“I’m glad we came out here. It’s way nicer than
being stuck inside. We should have stockpiled some hors d'oeuvres and a bottle
of champagne and brought them with us though.”
Takashi chuckled. “I can’t remember the last time
I went on a picnic. Yes, that’s exactly what we should have done. That way, we
could have toasted in the New Year while watching the fireworks.”
“At least we’ll still be able to see the fireworks
from here and…whoa.”
Takashi glanced over to see Zander, wide eyed,
mouth half hanging open and he grinned when he realized where they were.
Another large statue loomed over the flowers and
hedges that surrounded it, only this one was a bit racier, depicting the satyr
and the nymph in a passionate embrace, lips fused together, her legs wrapped
around his lower half.
“Someone decided to tell the rest of the story
after all,” Takashi pointed out.
“That’s…wow.”
Zander had let go of his hand and was slowly
circling the statue, inquisitive eyes scanning all the intricate details. A
surge of joy shot through him, that he could put that look on Zander’s face
with such a simple thing. Finally, Zander made his way back around to Takashi’s
side, the full force of his intense grin aimed directly at Takashi.
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
Smiling back, Takashi stepped a little closer. “You’re
welcome.”
“I’m pretty sure I have a new favorite now.”
Takashi chuckled, hating the edge of bitterness
that chipped away at some of the pride he felt.
“Guess you’ll have to ask to come see it every
time someone brings you here.”
“Nope,” Zander replied with a small shake of his
head, shocking Takashi once again. “This was special. Most people don’t care
what I want, or like, or enjoy. To them, I’m just an ornament, another prop for
the night like their dress, shoes or car.”
Takashi didn’t know how to respond to that. How
could someone keep doing something that so clearly demoralized him? Faint
strands of music drifted from the party, so Takashi tugged him forward,
surprising them both with his impulsiveness. Zander seemed to recover first, slipping
his arms around Takashi’s neck and molding his body against Takashi’s, his head
on Takashi’s shoulder, facing inward again. Another impulse hit and Takashi
reached up and stroked his hair, assuaging his curiosity about how soft it
would be. Time seemed to stand still as they moved, the music fading at times,
growing louder at others, and all the while they swayed. Brilliant bursts of
color erupted over head and Takashi tilted his head back to look at the sky.
“Happy New Year, Takashi,” Zander murmured against
his neck.
When Takashi looked down, he could see the
fireworks reflected in Zander’s eyes, a million times more stunning then seeing
them against the sky. He couldn’t resist brushing a kiss against Zander’s
forehead, recalling what he’d said about never kissing on the lips.
“Happy New Year, Zander,” he murmured, continuing
to hold him close. “Thank you for making this my best New Year in a very long
time.”
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