a father to stand with him on graduation, or on family day. Until now, Phainon finds himself smiling at the memory of Castorice and Cipher beating up the kids that would make his life a torment. Of course, no one believed those two boys, anyway. Castorice had always been known as a gentle soul, and Cipher, of course, maintained her little talent for lying. They looked out for him, when Audata couldn’t.
Soon enough, he begins discovering how much he loved helping people, even when it causes his own wellbeing to be put at risk. Phainon remembers the day he came home a couple hours later than he should have, after he helped a little girl find her home once more, after being lost nearby his school. Audata was worried, extremely so, but had immediately softened up once Phainon explained himself.
Even when you’re not here, Audata had thought, he’s still growing up to be exactly like you, my love.
Hieronymus, he’s just like you.
. . .
18
(Present Day)
Phainon is 18 years old when he gets his hair dyed for the first time. He gets light blue highlights to go with his hair that now reaches his nape. Nothing too crazy, but just something to add personality to the blank slate he sees himself as. He’s still trying out new things, and he’s still learning, as he goes on.
Even with his frequent visits to Dr. Makris, he could never seem to figure out why his asthma never seemed to get better, even when he'd started taking medications, and bringing inhalers around with him more often. As for the lumps on his shoulders and back, extensive study only deems it as some sort of cyst, or inflamed tissue. Nothing to be concerned about, at least, that's what his doctor told Phainon.
His physical conditions made it harder to perform, sure, but he'd power through. Phainon's never passed out on stage, anyway. That just means he's still got it in him to keep going.
He laughs a lot more, though, and Castorice would argue that he’s grown quite extroverted compared to how he was, just three years ago. Cipher, on the other hand, thinks he’s become a whole new person entirely. Charming, silver-tongued, and actually (occasionally) funny?! NOT her Phainon.
As time goes by, Phainon lives his life with three of his best friends, and for the first time in all his years, he feels as though he’s finally learning to move on.
To be someone other than the little boy made out of confusion and grief, that was all Phainon ever wanted, really.
Today marks the start of his last month of summer break, and Phainon plans on spending it productively. After all, he’s just gotten news that he, Cipher, Castorice, and Polyxia, had somehow managed to get accepted at the same college—The Grove. Renowned for its fine arts students, The Grove also provided studies in medical, psychological, and even legal fields. Really, it had no limitations to what course an applicant wanted to take.
While Phainon had gotten accepted into Music Literature with Castorice, Cipher was accepted into Game Design, and Polyxia was eagerly accepted into Forensic Criminology. Though she and Cipher had chosen a different path from Phainon and Castorice, Cipher was always talking about how she wanted to be a game developer, anyway, and Polyxia was no stranger to being interested in criminology. Just yesterday, the four of them had met up, and celebrated through a quick dinner.
“Here’s to us!” Cipher had exclaimed, “and here’s to Phainon for finally being able to legally get hammered!” She snickered, taking a swig out of her drink. “It gets boring being the only drunk one, you know. No offense, Princess, but you and Polyxia are basically immune to getting drunk."
Thinking back on the memory, Phainon smiles fondly. He recalls the blush on Castorice’s face when she heard Cipher’s nickname for her, the knowing look on Polyxia’s face, and how flustered Castorice had suddenly become. Thankfully, though, it seemed as though his cousin was too focused on the alcohol to actually notice anything else.
On that note of being productive, on the other hand, Phainon decided to start his day by grocery shopping for his mother. Though he’d made the tough decision to temporarily move in with his Aunt Aglaea and Cipher in Okhema, at least until he finished his studies, he still promised that he would do his best to visit Audata, at least once a week. He was lucky that Aglaea had a very spacious home. Otherwise, he’d have to worry about paying rent. (He was going to do that regardless, but Aglaea insisted otherwise. She was a very persuasive woman, when she had to be.) Every Saturday, though, he would visit Audata, if his workload doesn’t get too extreme.
He’d promised to be home today by 9 P.M. at the most, given that Phainon had decided to stay until Sunday afternoon. Might as well spend as much time with his mother while he still could, he figured. The work he’d have to do would only get worse once college starts.
An hour later of furiously nitpicking the best fruits he could find, Phainon was finally all paid and ready to leave the grocery. He pushed his shopping cart out of the door, kindly insisting to the offering saleslady that he didn’t need assistance, despite the amount of groceries he was carrying. The motion-detecting door swung open, and he walked out, careful not to spill anything from his already overflowing bags.
Phainon made his way to his car, setting the grocery bags on the floor, as he began unloading everything he bought into the backseat. It didn’t take him very long, considering that he was in a hurry to leave, anyway. He really didn’t want to be caught in rush hour traffic, and it was already 4 in the afternoon.
Just as he was about to step into his car, start it, and leave early, he hears the distressed voice of a woman, seemingly yelling at her husband through a voice call.
”Eurypon, I’m at the damn grocery store! My hands are full with your uncooked dinner, and the car you promised would be here to pick me up isn’t here. What do you want me to do?!”
Out of curiosity, Phainon peeked his head across the parking lot, to get a better view at what exactly was happening.
The woman seemed to be around Audata’s age, with strawberry blonde hair, and golden eyes. That, Phainon would argue, was an eye color that he didn’t see everyday. She seemed to have hung up the phone by now, simply looking hopeless, given that she had no way to actually get home.
Instantly, Phainon knew what he had to do. He might be a little late to see Audata, but he knew she would understand. He never truly was the type to just walk past someone who needed help, even at the expense of his own convenience.
“Excuse me!” He called out to her, waving a hand in the air, so she could notice him.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” She immediately says, regret evident in her voice. “Was I too loud? I really didn’t mean to–”
“No, no! Not at all, ma’am,” Phainon quickly interjects, raising two hands in immediate refutal. “I was just going to ask you if you needed a lift home, is all. Apologies, that’s because I happened to overhear your conversation.”
Immediately, the woman raises a suspicious eyebrow. She walks forward, squinting, as she assesses him at an eye-to-eye level. “You aren’t gonna try anything funny, are you?” She asks, her eyes narrowing. “I’m not an easy target just because I’m a little older than you, lad.”
“No, I wouldn’t even think of it, ma’am. Truly, I just want to help. I’m seeing my own mother today, after all,” Phainon says, trying his best to not seem like the psycho stalker this woman clearly thought he was. “So I brought my car with me on the way here. I swear to you, no trickery involved.”
After a long amount of silence, filled with the woman’s deductive squinting, and Phainon’s awkward silence, the woman laughs, louder than how she was yelling at her husband (?) through the call, just minutes ago. She slaps a hand on Phainon’s shoulder, and it makes him jump just a little bit. He did not expect a woman the age of his mother to pack a punch twice as hard as he did.
“I’m joking, I’m joking!” The woman says, finally seeming genuine with her choice of words. Lowering her hand from Phainon’s shoulder, she smiles at him, her tone now seeming genuinely appreciative of the help he was offering to provide.
“Thank you, young man,” She finally says. “My name is Gorgo, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. It’s good to know that not everyone my son’s age is a disgrace to humanity.” She winks, giving him an approving grin.
Obviously caught off guard by how quickly the situation shifted, Phainon’s train of thought trails off for quite a bit, before he finally remembers that he’s currently being spoken to.
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Gorgo! My name is Phainon, and I—”
“Please, just Gorgo. I hate honorifics,” Gorgo interrupts. “They make me feel like an old lady.” She sighs, taking a step back, and allowing herself to one last assessment of Phainon. He smiles nervously, adjusting his jacket, as he awaits her verdict.
“... oh, alright. I guess I don’t really have a choice. Thank you, Phainon,” Gorgo relents, smiling with resignation. On a good day, hauling these bags into a taxi without a shopping cart would be manageable. Today, however, was not a good day. No sane woman would willingly manhandle seven grocery bags, filled to the brim, on an empty stomach. Let alone on a summer day. Nikador strike her dead, she had no patience to deal with that kind of strife today.
Phainon lights up, immediately offering to take one of the bags that seemed the heaviest. However, before he could do anything, Gorgo interrupted. “Hold on,” she says, her arm blocking access to the cart. “If you really are driving me all the way to my house, then at least allow me to treat you to a snack, before you go see your mother.”
Phainon’s eyes widened, clearly not used to receiving anything in return for his kindness. Not that he expected it, of course. “Oh, I couldn’t—” he says, hoping to the Titans that he didn’t come off as rude. “My mother, I… only see her once a week, and I’d hate to be late.”
Gorgo’s smile softens. She waves a hand dismissively, while remaining sympathetic to his concerns. “Don’t you worry, young man,” she chuckles. “My son’s already finished whipping up some food for us, while I went out.” Phainon opens his mouth to protest, but Gorgo immediately interrupts. “Come on, now, you know what they say! It’s rude to turn down a good time.” She winks, her arm falling to her side, as she allows him to take the grocery bags.
As he reaches to carry her bags, his shoulder stiffens up. It makes him pause. He sighs, that familiar sense of dread sinking in, as he turns away for a moment, and lets the cramp pass by. "Oh my, hey," Gorgo steps forward, her eyes filled with concern. "Phainon, son, are you alright?" She scans him with intense anxiety, and Phainon immediately waves it off, not wanting to attract any sort of unwanted attention to what he felt.
"I'm—" he's interrupted by a sharp cough, one that rings through his body, forces him to catch his breath. It certainly doesn't alleviate Gorgo's concern. "I'm alright, Miss Gorgo." She doesn't even bother correcting him for the honorifics. She's more concerned on whether or not she'll have to call an ambulance.
"We really should get going," Phainon says, as soon as he can actually speak without feeling the need to gasp for air, hasty to get Gorgo's mind off of what she just saw. Though his voice still sounded a little strained, he carried one of her bags regardless, and he did it quick enough that she didn't have time to protest. "I really wouldn't want to be late for my mother."
“Don’t you fret about it, ‘kay? You won’t be late, I promise.”
“... alright, if you insist.”
“That’s the spirit! Hey, what did you say your name was again?”
“Phainon, Mis— Gorgo.”
One 30 minute drive later, Phainon was absolutely stunned to find himself standing in front of one of the loveliest houses he’s ever seen. Complete with that classy look that immediately told Phainon that this family was more than well-off, the garden that greeted them with color the moment the gates had opened, caught his attention above everything else.
“Well, don’t just stand there, Phainon! Get in here!” Gorgo’s voice snapped Phainon out of his house-induced trance, and he instantly sprung back into action, helping her carry the grocery bags into the house.
As soon as he stepped in, he was greeted by the smell of freshly baked pastries, and a hint of that familiar dawnberry jam aroma. Despite being classy on the outside, the house’s interior decor was rather charming. He couldn’t help but smile, already getting lost in the thought of how much Audata would’ve loved living in a house like this. Although, she probably would have settled for something a little smaller.
“Over here, into the kitchen.” Gorgo leads him through the maze of a house, big as it was charming. As soon as she steps into the kitchen, Phainon is greeted by another familiar—but admittedly handsome—face.
The moment they make eye contact, the man, around Phainon’s age, raises an eyebrow at his mother. Realistically, Phainon couldn’t discern if the dude was asking his mother who this stranger in their kitchen was, if he was a threat, or if it was a little bit of both. Unsure how to proceed, Phainon stood by the kitchen’s doorway, holding at least three heavy grocery bags in his arms.
“Mom,” the blonde-haired man starts, “who—”
“Don’t be rude, Mydei,” she lightly scolds, taking slight amusement in watching her son’s face fall, as she beckons Phainon into the kitchen. “This is Phainon, the kind young man that helped me carry all the stuff I bought for us.” Although it remained unsaid, it seemed as though Mydei understood the reason she needed help to begin with. Gorgo tried not to notice the scorn in his eyes, as she silently instructed Phainon where he could put the bags down.
Once Phainon’s hands were free, he remained awkwardly situated at the doorway once more, almost scared to come into the kitchen without a purpose. Sensing his apprehension, Gorgo took him by the hand, seating him down by the dining table. The enticing scents of the newly baked croissants, and the freshly made dawnberry jam, were hard to resist.
“Oh, it’s alright, Phainon! Don’t be shy. I just wanted to put some food in your stomach as thanks for your help.” Gorgo smiles, sitting down next to him, but not before pulling up a chair for her son, as well. Although he was still a little suspicious, Mydei complied with his mother’s hospitality. He figured that this man would’ve easily been dealt with by now, if he really was a threat.
“It’s nothing, really,” He says, leaving his plate empty, even as Gorgo and Mydei begin to eat. “It’s just how my mother raised me.” Phainon smiles fondly, ceasing to realize how Gorgo’s eyes softened as his response.
“Your mother must be a lovely woman, then,” Gorgo chuckles, forcefully offering him a croissant, and spreading on a generous amount of dawnberry jam. “You told me her name was Audata, right? Why do you see her only once a week, anyway? I hope it’s nothing bad.” Beside her, Mydei winces. Gorgo was always one to ask a little too many questions, despite her intentions always being in the right place.
“Sorry,” Mydei interrupts, before Phainon can answer. “You don’t have to answer that, if you don’t want to.” Although he was now comfortable enough to speak with this stranger, Mydei was still careful to not let his guard down, and Phainon could, very obviously, see that. Gorgo nudges Mydei at his remark, but he does not flinch. It makes Phainon silently wonder how many times she’s done it.
“No, no,” Phainon snickers, taking a bite of the croissant. “Oh, wow, this is really good!” In acknowledgement, Mydei nods. Mydei remained stoic, but Phainon could, at the very least, tell that Mydei appreciated his compliment. Hopefully. “Sorry, about your question,” Phainon starts, swallowing the mouthful he took in, before he begins speaking. “It’s mostly because I’m off for studies at The Grove. I’m from Aedes Elysiae, and my mom loves the province too much to even think about moving to the city, so I decided to stay with my aunt here, in Okhema. It’s the nearest place we could get.”
“Oh, wait a second,” Gorgo starts, nudging Mydei once more. “The Grove? That’s what you said, right?” Phainon nods, watching Gorgo’s eyes light up, and Mydei’s expression shift, ever so slightly. “What a coincidence! That’s where Mydei got accepted, too! Isn’t that right?” Mydei nods.
“I’m taking psychology,” Mydei says, taking a bite out of the croissant he was holding. “What are you taking?” He asks.
“Oh, me? Music literature. I know it’s not the best course, in terms of income, but–”
“Nonsense! I think it’s beautiful that you’re following what your heart wants to do.” Gorgo exclaims, her eyes bright. “You know,” she says, “someday, you’ll live life long enough to realize that there’s only so much that money can do to make you happy.” There’s a sadness in her smile as she speaks, and Phainon can’t help but notice it.
As quickly as it came, however, it was gone, and Phainon recalls spending the rest of that afternoon in cheerful conversation with Gorgo, and it was somewhat refreshing to see Mydei slowly realize that Phainon wasn’t, in fact, a creepy, psycho stalker that planned to kill him, or his mother.
And I've always lived like this,
keeping a comfortable distance.
And up until now, I had sworn to myself,
That I'm content with loneliness.
'Cause none of it was ever worth the risk.
It would be a few hours later when Phainon would take his leave, with Gorgo eagerly inviting him to come back, should he ever want to. Mydei bade him farewell, with the promise to hang out again someday. Though Mydei would continue discouraging his mother from bringing random strangers into their home, he was glad that, at least this time, the stranger in question actually wasn’t so bad. He’d never say it out loud, but Mydei actually found him somewhat interesting.
Once Phainon’s car disappeared into the distance, Gorgo ushered herself, along with Mydei, back into their house. She’d given him a notice that she wanted to take a nap before dinner, muttered something under her breath about what a “nice young lad” Phainon was, and promptly made her way to her bedroom.
Mydei, on the other hand, had different plans. He made a promise with his best friend, Helektra, to meet, and pick up the brownies she’d made for him and Gorgo. Although Cerydra, her girlfriend, was a bit of a strange case, Mydei was just grateful that her house was merely down the street, and he wouldn’t have to take Eurypon’s car. Given that he tried his best to steer clear of anything his dad owned.
Making sure he locked the gate behind him, Mydei donned his jacket, and made his way down the street. In his village, the houses were a decent amount of space apart, and not packed together like the usual residences he’s seen. He prefers it that way, a little space never hurts anyone. The afternoon sun had begun to set, and it cast a charming, golden glow onto the houses he passed by.
The Fronstreet Girls’ Shape of My Heart distinctly played from his earbuds, and though you’d have to kill him to get Mydei to admit how much he enjoyed this song, to himself, at least, it was undeniable. The song was catchy, what else was he supposed to say? He’d just make sure to change the song to something a little more Mydei-esque when he reached his destination.
Walking carefully down the passing incline, Mydei finally made his way to Helektra’s place. The song changed to 500 Years of Winter’s I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again, and this time, he didn’t bother changing the tune. Helektra was also a fan of the band, anyway. Upon reaching the gate, their chimeras, Dux Beast, and Gurgling Fish, eagerly clawed at the gate, greeting Mydei. Their little awooos were the only doorbells the couple needed, and not long after, Helektra appeared at the gate.
“Little sea lion!” she greeted, a warm smile on her face. “Come in, come in! Ce’s out for the day, so we’ve got the whole house to ourselves.” Helektra eagerly ushered him in, leaving the door slightly ajar, for the chimeras to come into the house as well, if they ever wished to. From the days of their childhood, up until now, Helektra’s strange, yet endearing, obsession with fish and marine life remained, and it was very evident with her choices in interior design.
“Come, come,” she said, sitting him down at the sofa, as she tossed him a can of grape soda. “Thanks,” Mydei smiled, guzzling down the can in one go, and scooching over to make room for his friend. The TV was up and running, and it would seem that Helektra was in the middle of watching one of her favorite horror movies before Mydei came along. She turned down the volume just a little bit, taking a can of soda for herself, as she turned to Mydei.
“So, Mydei, how have you been?” She asked, acting as though they haven’t seen each other in years. In a way, it was endearing. Helektra truly was one who treasured every interaction with those who were dear to her. “The usual,” Mydei replied. “Sorry for being late, mom brought home a stranger from the grocery today, and our usual sixty-minute snack time got stretched into three hours.” Even when he rolled his eyes, Mydei’s voice had a tinge of fondness. It always did, when it came to speaking about Gorgo.
“Oh, yeah?” Helektra giggled, taking a sip of her soda. “What was their name? Not any real trouble, I hope?”
Mydei shook his head. “Surprisingly not.” He recalled how their conversation went over snack time, and a small smile made its way to his face. “Strange guy, really. His name’s Phainon,” he turned to Helektra. “Says he’s also starting studies at The Grove. You know him?”
After a moment of mulling it over, Helektra’s eyes lit up. “Oh, actually, I might.” she says, leaning forward curiously. “White hair, blue eyes?” She asks. When Mydei nods, slightly confused on how Helektra actually knew the guy, she snickered. Pulling up a video on her phone, she hands it to Mydei. In the video titled, English Love Affair (Live at The Mamoreal Market Square) - Nameless, he could see Phainon, usually composed and polite, go absolutely ballistic onstage, even going so far as to do a last-minute instrument swap with the drummer, while being on vocals. It was certainly entertaining, to say the least.
“He played a couple songs with a friend of mine when her vocalist was out of commission,” she explains, taking her phone back. “I never really got to talk to him, but he seemed like a nice guy.”
“Didn’t know he had it in him,” Mydei scoffs under his breath, a part of him still a little lost in thought.
“Well, Mydeimos, you did just meet him a few hours ago.” Helektra comments, a teasing tone evident in her voice. “Pray tell, though, how special is this little blue-gold sunfish, that he’s got you of all people asking about him?” She tilts her head, a playful smile on her face, as she lazily points an accusatory finger at Mydei.
In response, Mydei shoves her finger out of his face, raising an eyebrow. “What, is it a crime to be curious about the stranger I just shared croissants with?” He scoffs.
“Mydeimos Vidales, I’ve known you from the moment we could walk. You had one of the world’s most famous pop stars at the same table as us—Miss Robin, remember?—and you didn’t even bat an eye. The whole restaurant was fawning over her, and you just sat there. Didn’t even question why everyone was going mad at the sight of her.” She deadpans. “You are the last person who would ever ask anything about anybody.”
“I don’t recall Miss Robin entering my home.”
“Don’t do that, Mydei. We literally met because Aunt Gorgo found me in the middle of the road, outside your house, and brought me inside for supper. I don’t recall you questioning anything.”
Unable to refute–and unwilling at that, Mydei just sighed. “Cut it out, Leks. None of your business.” Luckily for him, the other was already long used to his stoicity. Honestly, she was rather numb to it. Maybe that’s why Helektra’s one of the only people he hasn’t scared off yet. Upon being met with his clearly irked tone, Helektra only snickered. She took a quick bite out of the fish skewer she’d previously forgotten on the table, and went back to the topic at hand.
“You know, I hear he’s single.” Helektra coos, her tone similar to the one you’d use if you were trying to coax a kitten into eating, after being starved for weeks. “And why would I care about that? He’s not my type.” Mydei replies, a little more defensively than he’d like. Though his face remained plain, Helektra knew him all too well. The slight redness on the tips of his ears didn’t escape the sharp-eyed lady.
“You know, little sea lion, you really should quit lying. You’ve never been good at it.”
“You only say that, because you’ve known me for so long.”
“Regardless, you’re bad at it.” She replied. If there was anyone who could, at the very least, tell when there was more to what Mydei chose to verbally express, it was Helektra. “It’s not a bad thing to put yourself out there, Mydei.” She persists, her voice getting a little softer. “I don’t know much about this little blue-gold sunfish, but I know he’s a kind soul. Little gray fry wouldn’t be so fond of him, if he wasn’t.”
“You’ve got to stop referring to these people with your fish nicknames, Leks,” Mydei sighs. “There’s only so much of them I can keep track of.”
“That was a valiant attempt at changing the topic, but you know you’re gonna have to do better than that.” Helektra examines her nails, but Mydei knows she’s listening. “Not everyone is your father, Mydei. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with, at the very least, giving him a chance. If Tribios were here, she’d say that there was no chance you two met purely out of coincidence.”
“I just met the guy, and you’re already planning a wedding for us in your head? What if I secretly hate him?”
“If you secretly hate him, then I hate all things related to fish.” Helektra shot, not a single amount of hesitation in the songstress’ voice.
At that, Mydei falls silent. His eyes drift to the floor, his chest uncomfortable at the idea of ever falling in love. He didn’t want to end up like his parents. In fact, he detested the thought. Mydei had always been distrustful of love, and it only got worse with his parents’ relationship. If falling in love meant the risk of suffering a similar fate, Mydei would rather just be single for his entire life. Nothing was worth that risk. No one ever would be.
Sensing his discomfort, Helektra sighs. She places a hand on his shoulder, taking his attention away from the floor. She hasn’t cleaned yet. It was a little embarrassing. “Hey,” she says, squeezing his shoulder. “At your own pace, Mydei. That’s always how this goes.” She smiles reassuringly. “Just make sure you don’t regret going too slow, or going too fast. That’s what matters anyway, right? If that boy’s for you, or if he’s not, you’ll know. Trust me.” Helektra playfully poked his side, taking pride in the slight smile she drew from her friend.
Mydei opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, he was rudely interrupted by his phone chiming thrice. Helektra, equally as curious as he was, peeked over his shoulder.
You have one message request from @neikos_33!
neikos_33
hey, it’s phainon
neikos_33
just wondering if you’d wanna hang out some time? it wouldn’t hurt to make a friend before the school year starts.
“Well, speak of the devil.” Helektra snickers. She nudges her friend, eagerly trying to secure him a date with this blue-gold sunfish. She knew Mydei was the type to do nothing, especially if the other party was one that interested him. So, really, it was Titan-sent that Phainon knew how to take matters into his own hands.
“Answer him!”
“Alright, alright. Stop yelling, jeez.”
Message request accepted!
mydeimos_.vidales
sure. anywhere’s fine, where do you want to meet?
And as the three-dotted typing indicator appeared, it was just as quickly replaced by a response.
neikos_33
i know this really cool patisserie near mamoreal market
neikos_33
it’s called chrysos maze, it’s my favorite
neikos_33
have you been there before?
Upon seeing the name of the patisserie he mentioned, Helektra hummed in approval.
“I see he’s got taste,” she chuckled, taking another bite out of her previously neglected fish skewer. Mydei looked a little worse for wear, as though it was the first time he’d actually talked to someone while being slightly interested in them, as well. It might have been the only thing Helektra would choose over her marine biology documentaries.
“Is this the one with the dumb fairy mascots?” Mydei turned to Helektra as he asked, and the latter only scoffed in offense. She crossed her arms, giving him a disapproving look. “I’ll have you know that their mascots are adorable, Mydeimos. And would you please worry about yourself before worrying about how ‘stupid’ the fairies are?” She took a peek at his phone, where he still left Phainon on read. For at least a minute now, she kept score.
“Your sunfish is waiting, by the way.” She comments. Mydei rolls his eyes, turning his attention away from her, and onto his phone.
mydeimos_.vidales
rings a bell. i’ll see you there, when exactly?
neikos_33
after the weekend?
mydeimos_.vidales
that’s tomorrow, by the way.
Unable to control her reaction, Mydei swears he feels a vein pop, when he hears Helektra giggling next to him. It feels like she’s the one flirting with a stranger her mom brought home, and not Mydei. He rolls his eyes, yet again, and begins to ignore her for as long as he can.
neikos_33
oh … are you busy? i can just move it to another day
mydeimos_.vidales
no, it’s fine. i’m not busy.
neikos_33
great! thanks for the croissants earlier, by the way. they were amazing. my mom basically devoured the two that you let me bring home.
mydeimos_.vidales
don’t worry about it.
neikos_33
it’s okay, mydei, you can admit that my compliments are simply unmatched. you’re smiling right now, aren’t you.
Helektra snickered. Mydei shoved her away.
mydeimos_.vidales
is it too late to take back my consent to meet you?
neikos_33
absolutely. see you tomorrow, mydeimos. don’t be late!
@neikos_33 has gone offline!
Mydei stares at his phone in disbelief, and a small tinge of what he begs to the Titans is just regret, and nothing more. Seeing that their conversation had ended, Helektra slid closer to her shell-shocked friend, thinking that he was a little too lost in reality to swat her away.
“At least you now know he’s funny,” she chimes in, watching Mydei silently tuck his phone away, and say nothing more. In the corner of her vision, though he’s turned away from her, Helektra could clearly make out what looked like a smile on Mydei’s face. And she was the one being ridiculous?
God, did she have a lot to fill Cerydra in on, when she got home.
With a start, Phainon woke from his sleep. He checked the time, relieved to find that it was only ten in the morning, lots of time before he promised to meet his new friend. He usually never slept in as much as now, but he slept rather late last night, after leaving Audata’s house a little after midnight. Phainon was sure to let Cipher know beforehand, though, and he was still able to get home safely.
Speaking of the devil, his hopes of sleeping in were suddenly interrupted by a series of loud knocks on his door. Just from the sound alone, Phainon instantly knew who the perpetrator was. Aglaea would never disturb his sleep in such a brash manner.
“Phainon, get your ass up! Come on, you never sleep in this late.” Cipher’s voice cut through the comfortable silence in his room, and at this point, he knew he had no choice but to relent. Cipher, however, as persistent as she was, barged into his room with a bang, within a mere moment of not hearing a response.
“Really?” She asked, crossing her arms as she stood over him, unimpressed. “What time did you even get home last night? I don’t remember being awake to see, or hear you come in.” Cipher commented, patting down a spot on Phainon’s bed, so she could sit. Phainon sat up, running a hand through his hair.
“I think… around two in the morning, maybe?” He ran the night through his head, just to make sure he was remembering things correctly. In response, Cipher clicked her tongue in disapproval, examining her already perfect nails. Truly, Aglaea would be proud. “You know how mom feels about you staying out that late, right? Why’d it take you so long to start driving home, anyway?” Although her voice still had that tinge of playfulness in it, Phainon knew her long enough to know that she truly was concerned, in her own way.
Phainon sighs, apologetically placing a hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “I’m fine,” he promises, but the slight tremble in his grip didn’t escape Cipher. She had been there, after all, all those years ago, when Phainon’s physical hindrances had first shown themselves. As calm and collected as she liked to be, Cipher was frozen in fear, as she saw her little cousin struggle to do so much as get air into his lungs. She didn’t know what to do, other than scream for her mother. Cipher never wanted to feel that kind of panic, that kind of fear ever again.
Whatever hint of anxiety was on her face, Cipher shook it off, as quickly as she could. She didn’t need to be dampening the mood so early in the morning. “And no episodes recently?” She asked. It was never too bad to ask, just to be safe. Phainon tried shaking his head, a clear attempt at lying, but if there was anyone you couldn’t fool with cheap trickery, it would, of course, be Cipher.
She swatted at his head, another one of her mannerisms that made Phainon associate her with a cat. Aside from, of course, Cipher’s undying obsession with the animal. “Try again, idiot.” She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. Seeing as he had no escape, all Phainon could do was sigh in resignation. He brought a pillow up to his chest, re-aligning his misplaced stuffed animals.
“I’ve had one yesterday,” he reluctantly admits, preparing himself for Cipher’s violent reaction. “I was helping someone with groceries, and my shoulder acted up. I’m fine now, though. I promise.” To his surprise, though, the violent reaction he’d been anticipating never came. Instead, Phainon felt his cousin lightly ruffle his hair, with a smile on her face that spelled anything but the disappointment he’d been waiting for.
“Alright then,” she said, getting up. “I believe you. But don’t you push yourself, ‘cause I can’t control how mom’s gonna react.” Though Cipher had told a lie or two in the past to keep her little cousin in check, this, unfortunately, was one of the times where she was being truthful.
“Yeah, I know. Thanks.” Phainon mutters, ashamed of the concern that he deemed unnecessary. “Oh, yeah, I'm going out later. After brunch, maybe.” At this, Cipher raised an eyebrow, then immediately walked towards his closet, and got to work. Upon seeing the outfit he’d planned on wearing, her expression twisted in disgust.
“And you were planning on wearing this ...?” She holds up the outfit as if it were poisonous, and merely touching it would curse her to a lifetime of a horrible fashion sense. If Aglaea found out that Cipher had allowed Phainon to leave the house in something as atrocious as this, she’d have her head on a platter. Phainon, on the other hand, didn’t see what was wrong with the outfit. He thought that the yellow polo perfectly complimented the purple shorts.
Cipher tossed the mess of an outfit aside, quickly bolting out of his room, and coming back within a few minutes. In her hands, she held a simple white shirt, a dark blue sleeveless blazer, and some jeans with stars she’d sewn on herself, and a complimentary chain that hung from the belt straps. She forcefully took Phainon’s hand, slipping on a few bracelets that had matching colors with the clothes she’d picked.
Phainon was dazed, but he knew better than to try to interrupt his cousin, while she was accessorising him. Once she’d finished, Cipher dumped the clothes she chose right on his bed, dusting her hands off, as she imagined how he’d look, once Phainon wore the outfit she put together. She really was Aglaea’s daughter.
“Thank me later, cousin.” She snickered, extending a hand, to help Phainon get up from his bed. Once again, she’d eliminated all his dreams of sleeping in.
Upon taking her hand, she pulls Phainon up, waiting for him to fix his bed, before exiting the room with him. Before she leaves though, she draws the curtains shut, and smooths his blanket over, making sure Phainon was already long past her, and he wouldn’t notice.
An hour of brunch later, Phainon was all dressed, and ready to leave. He passed by the living room, where Cipher was all curled up on the couch. She’d fallen asleep with some low-budget comedy playing on the television, and was most definitely shivering just a little bit, from the air conditioning.
Smiling fondly, Phainon grabs a blanket from one of the armchairs near the couch. Turning off the television, he walks up to her, covering her fully in the comfortable blanket. Though she stirred a bit, it didn’t take long for her to fall back into her slumber. Before he could leave, though, he heard her voice call out to him, albeit a little faintly.
“Come back safe,” she muttered. “won’t have anywhere to dump your garbage clothes, if you die.”
Phainon chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, will do. Try not to sleep the whole day.”
With that, he shut the door behind him, making sure to lock both their front door, and the gates. Honking his car’s horn once more to signal his departure, Phainon drove off.
Before getting in his car, Phainon contemplated whether or not he wanted to still use a GPS to ensure that he wouldn’t get lost. Upon mulling it over for a while, though, he decided that he’d be fine. He’d been to this patisserie about a hundred times anyway, since it was the only place that sold Aglaea’s favorite mead cheesecake. Personally, he didn’t understand the appeal, but as long as his aunt enjoyed it, he’d keep buying it, as a way of saying thank you.
Keeping one hand on the wheel, Phainon reached over to turn on his aux. 500 Years of Winter’s hit song, Caramel, blasted through the radio, and though Phainon enjoyed this song, he turned it down just a bit, in fear that not being able to hear his surroundings would kill him before he could even reach his destination. Mindlessly, he hummed along to the song, and smiled. Truth be told, he was supposed to be having an appointment with his doctor today, but he’d pretty much begged Dr. Makris to allow him to reschedule to tomorrow.
Phainon was lucky that it’s still summer break, and as a result, there was barely any traffic on the road. He’d be at the restaurant in about ten minutes, give or take. Either way, he wouldn’t be late, and that was the important part. God forbid he’d fail to be punctual, when he was the one who invited Mydei to eat outside. Speaking of Mydei, Phainon was surprised that he somehow managed to get Mydei to agree to seeing him, without having to ask twice. A part of him wondered if Mydei regretted saying yes. No matter if he did, Phainon would just have to make sure that Mydei wouldn’t regret it for long.
A few minutes of driving later, Phainon had finally reached the patisserie. Making sure his parking was aligned properly, Phainon promptly exited the car, carefully bringing with him the pie he’d baked the night before—he would be the only person insane enough to bake a pie at 2:30 in the evening—as thanks for the croissants. He’d hoped that Mydei wouldn’t judge his baking too harshly. After all, he usually just baked for his mother.
Shutting the car door, Phainon pocketed his phone, and nearly threw the pie up in the air, when he heard a deep voice from right behind him.
“Funny how you invited me, and I still got here before you.”
With a hand on his chest, Phainon turned around to find Mydei standing just a few inches from him, his arms crossed, with a slightly playful smile on his face. He wasn’t wearing much, other than a sleeveless shirt, and some ripped jeans. Phainon wondered how he wasn’t shivering from the chilly climate. It wasn’t snowing, sure, but the wind was enough to make Phainon ensure he was constantly carrying a jacket with him.
“Well, pardon me, Mydeimos,” Phainon chuckled, handing him the box of strawberry pie. “I didn’t wanna be driving around on an empty stomach.”
Inspecting the box that was handed to him, Mydei raised an eyebrow. “What… is this?” He asked, looking towards Phainon. He could faintly make out the scent of strawberries and perfectly baked dough, but he was under the assumption that the aroma just came from inside the Chrysos Maze. After all, they were standing right in front of the patisserie.
“It’s a pie.” Phainon shrugged. “I made it last night, so it probably isn’t as good anymore. Just wanted to say thanks for the croissants.” He smiled, a bright, and radiant thing. In his mind, Mydei likened it to the sun. Of course, however, he’d never say that out loud. Mydei didn’t even think he had the strength to say it in his head. A short, lingering thought. That’s all that would be. Much like his association with Phainon. Short, but lingering.
“You’re welcome, but you didn’t have to bake a whole pie, you know.” Mydei says, a hint of softness in his voice. In response, Phainon only waved a hand dismissively, and began walking with him, towards the patisserie.
“Don’t mention it, Mydei. Can I call you that? Mydeimos makes you sound like some ancient Spartan prince tossed into the river Styx, after his dad went batshit.”
“... can I even say no?”
“No, you can’t. Good call.”
Phainon found it interesting how he could engage in banter with Mydei, even when they’d only met yesterday. It was a strangely familiar back-and-forth, like something he’d very clearly done in a past life. He decided, however, not to think too much of it.
They both entered the patisserie, sitting themselves down at the nearest table they could find. Phainon chose the window seat, and Mydei didn’t care enough to object. The familiar aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, and it made Phainon smile. There truly was nothing in the world that he loved more than this patisserie. It was a place he’d held so dear in his heart, he could even excuse the mead cheesecake. Phainon assumed that it was just an acquired taste.
“So, what do you want?” Mydei asked, nudging him lightly. “I’ll cover the bill,” he said. “Don’t worry about it.” Mydei had his eyes transfixed on the menu as he spoke, as though paying for every meal he was invited to was merely just second nature. Phainon, heavily mortified, immediately voiced his protests.
“What are you talking about?” Phainon turned to him, raising an eyebrow, as he laughed. “Hah, good one, Mydei, but I invited you here. It only makes sense that I’d pay.” Mydei, however, shook his head. “You already did pay, you baked a pie. You texted me back last night around three in the morning, meaning you were up late for it.” Unwilling to wait for his response, Mydei raised his hand, calling over one of the waitresses.
Soon enough, a waitress came over to their table, a notepad and a pen at the ready. “Hello, you two!” She greeted, clicking on her pen. “What’ll it be today?”
“I’ll have a strawberry milkshake, 25% sugar, and some french toast.” Mydei said, closing the menu. “Alright,” the waitress smiled. “that’s one strawberry milkshake, 25% sugar, and french toast coming right up! What about you, Phainon? Nice to see you’ve brought a friend with you this time around.”
“Nice to see you, too, Amelie,” he replied. “I’ll take a mead cheesecake, to-go, and a blueberry mousse cake.” It was a rare occurrence that Phainon didn’t order a salad, but he’s been here enough times to know that this place, unfortunately, didn’t have any. After all, it was a patisserie. “I’ll be paying for it, by the way. Don’t take money from him.” Phainon whispered, albeit ineffectively, considering that Mydei was in closer proximity to the waitress than he was.
“Don’t mind him,” Mydei interrupted, before she could reply. Along with the menus, he handed her the payment in cash. “That should be the total, I made sure that it’s the exact amount.” He said, not even bothering to look at Phainon. If he did, however, he’d see Phainon’s mouth wide open, a look of utter defeat and shock on his face.
Taking the menus and the money, Amelie was a little surprised. Mydei might have been the first customer that paid before they could even get the check. “Oh, um, alright…” she said, securing the money, and writing down Phainon’s order. “So, I’ll repeat the order. One strawberry milkshake with 25% sugar, one french toast, one blueberry mousse cake, and one mead cheesecake to-go. Will that be all?” Amelie asks, her smile now returning to her face.
“That’ll be all,” Mydei replies. “Thank you, miss.” With that, Amelie gave a shallow bow, disappearing into the kitchen. Phainon watches as Mydei pulls out his phone, proceeding with his day, as though nothing had ever happened.
“I’m gonna get you back for that.”
“Dream on, Phainon.”
“Aren’t you just a Titan-send?”
“So I’m told.”
A few moments of their incessant bickering later, Amelie returns. Carrying the trays of their food, she sets it down with a smile, and makes a quick exit. Phainon takes the carefully wrapped mead cheesecake, complete with Aglaea’s favorite colors. He’d gotten the exact same thing so often, they’d stopped questioning it. Phainon stares at the blueberry mousse cake, tantalized to eat it, but also slightly ashamed that he didn’t pay for the meal, like he’d promised.
Mydei, seemingly noticing his discomfort, had the realization that this might’ve been one of Phainon’s only meals wherein he wasn’t the one paying. “Just eat it,” he said. “I’m not finishing that for you. I don’t like blueberries, neither does my mother.” A massive lie, actually. Blueberries were one of Gorgo’s all-time favorites, but he couldn’t let Phainon know that.
“Fine, but I’ll have my revenge someday.” Phainon grumbled, finally taking a bite of the mousse cake. The moment the pastry entered his mouth, whatever sour mood he previously had disappeared like the mousse melting on his tongue. Instantly, he brightened up, stars in his eyes, as the sweetness felt like heaven in a cake. Seeing his expression, Mydei tried—and failed—to suppress a smile of his own.
“I told you, you should’ve just eaten it.” Mydei deadpans, taking a sip of his milkshake. Next to him, Phainon wasn’t even responding. His focus was glued onto the mousse, and devouring it, like it would disappear, if he didn’t eat it quickly enough. Mydei looked away to eat some of his french toast, and the moment he looked back, Phainon’s plate was completely empty. Now, he was just sipping some of the free milk that had come with his order.
Mydei asked him, “How the hell did you finish that so quickly?”, all the while trying to ignore his phone’s unrelenting chimes. Without a doubt, those texts were from Helektra, most likely preparing to tease him about his “date”. Mydei would deal with her later. His patience could only go so far. “I don’t think good food should ever be allowed to wait, Mydei,” Phainon explains.
“Why’d you want me here anyway?” Mydei asks, eyes intently staring at his phone. Helektra’s texts came in through his notifications like wildfire, and all he could really do was stare. “Huh? Oh, because I wanted to make a friend before school starts,” Phainon says, resting his head on his palms. He finds himself glancing at Mydei more times than necessary, but neither of them speak up about it. It wasn’t like Mydei himself was doing any better, anyway.
“And you chose me. When we met in one of the strangest ways I’ve ever met anybody.” Mydei states. It was more of a statement, than a question, anyway. “Well, Titans forbid, I also found you interesting, Mydei. I think you’d make a neat friend. If you smile a lot more, that is. Stop being so scary.” Phainon teased, easily dodging one of the napkins that Mydei flung into his face. Mydei rolled his eyes, much to Phainon’s amusement.
“And you should learn when to be quiet,” Mydei quips. Phainon opens his mouth to respond, but instead, he freezes up. He falls silent, clutching his shoulder, as his face twists in pain. Mydei, still on his phone, fails to realize what’s happening, as he thinks that Phainon just found something else to draw his attention to. After a while, however, of silence that was strangely lacking of Phainon’s teases, Mydei finally glanced at the seat next to him. Immediately, his eyes widened, concern and shock written across his face, as hidden as he made it out to be.
“Hey,” Mydei says, reaching forward to grab his arm. Before they can make contact, however, Phainon flinches. Violently. When he turns to Mydei, his smile is very obviously strained, still holding onto his shoulder as though it was burning. Phainon didn’t remember the last time he had an episode this severe, and he’s had a lot of episodes. Though he was doing his very best not to show it, there was only so much Phainon could hide. After all, they’ve only been here for an hour and a half, he really didn’t feel like spoiling the mood so early.
People across them were starting to stare, and Phainon hated it. He especially hated when he’d get one of these episodes in public, instead of in the safety of his own room. Actually, scratch that. He’d prefer to just not get them at all.
“Phainon, what do you need?” Mydei asks. His voice is gentle, uncannily gentle, and it makes Phainon’s skin crawl. He doesn’t need pity. He just needs to get his shit together. ”I’m fine,” he croaks, his voice already sounding scratchy. “It’ll pass, just—” Phainon winces, hastily grabbing his pain medication from his wallet. He’d kept a few pills in there, just in case of emergencies like this. He swallowed at least three, not even bothering to down them with water. At this point, Mydei’s completely clueless, simply resorting to rubbing his back in small circles. That, at least, didn’t cause him to flinch.
While he’s turned away, Mydei swiftly pours Phainon a glass of water, handing it to him. His functioning arm, however, doesn’t stop shaking. It takes a few more minutes that, to Phainon, felt like hours, before his shoulder finally stopped cramping as though it’d been overworked for centuries on end. Mydei was next to him when his vision stopped spinning, concern flooding his usually stoic features. Though the pain had finally stopped coming, Phainon’s head was still swimming, and he wasn’t sure if he could stand. From the corner of this eye, he could see Amelie walking towards their table, probably to make sure he was okay. Mydei handled her with a quick nod, though, and she promptly left.
Minutes pass by, and Phainon’s simply leaning back, trying to catch his breath after what just happened. He doesn’t want to tell Mydei that he absolutely does want to go home, but it would seem that he didn’t have to.
“Where do you live?” Mydei taps him lightly, once again handing him the glass of water. Phainon gives him a strained smile, taking it, and drinking a little bit, before he speaks. “Just in the residence right next to Mamoreal Market. Don’t worry, I can make it there just fine,” he says, and Mydei can tell he’s trying to make his voice sound normal. “No, I’ll drive you.” Mydei insists, his voice firm. “You’re in no condition to drive yourself home, especially after your entire left arm lost function for at least fifteen minutes.” I don’t want you to die, was obvious, but left unsaid.
Phainon took a deep breath, leaning back against the seat.
“Mydei, please—”
”Shut it.” Mydei interrupted, beginning to tidy up their table. He sent a quick text message to Gorgo that they’d be home early, and gave Phainon no more opportunities to object. Seeing the dejected look on Phainon’s face, Mydei spoke up, his voice a little softer. “You don’t have to feel sorry for anything,” he said, meeting Phainon’s eyes. “I won’t stop hanging out with you over something like this, if that’s what you’re thinking. I don’t think mother would allow it, either.” He sighed.
Next to him, Phainon lit up. Not entirely, only just a bit. A small, slightly restrained smile made its way to his face, and Mydei felt the strangely raw urge to protect it. He felt drawn to it, as though that very same smile was something he’d failed to protect in the past. Mydei’s thoughts were interrupted by Phainon’s voice, cutting through the silence that’d enveloped them, just moments ago.
“I’ll make it up to you, Mydei. I promise.” Phainon said, somehow managing to smile, despite the pain he’d been through just moments ago. That must be the kind of person he is, Mydei thought. He must bring light to every life he touches. In his head, these thoughts lingered, and in his head, these thoughts would remain.
Once more shaking the foreign musings from his head, Mydei’s expression returned to its neutrality. “You can make it up to me by not dying in front of me, haikas.” Phainon raised an eyebrow, clearing his throat before he spoke. Still, his voice was softer than it usually was, but at the very least, it was no whisper.
“Hai— what? What does that word mean?” He chuckled, and honestly, Mydei hated the pride he felt upon making Phainon laugh. That wasn’t supposed to be happening, not to him. “It means bastard, Phainon. I just called you a bastard.” He hissed, with both of them somehow knowing that there wasn’t any real aggression behind that scowl. “Oh, Mydei,” Phainon dreamily (and sarcastically) sighed. “You and your strange ways of complimenting me. It’s okay, I know what you really mean.”
“Weren’t you just dying a second ago? I take back what I said, you can go back and continue that.”
Phainon clutched his chest, feigning offense, as he gasped. “Where are your manners?” He asked, keeping a straight face for about 2 minutes more, before bursting out into uncontrolled laughter. Phainon’s laugh was contagious, to say the least, but Mydei happened to have an outstanding immune-to-laughter system. He crossed his arms, not letting any more than a slight smile be visible from his face.
“Wherever your sense of humility went,” Mydei replied. Without allowing him a chance to fire back, Mydei stood up. He took his phone from the table, waiting for Phainon to follow. “Let’s go,” he said. “It’ll be much easier to drive you home, while the sun is still up.”
Following suit, Phainon got up. If his shoulder was still aching just a bit, he said nothing of it. He’d talk about it to Dr. Makris, and everything would be alright. Though Phainon was already anticipating an earful from his eccentric doctor, he was well-aware that it had only come from a place of care. It never escaped Phainon’s attention how, at one point, the doctor never bothered correcting him anymore, when he’d called him ’Doc Anaxa’.
“Mydei?” Phainon called, pausing, before he tossed him the car keys. Mydei raised an eyebrow, catching the keys in his hands. “You meant that thing you said about hanging out with me still, even with what happened earlier, right?”
If Mydei heard how small Phainon’s voice had made him sound, he didn’t say a word about it.
“Anyone who blames you for something you can’t control isn’t worth wasting time on.” He simply replies, stepping into the driver’s seat. Wordlessly, Phainon follows, taking the unfamiliar seat next to Mydei. In all honesty, he felt as though he’d ruined Mydei’s first impression of him, all because his stupid body didn’t know how to act normal for one afternoon.
As Mydei focused on driving, Phainon pulled his phone out, sending a quick text to Cipher that he’d be home early. “You really don’t have to drive me home, Mydei. I could’ve done it myself,” he says, the tiniest tinge of guilt in his voice. Phainon was never really one who was good at concealing what he felt, even to people who didn’t know him all too well. That, at least, Mydei could safely assume about him.
“Surprisingly, I don’t want you to crash,” Mydei sighs, keeping an eye on his phone’s GPS to make sure they weren’t going in circles. “Oh, yeah? Isn’t that sweet of you?” Phainon coos, a sarcastic sing-song playing on his voice. Mydei says no more, simply giving Phainon a look that said, I will jump out of this car with the engine on and leave you to crash, if you don’t shut it right now.
Phainon, of course, in classic Phainon nature, did not, in fact, shut it.
“You should meet my cousin, Cipher.” He suddenly says, his eyes fixated on his phone. “I think you’d get along with her. She’s been with me since the moment I could walk.” Phainon fondly sighs, momentarily appreciative of how long he’s managed to get by. “Also, she likes joking around a lot. Don’t mind it, her heart’s in a good place.” He abruptly adds.
For the rest of the drive, they fall into a comfortable rhythm. Phainon speaks of his family, and went on a whole spree of musing about how much Audata would adore Mydei, if they ever had the chance to meet. He mentioned how Aglaea and Cipher would most likely be impressed by Mydei’s fashion sense—simple, but made its own statements. They’d probably ask Mydei to teach him a thing or two, Phainon added. Although Mydei wasn’t responding much, Phainon could tell that he was listening. Halfway through, he’d also realized that this was the most he’s ever said to anyone that wasn’t Castorice, Polyxia, or Cipher.
As their conversation died down, they finally reached Phainon’s temporary home. Phainon stepped out to open the gate, allowing Mydei to park his car in the driveway. Phainon doesn’t think he’s ever seen anyone parallel park so perfectly, but he digresses.
Mydei steps out of the car, tossing his keys back to Phainon. Immediately, they’re greeted by Cipher, who steps into their view with a couple cans of soda. She tosses one to Phainon, pausing for a moment, as she realizes he isn’t alone. “My, my,” she coos, nudging Phainon. “What’s this? Meet the family already?”
Mydei raises an eyebrow. Phainon turns beet red, chucking his jacket right at her. She nimbly dodges, tossing it right back.
“Mydei,” Phainon sighs. “This is Cipher.”
Mydei nods in acknowledgement. Cipher snickers, walking up to get a closer look at him, as she hands him a soda, as well. “You look like you could pass off as a prince,” she teases, poking his shoulder. “So, what shall I call you, Your Highness?” Cipher grins, ignoring Phainon’s increased embarrassment. If Mydei didn’t think of never hanging out with him again before, he definitely did now. And it was all because of his cousin.
“Just Mydei’s fine,” he replies. Mydei remained indignant, showing no reaction to her relentless teasing. It was Cipher’s personal way of assessing whether or not this man was truly fit for her baby cousin. He wouldn’t just be up for grabs, not on her watch!
“Thanks for the soda, but I have to go. It’s getting late.” Mydei says, sending a quick message to his mother, that he’d be home soon. “Thanks for this,” he says to Cipher, as he opens the soda can. “And thanks for the pie,” he says to Phainon. “I’ll see you next week, if you’re free.” Mydei adds. Behind him, Cipher stood, jaw all the way to the floor. Phainon did his best to ignore her, but she was pretty much the elephant in the room of his mind.
“Yeah, sure. Same place?” He asks. Mydei, however, shakes his head. “I know someplace better. You can make it up to me by not questioning it.” Mydei replies, the slightest grin visible on his face. Before he leaves, however, Mydei pats his shoulder softly.
“Take care of yourself,” he says. “You’re a lot cuter when you’re not dead.”
Phainon flushes, whipping his head to make sure that what he heard had actually come from Mydei, and not some voice in his head that found him attractive. The last thing he could register was Mydei stepping into an Uber that had somehow magically appeared there, before Cipher’s squeal all but shattered his eardrums.
In the Uber, on the other hand, Mydei was beyond embarrassed. What kind of demon possessed him to say some bullshit like that? What on earth happened to all that talk about not wanting to take risks...? He buried his face in his hands, hoping to the Titans that his Uber driver wouldn’t mind the crisis he was having in the passenger seat. Just thinking about Helektra’s face if she ever found out made him shrink in mortification, and he didn’t know if he could ever face Phainon with dignity ever again.
“Sir?” His Uber driver called out. Mydei lifted his head up to look at him.
“You got into the wrong car… this isn’t an Uber.”
The poor man gestured behind him, pointing at the white car that’d parked right behind him. It had the word “UBER” plastered on its white doors, making Mydei feel like the biggest idiot on the planet.
“... sorry.”
As he hastily got out of the stranger’s car, and back into the actual Uber, Mydei felt his phone chime.
neikos_33
thanks for today
neikos_33 get home safe