But Raider’s as stubborn as she is, and he’s changing the subject. Next week is Valentine’s Day, and Raider’s only plans are (definitely) texting Rune and (probably) jerking off to blurry selfies.
There’s something special about Rune. Raider wants to keep him all to himself until he’s figured him out. Raider and Val spent so long hunting artifacts and treasure together, defusing ancient ritual traps, restoring ancient artifacts to their rightful homes.
Raider wants something for himself.
Besides, this thing with Rune is still casual. Still new. They haven’t even voice-called yet—no way is Raider telling Val about him.
That thought rattles around Raider’s head later that night, while he puts away a month’s worth of laundry. Piles of clean towels and T-shirts and jeans sprawl across his king-sized bed. As his incoherent cleaning playlist blasts alt rock, country, and opera, Raider wonders what Rune’s voice sounds like.
Bad thought. Phone calls are a slippery slope. Rune doesn’t want to meet in person, and Raider is fine with that.
Really, totally fine with that.
Catching up on all his chores and tidying up his apartment above the shop is what Raider would be doing anyway. He’s not cleaning up on the off chance he gets to bring someone besides Val over.
Which is good, because Raider will never be done folding laundry at this rate. He keeps pausing to text Rune back.
Rune:Will it be dangerous keeping so many valuable artifacts in one place?
Raider:I’ve got security systems. And trust me, I can handle trespassers ;)
Rune:What about the magic artifacts though? Would they interact with each other?
Raider:Oh, I’m not keeping anything super dangerous in the main shop. No scary curses
Rune:That’s good.
Rune is so interested in everything Raider does, from his shop to his evening runs to what he eats for breakfast. Even if it’s the same coffee and bagel every morning. Raider thought Rune was faking the interest at first. Then he was flattered by it.
Now? Raider’s getting worried. The adorable, shy young man seems so lonely.
I’m alone a lot, Rune’s H2H profile says. So far, “a lot” seems to be “all the time.” Rune is always available to talk, at any hour. He’s vague about how he spends his days. Every time Raider tries angling for information, Rune deflects.
There’s something strange about Rune’s photos too. Not Rune himself, who appears perfect in every way. Not the awkward, blurry angles—the inexpert selfies are very charming. But something is odd about the background rooms. Raider can’t quite put his finger on it, however many times he flips through the collection saved to his phone.
Maybe Raider is imagining things. No more treasure hunts, and setting up the shop is going too smoothly. Maybe Raider’s so desperate for a new quest, he’s turning this H2H match into a mystery to solve.
The speculation might be unfair. This is casual. Super casual. Just like Raider told Cupid he wanted.
Rune:You should get a cat.
Raider:Yeah?
Rune:You clearly like them. All of your funny image memes are about cats.
Raider:Maybe I should. My parents have dogs, but I used to travel too much to have my own pet
Raider:Do you have any pets?
Raider:If you have pets and haven’t sent photos, I’m going to be very cross with you
Rune:Please don’t be cross! I haven’t withheld any pet photos
Rune sends a laughing emoji, proving he isn’t actually distressed. Raider chews his lip, then gives into his urge to pry.
Raider:Are you allowed to have pets at your place? Or would your landlord or roommates not like it?
Sure enough, there’s that telltale pause as Rune figures out how to avoid answering. What kind of life is Rune living that he has so much to conceal but so little practice concealing it?
