Chapter Text
You’re a tall drink of water, aren’t you? You’re gonna make that outfit really shine.
It wasn’t like Rean was oblivious or anything to how good-looking Gaius was but somehow Howard’s comments threw that awareness into sudden high relief.
(And wait… Rean couldn’t help but think as he replayed the words in his head…was he hitting on Gaius?)
Whether he realized it or not, Gaius drew attention. His height, his tanned skin, the tribal markings on his arms. So many things about him seemed to draw people’s eye.
So many things about him seemed to draw Rean’s eye.
He could handle it. Really. He’d keep a straight face. He’d put it from his mind before they headed back. It wouldn’t distract him from the road. Thank Aidios for the side car. The last thing Rean needed was those arms wrapped around him, to think of the long hours of training at spear fighting that went into them.
Or maybe the last thing he needed was to lean back and find himself sinking against a solid chest…to hear a warm laugh, low in his ear, Gaius’s commentary on the freedom and the wind as they sped down the road.
Any of these were the last thing he needed.
Yeah, thank Aidos for the side car.
Hey uh…you wouldn’t be interested in working here as a part-time model would you?
Howard was definitely hitting on him.
Once Gaius had gotten past his surprise at Howard’s offer and graciously declined, they collected the costumes and headed back toward the bike. Everything was forgotten when he spotted a mysterious bird, the likes of which Rean swore he’d never seen in his life. And then Misty happened by, delaying them with small talk, distracting him further.
Only when she left them and they turned again to the bike did Rean realize that the costumes would have to occupy the side car.
It was going to be a difficult ride back to Trista.