Happy Together

Perhaps

“Want to step out for some air?” she asked.

Alistair nodded, grateful for the chance to catch a quiet moment. They slipped out onto the balcony, where the warm tropical breeze carried the faint hum of the bustling street below.

The two leaned against the railing, the glow of string lights above casting a soft light over them.

“You know,” Victoria said after a moment, “I wasn’t sure what to expect when you asked me to come tonight.”

“Was it a bad idea?” Alistair asked, his voice steady but tentative.

She shook her head, her hazel eyes meeting his. “Not at all. It was... really sweet. I’m glad you asked.”

They stood there for a while, the quiet between them comfortable and easy. The noise of the restaurant faded, and for the first time that night, Alistair felt the nerves slip away completely.

“Happy birthday, Alistair,” Victoria said softly, her voice almost lost in the breeze.

“Thanks, Victoria.” He smiled, his heart lighter than it had been in years.

As they returned to the table, Alistair couldn’t help but feel like something had shifted. It was just a small moment, but in it, the beginnings of something new had taken root.

As the night went on, the group’s energy ebbed into a relaxed hum. Alistair’s friends had taken to sharing stories about him—some lighthearted and others heartfelt—and Victoria listened intently, occasionally chiming in with questions or teasing remarks that made Alistair’s ears burn.

After the plates were cleared and the last of the cake was eaten, the group began to say their goodbyes. His friends lingered at the door, patting Alistair on the back and thanking him for the evening before disappearing into the warm night air.

That left just Alistair and Victoria.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me now,” Victoria said, smirking as she pushed in her chair.

“I could think of worse company,” Alistair replied, his tone lighter than usual.

They stepped outside together, the silence of the street a contrast to the earlier bustle of the mall and the chatter at the table. A nearby fountain sparkled under the string lights, its gentle sound blending with the rustle of palm trees swaying in the breeze.

“Thanks for tonight,” Victoria said as they strolled toward the fountain. “I don’t get invited to things like this very often. It was nice.”

“You seemed like you were having a good time,” Alistair said. “My friends loved you, by the way. I think Jake even said he’s switching coffee shops now.”

She laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ll believe it when I see him in my line. But your friends are great. They clearly care about you a lot.”

“They’re good people,” Alistair said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “But... tonight, I was kind of hoping to get to know you a little better.”

Victoria stopped walking and turned to him, her expression thoughtful. “Is that why you invited me? To get to know me?”

Alistair hesitated, searching for the right words. “Partly. I mean, I’ve been coming to the coffee shop for months now, and I see you every day. You’re always so... vibrant. It’s hard not to notice.”

She tilted her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I’ve noticed you too, you know. You’re quiet, but there’s something about you that feels... steady. I like that.”

He felt a warmth rise in his chest, her words catching him off guard. “You do?”

“Yeah,” she said, her smile widening. “I do.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the air between them charged but not uncomfortable. Finally, Victoria broke the silence.

“You know,” she said, glancing at the fountain, “there’s this place near the boardwalk I’ve been wanting to check out. A food truck with these amazing desserts. Maybe we could go sometime?”

Alistair blinked, caught off guard again but pleasantly so. “You mean, like... together?”

“Yeah,” she said, her tone playful. “Unless you’d rather invite Jake.”

He laughed, the tension in his shoulders melting away. “No, I think I’d like that. When are you free?”

“How about tomorrow?” she asked, her eyes twinkling.

“Tomorrow it is,” Alistair said, feeling a new kind of anticipation bubble up inside him.

As they said their goodbyes that night, Alistair walked home with a lighter step and a smile he couldn’t quite shake. What had started as a simple birthday dinner had turned into something more—a chance to move forward, to let someone in.

And for the first time in a long while, he felt like he wasn’t just watching life from the sidelines. He was stepping into it.

Alistair walked home that night, a genuine smile lingering on his face. The streets were quiet, the soft hum of the city fading into the background as his thoughts drifted to Victoria. For the first time in years, he felt like maybe—just maybe—he could let someone in.

But halfway down the shadowy sidewalk, a familiar chill crept up his spine. His steps faltered, and his hand instinctively brushed against the cold brick of a nearby building.

And then, he heard it.

You’re feeling brave, a voice drawled, smooth and mocking, echoing in his mind like a dark melody.

Alistair froze, his breath catching in his throat. “Not now, Lucius,” he muttered under his breath, his tone strained.

Oh, come on, the voice purred. It’s our birthday. Where’s my present?

Alistair’s jaw clenched, his knuckles white as he gripped the strap of his bag. “Leave me alone,” he hissed, his voice low and urgent.

But Lucius didn’t leave. He never did.

You’re really enjoying this little fantasy, aren’t you? Lucius continued his tone taunting. The girl. The dinner. The hope that you’re somehow normal. He laughed, sharp and cruel. It’s adorable.

“I am normal,” Alistair whispered, his voice trembling as he resumed walking, quicker now, as if he could outrun the voice.

Lucius’s laughter followed him, cruel and unrelenting. Sure you are. And I’m just a bad dream.

Alistair clenched his teeth, his nails digging into his palms. “I’m in control,” he whispered, as much to himself as to Lucius. “You don’t get to ruin this.”

Lucius’s voice turned cold, venomous. Oh, Alistair. Don’t forget who keeps you alive. Who protects you? Do you think you can have a life with her? Build something real? He sneered. She’ll see the monster inside you soon enough. You can’t hide me forever.

Alistair stopped dead in his tracks, his chest heaving as he fought to keep the panic at bay. He pressed his hands to his temples, closing his eyes tightly. “You’re not real,” he muttered. “You’re not real.”

But when he opened his eyes, the world around him seemed to tilt, the edges of reality blurring. A dark, twisted version of himself stood just a few feet away, leaning casually against a street lamp.

Not real? Lucius said, smirking. Then why am I always here?

Alistair stumbled back, shaking his head. “I won’t let you hurt her,” he said, his voice shaky but firm.

Lucius’s smirk widened. Hurt her? Oh, no, no. I wouldn’t dream of it. But if you’re not careful, Alistair, she’ll hurt us. He stepped closer, his tone dropping to a menacing whisper. And you know what happens when people hurt us.

Alistair felt his stomach churn, a cold sweat breaking out across his skin. “No,” he said, more to himself than to Lucius. “Not this time. You’re not taking over.”

Lucius tilted his head, feigning innocence. We’ll see, he said, his form dissolving into the shadows. After all, it’s still our birthday. And I always get what I want.

Alistair staggered forward, forcing his legs to move despite the crushing weight in his chest. By the time he reached his apartment, his hands were trembling, and his head throbbed with the effort of keeping Lucius at bay.

He collapsed onto the couch, his breath ragged as he stared at the ceiling. The fleeting happiness he’d felt earlier had been smothered, replaced by the familiar dread of knowing Lucius was still there, lurking, waiting for the next moment of weakness.

For now, he was still in control.

But for how long?