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The lights that glittered in New York City created constellations along the walls of his home. Each individual beam told a story untold; originating from a place Joseph had yet to know in his new life. When his temper calmed, he could appreciate these quiet moments that remained unfilled by his own cocky banter.
It was a far cry from his life in England. But Joseph felt that the pace of this new city matched him better. Constant attention being placed on him, inviting him to the challenge of making a name for himself.
The modern-style apartment was dark save for the glimmer of the world outside.
Joseph knew Suzie was fast asleep by now. Her blonde hair tousled about their pillows, plush lips parted with rest and heavy eyelashes sat prettily on her cheeks. She painted a picture of perfection, especially when she was stroked by the warm whites of nighttime.
However, he remained antsy. A part of him remained outside their bed. In Italy, where a non-existent threat loomed over his head like a weight in his throat. Under the same moon. Watching the lights scatter along the water.
Another weight met his weightless form. In another plane of existence. Joseph held his breath against the sudden assault. Each individual light, weaving through the air into his eyes, registering as an amalgamation of colors that bled into one solid yellow. Just like the sunlight, casting the world in brilliant shows of the visible spectrum that culminated into his favorite orange when it left the world.
In the darkness. Joseph remembered his body dancing around the halls of his month-long home. And he was there. Falling into him as they danced together. The weight in his heart felt heavier with each pass through the shadows of the room. Reminding him of another time, with another man.
Shared fears and comforts. Shared sentiments. Culminating into joy and anger both that drove a rift between them that would never be bridged again. Joseph held Caesar tight in his arms, slowly moving through the void of color in their world for just those moments. Even when his eyes were closed New York City woke him up with realism that stung like a punch. Reminding him of his separated soul.
Between the love of his life and his soulmate. Between a life he chose and a life he was destined to meet.
Joseph felt like a stranger in his own body, remembering the day he lost the night. His partner when he waltzed through dark corridors in fear of seeing himself for the last time. Caesar, Caesar, Caesar--
Crimson blood oozed into his vision. Blazing green and flushed pinks and sunlight yellow, the sound of crumbling rubble and the smooth glide of a finger on a wine glass. In a distant night's past. Bleeding into daylight.
He was caught before he could fall. Joseph watched the lights of cars travelling the streets below him. Felt the cold air on his skin, acute due to his own sweat. Out-of-rhythm breaths. Wet palms. Rough nightwear against his body.
Crawling back into bed felt like comfort encompassing. Holding Suzie close to him felt like home. Feeling her warm breaths against his neck racing goosebumps across his skin. It was the sun against the moon. Dragging him away from the lights and into the dark.
Another person falling into his arms.