New Players In The Pattern

[Aiden Finnegan]

Sage grabbed Aiden’s hand; warmth shot up through his arm where their palms and fingers intertwined. Aiden couldn’t help but smile ear to ear. Tonight was going remarkably well so far. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach and a healthy, flaming orb sprung up about a yard or two above his head. It was high enough up that he didn’t notice it’s warmth or light, or maybe he was too wrapped up in the moment to notice. Regardless, the flame wouldn't be dissipating anytime soon and it would definitely follow Aiden around, whether or not he noticed it.

                Despite the flames and the computer in Sage’s brain, this felt incredibly ordinary. No paparazzi in sight, no gawkers, no hushed whispers. Just Aiden, Sage, and Lasher enjoying a nice walk. Aiden had the sudden urge to take a picture of the moment. He wasn’t sure if they’d have another quite like this one. It would have to wait another moment or two.

                The trio passed the man that Aiden had pointed to earlier. He was a little rougher looking, clenched jaw and an unruly mane of hair. He was shoving something into his pocket and then abruptly pulling it back out again. It was at that point that Sage identified the man. Aiden squeezed his date’s hand as he listed off the stranger's personal details.

                Aiden couldn’t help but giggle, “Elias must have one helluv’ an accent if that’s true.” He said that just as loudly as Sage, just in case the stranger didn’t hear Aiden’s date.