Page 42 of Miles's Pact
We switched to lighter topics as we ate, and Duckie told me about his experiences as a duck, following behind flocks of actual ducks during migration season, avoiding getting hunted by humans who wanted to eat him—while Duckie made it sound funny, I was sure it'd been anything but that when it'd actually happened—and all the strange little experiences he'd gained in his web-footed form.
After we'd finished our food, we decided to watch a movie since Duckie hadn't done that in years, and we settled on a romantic comedy that was showing in twenty minutes. Since it was a weekday, the theater wasn't crowded, and after we'd gotten some popcorn and soft drinks—despite the fact that we were full from lunch, neither of us had felt right watching a movie without popcorn—we found our seats as the lights went down and the preview started to play.
When Duckie slid his hand into mine a few minutes later, the lingering shadows of my past dissipated away as I returned his hold, soaking in the warmth and comfort he offered.
Duckie
I'd forgotten how fun watching a movie in the theater could be. The big screen, the scent of buttery popcorn in the air, the way being in the dark room made you feel like you were the only person in the world... until something funny happened on screen and everyone around you joined in with your laughter.
Being here with Miles made it all the better, even though it was awkward to share the tub of popcorn with one hand. Neither of us were willing to let go of each other, so we found a way to make it work, though we'd dropped more popcorn than we'd eaten in our struggle.
The movie itself was quite fun, lighthearted and cheerful, and I found myself wanting to know what the future held for the couple when it ended.
By the time we left TOSS, the sun was low in the sky, and I couldn't believe the day was already ending. I didn't want our date to stop, but I knew we'd have to head home soon enough.
"Do you want to go home?" Miles asked as he pulled me close and linked his arm with mine, and I glanced over at him, meeting his dark eyes.
"Not really. I...I'm having a lot of fun, and I don't want this day to end."
Miles smiled brightly, and it sent my heart tumbling over itself. I wanted to make him smile like that all the time.
"So am I. I do have something planned for dinner, if you're up for it."
I nodded eagerly, and he chuckled, then glanced around before pulling me into a dark alley. Stopping when we were hidden from view, Miles pulled back.
My breath caught in my chest as our eyes met, and I wondered if he was about to kiss me. I'd never kissed someone before, and I really, really wanted to be kissed by Miles.
Giving me a soft smile that told me he could tell exactly what I was thinking, Miles took a step back and pulled his phone out of his pocket.
"One sec," he murmured as his thumbs flew over the touchpad. His phone buzzed, and he smiled at whatever text he'd received before sending something back and putting his phone away.
Before I could ask what was happening, a stirring in the air behind me made me jump, and I turned to see a... a portal opening in the dark space.
"Come on," Miles said as he took my hand once more, and I followed after him, shivering as the magic of the portal washed over me.
The scent of fresh grass and moss filled my nose as we stepped through on the other side, and the portal disappeared a moment later, leaving us standing at the edge of a small lake, an old, arching maple tree on the other side offering the perfect canopy to sit under.
I blinked, then glanced around, my gaze catching on the blanket spread out under a tree laden with glowing yellow fairy lights. A large basket sat beside the blanket, as well as a small cooler and a stack of dishes.
"What..." I trailed off, unable to process what I was seeing. How had Miles even arranged all of this?
As if reading my mind, Miles squeezed my hand. "Mateo helped. And Rhiannon, with the portal." He must have noticed my confusion because he added, "She's Rebba's mate."
Ah, I knew Rebba. She was the alpha of the Mistvale shifter pack, and the woman who'd brought me to her shelter and then introduced me to Mateo.
"This is... wow," I exhaled, unable to find words to express how much I liked it.
"I thought we could shift for a bit. We could swim or fly, and then we can have a meal together. What do you think?"
I thought he'd saved the best part of the date for the last. I also thought he knew me far better than I'd thought. How had he known I'd want to shift and destress for a bit after all the excitement of today?
"I think it sounds wonderful," I said, and got another of his bright smiles as a reward. I'd noticed that while Miles was a lot less expressive than his twin, when he did feel happy, he showed it easily.
We used the shelter of the nearby trees to change—while I had seen Miles naked when he shifted in front of me before, it felt different now, more intimate—into our bird forms, and then Miles followed me into the cool lake.
While I swam around, his owl form sank underwater before he started flapping his wings, though his feathers weren't made for this.
Your feathers are getting waterlogged. You should climb up on me.
Nah, I'm okay, he replied as he swam around me, his heavy wings dragging through the water.
Miles, I insisted, and he sighed before carefully clawing his way up onto my back. I mentally cheered. He was a perfect fit! We spent the next few minutes quietly soaking in each other's presence.
The sun was gone, and I could see stars twinkling away in the sky as their reflection danced across the water. The night breeze blew ripples against the lake surface, and Miles shook out his wings, spraying me with water. I nudged him playfully in return, which almost sent him toppling back into the water until he dug his talons in.
My amusement was reflected by his through our bond, and I hoped we'd do this all the time from now on. Not visiting this lake per se, but spending time in our bird forms.
Something was different about it, about being close without needing words to fill the silence. It was pure and beautiful. Something magical.
