Make a wish.
RICHARD spent the day going through sweaters, electronics, artwork, jewelry, and every other type of traditional items one would give as a gift. None seemed suitable to give a three-hundred-and-fifty-year-old warlock.
He plopped down on a bench outside the latest boutique he’d visited and hung his head. “It’s hopeless,” he mumbled.
“Why such a long face?”
Richard jerked his head up to find Ry staring down at him. He was dressed impeccably in black slacks and a blue tailored shirt that was the exact color of his eyes. “Obviously not for the same reason as you,” he said, nodding toward the numerous bags Ry was holding.
He held up his purchases. “I needed some new clothes. Can I join you?”
Richard gestured toward the other side of the bench. “Suit yourself.”
“That’s what I’ve been doing all morning.” He set the bags down next to his feet.
“Huh?”
“I needed to be fitted for some new suits. I appear to have gained a few pounds lately with all the doughnuts that seem to be around all the time.”
“That surprises me.”
“Me too.” Ry chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong. I love doughnuts and obviously my belly does too.” He patted his stomach.
“I meant that you’d go out to get fitted for a suit. Wouldn’t it be easier to just—” Richard reached up and wiggled his nose.
“Sure, but every time we use”—he pointed to his nose—“it takes energy. Use it too much and we get zapped. It’s like a magic hangover and makes us extremely weak and vulnerable.”
“Vulnerable to what?”
“Those who would want to do us harm. I know you wouldn’t think so in this day and age, but not everyone accepts us.”
Richard nodded. “Actually, in this day and age I think it would be harder. Everyone seems to be judging everyone. Let me ask you something. Did Tikron put himself at risk to save Albert?”
Ry was silent, but Richard could tell he was holding something back from the expression on his face.
“Did he?” Richard prompted.
“He was happy to do it.”
“That’s not what I asked. Did he put himself in harm’s way?” Richard held Ry’s gaze. He wasn’t going to let it go, and Ry must have seen the stubbornness, because after a few ticks of the clock, he nodded.
“We are not allowed to interfere with matters of life and death. While there is a loophole when it comes to animals, Tikron will still have to make his case in front of the elders. A spell like that takes some serious mojo, the kind he can’t hide from them. The good thing that comes out of Tikron extending himself like that, you could totally take advantage of his weakened state. He’d be putty in your hands.”
“I would never do that,” Richard said adamantly.
Ry studied Richard for a moment, then smiled. “You’re good for him. He really cares about you, you know?”
“I care about him too. I don’t want him to get into trouble for me. Is there anything I could say to the elders to help plead his case?”
“Tikron knew the stakes. He often does what he wants. He’ll be fine. Besides, you’re not yet allowed to know who the elders are, but I really do appreciate that you’re willing to do that for him.”
“I’d do anything for him,” Richard said with all sincerity. “Which isn’t a lot. Hell, I can’t even figure out what to get him for his birthday. What does one buy a three-hundred-and-fifty-year-old warlock?”
“Tikron is more of the personal type of gift guy.”
“I don’t understand,” Richard admitted. He’d never bought a gift for anyone as special as Tikron. His parents didn’t celebrate markers of birth with gifts and cake. There had been no Easter Bunny, no Santa, no event in his life in which he was required to buy a gift. He had no experience to draw from. It really was a hopeless situation.
“Give him or make him something. It will mean the world to him.”
Richard thought about it for a second, then huffed out an exhausted breath. “I’m not very artistic. I can’t even draw a straight line without a ruler.”
“You have one thing he wants, and it won’t take a ruler or a single cell of artistic ability. First I have to ask, do you love him?”
“I think so,” Richard admitted.
“What is hold you back from knowing?”
“Well, first I don’t have any expertise with this sort of thing, and while some people may believe in love at first sight, I would hypothesize they don’t understand the difference between being in love and loving someone and being loved in return. I have spent much time considering these feelings I’ve recently been experiencing. I’ve explored my head and heart and have come to the conclusion that people often make decisions based on how they feel, but it is only when one can feel, say, and do with experience behind us that they can truly love someone.”
Ry stared wide-eyed without saying a word for several minutes. The silence stretched on and on until it became thick and uncomfortable. “Have I said something wrong?” Richard asked.
Ry shook his head. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who analyzed the subject of love quite so critically.”
“It’s in my nature to question things,” Richard said defensively. “You asked me if I loved him and I’m telling you I don’t know. I don’t think we’ve shared enough experiences, enough heartache, enough personal reflection or time to truly know whether my feelings for Tikron go beyond surface attraction. How can I be sure I’m not just infatuated? How can I ascertain love from lust? How can I know when, or if, it’s real?” Richard hung his head. “I’m really kind of messed up, aren’t I? I know it’s crazy I can accept magic being real but still question whether love is.”
“Love is the most powerful magic,” Ry said gently. “Let me ask you something. Do you think about him?”
“All the time.”
“Do you miss him when he’s not with you?”
“Yes.”
“Does your breath hitch and your heart skip a beat when you see him?”
“Yes.”
“Can you imagine ever hurting him, taking him for granted, or wanting anyone else but him?”
“No, no, and no. He consumes my thoughts. Hell, I’m ready to change my entire world for him. I want to change it for him.”
Ry smiled a brilliant smile and patted Richard on the back. “Then I have the perfect birthday gift for you to give him. C’mon.” He went to his feet.
“Where are we going?”
“To make this a birthday to remember. All you have to do is take a chance.”
Richard had no clue what Ry was up to, but he followed him. Whatever idea Ry had, it had to be better than sweaters or bath salts. He’d also discovered how pleasurable it could be to take chances when it came to Tikron. At the image of Tikron standing in the shower with water droplets running down his broad chest, Richard knew he’d take any chance when it came to Tikron.