CHAPTER 104: THE SAME BOY

"Can I be given the chance to earn your love too?"

Aphrodite was stunned to hear that request. He did not know if Apple truly meant it, or he should be wary. After all, Apple could be manipulative as proven by how he tricked Somner into thinking he was Hermes.

But then he saw Apple’s thoughts through his ability...

["I want to learn how to love and be loved."]

Such a simple thought, and yet so powerful given the context.

Aphrodite nodded gingerly. "Alright... But that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get it. Still, since we do know each other already, I guess that saves us the ’getting to know’ phase."

Apple suddenly beamed. His genuine smile was like that of a wolf or a lion, there was something adorable about it but at the same time eerie. But then Aphrodite also realized that it was simply just his assumptions that made it scary, and once he got past that...

It was pretty cute.

"So... What exactly do I do to earn your love?" Apple asked.

Aphrodite thought about it. "What if... We went on a date?"

"A date?"

"Yeah."

Apple rubbed his chin. "We have been on a date before. Many times. I remember the first... I got mad when a waitress spilled coffee on you."

"Oh yes. That was you." Aphrodite recalled the event clearly. He was still not sure about what he felt about that, since it was indeed too much but it was still a sign that Apple cared about him.

Apple noticed that uncertainty in his tone, or perhaps read his mind. "... I embarrassed you."

"Yes... But still, we can get past that. You just need to express your anger in other ways."

"What ways?"

Apple gulped, remembering something he read from a book. The one where the leading man who was also hot headed would get mad, then his lover would calm him down using his...

His body.

After all, intense emotions were all processed in the same part of the brain— the amygdala. That includes stress, rage... and lust.

So in order to decompress...

"You want me to use your body instead when I get mad?" Apple asked, as he had read what was going on in Aphrodite’s mind.

Aphrodite’s eyes widened. "N-No.... Please don’t read my mind. I always just get the most random thoughts so ignore them."

"... Alright." Apple nodded. "But you shouldn’t read my thoughts either then. I think... That’s healthier, right? For relationships? Hermes told me about how humans prefer to have their privacy."

Aphrodite nodded. "Yes. It’s better if we put trust in each other without needing abilities to check."

"Understood. Though I have to admit..."

Apple gave that adorable wolf smile again. "Your thoughts are quite amusing. You should speak your mind more often."

Aphrodite felt that it would be quite easy for this beast to make him fall for him if he kept saying things like that. He’s like an assassin when it comes to flirting!

***

And so, for the rest of that day Apple and Aphrodite just spent time having a ’date’ in 9th century Ireland.

Compared to the modern era, it had quite a different vibe. No noisy cars, no advertisements and flyers. Even the markets were more peaceful, or perhaps that was because people were busy trying to get a glimpse of the ’Ridire Na Mara’.

They bought some fruits and walked around, talking about different topics. Aphrodite found that the way Apple’s thought process worked was quite similar with Hermes, just more unrestrained, in a sense.

Which Aphrodite did appreciate, as someone who was always anxious about what other people may think of him.

With Apple, there were no guessing games. The beast’s mouth may have sharp teeth, but he always keeps them bare. Apple was not the type to hold his tongue just to sugarcoat or appease.

Finally, they reached their final spot— ’Aifric’s’ house.

"Och, my darling boy!" His father gave him a hug. "Right on the tick, ye are! Your mam and me were just fixin’ to head out for more goat skin!"

His mother kissed him on the cheek. "Mind ye lock the doors tight and quench every lamp, will ye? Sure ye know how fast a wee spark can burn the whole place down!"

Aphrodite nodded. "Yes, Mother and Father. Ailbe and I will keep watch."

Aphrodite nodded. "Aye, Mam, Da. Ailbe an’ meself’ll keep watch."

His parents gave Apple a once-over.

"You’ve been callin’ here fierce often, lad," his father muttered, narrowing his eyes.

"And what is it the two o’ ye get up to of a night, sittin’ awake till cockcrow?" his mother added, arching a brow.

Aphrodite flushed. "Mam, Da, please—"

"Aifric is special to me. I enjoy bein’ with him," Apple said simply.

The three of them froze at the solemnity in his tone. Aphrodite bit his thumb, fretting over what they’d say...

Then, his father barked a laugh. "Grand so! ’Tis a rare thing for anyone to keep company with our Aifric, the way he is."

He clapped Apple’s shoulder. "We feared he’d be friendless all his days, but..."

His mother softened. "If ye truly delight in his company, then ye’re welcome at his side. For as long as the world’ll turn, if ye’ve the will."

She winked. "You could even make it official, if you have the ring for it."

Aphrodite elbowed her, mortified. "Mam!"

Apple just seemed amused, but didn’t say anything. Aphrodite shoved them off, insisting that they be on their way before they continue embarrassing him further.

Finally, they were alone inside the parchment shop.

"So... Is this the end of our date?" Apple asked.

"Uh... I guess so." Aphrodite fiddled with the hem of his tunic.

Silence passed. A single candle wick illuminated their faces. But even in the dark, Aphrodite could see Apple’s glowing eyes.

He really does look like some kind of fae prince in the pale moonlight.

"A fae prince?"

Aphrodite tensed up. "I told you not to..."

"I’m sorry. You can read my mind too if you want. As punishment."

That apology was genuine. And so was the offer. Apple really did respect the promise they made to each other.

Aphrodite then decided to look above Apple’s head. "Alright... I’ll read your mind so we’re even."

["If I was a fae prince, I’d steal you away to my fairy kingdom and make you mine."]

Aphrodite blushed. "That’s too much.... Maybe..."

He then leaned in...

And gave Apple a kiss on the cheek. "Maybe this would suffice for now?"

Apple blinked.

Then, he lowered his head and whispered to Aphrodite. "I’m sorry."

"W-Why?" Aphrodite felt his heart race...

"I accidentally read your mind again. I know... That a kiss on the cheek wouldn’t suffice for you."

Aphrodite bit his lower lip. "I... I don’t know... We shouldn’t..."

"Why not? You let Hermes do it right after your first date? If I am him, and he is me... Why shouldn’t I also have the chance to do those things with you? Especially because we both want it?"

Aphrodite’s grip on the candle wick was shaking. Apple saw this, and took it from him, placing it somewhere far from the parchments.

"... I won’t force you if you really don’t want to." He sounded so hurt.

Aphrodite took a deep breath, and eventually said:

"You’re right."

He went to hug Apple from behind. "It’s not fair for you. I gave my heart and body to Hermes, but you were also the same boy I fell for many years ago. It’s both of you, since you were the side of him that would cross the line just for me."

Apple shuddered in his grasp, and it was the first time Aphrodite saw the beast truly vulnerable.

He turned to face him...

Giving him a real, passionate kiss. The one where not just their lips but their whole bodies envelop each other and spark the flames of romance.

And that was how it started, as it always did.