Shadowy Love

Pav landed softly on the bustling streets of Earth 1610, the familiar sights and sounds of New York enveloping him like a warm embrace. He had been away for what felt like an eternity, his heart racing with anticipation as he spotted Miles standing a few feet away. The young man, always a source of comfort and chaos, wore a weak smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.

“Hey Pavi,” Miles greeted, his voice barely above a whisper. There was an uncharacteristic vulnerability in his demeanor, a hint of something deeper simmering just below the surface.

Pav rushed forward and enveloped Miles in a tight hug, feeling the tension in his friend’s shoulders ease slightly at the contact. “I’m sorry for yesterday,” he murmured, his heart heavy with guilt.

Miles pulled back slightly, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “For what exactly, Pav?”

Pav’s expression shifted, guilt morphing into a twinge of regret. “For Hobie... you know, my crush kissing Gwen?”

Miles let out a small laugh, though it was tinged with sadness. “You had nothing to do with that, Pavi. So what if he kissed her? I’m over it now. I’m over him.” He pulled Pav in for another quick embrace, the warmth of their friendship wrapping around them like a security blanket.

Pav nodded, feeling a flicker of relief. “I just don’t want you to feel hurt because of me.”

Miles’s eyes sparkled with sincerity. “Listen, I don’t want you ever apologizing to me for something that’s not your fault. Nothing you do can hurt me. Okay?”

“Okay,” Pav replied, a smile breaking through the clouds of worry.

“Now, let’s go get this stuff, alright?” Miles grinned, the playful glint returning to his eyes.

The duo made their way to the local jeweler, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Inside, the shop was a kaleidoscope of glimmering jewels and intricate designs. Miles quickly picked out a pair of moon-shaped earrings, their dark sheen reflecting the light beautifully. Pav chose a set of star earrings, their sparkle reminiscent of distant galaxies.

As they continued to browse, Miles found a necklace adorned with a black moon pendant, delicately crafted with half a heart nestled within it. Pav’s choice mirrored Miles's, a black sun pendant paired with his own half of the heart. Together, they formed a perfect connection, a symbol of their unbreakable bond.

“Are you two dating?” the shopkeeper asked, her voice inquisitive as she leaned over the glass counter, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“Oh, no. He’s just one of my closest friends,” Miles clarified, the hint of a blush creeping onto his cheeks. At that moment, Pav darted outside to greet Mylo and Ganke, who were waiting for them just outside the store.

“Do you like him?” the shopkeeper pressed, her curiosity evident.

“No,” Miles replied, feeling the heat rise in his face.

“But you just spent 35K on half of his stuff,” she retorted, a smirk breaking across her face.

“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. That gold and silver was real, right? That’s why it cost so much?” Miles shot back, his tone defensive.

The shopkeeper nodded, but her expression remained skeptical.

“Hey Smiles!” Mylo called, his voice loud and boisterous as he approached. “Hey twin,” Miles greeted, the camaraderie evident in their playful banter.

“Like you and Pav’s earrings and heart necklaces?” Mylo teased, his laughter echoing through the store.

“Man, shut up,” Miles groaned, pushing his brother playfully away.

Their trip took a creative turn as they decided to get matching tattoos. Miles chose a cat with a moon, while Pav opted for a cat with a sun. Ganke selected a cat with stars, and Mylo decided on a cat with an eclipse, creating an eclectic ensemble of cosmic creatures.

“Man, how do you have so much money?” Ganke exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“It’s called heritage,” Miles shrugged nonchalantly, reclining in the chair as the tattoo artist prepared their designs. The words of the shopkeeper lingered in his mind, mixing with his own thoughts and worries.

“The hell you mean it’s heritage?!” Mylo screamed, his voice echoing in the small shop.

“No, my abuela on my mom's side is a real estate owner, my tia is a lawyer, and my grandpa is a doctor. Just happened to be their favorite, so my weekly allowance is like... fifteen million?” Miles calculated, a smirk forming on his lips.

“What?!” Pav shouted, disbelief etched across his face.

“Yeah, they increase the damn amount every two months by like 500K,” Miles sighed, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice.

“Are you good, Miles?” Pav asked, concern lacing his tone.

“Of course I am,” he replied, a slight grin returning to his lips. Just then, his phone rang, pulling him from the moment of levity.

“Yes?” he answered, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. The conversation quickly took a serious turn as Miles pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“I’m on my way,” he stated firmly before hanging up.

“I can’t have anything, can I?!” Miles bellowed, frustration spilling over.

“Come with me,” he urged, calling for an Uber.

“Where are we—” Ganke began, noticing the shift in Miles’s mood.

“Smiley?” Pav questioned, his voice laced with concern. But Miles remained silent, the weight of the world pressing heavily on his shoulders.

They arrived at the hospital, the sterile smell of antiseptic and the faint sounds of machinery filling the air. Miles rushed inside, his heart pounding as he called out for his mother. “Ma! Is Apá okay?!”

He spotted his mother, Rio, standing near the reception, her face pale and drawn. He rushed to her, wrapping her in a tight embrace.

“He’s in terrible condition, Miles. I can’t help because they said I’ll get too emotional and possibly mess up the procedure,” she explained, her voice trembling with fear and sorrow.

Miles’s heart sank, panic gripping him. “How much is the cost? I’ll pay!” His voice was firm, his determination unwavering even in the face of despair.

Just then, a doctor emerged from the hallway, her expression somber. “I’m sorry—”

Miles interrupted, his head spinning with fear. “Don’t even say those last three words. I’m not gonna lose my dad. I can’t. How much is it or something? His treatment?”

“Sir, he was shot in the neck and stabbed twice in his lung and rib. It can’t exactly be helped. I’m so sorry for your loss,” the doctor said sincerely, her voice filled with compassion.

“Smiles—” Pav started, stepping forward as Miles huffed, clenching his fists in frustration. He turned to see his mother, tears streaming down her face, her body wracked with sobs.

“Ma...” he said softly, his heart aching at her pain.

In a moment of clarity, he threw his keys to Mylo. “Get Mum home; she needs rest.” Mylo looked up, uncertainty clouding his features.

“Miles—” Mylo whispered, his voice barely audible over the chaos of the hospital.

“Please, get Ma home. Take care of her until I get back,” Miles urged, desperation coloring his words.

“Oh, uh—” Mylo nodded, understanding dawning on him as he took the keys.

Miles turned to Pav, a pained expression crossing his face. “You should go, Pav.”

“Why would I leave you alone in a state like this?” Pav questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“You are insufferable,” Miles muttered, pulling Pav in for another hug.

“Oof. Miles, this position is a bit...” Pav trailed off, realizing the intimacy of their embrace.

“Hey now, don’t get any ideas!” Miles laughed weakly, but the humor barely masked the tension that lingered in the air.

Suddenly, Miles was thrust into a blinding light, his body being sent through a rift—a familiar sensation he had experienced many times before. “Spot—dammit!” he yelled as he landed unceremoniously on a building in another Earth, disoriented but quickly scanning his surroundings.

“Where am I?” he muttered, taking in the striking skyline that resembled London, albeit a version he had never seen before.

“London?” he said aloud, disbelief lacing his tone. As he jumped down from the rooftop, he spotted familiar faces—Gwen, Pav, and Hobie, strolling down the street, laughter echoing in the crisp air.

“Guys?” Miles called out, a mix of excitement and apprehension flooding his senses.

“Uh—who are you?” Gwen asked, clinging possessively to Hobie’s arm, her brow furrowing with confusion.

Miles froze at the sight of her long blonde hair, shimmering in the sunlight, a stark reminder of the world where he didn’t exist. “I like your hair,” he offered weakly, a forced smile struggling to break through his unease.

“Oi, back off a tad, no?” Hobie glared, a protective instinct rising within him as he stepped closer to Gwen.

“Sorry,” Miles groaned, the weight of their dynamic settling heavily in his chest.

“So, uh, how are you guys today?” he asked, trying to mask the twinge of longing in his voice.

“Happier than a bloke could ever be in any universe,” Hobie replied, grinning as he looked at Gwen, who beamed back at him.

“And I’m happier than a girl could ever be,” Gwen exclaimed, her joy infectious as she leaned closer to Hobie.

“Meh, happier than I could be,” Pav shrugged, though his eyes betrayed an underlying sense of discontent as he observed the couple ahead.

“This world, Earth seems—perfect,” Pav mused aloud. “We all live in harmony. It’s just—”

Suddenly, Pav pushed Miles against the wall, an intensity in his gaze that startled Miles. “Who the hell are you? It feels like you’re supposed to be here with us, but you’re not. I feel so close and calm with you,” Pav admitted, vulnerability seeping into his words as he held Miles’s gaze.

Miles instinctively put Pav’s hands down, searching for the right words. “Look, I’m not—”

But before he could finish, Pav hugged him tightly, desperation etched in his features. “Don’t. Please, don’t leave. These two are gonna make me feel lonely,” he muttered, the weight of his plea hanging in the air.

“Fine,” Miles grumbled, surrendering to the moment.

As they walked and talked, Miles focused intently on every word Pav said, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him amidst the chaos of his emotions.

“Oh, and pelicans? Have you seen them? Half of the time, I think I mistake them for storks. Now, I’m not a bird watcher, but some birds are cool,” Pav rambled, his enthusiasm contagious.

“Take a dove or Bluejay, for starters. They’re so beautiful!” he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with passion.

“Listen, Pav, I gotta go,” Miles interrupted gently, the reality of his situation crashing back in.

Pav nodded, his smile faltering slightly. “Thanks for keeping me company today,” he said softly, the sincerity in his voice cutting through the air.

Miles turned invisible for a moment, leaning against the wall to catch his breath. “Why am I right here again?” Pav raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask more, he rushed back to Hobie and Gwen, leaving Miles feeling a pang of sadness.

Holding his breath, Miles made a portal back to his own Earth, the weight of his emotions crashing over him like a tidal wave. “I can’t believe how bad it hurts that they’re happier without me,” he laughed bitterly to himself before frowning at the reality he faced.

“Well, minus—” Miles muttered, lost in thought as someone jumped on him unexpectedly.

“Hey Smiley!” Pav grinned, his presence instantly brightening Miles’s mood.

“Hi Pavi!” Miles replied, forcing a smile as memories of the other Earth flooded back, his heart aching with the knowledge of what he had left behind.

Miles found himself standing at a crossroads, the weight of his experiences settling heavily on his shoulders. He was pulled in two directions—one leading to the chaos of his current life, the other to the blissful harmony of the alternate Earth he had just visited.

“Hey, are you okay?” Pav’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, concern etched across his face.

“Yeah, just... thinking,” Miles replied, the truth hanging in the air unspoken.

“About what?” Pav pressed, his curiosity evident.

“Just how different things are,” Miles admitted, his gaze drifting to the sky. “It’s like... in that other world, I felt like I didn’t belong. But you guys seemed so happy.”

Pav nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean we’re better off without you, Miles. You matter to us. You make everything more... interesting.”

Miles chuckled softly, but the weight of Pav’s words lingered in the air. “I don’t know, man. Sometimes it feels like I’m a burden.”

“Don’t say that. You’re our friend, and we care about you,” Pav replied firmly, his expression serious.

“Thanks, Pavi. That means a lot,” Miles said, a hint of gratitude shining in his eyes.

As they stood together, the world around them faded into the background, their friendship grounding them amidst the chaos of their lives.

“Let’s go grab some food or something,” Miles suggested, desperate for a distraction.

“Sure! I could go for some pizza,” Pav replied, a smile breaking through his concern.

As they walked side by side, Miles couldn’t shake the feeling that he was standing on the precipice of something greater, the weight of his experiences both a burden and a blessing.

In the days that followed, Miles found himself juggling the aftermath of his father’s condition and the lingering memories of the alternate Earth. Each day felt like a balancing act, and the support of Pav, Mylo, and Ganke kept him grounded.

He often thought back to the happiness he saw in Pav’s eyes while walking with Gwen and Hobie. The longing mixed with pride, a bittersweet reminder of the choices he had made. Yet, every time he looked at Pav, he felt a flicker of hope.

One evening, as they sat on a rooftop overlooking the city, Miles turned to Pav, a sense of determination rising within him. “You know, I think I need to make a change. I can’t keep holding onto the past.”

“What do you mean?” Pav asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.

“I think it’s time I embrace who I am and what I want. I can’t let my fears dictate my life,” Miles said, conviction coloring his words.

Pav smiled, pride swelling in his chest. “That sounds like a plan, Miles. I’ll support you no matter what.”

“Thanks, Pavi. I’m lucky to have you,” Miles replied, their friendship a guiding light amidst the darkness that surrounded them.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting vibrant colors across the sky, Miles felt a sense of clarity wash over him. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing he wouldn’t have to do it alone.

Together, they would navigate the complexities of their worlds, bound by friendship and an unbreakable bond that transcended dimensions. And with that realization, Miles felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace whatever awaited him on the journey ahead.

Months passed, and while the challenges remained, Miles found strength in his connections. The experiences from the alternate Earth fueled his desire to cherish every moment and cultivate the relationships that mattered most.

Pav remained by his side, a steadfast companion through thick and thin. Their friendship blossomed into something deeper, a bond forged through shared experiences and unwavering support.

“Hey, Smiles!” Pav called, breaking Miles from his thoughts.

“Yeah?” Miles replied, turning to face him.

“You ready for another adventure?” Pav asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Always,” Miles grinned, feeling the weight of the past lift slightly as he stepped forward into the future, hand in hand with his best friend.

And as they leapt into the unknown, Miles knew that no matter where their journeys took them, they would face it together, their hearts forever intertwined.