Monthly Extra - Keo Bonus Story: Presents (male Keo)

“Crystals for Viara, a new medicine box for Tiane, weird Dalusinian coffee beans for Sena... I think that’s everything,” I say, turning to Keo. Or at least, I would be if he were still next to me.

“Keo?” I frown, slinging my bag over my shoulder and turning in a slow circle, the chill air of the night market sending a little shiver up my spine as a breeze blows through. I smile slightly; it’s pleasant after the warm day we had today. A second later I spot a familiar flash of dark hair among the crowd. I make my way over, grateful that he’s so tall – it always makes him easier to find when he wanders off like this.

“Find something good?” I nudge him when I reach the stall he’s hovering at.

“Yes,” he puts his large hands on my shoulders and turns me right back around. “Now face that way, please.”

“Why?” I look over my shoulder at him, confused.

“Crowd-watching is pleasant.”

“That might be true but it’s not what I want to do right now,” I say, laughing a little in confusion. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Wait,” he shuffles to the side, blocking me as I try to turn back around. “There is nothing very interesti– tenan,” he curses with a grimace, and I catch the way his lips tighten with the expression.

“I know that look,” my eyes narrow suspiciously. “You just tried to lie, didn’t you?”

He breathes out sharply, clearly frustrated, then glances back at the stall again. “Indulge me?” he asks.

“Alright, fine,” I shrug and look back at the crowds. The people mill around us, plenty of them on the same mission as us to find gifts for their loved ones. “Remind me to pick up something for Lono tomorrow – that’s the only present I haven’t found yet.”

“I will,” he replies distractedly, and somehow I doubt he even knows what he’s agreeing to. He shifts a few steps, tending to something directly behind me while I wait with nothing to do.

“Have I mentioned I’m bored?” I ask, dragging the last word out as I tip myself into a little trust fall against his broad back. He hums a reply, and I sigh, resigning myself to waiting for whatever cue comes next. I hear him say something quietly to the stall owner, though I don’t quite hear it.

“Any day now,” I tease. “I think I’ll count to three and then see what you’re hiding myself. One, two...”

Before I can reach three the scent of sandalwood envelops me as Keo’s arms wrap around me from behind, holding me firmly in place. I relax into his chest immediately, the movement instinctual.

“You are very impatient,” he murmurs an inch from my ear, and I shiver at the feeling of his breath on my cheek. And just like that, the calm feeling’s gone. My heartbeat quickens, and I feel a heat envelop my face. “If you know what a present is, there is not much point in giving it to you.”

“You’re buying me something?” I manage to say, the words a little breathier than I intend them to be.

“Not if you cheat.”

“I– alright,” I nod. “I won’t look.”

“Good.”

Whatever the gift is, it takes a few moments for the vendor to finish wrapping it. I’ve already given him my promise, but Keo doesn’t let me go. Maybe he doesn’t quite trust me – I don’t have his problem of not being able to lie, after all. Or... maybe this feels as good to him as it does to me. I lift a hand and tentatively place it on his arm, and I swear he grips me a little tighter.

When he lets me go a moment later to take the bag the seller hands him, I almost forget my promise and turn around, too ready to follow the warmth he takes with him.