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>> MATURE because this a steamy romance. You may say 'uwu' unironically. Go ahead, it's alright. I support you.

Ari was all but disenchanted with the holidays, and content to carry on in greyscale. But when a glimmer of hope steps into his life, he can't help but feel the rainbow shine through.

>> Author's Notes

I didn't quite expect to write a holiday story, but Christmas Day brought upon some sudden inspiration. So, while this is perhaps a touch late, I couldn't help but write it, and don't feel like hoarding it until next year.

This is perhaps a departure from what folks might be used to from me, but I've been wanting to write more romance. This was a fun opportunity to write a simple, sweet love story. And maybe you'll find a glimmer of hope for yourself as the story unfurls.

>> >> <> << <<

>> Glimmer - Part 03 <<

Written by SynthW4V3

>> >> <> << <<

Ari held close to Ravi, neither wanting to break the spell they were under. In this moment of time the world mattered naught; their heartbeats were the only pulse of life that mattered. They lingered as the chill of the winter air slowly encompassed them, until finally it was time.

Ravi broke their embrace, and leaned up to kiss Ari's cheek. "We have to get back."

Ari pulled him tight once again. "I don't want this moment to end."

"Me neither," Ravi conceded, "but some of us are brand new and need to keep this job."

Ari kissed him back gently, and let go, the two interlacing their hands together as they headed for the door. The warmth of their embrace still lingered on their bodies, their hearts not quite wanting to let go of the moment yet. As they entered the store their grip softened, and parted, before they reluctantly took to their tasks for the remainder of the evening.

Ravi headed to the back with Leonard, eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of the store's displays and operations. Ari remained stationed at the front, manning the register, guiding customers, and ensuring a seamless checkout process.

Time trickled sluggishly as Ari navigated through the chaos of last-minute shoppers, their urgency palpable as they scoured the shelves for the perfect gifts. He answered inquiries, suggested options, and scanned items at the register, his mind alternating between the task at hand and the anticipation of the day's end.

Finally, the clock crawled to the appointed hour, signaling the approaching closure of the store. Ari finished the last transaction, issuing a farewell to the departing customer. With the final chime of the closing announcement, he locked the register, the metallic click resonating in the now-quiet store.

He stretched his stiffened muscles, grateful for the respite from the bustling activity. As he strolled toward the back, Ari spotted Ravi engrossed in a conversation with Leonard, gesturing animatedly toward an array of items. Ari chuckled to himself, enjoying Ravi's evident enthusiasm.

"Hey," Ari greeted as he approached, a small smile absentmindedly tugging at his lips, earning a warm return from Ravi. "Ready to call it a day?"

Ravi glanced around the store, taking in the hushed ambiance. "Definitely. It's been... eventful."

"Well, I have you for a short while still," Leonard chimed in. "Check the aisles and make sure everything is in order. I'll be in the back for a short bit."

"Sure, no problem."

Leonard nodded, stepping away. Ravi watched until the lion was out of sight before turning to Ari, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. With a swift move, he planted a quick kiss on Ari's cheek, playfully nipping him and licking his nose affectionately. Ari yelped in surprise, glancing around as Ravi tried to stifle his laughter.

"Not so loud, he'll hear," Ravi chuckled softly.

Ari felt his cheeks flush, and leaned against the shelf, trying to maintain his composure. He was supposed to be cool, calm, and collected, but Ravi just knew all the right ways to break the facade.

Suddenly looking thoughtful, Ravi broke the moment as he also leaned against the shelf. "Listen, I was wondering," he said as he played with his fingers, "um... could you come over to my place so I can pay you back for the burger yesterday?"

Ari blinked, caught off guard.

"And the pizza," Ravi continued, his voice earnest.

"Oh, you don't need to..." Ari attempted to dismiss the offer.

"I want to," Ravi insisted. "I felt like such a mooch yesterday, and you barely even knew me!"

Ari hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. Such a peculiar take on the old 'come up and see me sometime' line, but there was an endearing honesty in Ravi's request that Ari found difficult to refuse.

"Alright, you win," Ari relented with a chuckle, trying to mask his slight embarrassment. "When are we going?"

"In a bit," Ravi replied, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I take the seventy-one. It won't be here for another half hour."

"Oh, small world, that's the one I usually take, but then I have to catch a trolley."

"Aren't we the fancy one taking our fancy trolley to our fancy little part of town," Ravi teased cheekily.

Ari rolled his eyes, turning to Ravi. With a playful smirk, he propped up his head with his right arm, shooting Ravi a teasing grin. Ravi, in response, copied Ari's gesture, but crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue. Ari burst into laughter and, before he could retaliate, Ari swiftly pressed his finger against Ravi's nose, earning an immediate protest.

"Hey!" Ravi protested, laughing as he rubbed his nose. But Ari was already on the move, darting away with Ravi hot on his heels.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Ari dashed into the back section of the store, taking cover behind a table adorned with books and some peculiar knick-knacks. Ravi pursued, their laughter echoing through the aisles as they circled around the table, playfully chasing each other. In a sudden playful twist, Ari grabbed a nearby whip and cracked it theatrically, causing Ravi to scramble away, laughing.

"You can't escape my boops!" Ari declared dramatically. Ravi's fluffy pink hair bobbed in and out of the shelves as he playfully dodged Ari's pursuit. Their laughter filled the air, a joyful symphony that momentarily drowned out the mundane bustle of the store.

"Ahem."

Their antics came to an abrupt halt as Leonard, wearing an expression bordering on disapproval, stepped into their path. Ari skidded to a sudden stop, narrowly avoiding a collision with Leonard's sturdy frame. However, Ravi, unable to halt in time, crashed into Ari, sending them both tumbling to the ground in a chaotic tangle of limbs and fur.

As they tried to disentangle themselves, Leonard regarded them with a raised eyebrow and arms folded across his chest. "What's going on here?" he asked, his tone laced with a mix of amusement and disapproval.

"Um..." Ravi started, his limbs flailing as he attempted to regain his balance. Ari grinned sheepishly, extending a hand to help the younger wolf to his feet.

"Just a little... playful exploration?" Ari offered, his voice slightly cracking under Leonard's stern gaze.

"Right," Leonard replied, unconvinced. "Just remember we're closing up, not starting a wrestling match. Now, both of you, let's get this place sorted out."

Ari nodded, relieved at Leonard's mild response. "Yes, of course."

They quickly set about tidying the area, Ari pausing occasionally to exchange furtive glances and stifled laughter with Ravi. Amidst the task, Ari found himself caught in the warmth of Ravi's presence, a sensation of ease and comfort that eased his defenses. His heart swelled with an unexpected abundance of joy that he had never experienced before. How could this young man have ignited such intense emotions in just a short while?

As they finished up, Leonard departed to finalize a few things in the back room, leaving Ari and Ravi standing near the entrance, their earlier antics replaced by a quieter, more subdued energy of knowing glances and warm smiles. A few minutes later and Leonard emerged once again to close the gates, escorting the pair out of the mall.

"You know," Leonard began, turning to Ravi, "you've picked up on things quick. I think next week we'll have Ari teach you how to use the register." He clapped them both on the back. "You two have a great night, see you tomorrow," he said before crossing the lot towards his car.

"You too!" Ravi called after him before turning to Ari. "You know, I like him a lot better than Yvette."

"I like a hangnail a lot better than Yvette," Ari quipped.

The duo strolled the short walk toward the rail station, and chatted about nothing and everything; problematic customers, music, pineapple on pizza, the proper frosting to cupcake ratio, whatever. Suddenly, Ravi crouched, deftly crafting a snowball and launching it at an unsuspecting Ari, hitting his mark with precision. In a moment his dark hair was stark white, caked with snow.

A skirmish ensued, a flurry of snowballs exchanged in the midst of the parking lot, laughter echoing across the wintry landscape. Ravi sprinted toward the station, Ari once again in pursuit, clutching a freshly made snowball. Their antics startled a few bystanders seeking refuge from the biting cold.

Ari's well-aimed snowball found its mark, causing Ravi to stagger momentarily before steadying himself. With a swift tackle, Ari playfully brought Ravi to the snowy ground, their laughter mingling in the frosty air. As they rose to their feet, still chuckling, they settled on a nearby bench. Shivering, Ravi snuggled into Ari. The other commuters at the station, seeking solace from the unexpected ruckus, had already migrated to the far end, giving them ample privacy.

Ari sneered at them before returning his focus to the wolf cuddling up to him. He relaxed, reclining with Ravi in his arms, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him as they enjoyed a private moment. He hadn't had this much fun in the absence of alcohol in forever and a day.

"So... we're going where to get what, again?"

"We're heading to my place, and I'll settle up the six ninety-nine I owe you from yesterday, plus the four ninety-nine from today," Ravi explained, his eyes closing briefly as he calculated the amount. "That's, like, twelve bucks."

Ari rolled his eyes at his insistence. If it made him feel better, then alright. "So, where do you live again?"

"I live in Brickstone Apartments. You know, on Rock Avenue?"

Ari's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and concern creasing his features. "Isn't that..."

"Yeah, not exactly the best part of town," Ravi admitted, his smile fading slightly. "But it's what I can afford."

As they waited for the trolley, Ari felt Ravi's fingers entwine with his, and a faint warmth settled between them. He glanced down at the tracks, contemplating the turn of events. Just yesterday, Ravi had been a new face, a bright-eyed stranger in the store. Now, he found himself drawn to Ravi's warmth, his innocence, and the unexpected way he'd made a home in Ari's heart.

There was a magnetism about Ravi that Ari found hard to resist. Perhaps it was his vibrant fur or the spark in his eyes. It could have been his genuine voice or his gentle demeanor. Or maybe it was the way he presented himself -- fashionable, bold, and effortlessly stylish. Or perhaps it was simply everything, an irresistible amalgamation that drew Ari closer.

What Ari knew for certain was that Ravi brought out a better version of himself. In Ravi's presence, he felt an unspoken encouragement to embrace change and aspire to greater heights. Ravi was more than infectious; he was transformative.

The train screeching to a halt withdrew him from his thoughts and he looked up. Ravi and he were the last to step into the train. Together they made their way through the crowd, and found a private area in the back row of seats and sat down quietly. Ari exhaled quietly, enjoying the peace from the crowd beyond their little world, and the train began to move along to its next destination.

The ride was quiet; a comfortable silence that wasn't even interrupted by the coughs and sneezes and sniffles of the others around them. Ravi looked out the window, the moonlight playing upon his summery features, fingers still laced with the twilight wolf's. Ari just noted how dark and gloomy everything was, all but one bright spot by his side.

It was almost eleven at night, but how dark it was in the tram was rather odd. Usually, the light rail was very well lit at this hour. Some of the lights, he noticed, flickered in and out and some of them were off completely.

The tram passed by Ari's stop where he normally transfers over, and he pointed it out. A short while later, Ravi's stop came and the two exited. It rolled away with a screech unbecoming of the stillness of the night, just as the snow began to fall from the sky again.

Fingers still laced, they hurried through the dimly lit streets toward Brickstone Apartments. This corner of the city seemed to be caught in an endless battle against time. The once-stately brownstones now stood as silent victims of their faded grandeur, their windows covered with boards, and exteriors helpless canvases of urban artistry. Derelict warehouses and abandoned offices loomed nearby, their eerie presence suggesting clandestine dealings under the shroud of darkness. It was the sort of neighborhood that most would avoid venturing into after nightfall, and yet Ravi would be obliged to navigate its nocturnal pulse repeatedly.

Something about this revelation just didn't settle well with Ari.

As they approached the apartments Ravi fumbled around his ripped-up jeans, and pulled out a small key from his pocket. They walked up a few staircases along the side of the building, the biting cold lashing against the pair as they made their way up. Together they walked up to a door apparently familiar to Ravi; Ari couldn't tell at first what the number was because a bright red piece of paper blocked the bottom half of the sign.

Upon reaching the door Ravi snatched the paper, and swiftly tore it away to reveal 36B. He then crumpled it up, and nonchalantly flung it behind him. The wadded-up paper nearly grazed Ari's chest. While Ravi struggled with the lock, Ari stooped to retrieve the paper ball, smoothing it out.

"Ravi?"

"Yeah?" He finally got the thing open.

Ari followed Ravi into the apartment, his steps hesitant as he crossed the threshold into the dimly lit living space. Ravi flicked on the lights, casting a pallid glow across the room that barely seemed to pierce the shadows of neglect. The odors that assaulted his senses were a disconcerting amalgamation -- a musty scent of mildew mingled with the unsettling fragrances that wafted in from the outside, a chaotic blend of urban city life and the stench of neglect.

Ari closed his eyes, stifling a sigh. "This is an eviction notice," he stated, lifting the crumpled red paper previously discarded.

Ravi's laughter, tinged with nervousness, filled the room. "Oh... is that what that was?" He shrugged before slinking away toward the doorway that presumably led to the bedroom.

Ari stepped deeper inside as Ravi disappeared. The off-white walls loomed, bearing the telltale marks of water damage that trailed like mournful rivers down their surfaces. Ari's eyes traveled upward, briefly taking in the remnants of peeling wallpaper, desolate remnants clinging to the walls. His gaze then fell upon the forlorn couch, downtrodden and tattered. Its upholstery was a patchwork of disarray, its frame betraying the exhaustion of prolonged neglect.

The kitchen stood in a state of disrepair, with worn countertops and cabinets that sagged under the weight of time. The years of neglect were etched into every surface, rendering the once functional space into a shadow of its former self. Ari took a moment to peer at the cracked window over the kitchen sink, its fractured, dirty glass allowing in not only a meager measure of light but also the chilling drafts of the cityscape beyond. The cold seemed to creep in relentlessly, disregarding any semblance of comfort or warmth this place might have once held.

A short while later, Ravi returned, fumbling through a handful of crinkled bills as he approached the shadowed wolf.

"Ten, eleven... and here, twelve dollars," he announced, extending the money to Ari.

Ari hesitated, a sympathetic expression touching his features. He gently pushed Ravi's hand away. "You don't have to pay me back..."

"But I want to," Ravi insisted, his smile earnest. "It's the right thing to do."

"Don't worry about it. You deserve it," Ari assured him.

Ravi blushed slightly. "Are you sure?"

Ari nodded, observing as Ravi carefully folded the bills and stowed them in his pocket. Glancing around the worn-out space, Ari raised an eyebrow at the cobwebs and stains marring the ceiling. This was no way for someone to live.

Ravi meandered to the window, peering through the blinds with a sigh. "It's getting pretty rough... Are you heading home tonight? Because I can crash on the couch and you can have my bed! It's got a tricky spring, but... it's quite comfy!" He finished with an enthusiastic grin, always putting on a positive spin.

"Are you here all by yourself?" Ari inquired.

"I used to have a... a roommate, but he moved out," Ravi explained, his gaze dropping momentarily. He perked up after a beat. "Paying rent's been tough, so I got a job at Spender's, hoping to make ends meet..."

As Ravi struggled to elaborate, Ari walked over to the window and glanced outside. Snowflakes were already starting to dust the cityscape, and caking on the windowsill.

"We should hurry before the storm gets worse," Ari remarked.

"What?" Ravi sounded perplexed.

"You're not staying here. An eviction notice?"

"The third one, actually..."

Ari blinked. "That's my point. You're coming with me, alright?"

Ravi gazed wide-eyed, his sun-kissed features twisting in confusion.

"C'mon, just get all your important stuff, I'm getting you out of here," Ari insisted.

"But I... I can't... I didn't invite you here for charity..."

"I have space for two in my place, and it's mostly just Iggy and Lucky who come over." Ari shrugged. "I could use the company anyway."

Ravi shook his head, and stepped away to sit on the couch. It groaned in protest under him despite his light weight.

"Ravi, come on," Ari pleaded, his voice tinged with concern. "You can't stay here. It's not safe."

Ravi sat indignantly. "I'll be fine, Ari. I've managed so far."

"But that's the thing, Ravi. You shouldn't have to manage. Not like this," Ari replied, his tone pleading. "You're going to get kicked out, and this place..." He shook his head, gesturing vaguely at the surroundings. "It's not good for you." As if to punctuate his point the couch creaked at that very moment.

Ravi sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know, but I can't just..." He flailed his arms in objection. "You don't know what it's like coming from nothing and finally having something! It's... it's not much, but it's what I have for now!"

"You have me." Ari stepped closer, reaching out to gently hold Ravi's arm. "And I might not understand going from nothing to something, but I understand giving something up to start anew for my sanity. My folks argue all the time. Every family gathering is a battle of egos, and everyone is just too stubborn to even hear another opinion. I couldn't deal with it anymore, so I got a job, and as soon as I found a nice little place to rent, I left."

"My folks kicked me out when they found out I was gay," Ravi said dejectedly, unable to bring himself to look at the other. "It was so sudden. One day everything was fine, I was getting ready to go to college, and the next my father is barging into my room holding up some package I got in the mail." He pulled down the hem of his jeans to show the culprit. Ari's gaze cast down to see, a faint blush creeping over his cheeks. "Pride underwear," he explained, showing off the rainbow patterns hidden beneath his jeans. "I just wanted to express myself a little."

Ravi turned to look Ari in the eyes. "My folks withdrew funding, I had nothing. Didn't even get to go to college," he sighed. "I went from couch to couch for a while, doing what I had to do. It was shit, but at least I was myself."

He stood up, and walked over to the window, feeling the chill in his face. "I met someone who had a nice place, some good money, was investing in a few things. Don't get me wrong, I loved him, but it was like hitting the lottery. A year or so without an address really makes you want to finally settle down." He looked up, memory's serenity lighting up his face. "And we had such a great life together. It was like I found my fairytale ending. He made up for so much that had gone wrong."

He leaned over the counter, the Formica practically frozen under his touch. "But then he lost it all. A bad investment, and everything was gone. I watched him change from this loving, doting partner to someone I just didn't recognize anymore..." He placed a hand against his cheek. "With little money and little hope we moved here, and things just got worse and worse. He couldn't find anything, I couldn't find anything... the money was just draining away... he got angry, he would..." Ravi shuddered, and closed his eyes.

Ari stepped over and reached out for him, pulling him into a warm embrace. "Come stay with me, at least until you find something better. Please."

Ravi looked up at him, his eyes glimmering as a single tear fell. He shook his head. "Ari, you don't have to do this for me. I'll be okay."

Ari's grip tightened slightly. "I want to, Ravi. I can't let you stay here alone."

"I don't want to go through that again. I don't want to depend on someone again." Ravi's voice fell low, barely audible. "I don't want to be a burden again."

"You're not a burden," Ari insisted, brushing aside Ravi's locks tenderly, caressing the side of his face. Even in this moment he was so radiant. "I care about you, and I can't just leave you like this."

An uneasy silence loomed, Ravi torn between indignation and accepting such a generous offer to escape an evidently unhappy living situation. Ravi surveyed his bleak abode, a chill seeping into his slender frame as he contemplated the idea. Ari stood firm, silently urging Ravi to agree for both their sakes.

Finally, Ravi relented with a resigned 'tsk,' and unwrapped Ari from around him. "I'll be quick..." he muttered softly, disappearing into the bedroom, his usually cheery tone fading away.

After a short while of gathering clothes, trinkets, and what few possessions he had, Ravi returned to the living room with a colorful backpack slung over his shoulder.

"Ready to go?"

"I did my best," Ravi murmured sadly, disappointment tinged in his voice.

Ari enveloped him in a hug, running his fingers through Ravi's vibrant locks. "You did what you could," he comforted, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead. Ravi held onto Ari tightly, tears streaming down his cheeks onto Ari's chest. Ari held him tight; Ravi hadn't asked for help, but Ari was determined to see him through to a better place.

A short while passed, and Ravi returned the room key to the front office. As he stepped outside, Ari stood by the entrance, ready to join him on their trek to the train station. By now the sky had opened up, unleashing a storm of snowflakes upon the land, the air heavy with a wintry veil. Together, they embarked on their journey through the silent streets. The midnight snowfall descended like a curtain of tranquility, blanketing the world in a serene white hush, painting the landscape with an ethereal calmness.

The surroundings were hauntingly serene, the muted glow of the streetlights casting elongated shadows on the pristine snow. The rundown buildings stood silently, their decrepit facades juxtaposed against the ethereal beauty of the snowflakes dancing in the night. Even the tags spraypainted upon the abandoned brownstones were caked over, a fleeting reminder of their heyday.

Ravi shivered violently as the biting cold clawed at him, his teeth chattering involuntarily. He'd only been wearing a ripped pair of jeans and a shirt far too thin for this kind of weather. His scarf was really only for the sake of fashion, not function. Ari swiftly unbuttoned his coat, draping it around Ravi's shoulders.

"Don't worry, I'll keep you warm," Ari offered reassuringly, wrapping his arm around Ravi, and curling his tail around the other's. Holding each other close they trudged through the snow-covered streets toward a better tomorrow.