15. Fifteen
Fifteen
Nikolai
“W hen I was a small child, we had a garden. I only know from pictures, but my mum and I grew vegetables there.”
Why are you telling him this?
“I feel like it made me happy.”
“A garden can be a happy place,” Jules agreed. “It is mine.”
“We stopped when we moved to the city so I could be closer to the rink. After that we only had a flat and a little balcony.”
“You can garden with me, if you want.” The beautiful man blushed crimson. I liked how he sometimes spoke without thinking and then blushed.
He’s so fucking cute.
“You know I’d never thought I would say this to anyone…but I’d love to garden with you.”
I’d love to do anything with you, Jules: worship you, service you, and be on my knees for you. Whatever you want from me, you can have it.
“Wonderful. I will be seeing you back here, then?”
“Yes, you will. I won’t be able to come for the next two or three weekends, though. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, okay. I understand of course.”
“Wish I could come see you, but we have games away. I’m still not playing, but my coach asked me to come to the next one with the team. I want to be there with them.”
“Oh, yes. I think I would want that, too.” Jules’ face softened with an understanding smile.
“But I promise I’ll be back the weekend after. If that’s okay with you, that is.”
Maybe he doesn’t want me to—
“That would be lovely, Nikolai. I will try to think about the things we can do in the garden when you are back.”
He walked me to the archway, and I was this close to hugging him goodbye.
“Bye, Jules. I’ll see you soon.”
“Goodbye. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Bye, Barney.” I bent down to scratch his Wolpertinger’s wing bases. “Take good care of your dad, okay?” The little hare-like creature huffed and nudged my hand with his head.
Jules gave me a curious look when I rose to my feet.
“Goodbye Nikolai.”
“Bye.” I hesitated for another moment, desperate for a hug. But why would this powerful creature be interested in hugging me at all?
I turned and left through the arch. After a few metres I turned back. He stood there, watching me go with both hands in his pockets, and looked downcast.