Page 11 of Endlessly Raphael
After a too-quick kiss on my cheek, he opens the car door, looking back at me before slipping out and hurrying off between two buildings. I should go after him and take him back to my place, but that would likely only complicate things. I need a clear head and the counsel of my brothers.
Maybe doing a good deed for a mortal in need would be nice. Gods know I’m not known for my philanthropy. I’m happy to fuck one, but beyond that, mortals are food or paychecks to me.
Not Haven though. He’s too beautiful and interesting to write off that easily. I suppose I could at least keep my word and give it some serious thought.
Imagining myself as a married man is truly hilarious, but if this life has taught me anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.
FOUR
Haven
I don’t think that went too badly. He seems like he might actually be considering it. Of course, he could think I’m a total nut job and never speak to me again, but I got his number, so that’s something.
Climbing the rickety metal steps to my apartment, I hold my nose to block out the putrid scent of urine mixed with the ubiquitous skunkiness of weed. Gedo would roll in his grave if he saw the conditions I’ve been living in, but I wasn’t given a choice, now was I?
As I enter the apartment—hovel would be more accurate—I flick the switch, only for the lightbulb to blow out. Great. I skulk over to the hand-me-down couch and plop down, hoping it holds up long enough for me to get this money.
What I didn’t confess to Raphael was just how dismal my situation is. I didn’t tell him the emotional abuse I’ve suffered at the hands of my greedy family for years since Gedo retired. I was forced to put on a brave face and lie to him while he still lived. If not, the small stipend I was getting would have stopped altogether.
All because my father and uncles felt jilted by a father who preferred his grandson over his children. Like that was my fault somehow. My aunts accepted their roles in the family, outdated as they may be, but the men are dicks. My father is more than hoping I can’t pull this off, and if that happens, I’ll never see a dime again.
My only hope to get out of poverty is a stranger with pretty eyes and a huge dick. I’m not above stalking him if I have to. I’ve been hitting every major and some not so major social spots in the city, looking for anyone at least mildly interesting who could hold a conversation. I even considered a woman, but I couldn’t do that to someone there’s no chance of me being attracted to. Besides, my family would never believe I fell for a woman. Not once in my life have I even looked twice at a beautiful woman. My queerness was obvious early on. At least I can be thankful that despite our culture, the family never rejected me for that. They had plenty of other options to pick from.
I reach into my pocket and pull out the few bucks I still have. I should have batted my eyelashes to get dinner out of the sex god tonight, but I guess it’s another night of instant ramen. One day I’m going to rise above all this. I’ll quit my shitty restaurant job and show my family I’m capable of running the empire Gedo built on his own back.
That’s the plan. All I have to do is convince Raphael to say, “I do.”
FIVE
Raphael
When I arrive back at home, I’m surprised to find Yves sitting in the common area with Viper, Viv, and Hale. They seem to be watching a movie. Have I accidentally crossed into a parallel universe?
“What is happening here?” I ask as all four turn to look at me.
“Watching a movie,” Viv answers.
“Why?”
She tilts her head and Yves chuckles.
“Forgive his confusion,” Yves says. “I’m fairly certain this is the first known sighting of me in front of a television.”
“Yeah,” I say. “What brought this about?”
“I coerced him,” Hale answers. “We’re binging vampire movies. Ironic, yes?”
“Uh, why?”
“I wanted to know what mortals believe about us,” Hale explains.
My gaze shoots to Viper, who grins at me in response. “Cat’s out of the bag. It has been for a while actually.”
“You know?”
Viper nods, glancing at Vivienne. “Cute that you guys tried to protect me, but I’ve got this cool gift that lets me pick up on a lot of things left unsaid and unseen. It only took me a couple of weeks to figure it out.”
Yves smiles affectionately at the woman. “We should have known.”