#scripted: peter

the masquerade took peter’s breath away. though the gowns weren’t as grand as those he thought up in his head, it all made do in playing into the fantasies he indulged in when he daydreamt. he wanted to lose himself in the feeling of walking into a dream, a pleasant smile on his lips. too dazed to realise, his shoulder bumped into someone and his hands were quick to hold them steady in case it was necessary. “my apologies,” he said quickly, hands lingering. though they wore a mask, he could still tell they were handsome beneath. he could feel his heart pick up as the feeling of the event washed over him and he took a chance. “i was actually wondering if you would dance with me? surely you can spare just one? if you would rather dance away from the others, there is a beautiful study to the side here.”

peter’s hand quickly pressed down on the wound, thinking he can somehow hide it though it was already spotted. “what? i’m not hiding anything,” he lied, but clearly winced. “i’m fine. this is nothing, really. i just need to get cleaned up and get some sleep is all. i’ll be good as new like nothing ever happened,” he said, trying to make light of this all. but, he was obviously failing at hiding the blood that was no seeping through his fingers and the pain that flashed across his face on occasion.

“do you think, if i died here, i would end up a ghost like you?” peter asked, leafing idly through the pages of the book he was too distracted from to actually read. “i think that would actually be the best outcome of this all. being a ghost, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. you’re free to explore every idea you’ve ever had, to absorb all thoughts written down for someone to read. i could give all those poor, unrecognised souls an eternal life in me,” he continued, a wistful sigh escaping his as he leaned back. “is that how you look at it, or am i just spewing nonsense? you’re beyond lucky, kieran – eternally youthful, unburdened by useless mortal needs, and able to pursue more than one can do in their entire lifetime. i would suffer a tragic death just to have what you do.”

while peter knew he could turn on the lights, there was something far more stimulating about writing and reading by candlelight. he was listening to the rain pick up outside, pattering against the large windows of the library. he was pretty sure he was the only one present in the library this late – something he preferred and was quite used to. however, an unfamiliar creak pulled him out of his notebook – something else he preferred over a more modern implement like a typewriter. as he looked in the direction of the sound, he saw nothing. his brows furrowed, a gentle ‘hello?’ leaving him. he pursed his lips. “if someone’s here, there’s no need to be so far. you can come sit with me – i wouldn’t mind the company. i’ve tea i can share,” he tempted, wondering if he was simply talking to no one at all.

the dewy grass was dampening peter’s pant legs, but he didn’t mind – he had cheese, crackers, and wine keeping him company as he enjoyed his little midnight picnic. it was something one of his characters did with their romantic interest, so he wanted to experience it for himself. he noticed someone nearby and motioned them closer. “come, join me. there’s plenty to go around and i really shouldn’t allow myself to become full all alone,” he offered, not wanting to take ‘no’ for an answer. “no one has any pressing meetings this late, so you can’t convince me that you do. s'il vous plaît. you can even sit on the blanket here to protect your precious bottom.”