Eclipse

The quiet hum of the museum had given way to a peaceful pause between them, After a brief exchange, they had settled on the idea of continuing their conversation over coffee,

Now, Peter found himself sitting at the small table of a local café, a warm, inviting space that peter had chosen. The café was tucked away on a quiet street, its charm hidden behind large windows that allowed the soft glow of the interior lights to spill out into the cool evening air. Creating an inviting warmth that contrasted the chill of the evening air.

The gentle hum of conversation, the clink of cups and saucers,the faint scent of roasted coffee beans in the air. The light reflecting off the polished wooden tables, the flickering of candles on some of the nearby counters and the cozy, dim lighting adding to the intimate, low-key ambiance.

Peter had intentionally chosen a quiet corner booth, just far enough from the bustling tables where the noise wouldn’t intrude upon their conversation. He knew Steven would appreciate the privacy this little nook provided—a space where they could talk without being overheard or interrupted.

Peter hadn’t ordered anything yet since steven hadn't arrived yet .But as he sat, waiting, Peter found himself fidgeting more than he expected ,his fingers running lightly over the smooth surface of the wooden table.The seconds seemed to stretch longer as he glanced at his watch, then checked his phone, a slight sense of impatience creeping in. Steven was late.Peter felt a twinge of mild annoyance, but only for a brief moment. He wasn’t the type to let small delays get under his skin. Hell knows how many he's made it would be very hypocritical of him to get angry with this type of thing.

But steven was beyond late ,Peter had started to think Steven wouldn't come at all.Right then Peter decided to get up and leave when his phone buzzed a faint light flickered with the indication of a message. It was a text from Steven, explaining that he had accidentally overslept, but he would be there in five minutes.

 He settled into the booth, shifting in his seat, letting his mind wander, until he heard a soft chime echoing through the café. It was the sound of the small gold bell that sat on top of the Cafe's door.

Peter looked up, his eyes scanning the entrance, and then he spotted Steven. Peter's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight.

Steven was wearing a navy blue sweater, its fabric soft and comfortable-looking, paired with a sleek big light brown–beige type trench coat the hem of which swished lightly with his movement.

Beneath the sweater, the edge of a white flannel shirt peeked out giving his outfit depth

Stevens curls were slightly tousled a bit messy even, as if he’d run his hands through them one too many times in a rush

Peter couldn’t help but notice the natural appeal in the way his hair framed his face, messy in a way, it suited his personality.

It was clear to Peter that Steven had put some thought into his outfit  he found the gesture quite endearing.

Steven scanned the room, his eyes flicking nervously over the tables before finally landing on Peter. The moment their gazes met his expression softened, a small but genuine smile spreading across his face. the tension in his posture eased. Without hesitation, he made his way over to Peter, his steps measured but steady.

When Steven reached the booth, he seemed embarrassed and apologetic, his voice laced with an earnest, if sheepish, tone. "Hey, sorry I’m late''

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes shifting downward, focusing on his hands as they fidgeted with the cuffs of his sleeves.Then he ran a hand through his hair in that familiar, almost self-conscious way. " I don’t know what happened. But I’m really glad you’re still here."

Peter smiled, easily settling into the ease of the moment. He gave a small wave of his hand as if brushing aside any concern. "It’s no problem," he said, his voice steady. "You’re here now. How about we order? I think a hot drink might be just the thing to warm you  up after all that walking around. Maybe we can sit for a while and talk. Then, we could take a walk around town if you’re up for it?"

Stevens face brightened at the suggestion, and with a small, appreciative smile, he slid into the seat across from Peter. "That sounds perfect."

Just as Peter was about to wave the waitress over, Steven took the lead and flagged the waitress over who approached them with a cheerful smile. Steven ordered a hot chocolate, and Peter, after a brief hesitation, opted for a milk chai latte.

Steven glanced at Peter again, and this time, there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Oh, wow," he said, his voice light, sounding almost surprised he had let that particular thought out but he still continued with "I didn’t expect you to order that."

"What?" Peter asked, his brow furrowing slightly in playful confusion , unsure of what had caught Stephen’s attention.

"It’s just... I didn’t expect you to order that," Steven admitted with a soft laugh, his cheeks flushing a little as if embarrassed by his offhand comment.

Peter raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Oh? What, do I not look like the chai latte type?"

Steven face flushed deeper a small, embarrassed laugh escaping him  "No, no, that’s not what I meant—"

Peter chuckled, raising a hand to forestall any more apologies. "Don’t worry, I’m just teasing. But, hey," he shifted the conversation with a grin, "I’ve been meaning to ask you—how did you get into Egyptology?"

At that, Steven's whole demeanor seemed to brighten, his eyes lighting up with something that felt like passion—a rare spark to see in people nowadays. "I’ve always been interested in it, ever since I was a kid," he said, his voice taking on a warm, nostalgic tone. "I remember I used to annoy everyone in my house with all these facts about ancient Egypt, constantly talking about pharaohs and pyramids." He laughed softly, as if embarrassed by the memory, though there was no real shame in it. "But honestly, the memories are blurry now. I don’t really remember it as clearly as I wish I did more like bits and pieces."

His voice trailed off as if lost in the haze of distant thoughts, a slight frown forming on his forehead. But he quickly snapped out of it, the subject clearly not one he wanted to linger on.

"Anyway, enough about me," he said with a light smile, eager to change the subject. "How did you end up in London? You’re American, right?"

Peter blinked in surprise, "Really? It’s that obvious?" he said, feigning shock at the observation, though he knew it was true—his accent had always been unmistakably American.

Steven nodded "It’s in your face," Steven said almost casually with a hint of a smile on his face.  You’ve got this... American charm. You know, the kind you see in movies. The 'boy next door' type."

Peter leaned back in his seat, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh really? Continue, I love hearing about how handsome I am," he teased, his tone light as he fluttered his eyelashes dramatically.

Steven couldn’t help but laugh at the exaggerated gesture, his cheeks coloring slightly again. They shared a quiet moment of amusement, their connection growing more comfortable as the conversation continued light banter continued for a while, as the two got to know each other better, their conversation flowing easily between topics.

Eventually, the laughter faded, and Peter took another sip of his drink, his thoughts beginning to wander again. "So, where are you from then?" he asked.

"Me?" Stephen smiled, his eyes twinkling in a mix of amusement and intriguement "I’m British."

Peter raised an eyebrow, trying to analyse steven features. "Really? I could’ve sworn you looked a bit American too. Maybe you just need to change your posture and hairstyle a bit," Peter teased, though there was genuine curiosity in his voice.

Steven laugh was soft but genuine. "That doesn’t count," he said, shaking his head. " If i have to change things."

Peter smirked, feeling an odd sense of pride. "Maybe it’s just an American thing. We have a sixth sense for identifying other Americans. I swear, maybe you’ve got a little American in you, you should yet one of those DNA kits" he said with a wink.

Steven laughed again, clearly enjoying their easy back-and-forth. "I think you’re just trying to avoid answering my question," he teased peter back.

Peter shrugged, unfazed. "Well, it’s really simple. I’m here for university. Got a scholarship, needed a change of scenery too i guess." He gave a slight grin, leaning back in his seat. "The weather’s definitely a change," he added with a dramatic sigh, pretending to be weary of the London rain.

Steven face lit up, and he laughed again. "Oh, I get that. The weather is horrible here, isn’t it?"

Peter leaned forward on the table, dropping his voice . "Oh, you have no idea. It’s so different from New York." He slumped in his seat, chin resting on his hands that were resting on the table. With mock exhaustion he says. "This weather feels like a whole different world. i haven't seen the sun in months,Im becoming paler than a vampire "

"New York?" Stephen raised an eyebrow. "Now London’s got a lot to live up to."

Peter grinned. "London feels like a small town compared to New York. Honestly, it’s kind of funny." ''i guess it's the architecture so different from the big towering skyscrapers im used to in New York'''

"Yeah ,i would figure"steven easily replied back.

They spent the next while in easy conversation, the kind that flows naturally. It wasn’t about anything in particular—just getting to know one another, exchanging thoughts and viewpoints, letting the conversation wander wherever it wanted to go. The small café, with its soft lighting and the gentle clink of coffee cups and quiet murmurs from other patrons, became the perfect backdrop for this slow, unfolding exchange. Their words filled the space between them like a comfortable blanket, the moment marked by shared smiles, laughter, and pauses where the weight of the conversation seemed to sink in just a little deeper.

The soft glow from the overhead lights in the café reflected in their eyes, adding a warmth to their faces that spoke of the easy essence growing between them. It wasn’t just the ambiance—it was the quiet understanding that seemed to flow between them , the way their eyes would meet across the table, and how the silence that followed was never awkward but instead something familiar.

As the last sips of their now-cooling drinks were consumed, they both realized that the evening was winding down. The cups were almost empty, their conversation drawing to a natural close, though neither of them seemed ready to part ways just yet.Peter then suddenly said ''hey wanna take a walk around the city for a bit '' steven easy agreeing.

 They both stood, slipping into their coats, a shared look passing between them as they exited the café together, stepping out into the crisp evening air.

The city around them was bustling, but it felt quieter now, as if the hum of the streets had softened to make space for this fleeting moment. The cool evening breeze tousled Peter’s hair as they walked side by side, its touch sharp but refreshing. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and twilight had begun to settle in, casting the world in a muted, dusky glow. The sky a deepening shade of purple and blue , a light orange was still faintly painted with the last vestiges of daylight quickly fading out , but the stars were obscured by the bright lights of the city. The glow of street lamps and neon signs washed out any hope of seeing the night sky in its full splendour. Yet, in this moment between them, it didn’t matter.

The quiet air, the soft brushing of their shoulders as they walked, and the sense that time had slowed just for them was enough. It felt like a small eternity, suspended in the space between sunset and the encroaching night. There was no particular destination, no need for one—just the feeling of wandering, of being caught in a shared moment that neither of them wanted to end.

 Peter glanced at his watch and sighed. "I should get going. Don’t want to miss the last bus."

"Oh, of course," Steven said quickly, his face flushing slightly because of the cold night air. "I’ll walk you there."

As they neared the bus stop, Peter glanced up at Steven, Peter then noted how steven was just a little taller than him and how good he looked even in the shitty lighting the street lamps provided and with a sudden rush of boldness and adrenaline coursing through him without thinking, he reached up, fingers threading gently through Stevens curls, cupping the back of his neck. Before either of them could fully process what was happening, Peter pressed his lips to Stevens in a soft, fleeting kiss—his heart racing in his chest as he stood on the tips of his toes to reach him.

Steven froze, his body stiffening in surprise. His eyes widened in shock, and his breath caught, The kiss was brief, barely more than a whisper of contact, but it left both of them suspended in the moment.

 Peter was almost scared to look in Steven's eyes and read the expression on his face so he face his shoes with that he didn’t see that there was no anger or discomfort in Steven's  expression—just surprise, like he hadn’t expected this outcome at all.

Peter quickly pulled back, a sudden wave of shyness hitting him, but he forced himself to smile softly, despite the racing of his heart. "You’ve got my number," he said quietly. "Text me sometime.Maybe we can do this again?"

The sound of the bus screeching to a halt beside them cut through the moment, and Peter almost jumped, his face flushed with embarrassment. He turned quickly, hurrying toward the bus as the last few moments of the evening’s quiet intimacy slipped away.

"Goodbye," Steven yelled after him, his voice trailing off, unsure if Peter had heard him it felt almost too late. Peter was already in the bright red bus.

Peter could feel his heart loudly beating in his chest as he sat down in an empty seat by the window.

He glanced back at Steven, who was standing at the bus stop, watching him go. peter waved through the window, a small gesture, before the bus doors closed, carrying him away into the night.

Steven watched as the bus pulled away, his heart still racing, his fingers brushing lightly over his lips where Peter's had been just moments before. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he walked away from the bus stop, his footsteps lighter than they had been before.