#tag 18

Michael shot him a look.

“I needed a gym buddy,” he grit out between laboured breathing. “You’re my best friend.”

“No, that’s Gavin.”

“No, he’s my boi. That’s different.” Michael pulled on the handle once more, before letting go with a grunt. Ray tossed him his towel. As Michael wiped off his face, he added, “Besides, can you imagine Gavin in here?”

Ray glanced around again and grimaced. It was all too easy to imagine the chaos: loud complaints turning into curiosity as Gavin poked around the machines, probably breaking a few along the way. Inane questions and dares, followed by stirring up the meatheads in pure boredom, ending in a building-wide brawl and a lifetime ban from the gym.

Compared to Ray’s token protest? He’d pick himself, too. Still.

“You could’ve asked Ryan instead,” Ray grumbled, handing Michael the water bottle next. “He’d probably enjoy this.”

“Civilian identity,” Michael pointed out, sounding all too reasonable. He rolled his eyes. “You know how he gets.”

Ray had to give that point to him, too. Damn.

“For the record, I said no,” Ray stated to the room as he sat down on the edge of one of the machines, absolutely not sulking.

“Noted.” Michael sounded amused. “Just play on your DS or something. I still got one more set before I can switch over to the pec deck.”

Ray had no idea what that meant, so he flipped Michael off and followed his advice. His DS was a decent distraction while Michael went through whatever training plan he’d pulled out of his ass. He only resurfaced when the door opened, head jerking up in reflex at the sudden noise.

A bald man entered the room, giving him and Michael a nod before wandering over to one of the machines. He was short, Ray’s height at most. What he lacked in height he made up with muscles, though, his biceps bulging as he pulled at one of the training machines. Ray caught himself staring at the play of muscle and tore his eyes away, trying to focus on his game instead.

He kept sneaking glances, though, watching the man work out. He was fucking ripped- dressed in loose baggy pants and a tight tank top that flattered his arms. Ray was incredibly glad his own hoodie was a size to large, hiding his stick and bones physique as well as the bit of belly he’d gained from one too many mountain dews. Huddled over his DS, Ray must seem like the epitome of a nerd.

Keeping his head studiously bent over his DS, he glanced over, eyes trailing the sweat dripping down the man’s thick neck. He wanted to lick it off.

“Alright, I’m done.” Michael’s voice ripped Ray out of his thoughts.

“Huh?” Ray looked up, startled. Michael shot him a bemused look. His towel was slung over his shoulder, and he was in the process of screwing the cap onto his bottle.

“We can go now.”

“Oh.” Ray blinked. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed and the room had no clock on the wall. He shot a furtive look the other occupant’s way, who had moved on to the pull-up bars. “Uh… Don’t you need to shower or something?”

“Yeah, which means going back to the locker room.” Michael’s eyebrow was climbing, and he followed Ray’s gaze. “Ah. Unless you wanted to wait here.”

Ray felt his cheeks flush hotly. He quickly tore his eyes away.

“You know me,” he mumbled, ducking his head. “I don’t do well with crowds.”

“Less people here,” Michael drawled, looking like he wanted to call Ray out on his bullshit. He glanced back at the other man in the room with them, before shooting Ray a smirk. “Sure. I get it.”

There was no way Michael would let him live this down, Ray realized. He narrowed his eyes at his friend, but Michael’s grin just grew. He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and winked, then left the room.

Ray really, really hoped ripped guy hadn’t noticed the byplay.

It was worth it to stealthily watch him go through his workout routine, daydreaming about feeling up all those muscles. He didn’t go as far as ogling his ass when the dude turned his back to him to do squats, that’d be creepy- but he snuck a look. Or two. Or three. Really, there was little difference from his usual people-watching, it was just… closer.

...so maybe he was being a little creepy.

The guy caught him watching as he was struggling with that internal dilemma, lifting a brow in question, and Ray shot him an awkward smile. Raised his hand for a wave, but abandoned it halfway, and this was why he didn’t go out. Ray didn’t do people, that was Gavin’s job. And Geoff’s. And Jack’s. Not Ray’s.

“Your buddy abandon you?”

“Uh.” Ray scrambled to find a response, not expecting the man to talk to him. “He, uh, went…”

Ray waved vaguely in the direction of the lockers, and the man nodded as if that was a real answer, and not a failed attempt at stringing words together.

“First time here?” He grinned, and it made his face look unfairly attractive. “I know some of this equipment can seem a bit overwhelming.”

“I, uh… don’t exercise. Much.” And now he sounded dismissive like some asshole. “I… was thinking, maybe…?”

“Sure, sure.” The man nodded, an easy grin on his lips. “Your friend show you around?”

It was Ray’s turn to nod. It was close enough to the truth, he figured.

“Cool.” An awkward silence descended between them, until the guy wiped his hands off his towel and held one out for Ray to shake. “I’m Jeremy. Feel free to ask me if you need anything.”

“Ray.” He shook Jeremy’s hand. “And I will. Thanks.”

Jeremy cocked his head and grinned. “I can show you how some of these work while you wait for your buddy…?”

Ray’s ears burned with embarrassment, but there was no way to turn him down gracefully. Ray licked his lips and tried for a smile.

“Sure, why not?”

Michael would never, ever let him live this down, ever.

***

Michael did, in fact, tease him for weeks.

He didn’t tell the others, though, so Ray took it with a grain of salt. He tagged along a couple times more, but he only saw Jeremy once. They exchanged nods but not words, and Ray was back to pining under Michael’s relentless ribbing.

Not surprising, really, since Michael only went to the gym between jobs, and with their irregular schedule it didn’t happen as often as Ray would’ve liked. Then things got busy at work, and Michael ended up with a dislocated shoulder.

No more gym visits.

No more Jeremy.

Ray moped for the better part of a week before he came up with a plan. It was time to make good on his lies. (Half-lies. Almost truth. Either way.)

Ray was going to the gym.

Without Michael.

It took him three days after coming to a decision for Ray to realize why Michael wanted a gym buddy. His desire to see Jeremy again struggled with his inclination to relax in his freetime. Michael was obviously out, he’d tease Ray mercilessly the entire time and actually make him work through a full routine. And like hell would he ask Geoff.

That left Ryan.

“I need your help with something,” Ray said, and Ryan nodded, immediately reaching for his mask. “Uh… I was thinking a little more subtle, big guy.”

That earned him a piercing look, but Ryan shrugged and grabbed the duffle with the rocket launcher instead. Ray arched a brow because that was stretching the definition of ‘subtle’ a bit, but didn’t say anything. Where they were going, a duffle would fit right in.

Not that he was telling Ryan that. Knowing him, it would result in a face turn heel and leave Ray one gym buddy short.

“Thanks. You’re a pal,” he said instead, tone dry. Ryan’s expression told him exactly what he thought of that. Still, he followed Ray gamely down to the garage and into a car.

The drive passed in silence, which wasn’t too unusual between them. Ryan liked to think, and Ray enjoyed his quiet company. A glance from the corner of his eyes proved that Ryan was getting into his heist mindset, watchful and alert for any dangers.

...Ray supposed he should probably give him some details.

“It’s a stake-out.” Ray drummed his fingers against the wheel nervously. Ryan slid him a look. “Undercover stake-out,” Ray amended. “There shouldn’t be any trouble, but I would stick out like a sore thumb on my lonesome, so…”

Ryan, bless his heart, or whatever, didn’t ask any questions. R&R connection, baby.

He did, however, stop short in the door of the gym to give Ray another long look. Ray stared back, willing him to play along. Ryan narrowed his eyes, as if to say you’re on thin ice, before following Ray inside. Ray doubted he could convince Ryan to come here again, but that was alright. If everything went according to plan, Ray wouldn’t need a gym buddy after today.

Of course, nothing went according to plan.

“He’s not here,” Ray muttered as he led Ryan towards the locker rooms. “Yet,” he added hastily at Ryan’s look. “Which is good. It’ll seem more natural.”

Except Jeremy did not turn up. At all. After lurking awkwardly in the locker room for half an hour, Ray reluctantly took Ryan to the weight lift machines. Ryan’s eyes went from Ray to the weights and back to Ray. Then he crossed his arms.

“Oh hell, no. No way,” Ray objected, alarm distracting him from his search.

“Good,” Ryan said, voice low and unamused. Ray relaxed. “You should start with the treadmill.”

And the tension was back.

“Uh… I don’t really think that’s… necessary…”

Ryan stared at him, unmoved. So off to the treadmills it was. Running wasn’t too bad, at least. Ray was used to making a quick exit. Usually he wasn’t forced to keep pace for twenty minutes straight, though.

Ryan watched him with his arms crossed, leaning against the balustrade. Occasionally he’d glance down when the door to the gym opened.

“Who are we waiting for?” he asked idly.

“Bald guy. Short, but stacked,” Ray panted. He wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “Answers to the name ‘Jeremy’.”

Ryan hummed and kept a sharp eye out.

After thirty minutes of torture, they returned to the weight lift machines. Ryan went to inspect one of the contraptions, while Ray dropped onto the seat of a different one. He took a huge gulp from the water bottle Ryan thrust into  his hands and regretted all the life choices that led him here.

“Let’s take a breather,” Ray suggested, trying to sound glib instead of out of breath. “Stretch out surveillance time.”

Ryan’s face clearly called bullshit on his excuse, but Ray figured the reasoning was sound enough to let it go. Ryan agreed - for about ten minutes.

“You’ll have to warm up again if you wait much longer,” he stated brusquely, crossing his arms. “Your choice.”

Ray groaned and heaved himself up. No way was he going back to the treadmills.

“This is punishment for not telling you where we’re going, isn’t it,” Ray muttered under his breath. Ryan just arched a brow and said nothing, the smug bastard.

At least Ryan knew how to operate the machines, adjusting weights and correcting Ray’s grip on the handlebar. Ray hadn’t even realized there was a wrong way to pull on them. Under Ryan’s sharp eye, Ray went through three sets on each contraption, muscles sore and aching by the time Ryan allowed him a break.

And still no sign of Jeremy.

Ray decided to lurk by the vending machine, finishing off the bottle Ryan brought him. That was more water than he usually drank in a day, Ray mused. Ryan eyed him critically, before letting his gaze roam over the open floor. Half the contraptions downstairs were occupied, and Ray could hear at least two treadmills running up top.

Ryan nodded in the direction of a group of meatheads and gave Ray a questioning look. It took Ray a bit to realize he wanted to talk to them, fish for information, but was reluctant to leave Ray on his own.

“Sure, buddy. Go nuts,” Ray said, too relieved at the prolonged break to give it much thought. Besides, Ryan could be subtle when so inclined.

All in all, the day was a bust. Ray hid in the locker room once Ryan started looking around, unwilling to go through another bout of fitness ‘training’. He was sweaty and sore and hadn’t even accomplished his goal of running into Jeremy. On top of that, he was pretty sure Ryan wasn’t done with his revenge for dragging him into a gym on false pretenses. Ray considered taking a shower when the door opened and a group of meatheads stepped in with Ryan in tow. He hadn’t brought a change of clothes, though, not expecting to do any actual work.

Ryan caught his eyes and separated from the group with a nod and a couple friendly back pats. His expression changed from Friendly Neighbourhood Ryan to serious as he approached Ray. Ray gulped and braced himself.

“There’s only a small chance this ‘Jeremy’ shows up today. They say he’s mostly around Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Ryan shrugged at Ray’s incredulous look. Fuck. He hadn’t even considered that possibility.

“Okay. Let’s get out of here.”

The drive back to the penthouse was as quiet as on the way there,but much more uncomfortable. Ray parked in the garage, ready to bolt for the elevator and avoid being stuck inside with Ryan. But Ryan had other ideas, grabbing his arm before Ray could open the door.

“Ray.” Ryan eyed him intently. “You know you can talk to me if you’re in trouble.”

Ray slowly relaxed, guilt twisting in his gut.

“I know, bud.” He mustered a smile. “Thanks. I’m okay, promise.”

Ryan sighed and dropped his hand, rolling his shoulders.

“And if that changes-”

“I’m coming straight to you, got it.” Ray reached out and slapped Ryan’s knee with a grin. “Super straight. No homo.”

Ryan rolled his eyes and opened the door.

***

After that utter failure Ray supposed he’d have to come back alone. But first he needed to make sure Jeremy would be there. No way was he going to fake training again - his muscles were still sore. So he “borrowed” Gavin’s bifta on Tuesday, got some fries and a diet coke from the nearest burger joint, and settled in across the street from the gym.

The second day of stakeout (a Thursday) without any sign of Jeremy, Ray started to wonder if maybe something happened to him. He had no real way of finding out. He considered going in and ask the front desk for a number or an address, but he doubted they’d just give out private information. Maybe ask around the regulars if any had seen him…

Halfway through the day, the passenger door opened and Gavin dropped in. He pressed a plastic cup of hot liquid into Ray’s hand and dropped a white box between their seats. Then he pried the box open and pulled out a kolache. The sweet smell of pastries filled the small car.

“Uh, hello to you, too,” Ray said dryly, frantically trying to come up with an excuse to leave.

“You stole my car,” Gavin said, primly dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

“It’s for a good cause, I swear?” Ray tried. Gavin just eyed him skeptically. Then he leaned forward and squinted across the street.

“What’s in that building, then?” he asked, glancing curiously between Ray and the shops. The gym building stuck out like a sore thumb with its grey concrete between colourful shop fronts.

“Who says I’m staking out that particular building?” Ray asked desperately, taking a sip from the cup. A peppermint mocha. He held the beverage up and raised his brows at Gavin. “Really?”

Gavin just shrugged, selecting another kolache to munch on. Then he swallowed before saying, “Is that him?”

He pointed outside, and there on the sidewalk was Jeremy, a duffle slung over one shoulder as he stopped in front of the building. He struggled with the door, which had a spring drawing the door close automatically, but which was calibrated just a tad too strong. Jeremy propped the door open with a shoulder before wiggling himself and his duffle inside.

Ray stared blankly after him.

“How’d you know?” he asked, shooting Gavin a suspicious look. Gavin shrugged languidly, sipping on his own coffee.

“Rye-bread said something about you looking for bald guy,” he commented nonchalantly, slurping loudly. Ray sighed, letting his head drop against the steering wheel. Of course Ryan did. Ray wasn’t sure if it was part of his revenge or Gavin just being Gavin.

“So, what’s going on? Drug deal?” Gavin guessed, craning his head to watch past Ray.

“No,” Ray returned shortly, handing his half-full mocha back before slipping out of the car. He heard Gavin swearing behind him and smirked. Gavin, however, caught up with him quick, sidestepping around Ray into the building while Ray struggled with the stupidly heavy door. Resigned, Ray led him up the stairs, taking some satisfaction in how Gavin froze in the door.

Ray brushed past him and swaggered on to the front desk, smiling at the receptionist. About his age and objectively good-looking, the receptionist smiled back in recognition.

“Back again?” he greeted cheerfully, taking Ray’s membership card and swiping it through the reader. “Where’s Michael? We’re starting to miss him.”

Gavin visibly perked up at that.

“I’m sure once the cast is off, he’ll be back immediately,” Ray remarked dryly. The receptionist grimaced in sympathy.

“Tell him I wish him a swift recovery,” he said, and Ray nodded. Then he turned to look at Gavin, who had pulled down his shades. “And your buddy here?”

“Oh, I’m just here to tease him,” Gavin said, lips stretching into his fake negotiator smile. It made him look like an asshole. “You know, moral support.”

“Or something,” Ray muttered under his breath. The receptionist looked taken aback.

“Right…” He trailed off, glancing between Ray and Gavin. Then he straightened, putting on a customer service smile. “If you’d like a visitor’s pass with guest locker attached, I have to ask you to leave your ID at the front desk.”

“Oh, no worries, I don’t need a locker,” Gavin brushed him off. Raising one of his two coffee cups in salute, Gavin breezed past Ray. Ray rolled his eyes, grabbed his locker key, and followed after him.

“This way, asshole,” he muttered, bumping their shoulders together as he passed Gavin.

Jeremy was in the locker room when they entered, his back turned to them, in the process of tugging his shirt off. Ray stopped dead in the doorway, and Gavin bumped into him, glancing over his shoulder curiously. Ray cleared his throat and stepped inside, his face flaming hot. At the noise, Jeremy looked up. His face brightened as he laid eyes on Ray.

“Oh hey,” he said, pulling on a black tank top. He turned around to face them. “Ray, was it, right?”

“Uh, yeah.” Ray cleared his throat. “Hi. Um…”

Jeremy glanced between him and Gavin.

“Your buddy not with you today?” he asked, eyeing Gavin curiously.

“Ah… no.” Ray scratched at his stubble awkwardly. “He, uh, couldn’t make it today.”

“Oh.” Jeremy shuffled his feet, glancing awkwardly between him and Gavin. He cleared his throat. “I, uh, can help?” Another furtive glance Gavin’s way. “If you, uh, don’t have other plans, that is.”

Behind him, Ray could practically hear when it clicked for Gavin. He bit down a groan.

“Splendid!” Gavin exclaimed, chugging the rest of one cup and dropping it into the trash. “Ray, since you found someone else to help, Ray, I’ll just leave you two to it.”

With that, he whirled around, shooting Ray a conspiratorial wink, before swanning out of the lockers. Ray stared after him, then sighed. Squaring his shoulders, he turned to face Jeremy with an embarrassed grin.

“Sorry ‘bout him.” Ray stepped closer, dropping his backpack on the bench. “I’d love some pointers, though, if you got time?”

“Sure.” Jeremy broke out into a grin, which quickly turned into a grimace. “Sorry if I interrupted your plans with your boyfriend.”

Ray, who was rummaging through his back, looked up and shot Jeremy a quizzical look.

“Who?” He followed Jeremy’s pointed look at the door and blinked. “Oh, Gavin? Nah it’s fine, dude. He was just following me to be an asshole.”

Ray made sure to change quickly, back turned to Jeremy. He felt awkward and gangly next to Jeremy’s easy confidence and muscles. They left the locker room together, arms brushing. It sent a welcome shiver down Ray’s spine.

“Bike, stepper or treadmill?” Jeremy asked casually as they walked up the stairs to the cardio area. Ray considered his options. He wasn’t quite sure how the steppers worked and didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of his crush. Last time he’d run the treadmill, but what if he stumbled over his own feet?

“Bike,” Ray said, feeling like it was the safest choice. He snuck a look at Jeremy from the corner of his eyes. “If that’s cool with you?”

Jeremy shrugged. “Sure.”

It didn’t go too badly, Ray thought. Jeremy made a comment here and there as Ray huffed through the exercise, mostly to give him helpful pointers on breathing technique or reminding him to take it slow. A difficulty to catch his breath at least excused Ray from making awkward small talk.

The weight lift machines, on the other hand, were different.

“So what weight are you up to?” Jeremy asked, bending over the black weight blocks and fiddling with some sort of pin. Ray was maybe just a little bit distracted by staring at Jeremy’s ass, which was moving enticingly.

“Uh…”

Jeremy looked back at him over his shoulder and raised a brow. Ray shrugged, flushing. He couldn’t remember what Ryan had him lift last time he was here, and especially not when Jeremy looked at him like that, his questioning look morphing into a reassuring smile.

“Let’s start you off easy, then,” he offered, pinning the weights in place. “Go on, try it out. If you breeze through your first set, we’ll know to up the difficulty.”

Ray sat down on the seat, eyeing the handlebar warily. He tried to recall Ryan’s instructions - back straight, knees bending at a right angle - and pulled. The weights were relatively light, much to Ray’s relief, though he was uncertain if he should tell Jeremy.

Suddenly, there were hands on his arms.

“You want to keep your elbows tucked in, like this,” Jeremy murmured, his voice sending shivers down Ray’s neck. Hot air brushed over his cheek as he turned his head towards Jeremy. His hands were warm on Ray’s skin, gliding up to his upper arms. “Like this. And then when you let go you hold- here. See how there’s like maybe a quarter inch between the sitting weights and the weights you’re lifting? That’s what you should aim for. Again.”

Ray pulled, too aware of Jeremy standing behind him, his heat radiating through his clothes and crawling under Ray’s skin. His hands were gentle as he shifted, correcting Ray’s pose and giving instructions in his low voice.

“Good. You don’t want to overstretch your arms when you let go - don’t lock your elbows. There you go. Ten more, then you’ve completed your first set.”

Ray felt a pang of regret as Jeremy stepped back to watch him from a greater distance. He tried to focus on the machine instead, keeping Jeremy’s instructions in mind. Jeremy adjusted the weights for the second set, which turned out to be infinitely harder, both due to more weight and his muscles aching from the first set. It was only on the third set that Jeremy broke the silence.

“Gotten a bit more familiar with gyms since last time, huh?” Jeremy commented, watching Ray intently. Ray scoffed, focussing on his breathing as he pulled the handle down.

“Easier if there was just a gym leader to defeat,” he muttered, counting the pulls. Fourteen, fifteen - release. “Wouldn’t have to come back once I won the badge.”

That startled a laugh out of Jeremy. Ray let go of the weights and wiped the sweat from his brow.

“If I were a gym leader, I’d just have six voltorbs,” Jeremy mused, handing Ray his water bottle.

“Yeah?” Ray quirked a grin as he unscrewed the cap. “Like that one biker dude where you only need enough HP to survive?”

Jeremy certainly had the right shape with his wide shoulders…

“And kill my poor voltorbs in the process?” Jeremy gasped, clutching his chest in mock offense. “Nah. I would never do that to cute, little, innocent voltorb.”

Ray snorted and shook his head. He drank from the bottle and handed it back.

“Which one’s next?”

The workout passed surprisingly quick after that. Jeremy kept an eye on Ray during his first set, correcting him every so often, before starting on his own routine. All the while they kept chatting about pokémon, of all things. For a meathead, Jeremy turned out to be a massive nerd. It shouldn’t set the butterflies in Ray’s stomach all aflutter, yet here they were.

After five different machines, Ray took a break, sitting down on an empty seat and nursing his bottle of water, while watching Jeremy, who went to town on a complicated looking contraption.

“You must come here often,” Ray said idly, eyes drawing along the lines of muscles bulging under strain. Jeremy grunted in question. “I mean, to get as fit as you are. I’d have pegged you for a rock/fighting trainer, not electric.”

That got a laugh from Jeremy, before he set the weights down with a groan. He was moving nearly double the stack Ray managed, Ray noted, impressed.

“I just love voltorb, dude. How could I not?” He shrugged. “But I guess I do train here regularly enough. Comes with the area.”

Ray hummed in agreement. Los Santos was not an easy place to live unless you knew how to handle yourself.

“I’d come here every day just to watch you lift,” he joked, too much truth slipping into the statement. Ray scrambled to save face. “I mean, it’s impressive, how much you lift.”

Jeremy snorted. “Clearly you haven’t seen the other guys here.”

“Haven’t really paid them much attention,” Ray admitted, fiddling with the edges of his towel and missing the sharp look Jeremy shot him. Then Jeremy stood, walking over slowly. Ray instantly held out the bottle for him and Jeremy took it with a grin.

“Just me, huh?” He drunk several huge swigs before handing the bottle back and staring at Ray’s face. “Your boyfriend doesn’t mind?”

Ray rolled his eyes. “Don’t have one.”

“Really?” Jeremy sounded startled, before something else slid over his face. “Cute guy like you? Not buying it.” He stepped closer, their knees brushing. “What about the guy who came in with you? What was his name again?”

“Gavin?” Ray snorted, leaning back. Carefully, a bit surprised at his own daring, he spread his legs just enough for Jeremy to stand between them. “Not my type. Besides, asshole’s heads over for Michael.”

“Is that so?” Jeremy hummed, shuffling closer. Ray tilted his head and glanced up at him from under his fringe.

“Somehow, I don’t think you really wanna talk about Gavin,” he commented dryly, reaching out and catching Jeremy’s leg with one hand. Jeremy chuckled, dropping a hand on Ray’s shoulder. His fingers danced up the line of his neck, vanishing in his hair.

“True,” he admitted, his thumb pressing behind Ray’s ear. Jeremy paused, and Ray just stared up at him, heart beating fast. “There’s a pokéstop across the street in this little café. Wanna go there after, drop a lure?” His fingers teased along Ray’s hair line, stealing his breath. Then Jeremy grinned, adding, “Though I doubt there can be anything more alluring than you.”

It was as if a record screeched to a sudden stop.

Ray blinked.

“Was that a pun?” he asked, caught between amused and incredulous. Jeremy’s grin turned bashful.

“Maybe?”

“You wanna try again, buddy?” Ray drawled, his hand wandering up to cup Jeremy’s ass. Jeremy grinned.

“I might not be The Rock but I can rock your world any day.”

Ray snorted a laugh. “That’s almost worse.”

“Thanks,” Jeremy returned dryly. “I try.”

Silence fell. Jeremy stared intently at Ray, making him squirm in his seat, face flushed and heart hammering in his chest. He cleared his throat.

“So… coffee?”

“Sounds good,” Jeremy agreed.

***

The next morning Ray woke up sore and aching, swearing loudly to never step foot into another gym again. Jeremy’s laughter, muffled against Ray’s shoulder, made it all worth it, though.

“Was it not you, Mother, who has been hounding me to find a match?” Ryan reminded her, deceptively gentle. They both knew very well she had simply put on a show for the court, to convince them it wasn’t her holding him back from ascending to the throne but those pesky requirements. “Should we not celebrate, for I have found not only victory, but also love on the battlefield?”

“You know better than to believe in such romantic ideas,” the queen replied waspishly, turning her back on him as she marched to the balcony.

“Was I to ignore such obvious signs by the gods instead?” he asked quietly, though his voice echoed through the throne room. “Should I act so rashly and add to the burden our people bear?”

The queen whirled around furiously, glaring daggers at her son.

“You do not believe in that nonsense!” Her voice was shrill, her fists clenched at her side. Ryan grinned wolfishly, and the queen took a step back.

“Perhaps not,” he conceded mildly, tilting his head. “But it does make for a lovely story, doesn’t it?”

He walked past her and onto the balcony. From here he could see half the city, but more importantly the labyrinth that connected to the royal gardens. He stared off in that direction pointedly as the queen joined him at the railing.

“Who am I to deny our people the joy and hope of better days? Let them celebrate, their prince is getting married,” Ryan declared, turning to face the queen challengingly. “Or do you want to be known for forsaking the Cretans to the Curse, Mother?”

The queen eyed him stoically, before turning to look at the distant green hedges.

“It seems,” she finally broke the silence, a bitter note in her voice, “I have taught you well after all. So be it, have it your way. The consequences shall be yours to deal with.”

She shot Ryan a last warning look, before turning on her heel, skirts swishing around her legs. Ryan remained behind, watching the labyrinth quietly. A mighty roar echoed through the distance, loud enough to reach Ryan’s ears where he was standing. With a sigh, his shoulders slumped.

“Don’t worry, Mother,” he told the air grimly, “I’ve learned about consequences from your mistakes.”

***

“Not much of a delegation you brought with you, my prince,” Gavin said, settling against the railing next to Ray. The prince stared out across the sea, deep in thought. At Gavin’s words, though, he looked up, smiling faintly.

“I do not want to appear scared,” Ray admitted, bumping their shoulders together. “A big delegation would seem like I have no confidence in my political skills nor trust in my future husband.”

Gavin hummed, turning his back to the sea and watching the sailors at work. It was the barebones of a crew, just enough to keep the ship going, plus a handful of servants and the one elderly advisor. Not the most princely of entourages, in Gavin’s opinion.

“Do you?” he asked instead, tilting his head to watch Ray from the corner of his eyes. “Trust him, I mean.”

Ray shrugged, grinning lopsidedly.

“I trust that his desire for marriage is genuine. Thus he needs me alive until the wedding,” he answered his friend honestly. Gavin scrunched up his nose.

“That’s not really reassuring, you ass,” he objected, throwing his hands up in the air. “What about the queen? She has… quite the reputation. Brutal and quick to judge- the rumours aren’t in her favour.”

Ray shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m sure Prince Ryan will keep her in check. He seemed a capable type.” Ray threw Gavin a grin. “Besides, that’s what I have you for, isn’t it? Tell me what else you’ve heard.”

Gavin shook his head in disbelief. He didn’t have much time to gather information about their destination, not with their abrupt departure, but he’d done his best to ferret out the truth from idle gossip. It wasn’t as much as he’d prefered, but the best he could do on short notice.

“Crete has been at war with one city state or another for almost a decade, now. Some they lost, some they won. Nothing too unusual there, really.” Gavin shrugged. The states tended to fight out disagreements on the battlefield. “The king died somewhere between five and eight years ago, my sources weren’t really clear on when. Apparently he’d been ill for a long time. His wife reigned in the meantime, but Prince Ryan stands to inherit the throne once he marries.”

“She might not be too happy with him bringing back his betrothed,” Ray guessed, humming thoughtfully. Gavin grimaced.

“Possibly. I couldn’t find out much about her or her motivations, but we should probably assume that she’s going to be a hurdle.” Gavin caught Ray’s eyes, waiting until he was sure to have his prince’s attention. “There’s some hushed rumours she killed the previous king, so tread carefully.”

“I will,” Ray promised, lips curling up into a soft smile. “And anyway, that’s why you’re coming with me, isn’t it?”

“I suppose,” Gavin huffed, ducking his head to hide his smile. Then he turned serious again. “There’s also talk about a curse, but none of the Cretan soldiers were willing to talk about it.”

“Probably just superstition,” Ray waved him off, pushing back from the railing. “C’mon, let’s find the old man and plan our arrival.”

Gavin stared after his friend, before shaking his head and following him. He wasn’t quite so quick to dismiss the rumours, but then, he’d always leaned more towards faith and prayer than Ray. Perhaps he’d been blessed by too much of Athena’s discerning eye at birth, but Ray tended to not believe until he saw it with his own eyes. More than once that’s gotten the two of them in trouble.

Honestly, Gavin mused, Ray would be the death of him one day.

***

Prince Ryan was waiting for them at the docks. A delegation of warriors and servants surrounded him, dressed in dark clothes that made the red of the prince’s cloak stand out. He looked resplendent and regal, the sun highlighting his soft, brown hair, shimmering golden. Ray’s heart beat a rapid tattoo in his chest, and he had to tear his eyes away to regain his composure.

Once the sailors secured the ship, Ray was the first to descend the plank. Ryan stepped forward, spreading his arms in welcome.

“Greetings, Prince Ray. Welcome to the island state of Crete.” Ryan bowed, and Ray returned the gesture. “We’ve been awaiting your arrival most anxiously.”

“Thank you, Prince Ryan. I see you’ve yet to lose that silver tongue. Your words flatter me.” Ray turned and waved for his advisor. “We come bearing gifts for the people of Crete, Your Highness, and Her Majesty.”

One by one servants followed his advisor down the plank, carrying crates and baskets filled with goods. Ryan glanced at them in passing, before turning back to Ray.

“I’m afraid Mother was unable to come out to the harbour today. She’s awaiting us at the palace.”

Ray frowned, before smoothing his expression out. That was a slight he couldn’t ignore, but was unable to do anything about at this point, so he filed it away for later. More importantly, the queen wanted the home advantage badly enough to insist on staying in the castle. Where exactly in the castle would give away the level of her insecurities. The question remained, why? The harbour was far from neutral territory, if possible the closest Ray would get while on the isle.

“Then let’s not leave her waiting,” Ray suggested with a forced grin. Ryan eyed him with an inscrutable expression, but nodded.

“Would you like to join me on my horse?” Ryan asked, leading Ray past the welcoming committee. Ray shot him a look. There were five horses waiting for them, so he wasn’t asking for lack of transportation.

No, his prince was plotting. How interesting.

“I would love to,” Ray murmured huskily, running his fingers down Ryan’s arm. His grin turned into a smirk, and he had the pleasure of watching red creep up Ryan’s neck.

Ryan cleared his throat, surveying the crowd in an attempt to gather himself. His eyes narrowed as his gaze skimmed over Ray’s people, and he turned towards him with an arched brow.

“You have brought very little with you. Is everything alright?” Concern tinged his prince’s voice, pitched low as not to be overheard. Ray gave him a reassuring smile, squeezing his hand before letting go.

“I, too, was quite anxious for our arrival. The rest will follow in time for the wedding.”

Ryan’s face softened, and he reached out to cup Ray’s cheek.

“I will, of course, take care of you. What’s mine is yours - if you need a task done, or another pair of hands, just ask Jack. He’s my main manservant, and he’ll instruct your contingent on where everything is.”

“You’ll have to introduce me,” Ray whispered, leaning into the touch. Ryan smiled, before reluctantly drawing back. Everyone around them was waiting patiently for them, and Ray raised his chin. His advisor had been given one of the remaining horses, Ray noted with approval. Gavin was mingling with the servants, carrying a basket.

A hand appeared in his peripheral, and Ray turned to glance up at Ryan, sitting on his own horse. He held the reins in one hand, the other outstretched towards Ray.

“Let me help you up.”

With a smile Ray took his hand, letting Ryan pull him up. He wrapped one arm loosely around Ryan’s waist, pressing a quick kiss to the back of his neck.

Riding a horse together was a show of unity and intimacy; Ryan was practically declaring his intent to marry Ray to his people. What bothered Ray was the necessity for such a thing. It implied some form of opposition towards their plans, and Gavin’s story of a curse came to the forefront of his thoughts. But any connection there was ridiculous at best. He banished the thought and focussed on the most likely opponent to their marriage: the queen who stood to lose the throne to her son.

The streets were full, a curious crowd having gathered to watch their procession. Ray straightened under their appraising eyes, aware how important this first impression was. If he ended up popular with the people of Crete, the queen would have a harder time to object to Ray.

The palace loomed above the city on a hill, gleaming white walls and spires shining brilliantly in the sun. Ray tilted his head back, taking in the sight of his future home.

Ryan led them under a giant arch of the same white stone into a courtyard. Guards and servants alike stopped and stood at attention, murmurs of ‘Your Highness’ following them to the door. Ray slid off the horse first, to give Ryan room to maneuver. A stablehand hurried over to take the reins of the horse, and Ryan thanked them quietly before he offered Ray his arm.

Ray took it with a smile.

They walked through the front door and down a wide hallway, Ray’s contingent and Ryan’s guards trailing after them. The corridor transitioned into a tall archway, leading into a great hall. Carved alabaster pillars held up the ceiling, each dedicated to a different deity and their story. Cretans in fine clothing mingled between the pillars, the upper echelon of Crete’s society.

Silence spread as they entered, but Ryan seemed to pay them no mind. The crowd parted for him as he swept past, just slow enough Ray could keep up with his stride. Towards the end of the hall stood a white throne on a pedestal. On top of the throne sat a woman, stiff and regal. Her face was a cold mask as she eyed the procession, greying hair piled up on her head. Expensive jewelry wrapped around her throat and arms, a ring on each finger.

The lady of Knossos, ruler of Crete.

Ryan’s mother.

The servants knelt in a row behind them, gifts and offerings displayed for all to see. Ryan bowed shallowly, and Ray took his cue from him.

“Mother.” Ryan’s voice echoed loudly through the quiet hall. “Allow me to introduce you to my betrothed, Prince Ray of Athens.”

“It is an honour to meet you, Your Majesty,” Ray stated calmly. He spread his arms. “I come bearing many gifts from my homeland to thank you for your hospitality.”

“Presumptuous, aren’t you.” The queen mustered him coldly. She did not thank him for the gifts.

“I am here on your son’s invitation.” Ray smiled, keeping his tone mild. “I would be remiss not to thank him.”

The crowd stirred, and the queen’s eyes narrowed. A reminder and a slight all wrapped in one, made possible only by the queen’s own lack of manners, and she knew it. Ray’s smile widened into a grin.

At his side, Ryan stayed quiet, sharp eyes watching while his face remained blank.

“Very well.” The queen sighed in a put-upon manner. “I suppose I should welcome you.”

Ray noted, however, that she did no such thing.

“Perhaps,” he agreed, gentling his smile and clasping his hands in front of him. “After all, I do hope to call you Mother soon, Your Majesty.”

Her mouth tightened at his words, a reminder of his engagement to her son.

“We shall see.” The queen surveyed the hall, gaze lingering on the advisor Ray brought. Her lips curled into a pleased smile. “Yes, indeed. I do believe the coming weeks will be… exciting.”

Ray filed her words away as he bowed once more, hiding his frown. The queen made no secret of her distaste for him. He needed to find out who shared her views and why as soon as possible. Court would be… interesting for a while. Ryan’s hand on his arm caught his attention, the prince turning to lead him out with a soft murmur. A shiver of anticipation chased down Ray’s spine at the gentle touch. Ryan’s non-reaction at his mother’s words was curious, but his display on the streets spoke volumes. Ray wasn’t alone in this struggle.

On his way out, he caught Gavin’s eyes and nodded.

***

Gavin loitered in the hall, pretending to have dropped a bundle of clothes and hurriedly trying to gather them up. In reality, he was snooping, poking his big nose where it didn’t belong. Gavin had always been curious in nature, maybe more than was entirely healthy. He’d grown up with Ray, fought by his side many times since, but his true calling he found in secrets others didn’t wish to share.

When he got wind of Ray’s looming marriage and relocation to Crete, he hadn’t paused to think before volunteering.

The kitchens had been only so helpful, the maids eager to fill him in on the who’s who from minor servants to the visiting nobility. And while knowing who favoured wine perhaps a little too much could come in handy, he’d gleaned woefully little information on the crown prince nor the queen. Many rumours had reached his ears about the royal family of Crete, but they were hard to confirm.

Mostly due to Jack, the prince’s personal manservant, keeping a close eye on the new arrivals. Since he didn’t want to get into trouble on his first day, Gavin had let the man redirect his attention, but carefully marked which topics he was supposed to avoid. He wondered if wine would loosen his tongue, or if he should concentrate on someone else. Jack was maybe even harder to find dirt on than the royal family.

Two nobles were walking down the corridor, deeply involved in a heated argument. Gavin recognized one of them as an advisor to the queen from their insultingly short welcome and kept his head bowed over his task.

“-regain favour. Athena is full of wisdom, and it can only help if one of her favoured joins us.”

“Yet the Athenians are fighting with the Argosians, is that really something we want to get involved in? The queen said-”

“The queen is usually in favour of war, and Athena’s blessing could only help in the long term.”

They stopped in the middle of the hallway, turning to look at each other. Gavin chanced a glance upward, taking in the intense looks on their faces.

“Our people are tired of fighting, and yet we will go to war to curry favour with the gods.” The noble spread his arms, a pleading expression on his face. “But suddenly the mere idea of a battle is enough to turn the queen sour on the prince’s marriage arrangements? You must agree that it doesn’t add up. And if there’s more to it, we have the right-”

“Take more care which words you speak,” the advisor rebuked sharply, taking a hasty look around. Gavin quickly bowed his head and busied his hands. The advisor lowered his voice. “You do not want to be charged with treason.”

The noble paled, a visible shudder running down her back. They stared at each other for a long moment, before they began walking down the corridor again.

“But is that not reason enough to use every opportunity to win favour with the gods?” the noble hissed, glancing over her shoulder anxiously. “The beast has been plaguing us for several years, now-”

They were almost up to him, now, and Gavin hurriedly stood up, stepping aside and bowing low to let them pass without seeing his face.

“-no matter how often we try. We can only hope to appease the beast and the gods, until we have redeemed ourselves.”

“Perhaps so, but is Athens really the right choice of ally in this? Word is that they’re thinking to implement something they call ‘democracy’-”

Gavin bundled up the clothes and hurried down the hall in the opposite direction before his loitering aroused their suspicions. What beast were they talking about? Why was there no mention of this creature before? He had heard rumour of a curse, and if Crete had fallen out of favour with the gods-

Ray needed to know.

***

“A beast. In the gardens of the castle.”

Ray gave Gavin a droll look in the reflection of the wall mirror. His friend paced his chambers, hands crossed behind his back.

“That’s as much as I’ve heard, yes.” Gavin gesticulated wildly. “Apparently the whole island is cursed because someone went and pissed off the gods.”

Ray hummed distractedly, pinning his toga in place. The bronze rose brooch was a betrothal gift, and it would serve well to remind the Cretans why he was here.

“I’ll ask Ryan about it later,” he offered. Gavin whirled around and peered at him.

“You’re not worried,” he realized. Ray shrugged.

“I trust Ryan. If it’s something I need to be aware of, he’ll tell me.”

“Then why hasn’t he brought it up yet?” Gavin questioned. “Bloody hell, Ray. We barely know anything about the situation! The people here are jumping at shadows, the reception was lukewarm at best, the queen has some issue either with you or the betrothal-”

Ray balled his hands to fist, his shoulders inching up to his ears, every word hitting him like an accusation. He raised his fist, and hit the wall, the mirror rattling with the force.

“Prince Ryan isn’t sharing crucial information, and I know you trust him, but we’re going in blind right now, against a hostile regent-”

“I know!” Ray shouted, and Gavin fell silence. “Don’t you think I realize all of that?” He took a deep breath and unclenched his hand, continuing in a soft voice, “I know this is going to be hard. I know exactly how much work there’s left to do, how many people I need to sway to my side. But what am I supposed to do?” His voice cracked on the words. “Just give up?”

He stared helplessly at Gavin who gazed back with a pinched look on his face.

“We need to find out what crawled up Her Majesty’s arse.” Gavin nodded decisively. “Then we can plan around her. Or thwart her manipulations.”

“Gavin-” Ray stared at his friend, eyes widening.

“I’ll concentrate on finding out what she’s about, so we can deal with her as soon as possible.”

Gavin nodded once more, face set in determined lines. He whirled around, marching for the door- Ray stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

“Gav-” Ray cleared his throat, uncomfortably close to tears. “You don’t have to.”

Gavin stared back at him steadily. “Yes, Ray. I do.”

“But-” Ray dropped his hand, turning to face away from his friend. From the corner of his eyes, he could watch him through the mirror’s reflection. “It’s going to be dangerous. If you get caught-”

“I’m not,” Gavin chimed in, lips tugging up into a smirk. “Besides-” His expression got serious. “-one of us has to be sensible here. And clearly you’ve been blinded by Aphrodite’s glamour, so it might as well be me.”

“Are you calling me a thirsty bitch?” Ray sputtered, head whipping around to glare at Gavin, who just grinned.

“Your words, not mine,” he chirped and danced out of the way as Ray lunged. “Besides, can you deny it?”

“I-” Ray sighed, giving in with bad grace. “No, not really.”

“Ray.” Gavin placed his hands on Ray’s shoulders and shook him gently. “I want you to be happy, Ray. And I think… I think, for all my concerns, Prince Ryan will make you happy.”

“Thank you, Gav.” Ray wrapped his arms around Gavin and squeezed him tight, before stepping back, wiping the back of his hand over his eyes. “You’re a good friend.”

“Your best,” Gavin quipped, winking before ducking out of the door, trailing laughter behind him like a banner.

Ray smiled, adjusting his clothes. Time to face the court.

***

This was probably the stupidest thing he’d done in his life, Gavin thought as he scrambled to hide behind the curtains. Footsteps, and then the door creaked open to the queen’s chambers. Gavin held his breath and stilled.

“-ase you forget, and I will not allow it.”

That was the queen’s voice. Gavin bit his lip, trying to remain as quiet as possible. The curtains shifted in the breeze as the queen strode past. A heavy thud followed, the trickling sound of a cup being filled.

“I did not ask your permission, Mother.” Prince Ryan sounded annoyed. The door fell shut behind him. “Nor do I care for your opinion. Regardless, it is not your place to decide on this matter.”

Gavin shifted on his feet, then stilled abruptly. There was an itch between his shoulders, but he suppressed the urge to scratch it.

“Your choice is a foolish one,” the queen spat out, followed by a gurgling sound. Drinking, Gavin would guess.

“And you have no say in who I marry or when,” the prince pointed out calmly, a note of steel in his voice. “I have made my choice. I will marry Ray as soon as it’s proper.”

The tension in the air was thick enough to cut. Gavin strained his ears. This was valuable information - maybe he could uncover the queen’s and the prince’s motivation in one fell swoop. Easier certainly than trying to piece them together by what the queen kept where in her rooms.

“You’re in such a hurry all of a sudden. What will the people say?”

Prince Ryan snorted, stepping closer.

“What will they say of your sudden change of heart? You’ve been paying lip service to getting me married for months now.” Dark amusement curled through the prince’s voice. “What’s wrong, Mother? Does it bother you? That my chosen betrothed isn’t as malleable as the sycophants you tried to foist on me?”

“And what will your prince do once he finds out the truth?” The queen sounded triumphant, as if she was playing her trump card. Gavin perked up, paying careful attention. “You’re quite right, he’s headstrong. Do you really think he will agree with your plans?”

“Even if he doesn’t, you’ve given him ample reasons to disagree with you out of spite.” The smirk was audible in the prince’s voice. “I suppose I should thank you.”

There was a tense moment of silence. Then the queen screamed in rage, and Gavin flinched. The sound of stone hitting stone, and Gavin opened the curtains just a slit to see what was going on. The queen stood with her back turned to him, arm outstretched. Wine splattered the alabaster wall opposite from where Gavin was hiding, dripping down like blood.

The cup clattered across the floor with terrible noise, rolling to a stop at Gavin’s feet.

His breath caught in his throat.

Slowly he looked up to meet cool, blue eyes, staring right back at him.

“I won’t allow it!” the queen screeched, pacing away from the curtains. The prince cocked his head, arching a brow at Gavin. “The beast must remain caged! It is the best solution!”

“For you,” Prince Ryan shot back, walking over to the curtains and picking up the cup. A chunk was missing from the lip. The prince met Gavin’s eyes. “Because you are afraid.”

The queen snorted. “As if you don’t know why. Stop speaking as if…”

She trailed off, head lifting like a hound’s as it caught the scent of its prey. The prince was blocking Gavin from the queen’s view, but something in his words must’ve tipped her off. The queen turned around slowly, deliberately. Gavin’s heart jumped in his throat, watching her walk closer over Prince Ryan’s shoulder.

“Well, well,” she drawled. A grimace flitted over the prince’s face, before he smoothed it into a blank mask. Gavin had no time to ponder that as Prince Ryan stepped aside and left him face to face with the queen. “What do we have here?”

Gavin’s heart sank to his stomach. Fuck. Why had he gone and taken such a stupid risk? The queen’s lips twisted into a smirk.

“My, my, I believe I caught a spy.” She mustered Gavin’s face intently. Recognition filtered through her expression, her eyes taking on a triumphant gleam. “And what fortunate timing indeed.”

Gavin swallowed. He knew the penalty for spying, for treason in most states, and he could not imagine the queen of Crete to be merciful in this case.

He was as good as dead.

To be continued next Thursday.

“They’re really, really not,” Ryan protested breathlessly. Ray pulled back just far enough to pout at him, noting the dazed look on Ryan’s face. This was working.

It had to work.

Ray trailed his fingers down Ryan’s neck, thumb coming to rest in the hollow of his throat. In one smooth move he pushed forward, straddling Ryan’s legs, pressing close. Ryan watched him with dark eyes, licking his lips. Ray’s gaze flickered to his mouth, before darting up to meet Ryan’s.

Ray had been looking forward to this, yet dread curled low in his stomach, souring his excitement. He’d intended to wait, to enjoy this moment when it came. This was far from the right time, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“Can I not make a simple request of my prince? Trade a favour-” He brushed his nose along Ryan’s jaw, kissed the skin behind his ear. “-for a favour? Call it an early wedding gift.”

Ryan’s free arm wrapped around his waist, and Ray pulled back to give him a heated, half-lidded look.

“And what might my prince seek from me?” Ryan asked, voice hoarse with desire.

“Oh, nothing much,” Ray purred, his fingers dancing over Ryan’s chest. He shifted forward, lips almost brushing over Ryan’s mouth, tantalizingly close. “Just… One of my servants went and made a bit of a mess. A misunderstanding which landed him in jail.” Ray dragged his gaze up from Ryan’s lips to his eyes, almost entirely consumed by black. “Let my servant go, and you can have me. All of me.”

“Ray.” Ryan’s sigh stopped him as he leaned in for a kiss, hands on his hips holding him still. “I can’t.”

“Can’t?” Ray asked sharply, dropping all pretense at seduction, “Or won’t?”

“Can’t,” Ryan reiterated calmly. “He was caught spying on Mother. She sentenced him to run the labyrinth. I cannot countermand her orders without risking an outright civil war.”

“But-” Ray bit his lip, swallowing his objection. “He’s my best friend,” he whispered instead, ducking his head. Ryan stroked his back, before letting his hands drop to the side.

“I’m sorry.”

Ray nodded and slipped off his lap, face impassive as he dusted himself off.

“Well, it was worth a try. I suppose I should apologize,” he mused, starting to turn his back on Ryan. The other man shot out of his chair and snatched Ray's arm, whirling him around and slowly advancing until Ray's back was pressed against the cold stone wall.

“Don't.” His voice cut sharply through the charged silence, and Ray tensed, holding Ryan's gaze defiantly. A hand came up to cup his cheek, fingers trailing down his jaw and to his lips. Ryan's eyes were blazing intensely as he leaned in. “Keep your pride, my darling prince.”

“I have nothing but,” Ray retorted fiercely, baring his teeth in a simile of a smile. “Now that you've taken my servant and friend from me.”

Ryan watched him with an unreadable expression, thumb sliding over his cheekbone. His grip on his chin was gentle, but Ray refused to be the first to look away.

“My mother,” Ryan finally spoke up, choosing his words with care, “is a cruel woman. There is not much I can do for your friend.”

“Not much,” Ray repeated slowly, eyes narrowing slightly, “is not the same as nothing.”

Ryan's lips curled up. “Indeed.”

“Name your price,” Ray declared, squaring his shoulders. Their noses were close enough to touch.

Ryan looked him over slowly, thoughtfully. Ray shifted, tilting his head slightly, trying to anticipate the prince’s next move, and arched an eyebrow. Finally, Ryan nodded decisively, a small smirk flitting across his face.

“A kiss,” he stated, and then waited quietly, observing Ray's reaction. The younger man gave it a moment of thought, before he inclined his head gracefully.

“Fair,” he decided, raising a hand to Ryan's shoulder. Ryan was still cupping his cheek, and he turned to nuzzle his palm. From the corner of his eyes, he shot him a sharp look. “However, the manner of your aid will determine how much of a kiss it deserves.”

Ryan nodded thoughtfully. His other hand left where he'd been gently holding on to Ray's arm, and he propped it against the wall, nose brushing along Ray's other cheek before he pressed his lips to Ray's ear.

“Very well,” he agreed in a low whisper. Then he leaned back, searching Ray's dark eyes. “I will pass him a favour just before dawn. Hopefully, Mother will not see it before it's too late. The Minotaur should recognize it and smell me on him. At the very least, it will buy him time.”

Ray chewed on his lower lip, nodding slowly. It wasn't much, but it gave his friend more of a chance to find the exit. He was also starting to realize that the queen had much more influence over the prince's actions than he had assumed.

“Good. Gavin is not the type to fight the beast unless it's the only way to survive,” Ray said aloud, noticing a shadow flicker over Ryan's face at his words. He wondered what the other was thinking.

“It is for the best,” Ryan stated blandly, and Ray suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. His shoulders sagged in relief, knowing he had done the best he could to help his friend out, even if it wasn’t much. If it hadn't been for Ray, Gavin wouldn't even be in this situation. The least he could do was find him aid, even though he held little influence in this court, newly arrived as he was.

They stayed like that for a long moment, not quite looking at each other. Eventually, Ryan cleared his throat.

“So...” he trailed off, a blush rising to his cheeks. Ray blinked, but the prince wouldn't meet his eyes.

“Right,” Ray said, glancing around the room over Ryan's shoulder a little helplessly. “Your price.”

“You don't have to-” Ryan started, but Ray hushed him with a finger lain across his lips.

“We have an agreement, and I will keep my part of the trade,” he intoned, smiling slightly. “Will you?”

“Of course,” Ryan replied earnestly, his hot breath warming Ray's finger. He shuddered, gaze fixed on those plump lips. “Are you sure-”

Before Ryan could finish his sentence, Ray leaned in, one hand twisting in Ryan's hair and pulling him down. Their mouths met halfway in a bruising kiss, and Ryan gasped in surprise. He dropped his hand from Ray's cheek to his shoulder, long fingers stroking along his neck. Ray shivered and opened his mouth, lips sliding against Ryan's, exploratory.

He didn't know when he'd closed his eyes, but he blinked them open as the tip of a tongue bumped against his closed lips. Ryan was watching him intently from behind half-lidded eyes, and Ray hummed appreciatively, pressing closer. He parted his lips, meeting Ryan's tongue with his own and pushing it back into the other's mouth. The prince acquiesced, letting Ray control the kiss as promised.

Ray closed his eyes again, the feverish look in those blue eyes burned into his mind as he licked Ryan's lips, tongue slipping between them as they parted for him. He tilted his head for a better angle, his fingers digging into Ryan's hair and clothes. His heart threatened to beat out of his chest, and he felt the warmth pooling in his loins. Ryan's tongue slid against his, and it was like sparks went off, skittering across his skin.

Ray twirled his tongue around Ryan's and slowly withdrew, luring the other's tongue into his own mouth. Ryan started exploring him almost tentatively, and Ray hummed encouragingly, pulling harder on his hair while simultaneously trying to melt into the prince. He closed his lips around the appendage slowly, careful of his teeth, and sucked. Ryan jolted, a low moan escaping him, stifled between their lips.

Finally, Ray let him go, gentling the kiss as he slowed down. Ryan followed his lead, and Ray loosened his grip on the prince's hair and clothes, even while teasing his teeth across his lower lip. Ryan smiled, brushing their lips together one last time, before nuzzling his cheek against Ray's.

Grinning, Ray dropped his forehead on Ryan's shoulder, breathing heavily. Only the knowledge that the other man was similarly affected stopped him from feeling embarrassed.

“Thank you,” Ryan murmured, pressing a kiss into his hair. Ray cleared his throat and drew back, looking up at Ryan's flushed face.

“No big.” He tried to keep his tone nonchalant, but figured that his own burning cheeks would probably give him away regardless. Ryan gave him a knowing look, before stepping back and giving Ray a chance to move past him. He stayed leaning against the wall, legs feeling a bit shaky.

“I will see to my end of the agreement come dawn.” Ryan paused, brushing a hand through his blond hair. “I cannot guarantee anything until it is time to visit the Minotaur a week from now. If he survives until then, even if he hasn't found the exit, I will lead him out.”

Ray pursed his lips. “What about the queen?”

Ryan frowned, reaching out and squeezing Ray's shoulder.

“She will not be happy,” he admitted tightly, and Ray had to look away. “But we have a whole week to scheme. For now, you should rest.”

Ray gave him a long look. Ryan looked tired, but sincere, and he found himself nodding.

“I will leave for my chambers, then.”

He carded his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame it, but gave it up for a lost cause. Without another word, he moved towards the door, feeling Ryan's eyes like a tingle in the back of his neck. He paused at the door, not looking back.

“Thank you, my prince,” he said, voice low but carrying in the silent chamber. Then, he took his leave.

***

Steps down the stone stairs. Gavin tilted his head, listening closely as they echoed through the dungeon. Not a guard - they took their time in the mornings, and Gavin could barely see the dawning light yet. Besides, with lack of anything else to do, he’d made a point of learning how every guards’ steps sounded.

No, this was not a guard. Not the queen either, who’d come to taunt him the day before as she delivered his sentence. Gavin curled his fingers around iron bars and peeked down the walkway.

It was dark in the dungeon, with barely any light filtering through the wall slits. But there was a figure passing by each cell, hidden by a dark cloak with the hood pulled up. Gavin squinted, but was unable to make out more details.

Only when the figure reached his cell was he close enough for Gavin to recognize. Prince Ryan.

He stopped in front of Gavin’s cell, regarding him quietly. Gavin stared back, raising his chin in challenge.

“Your Highness,” he greeted the prince, straightening his frock. Keep it civil, find out what he wants first. “I didn’t expect to see you here. What brings you to my humble abode?”

The prince’s eyes narrowed.

“Ray says you’re loyal. More than that, he calls you friend.”

“He is like a brother to me,” Gavin returned evenly, brow wrinkling. He eyed the prince up and down, taking in the dark cloak meant to hide his identity from afar. “I doubt you’ve come to release me.”

The prince inclined his head. “Mother has spoken, and I dare not go against her. Not yet.” His lips pulled into a grim smile. “Come true dawn, you will run the maze.”

Gavin tilted his head, curious. “Then why are you here?”

“You will be given a satchel of rations to last you the first day,” the prince explained. He glanced over his shoulder, then leaned in. He pulled a red strip of cloth from his belt and held it out for Gavin. “Hide this in there. And when the beast comes for you… show that to him.”

Gavin took the strip, inspecting it carefully. It looked like it was ripped off the prince’s own cloak, the one he’d been wearing in the harbour that first day - not many could afford cloth in this rich colour.

“This will stop the beast?” he asked, eyes narrowing in thought. The prince hesitated.

“It will buy you time.” Then he lowered his voice. “Few know this, but at the end of the week, I will enter the labyrinth to bring him food. You only need to last until then.”

Or find a way out in the meantime, but he still found that knowledge reassuring. Gavin pulled the cloth through his fingers and looked up.

“Why are you doing this?”

The prince’s face was inscrutable, impossible for Gavin to get a read on.

“Ray was distraught to learn of your fate. I may not be able to let you go, but I can give him the hope you’ll survive this.”

“You care for him.” The words were filled with disbelief, because Gavin wasn’t convinced yet, no matter how certain Ray seemed. The prince arched a brow at Gavin.

“I do.” The prince tilted his head. “You doubt me.”

“You’re plotting something,” Gavin offered in explanation, face and voice unrepentant. The prince’s mouth pulled into a mirthless smile.

“Only how to counteract Mother’s schemes.”

Gavin mustered him intently, but the prince was as hard to read as always. The closest he’d gotten to see behind the mask was the day he got caught spying. He glanced down at the favour, clenching his fist around it.

“I will survive the week. Just promise me this, Your Highness.” Gavin lifted his head, gaze boring into the prince’s eyes. “Keep Ray safe while I am gone.”

Prince Ryan smiled, crooked and surprisingly genuine.

“That I can promise.”

***

“Gavin of Athens,” the herald crowed, “...on the charge of treason… you are hereby sentenced to run the maze!”

The prisoners were shoved through the gate early in the morning. A crowd had gathered for the spectacle, a herald reading out the names and crimes of each person: petty theft, murder, treason. The words washed over Gavin in a crashing wave, more white noise than anything real. A guard pushed him forward, and Gavin stumbled across the line.

When he looked back, the gate fell close, the hedges of the maze rising to swallow it before his very eyes. The display of powerful magic sent a shiver down Gavin’s back. This was it, the way out was sealed.

He started walking.

He walked until the hedges threw deep shadows across his path. The darkness of night made it nearly impossible to see where he was going. One hand to the hedge, Gavin rounded the next corner, and the warm glow of a fire caught his eyes. Four figures huddled around a campsite in the middle of the path, throwing long shadows in the flickering light of the fire. They looked up one by one as Gavin approached them slowly.

“Come sit,” the oldest of the group greeted him gruffly.

Gavin sat down cautiously, next to a pale man with curly hair, about his age if he had to guess. He took in the others - a one eyed man with a scar stretching across his face, and a young woman who was grimly stirring up the fire. Four out of six people that had been sent into the maze this morning.

“Safety in numbers,” the oldest man spoke up again, and Gavin turned his attention back to him. Etruscan, going by his dark skin and accent. “Figure the beast can only chase one o’ us, y’know.”

“And,” the woman broke in, shooting the scarred man a disgusted look. “We can take turns keeping watch.”

The man cut her a look with his one good eye and snorted. She rounded on him immediately, baring her teeth.

“And how long do you think you’ll survive the maze without sleep?” she spat venomously, sneering at him as she waited for an answer. The silence stretched as the seconds ticked by. With a snort, she whipped her braid over her shoulder. “Didn’t think so.”

The man growled, his scar twisting his face. “I don’t trust you, woman. No proper girl runs the maze.”

There was a moment of stillness after his declaration. The woman seemed poised to punch the guy, but the man with the beard laid a restraining hand on her shoulder. Gavin watched everyone sharply, filing away the little tells for further contemplation later. Scar’s fingers kept twitching, while the old man jumped at every sound echoing from the darkness. Only the pale one seemed relaxed, which was belied by the tension of his shoulders and the way his eyes darted from person to person.

“What beast are you talking about?” Gavin asked and they turned to him. He put on his best clueless expression.

“You’re not from here, are you?” The Etruscan stared at him, his eyes roaming intently over Gavin’s face. Gavin shrugged and smiled charmingly, lifting his hands palm up.

“I just got here last week.”

“Zeus’ beard, what you’ve done to piss someone off that quickly?” Scarface spluttered. Gavin shrugged.

“Politics,” he explained vaguely.

The pale man next to him gave him a sharp look, but Gavin pretended not to notice. The Etruscan huffed, throwing a twig into the fire. Watching the flames lick up the wood, Gavin couldn’t help but wonder if anyone had tried burning the labyrinth down.

But when he asked, everyone stared at him like he’d grown a second head.

“You really haven’t heard?” the woman marveled, blinking in disbelief. “You have no idea what lies within the maze, do you?”

“The maze was grown to cage the beast,” the pale man spoke up, staring into the fire. “Burning it down might free it.” Then he snorted, looking up at Gavin darkly. “Besides, rumour has it the labyrinth is magic. It might not even catch fire.”

“Word is, the gods sent the beast as punishment for our sins,” Scarface scoffed. He took a stick and poked in the fire. “‘s why Her Majesty insists on sacrificing criminals and the like to the monster, to ‘cleanse the Cretans of the scum responsible for the Curse.’”

“Which is code for anyone she dislikes, I suppose,” Gavin murmured, dragging his palm over his face. The constant wars with other city states made much more sense now. The queen needed a steady supply of sacrifices to pacify the beast. “No one’s ever managed to get out?”

It was the pale man who spoke up, his voice soft and gravelly.

“There is no escaping the Minotaur. No one leaves the maze alive.”

Gavin hummed, leaning back and propping himself up on his hands. The night suddenly seemed much darker, beyond the confines of the campfire.

***

The camp split up in the morning, all talk of strength in numbers forgotten. Scarface, the old man, and the woman had already left when Gavin woke, but the pale man watched him with a shrewd look as Gavin checked his things. His rations had been plundered, but the prince’s favour was still left within the satchel. He sighed in relief. He would have to be more careful in the future.

Gavin left without a word, sticking to the left of the maze. If he kept taking left turns, surely he would find a way out.

Time crept by with each step, and Gavin wondered how many had wandered the maze mindlessly before him, desperate to find an exit. At least he had reassurance from the prince, he only needed to survive the week. Still. If Prince Ryan visited the labyrinth as often as he implied, there must be a hidden, less public entrance. Gavin was determined to find it first.

Lost in thought, Gavin turned another corner and nearly bumped into someone.

“The fuck-”

“Ah… sorry. I didn’t… see you…  there?”

Gavin trailed off as he recognized the other. His pale face was drawn into a severe frown, and his curls shone red in the sunlight. The man took a step back, peering over Gavin’s shoulder into the maze behind him.

“Ah- I wouldn’t go there?” Gavin offered, dragging a hand through his hair. The man gave him an odd look, and Gavin tried for a smile. “It’s a dead end.”

“Okay.” The man eyed Gavin up and down. “And why the fuck should I trust you?”

Gavin hummed, shrugging. “Guess you can’t, but why would I walk down this way if the exit was back there?”

His words seemed to startle the man, and he took a double take. Gavin brushed past him, looking up at the sun and trying to gauge how much daylight he had left. The maze was huge, and he didn’t know how long it would take until he ran into the Minotaur.

“You’re looking for a way out?” the man asked as he caught up with Gavin.

“I mean, yeah? Duh?” Now it was Gavin’s turn to eye the other oddly. “What else would I be doing?”

“I dunno, hunt the beast?” the man offered, sounding vaguely bemused. Gavin could only stare at him.

“Why would I do that?” He shook his head. “By all accounts, the beast is monstrous and strong. No, thanks, I plan on leaving here alive.”

The man shrugged. “The queen offered weapons to some of the others. I could hear her from my cell- kill the beast and be pardoned and all that.”

Gavin frowned. His cell had been on the back end, pretty far away from the others. He’d noticed the queen’s visit, but hadn’t realized she spent much time with the other prisoners.

“Why would anyone want to fight the beast?” Gavin wondered aloud. “It’s said to have, like, giant horns and the strength of a bull, right?”

“Right.” The man was watching closely, his sharp gaze prickling over Gavin’s skin. “But it’s that or wait for the beast to kill you.”

There was a lot about this he didn’t know, and this man didn’t seem to mind his questions, unlike the others last night. He needed more information if he wanted to survive.

Gavin pursed his lip. “Has no one ever tried to just escape before?”

The man shrugged. “No one’s ever managed.”

Gavin hummed thoughtfully, eying his companion from the corner of his eyes. He seemed content to follow Gavin around for now.

“How long has this beast been here?” Gavin brushed a hand over the leaves. “These hedges are huge. It must have taken a long time to grow them.”

“Not that long, really.” The pale man shrugged. “I’d swear it happened overnight. I went to sleep and in the morning, this giant labyrinth stood where before there was just a meadow. But I was just a dumb kid back then, so who knows.”

There was pain in his voice, and Gavin hesitated.

“Did you lose someone to the maze?” he asked carefully. The man barked out a laugh.

“You could say that.”

When he stopped talking, Gavin dropped the topic. They walked in silence for a while, Gavin going through plans and discarding them just as quickly as he thought them up. The man fell in step with him, seeming not to care which direction Gavin picked. The hedges were thick, and the rows seemed endless, but perhaps…

“Do you have a weapon?” Gavin turned curiously towards the man, who narrowed his eyes at him.

“Why do you want to know?” he asked suspiciously.

Gavin shrugged. “You talked about that deal the queen offered. I thought maybe we could find one of the outer hedges and cut our way to freedom?”

The man seemed to relax, his shoulders drooping. He stared off into the distance, as if pondering the idea, before shaking his head.

“No, she didn’t offer me the deal.” Gavin cocked his head, noting he didn’t deny having a weapon. “Besides, I doubt that would work. When I said the maze is magic, I meant it. Or didn’t you see how quickly the gate grew shut behind you? ”

The man was right, even if he didn’t have to be so abrasive about it. Then again, he didn’t have to answer Gavin in the first place.

Gavin gnawed on his lower lip, trying to find a way to pose his next question without seeming rude. He glanced at the man, the most reliable source of information about the labyrinth so far. He spoke with confidence, as if he were sharing facts rather than rumours. There was something he was hiding, but then, so was Gavin. So was every prisoner they met the night before, and if Gavin had to pick one… this man wasn’t too bad.

“I’m Gavin, by the way.” He stuck out his hand. “Thought I might as well introduce myself if you’re coming with me.”

“Might as well,” the man repeated oddly, staring at Gavin’s outstretched hand. He reached out slowly, carefully, as if scared to spook Gavin. His grip was gentle, and he squeezed once before hastily pulling back. “Michael. You want to stick together?”

“Well, yeah. Between the two of us, we might find a way out.”

Michael grimaced. “Why me? Why not any of-” He waved back over his shoulder, indicating the way they’d come from. “-them?”

“You seem decent.” Gavin shrugged. “Besides, you seem to know a lot about this place. You’ve been shooting down all the plans I’ve mentioned so far.”

“And that’s a good thing,” Michael questioned, looking skeptical.

“Well, yeah.” Gavin shot him a quick grin. “Means we don’t waste time on ‘em. Don’t you want to get out of here?”

The expression on Michael’s face was painfully honest.

“More than anything.”

Tbc next Thursday.