Simon
It's weird being in Boris' mom's house.It's a lovely house, though I get the feeling she cares more about the garden than the interior.
We eat some delicious bread rolls, and I can see where Boris got his cooking skills from.The longer we sit there, the more I see the resemblance between them.
Maia is smaller and more graceful than Boris, but their eyes are the same, and their mannerisms, even their laughs, are similar.It makes me ache in a way I don't think I ever have before.I fled my family, and without Irene, I have no familial connection with anyone.It isn't until now that I realize what a loss it is.
It's bigger than only losing my sister.
I gaze at Ira.He looks like her.I wonder if Boris can see a likeness between the two of us.I want him to.I want someone to look at us and see what I see when I look at Boris and Maia.
Fuck.My eyes are stinging, and I force myself to blink a few times.What is wrong with me?
Boris gives me a soft look.He can't know what I'm thinking, can he?He looks away.
"We should get going."Boris gets to his feet, and I look around in confusion.We're leaving?I guess we've been here for some time already.
"I think Rieka is at Beantopia."Maia shoots up from her chair and starts clearing the table.
"Yeah?"Boris helps her put away the cheese and butter.
"Yes.She said she was going to see Conan this afternoon."
"Great, we'll swing by there on our way then."
Maia nods, and I get up.When I move closer to Boris, he grabs me, and before I have any chance to object, he kisses me.Right there in the kitchen.In front of Maia.
Ice fills my core, and the sound leaving me is something close to a wail, except it's no louder than a whisper.
Boris frowns at me."Simon?Are you okay?"He gives me a gentle shake when I don't reply, and another strangled sound leaves me.What if Maia attacks him?He can't kiss a man in her kitchen.
He pulls me closer, guides my head until my forehead is resting against his neck.Fuck.I wait for a snarl or some comment from Maia, wait for her to tell us to leave and never come back.
"Is it okay if I transfer the money for the cookies to Boris?"Her voice is calm.
I try to push away from Boris, but he coos softly in my ear and rocks me ever so slightly.
"Sure."Ira's voice is unconcerned.
"Good.I'll do that then.Next time you're here, we can taste all the different kinds."
"Okay."I can hear the smile in his voice and untangle myself from Boris.Heat pinches my cheeks, and I look away.
The sound of Boris clapping his hands together makes me jump."Let's go then.Beantopia is awaiting our arrival.Just think about how boring they've been without us there.Sitting there waiting for the fabulous crew to arrive."He grins at Ira, then he hugs Maia and whispers something to her I can't make out.
She smiles and pats his cheek.Ira hurries toward the hallway, and I take a step in his direction when a hand curls around my bicep.Maia.She's smiling at me, but something close to panic wells up inside when Boris heads after Ira and leaves me alone with her.Is this where she tells me she'll gut me if I don't stay away from Boris?
"Will you come for Christmas, Simon?"
"Eh...what?"
"Christmas.It's only a few weeks away.What are your plans?"
I stare at her.Christmas?
She cups my cheek much like she did with Boris."Think about it, okay?I'd love to have you here."
I nod.I don't know what else to do.She smiles again and squeezes my arm."I'm so glad he found you."
