Scourged Vein

“Put it away. Eyes on whoever’s talking, and if he speaks to you, don’t say more than you have to.”

As Theo’s family members sat down around the table, his mother’s whisper reached his ear under their lively voices.

Though being told to put his phone away like an unruly child wasn’t exactly pleasant, Audrey only spoke out of love and concern. He knew that.

“Theodore.” A man’s voice boomed over the others, quieting the whole room. His hair was slick and short. A deep brown that could easily be mistaken for black if you never got close enough to check. Just like Theo.

Beads of sweat gathered on his skin.

“Why don’t you sit next to me?” He spoke again, a thin smile on his lips. It never quite reached his eyes, but their grandparents and aunts were none the wiser. It was no use saying no to the hulking shape that was his brother. Silas.

“Sure…”

Satisfied, his gaze finally left Theo once he sat down

The others were speaking amongst themselves again as they shared the food bowls.

Even though his mother was sitting next to him and he only had to gather food for his plate, there was an uncomfortable stuffiness in the air that he needed to contend with.

“So, Theodore, now that Silas hasn’t brought a new girlfriend to our reunion for once, isn’t it finally your turn?” One of Theo’s aunts raised her glass, her eyes intently on him.

A shiver ran down Theo’s spine. But before he could respond, Silas cut him off.

“Hey, now. You didn’t have to bring that up. And there’s no need to rush him; it’ll come eventually.”

What Theo would normally have considered a nice gesture couldn’t be further from it. He had known Silas his entire life. This was his older brother, after all. There was no reason to distract them from the question other than to get far away from what Silas considered an ‘uncomfortable’ sexual orientation. Wouldn’t want to risk Theo bringing it up.

It took their aunt a second to conjure up her words. That didn’t sit well with her. Talking for others wasn’t exactly something you’d put past him, though.

“Ah, I suppose you’re right. Putting your career first is a very valid choice too.”

Theo’s knife was slipping from between his fingers. He clutched it with a shaky grip, turning his attention to the candle standing straight ahead on the table when Silas’s gaze returned to him.

“A very good point. How’s that going, by the way? Still working at that little gas station?”

Oh, how Theo wished he could give him some snarky comeback. But every part of him was fighting against it. Why was it so damn hard?

“Of course. It’s a nice, quiet place.”

“Uh-huh. Right. Must get pretty lonely out there. I still wonder why you chose to work so far from the city.”

“Devin, he—”

“Actually… I don’t really care.”

Everyone else had gone silent again. Theo’s mother shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

“Silas… Pass the salad bowl, please.”

He squinted at her, but eventually obliged. Theo was getting tired of Audrey’s few light attempts to deal with his brother. When was she going to decide to actually parent him? It was frustrating, yet he couldn’t help but blame himself too. It shouldn’t be that hard to stand up for yourself, even just a little bit. Right?

As dinner continued, some small talk started cropping up here and there. Theo kept debating over and over in his head whether staying at the table was worth it anymore. He needed air.

At the same time, drawing attention to himself by getting up was the last thing he wanted. So, he’d have to survive another grueling hour at the very least.

Salvation.

“It’ll take a bit to get the dessert ready, so why don’t we take a break?” Audrey smiled as she got up from her chair.

Everyone followed suit, spreading out into the living room. Theo’s grandparents sat down by the television; one of his aunts went out for some fresh air; and his mother headed to the kitchen. Silas was still sitting down across from Theo’s other aunt, but neither of them said a word.

Theo couldn’t stay there any longer. He was headed in the exact opposite direction of the others; the basement.

So unfamiliar. Yet, its structure still brought him some nostalgia. Though his former bedroom was only used for storage purposes now, he couldn’t forget everything that had happened here.

All the ways Silas wanted to prove he knew better. The guys Theo only brought here to quell the way his family made him feel. And the eventual consequences of that.

“Reminiscing? I can only hope you remember the useful things I taught you.”

The arrogant voice brought Theo back to reality.

“I… No… I don’t remember much.”

Theo tried his best to ease the tension Silas was purposefully creating.

“Oh, please. Stop acting so damn coy. It’s sickening.”

“This is ridiculous…”

Silas lit up.

“What’s ridiculous is the absolute state you’re in.”

Theo took a step away from him. He was just trying to get a favorable reaction out of him now.

“I understand that you’re worried, but I’m fine.” He was trembling slightly.

Silas furrowed his brows, clearly not satisfied.

“You fu—”

“Boys. Dessert’s ready.” Audrey appeared from the hole leading into the basement. Though she addressed both, her glare remained locked on Silas.

“Okay. Thank you.” There was no joy behind those words.

With a sigh, he pushed past her and disappeared up the stairs.

Now that it was just Theo and his mother, the silence hung even heavier. There was no tension, just… A hollow feeling.

“I’m sure what you made is tasty, but… I think I’m going to go.”

“You know what they’re going to think.”

“Yes. So, can I leave?”

“Of course. Want to leave through here instead of the front door? I’ll get your jacket for you.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll say goodbye.”

Her mouth was stretched in a thin line. She wanted to interject but didn’t.

“Alright.”

As they returned to the living room, the voices of her guests grew louder. Two of them stood out among the others. They came from Theo’s grandfather and Silas.

It became more clear what they were discussing the closer Audrey and Theo got, and unsurprisingly, they were as usual agreeing on some tired old opinions every other family member had probably gotten sick of by now. Their need to show off what great and correct men they were was apparently evergreen. It always included some outdated traits and stereotypes.

“Sorry everyone, but I have to get going. It’s been fun, though.”

Silas’s cold eyes landed on him. Surprisingly, he didn’t throw in a stray comment this time.

The others, however, all gave their polite goodbyes as Theo left for the main entrance. He grabbed his jacket off the coat rack and headed outside.

There was no doubt they’d be expressing uncalled-for opinions of him with each other afterward, but he’d much rather let that play out than stay there.

Briar was waiting patiently for his owner, after all. At least, as much as a cat could.

The sun shone through the store’s low front windows, its glaring strays going right for Theo’s eyes.

He stood silently behind the store’s counter, unbothered.

That meant his shift was almost over.

“You’ve been moping all day, Theo. What’s going on?”

A man with auburn hair stepped out from the doorway leading to the storage area. He carried a box of food products in his arms.

“Just family stuff. Dinner went as well as you would expect. I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about it by now.” Theo leaned on his elbows, struggling to hold his head up.

His good friend and coworker Devin slipped past him, heading for the shelves stocked with snacks, drinks, and everyday necessities.

“I would say yes, but I kind of enjoy seeing the irritated side of you. That doesn’t happen nearly enough.”

Theo chuckled. His eyes darted to the door as a bell noise rang above it. Their new customer pushed it open with haste and went right in Devin’s direction.

The man said nothing as he yanked a bag off the shelf he stood in front of. Devin took a step back in surprise, making eye contact with Theo at that moment.

He had many times before described exactly how he felt in those scenarios to Theo. He saw everything he needed in that look.

Coming up to the counter, the guy glared at him as he slammed a few coins down on the wooden surface.

Theo placed them in the cash register, giving him a barely noticeable smile.

“Thank you. Need anything else?”

“Does it fucking look like I do?”

Devin squinted, his gaze directed solely at Theo. But he didn’t know what to do. What it meant.

“Uh, no, sorry.”

With a huff, he turned around and left the two in silence.

“Well, if that wasn’t some unnecessary aggression,”

Perhaps as a form of coping mechanism; all Theo did was laugh nervously.

He looked out the front door. A pair of backlit but familiar dark shapes came into view.

“We’re done for today.”

Following Theo’s gaze, Devin let out a relieved sigh.

“Great.” He passed the counter and slipped into the back area.

As the bell rang once again, a man and a woman entered the store.

“Hi, guys.”

But, right as the two made it to the table, they walked past him without a word. The man only spared him one glance, but the woman at least waved in his direction.

Theo never really could figure those two out. And considering they didn’t bother with him, that probably wasn’t going to happen any time soon.

They disappeared into the back.

After getting a moment to gather himself, Theo followed in after them. It was finally time to head home; to the city.

A golden glow traced the edge of Theo’s car as it stood by itself in the parking lot. An asphalted area surrounded by trees of mostly the pine variety.

He took in the air around him, which carried a mix of fresh gasoline and a hint of warm, baked goods coming from the store he just left.

“Want to go to the bar?” Devin’s voice came from behind him.

It would be nice to wind down with him.

“Oh, absolutely. I could use that. I gotta stop by at home to feed Briar, though.”

“I’ll come with.”

Devin opened the door of Theo’s car and got into the passenger seat.

As Theo joined his friend and started it up, he gave him a smug side glance.

“One of these days I’m going to be passed for some reason when we have to drive, and you’ll wish you had a driver’s license.”

“Hah. I’ll manage the embarrassment of dragging you into a bus. Thank you very much.”

“Will you?”

Though Theo joked, there was a certain sincerity to his tone that made Devin scrunch up his nose.

“…I miss Briar.”

It was better to leave this alone.

Once inside Theo’s apartment, it didn’t take long before a little black shape came to the door. Gleaming, yellow eyes stared up at them. The sight made Devin’s face instantly light up.

“It’s been too long, friend.”

Briar brushed its slender body against his leg. As he bent down to pet him, Briar purred in satisfaction.

“He’s kind of making me want to visit the zoo again. It’s been a while.”

Theo slid past him through the tiny entrance hall.

“You’ll make him envious of all your new stories of bigger cats.”

An open kitchen stood by the end of the living room the hall led to. Quite the compact place.

A soft hum came from the refrigerator in the background, mixing with the occasional city sounds filtering through the windows.

“There’s no one bigger than you, Briar.” When he tilted his face closer, the purring animal actually rubbed its cheek against his.

There was no sight greater than that.

“You guys are too cute. It’s almost annoying.”

Devin looked up at him with a wide grin.

“Speaking of envy.”

A pout.

“I’ll get him some food, then we’ll go.”

The local bar had a cozy yet grungy nightlife feel. The air was a mix of spilled beer, worn leather, and a faint trace of cigarette smoke. Dim, colorful lights cast a warm glow over them.

“I’ll get us some beer.” As Theo pulled his wallet out, Devin gave him a quick nod.

He then headed off to the bar counter.

Mismatched chairs and barstools surrounded him. The wooden bar top, though slightly sticky in places, felt familiar and well-used.

Once Theo had given his order and the bartender was turned around, getting it ready, he observed the other patrons standing near him. A bit further back stood someone you’d have to try hard to look away from.

Short and styled, brown hair. Black shirt, with its sleeves rolled up, practically hugging his body.

Not bad.

“Theo.”

He froze as a whisper came from behind. The man snatched up both glasses and leaned closer, squinting his eyes.

“What were you staring at?”

“Ah, Devin. I was… Thinking about you.”

Devin’s expression didn’t change.

“Right… sure you were.”

“Can’t get anything past you… Just a not-so-bad-looking guy, that’s all.”

“You could shorten that to hot, you know.”

Satisfied, Devin stepped back, clutching the glasses.

“Anyway, should I start getting the wedding invitations ready?”

Despite himself, Theo couldn’t help but smile. He had to counteract it by slapping Devin’s shoulder.

“Ow.”

“Deserved. As usual.”

Their tones were light, devoid of any actual ill-will.

They soon made it back to the table.

The moment they reached it, though, Devin put his phone to his ear with haste. His expression turned sour.

“Yeah? Ah. I’m sorry. Of course. I’ll be right there.”

Theo tapped the glass, uncomfortably glancing off to the side.

“Absolutely.”

Putting it back, he eased his drink toward Theo.

“Uh, so… lucky you. You get an extra glass.”

“It’s okay.”

“I don’t think I can go into detail. But it seems like a bit of a personal crisis. I’m gonna have to go be emotional support.”

“I get it. You’re a good friend.”

A pause.

“Don’t forget yourself, Theo.”

He caught a glimpse of a figure sliding by the edge of his peripheral vision.

When the person’s movements suddenly ceased, intrigue drew his eyes to them. It was him. Standing under the orange glow of the lamp directly above him was the man Theo spotted earlier.

Such sharp and distinct features. He looked even more angelic up close. Or maybe the alcohol was starting to take effect. He had been drinking and sipping on the beer for a while.

His gaze shifted between the glasses and Theo, who probably wasn’t looking too good standing alone with them.

“Hello there.”

God? Is that you?

“I don’t suppose I could have a taste of that untouched beer?”

Or the more likely option, Satan, considering the things that voice made Theo feel. Was it even possible for a man to have such a deep but silky one? You’d think it’d at least be a little coarse at that pitch.

“Interesting move… But I guess buying me one wouldn’t make much sense. Yeah, you can have it if you want…” As Theo kept sipping his beer, the man leaned on the table in front of him, picking up what he had so graciously been offered.

He was speaking. Theo understood that much. Words were coming out of his mouth.

But… he wasn’t paying a single bit of attention. All he heard was a tone so sweet, it sounded like a lullaby. That wasn’t exactly helping him focus. The glass was getting emptier and emptier.

His eyes glazed over, settling on a minute splotch of black peeking out from under his rolled-up sleeve. A tattoo?

He noticed the man’s arm move forward, urging him on.

“You can look.”

Theo reached for the black fabric and gently pushed it up with his fingers, revealing more inked lines etched into his skin and up along his bicep.

“Feathers?”

“It’s a bird, yeah.”

“Ah, cool…” Theo absentmindedly played with the rim of the other man’s sleeve with his thumb.

“Just the head of one. But you’d have to get me out of my shirt to see that.”

“Hah… Right. Wait, huh?”

His momentary trance evaporated in an instant. He retracted his arm, finding it awfully hard to look him in the eyes all of a sudden. He had been too lulled in by the guy’s voice and the little buzz the beer was giving him.

“Uh, hold on…” Damn did he wish more than ever that he was capable of dealing with this kind of situation in a level-headed manner.

At the very least, his companion looked to be somewhat amused.

Theo wasn’t sure whether that was the reaction he wanted people to have, but at least he wasn’t thrown off.

“Cute…”

“I-I’m not …”

“I’ll need that number of yours.”

His smile stretched even further when Theo tensed up. Did he enjoy messing with someone so easily flustered?

“I’ll… need a name first.”

“Marco.”

Watchful eyes studied every little movement Theo made, as he dipped his hand in his pocket and brought out his phone. After creating a new contact, he handed it over to him.

“I’m impressed. Or… surprised. Giving your phone to a stranger requires some courage.”

Oh, that felt weirdly good.

“I try to believe the best in others… when I can.” A certain brother came to mind.

“Admirable.”

His eyes narrowed inquisitively on Theo before he turned his attention back to the screen glaring up at him.

After typing the numbers in, he gave Theo his phone back. Slowly. It took a minute before only Theo’s hand was on it.

“I’ll contact you later.”

Theo slid it back into his pocket and stepped away from the table. As much as he appreciated the initiative Marco had taken, exhaustion was starting to creep in. He needed time to calm down by himself.

“I’ll be waiting. Theo.”

“How …”

“At the top of the contact list.”

“Mhm, of course.” He watched Marco as the distance between them increased. A soft smile spread on his lips and remained until the man was completely out of sight.

As Theo pushed the door open, he was met with a rush of cold air. The quiet outside was like a wake-up call, bringing him back to reality. What kind of spell had he been under in there?

At the same time, all this street did was remind him of what he was going back to.

The only thing he could think to do was pull that electronic device right back out. And to be fair, that temptation was already far greater than his need for peace and calm.

Just a few quick messages, that would be all.