#mperik

[carternardis]

Valentine ; ᶠᵗ ᴱʳⁱᵏ

Valentine's day, before C.E got home @mperik

It wasn’t a date.

It really wasn’t a date and he knew it, but, deep down he hoped that it was. It wasn’t a date, but the thought of spending such a socially meaningful day with him had something fluttering in his chest in such a peculiar way. It was all he could think about; what they’d eat, what they’d talk about, what he’d wear and what he’d bring… what he would do and what he would wear, what he’d think of him.

He caught himself right there. It was a foreign and familiar thought at the same time, coming slowly and all at once, caught in the wave of heat rushing to his face. How silly of him. It was no use trying to fight what he was sure was a raging blush, so he took a deep breath and finished his shift at the shop. The day had gone by incredibly fast and painfully slow at the same time, and the walk home turned out to be the same. His mind kept drifting and there was no erasing the excited grin he wore so proudly at the thought of spending time with his best friend. 

They’d already spent countless days together before, but not a single minute felt boring. Maybe that was the magic of being friends.

He’d gotten home in record time and he wasted none of it. He showered, dried his hair (that was perhaps getting a bit too long, but he made no effort to cut it yet) and felt the crushing weight of picking the right outfit. It wasn’t a date so he didn’t want to be too dressed up, but he wanted to show he’d put in thought as well – it was a push and pull between his excitement and nervousness that had him take out half his closet in an attempt to figure it out. 

It was too much in the end, and in an effort to not give up, he called the only person he could call in his time of need other than his best friend. “Just relax, glowstick! I know he’ll like anything you decide to wear.” Kaya’s familiar voice groaned from the other side of Carter’s phone as he held up options so she could help him decide. “That’s not the point here, worm.” He sighed and threw the shirt and jacket on his bed…where the rest of the clothing pile was. “Just wear something you love. I gotta go now, send me pictures~!” Maybe she was right? His eyes quickly shot to the time to make sure he wasn’t running late before digging through the mountain of clothes he’d built in a matter of minutes, looking for that one black, gray and white knit sweater he’s had for years and the comfiest pair of black trousers he owned. He looked like himself, and maybe that was enough. 

Carter checked the time again and rushed to gather the things he’d gotten for their ~~date~~ meet up. It was useless to tell him gifts weren’t needed, that’s just who he was, and he’d thought about it for a long time. Most people were easy to get gifts for, but Erik was different; he knew what his best friend liked, sure, but this couldn’t be just any gift, this one had to be different. Meaningful. They’d been friends for so long, and he’d kept journals since before they’d met, so it was naturally the only choice, except this one was special. 

As a token of friendship, of course. 

Once that was safely tucked away in his bag, he grabbed his coat, the bottle of wine he’d gotten for the night and the single red camellia he’d gotten as an extra after Kaya had told him to the day before, triple checking everything before taking a deep breath and heading out. His stomach felt funny, ticklish almost and each step he took to Erik’s apartment felt cloud-like. The walk was thankfully short, and the way to his friend’s door even more so. 

It was time.

With a deep breath, he managed to ring the doorbell and the smile that only came out when Erik was around appeared on his face once again.

[queenmothermp]

Continued from here for the best stage manager in all the realms @mperik

Oh dear--caffeine and little sleep amid a busy performance schedule was certain to cause tension among the crew, indeed! She was not one to tell another god how to run things, but she did wish to have a word with Apollo regarding this information. Self-care was important! And a well-rested crew was a happy crew, less irritable, less of a chance to make a mistake that could lead to injury (or missed cues!).

She nearly commented when the young man asked a new question, which prompted a warm smile. "Oh! My apologies," she spoke with a gentle grace. "I am Doctor Xiwangmu, medical director at Asclepius General. I was hoping to introduce myself to the gods on the council and was told Apollo may be here, but wouldn't you know, I have met you first."

[mpxleedo]

❛ you don't look like a pirate. ❜

Shit.

How the hell did he end up here? His bad habit of drinking have a good grip of him once again and he stumbled into this bar without even thinking about it. The moment he realised that there was a theme party ongoing, he was truly considering changing the location - maybe to a nightclub - but decided against it in the end. He was pissed because of a certain woman to no ones surprise and just wanted some peace time alone. So sitting at the bar obviously not being one of the theme party guests he hoped would grant him some alone time.

Though after the umpteenth comment about his appearance or better said his missing costume, he was far from getting a breathing-space. He ignored all those remarks before and there wasn't really a reason why the stranger next to him got an answer of him now. He placed the beer on the counter and turned his head to his side. "Yeah?" His tone of voice was indifferent and evenly. "You've been on a pirate ship before? 'Cuz I doubt that the modern pirates give a shit about an eyepatch or a fancy talking parrot on their shoulder..." With that his attention wen back to his beer bottle in his hand.

[mpxlupin]

Lupin watched the other male with a brow raised. However, he laughed softly. "I think it is part of the demigod blood. As our human and divine blood mingle, it creates a magnet for chaos and danger." Though, it was a comment merely made out of amusement. Lupin would not be surprised if there was some truth in it. Where Erik had trouble with chaotic guys, Lupin saw the same with various monsters. "But, I'm definitely not a hero. You are merely lucky."

When Erik offered a theory about the attraction of demigods, Lupin nodded his head. He definitely could agree with that point. Lupin had already found a few people he knew from his past in an odd type of coincidence. If not by their nature, he could only blame it on acts of the fates which could be just equally responsible. "I can get behind that. Divine attraction.. What a concept." And a great name for a new fashion line.

Mount Phoenix had been a blessing for the two injured demigods. So now, he wanted a bit of a break from the constant travel and battle of monsters. "Oh really?" He asked, though Erik did not seem like someone who would have anything to run from. "The island is definitely the perfect place to create a life. I definitely think I will be here for a long time, if not the rest of my life." The demigod admits. He had never really thought that far, but he did not see any lie in what he said.

"Not physical strength. From my research, I am skilled in combat and weapons, especially with monsters. Supposedly, I'm heroic, but is that really a power?" He questioned. He did not think so, though he guess personality traits could be passed down from dad to son. At Erik's description of his, he turned to him. The other did not truly seem offended, though the words carried a bit of a sting. "You know, you really did have that evil villain vibe." Lupin jokes, trying to play along with them. "Though, I am really interested in your powers. Can you turn into a snake then?"

Lupin chuckled quietly at the other. His hands only lingered long enough on them for them to get straightened up before the fell back alongside his body. He knew Dr. Feelgoods was a chaotic mess, but he hadn't expected on one of his first visits that he would have to come to the rescue of an old friend. A very unexpected reunion, though it is was one he did not mind either. "I am glad you are fine. You do not need to explain anything to me though. He seemed like the problem from the start." He spoke calmly, despite the adrenaline that still pumped through his veins. "I heard the regulars here can be an unsavory bunch, and I guess he is one of that bunch." The excitement in their voice elicited a smile onto his lips. "I guess we both should have realized that about the other, but it is still so odd to think about it, even now. Makes you wonder how many other people we have met that are the same." He reasons. He had met a person or two from his past already. Maybe, he believed that their divine blood brought them together. But, it was also likely the work of the fates themselves. "I have been here for just a few months. So, I am still pretty fresh. Sakura and I had ran into some issues that sent us to the island for help. I actually quite enjoy it here, so I stayed." He explains, finally reaching back over for his glass so nothing bad could happen to it. "I'm a child of Xbalanque. What about you, and how long have you been here?"

Erik’s face creased into a smile that was barely visible in the dim lights of the bar. Lupin’s comment about the brute got him to take a short trip down memory lane, and then came up with a conclusion. 

“It seems like I have a knack for running into unsavoury guys. Whenever I go, often there will be some sort of chaos happening sooner or later,” he shrugged, the light smile living on as an indication of his own acceptance of the unwanted ability. However, as if to counterbalance that rather grim observation, Erik quickly added with a brighter voice tone. “But I also got out of such situations still fine, thanks to the help of heroes like you!” 

He nodded in agreement with Lupin’s statement about the god heritage that they and an unknown number of their acquaintances bore in their DNAs. His still adrenaline-high brain swiftly conjured another hypothesis, which he did not hesitate to share with the other demigod. 

“I guess it has something to do with… how do you call it? Something like…the divine attraction? Like, have you ever experienced this impulsive urge to do something without any particular reason? Maybe it’s not really just a game of randomness that we demigods meet, and so, it’s very likely that we’ve met more demigods along the way than we thought we did. The possibilities are endless here, you know.”

Erik stopped his thoughts from running so that he could focus on Lupin’s answer, which he was delighted to learn about. “That’s great that you two have found a haven here, that’s pretty much the same reason why I’ve got to come and stay on this island as well.” Erik was far from being familiar with deities from his own and other pantheons, except for the major, arguably most well-known ones. Still, he dared to make a guess based on what he had learned and seen Lupin did, both in his celebrity past and the fight he had just engaged in few minutes ago. 

“Please correct me if I am wrong, but based on what I’ve seen in you, I guess god Xbalanque’s powers are related to physical strength?” 

When the question returned to him, Erik replied with ease, his attitude light-hearted and rather un-serious, not feeling the need to cover his evil of a divine father. “I��m a product of my mom and Apep. I heard them say he’s an evil giant serpent, an embodiment of darkness and chaos that was once defeated by Ra. A typical villain in the Egyptian pantheon, I bet he’s proud to be one.”

[dakotaxmp]

EQ \\ Erik & ‘Kota

Lessons in emotional intelligence continued from here with @mperik

//

   A quiet few seconds pass between what little he did share and what his customer- Erik- replies with. It would be an awkward few seconds if the other had chosen to pass some judgment on him for his past but he doesn’t. Dakota is grateful for the discretion from him. They know each other a little and in truth it’s mostly through the retelling of Kihara in Dakota’s case and the now semi-frequent visits to Honeypot that Erik had taken up. He likes him coming around and didn’t mind it when the demigod had become curious enough to ask him things now and then.

   He almost welcomed it actually.

   Today, he had asked how Dakota had come to own the business they stand in. There was a brief but present pain on his face as he recounted his younger days on the island when he had worked under the original owner; his elation at being hired, the troubles he got himself in but his boss always excused and taught him through, the nearness of their bond. He had found in his prior boss a friend, a teacher and a confidant who had pushed him to pursue any and everything that had made him smile.

   And then the harrowing day when that friend and teacher was no longer there. No calls, no explanations, just a change of ownership passed down to Dakota. His teacher had left behind a sea of questions unanswered by him and only a lesson that Dakota had already been learning:

                       That no matter how tightly you love someone and respect them, they can one day disappear.

     He hadn’t been ready to take over the business. He hadn’t been ready for another loss in his life at the time. He just…. Wasn’t ready. But he had to be, because that was all he could do. Hurt, heal, move on.

    To collect the money needed to keep the business afloat during that first few months he had borrowed from some and the difference he had made up in little packets of white powders sold in the realm beyond the bridge. And when it was all enough to keep going, he said goodbye to the remaining family he had in that world and disappeared himself into this one. Only one other time did he venture back out again and it was to put to the earth the last of his purely human family.

  There was a great ocean of hurts that Dakota carried inside himself but all he says after the gentle kindness of the other’s safety is, “Coming right up.”

   All he’s ever really learned is that others leave. But because he’ll remain always, Dakota takes the empty mug and refills it and grabs a basket of fresh made tortilla chips and a small bowl of salsa and another of guacamole to pair with it. Food was a language of love too and it’s what he has left to give back out to others. He comes back after a moment and sets it all down on the table before he looks to Erik again. Those eyes like golden honey have something in them but it’s welcoming.

    “Domestic or imported for takeaway? Or the honey ale we make ourselves?”

[mpxkiki]

Thread Log || Kiki 04/06/2024

A collective of threads on this muse. For clarity on why things were dropped or listed in any particular way, please DM the typist! Recall, dropped threads are not personal.

From Hell with Love (My Turn):

*None. Muse is up to date.

Awaiting (Your Turn): * Rain Check - @ezraxmp * Things That Bloom - @maibeemp * My Darkness Sees Yours - @mperik * Simply Harmless, Maybe - @mp-minry * Mommy Issues - @mpxraven * Rolling Colours - @mpxayden (possibly)

Available Open Starters: * None currently.

Dropped (due to muse departure, time out on either side, etc.): - Butterly pt.2 (Yura) - Showtime! (Yanluo) Completed: + Love in a Hot Cup - Mai

Pending Ideas:

~ open to new things!

If you have questions or need clarification on any above threads please message me! This muse is available to take on more threads!

[carternardis]

❝ Hunting shadows ; ᶠᵗ ᴱʳⁱᵏ ❞

for the cute bestie @mperik

‘There it goes…’

Carter sighed, sorting through the new books in his arms and arranging them on the shelves. The usual darkness under his eyes seemed to have deepened in just a couple of days as sleep had been harder to come by – school, work, and unpleasant memories plagued his mind during most nights, with the occasional text message keeping him company through the brunt of it all. 

“Man…” He grumbled after he yawned for the fifth time in a row, just after putting the last book away. Thankfully, it was a slow day with not many people coming in and not many of his colleagues around. He loved them, he truly did! They were all lovely and his boss too, but it was during hard days that he appreciated the silence of the shop. Well, as silent as it could be with him around.

He’d been texting his best friend who was somewhere around the world for a while now after what felt like the longest pause between them. That exchange was, ironically, the only light he saw at the time. “Sorry but didn’t feel like typing.” He beings, his thumb securely pressing on the ‘record voice message’ button. “Anyway, it’s been… alright. We’ve never really slept much so, I’m not too bothered by it. How have you been, though? You took a while, I was almost worried.” Carter knew Erik was probably just fine, but he couldn’t help but feel a pang in his chest whenever they went a couple of days or even weeks without talking. It was a heaviness that he wrongly called worry that had a strange fluttering following right after. It must just be that they hadn’t talked in a while, right?

His eyes looked at the screen to make sure the recording had successfully been sent before pocketing his phone and turning to fix the rest of the shelf, humming to himself a song they used to listen to together when the tinkling of the door interrupted the song. “Welcome to The Lion’s Den! I’ll be with you in a minute.” He called with his back to the door, so blissfully unaware of what would come next.

[mpxangela]

The Flower Mill's flourishing business came from what she believed from the staff's willingness to strive for that personal touch and openly friendliness. What may have years ago been an cafe of just beautiful people serving good drinks, the cafe now became a staple in many people's daily routine. It was evident by how fast people arrived to the store.

Angela's attention went fully on the demigod before her. She recognized him. He had been to the cafe several times. A few she personally served, but typically, she would notice him as she focused on other business affairs. But familiarity meant little to Angela when it came to her kindness. That natural warmth moved her look of confusion to a small smile with a pleased look. In those seconds, she realized how bad she missed being at the cafe.

"Thank you!" The demigoddess spoke, quite pleased. "I had never expected what happened to happen, though I guess that should be a consideration with as many powerful demigods are there." Angela was just pleased that no one was hurt. Siwoo had not been in the area either, and so, there was little desire of the demigoddess to find that individual. If found, she only hoped they got they help they needed. But, she was not foolish either. What came with those roses also came with a hidden camera system.

Smiling, the demigoddess tried to skirt lingering on the issue that happened weeks ago. "Well, after looking at the remodeling for the bathroom, it seemed best to just do the whole cafe since I had to close anyway. Flower Mill needed a bit of an update. So, more modern with even more flowers. All real. It's astounding what a bit of magic can do."

The times he walked into The Flower Mill may not been enough to make him the coffee shop’s regular, Erik admitted that. But he remembered the interior, the coffee taste, and the way charming staff greeted him as if they were long-time friends.

When the place had to temporarily close for some maintenance, it did not affect his life much, only the route to hunt for his morning coffee became a tad longer, and the coffee did not feel as much…wholesome. Being busy with his job at the PAC, Erik was left unaware of the cafe’s re-opening announcement, until he overheard two coworkers talk about it on their way out of the theatre. Suddenly, there was a gentle excitement rose in his chest, almost feeling like the feeling when one heard about a dear friend coming home from a week-long trip.

So he drove to the Flower Mill the next morning, to be greeted by a completely different interior layout. Shades of pink now dominated the space, including the big pretty bouquets adorning the walls and the new set of art-deco chairs and table. Compared to the surroundings, Erik inevitably became the odd one out with his all-black street-style outfit. But while he did not prefer pink, he found the new colour theme complemented the loving, welcoming vibe of the cafe perfectly. There must be so much time, effort, and money invested into this grand renovation, Erik concluded, as he took in the new interior design with admiration. 

His eyes soon landed on Angela, the cafe’s owner. He met her in probably all of his previous brief visits, and despite not having a proper conversation with each other just yet, Erik believed they had exchanged enough soft smiles and decent ‘good mornings’ to be each other’s friendly acquaintance.

“Good morning,” he greeted the pretty lady, his voice was, like always, soft like a breath of spring and warm like a hug, a stark difference from the way he dressed. He waited until Angela noticed his existence and reciprocated the greeting, her smile and politeness remained unchanged.  

“That’s absolutely fine! I can see why you took your time to reopen,” Erik’s smile grew wider as he said. The demigod swiftly looked around the place one more time, a compliment had already been on his lips when his dark grey eyes landed on her again. 

“I really like this new look on your cafe! Soft and elegant, like the way its name sounds to me. What inspired you for this makeover, if you don’t mind me asking?”  

[carternardis]

❛ how is it you always know what i need, huh? ❜

Carter rolled his eyes.

The question was rather absurd. Why wouldn't he know? They spent enough time together to know what they each did in the morning, they knew their favorite drinks and favorite foods, it wasn't hard to guess how they'd say goodbye through text or that they just never stopped a conversation for that long to even bother typing the words. Erik was always there for him, and Carter was there for him in return.

"You should be worried if I didn't." There was warmth and the faintest of chuckles laced in his voice. Carter was holding him, letting him just lean on him for as long as he needed while guarding his drink with one hand; the scent and warmth from the coffee cup didn't feel foreign, though, and the starboy smiled thinking of how much it went matched with the reddish brown in Erik's hair.

It might've not been a special moment, but if Erik needed him, Carter was there. "Do I need to remind you that I'm your best friend?"

[carternardis]

❝ Birthday shenanigans ; ᶠᵗ ᴱʳⁱᵏ ❞

for the birthday boy <3 @mperik

It was the first birthday of Erik's that they'd be able to share since the day they parted, and to say Carter was excited would be the biggest understatement of the century. He already knew he would've missed his best friend back then, but when the months started passing by, his absence screamed louder than the silence that followed whenever they'd hang up the phone. Erik just had a way of being that filled in the gaps of Carter's life, quieted it down and made it safe with their late nights and donut days, so returning the favor was something he always wanted to do.

He promised dinner and presents, the latter already wrapped and set up nicely in his living room with the cutest wrapping paper he was able to order in last minute; one was a large box and the other a small envelope, both with matching yellow paper with Erik's favorite pokemon sprinkled on it. Carter felt proud of himself for finding that one.

Dinner was the only thing left and every single ingredient was already laid out on the kitchen counters. Luckily he knew what Erik liked, so he got to making his favorite foods; garlic bread sliced into small pieces, fish and chips with the chips salted to perfection, and mini donuts for dessert in all their favorite flavors. It took him a while, but he loved cooking and baking -especially if it was for Erik- so he didn't mind the wait and the mess.

He got ready right after he set the donuts to cool off and cleaning the colorful disaster in his kitchen - his usually messy hair with a pair of black jeans and a gray sweatshirt with a tiny moon embroidered on it, it ought to be fine, something nice and comfortable seeing as Erik seemed to like that on him. Either way, dinner was about his best friend. Once he double and triple checked everything was set, he grabbed his phone.

〈 txt ↳ shadow prince 👑 〉 dinner is ready for you, your majesty 😌 〈 txt ↳ shadow prince 👑 〉 should i escort you to my humble abode? 😌

[carternardis]

𝙷𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠'𝚜 𝙴𝚟𝚎 𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹

After his best friend @mperik successfully tricks him into attending the ball as none other than Victor, he's excitedly putting the costume together (for someone who wasn't eager to go in the first place). The suit looks beautiful and is tailored to perfection by Lupin, as well as his hair and make-up. A pair of golden rings are in his pocket to make the costume complete, of course, as well as a plastic branch of baby's breath - just something that won't crumble as he dances with his bride for the night.

[carternardis]

A constant rumbling started slow and far away, hidden behind the layers of his mostly asleep mind, its vibrations coming faster and faster in waves as if it was getting closer to him the louder it got. It sounded like the earth was threatening to tear through his subconscious and swallow him whole, the thought of being devoured jolted Carter awake.

His phone was going off on the nightstand next to the bed and it seemed the ruckus had summoned the four-legged marshmallow to him. It took him a moment for his mind to clear enough for him to sit up, reaching over to C.E to pick her up for his morning greetings. He woke up alone, though he recognized the bedding as his best friend's, and nodded his head - he probably had somewhere to go.

"It's just us now, princess." The birthday boy half yawned and kissed the top of their dog's nose. It really was just them and the constant rattling of his phone. His eyebrows furrowed and after having had enough of it, finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. The messages from his friends and missed calls had reality pouring down on him.

That's right. It was his birthday.

The amount of missed calls from his dad was embarrassing, and as if on autopilot, he dismissed those. It was nice instead to see the familiar names of those he went to school with before and some others; Ethan, Camilla, Will, Dan, and others from the year of university he attended elsewhere. They all brought a sleepy smile to his slightly swollen face and he made a mental note to reply to those when he was feeling more alive.

First, however, came tea.

With one last smooch to her tiny nose, he set C.E down and made his way to the bathroom to do his morning routine before eventually raiding Erik's cupboards. It was there, right next to the tin he saw a box with a note on top. It might've been foolish, but his heart fluttered in his chest. Was it from Erik? 'Well, duh.' He thought. It was just a small box, but it felt as if he was holding one of the world's treasures in his hands when he was holding it.

There was no need for gifts, there never was. Carter thought it a gift enough to be able to be in his life and yet... The curiosity about what was in the box was nearly suffocating, but in true Carter fashion, he opened the note first. It was simple, but still managed to make him smile as if he'd never smiled before; Erik's handwriting lined the small sheet of black paper and at that moment, he swore silver was his favorite color.

Cologne.

He put the note to the side and opened the box so tenderly it might've seemed like he was holding the most delicate thing in the world. Inside was an elegant bottle that seemed to fit his friend's taste and he hurried to spray some of it on the inside of his wrist, with the citrus scents taking over his senses for a second -- such scents had been engraved in his brain as he'd work similar colognes before, but, it was what remained hidden under them what made it hard for him to think clearly as it set on his skin. It might've been because he was in Erik's apartment, but he could've sworn something in it that reminded him of his best friend.

There was something intimate about gifting someone a fragrance, for one had to know what suited the person to know what it'd end up settling as on their skin. I know what you like, and I know what would suit you.

It's personal, isn't it?

Heat rose to his face and only C.E's constant nudging of her paws against his legs brought him back from the dream-like fantasy his gift had put him under. He'd have plenty of time to gush over it once he got home, so he put the cologne back in and tucked the note as best he could inside -for his box of memories, of course- and made had his morning tea while playing with their pup. The morning flew by and after cleaning up after himself and gathering C.E's things, he made his way back to his own apartment.

〈 txt ↳ shadow prince 👑 〉thank you for the gift (: 〈 txt ↳ shadow prince 👑 〉lmk if you'd like me to send over lunch or something 〈 txt ↳ shadow prince 👑 〉good luck in class! see you at 6 ♡

The texts were short, but it was all his trembling heart managed to do at that moment. He'd definitely have to thank him later before dinner.

birthday gift for a star ✯

[ which is supposed to be a Submit but the link did not work :(( ]

Happy birthday dear @mpxcarter !

It was a miracle that Erik’s heart did not jump out of his mouth and poured itself onto the page. 

The letter he was writing, he had written it for a while. A long while, since this Valentine's Day. Or last Valentine’s Day. Or last, last Valentine’s Day. 

Erik truly lost count of how many years had passed. He knew he should have kept better track of it, the chances he got and the chances he lost, for counting was what he was good at. As good as the way he had done to the time spent away from Carter, away from his world, away from their world. 

Since when did he stop being over-obsessive about time?

Ah, since he moved to Mount Phoenix. Back to Carter, back to their world, even though it was no longer the world they had known. 

He stopped being haunted by time, but memories stayed strong. Carter’s birthday was a diamond among the rocks, sparkling bright without blinding his eyes. The northern star of his stormy sky. 

Love of my life

Erik’s low laugh spurted over the words he wrote. Cursive silver lines on a jet-black, silk-like surface. Who the hell would choose black-coloured paper for a birthday card? Well, Erik guessed, when it came to impressing his best friend, his own craziness was the limit. 

Among different messages on different pieces of black paper, one was eventually chosen to join in the silky black box. It lay atop the bottle of fragrance whose notes uncannily reminded Erik of Carter the other day, when he was on his solo cologne spree.  

He had sneakily placed the gift box in one of the kitchen cabinets, the one he knew Carter would open for the sake of his morning tea, just before he left his best friend and their puppy C.E. for an early morning class. 

The message happened to be the seemingly silliest among the messages he had written. But at least, it was concise enough, it got straight to the point, and it did not sound like Erik’s heart almost jumped out of his mouth and poured itself onto the page. 

“Surprise!!!!  Happy birthday, Arty~  It’s your turn to take Princess C.E. out today, so maybe wear the cologne to the park this afternoon around 6? I’d like to see if it can last a walk and a hearty dinner at Honeypot (and a homemade karaoke section?) See you and C.E. soon. And don’t be late! Sealed with a wink ;)  Erik ” 

[carternardis]

He meant it.

Erik was the only one who knew Carter. He'd broken down the walls so fast and settled in the darkest corners of his being, called him 'best friend' and held his hand when he needed it most. It was him and that smile of his that was so contagious that even in his grief, Carter returned.

Erik had been there, no questions asked. It didn't matter how much Carter said it was okay not once did he leave him alone; not even when the nights got too heavy and the sadness of his broken heart was too much to bear. "Rummaging through my pantries again, I see." The raven-haired boy huffed out a chuckle, closing his eyes for a second before his heart collapsed under the eyes that rendered him speechless every time their gazes met for too long.

"You spoil me." It was only because he was there that Carter tried to be playful, all the while his attention never left their hands. Erik always knew when to hold them, and Carter always relished the way it felt to have their fingers laced together. One thing was certain, the starborn never wanted to let go.

He sat up, his own grip on his best friend's hand only slightly tighter so as to not have him slip away. His heart might follow if their hands broke away before he was ready.

"Alright." Standing up was another thing that was hard, but he managed and pulled Erik along. "Thank you." for everything. Carter hummed against the other's shoulder after he pulled him in for a hug; his arms circling around Erik's waist so it was easier for him to melt into the embrace while hiding his slightly rosy cheeks from his view.

❛ well, i do feel better now that you're here. ❜

There was a smile on Erik’s face, the kind that the rest of the world may never see. He sat on the floor next to a lying star-fish-style Carter, not knowing how much time had passed by the window. 

It was that time of the year, and he wanted to be there for Carter, that was everything Erik cared to know. He skipped classes when participation did not matter, took days off from work, or got back as soon as urgent tasks were done. He refilled Carter’s fridge and cupboards with extra groceries, made breakfasts, prepared lunches, cooked dinners, tidied up the space, reminded Carter to hydrate, and so on and so forth.

Pretty much turned himself into a mother hen, Erik was half aware of that, but so what?

“I should say thank you for letting me be here for you,” Erik’s voice was tender, as if he was afraid of disturbing Carter and the comforting semi-darkness in the room. A short pause, then he added, a bit wittily in hope to lighten up the mood. “And for letting me take over your kitchen. The salt’s almost run out, by the way.” 

He looked down on their entwined hands, Carter’s rested in between two of his. The hold was soft, delicate, yet determined. 

I won’t let you go, not again. 

“Let’s dinner, starboy,” he announced, small hands slightly tugging at the bigger one. The smile, the most gentle smile he had ever got, was still there on his face. “It’s your favorite dish again today, you can’t miss it.”

[carternardis]

It's his friend's excitement and their 'Papa' and 'Dada' nicknames that nearly drove Carter into a chuckling fit. It was almost a new experience to see Erik be so gentle with something, even the sweetness in his voice felt so pleasant and new - seeing him so happy brought a sense of peace, and he knew he made the right decision.

C.E was adorable, with her big sparkly eyes looking up at them as if they were her whole world. "Every morning, yes." His heart skips a beat when their eyes meet, but he holds Erik's gaze and the world quiets down; breathing is overrated and forgotten, and the only thing he sees is the stormy gray that he could mistake for stardust that make up Erik's eyes.

They were close, so close that Carter was sure Erik would be able to see his face growing a faint shade of pink if he hadn't looked away.

"She does." Carter somehow managed to sound normal and not like he'd been caught red-handed trying to steal something. Thankfully, their apartments were big enough for her to run around, the sound of her little paws on the floor quickly warming up the otherwise quiet place.

It made sense how people loved their pets so much.

She was so small, the tiny bell on the collar ringing with every tiny jump and move she made. If possible he would've melted into a puddle next to her. "Okay, okay." He chuckles under his breath and kneels down to close the gap between them, only to be greeted by a wet nose and excited puppy kisses.

Feeling so happy was foreign after trying to keep everything down for so long but with C.E and his best friend there, the restraints he built up over the years loosened. "Look at Dada, princess." He gushes as he rubs her ears and chin before pointing in Erik's direction, his nervousness about the situation quickly fading into nothing. "I want one with the three of us--"

CE (as in Common Era) is home

[carternardis]

It wasn't a date.

Carter tried repeating in his head just before his gaze met his best friend's, only to feel time halt for a second before he was welcomed by Erik's voice. This was realistically no different than any of the other times they'd hung out, but something about it made Carter feel like he just discovered what it was like to breathe for the first time.

"I wouldn't dare keep you waiting."

It wasn't a date. He gave his best friend a teasing glare at the nickname and walked inside. His heart was pounding in his chest so intensely that the possibility of it bursting through and running away didn't seem too farfetched and Carter could only pray that Erik wouldn't hear it.

Sandalwood. He'd recognize the scent anywhere, for it always reminded him of Erik. It was one of the many things he was looking forward to for the evening. It wasn't a date. It was a ~~painful~~ reminder, one that nearly fell on a deaf conscience as he took in the gentle glistening of the candles and the luscious centerpiece of red flowers.

His quiet moment of admiration ended when he heard the name of their schoolhouse and a wave of memories flooded his thoughts. It'd been so long since he last heard it, and he was sure he wouldn't again until a school reunion, but there they were. Reminiscing over one of the things that just linked them together. "It's all you, I'm just here to steal your glory." He grinned, his fingers fiddling with the things in his hands to help him keep his focus.

Erik always had a way of disarming him so swiftly no matter where they were or how much time had passed between them.

'Here, let me take care of them,'

The red camellia in his hand was soon stolen and his breath got caught in his throat. It's not a date. He watched as his flower was taken away to meet the others and wished he could go with, his hand in his best friend's. Camellias, often a sign of longing, adoration... love. Had he been too forward? "Of course!" He chirped, his cheeks turning slightly darker at the sound he just made. Is it not a date?

Carter pushed the question away just so he could set his coat and bag away on one of the empty chairs. How silly of him. "It smells delicious. You might've just outdone yourself." He walked to the stove and turned it off, taking a moment to take in the mouthwatering smell of their dinner. He'd done all of it just for that day together. Is it a date?

He watched as Erik was turned away from him, the pull of wanting to reach for him nearly too strong for him to resist. What would he do if they were at arm's length? 'I want nothing more.' He was so close yet so far, painfully so; it was as if every part of him called out to the man who was looking at the flowers so intently, pleading for something he couldn't point out just yet.

With a shaky breath, he willed himself to look away for the moment —as he wouldn't be able to look away for good, ever— and got two bowls and two glasses. Maybe it'd get better once they started drinking.

He was careful, each move gentle as he poured the stew into each bowl and set them on the table. "How was your day? I hope it wasn't too stressful getting everything ready." Carter spoke softly, not wanting to startle the other as he approached him with the two glasses in his hands.

It wasn’t a date. 

Not a date at all, but Erik had already asked for a no-work Valentine the week before. Not a date at all, but he had woken up early enough to be greeted by the dawn chorus on his way to the grocery store. There was still no way this could be a date, but he skipped the afternoon class for the sake of the beef stew simmering on the stove. He cleaned his apartment, made the table, and put the fresh flowers he got that morning in the most beautiful crystal vase he could find in the market. 

Red carnations. My heart aches for you. 

But it wasn’t a date. 

Erik lost count of how many times he forced his mind to stop wandering to the land of maybe-this-can-be-a-date bubble thoughts, for it was too risky. 

It wasn’t a date, but Erik got out of the bathroom squeaky clean, and almost over-blown dry his hair in the process of staring at the cologne bottles on the shelf. 

He re-emerged in the kitchen dining zone to turn on the rarely-used ambient lights, then kindle the cups of sandalwood-scented candles. The atmospheric illumination set the apartment’s owner out from his surroundings, something that his plain black tee and sweatpants of the same shade could never do. Usually, he was proud to be the dark of the starless night, like the scent he was wearing would imply. 

But it was not a date. And there was a star coming over for the dinner between two best friends. In a Valentine's evening of homemade beef stew, flowers, and candles. And a DIY gift. And his overwhelming longing to write his name on the glory of Carter’s skin. 

Red carnations. Alas for my aching heart.

Erik felt like he was walking on the clouds towards the ringing door. He opened it, and had to immediately summon all the strength of all of his muscle fibers not to jump toward Carter for a bear hug ~~and more~~.

“Still on time as always. Come on in, your Highness.” 

He lightly bent his back and made an inviting gesture, waiting for Carter to get in before gently closing the door. And suddenly, Erik felt nervous. 

That was just Carter, the best friend he had crossed the whole ocean to live a few minutes of walking away from. Carter was looking so Carter, in those years-old black, gray and white knit sweater that looked bespoke on his lithe frame, and the pair of black trousers that looked extra comfortable on his long slim legs. His coat and backpack, those Erik had rarely seen Carter without. The bottle of wine and the dainty red camellia on his hands. 

Is it really not a date?

Act normal, Erik, act normal. 

“I’ve seen you come all prepared, 100 points for Thorn!” He cheered like one of those professors in Harry Potter, and failed to suppress a chuckle at his own silliness. Erik felt like a few decades had passed since the last time he uttered their schoolhouse’s name, but the familiar sound of it helped to banish the Shy Monster that was threatening to eat him up. 

“Here, let me take care of them,” he extended his arms to welcome the flower and the wine bottle from Carter’s hands, probably this could be the closest he would dare to get to his best friend for tonight. 

“The beef stew is ready, it’s right there on the stove,” Erik gestured by turning his head in the simmering pot’s direction, then turned back to look Carter in the eyes, and instantly realized it was a bad idea. 

Damn, now Erik would love to blame the ambient lights and candles for making Carter look ethereal.    

“Uhm, can you get the beef then? I’ll put the flower in the vase and open the wine. Be right back!” 

Erik said, and without waiting for a response from Carter, he turned around and walked toward the dining table, as if the flower vase had suddenly become the most interesting object in the room. If his hands were not busy, Erik would definitely cross his fingers and pray that he would not go insane before this dinner ended.

[mpxlupin]

Lupin chuckled quietly at the other. His hands only lingered long enough on them for them to get straightened up before the fell back alongside his body. He knew Dr. Feelgoods was a chaotic mess, but he hadn't expected on one of his first visits that he would have to come to the rescue of an old friend. A very unexpected reunion, though it is was one he did not mind either.

"I am glad you are fine. You do not need to explain anything to me though. He seemed like the problem from the start." He spoke calmly, despite the adrenaline that still pumped through his veins. "I heard the regulars here can be an unsavory bunch, and I guess he is one of that bunch."

The excitement in their voice elicited a smile onto his lips. "I guess we both should have realized that about the other, but it is still so odd to think about it, even now. Makes you wonder how many other people we have met that are the same." He reasons. He had met a person or two from his past already. Maybe, he believed that their divine blood brought them together. But, it was also likely the work of the fates themselves.

"I have been here for just a few months. So, I am still pretty fresh. Sakura and I had ran into some issues that sent us to the island for help. I actually quite enjoy it here, so I stayed." He explains, finally reaching back over for his glass so nothing bad could happen to it. "I'm a child of Xbalanque. What about you, and how long have you been here?"

almost destined