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It was no surprise that mortals always took their sweet little time with the simplest of tasks. Here, there were no maids, no butlers, no servants. Only mere humans wandering around– dressed in mediocre, matching green aprons. They looked truly appalling, honestly, and Locke’s unsatisfied glare to the barista who came to clean up the seating area must have shown too much, for Cardan shot him a warning glance from the other side of the room. He’d told him not to start a scene here of any sort. Which was ridiculous really, because it wasn’t as if Locke hated mortals. Mortal ways were not the same as the fair folk and it bewildered him. He was also bewildered by the peculiar beverage he was about to be served– a Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino… What in the land of Elfhame was a frappuccino? The ginger haired fae, concealed by a humane enchantment, supposed he would find out soon; his hazel eyes lingered on Cardan who approached with their drinks. The King held them joyfully but with care, eyes lighting up when he settled them down on the table and slid one across to him.
“I came here with Vivienne and Heather last. They ordered something different, so I have never tried these ones before. Go on. I think you’ll like it.”
Cardan was so excited by the mortal world lately, so immersed in all of its wonders. Undoubtedly influenced by Madoc’s daughter. Locke rolled his eyes playfully at that and uncrossed his arms, his fingers tingling from the icy coolness that seeped through the plastic once he took it in his grasp. The green substance sloshed as he brought the straw to his lips. It was… cold. Creamy and thick. And held a hint of vanilla. It didn’t stray too far from green tea itself but still grasped his interest nonetheless. When he raised his eyebrows with content, Cardan took that as his queue to try his own.
“It’s certainly something.” Locke decided as his gaze lowered to the blush pink of Cardan’s lips. “And what was that you ordered again?”
The raven haired male gulped, pausing to relish in the spiced taste that hit his tongue. “A Chai Cream Frappuccino , of course.” Then, he shuffled in his chair eagerly, twirling the drinks around so that they both had each other’s this time. “Let me try yours.”
Shaking his head with fond disbelief, Locke tried the other drink too, and strange to say it was just as good (even if the word frappuccino seemed merely a replacement word for ‘extremely cold’). Perhaps they should return here again. The male glanced at the lowering sun shimmering through the windows; it warmed his cheeks, like a soft, comforting caress despite being in a foreign land. Nightfall drew closer, and the only reason he was out this early was because Cardan hauled him here, though he was not disappointed. In fact, he had wanted nothing more than this for a long time. To have moments with Cardan alone. Unbothered by that seneschal of his or even their other friends. To have Cardan to himself.
Locke took a breath, bringing his attention back to his… date… who sat opposite of him and had somehow consumed more than a quarter of his Matcha Frappuccino already. The redhead feigned a disapproving look. “Give that back, you thief. You wanted a taste, not the entire thing.”
Cardan smirked, cheekily handing it back to him with a shrug. “It is not my problem that you have exquisite tastes.”
“Hm. That I do,” Locke winked in response. Sitting back, the King raised his brow with a soft, calculating look in his dark eyes. ‘ Tell me more,’ they said. Yet Locke simply gave a charming grin.
Once the two had grown bored of the small setting of the cafe, they decided to traipse through the town amongst the masses of people, and through rows and rows of streets dotted with stores. The atmosphere was bright– mortals flitted in and out of shops, some leaving with heavy baggage. Others patiently waited to cross the roads, some with children, in avoidance of these great metal vehicles of transport. Locke had been here before many many years ago, he knew they were called cars , yet it surprised him just the same. It was safe to say he favoured the giant frogs and steeds. He got a whiff of warm confectionery when they passed a bakery. He took in all of the grandeur of the mortal world as much as he could, savouring the memories of this day, with Cardan beside him. Soon, a particular store piqued the King’s interest. He gasped like a child who was among a giant banquet of desserts, and took hold of Locke’s shoulders to steer him right into it. They would have swerved right into some humans if it weren’t for Locke’s swift movement. “You really are enchanted by this place, hm? And I thought you loathed it.”
“How can I loathe such a place when they sell such fine cosmetics?” Cardan responded and Locke concluded that they were in a makeup store. The King busied himself with a row of sparkling, glittering eyeshadows, pointing at some and turning to Locke for his opinion. On the shelf above lay separate collections of brushes, all different colours and patterns. “Which is your favourite? I’d like to take some back with me.”
Giving a soft smile, the ginger fae observed the variety intently before gently taking a palette in his hands. It shone and glittered like everapple. The other colours consisted of a deep red like rich wine, and a dark orange like that of autumn leaves. After that, he reached for a set of feathery brushes, with a pattern of golden acorns against a leafy green, and the hair the precise colour of fox fur. Locke passed it to Cardan who gave him a knowing look, his expression softening. And were his cheeks coloured with a faint pink, or was it merely the lighting of the store? Nevertheless, he seemed satisfied with Locke’s choice, inspecting them after gazing at him for what felt like forever. If only it were . “What do you think?”
“These are perfect. And so I will buy them.” An approving nod, accompanied by a bright smile, eyes creasing at the corners. Locke loved that smile.
“I’m sure it will suit you very much.”
Next, Cardan strode over to the mascara, pinching a tube and leaning over to the mirror to apply some to his lashes. In Locke’s opinion, he saw little need for mascara, since his eyelashes were quite long and thick anyway. So long as it contented the King, however, he did not mind. A sudden voice caught their attention. It belonged to a worker who approached them quite quickly with urgency.
“Excuse me, young man. Trying sealed products is not allowed. Please use the testers if you want to try them out.” She had her hands on her hips, lips drawn in a thin and authoritative line. Locke shared an awkward glance with Cardan then gave a smirk once he realised it dug at his pride a little. They could not claim to be fae here, since their ears curved from being charmed. Cardan paused mid-appliance, biting down whatever he wanted to say to oppose her. Mortal ways were not the same as the fair folk. He may be King of Elfhame but that did not mean he had any influence here. Locke could practically see through him, see how he itched to counter, but ultimately faltered.
“Right. I shall purchase it, then.” Cardan gave a confused glare, and when the lady nodded in appreciation and left, he handed Locke an inquisitive look.
“What? If you are in their land you abide by their way of things, much like mortals do in ours. Or is it too much for you, your Majesty?” Locke teased.
“Oh, lay off. I know, I know. I still need to grow accustomed to this realm.” Was what the King replied before whisking passed Locke with a bump to his shoulder.
Cardan paid in glamoured gold for his items. Their next stop was a bookstore.
When Locke entered, heavy boots sinking into the plushed carpet, his auburn hues widened at the sight of it. So many books stacked tightly on shelves, too many to count and with a close resemblance to a library. It was beautiful to say the least. Nothing within the mortal world had intrigued him more than this. From the corner of his eye, Cardan watched him expectantly. The strong smell of fresh paper filled his nose whilst he grazed a cover with his fingertips to find it was smooth and shiny. After making their way over to a section away from customers, Locke halted and hesitated before slipping a book off its shelf. Gently, he turned the pages, noticing that they were perfectly spotless and as white as snow. “Cardan.” The male started and peered up with a glint of astonishment in his eyes. “These books… They are all brand new .”
Cardan hummed smoothly. “Indeed they are. They are untouched, yet to have owners. Would you like one? I can get one for you, if you wish.”
“That would be great.” Brushing his thumb against the paper, the redhead nodded. Not one wrinkle was present, the paper unstained and utterly perfect. The front cover gleamed and had a polished gloss unlike his others at home which were worn and browned. After being unusually mesmerised by it, Locke tore his gaze from the book and smiled sheepishly to his date, who looked more than happy. “I’d like this one– so that it would remind me of this day for as long as I live… And for the story, that is. The summary sounds quite interesting.” He fumbled at his sudden, exposing declaration but was eased when the raven haired male beside him gave a tender chuckle.
“Then it is yours.”
Outside, the amber sun settled on the horizon, the last rays of daylight streaming through the towering buildings. Birds sang their whistled tunes before they were to retire to sleep. Cardan and Locke returned to the streets, which were still fairly busy for how late it was for mortals. They walked beside each other with Locke grasping onto their paper bags since he insisted that he should be the one to carry them for the King. Cardan fidgeted with a golden necklace at his collar, occupying himself with the sights of humans walking by once the conversations between them settled. A comforting silence hung between them. Yet despite this Cardan seemed to be slightly anxious, Locke noted. For what reason he did not know, but he wanted him to feel as relaxed and gratified as he himself was. After hesitating for a brief moment, Locke’s fingertips brushed against the fae’s delicate, pale hand and reached further to hold it within his own, a gentle and secure grasp bringing them together. A sudden, startled wave took over Cardan’s expression, but it disappeared as quickly as it came and Locke questioned whether it was even there at all. He squeezed his hand when aware of the blush that fluttered to the King’s cheeks (which was most definitely not lighting this time). Feeling Cardan’s touch on his skin made his stomach flutter though somehow he played it off as cool as he could manage. It was not as if he had not touched him before– it was that this time it felt… different.
“Come. Let us retreat to a park or someplace. As much as I have enjoyed shopping, I think we ought to take a break before you start bouncing off the walls.”
Cardan snickered at that. “Alright. I like the sound of that. I think… Perhaps it is this way. I do not remember the map fully and forgot to bring it with me. But I am clever, as you already know, so I will find it in no time.”
Locke smirked and tilted his head, amused. “You took me here to an unknown town, and didn’t even bring your map? That wasn’t very clever of you.”
“I was too excited. I have always wanted to show you everything here since I visited a few months ago.” Cardan smiled at him sincerely. “But alas, you are right.”
The foxy fae cast his gaze to the ground, his heart blooming. The fae cannot lie. The King truly wanted to be here with him, to show him this place. Better yet, he was excited to. This side of Cardan was rare and it was messing with Locke’s mind too much. Instead of desiring to trick or deceive or scheme, he only wanted to see him as bright as he was now. A shine in his eyes, cheeks rosy, and pearly whites smiling as charming as ever. Perhaps it was the mortal world rubbing off on him (should he be worried about that?). In faerie, things were so dark and difficult. Here, he felt at peace; right now, he was truly happy. Locke relished in this moment, and was greedy to experience it over and over again.
Caressing his thumb against Cardan’s knuckles, Locke followed as they aimlessly wandered around for a while. They had gotten distracted at one point, noticing coloured lights in the distance like fallen stars that emitted from windows of a large building. The sky grew darker like a heavy blanket glittered with silver. Despite the delay, they shortly found themselves seated on fresh grass, dry from the summer heat. A faint rippling sound came from the pond as gentle sweeps moved through the water. Still hand in hand, and with the bags sitting beside them, Cardan relaxed into Locke’s shoulder. His eyelashes fluttered closed.
“I want to visit here again with you.” Locke muttered quietly so as not to disturb the peace. With his free hand, he brushed away a loose black curl from Cardan’s face.
“Most certainly.” The raven haired fae whispered back, uncaring of his openness. There were no fair folk to hear or judge. Only Locke, who meant a lot to him.
Another spell of silence, and the croaking of a frog not too far off.
“Cardan.”
“Hm?”
The ginger fae let his touch drift down to Cardan’s jaw, cautious and gentle.
Cardan peered up at him, soft eyes big in the dark.
Locke smiled. This was his chance. “May I kiss you?”
Pausing, the King’s eyes flickered down to the other’s lips, back up, and down again. He took a light breath… and closed the distance between them.
Locke couldn’t help but smile into the kiss, Cardan’s lips silken and plump against his own which sent a rush of warmth through him. Still sweet with cinnamon and vanilla. When he pressed further, he felt delicate eyelashes upon his cheek, and melted into the touch entirely. This was perfect. More than perfect. If it were this easy all along, then perhaps Locke would have reconsidered taking extreme measures to singulate Cardan from the others. He held the King’s jaw in his own palm, and brought the other hand to bring him closer by the waist. It was blissful, both of them gifting long and sweet kisses to each other, turning their heads to steal as many as they could from as many angles. For Locke, it felt like a weight from his shoulders, long overdue– his body was light and fingertips buzzed with every touch. His heart fluttered and spun. Cardan was delighted, shifting himself eagerly upon the other and for a while, they stayed like that. A tangled couple lying in a park, until kisses grew tired and lazy, and the raven haired fae rested his head upon Locke’s chest.
The foxy fae settled a hand behind his head when he peered up at the night sky. He breathed softly, holding Cardan close.
If he learned anything from today, it was that… being in the mortal world was not as bad as he thought. And sealed cosmetic products were not meant to be used… and books were sold brand new, waiting for owners to shape them and witness their story. And… Mortal ways were not the same as the fair folk . Except one. He did know how to love like mortals do, he just never had the chance until now and was too reluctant to admit it. He knew how it felt to love… how your heart swelled with passion and you wanted nothing more than to keep your love bundled up on your chest as you lay under a blanket of stars. Locke wanted this forever . And, much like the books, this story could start anew– and Locke could love Cardan in a way he had never loved before.
As if reading his very thoughts, the dark haired fae muttered against him. “I love you, Locke.”
Locke felt an adoring smile appear on his lips, and closed his eyes. “I love you too.”