Kyle POV

Kyle watched Lucas with quiet pride as they browsed Fatima and Ahmed's store. The rich aroma of spices filled the air, mingling with the distant hum of the city. It was oddly comforting. Kyle approached the window, glancing outside to ensure they hadn't been followed. Satisfied, he let the warm sunlight filtering through the store's windows wash over him, illuminating the neatly organized jars and colorful spice containers.

As Lucas animatedly discussed spices with Fatima, his hands gesturing enthusiastically, Kyle's attention wandered. The polished counter beneath his fingers felt grounding amidst the swirl of his thoughts. Discreetly, he asked Fatima about jars and shelves for an interactive spice bar in their store.

"What's that?" Fatima asked.

"It's an idea I had," Kyle said, pulling out a drawing. "A shelf with cups to taste spices, jars for sampling aromas, and fun facts about Lucas's favorite blends."

Fatima studied the drawing and then glanced at Kyle. Her sharp gaze softened. "You seem troubled, Kyle. Is everything alright?"

Kyle hesitated, his eyes flicking to Lucas, still engrossed in conversation. The sound of Lucas's excited voice was a comforting backdrop to Kyle's growing anxiety. "I might need to leave unexpectedly," he said quietly. "If I do... could you keep an eye on Lucas?"

Fatima's expression softened further. "Of course. But be careful, Kyle. This is weighing on you."

Kyle forced a smile. "I'll try. And, could you order some extra ingredients? Just in case."

Fatima nodded. "Consider it done."

Despite the anxiety gnawing at him since the encounter at Cibeles, Kyle suggested stopping by the store on their way home. Lucas happily agreed. They walked in silence, the city's evening hum surrounding them. For Kyle, every sound and scent—distant voices, music from a café, the cool breeze carrying Lucas's cologne—intensified his guilt.

"In another life, we could just be lovers," Kyle thought, "but I can't stay."

As they approached the store, Kyle's turmoil deepened. He hadn't told Lucas everything. The looming threat hung between them like a shadow. Should he leave to protect Lucas, or would that only abandon him to unseen dangers?

When Lucas unlocked the door, his excitement broke the silence. The scent of fresh paint and spices greeted them as they stepped inside. The place was still in disarray but full of potential. Yet now, Kyle's dreams for the store felt fragile, overshadowed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

While Lucas busied himself with cleaning, Kyle stood motionless in the quiet, unfinished space, his thoughts churning. The idea of leaving Lucas that night surfaced again—his way of keeping Lucas safe. But Kyle pushed it down, unwilling to let fear dictate his choices. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, casting warm, golden patterns across the wooden floor and illuminating Lucas's face.

"If I leave, he'll be safe... but he'll also be lost without answers," Kyle thought, his chest tightening. "And if I stay, I'll face the consequences—both my secrets and the dangers that follow me."

Determined to protect Lucas in every way he could, Kyle knew the only solution was to open the store. Financial stability would at least give Lucas a foundation, even if it cost Kyle the little time he had left. Resolute, he turned to Lucas, the soft light catching the worry etched on his face.

"We should aim to open next Thursday," Kyle suggested, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. The words hung in the air, mingling with the muted sounds of the city beyond the walls.

Lucas hesitated, his brow furrowing as he considered the proposal.

After some convincing, Lucas's resolve softened into a nod. "Okay. Let's do it," he agreed, his voice carrying quiet determination.

Relief washed over Kyle, but it was fleeting. The weight of his unspoken fears lingered, heavy and unresolved. "Tonight," he promised himself, "I'll tell him everything."

However, everything changed when they returned to the apartment and saw several boxes in the hallway: Lucas's belongings. Seeing Lucas distressed was heartbreaking. Yet he carried some boxes inside; it was clear how much Lucas still cared for Jacob and how complicated those feelings were. 

"He still loved Jacob. I am not sure how much, but there was still a place in Lucas's heart in which he hoped that..." Kyle thought. "I am so sorry, Lucas. Forgive me for what I did."

A pang of regret hit Kyle as he contemplated his visit to Jacob. In a moment of rage, he warned Jacob to stay away from Lucas and cut ties with him so that Luucas could genuinely start over. Kyle realized he might have made a mistake, one he should confess to Lucas someday.

Distracted by these thoughts, Kyle's gaze fell on the table again, where their books lay side by side—a comforting presence in their home. He prepared coffee for Lucas as their usual ritual to comfort each other and let Lucas cry in his arms. Lucas wailed to his heart's content, leaving a mess in Kyle's T-shirt, yet Kyle didn't mind—it was his fault, after all.

Kyle began sharing a harrowing memory—Emanuel's death. The words were heavy, the memory vivid. Kyle was a different type of man until that day. As he spoke, Kyle remembered something Emanuel had told him before the end: love was a piece of the divine. Kyle understood his brother was right and knew he would do anything to protect Lucas, even silence his desire.

"It is not the time now." Kyle thought and held Lucas until he calmed down. 

They continued chatting about their new business plans until they went to sleep. Kyle had thought about a plan to protect the stall when he was gone, and the next day, he would enact it. Kyle went to bed and fell into deep slumber very soon. He wanted to see Lucas in his dreams, but he didn't come that night. Kyle found himself walking in a rugged terrain, with patches of grass and wildflowers clinging to the rocky soil. There was a salty wind coming from his left side. He raised his gaze to find endless cliffs stretching out before him, their jagged edges cutting into the sky and, to his left, an infinite blue sea. Deep and overwhelming calm surrounded him. 

A figure in rags stood on the cliff, his face covered by a cloak, and only a few strains of blonde hair were visible. Kyle smiled despite not wanting anything to do with him. He would help him prevent Armageddon. Kyle let the dream continue as he had found his route of escape. He had to hide in the fae realm.

After consulting with Lucas, Kyle finalized listing the store's lighting options. They also chose a chalkboard for the menu. The next day, after securing safe passage to the Fae world, Kyle wandered through the bustling market, scanning for the perfect chalkboard. As he picked up a sleek black one, admiring its clean lines, a familiar presence made the hairs on his neck stand up.

Uriel appeared beside him, voice low and serious. "Kyle, we need to talk. Teufel has found you. He's about to strike."

Kyle stiffened, gripping the chalkboard tighter. He glanced around, but the market continued its lively buzz, oblivious to the divine presence beside him.

"Of course he has," Kyle muttered, frustration edging his voice. "How much time do I have?"

"Not much," Uriel replied, his gaze intense. "He's determined this time. You know what he wants."

Kyle's expression darkened. He set the chalkboard down, mind racing. He couldn't let Teufel get close to Lucas.

"I've secured safe passage to the Fae world," Kyle said, meeting Uriel's eyes. "But I need you to watch over Lucas. If something happens and I'm not there, keep him safe."

Uriel studied him, the gravity of the situation clear in his eyes. "I will, Kyle. But be careful. Don't underestimate Teufel."

Kyle nodded, the knot of fear tightening in his chest. "I won't. But if it comes to it, Lucas's safety comes first."

Uriel's expression softened, and there was a rare moment of understanding between them. "You have my word. I'll watch over Lucas and the apartment."

As Uriel vanished into the crowd, Kyle picked up the chalkboard again, the cheerful task now tinged with urgency. He couldn't let fear stop him—not when Lucas's safety was at stake.

Unable to shake his distress, Kyle visited Lilian before returning to the apartment. He asked her for seeds to plant coriander, rosemary, and basil in pots, as she had done in her store. Lilian greeted him with open arms but soon realized something was troubling Kyle.

Kyle played with the seeds he had received from Lilian and muttered, "Thanks, Lilian. These will be perfect for the store. I... I need your advice on something else, though."

Noticing the seriousness in his tone, Lilian nodded. "Of course, Kyle. What's on your mind?"

Kyle sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's about Lucas. I haven't told him everything—about who and what I am. I'm afraid that once he knows, he'll want nothing to do with me. But I need to protect him. Things are getting more dangerous, and I can't drag him into this mess."

Lilian gently touched his arm. "You can't protect him by keeping secrets, Kyle. Lucas is strong. He deserves to know the truth and choose whether to stay or go."

Kyle frowned. "I know, but I can't just drop this on him now. We're so close to opening the store, and I've already let him down too many times. I need to see this through to ensure he's set up and stable before... before anything happens."

Lilian nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. But remember, delaying the truth makes it harder when it finally comes out. Still, if opening the store first gives you peace, then do that. Just don't wait too long, Kyle. Lucas needs to hear it from you, not someone else."

Kyle smiled. "Thanks, Lilian. I'll do my best. And while you're at it, could you help me source some woven textiles from South America? I want the store to feel infused with warmth and tradition."

Lilian grinned. "Consider it done. And Kyle, don't hesitate to ask for help if things get out of hand. Lucas isn't the only one who cares about you."

Kyle spent the next few days at home, enjoying Lucas's company while working on the logo designs and figuring out how to make the lighting system work. Meanwhile, Lucas practiced several empanada recipes in the kitchen, trying to master new ones.

Lucas was scraping a spoon across the edge of the bowl. "It's still not right. There's a bitterness that shouldn't be there."

Lucas frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the latest batch.

Kyle took a bite of chicken marinated in harissa paste and roasted vegetables, savoring the flavors. "It's not bad, really. I kind of like it. But you're the chef here."

Kyle winked, trying to lighten the mood, but he couldn't help but admire Lucas's determination.

Lucas sighed, wiping his hands on his apron. "Not good enough. Let me try again."

He headed back to the counter, focused on perfecting the recipe. As Lucas worked, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of spices, the air warm and comforting.

Kyle watched him with a soft smile, feeling pride and affection. "You never give up, do you? Let me make us some coffee while you work your magic."

He moved to the kitchen, where the rich scent of brewing coffee blended with the aroma of spices. It was a comforting, homey smell that wrapped around them both.

Minutes later, Lucas finally relaxed. He took a deep breath, and his shoulders dropped as he leaned back against the counter, watching the coffee pour. When the new batch was ready, he took a tentative taste, his expression brightening slightly.

Lucas smiled. "Better. Still not perfect, but getting there."

Kyle handed Lucas a steaming mug of coffee. "See? You've got this."

He settled beside Lucas, their arms brushing as they sipped in silence. The quiet between them was comfortable and filled with unspoken understanding.

Lucas gently rested his head on Kyle's shoulder as they finished their coffee. The simple act was enough to send a jolt through Kyle, and he struggled to keep his reaction in check. The warmth of Lucas's body against his, the familiar scent of spices and coffee—everything about this moment felt right.

After a few moments, Lucas's voice was soft and thoughtful. "With your complexion, I'd guess you've got some Turkish or Algerian blood in you."

Kyle smiled, slightly amused. "You're not wrong. But that's a story for another time."

Kyle's tone was light, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. Lucas looked at him curiously, sensing more, but he let the conversation drop. Instead, they discussed the store, and Kyle mentioned his idea of decorating it with photos of traditional markets and festivals worldwide. Lucas chuckled, finding the idea thoughtful and a little over the top.

Lucas laughed softly. "You're really going all out with this, huh? But... it's a nice touch. Thanks, Kyle."

Later that night, as they prepared for bed, Kyle paused at Lucas's door. The moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow across the room.

Kyle quietly, almost hesitantly, said, "Once the store's open, I'll tell you more about my past—the things you deserve to know."

Lucas turned to face him with a teasing smile. "Is that the only thing you think I want to know, Kyle?" His voice was playful, but his gaze held a promise, a challenge that left Kyle momentarily speechless.

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension; the moment's warmth mingled with a more profound longing. Kyle swallowed hard, the words caught in his throat, and nodded. Lucas bade him goodnight with a final smile, leaving Kyle to wrestle with the mixed emotions that lingered long after the door closed.

They had a big day ahead; better keep them in check until then.