Bewitched

by Max Hudson

  Ari smiled sheepishly. “Just looking at you.”

  “How about looking at this?”

  Noah held up a shimmering silver mask made of thick layers of papier-mâché. The entire left side was extended with wires and mesh fabric, expanding like the wing of a butterfly. Glitter and jewels decorated the outer layers of the wing while the right side of the mask sported a blue design of swirling vines.

  Ari grinned. “I would love to see this one on you.”

  Noah held the mask to his face. An air of mystery floated about him, inspiring Ari to feign surprise. Ari looked over the rest of the masks with fascination, gripped by the charm that each mask exuded. He lifted a Venetian wolf that shimmered like ancient silver. As he turned it side to side, he noticed the flecks of glitter tucked into the nostrils, the corners of the eyes, and the slits of the mouth.

  He held the mask to his face.

  “Oh, that suits you,” Noah complimented. “I like the big, bad wolf.”

  Ari growled playfully and dropped the mask from his face, placing it neatly on the stack of clothes on his arm. He winked and then nodded toward the front.

  “What should we do with the rest of our afternoon?”

  Noah hummed curiously as he meandered beside Ari. Ideas flashed over his eyes like boats gliding over the horizon of a lake. When he was seemingly stricken with something appealing, he turned his sparkling gaze to Ari who observed him affectionately.

  “Do you want to see my apartment?” Noah asked. “I mean, strictly on platonic business.”

  “Right, platonic.”

  “Just for a quick snack.”

  Ari huffed with amusement. “A snack, eh?”

  “Yeah, why not? I have crackers and cheese and... I think I have other things.”

  “Do you want to stop by the store?”

  Noah shook his head as he placed his outfit and mask on the counter. He turned to the clerk with a pearly white grin as he procured his wallet from his pocket. After paying for his outfit, he stepped aside and allowed Ari to step up to the counter.

  “Gary,” Ari greeted. “Not much activity today. Have you had a good season so far?”

  “It's been slower than usual.”

  “That's a shame.”

  Gary snickered. “We can't always enjoy the season year round like you.”

  “I wish everyone could.”

  After Gary rang up the masquerade outfit, he held up a paper bag. Ari shook his head, gesturing to the paper bag Noah was already holding.

  “Don't want to waste your supplies.”

  Gary smiled graciously. “How kind of you.”

  “I'll be back soon to look through the rest of your stock. I like the masks you have this year.”

  “Bring some friends with you.”

  Ari smiled. “I sure will.”

  After leading Noah out to the sidewalk, he bounced on his toes, lacing his fingers with Noah's and shrugging his shoulders.

  “You seem chipper today,” Noah pointed out. “Is it the sun?”

  “Oh, I don't much like the sun.”

  “But you seem happy.”

  Ari raised his eyebrows. “Does this frighten you?”

  “Actually, a little bit.”

  “That pleases me.”

  Noah cackled and slipped his keys from his pocket. “Would you like to follow me?”

  “I'd like that.”

  Ari lingered close despite their plan of action hanging in the air between them. A smile played over his lips, making it difficult to hide his teeth and his particularly sharp canines. He exposed them regardless of the neighboring shoppers, of the sharp thoughts jabbing at the back of his brain about being seen in daylight—or about being seen smiling.

  Noah chuckled. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes. Sorry. I was just...I was just looking again.”

  “Well, you can look some more at my apartment.”

  Ari giddily retreated to his car, tearing away from Noah with near agonizing hesitance. After he set his bags aside, he watched Noah's car and followed suit, maneuvering through the maze of downtown and finding himself just outside the haze of buildings that created the city. Pembrooke Pines—the sign captured his attention as he pulled into a parking space next to Noah.

  When he followed Noah to the first apartment door to the right, his stomach flipped and his throat dried up. He swallowed repeatedly to will away the unwelcome anxiety bubbling in his gut. Cool air greeted his face as he wandered into the humble apartment, studying the modest furniture in various shades of teal and blue as well as the cream-colored carpet coating the floor from wall to wall.

  A desk sat in front of the window on the other end of the room, piled high with great volumes of books, some of them with their coverings still intact and others with the corners appearing like those of a guilty pup's ears. The papers on the desk ruffled slightly, signaling the position of the vent just above. Near it was a sturdy bookcase that sported even more volumes—code books, computer science, philosophy, and even a few familiar classic literature titles.

  Ari smiled at the round table near the kitchen that also held a medley of books.

  “I can't imagine that you do any reading,” he teased. “It's a lovely place. I like it.”

  “I like you.”

  Noah had set his bag on the couch. He stood in front of Ari with desire written all over his features, eyes as round and bright as blue-speckled nebulas. His hands were clasped together and the corners of his lips were curled up as curiosity wavered over his gaze. He bit his lip and stepped closer.

  Dizzy with desire, Ari met Noah halfway. He slid his arms around Noah's broad waist, leaning down to meet Noah's slightly parted lips. He tasted coffee there with a hint of hazelnut, likely Noah's preference. As he made a note in the back of his mind to remember that, Noah reciprocated with a heavenly touch.

  His eyelids fluttered as his heart reeled in his chest. His senses were all alert, all aware of Noah and Noah's husky scent. The scruff of Noah's cheek ground his cheek as he sought Noah's neck, locating the spot where Noah seemed most responsive.

  Noah sighed. “I like having you here.”

  “I like being here.”

  “I can't wait for this party.”

  Ari chuckled. “Shall we meet at 7:00 PM outside the Ferrington Center?”

  “We can do that.”

  “Excellent.”

  Noah drew back slightly, a content smile resting on his lips. He stood up on his toes to press his forehead to Ari's.

  “You're excellent. And I can't wait to see you again.”

  “Noah,” Ari whispered. “You have no idea how much I can't wait.”

  Chapter Eight

  Noah

  Electricity crackled in Noah's fingertips as he hopped up on the curb, approaching the Ferrington Center with a pep in his step as he tugged at his frilly sleeve. The clock had just struck 7:00 PM and he could feel the echo of the downtown mechanism chime in his chest. Each reverberating beat signaled he was one step closer to Ari.

  He spotted Floyd and held up his hand, picking up his pace.

  Floyd wore a white toga with a crown of gold laurels, his curly hair having recently been trimmed and styled. Gold bands decorated his wrists and he folded his arms as Noah approached, giving Noah an appraising look.

  He squinted and then, with a look of surprise, shouted, “Tanner!”

  “The one and only!”

  Floyd embraced Noah warmly and clapped Noah on the back. When he took a step back, his face was awash with joy and his lips were quivering.

  “You look...” He dropped his gaze quickly and then met Noah's eyes. “Divine.”

  “That's the idea. My date probably looks better than me.”

  “Oh, stop it.”

  Noah grinned. “No, I'm serious. He's waiting inside. You should meet him!”

  “Inside.” Floyd turned to the doors decorated with black plastic and smirking skeletons. “Right. Who is this guy? The blind date?”

/>   “Yeah, his name is Ari. You would love him. He's charming.”

  “Charming.”

  Noah tugged on Floyd's hand, pulling Floyd toward the entrance with glee. His nerves were fraught with tension and his muscles ached to be in close proximity to the one man who had appeared to have taken over his thoughts. Even though he felt Floyd resisting, he proceeded to tug, pulling Floyd through the double doors and into a tiled hall that rose up into curved arches.

  The ceiling was painted with a fascinating mural, a design that must have been commissioned by the city for this very event. Haunting cherubs floated overhead with lyres in their hands and mischief sparkling in their eyes. The faces seemed to shift, either a trick of the light or the curve of the ceiling, offering the viewer a more than nagging sense that the eyes of the seemingly innocent angels were following every movement below.

  Noah searched the crowd urgently. He found the Venetian wolf mask and marched across the room, striding confidently up to Ari who was standing with a few other people in masquerade costumes.

  “Sir,” he said in his most alluring voice. “Would it be inappropriate to ask for a dance?”

  Ari turned with wide eyes, recognition filling them immediately chased by sheer pleasure. He chuckled as he studied Noah, the sound partially muffled by his mask.

  “I don't think such a fine fellow could ever be inappropriate,” he replied in a sultry tone. “Yet I do find I like surprises.”

  “I could provide such a surprise.”

  Ari grinned and gestured to the people next to him. “Noah, this is my co-worker, Marc. He's a perfect gentleman when he's not hogging the brandy. The man next to him is Derrick, and the lady is our wonderful secretary, Amanda.”

  “Hello, good to meet you,” Noah said while extending his hand. He shook each hand in turn and then gestured beside him. “And this is my best friend, Fl—Oh. Where did he go?”

  “Your friend?” Ari inquired. “Well, the more the merrier!”

  “Don't mind, Ari. He's not usually this happy,” Marc joked with a playful grin. “Though we do appreciate his darkness. His brooding demeanor really rounds out the practice.”

  Noah laughed. “I find myself appreciating much the same.”

  He spun around on his heel to spot Floyd, noticing Floyd had already discovered the table of drinks. Floyd grabbed a couple of beers and brought them over to Noah who accepted one gratefully. Though the outer shell of the bottle was cool, he felt flushed all over, a combination of excitement from both being in public and being around Ari.

  “Ari,” he said formally. “This is my best friend, Floyd.”

  “Floyd?”

  Floyd hardly acknowledged Ari as he raised his beer to his lips and took a long sip. The curls around his forehead shifted as the laurel crown tipped ever so slightly back. His eyes were emotionless but he wore a smile when he lowered his drink.

  He extended his hand. “Tanner can't seem to stop talking about you.”

  “Tanner,” Ari repeated. “Oh...”

  His eyes flitted to Marc who gave an inquiring expression. Noah, having been watching the entire ordeal unfold, searched Ari and Marc in turn with a confused look.

  Floyd stood with his hand extended, his features altering as his jaw tightened. He seemed annoyed when Ari didn't reciprocate the greeting. When Ari turned away, Floyd muttered something that was lost beneath the announcement made by the DJ on the other side of the expansive room.

  Noah frowned and reached for Ari, but Ari had already taken several steps away with Marc. The two of them speedily chattered, Ari gesticulating a few times in random directions, but seemingly back toward Noah and Floyd.

  Floyd took Noah's arm. “Some date you have.”

  “He's usually quite nice. I'm not sure what's going on.”

  “It doesn't seem like he cares.”

  Noah shrugged Floyd's hand from his arm. “Hey, you don't even know him. You have no idea if he cares. It might be work-related.”

  “Seems strange to me.”

  Though Noah didn't want to readily admit it, Floyd was right. Ari's behavior was odd. Noah studied Ari's backside, watching as Ari lifted his delicate mask to the top of his head, to the thick, unruly hair that trickled from his scalp. The strands caught the light and reflected a vibrant indigo-blue that glimmered when he turned.

  “Hey, wait a second,” Floyd said. “I know that guy.”

  Noah focused on Floyd. “Which guy?”

  “The one your date is talking to.” Floyd pointed at Marc. “I think he's at the place where I go for therapy.”

  “Oh?”

  As if hearing the mention of his name, Marc sidled back over wearing what appeared to be a practiced grin. He walked up to Floyd and extended his hand.

  “I believe we've met in passing,” Marc said as Floyd shook his hand. “Could we step away for a moment?”

  “What's up with your friend?”

  Marc glanced back nervously at Ari. “He'll be joining us if that's alright.”

  “I don't understand.”

  “I believe there's been a slight...misunderstanding here. We'd love to discuss it further with you.”

  Floyd planted his feet on the tile. “I'm not moving until you explain what's going on.”

  Marc let out a sigh, tucked his hand into his pocket, and nodded toward Ari. “I believe it would be better for us to find a quiet area.”

  “Noah, tell this guy to lay off.”

  Noah stared blankly at Marc and then at Floyd. He was pressed, confused, slightly annoyed. The tension that crackled in the air elicited his heart to pick up a new rhythm, a jagged and unearthly beat that he could feel echoing in his throat. Ari was still turned away.

  He squinted. “What's this about?”

  “Come with me,” Marc said. “We'll get this sorted out.”

  Noah, having no issue with stepping away from the crowd, followed Marc without question. He turned to find Floyd lingering behind, taking a much more hesitant pace as they drifted beneath a set of stairs into a hallway just out of reach of the event.

  “This is weird,” Floyd said. “Are we getting murdered back here?”

  “As much as I'd like to joke about that,” Ari mentioned from the shadows. “I don't believe it's appropriate. I'll get right to it.”

  “Right to what?” Noah inquired hastily. “What's going on?”

  “I'm terribly sorry Marc and I had to step away, but he's my colleague and trusted friend. We had to go over some specifics before approaching you, Floyd.” Ari stepped from the shadows, some of them still clinging to the left profile of his face. “This is certainly awkward and I've never encountered it before, so I had to be sure I was doing the right thing.”

  Noah stared. Ari's gaze flicked to his face with a genuinely apologetic smile before focusing on Floyd.

  “If I had known sooner, I would have taken action on the matter.”

  Floyd dropped his beer as recognition flooded his features. The bottle thudded against the carpeted hall, foaming at the mouth with unfinished beer and creating a dark pool in the fibers of the floor.

  “You're my therapist,” he squeaked. “You're my therapist.”

  “I am Dr. Ari Davies, yes. I couldn't have anticipated such a...strange and interesting turn of events, so forgive me. This is new.”

  “This is ridiculous!”

  Ari held up his hands as if to surrender. “I understand this is confusing. I can assure you I've never shared any of your sessions with Noah. I don't discuss my clients outside of that office. I find that space to be sacred.”

  “Not sacred enough,” Floyd bit back. “What kind of joke is this?”

  “This is no joke, Floyd,” Marc intervened. “It's just an unexpected event. That's why we wanted to talk about it with everyone involved.”

  “Almost serendipitous,” Noah whispered. “But spookier.”

  Ari nodded. “Precisely. It's an accident.”

  “No, this is no accident,” Floyd claimed as he s
tepped back. “This is bullshit. I told you I was...And tonight was going to be...” His frightened eyes flitted between Noah, Ari, and Marc. “I trusted you, Dr. Davies.”

  “I understand, Floyd. We can talk about this later if you like. I think it would help to clear the air.”

  “I'm leaving.”

  Noah stumbled after Floyd. “Wait, let's talk about this.”

  Floyd swung around, his face red and impatient. His nostrils flared as he pointed an accusing finger at Noah.

  “And you,” he said through gritted teeth. “You must be the worst of them all. How many times was I there for you? And you just ran off with someone else.”

  Noah blinked. “...Floyd?”

  “Don't.”

  “I don't understand. Help me understand.”

  Floyd shook his head. Tears brimmed in his eyes as his features solidified into pure defeat. He sniffled and shrugged, snatching his laurel crown from his head and gripping it between his shivering hands.

  “I can't,” he croaked. “I can't talk to you right now.”

  Noah watched his best friend disappear behind the corner of the hall, presumably to shift through the party toward the nearest exit. He hugged his shoulders and turned back to Ari who was standing mournfully next to Marc.

  “Well,” Marc drawled. “That was—”

  “Disastrous,” Ari finished. “This is unheard of.”

  “He'll come around in his own time. You know better than anyone how processing emotions can take time.”

  Ari nodded. “I know, it's just...”

  Noah stepped forward. “You've been Floyd's therapist this whole time?”

  “Yes. I had no idea he was your best friend.”

  “Did he talk about me?”

  Ari froze, his jaw tensing as his features set as firm as chiseled marble. His empty expression shot like an arrow into Noah's stomach, burrowing deep into Noah's organs.

  “I can't say,” Ari said. “I'm under strict confidence.”

  “I'm so confused.”

  Marc offered a sympathetic smile. “Maybe we should talk more somewhere else?”

  “No, I think I want to go home.”

  Marc nodded. “I fully understand. Let me know if you need anything.”

  He swept past and returned to the event, leaving Noah standing in rigid silence with Ari.