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>> MATURE because this a steamy romance. You may say 'uwu' unironically. Go ahead, it's alright. I support you.

Ari was all but disenchanted with the holidays, and content to carry on in greyscale. But when a glimmer of hope steps into his life, he can't help but feel the rainbow shine through.

>> Author's Notes

I didn't quite expect to write a holiday story, but Christmas Day brought upon some sudden inspiration. So, while this is perhaps a touch late, I couldn't help but write it, and don't feel like hoarding it until next year.

This is perhaps a departure from what folks might be used to from me, but I've been wanting to write more romance. This was a fun opportunity to write a simple, sweet love story. And maybe you'll find a glimmer of hope for yourself as the story unfurls.

>> >> <> << <<

>> Glimmer - Part 04 <<

Written by SynthW4V3

>> >> <> << <<

The midnight sky stretched endlessly over the deserted train station, silence enveloping it like a heavy blanket. The city lay quiet beyond the station, a hushed landscape glimmering under the silvery moon and cascading snowfall. It was an enchanting scene, but the solitude of the late hour cast an uneasy shadow over the beauty, leaving an almost haunting impression on the pair standing there, waiting for the next train to break the silence.

The moonlight above cast a faint halo around Ari's silhouette, his eyes fixed on the signage, scowling at the delay. He and Ravi arrived at the station fifteen minutes ago, scanned their passes, and yet the trolley hadn't arrived. Sure, it was well past midnight, but their train was just as important.

This particular station just kept on being a thorn in Ari's side.

Ravi snuggled deeper into Ari's coat, feeling the warmth against his slight frame. "Last one of the night. Lucky we got here on time at all, huh?"

"Yeah," Ari stuttered, his teeth involuntarily chattering as he spoke, his breath forming misty clouds in the cold air.

Ravi scrunched his eyebrows. "Are you cold? Do you need the coat back?"

"No... no, I'll be fine."

Ravi settled against the bench next to Ari, a shiver coursing through him despite the enveloping warmth of the coat. The biting cold persisted, snow cascading down in dense clumps, frosting every exposed surface in a thick layer of white.

"You know, I wanted to fight it, but the heaters in the apartment stopped working a few weeks ago," Ravi exhaled. "Well, except for the one in the office, of course." He looked up at Ari, his ears hanging low. "Making me feel like a mooch again, but... thank you."

Ari turned to face his honey-hued companion. "How could you have lived like that? How did you even manage to for... well, I don't know how long."

Ravi shrugged. "I just thought I was lucky to even have a roof over my head, I guess..." He looked down at his feet. "He left me a few months ago."

"Your ex?"

"Yeah. He became... well... not the best person. He'd just get so angry, and just..." Ravi's voice trailed off, a shudder passing through him. He let out a heavy sigh and lifted his gaze to the sky. "He saved me from being homeless. I didn't know how to leave him, especially when everything went south. I didn't know how to do anything right."

Ari moved from the sign and settled beside Ravi, wrapping him in a comforting embrace. "You know how to do plenty right. You're already picking up the ins and outs of the store," he reassured with a smile. "You bring a smile to my face, that's an accomplishment."

"That guy made the choice for me," Ravi said, his eyes welling up with tears. "He showed up one day, packed his bags, and vanished. No explanation, no nothing. It was as if all those years we shared meant absolutely nothing."

Ari tenderly ran his hand up and down Ravi's arm. "Haven't heard from him since?"

"Nope."

"Well, that's good," Ari commented. "At least he hasn't bothered you."

"Yeah, but he took everything. I didn't know what to do, or where to go, so I just... stayed." Ravi exhaled. "And I hoped I'd just figure things out."

The weight of Ravi's past hung in the air before the two, like a lead balloon waiting to be popped. But just in that moment the familiar squeal of the rails sang out as the trolley pulled into the station, relieving them of the heavy conversation for the meanwhile. Ari got up, and took Ravi's hands, and gently helped him to his feet.

"I can't promise everything will be better, but I can at least promise a warm place to stay for as long as you need," Ari assured as they boarded the trolley.

As they rode on the trolley, Ari and Ravi sat together, the quiet of the wintry night enveloping them. Outside, the snow continued to fall, draping the cityscape in a soft, ethereal blanket. The holiday lights and decorations, adorned with glistening snowflakes, cast a mesmerizing glow, the city alight as a magical wonderland straight from a greeting card.

As the trolley glided through the wintry night, Ari and Ravi nestled side by side, wrapped in the tranquil stillness. Ravi snuggled close to Ari, seeking warmth not only from the chill in the air but also from the weight of his recent revelations. Ari held him gently, enjoying the shared moment of quiet togetherness, and gently stroked his fur as he gazed out of the trolley window.

Beyond the windows, the snow cascaded down, adorning the cityscape like a painter's masterpiece. Christmas was only a couple of days away, and Echovale was embracing the season with unparalleled beauty. Every street and building became a canvas for the enchanting holiday lights and decorations, creating a scene akin to a captivating winter tale brought to life. The holiday spirit seemed to weave through the city, illuminating it in a breathtaking display.

It was almost enough to make Ari believe in the magic of the season.

It was beyond late when the two exited the station, and made their way to Ari's house. They held each other tightly as they walked, picking up pace as his home came into view, desperate to get out of the cold.

After unlocking the door Ari stepped in a fumbled for the light switch. Suddenly the place was illuminated with a soft, warm glow. Ravi's eyes sparkled with excitement as he look in the the place, the walls adorned in neutral shades of greys and whites with darker accents punctuating Ari's monotone tastes.

Ari fumbled with the lock before swinging the door open and groping for the light switch. In an instant, the room was awash in a soft, warm glow. Ravi's eyes sparkled with excitement as he peered into the space, the walls adorned in neutral shades of greys and whites, with darker accents that punctuated Ari's penchant for monotone.

"There is no mistaking that this is your house," Ravi murmured in wonder.

Ari didn't have much, but after living in a roach motel this must have been Park Avenue living for him. The living room, cozy and charming, hosted a comfortable lived-in couch and recliner. A small table stood in the center, cluttered with a scattering of books, magazines, and an assortment of half-empty bottles and glasses. Ravi tossed Ari's coat aside and flopped on the couch, already settling in. The room, modest as it was, seemed to envelop him with a welcoming warmth, as if it were an old friend extending an inviting embrace.

Ari smiled as he watched the little ball of sunshine make himself right at home. How curious he looked in contrast to the simplicity of his decor. He picked up his coat and hung it in the coat closet, slipping his scarf in there as well.

"You have to be hungry," Ari stated.

"Maybe just a little," came Ravi's sunny response. A pause lingered between them before a growl cut through the silence. "Okay, maybe a lot," he laughed as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Ari stepped into the kitchen, and looked around at what he had. He didn't have too much, having forgotten to go to the grocery store in the past few days, but after opening one cabinet he found a saving grace. He popped two cups of instant noodles into the microwave, and set the dial.

He returned to the living room, watching Ravi playing on the recliner chair, making it bob forward and backward.

"What's cookin'?"

"Noodles."

"Noodles!"

Ari smiled, and fell back onto the couch, sighing deeply and staring at the ceiling. It had only been eight or so hours, but it been a long day. Thank goodness for Iggy and the red pills from earlier.

Lost in his own mind, he was suddenly brought back to reality when Ravi leapt onto him, pushing him down and straddling his waist. A playful chuckle escaped his lips, but Ari's laughter quickly turned into a sharp intake of breath as Ravi leaned in closer, his striking azure eyes gleaming with desire. With a soft hum of contentment, Ravi brushed his nose against Ari's neck and cheek, sighing in gratitude.

"You... really didn't have to..." Ravi murmured.

"I wanted to." Ari said, feeling Ravi's skinny hands lacing around his cheeks and into his hair.

They'd only met two days ago... he didn't know what he was doing... was this all a trick... he didn't want to hurt him...

Ari mind was alight with a flurry of self-doubt, but he looked deep into Ravi's eyes, and the world melted away. It was as if time stood itself had paused, a liminality of sensuality meant only for them. With aching desire, Ari's hands grazed over the fabric of Ravi's t-shirt, desperately seeking fur and skin. The shirt clung to Ravi's lithe body like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. Ari couldn't resist tracing his fingers along the colorful belt around Ravi's waist, wanting nothing more than to remove it and uncover all that lay beneath.

Ravi collapsed into Ari's arms, their bodies molding together in a passionate union. Their mouths fused together, tongues entwined in an intimate dance. Fire coursed through Ravi's veins as Ari's touch ignited every nerve ending. With a longing sigh, Ari lifted Ravi's shirt, revealing his toned and supple stomach. Fingers traced every curve and dip, savoring the silky texture beneath them.

Ravi's hands moved eagerly, unclasping his belt and tossing it carelessly aside. He leaned down to capture Ari's lips once more, their tongues dancing passionately. As the kiss deepened, Ravi's fingers deftly unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his rainbow-colored briefs. With each inch of fabric removed, Ari could feel the anticipation building, his heart racing and skin flushed with desire. The heat between them was palpable as they pressed against each other, lost in the sensations of their bodies entwined. In that moment, nothing else existed but the intense pleasure they were creating together, enveloping the room in a warm embrace.

The microwave beeped, interrupting their passionate moment. They broke apart, panting heavily, their lips swollen and glistening. Ravi rested his forehead against Ari's, his eyes closed as he tried to catch his breath. Ari's hands remained on Ravi's bare skin, caressing him gently.

"Sounds like the food is done," he said, his voice husky with longing.

"I'm sorry," Ravi murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to... I just..."

Ari silenced him with a tender kiss. "Shh," he murmured against Ravi's lips. "Don't apologize."

Ravi smiled, and withdrew himself from atop Ari, his breath catching as he wiped away a delicate trail of saliva sliding down his chin. He looked over Ari's chest rising and falling steadily, waiting as he slowly opened his eyes, their gazes locking together in a silent exchange.

Ari smirked, "Noodles."

"Noodles!" Ravi exclaimed brightly as he hopped off of Ari and made his way to the kitchen to collect their meal.

They settled onto the couch, watching a movie that Ravi had picked out. Ari wasn't really paying attention though, his eyes kept wandering to the wolf beside him. The way his hair fell over his face, how his nose crinkled when he laughed at something in the movie, how his eyes sparkled in the dim light of the living room.

It was all so domestic and normal, but it felt like a dream to Ari. He had never really had anyone to share these moments with before. And now here he was, cuddled up on the couch with this beautiful wolf who seemed so carefree and happy.

He couldn't help but wonder what Ravi saw in him. He was just an average guy with a boring job and not much else going for him. But Ravi seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with him and that thought made Ari's heart swell with warmth.

As they neared the end of the movie, Ravi turned towards him and rested his head on his shoulder. Ari wrapped an arm around him instinctively, pulling him closer.

"I could get used to this," Ravi murmured sleepily.

Ari chuckled softly. "Me too."

A short while passed, and Ari gently nudged Ravi, earning a mumble of a snore in return. Delicately, he unwrapped himself from the younger man's embrace, settling him to lay down upon the couch. Moving with care, Ari slipped a blanket over Ravi, and tucked it around him softly.

Ari crept over to the bedroom, and went about changing the bedding swiftly and efficiently. For so long Iggy and Lucky would crash in his bedroom, but no more; they'd have to find someplace else to rendezvous. Once the bed was made, he returned to the living room, lifting Ravi gently and cradling him in his arms. Ari couldn't help but chuckle; the wolf was ridiculously light. He walked tenderly to the bedroom, settling Ravi onto the freshly made bed, covering him snugly with the comforter.

"Ari?" Ravi mumbled sleepily.

"Shh," came the response. "You get some good sleep, I'll see you in the morning."

A sleepy snore pervaded the darkened room, giving Ari all of the answers he needed. He glanced back once more upon Ravi's peaceful, sleeping face before retiring to the living room, contentment softening the lines on his own countenance.

Back in the kitchen, Ari sat at the table, his mind drifting in thought as he went about his business. While hanging up his coat, and taking the time to actually look inside, he'd remembered what occurred during the brief lapse in his memory a few days ago. He'd actually gone out shopping for Christmas gifts of all things, and stowed them away in the hall closet. It was so uncharacteristic at the time that he likely just blocked the memory after a long night of drinking with his buddies. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he recalled putting together presents for Iggy and Lucky, having had them wrapped at a shop in the mall. He wrote out a couple of cards for the two, and carefully sealed them.

A third gift stood out, already nestled in shimmering paper with a wild rainbow ribbon wrapped around it. Ari shook his head in disbelief. He'd all but given up hope on the holiday season, but no less than a few hours with Ravi and he'd gone Christmas shopping for him.

"How could I have even known," he laughed.

He shuffled through the cards, and reached for a third one. He carefully wrote Ravi's name on the card, contemplating what to express. His thoughts swirled, searching for the right sentiments to convey the appreciation and warmth he felt for the pink-haired young man.

Finally, Ari began penning his message within the card's confines, and sealed it. For once anticipation of Christmas Day swelled within his heart.

>> >> <> << <<

How Ari had managed to sleep until noon without getting drunk the night before was completely beyond him, although perhaps staying up until four in the morning had something to do with it. He pushed off the blanket he'd been using, and stretched his limbs, scratching his sides. He yawned loudly, but halted as he heard something rather unexpected.

Music? From the kitchen?

He stood up groggily and followed the pulsing melody to the source, padding quietly toward the kitchen, following along the wall with his left hand for balance. As he approached, he peeked inside and was met with a delightful sight.

There was Ravi at the sink, a radiant glow cast upon him as the warm embrace of the afternoon sun filtered through the windows. Clad only in his t-shirt and rainbow underwear, he danced to the lively beats of electronica pulsating through the room. With carefree abandon, he squirted detergent onto a sponge, swirling it around a bowl before placing it gently on the drying rack, his movements effortlessly synchronized to the music. His pink hair and tail swirled exuberantly around him, mimicking the lively rhythm.

Ari leaned against the doorframe, captivated by the mesmerizing sight before him. Ravi danced as if no one was watching, lost in the sheer pleasure of the moment. The kid had some moves, his lithe form commanding the room as if it were his stage. He spun around gracefully, and caught sight of Ari watching from the doorway.

Ravi's face lit up with a radiant smile, and without missing a beat, he laughed and reached out, bumping hips playfully with Ari. He then leaned forward and planted a tender kiss on Ari's cheek, the warmth of his lips leaving a faint tingle.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Ravi chimed with an infectious cheerfulness, his eyes shimmering with joy and mischief.

Ari couldn't help but smile back, feeling a rush of warmth and affection. For a moment, everything felt brighter, as if the music and Ravi's vibrant energy had cast away any lingering traces of morning drowsiness.

"So when did you get up?" he asked, heading over to the fridge to see about getting some measure of a meal together.

"Um... like, maybe around an hour ago," he answered, placing a clean plate on the rack to dry. "Your bed is very comfy."

Ari laughed, "I thought it would be torn to pieces by now..."

"Huh?"

"Oh, nothing."

He then walked up to the cabinet, searching again for food. So far the fridge was empty, and all he could find otherwise was some soup, cookies, and some kind of powdered drink that was probably expired by now.

"Are you hungry?"

"...A little."

"Yeah..." Ari responded, disappointment laced in his voice. "Alright, we're going out for some groceries."

"Okay." Ravi said, finishing the last dish and drying his hands. "I'll finish up out here," he stated as Ari headed into the bedroom.

Ari stripped out of his clothing from the night before, and turned the shower on full blast. Already the steam simmered over him, bringing him to life once more. As he washed over himself, he couldn't help but let his mind reflect on everything leading to this point. Meeting Ravi, feeling such a deep connection in so short a time, sharing special moments with him, just enjoying his company, talking, bringing him here from his run-down apartment. It had been a whirlwind couple of days.

Ari leaned against the shower wall. Things were moving a little faster than he really intended. He felt promiscuous. He wondered how Ravi was taking it; wondered if he thought he didn't like him.

Meanwhile, Ravi was in the kitchen just finishing up. In a moment of carelessness, he squeezed the nozzle of the sink's faucet, unleashing a powerful stream of water that hit him square in the face. He sputtered and coughed, wiping away the water and slicking back his pink locks that had been drenched by the surprise spray.

"Ugh, I already took a shower," Ravi grumbled.

In desperate search of a towel, he scurried through the living room. Hastening his steps, he darted into the bedroom and, without a second thought, hurriedly burst into the bathroom. The smell of shampoo filled his nostrils and steam clouded his vision as he frantically scanned the room for any supplies. His feet squelched on the wet carpet, making it difficult to maintain balance as he reached for the closet door. Fumbling for relief, his fingertips finally grasped onto a towel before slipping on the slick surface and careening through the shower curtain, right into Ari's waiting arms.

As Ravi looked up at his savior, he couldn't help but feel a surge of attraction at the sight before him. He hadn't seen Ari in the nude before, but was beyond impressed by what he saw. The steam from the shower created a hazy aura around them, perhaps mirroring exactly where Ravi's thoughts were trailing off to.

Ari's toned muscles glistened with water droplets as he held Ravi in his arms. Ravi couldn't help but notice how well-endowed Ari was and he unconsciously crossed his legs to hide his own reaction.

"Sorry about that," Ravi blushed, "but, um... thank you for catching me."

Ari's face flushed as he quickly took the towel from Ravi's grasp, using it to shield himself. "It's fine, really," he stammered, attempting to mask his self-consciousness. "I'm just not used to having someone around. I should've locked the door."

Ravi quickly scrambled to stand up, but ended up slipping on the wet tiles once again. Ari caught him just in time, their bodies pressed together in an intimate embrace. Ravi's heart raced as he felt Ari's strong arms holding onto him tightly. Their eyes met for a brief moment and Ari could see desire flickering in Ravi's brilliant irises. Time stood still as hot water and steam trickled down upon them, heat radiating between their bodies. Without thinking, he leaned in closer and captured his lips in a passionate kiss.

The two wolves lost themselves in each other, their bodies moving against one another with growing urgency. The sound of water cascading from the shower head filled their ears as they explored each other's mouths hungrily.

Ravi's hands roamed freely over Ari's sculpted body, tracing every curve and muscle. He couldn't believe how good it felt to be this close to someone who clearly wanted him just as much as he wanted them.

But just as things were getting heated between them, Ari suddenly pulled away with a gasp. His expression was apologetic as he backed away slightly.

"I'm sorry," he said breathlessly, "I shouldn't have..."

"No, it's okay," Ravi said, looking low. "I get it, you need... you need time."

His cheeks scarlet red beneath his honeyed fur, Ravi quickly scooted up and out of the bathroom, leaving Ari alone to finish his shower.

>> >> <> << <<

After the awkwardness of the pair quickly learning about boundaries in their new living situation the two went grocery shopping. Grocery shopping had never been more difficult for Ravi. Not only was he navigating the store with unfamiliar products, but he couldn't get the image of Ari's naked body out of his head.

He tried to focus on the task at hand, picking out produce and pantry staples, but every time he turned around, there was Ari beside him. The tension between them was palpable and Ravi found himself blushing every time their eyes met.

"Are you okay?" Ari asked, noticing Ravi's flushed cheeks and distracted demeanor.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ravi said quickly, trying to shake off his thoughts.

They finished their shopping without incident and headed back to the house. After unloading everything the two sat down on the couch, absentmindedly watching some stand-up comedy special to pass the time before they had to head over for work.

Not ten minutes had passed before they heard a jingle at the door, the sound of keys unlocking the door from the outside. A moment later the door burst open, an outcry of "Lucy, I'm hoooome!" piercing the quietude. Ari turned to Ravi as the other winced in pain from the sudden outburst.

Iggy walked inside, calling Ari's name as Lucky scampered in and shut the door behind him. Turning the corner, he spotted the pair cuddling on the couch. Iggy stood before the pair wearing a dark trench coat and fedora, and absolutely reeked of alcohol. Conversely, Lucky wore a pair of short shorts and a midriff puffer jacket, and smelled delightful. How he hadn't frozen to death in this weather was anyone's guess.

Iggy sauntered over to Ravi, and smiled a big grin. "This must be Roofie!"

"Ravi," corrected Ari.

Ravi jumped to his feet. "Hi, I'm... well, Ravi. And you are?" He stuck out his hand to shake. Iggy only stared for a moment, swaying back and forth slightly, looking at Ravi questioningly. Ravi began to withdraw, slightly embarrassed, before his hand was devoured by Iggy's. In a flurry of pleasantries, he babbled out an introduction of himself, Lucky, asked if Ari was any good, and where he got such cool pink hair all in one earthquake of a handshake.

Ari sighed, getting up and detaching their hands and glaring up at the redhead, "Hello, Iggy."

"Hey Arpee, how's it going?"

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Its Christmas Eve-Eve, Ari! We gotta start stocking up on the booze before everyone else!"

"But... you have plenty at your place."

Lucky cleared his throat, crossing his arms over his chest. "He drank it all this morning."

"Oh..."

"So... yeah, we gotta go get sooooooome!" Iggy blurted, having to hold onto Lucky for support.

Ari rubbed his temples. "Yeah... Iggy..." He began, glancing at Ravi and then to Iggy again, "I... don't know about it this year..."

Iggy focused his drunken gaze on Ari, pushing himself off of Lucky. "Wh... what?"

Ari sighed, "I just don't think this year I should get..."

"What? Because of that fluffball?" He pointed dazedly at Ravi.

"No, I just..." Ari sighed. He had hoped to spend the holiday alone with Ravi, but this was all so last-minute as it was. "Alright, get what you need, we'll have a great time," he conceded.

"Yay! Roofie can come, too!" he sang out gleefully.

"Ravi."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." He stifled a laugh, "So, okay, yeah... Ari, I... Okay, we were wondering if I could... we could crash here today, because... well, we took the train and got here, and I just cannot take those people at home anymore. Is why all the drink went toodaloo. And... well... you're going to work..." The redhead trailed off.

Ari shook his head, "Yeah, okay, Iggy, you and Lucky can stay here. I don't care."

"Aaaaallrighty then!" The fiery wolf exclaimed, pulling Ari into a tight embrace that almost knocked them over. Ari managed to push him away, but Lucky attempted to catch him and they both ended up on the floor in a tangled heap.

"Okay, okay, enough of that," Ari said sternly but with a hint of amusement in his voice. He glanced up at the clock. "Oh, we gotta get going."

Ari grabbed his coat and scarf from the hall closet, and pulled out another coat for Ravi to use, to which he graciously accepted. He grabbed his keys, and pull the collar up tight before escorting Ravi out into the cold.

"Sorry about all that," Ari apologized, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't expect them to show up like that."

"It's okay," Ravi said with a smile. "They seem like fun."

"Yeah, they definitely are." Ari chuckled as he placed an arm behind Ravi on the small of his back, the two starting their journey to work for the evening.

>> >> <> << <<

"Mommy, I want the ice cream with the rainbow sprinkles," Ari mumbled, slumped over the register in a doze.

"Again?" Ravi nudged Ari's forehead, attempting to rouse him.

"Yes, rainbow sprinkles! They're made out of all the happies," Ari mumbled, slipping back into a light slumber.

"Ari, come on, you're drooling. Wake up!" Ravi persisted.

Blinking open his eyes, Ari found himself gazing up at Ravi, the overhead light bathing his face as he bounded around the other side of the register, grinning cheerfully. Ari lifted his head, feeling a numbness in his right hand that flopped about lazily. Drowsily, he wiped away drool from his lips, absentmindedly cleaning it off on his apron while letting out a sleepy yawn.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, fine," Ari replied, dabbing at the saliva on the register's glass shield.

"You sure? You were zoned out there for a bit," Ravi tilted his head, his diamond eyes gleaming.

"How long was I out?"

"Long enough for Leonard to almost notice. I thought I should wake you before he did."

Ari yawned, reclining in his chair and propping up his feet. Glancing at the clock, he noted it was already nearing eight o'clock. Time slipped by faster than he realized. He then surveyed the store, and sighed at the sight of people perusing the overpriced items on the shelves.

"People really leaving things to the last minute," he muttered to himself.

As the store grew busier with last-minute shoppers, he resigned himself to the inevitability of working the register before his break. Time passed relatively easily with only a few folks making purchases. Ravi had long since vanished into the store, likely aiding some customers. Ari stayed put, grateful for his proactiveness.

When the clock struck eight, Ari sauntered up behind Ravi, playfully tousling his hair.

"Break time."

"Um, actually..." Ravi started hesitantly, "I've got something to take care of. I'll catch up with you later, alright?"

"Suit yourself," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Entering the mall proper, Ari couldn't shake a feeling of longing. Over the past few days, he'd grown so accustomed to Ravi as a constant companion, and his absence in this moment felt alien.

After a quick snack from a coffee shop, Ari climbed the stairwell that led to his rooftop refuge. The crisp air greeted him as he emerged onto the top, a welcome embrace against his face. The emptiness of the space brought a certain tranquility, a rare haven of silence amid the urban chaos. The cityscape sprawled beneath him, the horizon adorned with wintry hues of smoky greys and deep navy blues. The moonlight settled upon his face, almost matching the streaks in his hair, glinting in his eyes.

Taking out a cigarette, he sparked the flame, drawing deeply on the tobacco as he leaned against the sturdy railing. The wisps of smoke danced in the chilly air, joining the symphony of thoughts that swirled within his mind. His life had felt routine, almost empty, before Ravi entered the picture. But since then, everything had become a whirlwind of emotions he couldn't entirely comprehend. He wanted to feel that there was something good ahead, something worth looking forward to, and Ravi seemed to be that flicker of light.

But every time he tried to navigate these new feelings, he found himself fumbling. Awkward moments had become a part of their interactions. Whether it was the uncomfortable instance on the couch or the mishap in the bathroom, Ari couldn't shake off the feeling that he was the cause of these awkward encounters. It wasn't that he didn't care; he just didn't know how to express it without making things strange.

His gaze drifted over the empty parking lot below, the tranquility of the scene contrasting with the turmoil in his mind. Life felt simpler when there was nothing to worry about, no one to care for. But as soon as someone entered the picture, complexities arose. The empty lot started to fill up, traffic running high, cars honking at each other to claim their space. Relationships, emotions, they all added layers of complication.

Finishing his cigarette, Ari flicked it over the side of the fence, watching it disappear below. The smoldering butt nestled against a stray leaf, sparking a small flame, but it was quickly snuffed out by the surrounding snow. Ari looked on with a touch of panic, but breathed a sigh of relief as the smoldering ember dissipated. He took a deep breath, attempting to find a sense of calm amidst the chaos of his thoughts. Straightening his posture, he steeled himself for the rest of the workday.

>> >> <> << <<

The remainder of the night flowed without much incident. The store was tidied up, and prepared for two days of peaceful serenity from the usual hustle and bustle. When they returned, it'd be time to slash prices on Christmas decorations, followed by New Year's the week after. Such was the cyclic pulse of retail's rhythm.

After exchanging holiday well-wishes with Leonard before bidding him a farewell, the two strolled across the parking lot toward the station. A frigid gust swept through the dimly lit lot, accentuating the wintry bite in the air. Ari glanced over, noticing a bag in Ravi's hands, piquing his curiosity.

"What've you got there?"

"Oh, nothing," Ravi said in a sing-song voice.

Ari shrugged, and they continued on.

The city lay in a tranquil lull after the winter storm had eased for the night. The streets glistened under the moonlight as they tread cautiously toward their destination. Amidst their shared silence, a palpable sense of ease enveloped them, allowing Ari's mind to wander once more.

So, if he and Ravi were sharing kisses and living together, did that mean they were officially a couple? Ari wasn't entirely certain. Until they clarified things between them, he figured it might be best to keep it low-key.

They sat on a bench at the deserted station, cuddling close, much to Ravi's delight. The train arrived shortly thereafter, and upon boarding it they found the car completely empty. They sat in the back row of seats, and held each other close, the bag resting atop Ravi's lap the whole ride, a smile beaming upon on his face. Ari smiled, enjoying just how beautiful he looked in the moment.

The train stopped at their interchange, and the two stepped off, noting how much more crowded this one was. The benches were full and the people were standing and talking, socializing about who-knows-what.

Ari sighed, standing next to Ravi near the edge of the tracks and looking in the direction that their trolley was supposed to come from when he felt cold fingers lace within his own. Ari froze, suddenly feeling self-conscious, as though everyone's eyes were on them. He quickly grabbed his hand back, and shoved it in his pocket.

Ravi looked up at him, "Ari?"

"Just... not right now, okay? They'll think we're..." He stopped himself, and closed his eyes in disbelief. He said the secret part out loud.

"They'll think we're... together?" Ravi finished, lowering his voice a little.

Ari hung his head low.

"You mean... we're not, then?"

Crap.

Ari said nothing. Ravi looked back at the ground and clenched his bag with both of his hands.

The trolley came, and the two boarded in silence.

It was a long, quiet walk home. Ari didn't know what to say. But he knew he said the wrong thing. But what was the right thing? That they were together? They only just met a couple of days ago, and he didn't know what he was feeling, and he was being kind to someone who was clearly desperate despite his own cheery stubbornness...

Once home was reached, Ari flicked on the light, and was suddenly tackled to the ground. A bottle of booze was shoved in his hand by Iggy, both he and Lucky clearly already long gone in their own revelry.

Ari looked beyond the commotion and watched as Ravi quietly walk into the bedroom and closed the door. Iggy and Lucky were oblivious to the tension in the house, continuing their party in the living room. They drank and laughed, not aware of the storm that was brewing between their friend and his companion.

Ari sighed, feeling guilty. He knew he hurt Ravi's feelings, but he didn't know how to fix it. But, for now, he had a bottle of Jack in one hand, and a couple of friends egging him on.

Before he knew it he had downed the bottle, and crashed on the couch for the night.