Chapter Text
Knightley had found Simon living rough, a chance encounter laced with hidden anger. It was their first meeting since the orphanage and Simon hasn’t let go of his fury. He’s sure the offer to sleep on his sofa is born of guilt, a response to the betrayal of his past.
It doesn’t make up for what he’s done. Simon stokes his rage each day and night as he reminds himself what was taken from him,
One evening, a few weeks after he moved in, Simon sits on Knightley’s comfortable sofa. Lucena, the fluffy white cat Knightley had adopted, lounges comfortably on his lap. Apparently he found her on the streets too, starving and lost. Now she’s well-fed and content, and named after a chess finishing move. He’ll have to adopt her once the other man’s dealt with.
“Hey, Si! I’m back!” Knightley shouts as he opens the front door. Lucena stretches before hopping off Simon’s lap to visit her owner. He fusses over her before walking into the living room and collapsing on the sofa in a sweaty, dishevelled mess. “That workout really took it outta me. Could you fix me a drink?”
“Sure. What would you like?” Bleach? Cyanide?
“Something cold. Hey, why don’t you mix up something new? I’ve got that grenadine stuff hanging out in the cupboard.”
“Okay, but don’t blame me if I come up with something deadly.” It would be so easy to poison the oblivious fool. Knightley wouldn’t even question it when Simon handed him the drink, he’d down it in a few gulps.
He heads into the kitchen and grabs two cartons at random. Orange juice and pineapple juice. He mixes them together and half fills a glass. What should he use to do the deed? There’s got to be some strong cleaning supplies somewhere. He feels a giggle rise up in his throat at the thought of Knightley clutching his chest as the venom takes hold, his body twitching. Choking.
…Looking at him with wide eyes, hoping Simon would save him. Dying on the floor of his own living room while his so-called only friend watches. A pathetic, miserable end. Unloved, unmourned…
Simon falters as he reaches for the bottle of grenadine before pouring the red syrup into the drink. He can’t do it.
Why?
Knightley might survive. And if he did, he would tell the cops who poisoned him. That's the only reason he’s hesitating.
Nothing else. Right?
Simon finishes the drink with some sparkling water, clear and fresh, and he watches as the layers settle. A red as vibrant as his own hair, and a yellow as striking as Knightley’s mohawk. It needs a name. Sweet Revenge? But without the poison, the title’s lost some of its kick.
He brings the drink to the living room, and his hands shake as he hands it over. Knightley obliviously thanks him before downing it in a few gulps. The bodyguard smiles gratefully, unaware of the conflict reigning in Simon’s heart.
“Thanks, Si. I owe you one.”
“...You’re welcome,” Simon lies. He sits down beside him, his eyes half-closed as he wonders how to bring about his demise.
Sweet Revenge Mocktail
This is also called a Cinderella mocktail! Unlike the other recipes I’ve not included quantities in the ingredient list because glass sizes vary, but the instructions will tell you how much you’ll need.
Orange Juice
Pineapple Juice
Sparkling Water
Grenadine
1. Fill your glass a quarter full with orange juice and then add another quarter of pineapple juice
2. Add the sparkling water until you’ve almost filled the glass.
3. Then add a dash of grenadine. To make sure it’s got pretty layers, pour it carefully down the side of the glass!
4. Finish it with some ice cubes, if you like! You could also garnish the glass with an orange slice.