Forever And Always

Santa shifted in his sleep when he heard voices. Someone was talking in whispers next to him. He cracked his eyes open to see his brother was having a conversation with someone. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, the boy got up from the couch and was surprised to see Perth in his house

"Perth is that you? What are you doing here?" Santa felt butterflies in his stomach when Perth turned to face him. Was he dreaming or Perth was actually standing infront of him?

Perth smiled and waved his hand awkwardly "Ah..Hi?"

Santa looked at Pond so his brother spoke to clear his confusion "You were sleep walking near Perth's office. He brought you back here"

"Actually Santa himself walked back here. I followed him just to make sure he didn't fall into trouble" explained Perth looking at Santa

Oh no..not again Santa thought and ducked his head down in shame. Why did he have to meet Perth this way. Why couldn't they meet like normal humans do in a bus, cafe or park. Perth must be thinking I am nothing but weak and troubled guy who always needs help. With some effort Santa raised his head "I am sorry"

Perth frowned at the boy. He didn't miss the regret and shame in those beautiful dark eyes. There was so much dept and sadness in them. Even without knowing Perth could tell Santa had suffered a lot in his life "Please don't apologise. It's not your fault"

"Yeah Ta. It's not your fault. We should be thankful to Perth for looking out for you" said Pond looking at Perth "I really don't know how to repay your kindness "

Perth looked directly at Santa "Actually there is one thing I want"

"Name it" said Pond

Perth's heart was running like an athletic in Olympics. He couldn't wait anymore. He had to do this now. This should be the right time to ask "Ah...if there isn't any problem then...can we go out for a dinner tomorrow night"

"What?" Pond frowned "Dinner?"

"Yes only if Santa agrees. Just one dinner"

Santa was surprised for five seconds...

he was shocked for next ten seconds...

and now he frozen to the spot.

"You didn't answer me?" Perth asked again and Santa blinked back to real world. He glanced at his brother who looked unsure but still gave a short nod. He then spoke in a low and shy voice "Yeah dinner sounds fine"

A broad smile appeared on Perth's face "Perfect. I will pick you up at eight. Goodnight Santa. See you tomorrow"

"Are you okay?" Pond asked as soon as Perth left "You seem zoned out. If you are not comfortable I will tell him to cancel..."

"No!" Santa squeaked biting his lip "I mean it's okay. I can go. I don't mind ...umm... I'll go sleep now"

Pond watched as Santa hurried back to his room and smirked. Something was definitely wrong with his brother.

NEXT DAY AT EIGHT

Perth took Santa to one of the most expensive restaurant in town and ordered the specials of the day along with red wine. Santa was overwhelmed by the gesture. He had never got a chance to go in fancy restaurant after his parents death. The place where the cost of coffee was equal to the cost of his daily bus ride to the library.

Perth was looking stunning in his black suit. Santa thought even standing a mile away, anyone would be able to detect the aroma of his high priced cologne. He felt little dizzy as the smell reached his nostrils

Perth stared at the boy who seated opposite of him. Santa wore grey button down Tshirt with black jeans and a watch on his wrist. This was one of the many things that the designer loved about Santa. He was simple and down to earth. He could tell Santa was nervous or going to have nervous breakdown because he was repeating four things from the moment they sat on their table...

made eye contact with Perth...

give a small smile...

blush crimson...

turn away to look at his surroundings...

Perth found it so cute and wanted to look at the boy forever but he started a conversation to ease some of his tension "Do you get paid?"

Santa blinked slowly and asked "Paid?"

"For blushing" said Perth leaning a little "You should totally charge people if they want to see you blush. It's beautiful... you're beautiful"

Santa laughed lightly as his cheeks turned a darker shade of red. He figeted with the table napkin. Perth hovered his hand over Santa's and looked at him, silently asking if this was okay. When he got a small nod from the boy he placed his hand over his "Don't be so nervous. It's just a dinner"

Santa nodded and took a deep breath to calm himself down "It's too expensive and I don't have enough..." he drawled off "I am sorry. This was not you expected right?"

Perth squeezed Santa's hand "You don't have to worry about that. I am paying. Remember I brought you here" he saw a hurt look on Santa's face "Hey...I am not trying to show my money...I did all this for you Santa...I wanted it be special for you...I want you to enjoy this evening so we can meet again"

Santa nodded "I am sorry...maybe I am overreacting"

"I apologise. I should have asked you if you were comfortable with this"

"No I am sorry"

"Santa I am sorry"

They stared at each other and then burst into laughter. A minute later waiter came with their order. Santa's stomach growled at the mouth watering dishes "Wow. It's been a while since I ate this"

Perth raised his eyebrows in question and Santa regretted the words came out of his mouth "I..I mean it looks great"

Perth smiled lovingly "I am glad you liked it. I was afraid you wouldn't like my choice"

Santa waved his hand towards the food on the table "Are you kidding? This looks delicious"

"Hmm...just like they say...a way to man's heart is through food"

"Are you trying to impress me with food?"

"Is it working?"

Santa smiled. His mind was doing a belle dance and he tried hard not to show but the blush was being so stubborn that it never left his face "Yea...Yeah I am enjoying myself"

"Feeling is mutual"

The two ate dinner and talked about their likes and dislikes. Santa was having the best night of his life and never wanted it to end. After dinner was over both were walking down the street with Perth enjoying the cool breeze and Santa's company beside him. He didn't miss how every few seconds Santa would look at him and turn his head away blushing.

Oh Good Lord..he's going to ruin me with his blush

"My apartment is not far away from here. A coffee?" asked Perth as he opened the door of his car for Santa. He saw the boy hesitated for a moment but then a shy smile appeared on his face "Sure"

There was a reason Santa agreed to Perth's offer. He really liked Perth. A lot actually. He was sweet and caring. He cared about him and Santa could tell the guy also seemed to be interested in him. But before they could continue or even start a relationship, Perth had to know about his past. He had to know about his parents...about Meen. After coffee it will be decided whether Perth wanted to continue or this will be the last time he ever sees him again.

IT'S KINDA SHORT BUT I HOPE WORTH THE READ? PLEASE VOTE AND DO LEAVE COMMENTS 😊