Monthly Extra - Keo Bonus Story (nonbinary Keo)

“Crystals for Viara, a new medicine box for Tiane, weird Dalusinian coffee beans for Sena... I think that’s everything,” I say, turning to Keo. Or at least, I would be if they were still next to me.

“Keo?” I frown, slinging my bag over my shoulder and turning in a slow circle, the chill air of the night market sending a little shiver up my spine as a breeze blows through. I smile slightly; it’s pleasant after the warm day we had today. A second later I spot a familiar flash of dark hair among the crowd. I make my way over, grateful that they're so tall – it always makes them easier to find when they wander off like this.

“Find something good?” I nudge them when I reach the stall they're hovering at.

“Yes,” they put their large hands on my shoulders and turn me right back around. “Now face that way, please.”

“Why?” I look over my shoulder at them, confused.

“Crowd-watching is pleasant.”

“That might be true but it’s not what I want to do right now,” I say, laughing a little in confusion. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Wait,” they shuffle to the side, blocking me as I try to turn back around. “There is nothing very interesti– tenan,” they curse with a grimace, and I catch the way her lips tighten with the expression.

“I know that look,” my eyes narrow suspiciously. “You just tried to lie, didn’t you?”

They breathe out sharply, clearly frustrated, then glance back at the stall again. “Indulge me?” they ask.

“Alright, fine,” I shrug and look back at the crowds. The people mill around us, plenty of them on the same mission as us to find gifts for their loved ones. “Remind me to pick up something for Lono tomorrow – that’s the only present I haven’t found yet.”

“I will,” they reply distractedly, and somehow I doubt they even know what they're agreeing to. They shift a few steps, tending to something directly behind me while I wait with nothing to do.

“Have I mentioned I’m bored?” I ask, dragging the last word out as I tip myself into a little trust fall against their broad back. They hum a reply, and I sigh, resigning myself to waiting for whatever cue comes next. I hear them say something quietly to the stall owner, though I don’t quite hear it.

“Any day now,” I tease. “I think I’ll count to three and then see what you’re hiding myself. One, two...”

Before I can reach three the scent of sandalwood envelops me as Keo’s arms wrap around me from behind, holding me firmly in place. I relax into their chest immediately, the movement instinctual.

“You are very impatient,” they murmur an inch from my ear, and I shiver at the feeling of their breath on my cheek. And just like that, the calm feeling’s gone. My heartbeat quickens, and I feel a heat envelop my face. “If you know what a present is, there is not much point in giving it to you.”

“You’re buying me something?” I manage to say, the words a little breathier than I intend them to be.

“Not if you cheat.”

“I– alright,” I nod. “I won’t look.”

“Good.”

Whatever the gift is, it takes a few moments for the vendor to finish wrapping it. I’ve already given them my promise, but Keo doesn’t let me go. Maybe they don't quite trust me – I don’t have their problem of not being able to lie, after all. Or... maybe this feels as good to them as it does to me. I lift a hand and tentatively place it on their arm, and I swear they grip me a little tighter.

When they let me go a moment later to take the bag the seller hands them, I almost forget my promise and turn around, too ready to follow the warmth they take with them.