Page 59 of Hollow

Dimitri tried not to sulk because he knew how much this meant to Jack. He stared down at Jack’s tie and the matching pocket square.

“You can grab one of those ties to finish the outfit,” Dimitri said, biting back a grumpy huff. “I will not protest.”

“Oh?”

“I know you wish to complete the outfit.”

“Yay,” Jack said, scurrying away and returning with a bowtie and matching emerald green pocket square. “These will match your eyes.”

“Put on the baby tie.” Dimitri lifted his head, exposing his neck to make Jack’s work easier. “Anything else?”

“I was wondering if we should do matching fedoras?”

Dimitri stared, unblinking.

“Too much?”

Dimitri remained silent and unblinking.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Jack turned away, then paused, then looked back at Dimitri, and waited for a response.

Dimitri did not respond, standing completely still and simply staring down at Jack.

“Okay, yeah, we’ll scrap the fedoras,” Jack conceded. “We’ll save ‘em for like an anniversary.”

Jack froze at that, his body a bit tense at his excited little confession. Dimitri had grown quite used to Jack’s many thoughts blurted out into the ether. Honestly, he preferred it, since it provided less guesswork in the end.

“I would like to celebrate many anniversaries.” Dimitri grabbed Jack by the waist and pulled him close. “But I will never wear a fedora.”

Jack grinned, releasing a bated breath of anxiety, and Dimitri enjoyed the calm that washed over his boyfriend, his partner, his everything. Jack truly meant everything to Dimitri, so he endured these silly little adventures. Partly because they made Jack happy and partly because Dimitri did like being dragged out to do things he otherwise never would have explored. Sure, he might’ve been reluctant, but that was part of the fun, too.

After they finished getting dressed, Jack drove them into town. Dimitri climbed out of the truck, grimacing at the crowded parking lot. Many cars meant many humans.

“Don’t worry,” Jack said, seeming to read Dimitri’s mind in a way only he ever could. “Street parking is practically impossible downtown, so lots are easier.”

Dimitri followed Jack’s lead, glowering at the bustle of people standing outside bars that blasted music almost as loudly as their patrons talked. Cigarette smoke wafted in the air, mixing with the fruity aroma of vapes and the pungent odor of something much stronger. Dimitri could use something strong to take the edge off.

Instead, he grabbed Jack’s hand, squeezing tightly as they passed through a crowd. When they cut the corner, they finally found a bit of peace in an empty alleyway. Jack kept his smile bright as he led them further away from the busy main streets.

“What do you think?” Jack eyed Dimitri as they arrived at a quaint little restaurant.

Even from outside, the ambiance radiated elegance. The dim lighting created a soothing atmosphere, and everyone within was dressed in the type of refinement Dimitri hadn’t seen since hauled out and put on display for one of the Hearst family’s galas. Very rarely did they show him off to their elite guests, but on occasion, they liked to point and laugh and mock the beast who knelt at their feet.

Dimitri shivered, quelling the horrid memories attempting to resurface. Instead, he focused on the simple awkwardness of walking inside this restaurant despite how out of place he appeared.

“Will they not be bothered by our unusual costumes?”

“Black tie is essential here.” Jack adjusted Dimitri’s suit jacket and smirked. “Which is why we’re dressed like the best.”

“I mean, our other costumes.” Dimitri tilted his head, gesturing to Jack’s pumpkin. He even allowed his antlers to swell a bit atop his head to emphasize his point.

“Fanciest place in town, for sure, but with the right know-how, even a ditzy influencer like me can convince them why letting me show up as the local legend is actually a good thing.”

“But how?”

“Why all the questions?” Jack retorted, side-stepping behind Dimitri and pushing him ahead toward the restaurant. “Let’s just enjoy ourselves.”

“Why the evasion on specifics?” Dimitri held his stance firmly, making it impossible for Jack to push him toward the doors. “You always love to brag.”