Closer

In the enchanting realm of vulnerability, where an essence of purity resides, young Theo Davis epitomises solely through his gaze. Like shimmering pools of untainted wisdom, Theo's eyes hold the secret of a child unburdened by the complexities of life.

"Stay," oblivious to the tempest brewing within Lorenzo's mind, Theo extends an invitation, brimming with hope. "We don't mind. Come here, join us!"

It's a calm of flames— Lorenzo can feel the caress of its warmth on his very own bare skin, the fire flakes unsympathetic to say the least. Lorenzo does not want to sew his eyes with his misery… yet he cannot tear away either; Transcending the ordinary, Theo emerges as an embodiment of boundless wonder, his countenance a pristine portrait untarnished by the harsh brush strokes of adulthood. His smile, a radiant semi-sphere of untouched innocence speaks volumes without uttering a word, bewitching all those who dare to swim into its depths.

No harbinger of turmoil or turmoil himself, Theo remains blissfully unaware of the labyrinthine thoughts that torment Lorenzo's being.

"What the hell is this 'fainting boy' getting at?" A fire ignited, fueled by years of dancing to the beats of his own drums, who the hell is this boy to dictate Lorenzo's actions all of a sudden now? And what makes the 'fainting boy' think he can make 'The Lorenzo Andros' listen to someone who is not himself?

"Thanks. But no thanks," In a dramatic turn of events, the ravenette pivots on the balls of his heels, a move practised and perfected over a span of pulling years. Deep down, a pollinated question gnaws at his soul: why does Lorenzo, even if faintly, even if vaguely, to a negligible extent want to once again surrender his autonomy to another? The mere thought of the "fainting boy" exerting control over him sends a surge of determination coursing through his veins? What is this weird feeling?

"Please… stay," Theo murmurs, voice filled with an undeniable desperation that resonates deep within Lorenzo's soul. A flicker of weakness precedes the ravenette resolve born of a steel boulder, betraying its own owner. Lorenzo's obstinacy crumbles like a house of cards in the face of Theo's plea. It is remarkable how such small words— so innocuous, on their own -- could possess the power to wield an unexpected and profound impact, similar to the elusive grace of a Black Swan ballet. Lorenzo's two most favourites were the ones he loathed the most… 'sorry' and 'please'.

"No, Lorenzo, no! Don't succumb. You just can't!!" Lorenzo's heart pounds against his chest asking to be laid bare again and not confined like it has been for what now feels like forever, not kept a hostage, against the torrent of emotions threatening to engulf him. Lorenzo's fists clutches his resolve at both his sides, forged from a steely firmament rooted in years of discipline and self control.

The ravenette wills himself to ignore the plea, to walk away with an air of indifference, as if he doesn't have a care in the world. Lorenzo turns to retreat, seeking solace in escape, tranquillity in chaos, until… a single word echoes through, piercing the fortress around his heart.

"Please?"

The world stands still. With a shuddering breath, Lorenzo let go of his fists, draws the eyelids at the bottom, trading the gestus with Zoey instead. The ravenette turns back towards Theo. Their eyes cuff in vulnerability and longing, both are searching for something… someone… somewhere… someday…

"Okay," Lorenzo whispers, shoulders hunched, "I will stay. Because YOU are asking me to."

"Really?" His face beaming with joy, Theo cannot fathom the illness unfurling inside the seemingly indecipherable man before them. Theo strides with purpose towards that elder man, and gently claims Lorenzo's wrist, leading them towards the parapet.

"Come with me. You won't regret it!"

From a distance, only Zoey's ragged uneven sighs can be heard… of course he is not liking what he is seeing, but alas! What can he do?

"Look," Theo points a finger at particularly nowhere, "Isn't the view so beautiful? What did I tell you?"

"Indeed," Lorenzo murmurs under breath, voice sounding so poisonous, his dusk rimmed lips matching with the sky trembling in a ferocious intensity. His hands deliberately slithers, possessing a mind of their own, crawling on Theo's neck and reposing at Theo's feeble collars. "So darn beautiful that it gets on my nerves!" With a sudden jerk, Theo is yanked right on Lorenzo's chiselled bosom.

Zoey springs into action, unable to just sit by and watch, launching himself off the edge, "Hey!! What the hell do you think you are doing?" Zoey demands, "Leave Theo!! Now!"

Theo's and Lorenzo's portals to the enigmas remain undetected. Their contradictory pair of four eyes look through each other— yes Lorenzo's stare is venomous, his psyche ferocious. Tears welling up in Lorenzo's ruddy corners of his eyes far surpasses the ravenette's fearsome exterior, Theo can see it all too well.

"Don't ever dare to even try to be close to me! Remember!" With a final warning, Lorenzo spits and eliminates himself from the scene…

What exactly did he do wrong? Theo can't understand. Is the world usually this much rude? Theo keeps watching. . .

***

With numb footsteps, he stands silhouetted against the huge rim of glass doors.

"May I come in, sir?"

***

A/N: We're extremely sorry to our readers for making you all wait longer than promised. Some unavoidable stuff came up right after our exams. But this time we will try our best to not let you guys down. Thank you for your support <3