“It sounds wonderful. I’ll see you then.” Daka wished he could kiss him, but it would be inappropriate. Humans weren’t as free with their affections as incubi. He settled for a sincere smile. “Good night.”
“Good night, Daka.”
His name on Mahu’s lips sent a shiver from spine to tail. He coiled the appendage rendered invisible by an enchantment around his belly, giving himself the embrace he longed to claim from Mahu. With a will of iron, he forced himself to walk away.
High noon may as well be in another realm for how far it seemed from this moment.
Daka cast a glance over his shoulder to watch Mahu as he departed. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t staring at the man’s well-sculpted bottom.
Mahu turned as well. Their eyes caught over the distance. Mahu looked surprised, but his smile didn’t fade. Daka returned it, then continued on his way, heart thumping wildly in his chest.
3
Mahu
One strip of dampened pith lay crooked along the next because Mahu’s concentration wavered this morning. His mind wandered back to his charming dinner companion. Dakarai was unlike anyone he’d ever met. Unpredictable, eager, animated. His youth and curiosity piqued Mahu’s interest more than was entirely appropriate.
While trying to straighten the pieces, Mahu only managed to make them worse. He pulled up the bungled strip carefully so as not to ruin the entire scroll, laughing at himself. He hadn’t been this distracted since he and Ahset had been planning Kasmut’s wedding. What was it about the silly young man that had him so befuddled? He sighed. At least he could use the damaged piece to fashion a miniature scroll for the children.
Mahu cast a glance out the window, checking the sun. Though it was not at its highest point, he set aside his work to head to the fountain early. Rather than deny his eagerness to see Daka again, he embraced the feeling. Excitement came so rarely, its moments should be treasured.
Outside, the warm air caressed his skin, and Ra’s golden rays settled comfortably on his shoulders. Not a single cloud dared to mar the wide blue sky. Mahu took that as a good omen.
A short walk led to a sweet discovery. Daka had arrived early as well. He sat on the edge of the large fountain, legs crisscrossed on the stone, leaning back on his arms, enjoying the sunshine. He’d not yet seen Mahu, which gave the opportunity of observation.
Daka’s long black hair gleamed with hints of blue in the direct sunshine, cherubic cheeks pink as flower petals. He wore white, like most men, and the color suited him well, glowing against the bronzed skin of his thighs and shoulders. Brown sandals adorned his feet, their leather straps climbing up his calves to tie off behind the knee. He made a pretty picture of carefree youth, posed as he was, his posture relaxed, expression unguarded. A painter surely couldn’t ask for a prettier subject, and suddenly Mahu wished he was an artist.
Daka’s face lit up as he caught Mahu staring, lips curling to a smile, eyes glittering with joy. Whatever Mahu had done to deserve such a reaction, he didn’t know, but he savored it nonetheless.
Gazes locked, it was as if they had this bustling public square all to themselves. Other people vanished beneath the radiance of Daka’s presence.
Mahu approached the fountain as Daka hopped off the stone ledge.
“Hello, Mahu. You’re early.” His grin could light the darkest cave and only served to plump his cheeks further.
“So are you.” Mahu returned the smile and offered his arm. “Shall we?”
Daka curled his fingers along the crook of his elbow. “Let’s.”
“How was your morning?” asked Mahu as he led them back to the paper shop.
“Honestly?” Daka raised a brow.
Mahu nodded his encouragement.
“Quite dull. I’m living alone for the first time, and though I’m ashamed to admit it, I’ll tell you. I don’t really know how to entertain myself.”
“What did you do before you were alone?”
“Pestered my mother. Pestered my siblings. Pestered my tutor.” Daka paused in thought. A giggle escaped his lips. He gave Mahu’s arm a subtle squeeze. “Other things…” His teeth dug into his lower lip as he trailed off. “None of them so useful as making papyrus.”
Curiosity flared as Mahu wondered what he meant by that, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask. “Oh I don’t know. Pestering one’s family is the sacred duty of the youngest child. Good of you to live up to expectations.”
“Were you the youngest as well?”
Mahu shook his head. “I was the oldest of three. My responsibilities were to teach, to care for, and to protect the others. My siblings are busy with their own families now, so I don’t see much of them anymore.”
They arrived at the shop. Daka let go of his arm so Mahu could open the door for them. The warm spot at his elbow felt exposed with the loss of Daka’s gentle touch.
