Page 24 of Epidermis

Incredulity finally forced words back into Jasper’s mouth, though they came out as little more than a whisper. “Right, because I’m sure you were so charmed when you met me.”

Konrad held his face more gently now, his lips pulling into the faintest of smiles. He stroked his thumbs over Jasper’s cheekbones.

“I was enchanted.”

Jasper’s brows pulled together, heat blossoming in his face. “Konrad.”

Beyond the curtain, he was named the winner for Best Blackwork Artist, the announcement met with thunderous applause.

“They’re playing your song,” Konrad said, letting go of his face.

Jasper took a step away. “Time to go dance.”

His chest felt oddly light as he walked out onto the stage. The crowd was still too big, the lights too bright, but he had this fluttering in his chest like a bird trying to escape a cage. He was smiling. Not for the cameras, but really smiling, ducking his head at the roar of applause that received him. He hoped the flush on his cheeks would be attributed to excitement over the award.

They handed him the plaque and asked if he’d like to say a few words. Jasper looked back toward the curtain, his smile widening when he saw Konrad there, holding the curtain open just far enough to watch him.

Konrad nodded encouragingly and Jasper chewed the inside of his lip as he turned back toward the podium.

His speech wasn’t a thing of poetry, and just a few shades more personal than generic. But he got through it. He didn’t stutter or go silent. His delivery was stiff, but he was regarded as eccentric anyway, so it was unlikely that anyone expected different. They cheered for him when he was done and he heard Hiyori cheering the loudest at the edge of the stage, positively screaming until one of the other winners settled her down.

Jasper smiled at her. She mouthed, I’m so proud of you.

He slipped back through the curtain and Konrad was right there waiting for him. Jasper couldn’t keep the stupid grin off his face as he crossed the distance between them and, before fully realizing what he was doing, he threw his arms around Konrad’s neck.

Konrad encircled his waist and lifted him right off his feet. Jasper laughed as Konrad spun him around, holding him aloft like it was nothing.

“Congratulations, darling,” Konrad said.

Jasper’s eyes widened.

“I’ve got you, darling.”

It wasn’t a dream. Konrad had soothed him, held him after his nightmares.

Jasper reeled as Konrad lowered him back to his feet. His arms were still around Konrad’s neck, and Konrad still held his waist, and Jasper stared at the knot of Konrad’s tie rather than his face. Konrad had offered him comfort and Jasper had just… crawled into his arms. Konrad hadn’t even brought it up, likely to spare Jasper another entry in the thirty-three-year-long humiliation ritual that was his life.

“Jasper! Konrad!”

Jasper nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of Hiyori’s voice. He had… maybe kind of forgotten there were other people around. Konrad let him go, and Jasper smoothed his suit, just in case it had gotten disheveled when Konrad picked him up. Had Hiyori seen that?

“We’re all going out for drinks to celebrate, and your participation is not optional,” she informed them. She pointed at Konrad. “That means you too.”

Konrad bowed his head. “I wouldn’t dream of refusing such a generous invitation.”

Jasper didn’t bother saying anything since his going was “not optional.” He let Hiyori lead the way, grateful for the back door of the convention center being open for vendors and artists so he didn’t have to dodge pictures and questions trying to get to the public exit. Jasper hung at the back of their little group, peeling his gloves and suit jacket off as they stepped out into the night’s dry heat. Even in September, summer still hadn’t loosened its hold on Nevada, but Jasper appreciated the warmth.

Konrad took his jacket before Jasper could protest, draping it neatly over his arm. “I rented a car for my excursions while you’re working this weekend. I’ll leave this there so you don’t lose track of it.”

Hiyori apparently heard that and turned to walk backwards to talk to them. “We were probably going to have to grab a couple of different Ubers anyway, so since you have a car do you want to drive and just meet us there? Jasper, I’ll text you the name of the club. I would walk but it’s a few blocks and my feet need a fucking break,” she said, pointing down to her stiletto heels. She looked at Konrad, already fishing in her clutch—probably to call her wife and share her big win. “Take care of our boy.”

“Hiyori,” Jasper scolded. He could take care of himself.

At the same time, Konrad said, “I certainly will.”

They broke off from the group to go toward the parking garage. As soon as the others’ voices faded, Jasper became acutely aware of how alone they were. He stuffed his hands deeper into his pockets. “Hey, about earlier,” he started, cringing at how stiff the words came out. Almost businesslike.

It wasn’t anything against Konrad. Jasper had just built walls and forts inside the walls, and he’d forgotten to make doors.