⎾ MOROSIS ⏌

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Telling him that Kieran had come back wouldn't have changed anything. He would still be here in Europe while Kieran was back in Chicago. They didn't end things well so he wasn't expecting some Hollywood style reunion. But thay still didn't explain why he was here now, in his pub of all places. It was frustrating to know and he wondered if he would have to worry about running into him again. Jakob tried not to overthink it all. Maybe it really was just a coincidence...or not. Definitely not.

After Jakob texted Abel he was relieved for his break. He took to the back door and lingered in the frame. As his phone buzzed, he noted how Abel was avoiding his questions once more. a*****e, he thought. "Ive told you maybe twice before this 🙄" he replied. Jakob already knew that Abel was something of a bad guy. Just because he hid it from him didn't change that fact. His avoidance only made him all the more curious. What wasn't he telling him?

Sending his next text, he stood there watching the rain and listening to the kitchen crew behind him. It wasn't long before Abel's reply xame through. Jakob scoffed at his words, knowing them to be true. "I don't know...I just...don't think I can talk to him." he replied, sadly. His chest ached and he knew it was probably of the fear. What could they say that hadn't been said already. He hoped Kieran would just find a museum or something touristy to do instead. He couldn't spend the rest of his shift slacking off. Shoving his phone in his pocket, Jakob returned to the pub.

The next couple of hours passed by in a blur. When the game finished and the team lost, the crowd quietly dispersed. Glancing towards the clock, he had ten minutes left of his shift. The rain had gotten heavier and the clouds darker, making everything a little gloomy. He leaned against the bar, feeling tired and ready to go home.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

⋮ ۩ ) • • • ❛ 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙅𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧.❜



Coincidences were possible but not in this case. By telling Miguel about Kirean, it wouldn't have made a difference or vice versa. He didn't think Miguel would have wanted him to tell him about all his business. Abel wasn't too sure Kirean would have cared otherwise either.

By not telling Miguel about Kirean, he was merely trying to cushion the blow. He didn't think Miguel wanted to know about Kirean's bad behavior. Abel read Miguel's words, only imagining what else he was thinking. He wished at one point he'd gone to see him but life and business got in the way.

Once dressed, he went into his office to go through his emails. Abel sat at his desk as Miguel texted him again. He read the text as he thought about it. Abel sipped his coffee as he leaned back in his chair. "Why not?" He asked wondering what the harm would be.

The last few hours Kirean hadn't budged from his hideout. He didn't know why Abel had forced him here. Kirean knew he had been distant and destructive. He didn't want help, he'd thought he'd made that obvious. His only guess was that this was punishment. Kirean waited outside as the rain had dwindled to a drizzle. He hadn't expected to see Miguel. Kirean ran not knowing the why or how. He could ask Abel but he doubted he would tell him the truth.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

He couldn’t understand why Abel would do this. He had been fine with his life, happy even. But now he didn’t know what to think. Why did he do that? Was he mad that he had given up his life of crime? Jealous that he got away so easily? He wanted to ask him, but what would be the point. It had been a long time since he felt like this towards Abel. Distance helped him forget what an absolute a** he can be.

Typing out his text, he vaguely gave his reasoning for why he didn’t want to meet Kieran. He thought it was obvious but instead he was questioned. He felt another ache in his chest. He knew exactly why he didn’t want to meet with Kieran, but he didn’t want to tell Abel that. ”I’m just not ready.” he replied. Turning back into the building, he went back to work.

Hours later, it was finally over. Jakob finished his last few chores and clocked out for the day. Bidding his coworkers goodbye, he pulled on his jacket and popped open his umbrella. He didn’t know if Kieran was still here but if he was, he didn’t want to be seen. With his head ducked, Jakob took his usual route down the street. He didn’t live very far from the pub, it was just a few blocks away near the local train station.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

⋮ ۩ ) • • • ❛ 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙅𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧.❜



Abel didn't understand what the problem was. He had sent Kirean in hopes of preventing him from doing something stupid. Abel wasn't trying to hurt Miguel. He was hardly jealous either. Abel though had regretted having him leave but there was nothing he could do now to make up for it. He wasn't the dating or loving type.

With Miguel's next response, he found it amusing. Abel found that Miguel was never good with words if didn't want to say anything. He wasn't any better at the moment. Abel read his next text as it came. He was curious by the response. "Ready…Will you ever be ready?... Maybe he won't bother you…He's only there for a week…" Abel responded, trying to be positive.

Standing outside, it had been truly hours. Kirean stood waiting to see when Miguel left. He'd seen customers leave along with employees. Kirean finally saw him with an umbrella in hand. He waited until Miguel was a few blocks down the street before he crossed it. Kirean kept a distance as he walked following Miguel, unsure of where he was going. He didn't know what he was going to do or say to him.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

He didn't know what to think or say if he were to meet Kieran again. It had already been two years since that time. He didn't want to relive the experience of thinking there was something to hold on to only to be left all over again. It wasn't worth the heartache. When he replied to Abel, he was only somewhat honest with him. They had talked about the failings of his relationship and where he too was at fault. It wasn't worth bringing up again, so he kept his answer simple. He had been collecting plates from one of the tables when Abel did respond to him. He didn't bother reading as he was sure he could guess what it might say.

On his walk home, Jakob kept his head bowed and decided it had been long enough to make Abel wait. Pulling up the new text, he wasn't surprised by his questions. Though he did also make a good point, not that he was going to let him know that. While he hadn't gotten a good look at Kieran, he'd bolted out of there fast enough that he hadn't even gotten a chance to talk with him. His original text was based merely on a hunch and he had been right. Sighing, he began to type. "I don't know...what do you say to the person that walked out on you?" he replied. As he texted Abel, he hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings. A bad habit, he'd picked up long ago and never bothered to fix. While he walked he thought about the latter half of the message. "I guess you could be right...Still I don't like knowing he's just..here...in the city. It's feels weird, like I need to be extra cautious all over again."

Jakob had managed to make it a few blocks while he was texting. He was nearly to his apartment and hadn't noticed he was being followed. For all he knew, Kieran was on the other side of town having an early dinner with a tour guide. Or worse, someone he hadn't to pick up just while walking around. It wouldn't be too hard to fathom. Kieran was tall, good looking, in pretty good shape the last time he saw him. Though he couldn't imagine that Kieran would just let himself go. Shaking his head, he knew he didn't need to be thinking about him like that.

As he drew nearer there were a few shops along the way. Jakob decided it best to stop at one for a bite to eat before going home. He ducked into a small bistro and took a seat near the window. He nodded as he was greeted and ordered himself a caramel latte. The waitress nodded and allowed him a moment to look over the menu. There were a few simple choices like sandwiches and soups as well as wines and pastries. When he made up his mind, he sat back in his seat, glancing around the small eatery.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

⋮ ۩ ) • • • ❛ 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙅𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧.❜



A few hours had gone by, Abel had left his house to take care of a few things. He had a meeting this morning. Abel knew Miguel was likely busy at work. He sat in his car at a red light when his phone went off again. Abel grabbed his phone reading the text. He knew Miguel had a point in his reasoning. Abel couldn't blame him for not wanting to see Kirean.

"Cautious about what?" Abel asked curiously, avoiding the first question. He wasn't going to argue with Miguel about Kirean leaving him. Abel believed Kirean had good reason. He however wasn't going to judge Miguel's beliefs. Abel didn't think Kirean would hurt Miguel, at least he hoped not.

Walking behind Miguel, he seemed to go unnoticed. Kirean watched as Miguel played with his phone as he walked. He was curious as they continued down the sidewalk. It wasn't long before Miguel stopped to enter a bistro. Kirean didn't follow inside as he took up a spot hopefully out of Miguel's view from where he sat.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

In a way, he was glad that Abel didn't say anything about his first question. He knew Abel had his own thoughts and feelings about his prior relationship. He'd heard it all and in the end they were never going to fully agree. The whole was a mess and that was that. Jakob continued to send out his next text before heading into the bistro. After placing his order and looking over the menu he received another questioning text from Abel. He wasn't surprised by his curiosity, but he did wish the man could understand a bit better. "Cautious, like what if he's still angry and has been letting it fester for two years." he replied. Jakob knew his reasoning was dumb and probably a lot of overthinking on his part. Then again, he didn't think it was so unreasonable, he recalled a time when Kieran was so angry he disappeared after Jakob had been dragged away for his own work thing.

Setting his phone aside, the waitress soon returned with his drink and asked him what he wanted to eat. Jakob settled on a bowl of beef stew. It wasn't much, but it was enough to fill him and warm him on a rainy day like this. After taking his order, the waitress took his order and soon left him in peace. Jakob was still unaware that he had been followed. He pulled his mug closer and sipped at his latte. Glancing out the window, he saw few people passing by but nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe he really was overreacting. It was probably because he was lonely. It had been a few weeks since he'd gone out with anyone. Also he hadn't really made too many friends since his arrival. Right now his closest friend was still back in Chicago and he was pretty sure Abel would never admit to them being friends.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

⋮ ۩ ) • • • ❛ 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙅𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧.❜



The first time Kirean had disappeared wasn't on purpose as much as the second one. His mother had passed away and he had to put her affairs in order. Kirean hadn't talked about it with Miguel. He had kept it to himself amongst other things. Kirean didn't like to think of his abusive mother. Only Abel knew what she had truly done to him. He hadn't told Miguel because he didn't need the pity nor did he want to bring up bad memories.

Abel knew they disagreed on Kirean leaving. He preferred to not argue with Miguel. Abel had already hurt him at the moment. He didn't want to upset him anymore. Abel pulled away from the light as it changed. He drove for a few more minutes before parking. Abel checked his phone again as Miguel had responded.

Seeing Miguel's words made him curious. He couldn't exactly say Kirean wouldn't hurt him. Though it seemed Miguel thought he would. "True, he might be mad but do you honestly think he'd hurt you?" Abel questioned, he didn't think Kirean had ever physically hurt Miguel. He wasn't sure if that was the real fear or was it more emotional.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

Thinking back, he never did find out why Kieran was gone. He'd simply told him that he had some business to attend to and that was it. Poof, gone. No note, no phone call, nothing. He knew it was hypocritical of him to think poorly of that situation given that he had done the exact same thing just a few weeks prior. It didn't change the way he felt the whole time Kieran had disappeared and he quite certain in his belief that Abel had grown tired of consoling him during that time.

After sending off his next text, Jakob sat quietly in his seat and looked out the window. How badly he wished Abel were here face to face with him. The waiting in-between texts felt as though they were taking forever. Though he knew it was merely his impatience showing. He took another sip of his coffee and his phone soon buzzed on the table. He stared blankly at his words. Would he? "Two years ago, I would have said no. He had a temper, yes. But he never hit me." he replied honestly. "Now...If he's harboring any anger for this long, I really don't know...Abel, can you please be honest. Why did you send him here?" Jakob doubted he would get a real answer, but he had to try. He set his phone down once more and ran a hand through his hair.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

⋮ ۩ ) • • • ❛ 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙅𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧.❜



In the time that Kirean had gone, Abel had indeed consoled him. However he had told him where Kirean had gone. It wasn't as if Miguel was completely oblivious unless he forgot. Although Kieran hadn't explained himself. Abel didn't like the idea of Miguel worrying. He didn't think Kirean would hurt him but he couldn't promise anything.

Indeed Abel wished he were there too but he couldn't be. He couldn't run from his problems. Abel had worked to achieve what he had. He wasn't going to admit defeat yet. Abel had kept communication with Miguel, with a surprise every day. He hadn't expected to talk to him after they said their goodbyes years ago.

Giving Miguel an honest answer wasn't likely to happen. He wasn't too sure Miguel wanted to know the truth. His phone went off again as Miguel texted him. Abel read the concern from his text. He sighed to himself. "I doubt he's mad at you enough that he'd hurt you…After all he's the one who left first…" Abel commented, still avoiding the question. He didn't want Miguel to worry.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

With so much happening since that time, he was definitely forgetting a detail or two. What he didn’t forget though was how Abel had been there every time. When he was lonely, needed to talk, or be held. Abel was there. He sometimes wished they could have had a better meeting and maybe things could have gone differently between them. Jakob knew it was wishful thinking on his part. Abel would never want him like that and it was better to accept it.

He didn’t know what sort of trouble the man was in, but he noticed the way he continued to avoid his questions. Abel must have be pretty busy with something if he didn’t want him to know about it. As much as he wanted to know, it was better to remain ignorant. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself. He just hoped when her was finally able to that he would come over here and see him.

As he waited for Abel’s next text, the waitress arrived once more with a steaming bowl of stew and a small plate with bread. Jakob thanked her and turned his attention to the food. The smell was absolutely mouthwatering. He picked up the bread and broke off a small piece. He smiled at the warm, buttery goodness. He was about to dig into the rest of his meal when his phone buzzed against the wooden table. Picking it up, there was another message from Abel. ”Okay, if you think so then I believe you.” he replied. Pocketing the device, Jakob picked up his spoon and proceeded to eat his meal.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

⋮ ۩ ) • • • ❛ 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙅𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧.❜



In a perfect world Abel could have loved Miguel, though probably not properly. He cared for him but he didn't see himself caring for Miguel the right way. Abel didn't date or see a future for himself, let alone settling down. He could be a friend even if he was a shity one.

While Abel was busy, he was merely avoiding the questions. He didn't want to lie to Miguel so he didn't make up promises. Abel cared for Miguel, he hoped by sending Kirean to Germany, that he wouldn't hurt Miguel. He knew Miguel would hate him if he did. Receiving another text from Miguel, Abel didn't respond. He pocketed his phone as well before heading into an office building.

Kirean stood beneath an awning of a building across the street. He watched Miguel from the safety of the shadows. Kirean could see him texting on his phone. He hadn't known Abel and Miguel were still in contact. If he did, he likely wouldn't have followed after him. Kirean didn't understand Miguel's relationship with Abel or vice versa. He waited in no hurry to get back to his hotel. Kirean was curious what Miguel was doing now. He hadn't heard much and Abel never spoke of him when they were together. Kirean couldn't blame Miguel for his behavior lately though he did feel some anger toward Miguel.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

He often thought under better circumstances that things might have worked out for him and Abel. Maybe not perfectly, but perhaps they could have had a few good months together. Something similar to the last month and a half he had stayed with him. They were comfortable with one another to be able to spend time together, but he wasn’t sure if Abel could ever be a proper partner to him. He was fine with being Abel’s friend, even if it was from a distance.

After sending his message, Jakob started eating. He took his time, enjoying the flavor of the tender meat and the savory broth. All the while he was still unaware of the fact that he was being watched. Any time he felt as though there were eyes on him, he brushed it off as maybe the waitress or something passing by had looked his way. He continued to lie to himself that Kieran was somewhere else entirely. There was no reason for him to be in such a small, boring place like this when there were literal castles and ruins he could be exploring.

About half an hour later, Jakob had finished his meal and went to the counter to pay. He thanked the staff for the meal and left the shop. Outside, the air was still and the rain had stopped for now. He kept his umbrella strap around his wrist and walked the last block to his apartment. He took his time walking down the street and soon arrived at his building. Standing at the glass door he pulled out his keys and unlocked the door.

 

[xDarkWinterx]

⋮ ۩ ) • • • ❛ NUMQUAM TIMEBUNT UMBRAE❜


It was easy to believe Kirean was off exploring the city and bothering someone else however that wasn't the case. He stood watching Miguel outside the window across the street. It was a while before Miguel finished eating. Kirean was still wet from the rain even though it had stopped. If it continued to rain like today, he was going to need to get an umbrella himself.

When he saw movement as Miguel finally exited the bistro. Kirean started after him again, keeping his distance. It seemed Miguel was finally going home. There wasn't anybody on the streets though a few cars had driven by. Kirean kept his distance close as Miguel reached an apartment building. He watched as Miguel pulled out his keys and started to unlock the outside door. Kirean finally closed the distance, he stepped up behind Miguel practically breathing down his neck. "You really ought to pay more attention to your surroundings." He growled as he stood close to Miguel.

 

[Pure Acid Dreamer]

The entire walk he couldn’t shake off the feeling of being followed. He didn’t dare look back, afraid to know that it was the very person he had been talking about. When he reached his apartment building, Jakob stood by the glass door and dug through his pocket for his keys. He felt him before he actually said anything. Like the ghost he was, Kieran stood hovering over him, invading his space like he used to.

It took every fiber of his being not to flinch as Kieran growled. ********, he thought. He had forgotten what his voice sounded like. His hand tightened around the umbrella handle, and he fought every fiber to ram it into Kieran’s side. ”I guess I got too used to the low crime rate.” He replied, his accent coming out a little thicker than usual. He continued to unlock the door and jerked it forward, he didn’t care if he hit Kieran. It would teach him to not stand so close. Slipping away from him, he crossed into the lobby to the row of mailboxes.