Celestial Monsters (The Sunbearer Duology #2)

by Aiden Thomas

So why did he feel like shit?

i don't know baby- because your FRIENDS AREN'T THERE AND HATE YOU MAYBE?

All the pieces fell into place. “Shit,” Teo hissed. Niya turned, brow knit in concern. “What?” “Aurelio’s slipups,” Teo said. “You know how he kept hesitating with the stone jaguars? And back there with the ahuizotl?” “Yeah, he really doesn’t like being wet—” “He’s used to being half of a team,” Teo pressed. Guilt and sympathy soured his stomach. “I don’t think he’s actually hesitating. I think he’s instinctively waiting for Auristela to step in.” Niya’s expression softened. “But she’s not there.” Teo’s chest ached. “Right.”

“Besides, you can’t be your sister. Your ass isn’t thick enough to fill out her uniform.”

It wasn’t like a kiss in the movies. It was awkward and clumsy, and Teo could feel Aurelio’s tense lips tremble against his own. But it was soft and warm, and it tasted like sweet mazapan. To be honest, Aurelio could’ve drooled on him, stepped on his foot, or even sneezed directly into his mouth and it wouldn’t have mattered because he was kissing Aurelio for the first time after dreaming about it for so painfully long. Finally, finally, finally.

Even if it meant being the sacrifice themself.

NO XIO NONONONONONO!!!!!!

Ocelo fell into step next to Xio momentarily as they rushed after Auristela. “So, you’re good now?” they demanded, muscles bulging and jaguar eyes flashing dangerously. “Uh, yeah—I mean, I’m trying to be,” they replied with a nervous laugh. Ocelo narrowed their yellow eyes at Xio for a moment longer before nodding their approval. “Nice.”

“Promise me we’ll have lots of moments like this,” Teo murmured, his voice barely audible over the gentle breeze rustling through the trees below. “Always,” Aurelio vowed, kissing the top of his head. In the fading light of the day, Teo knew he could trust that promise with every fiber of his being.