Synopsis
Moving away from Keterburg starts to be everything Peony imagined to be. With a couple bumps in the road. Jade Curtiss is one of them. Leaving behind the winter wonderland and a lonely Saphir, these two unique individuals find a cozy apartment in the bustling and beautiful city of Grand Chokmah. But roses aren't without their thorns as insecurities and unwanted memories stir a pot of heartache and jealousy. Friendships will be tested. Compromises must be met. And there is no rest for the restless souls of the young and the wilful.
Out
"Well it has four walls and roof."
"I don't care what you say, I like it. There's promise in this place; potential."
Jade surveyed the apartment with cool eyes, taking in the brick wall with a drafty window, the small kitchen with cupboards hanging from a single hinge and the narrow hallway tucked away at the back. Jade really didn't care that much how the apartment looked as long as it served its purpose; a place to sleep and provide shelter. However, ribbing Peony about it was just plain fun.
"As long as promise is the only thing growing in these walls I believe I could survive here."
"It'll grow on you. The apartment I mean," Peony chuckled and patted Jade on the back.
With that being said, Peony took his first step into his new home and new lifestyle. He'd never lived on his own, even during college. He hadn't needed to since the school was a ten minute bus ride away.
Peony dragged his wheeled suitcase over the threshold and walked into the centre of the unfurnished apartment. Jade smirked and followed his best friend in.
"We should set the dining table right here, in front of the window," Peony was gazing intently out the window at the busy city outside. Jade looked from his friend to the cityscape, not feeling the same captivation as Peony. "It's no mountainous landscape or cascading waterfall but the lights..."
"Are bright and shiny so naturally you're attracted to it."
"Cheeky little bast -"
"And, though I'm sure you have realized, neither of us packed a table in our suitcases. Besides, there are more pressing appliances and comforts we'll need to acquire. Like chairs and beds as well as food and sheets-"
"Details, details. Right now I just wanna break in the new homestead."
Peony sat on the window seat and continued to stare out at the city as the sun set. Jade walked up behind him and glanced out the window and back at Peony.
"We should have convinced Saphir to come with us," Peony finally said, his voice was soft as though he was speaking about someone sickly and fading.
"Why do you say that, Your Majesty?" Jade's tone was the exact opposite.
"Because it would have given you someone else to pick on," Peony grinned at Jade. "And don't call me 'majesty' or 'highness'."
"They're just terms of affection. You're always telling me how cold I am so I thought pet names would seem more...warm."
Peony stood up and squeezed Jade briefly in a one armed hug.
"That's how you show affection." He picked up his suitcase again and wandered off down the hall. "Which bedroom do you want?" Peony called over his shoulder.
"Assuming they all have four walls and a roof, it doesn't matter."
"Alright. You can have the one with the walls and roof but be warned, there's no floor."
Peony ducked into the first room on the left, plunking his luggage down like a flag into the ground. The room wasn't a bad size and had windows. Besides, he'd checked with the landlady before they bought the place to make sure he was allowed to decorate and refurbish the apartment to his creative liking.
Jade continued to stare out the window just thinking the whole thing over. It was the best option he could think of. He needed to be here for schooling for at least another 2 years and both of them had managed to find employment. He supposed 'just getting away' as Peony had put it before everything was finalized, had some sort of positive effect too.
Jade allowed himself to show a little emotion in secret; a subtle sigh that could be mistaken for musty apartment noises. He'd sort of settled things with Saphir by moving the temptation away from the other man. Jade doubted Saphir was the 'out of sight, out of mind' type, hopefully Jade's parting words dropped a big enough hint. Though he barely acknowledged any sort of emotion, due to how baffling they could be, he noted a couple irking feelings in his stomach and prickles in his mind. Those feelings seemed to be a reoccurring thing lately; he wanted them gone.
Jade walked back to the hallway to continue dragging the little collection of things he owned into the apartment and down the hall. He took one glance into Peony's room and continued to the room at the end. Peony didn't look up as Jade walked silently to and from his room to the hallway until he heard the muffled scraping of Jade pulling his mattress down the hall. He waited a couple seconds and then...
"Peony, would it be possible if I borrowed your muscles for a moment?"
Peony trotted out of the room and picked up the end opposite to Jade's. Not that it really mattered what end he chose; Jade let his side go anyway.
"Oh Jade," Peony singsonged a very good impression of Jade, "would it be possible if I borrowed your muscles for a moment?"
"Me? I am a man of science and theory. The only muscle I put to use is my brain."
That's bull, Peony thought. "And the three flights of stairs that you helped carry it up? That took no muscle?"
"And I'm just so fatigued by today's adventure and the emotional stress of leaving," each word dripped with sarcasm, "Besides, I've always thought of you as the brawn of our group."
Peony half slid, half carried the mattress to Jade's room and flopped it unceremoniously on top of Jade's other luggage.
"Thank you."
Peony retreated from the bedroom and squeezed Jade in a bear hug. He squirmed and tried to push him away, but unfortunately Peony did have the most muscles out of their group.
"It's okay Jade. I should have thought about how delicate you are," Peony released Jade, who's smirk had turned stony, while giving him a mocking concerned look. "By the way...You owe me."
The daylight faded quickly and was replaced by the multicoloured lights of the city. Peony ordered pizza for them and they sat chairless on the floor.
"Do you really hate the apartment?" Peony asked, eyeing Jade who sat leaning against the small island in the kitchen.
"We've only been here for a couple hours. I haven't really passed judgement on it yet."
"So all that sarcasm when we entered was just a christening of the place?"
"I was just expressing my initial feelings," the corners of his thin lips pulled up into a smirk, "However, first impressions can be false."
Peony leaned back against the counter, his mind a little more at ease.
"I just didn't want you living in a place that caused you pain for my sake," Peony hesitated on the next words, knowing he should say them but really, really not wanting to. Scarily enough Jade said exactingly what Peony had been thinking.
"I know I can leave anytime I like," Peony averted his eyes and took a large bite of pizza to busy his failure of a mouth and waited for Jade to continue, "but I'll likely choose not to because of the convenience."
Peony laughed at how cold his answer was.
"It's got all to do with convenience and nothing to do with my lovely self right? The fact that we've been friends for 20 years is just a nice gimmick, right?"
Jade narrowed his eyes and feigned indifference. It was the tiniest of things that gave Jade away. Right after Peony's teasing words some sort of sarcastic remark like "someone will have to babysit his Majesty" should have been said, but wasn't. There was definitely something on Jade's mind and it surprised Peony how much it entranced it his attention. Peony had a pretty good guess what it was and it had nothing to do with their new living arrangements.
"What's going on inside that twisted head of yours?"
"Too many things for you to be able to discern, as per usual."
"Ha ha, but I'm being serious," Peony scooted forward a bit and supported his face in one hand. "It's got something to do with Saphir. Come on Jade! You can tell me and maybe I can act as peacemaker. What did you say this time?"
Most people would have been offended by Peony's blunt accusation, but Jade took it like a compliment and actually smiled.
"For once it wasn't entirely my fault, nor could I have said anything different and mean it."
Jade was in his room at Curtiss Manor transferring his clothes to his suitcase in preparation for the next week. It was taking him less time to pack his clothes than it did to pack all the books he wanted; not exactly a surprise.
There was a gentle, maybe uncertain tap on his door.
"You may come in."
Jade didn't look up; he already knew who it would be seeing as his adoptive parents were out and Peony never knocked. Although Jade was vaguely surprised the man had allowed himself into the manor without ringing the bell. Or maybe he did and no one answered.
"Jade...you really are leaving then?" Saphir asked, standing awkwardly in the doorway.
"I've decided to continue my schooling elsewhere. And the place Peony found was reasonably priced and close by."
"But our school here has the best science department..."
"Your school here may have that but I'm sure by now you know I have switched my career choice."
Jade starred hard at Saphir, daring him to tell him what to do, tell him what a mistake he was making. Saphir lost a bit of nerve because he had come here to tell Jade exactly what Jade didn't want him to say.
"You're making a mistake Jade. The science world needs your brain. What would Nebilim-"
"Our beloved, late professor would tell me not to pursue a false dream and not for her sake especially," Jade clicked his luggage closed. No need to sit on this suitcase; everything fit perfectly. "Did you think over your choice of words at all Saphir?"
Saphir's face burned bright red and he ground his teeth, trying desperately not to take the bait for once. To win this argument, to win Jade, he just had to be calm and talk this over like adults.
"Isn't it a bit late to switch? You've been in university for five years now."
"Not at all. I've filled some of my course requirements already and since I made it known last year that I'd be switching I was able to take a few required courses last semester."
Jade stood by his bed, the mattress already in the moving van. He looks so smug, Saphir thought, actually amused by the thought of leaving Nebilim and me. Jade watched as Saphir nervously ran his hand along the wall like he was trying to find more reasons or confidence in the immaculate drywall.
"And before you start whining about how Peony and I are leaving you behind, just know that I heard him asking you to come along. You turned him down so it's no one's fault but your own that you're being left here."
Saphir's hand dropped off the wall like it suddenly died. His head lowered and he was unable to look Jade in the eye. He found his voice but it faltered, cracking on all the important words.
"I want to be with you but, Nebilim was so kind. I can't turn my back on her. But I want to be with you!" he whined.
Jade shrugged, not really bothered by the awkwardness that roared in this room.
"Peony and I will be back to visit now and then. You're still with us in a matter of speaking."
Saphir shook his head and forced himself to look at Jade. There was no way in hell, not for this moment, he was going to do this half-assed. He needed Jade to know and the only way to do that was to shatter Jade's cold exterior and make him understand.
Saphir strode forward, his fists clenched with determination, his eyes unblinking. The only change visible in Jade's expression was a slight raise of his eyebrow. Saphir's face took up all of Jade's vision due to its proximity.
"In time I know you'll realize what a mistake you're making and you'll come back. And if Nebilim isn't a good enough reason to stay then," Saphir's words got stuck in his throat. He could see the smirk rising on Jade's face again. So before he lost all confidence Saphir planted a timid kiss on Jade's lips.
Saphir was shocked to realize that Jade didn't pull away, but a second later his heart sunk like a 50 lb rock in a very, very deep ocean. Jade hadn't pulled away, but he hadn't reacted even slightly. He just stood there, smirk in place and eyes ice cold.
Saphir backed away towards the door, stumbling on a box on the floor. Saphir hoped that Jade couldn't see the tears brimming behind his tinted glasses.
"Your nose is running Saphir."
Saphir's shame ripped from his throat in an anguished, high pitched yell.
"Go to hell, Jade Curtiss!"
Saphir bolted from the room, fury taking over everything. Nebilim's dead, Peony and Jade are leaving, Jade doesn't love me.
Jade waited a couple seconds to give Saphir enough time to leave the property, then picked up his suitcase and moved it to the lobby.
"Did you turn him down politely at least?" Peony asked playing with the tab on his pop can. He asked the question idly but...he desperately wanted to know. For Saphir's sake, primarily, and for his own secondly.
"I turned him down honestly."
Peony surveyed Jade with calm blue eyes while his stomach tightened. So Saphir's hurting badly, and where does that leave me? His internal voice chuckled grimly, Where does that leave Jade? He must have seen this coming even though it took a while...
He continued flicking the tab to make a tinny twang noise. Jade watched Peony's finger press down on the tab and release it, wondering what Peony thought of it all. Jade never realized how hard it could be to read Peony's feelings. It's because he's honest and outspoken so I've never had to guess his thoughts. How ironic...
Jade was just about to ask what Peony was thinking when the other spoke, the easy tone back in his voice.
"You broke his little heart didn't you?"
Jade laughed at how childish Peony said it.
"Perhaps, but I'd rather not lie. Saphir's a grown man and I'm sure he's felt the sting of rejection before and will likely again."
"Yup but probably nothing like the Ice Queen's bite."
Peony laughed and pushed himself up then tossed his empty can into the scratched, stainless steel sink.
"Nighty night, Jade!"
Jade slowly stood up, stretched his arms above his head, yawned and ran his fingers through his long hair.
"Peony," he called, as his friend was about to open his bedroom door.
"Yes, Jade?"
Jade walked slowly down the hall and brushed past Peony.
"You have no mattress, Your Majesty," and with that Jade stalked into his room and closed the door.
In all his excitement he had forgotten to bring it. The mattress was likely leaning against the wall next to the front door at his old home. How the hell had he not noticed? He even brought Jade's in...and the sarcastic bastard never said a word.
Jade expected to hear him swear at himself, but instead Peony let out a loud laugh which was followed by a thunk and more laughter. Jade opened his door halfway to see what his friend was doing. In the hallway Peony had fallen over and was wiping tears from his eyes, his fit coming to a close. Jade quietly closed the door and lay down on his mattress without any sheets. He tried to hold it in but only succeeded to the point of letting a soft trail of snickers escape. Living with Peony would be...different, but probably not horrible.
Lying awake on a blanket and a couple folded sweaters, Peony went over Jade's story again in his head. He didn't believe for a second that Saphir had been rejected many times before. He might have had secret flings with other guys, but he always had his eyes on Jade. Peony couldn't blame him either, Jade was something else and a piece of work unfortunately.
The story had brought up another memory that was shared between Peony and Saphir...
Peony had called Saphir over to his house to help him sew costumes for a play Peony was part of. Peony didn't feel like calling Jade over because the man had no talent with a needle and thread, and Saphir had actually requested Jade to be absent. Well that was very odd.
"Pass me the scissors will you?"
Saphir reached over and slid the scissors across Peony's bedroom floor, then went and picked them up when they got caught on a pile of (hopefully not dirty) clothes.
"Thanks. You're being quiet, Saphir. What's on your mind? I assume it's something that involves Jade."
Saphir's hands shook a little while he was pinning a dart on the costume. Peony grabbed his arm and pulled him away from his work, and forced him to sit on the bed. Peony settled in front of him and waited patiently for him to begin speaking.
"Well, yes, it's a little about Jade but before I say anything about that, there's something else I want to tell you."
He spoke quickly and stuttered a lot though the words really didn't amount to much.
"Hold it right there Saphir. Why don't I grab us something to drink while you take a few deep breaths?" he patted Saphir on the shoulder and added playfully, "If you faint I'll be left all alone to work on the costumes."
Saphir was still on the bed when Peony returned with a couple glasses of water. He wasn't really any calmer but he had used the time to think about what he'd say and didn't stutter as much when he spoke next.
"Peony, I thought it would be better to tell you this first before...anyone else."
"Okay," Peony smiled, knowing full well 'anyone else' was not just anyone else.
"Peony...I'm gay."
"Okay," Peony took a chug of water and set the glass down on the floor. He wasn't surprised at all since he'd been fawning over Jade for a couple years now. What he was shocked about was that Saphir had chosen to tell him and him alone. He could understand why Jade wasn't included but Nephry would have been a good one to tell. "Can I ask why you chose to tell me first? I am the first one you've told right?"
"Y-yeah, but don't worry. It's not because I, you know..."
"Like me? I know that idiot," Peony lightly punched Saphir who chuckled into his glass of water. What Peony said next made him choke. "I know you like Jade."
Saphir spluttered and coughed all while trying to speak. The only word Peony could make out was 'obvious'.
"Yeah, sorry man. You're pretty obvious. So," Peony paused while Saphir finished his coughing fit, "So, why tell me first? And are you gonna tell Jade?"
"I want to tell Jade but, I don't know. What if he says something snide?"
Peony pretended to mull the question over, then shrugged and said placidly, "I'll hit 'em."
"That won't take the words back."
"Saphir, as much as a sarcastic bastard Jade can be, I don't think he'd make fun of you for this. And if he does make some snarky remark, that's just how he deals with things. You gotta love people for their quirks."
Saphir visibly relaxed with a dramatic sigh and a wide grin. What a shame he's into the sciences and not the arts Peony thought.
"Yeah and I do," he said softly. Peony shifted uncomfortably, but Saphir never noticed since he was wrapped up in other thoughts. "Well, the reason I decided to tell you first was because I knew you wouldn't be sarcastic and also because I've heard rumours..."
"Rumours?" Peony asked with a tilt of his head and a sly look.
"So, are you, you know...are they true?" Saphir asked, blushing and fidgeting again.
Peony burst out laughing and accidentally kicked his water over too. Peony wasn't phased by the mess; the water was mild compared to the clothes, books and junk conspiring in the corners of the room.
Saphir immediately blushed and whined.
"Hey! I was being serious! Don't-"
"Not...I'm not making fun- You really can't ask straight up whether I'm gay or not? Geez how are you ever going to pick up guys if you- OOF" Saphir wacked him in the face with his pillow and broke out in peals of laughter along with Peony.
Saphir as far as looks go you've got amazing taste but, you really should have chosen someone your heart could handle. You gotta love the person's quirks... Within seconds of the memory ending Peony had drifted off to sleep, still not sure how he should be feeling and whether his pact with Saphir was annulled now.
Peony was up first the next morning, eager to walk the city and start sorting out his new life. He was particularly excited about decorating the apartment. He never had the chance to design any part of his house before. Since the mansion was passed down from one generation to the next, the house had a definite style. It was huge, spacious with high ceilings and columns, most of the doors were double doors and the staircase was actual marble. Everyone who visited had nothing but compliments for the place. Peony didn't hate it, he just didn't like having no say in its design.
He was dressed for the day and now stood at the end of the hall, glancing from his watch to Jade's door. 7:18 AM, it's a little early to wake Jade I guess...but I'm bored. Peony pushed himself off the wall, walked to Jade's room and slowly opened the door with only a gentle creak. Jade had thrown a couple towels over his window to block out any light, although at this time in the morning the sun was just a strip of gold. Peony took a couple steps into the room and spotted Jade lying on his front, face covered by his arm and hair.
Peony watched Jade breathe steadily to make sure he was deep asleep, but not for long. It would be just like Jade to wake up and taunt him for watching him sleep. Peony flopped onto the mattress, bouncing Jade an inch into the air. He grunted and rolled over to look at Peony who lay fully dressed with his hands clasped behind his head.
"Good you're awake. How about some breakfast?"
Jade blinked slowly, the frigid glare on his face not terrifying Peony a bit.
"My my, I didn't expect you to be waking this early. Though I should have guessed you would enter my room without knocking first."
"Aw you know me so well. So," Peony shifted so he was lying on his side and his head was propped on one arm, "how'd you sleep?"
"Fine thank you. Peony could you pass me my glasses?"
He reached over to where Jade was pointing and gave the glasses to Jade once he had found them. Sometimes Jade wished it wasn't necessary to wear glasses, like on days like today when he could feel a headache creeping in.
"Just so you know, you look better without the glasses. In my opinion at least."
Jade had been about to slip the glasses over his face when Peony said this. He stayed his hand and turned to glance at his friend, his eyes at little blurry with sleep, his hair flared out on his pillow.
"Is that so?"
Peony just smiled and reached a hand out to touch Jade's hair, but Jade had rolled to his feet, shoving his glasses on.
"I don't think you've had enough sleep, Your Highness," he picked out fresh clothes from his suitcase and snatched one of the towels from his window. "You're saying things that are nonsensical."
Jade left the room, headed for the bathroom on his left. Peony lay on the bed, the smile still soft on his face. I think I'm getting to him...
Jade closed and locked the bathroom door, rubbing the bridge of his nose and forehead to attempt to drive off the pain. He laid his folded jeans and shirt on the counter next to his tooth brush. He began pulling his glasses off his nose, but glanced up, catching his reflection in the mirror. He slid the glasses back on and then slowly pulled them off his face, keeping his eyes fixed on his reflection. What am I doing? He tched at the mirror, grinned at his idiocy and rested his glasses on top of his clothes before stripping and climbing into the shower.
When Jade emerged from the bathroom, warm, relaxed and head slightly less achy, he smelt something odd but very welcome in the apartment.
Peony was lounging in the window, some sort of coffee drink in his hand.
"It's awesome! There are a dozen cafes and little coffee shops around here," he pointed with his drink to the counter where another sat steaming. "You take yours black?"
Jade chuckled, taking the paper cup in his hands. "You know that I do because you like making jokes about it. Something akin to 'black like my heart'?"
"Bitter like your soul. Yup, sounds about right. Those little sayings help me remember what everyone likes. So...breakfast?"
"I don't see why not. Did you happen to pass by any decent places this morning?"
The two best friends had finished their coffees by the time they arrived at the breakfast place, the early summer morning cool enough for light jackets. The place was quiet with only a few other people sitting in booths with their coffee and pancakes. It had a cool, artsy style with the modern art framed on the walls and small tables cloistered under dim lights. Peony appreciated the quaintness while Jade was just happy the place wasn't overly bright; his head throbbed steadily.
They took a seat at one of the window booths and ordered their meals. They chatted idly and watched as the sun finally made its début, shinning between the buildings.
"That feels good on my skin," Peony stretched as the light fell on his body, and blended with his hair. "And even when the heat really hits this city, at least there will be a lightshow like this."
Jade's smirk hid his pain caused by the bright light. "It is the same sun you saw when we were living with our parents. I can't recall you making many heartfelt poems about it then."
"Dunno, maybe it's the change of scenery. Most likely because I'm happy to be away and excited too."
"I see." I'll ask him to pull the blinds down later then...
Their food arrived, so they dug in with their own fashions; Peony mixed his side dish of fruit with his waffles and Jade ate each section of food slowly and on its own. They finished everything off with another cup of coffee and continued speaking.
"I start work in another two months," Peony said, leaning back contentedly in the sun. "Don't worry, I have plenty saved up and the money from my parents."
"I suppose they gave you the money as a thank you present for finally leaving the nest."
Peony was about to retaliate, when Jade winced and said, "Do you mind drawing the blinds? I have a headache and the sun's only acting as a catalyst for more pain."
"Sure," Peony pulled the blinds down, watching as Jade took his glasses off and pinched the skin between his eyes. "Has it been hurting long?"
"Since I woke up. I have a feeling a storm's coming or something just as dramatic."
"I'm sure you noticed that I did ask, because you certainly can't read minds. If you could you would have heard mine screaming."
The shade felt like a hand on his head; not healing the hurt but comforting.
"I meant when we sat down Jade," Peony was a little unsure about what to make out of this and a little irked that Jade said nothing.
"No matter. What are you going to do about your lack of mattress?"
Peony settled back down, crossing his arms in annoyance. However he allowed for the change in subject.
"I called home when I went to get the coffee. I left a message explaining what a fool I am and promised to call home often to chat rather than ask for things to be sent to me."
"And neither your mother nor father replied yet?"
Peony pulled put his cell phone and checked for messages.
"Nope. They've probably already left for work. I'm not that worried," Peony yawned and put the phone back in his pocket. "I'm young so the floor's not too much of a problem for a couple nights."
Jade nodded and took a sip of coffee, the heat and headache making him lethargic.
"I was thinking that maybe today we could go looking for stuff to fix up the apartment with," Peony said, eyeing the other who looked a tad paler than usual and not smirking as much. "But I think that should be saved for when you're feeling better."
Jade shrugged. "Whether I have a headache or not, it doesn't matter in this situation. You can go pick things out by yourself."
"You don't want to help?"
"Not particularly. I've never been that interested in design and I know that you are."
Jade continued to massage his forehead, abandoning his coffee because it wasn't helping nor hindering. Peony scissored his fingers between the blinds to peek at the sky. He might be right, there are some dark clouds rolling in.
Peony pulled his wallet out and left enough money for both their meals and a reasonable tip. Jade reached for his wallet but Peony tapped his shoulder and shook his head.
"I got it. Let's just go before the storm starts."
"Are you going to look for furniture and paint?"
"Maybe," he opened the door for Jade who shielded his eyes from the light. "But I'll walk you back to the apartment first. Don't bitch about it," Jade had sighed as though he was annoyed. "I like walking and you're half blind without your glasses on."
The morning light flickered and became a dull ray as a thick frosting of black clouds covered the sun. Peony looked up and saw the sky become pitch black. The thunder rumbled making a few people on the street flinch and others run for cover as the rain came down.
"Did you wanna run to the apartment, Jade?"
Before, Jade's pace had been quick and slightly dazed, with his need to get back to a comfortable place slowed by his faulty eyesight and downcast eyes. Now he was walking at a slow pace and standing straighter, blinking water from his eyes.
"No thank you. The rain suppresses the pain a bit. You may go ahead though."
"Nope. I'm good."
They were about five minutes away from their apartment, the rain still teaming when Peony spotted a bench, and asked Jade if he wanted to sit outside for a bit. Jade nodded so they sat, somewhat uncomfortable in their soaked jeans.
Jade leaned back against the wooden bench with his eyes closed, relief literally washing over him in cool drops. His head still pounded but it felt as though someone had pricked a spot of his skull with a pin and the pulsating blood was leaking out. I may get sick from this but right now this is the best option. Jade removed his jacket, disliking the clinging fabric. Peony made a small noise next to him.
"I realize what a shock this is to you Peony, seeing me like this, but there are forces in this world that can drive a human to do abnormal things," Jade closed his eyes again and leaned back farther. He tossed his long hair over the back of the bench and continued in his scientific voice, "Like pain. I especially dislike head pains."
Peony sat sideways on the bench watching Jade, the rain dripping from his eyelashes and blonde hair. There was only a foot between the two of them as well as Jade's sweater. He watched the water run from tiny pools in the corners of Jade's eyes off his pale cheeks and down his throat. There were goosebumps on Jade's neck from the chill and Peony had some too, although he doubted the weather had much of an influence.
"Is pain the only force that can drive someone to do something strange?" Peony extended his hand slowly, running his fingers through a few strands of Jade's hair that hung low so that he might not pull away from the light touch.
"Of course not. You've seen for yourself by Saphir's example that grief can blind people," Jade felt the gentle tugging of his hair, and had tensed immediately but then relaxed when he found it oddly soothing. "There's also rage and fear."
"All dark parts of the human spirit," Peony scoffed, "What about love?"
"I really don't know Peony. Lust for sure though; there are plenty of people guilty of being controlled by lust."
Peony laughed, his fingers now running from the top of Jade's head to the end of his hair. Jade cracked his eyes open against the gale. He fixed his stare on Peony just as the sky rumbled and lightning twisted out of the clouds. Shock was suggested in the size of Peony's eyes as the lightning had lit up Jade's face.
"What's so funny, Your Majesty?" his headache making his sarcasm even more prominent.
"I think it's amusing how you barely give love a thought. It was the first thing that popped into my head when you started this conversation."
Peony's hand no longer ran the length of his hair, instead his fingers clutched softly at a handful of it. The lightning flashed again.
"Well that's the difference between you and me. I am grounded by science while you float on art and romance," Jade sat up, wincing a bit. He thought about not saying what was on his mind, shaky about what it would really mean, but decided to anyways. "In chemistry, it is basic knowledge that like absorbs like. Similar substances absorb each other better."
Without his glasses and with the rain falling into his eyes, it was hard to make out the subtle changes on Peony's face. He fathomed that Peony's good natured grin would be slipping at the corners, and his eyes lowering for which Jade took no pleasure in. But the man had to be pushed away, like Saphir had been. He couldn't explain why they had to be pushed away without delving into what it actually meant to love and feel. He'd lived over two decades without having to worry about emotions that went beyond friendship and was content in doing so.
However, Jade could have sworn Peony's smile was tender and still good natured.
"Jade," Peony's fingers wound further in his hair, "do you really believe love is absorbing another person? Wouldn't it be better to see both people acting in the relationship?"
"I repeat, I honestly don't know."
"Okay, well, my science is a bit outdated but would you really want to mix more acid together to create a safe concoction?"
Jade chuckled.
"I think I understand what you're getting at Peony. And no," Jade's smirk softened, "concentrating the acid even more would not make the solution neutral or 'safe' as you so eloquently put it."
The storm continued to rage, chilling both of them and soaking them to the bone.
"It's not exactly safe out here, is it?" Peony asked as two forks of lightning split the sky.
"The lightning is a couple kilometres away. It's unlikely to strike us down even if it was close, there are so many tall buildings around here to draw its attention," Jade twisted his arm awkwardly to loosen Peony's fingers from his hair. "However, we are both drenched and the air is cool; a perfect way to catch a cold."
"Alright, in we go then."
Peony thought about kissing Jade, a kiss in the rain always had appealed to him. But he didn't want to make Jade anymore uncomfortable than he already was by the conversation. Besides, it was more like a monsoon than a gentle summer rain. Somehow, the idea of Jade and him talking endearingly during a chaotic storm seemed...like Jade.