Page 16 of Celestial Bodies

Dacias knew Arlo probably wouldn’t be here, but he hadn’t prepared himself for how disappointed he’d be. He felt terrible for dragging Klorin all the way here for no reason.What now? Search every bar and dance court in Cupidor? I’m turning into a stalker.

Dacias cursed himself under his breath. He’d behaved like a fool—a love-struck, swooning fool. His face reddened as he heard Klorin order a drink for him.Why am I doing this? He was the one who ran away. Take a hint, Dacias.

Klorin handed him the drink. “Cheers, brother.”

Dacias took it, but he just stood there looking at the floor.

Klorin slammed his drink down on the bar. “Oh, for Vexora’s sake, look at you!”

“What?”

Klorin let out a frustrated grunt. “You look like a kicked puppy! You’re sad because he isn’t here. Admit it.”

Dacias crossed his arms over his chest. “That’s not why I’m upset.”

Klorin crossed his arms too, mimicking Dacias. “Oh? Then, why are you upset?”

Dacias tried to think of something pithy to say back but drew a blank. Frustrated, he yelled, “Klorin, shut up! Leave me alone.”

Dacias sat on a stool, and Klorin wrapped his arm over his shoulder. “Look, the boy is Lapistrean. Is this a good idea?”

Dacias slumped down and cradled his head in his hands. “No!But I’m all torn up! Why am I thinking about him? He’s like a witch or something. He’s cast a spell on me!”

Klorin smiled and playfully mussed Dacias’s hair. “You’re just infatuated. Pursue someone else. Lots of boys chase you in Rugiria. Does it have to be him?”

No, it didn’thaveto be Arlo. But Daciaswantedit to be Arlo. Dacias looked at the floor. “We should leave. I’m sorry I dragged you here.”

A voice bellowed from the other end of the bar. “Hello, Mindel. Give me something that will heat my bones. The Mother Planet sure feels like taking a cold piss on us today, huh?”

Dacias looked up, and his jaw dropped.

It’s her! His friend! At least, I think it is. Yes! IT IS!

Dacias grabbed Klorin’s shoulder and pulled him in. “Klorin! That’s his friend,” he whispered.

“What? Who?”

“The girl over there.”

Klorin turned his head, and Dacias punched him in the shoulder. “Don’t look, you dumbass! Be smooth.”

Klorin’s eyes widened, and he slid the drink away from Dacias. “You’re cut off. You’re out of control.”

Dacias ignored that. “Strike up a conversation with her, and then I’ll chime in.”

A baffled Klorin shook his head. “What?!”

“Just do it, please!”

Klorin rolled his eyes, then looked at the girl. “Wow. She’s beautiful.”

Dacias looked at her, too. “She is.” Klorin’s eyes were transfixed on the girl. He swallowed, and Dacias watched as his brother started fidgeting. “What are you waiting for?” Dacias asked.

“Shut up! I’m just…I’m getting ready.”

Dacias chuckled. “You’re nervous.”

Klorin grabbed Dacias’s collar. “Shut your trap!” He took a big swig of his drink. “All right, I’m going over.” He snagged Dacias’s drink and cleared his throat as he approached the girl and handed it to her. “Would the lady like abeverage?”

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