“Those are the scariest kind. Though I think this one will be worth it,” whispers Hakeem.
Eddie’s eyes flicker from Hakeem’s as a familiar presence catches his attention. Shadows quiver in the few unlit corners of the ballroom. He straightens up and looks outward towards the crowd, Hakeem scanning the room in confusion in response.
Eddie’s heart soars, a wide grin enveloping his face as he spots forest green eyes hiding behind a mask of silver and blue. He turns Hakeem in his hold towards the man slowly approaching them, hands firmly on Hakeem’s shoulders. He hears the small gasp of surprise escape the man in his arms and chuckles in amusement. “I think we might get the chance to talk sooner than expected.”
* * *
Jackson lingers at the edge of the ballroom. Just far enough away that he doesn’t get swept into a sea of bodies swaying and twirling to the music, but close enough that Wendy would leave him to find a dance partner of her own. He’s glad she’s enjoying herself, and relieved she was no longer pushing him towards the dance floor.
As the song comes to a close he walks the border of the room, eyes scanning for a certain pair of gentlemen. He makes himself scarce, willing his presence to recede as though he is a shadow banished by morning light. His parents haven’t stumbled upon him, they’re sure to be closer to the masters of the estate, Ladies Sasha and Marina Primavera. The royals always tend to stick closer to each other at these things.
The spring realm is overseen by Mistress Sasha Primavera and her mate,Lady Marina Primavera. The two were powerful fairies, their gossamer wings captured the light of eternal dawn of their realm, enveloping them in a halo of pinks, blues and purples. Jackson had met them a few times prior to today, they were as graceful and beautiful as the fairies that filled the pages of storybooks. But they were not whom he came here to find, though he should pay his respects before he departs.
His gaze lands on two men on the dance floor, lost to the world in each other’s embrace. Eddie and Hakeem share a passionate kiss, hidden by swarms of opulent gowns and tailored suits. They look picturesque, as though they belong in each other’s arms.
They don’t need him here.
They’ll come home at the end of the ball, he can wait for them there. He doesn’t need to interrupt their intimate moment. He should pay his respects to the rulers of the castle, make sure Wendy has a way home and head back to the apartment.
Before his nerves get the better of him, before he could turn on his heels and make his way away from the dance floor, his legs snag on something beneath his feet. Shadows wrap Jackson’s ankles, cementing him in place. “You have got to be kidding me. Now? Really?” He hisses through clenched teeth.
Before his exasperation at his magic can devolve into a scene in the middle of the castle, his feet begin to make their way towards the dance floor, towards the men who have stitched his heart together. Jackson is a puppet on strings being led towards his heart’s desire, while his mind is melting down with anxiety.
He struggles to not make a scene as shadows maneuver his body deeper into the ballroom.
Hey!
“So sorry.”
Watch it!
“Excuse me.”
My word!
“Apologies.”
Jackson’s eyes lock with Eddie behind their masks, the first emotion spreading across his face being surprise. It’s soon followed by relief and joy, his lips quirking up sweetly. Hakeem is turned around in Eddie’s hold, lips parting in a gasp Jackson can feel in his soul. They both seem excited to see him. The shadows release his legs, they now move by his own will towards them.
He rolls his shoulders back, holds himself tall, a soft smile replacing his nervous grimace. “Well well well, fancy meeting you two here.” Jackson tries to be nonchalant. “How are you gentlemen on this fine day?” He is quickly pulled into a tight hug by Hakeem, he lets himself be squeezed with affection.
“You made it!” Hakeem lets him go, only for him to be scooped up into Eddie’s arms with nary a beat missed.
“We’re glad to see you here.”
No further questions, no accusations of wasting time. They both just welcome him with literal open arms. “Sorry it took so long to make up my mind.”
They both have one of his hands in theirs, their grasp a grounding presence against the storm of his mind. They share a look, a thousand words unspoken but all understood. Eddie speaks up first, “There was actually something we both wanted to talk to you about. We were going to wait till tomorrow, but this might be a sign to bring it up now.”
They are interrupted by the clearing of a throat. “I do apologize for the interruption. Master Al-Najim, Lady Eloise has requested an audience with you in the castle library.” Jean-Pierre, set apart from the other Jeans by his mint green pocket square, stands before the group, hands clasped behind his back.
“Jean-Claude? Paul? I’m sorry I still have a little trouble telling you two apart sometimes.” Hakeem is apologetic, albeit confused, as he replies.
Jackson leans in, “That’s Jean-Pierre, head of staff back home.”
Hakeem whispers back, “They’re triplets?”
“There’s actually one more, Jean-Luc. His color is rose red.”
