EVEREST
Everest steps back into the bar beside Isla, hand still lightly laced with hers, and the shift in atmosphere is instant. The noise. The bass. The kaleidoscope swirl of movement and sound. It isn’t overwhelming, not exactly—not anymore—but it is a lot.
His gaze flicks toward the bar automatically, calibrating the space. It lands on Mateo. Mateo, who is mostly shirtless. Mateo, whose neck is currently being licked by a tall stranger. Mateo, who is now being kissed while people cheer and whistle and toss things that might be edible but definitely shouldn’t be airborne.
Ever’s expression flattens. His head tilts. And after a moment’s quiet analysis, he gives it a small but definitive shake. No.
"Mmmm, no," he murmurs to Isla, voice dry. His fingers squeeze hers gently. "I’d rather sit with you." He nods toward the table she’d pointed out. "Though if I can choose a seat with a clear view of the bar, I monitor his intake and reaction time from there. But..." he glances at her again, softer this time, "you’re the company I want." And the company he was better suited for, let's be honest.
His gaze flicks toward the bar automatically, calibrating the space. It lands on Mateo. Mateo, who is mostly shirtless. Mateo, whose neck is currently being licked by a tall stranger. Mateo, who is now being kissed while people cheer and whistle and toss things that might be edible but definitely shouldn’t be airborne.
Ever’s expression flattens. His head tilts. And after a moment’s quiet analysis, he gives it a small but definitive shake. No.
"Mmmm, no," he murmurs to Isla, voice dry. His fingers squeeze hers gently. "I’d rather sit with you." He nods toward the table she’d pointed out. "Though if I can choose a seat with a clear view of the bar, I monitor his intake and reaction time from there. But..." he glances at her again, softer this time, "you’re the company I want." And the company he was better suited for, let's be honest.
the boards will still creak
the leaves will still die
the leaves will still die
