Chapter Text
الجوع كافر
El gou’ kafer
Hunger is godless.
ㅤꨄ︎ㅤꨄ︎ㅤꨄ︎
Steven Grant stood by a fountain and waited for his date with a fresh bouquet of crimson roses and a heart-shaped box of chocolates in his cramping arms.
He had spent most of the day preparing for a soon-to-be date. He was overjoyed and yet anxious since the early morning, waking up even more tired than usual. He couldn’t eat at all, as each bite caused his guts to roll and twist in discomfort; even a cup of water made him nauseous.
His palms were sweaty, and whatever clothing he had tried on seemed silly. He had tried on one outfit, then another; a blue button-up shirt, which had looked ridiculous. He wanted this date to work out, to look attractive to a beautiful woman like that. Eventually, he had tried on a plain black shirt, black pants, black coat and realised that something like this would be the best he could offer; and sadly, he could offer so little.
Despite the initial hardships of the preparation itself, he had arrived earlier than expected. It’s a good sign to come before your date; he was sure that it’d make him look even better.
And he waited.
And waited.
Until a full hour passed by.
Something was wrong, but he couldn’t quite place his finger on it.
Steven tried recalling how he met the mysterious woman, his now-date, on Friday in the museum. She had been a visitor, searching for a special souvenir to remind her of the current exhibition of Ancient Egypt.
When he had first seen her, she had been almost sickly pale, clearly unnatural for her own skin tone. Her face had seemed sort of tired, with similar dark rings to his own, as if she had been unable to rest for hundreds of years. Yet, her eerie gaze left Steven with an uncanny feeling, as it had swept over him and the whole gift shop. She had been looking for something, rather for someone. Hungry. Almost as if she had been on a hunt.
Regardless, she had seemed extremely appealing with her taste in fashion, and the perfume she had worn was a combination of captivating scents, which had turned heads towards her.
There had been a magnetic charm in her aura, hard to explain exactly what it was, but it could surely be sensed miles away. Maybe because of that sugary grin, maybe the dilated pupils with which she locked people into trance, or just him at least.
“I want you to recommend something to me, if you have any ideas. Just please, not a mug or a plushie...” That’s what she had told him, though he doubted his own memory.
He had been quite tired that day, and woke up as if he hadn’t slept at all, with burning eyes that wept for the lost opportunity of needed rest. Though it was nothing extraordinary—he was used to the daily exhaustion.
But could he really have created such a vivid scenario, if it wasn’t even somewhat real? Could he really have made up a whole story of how she had lingered by his post after buying a poor replica of a scarab amulet, asking him to explain its meaning in depth?
The woman had observed the scarab, while rolling it lazily in her palm. “Why a scarab?”
Steven reimagined how he turned around to face her, taken off guard by the sudden question, but was pleasantly surprised to say the least. He had blinked a few times, pointing a finger at his chest. “You’re asking me?”
What an attractive smirk; she had inclined her head, even her eyes had said: ‘silly boy’.
Steven smiled at the memory of his own caution, how he had looked around, just to see if Donna, his manager, wouldn’t catch him in the act and nag him for the rest of the day. His elbows had rested on the surface of the counter, as he allowed himself to indulge in his fascination, staring up at the charming woman from below. He had become so shy, however, in the presence of her intense gaze that he eventually chose to stare at his own intertwining hands instead. “I mean, it’s an ancient amulet first and foremost. It’s sacred and religious. Of course, the one you’re holding isn’t an accurate replica of the original scarabs, as they came in various shapes, sizes, and were differentiated by their usage, but.. It’ll ward off evil, guarantee you good fortune not only in this world, but also in the Afterworld, so it’s kind of symbolic?”
“Oh? Well, I could always use some protection,” Her chuckle rang in his ears, and it had hypnotised him. “Still, what’s so special about it?”
“Well, let’s start off from the name itself… Uhm…” He had anxiously licked his then dry lips. “The word scarab in Egyptian would be hprr, which basically means something along the lines of “rising from, come into being itself”, which is similar to a word hpr, which, once again, means “to become, to change”. So, it’s kind of believed that the name Khepri, the name of the Creation, the young rising sun…”
And then she had patiently listened throughout the entire rambling, she really had, he couldn’t make up something like that, though he did daydream of similar scenarios from time to time. It had instantly made Steven’s heart melt. Sometimes fear had stopped him, as he was sure he had talked too much and bored her, maybe she had wanted a shorter answer. But her relaxed eyes had encouraged him right there and then: ‘continue, go on’; and the genuine questions had made him the happiest to navigate the topic. This feeling, this memory was so real and undeniable.
For the first time, he actually felt seen.
God, but how did he get to this point? How did he end up by this fountain?
The woman had leaned towards him, in the gift shop. She had placed her palms on the counter, supporting her own weight. Her confidence had radiated off her, far and wide, and Steven shrank back from its light.
“Would you like to go on a date?” she had asked so suddenly, with a spice of seduction in the sentence.
He was embarrassed to recall his eyelids fluttering, taken aback from this unimaginable possibility and the captivating view of the mysterious woman. His face heated up, and a shaky smile curled up the corners of his lips. His gaze had jumped from her smirk, to the surface of the counter, to the passing people, to the exhibition. “A date? With me?— I mean… Yes, I’d love that.”
He shivered, remembering how she had leaned in awfully close to his ear at one point. The surface of her soft lips brushing the lobe—the sensation thrilled him. Even now, he felt it as though it were happening all over again. The way she had spelled the name of their meeting place—‘fountain’, made him flinch, as well as the spelling of her own phone number. Her breath had crept into his ear, and he had bit his lips just to not whimper. She really did make his heart skip a beat with that heavy tone.
Right, she gave him her phone number!
He could ask her if everything is alright. After all, he waited for so long! Where is she?
He dialled it.
His hands shook just like before, when she was whispering in his ear, and he almost laughed.
“Could you repeat it, please?” Steven recalled himself speaking so silently, almost maintaining stability in his trembling voice. At that time, he had been so nervous that he couldn’t write down her phone number.
And she had done so, whispering even more subtly and clicking her tongue dangerously against the burning ear. Even under the insane amount of pressure, Steven had somehow managed to write down her name and phone number. He swore that his heartbeat had been too loud, and his breathing—shallow; she surely must have heard it, along with other people in the museum.
The reminiscence was disturbed by a quick answer, bringing him back to reality.
“I'm listening,” the seductive voice responded from the other side.
God, his heart fell to his ankles again, just like before.
At least he got her phone number right, that’s for sure.
“I’m so sorry, but is everything alright? I’ve waited for you for like an hour now,” he spoke, but his trembling voice exposed his frustration.
“I was about to ask you the same question. Where were you yesterday?” she asked, her tone completely neutral. Not a hint of anger or disappointment, but neither any care.
“Wha—” he stuttered. “What do you mean? But today is Saturday—”
“Sunday, Steven. Sunday,” she interrupted.
He couldn't believe her and checked the calendar on his phone. To his horror, it really was Sunday. Steven’s heart fell to his feet and he grew sick to his stomach; he couldn’t believe it to be true.
Maybe he messed up the day? Maybe he thought of suggesting Sunday, but said Saturday by a complete accident?
He lamented once more, digging into his memory lane of when they had first talked to one another.
“What about today? Once you finish your shift?” she had offered.
“So sorry, but maybe not today. I’d take a lot of time preparing,” Steven had laughed awkwardly, rubbing the side of his arm. One of his eyes had squinted slightly. “Maybe on… Saturday?”
No, he had said Saturday.
“I called you many times, in fact. I was worried that something bad happened to you,” her guiding voice called him out of the nightmare.
“I— I’m so sorry, I don’t…” His lip was trembling, as he tried to speak further. He was at a loss of words. “I really don’t know how it happened… I’m so, so truly sorry… I don’t know what’s…”
“Shhh, calm down, just tell me, are you okay now?”
“I am, yea, but…”
“That’s good. You’re by the fountain, just like we planned?”
“I am…”
“Good. Stay there, I’ll come after some time, alright?”
“Aren’t you angry at me?” he asked softly, and suspiciously.
“No, not all. It happens to the best of us. See you soon, Steven.”
He swore he could have felt that charming smile even through the screen.
Oh, but why did he shudder so badly once she rolled his name over her tongue like that?
And then Steven waited again, sitting at the edge of the fountain, his leg bouncing over and over, and his head frantically turning from one side to the other. He checked the time; it was getting late and he grew impatient, just because he really wanted to see her, but embarrassment ate at his stomach. He didn’t know how he could possibly look her in the eye. He messed up big time, he knew that, and only hoped that she’d be kind enough to give him a second chance. He really wanted to show her that he’s not as bad as she might think, and that he could be a good boyfriend if given a chance.
But then Steven realised something and frowned in thought. He had seen his now-date pass by the gift shop, his post, a couple of times when she had visited the exhibition, eyeing him up and down like a predator stalking its prey.
Why was that?
Then he bit his lip, carefully nibbling it. She must have waited for the right moment to ask him out.
Surely she had.
But she was such an angel as well, the sweetest thing he had ever met in his life. God, he really did fall for her!
“Such a shame that you’ve wasted a knowledgeable man like that. He really shouldn’t be just a clerk,” the woman had said calmly, and had sighed a bit dramatically, keeping an eye on Steven when Donna had interrupted them, demanding that her employee would return to his duties. Then the woman had turned to Donna, with a polite grin plastered on her face. “If I were you, I would hire him as a tour guide; it’s so interesting to listen to him. He does have a lot of knowledge on ancient Egypt. You could ask him any niche question, and he’d still find a rational answer.”
Steven couldn’t deny that her words had tugged at his heartstrings, but he purposefully hid his beet-red face from passing strangers, feeling very surprised even if all of it wasn’t happening at the given moment.
“I’m glad to know that our employee made a good impression on you of the museum, but I’d advise you to book a tour with a professional guide, not an amateur, madam,” Donna had replied, not even trying to hide her annoyance with the unwanted recommendation.
Steven only had watched as the woman had shrugged her shoulders and had sent a sly wink towards him, leaving without another word.
He couldn’t believe that he could’ve charmed a woman like that with his excessive talking. He couldn’t believe his luck: being appreciated for the way he was. It was like a dream come true!
Then Steven laughed, remembering talking to Donna after the woman had left the museum. She really had gotten under her skin, but even his manager couldn’t deny feeling a pinch of interest in this odd stranger. “I mean, just look at her, mate, she’s clearly out of your league, but damn…” She had rubbed her chin while shaking her head slowly. “If you’ve really gotten yourself a date with a girl like that, I really hope she doesn’t chew you up. I need you working here, or… Maybe not. Now get back to work. Jesus, you keep talking and talking, but you don’t get the work done, maybe I do need her to eat you up…”
To eat me up? Donna, you’re speaking as if I’m going on a date with a cannibal! He almost snorted while talking to himself in his mind.
Steven’s thoughts were interrupted by a shadow looming over his figure.
He looked up and saw her, and she looked stunning, more beautiful than before, if that was even possible.
However, now the moonlight outlined her features with appreciation, its pale light seemed dashing with her skin, and the overall darkness of the night suited her better than the sunlight. Oh, each curve of her body was loved by the Moon. God, her eyes. They had stars in them, brighter than the ones in the sky; an eternity could be seen in their depths, the entire history of the Earth.
Steven couldn’t properly express his gratitude at that very moment. And even then, she gazed at him with that sugary smile, that would have caused cavities for the ones kissing those delicious lips.
He stood up instantly, handing her the bouquet of crimson roses that suited her so well, as well as the box of candy. Her lips formed a little ‘o’, and the raised brows betrayed an emotion of surprise, and her hands were kept busy by the treasures he gifted. His ears burned with joy to see her pleased, but a gloomy look soon fell over his face.
“Again, I’m so so so sorry…”
“Oh, you poor thing… Come here.” Steven had no other option but to obey, leaning to her level. He froze for a second as if paralysed, when a kiss landed on his cheek. “Calm down, I’m here,” she laughed, patting his arm gently, and already, he melted. “Please, carry them until we reach the restaurant. I prefer keeping my hands unoccupied.”
Steven followed her order, carrying the objects once again. He felt too nervous to open his mouth; her touch lingered for too long and his face wouldn’t stop itching and burning, dying for more.
They walked side-by-side in complete silence.
The streets were lonesome; most people, already being home, preparing to rest before work.
Suddenly, the woman’s arm interlocked with Steven’s. His bicep flexed in response, and then relaxed. He cleared his throat, and looked at her curiously.
“Uhm…” Steven began, clearing his throat repeatedly, until his voice was as pure as a crystal. “The place we’re going… Do you go there often?”
“Yes, it’s my favourite spot,” she responded, pressing herself closer to his arm as a cold breeze hit their faces. That little whirl of her hair spread her aroma even further. “It doesn’t have that many clients, so it’s very cozy.”
“I see…” he chucked awkwardly, gulping down his saliva harshly. “I have some spots that I like, so… If you do end up enjoying this date, we might give it a visit in the future!.. Of course, if you’d like, it’s not fancy or anything, though you probably do like expensive places more, but you know… It feeds an empty stomach!”
The way she glanced at him with those shimmery eyes! Oh, his poor, sensitive heart was about to explode!
“Of course, I’d love that.”
Steven was so anxious that he couldn’t speak of anything else, his mouth had gone bone dry. He already had to be careful; his feet tangled with each other and he really didn’t want to embarrass himself by falling over.
“Close your eyes for me,” she asked after some time of walking. They had left the wide main streets and were surrounded by a few dark alleys.
Steven had no reason to distrust her intentions, and did as asked. He didn’t know where they went, why it was so secretive, but he did have to admit that it was strangely exciting and dangerous.
She carefully led him further, arms still interlocked, and her other hand— around his bicep, warning him of smaller or larger steps.
Finally, he was granted permission to open his eyes.
The inside of this secretive restaurant was fancy and almost black, as the walls, tables, and the overall interior were constructed out of dark, but rich materials. There were no windows, so nobody could peek inside. But the golden lining, crystal lamps, and large and expensive plants brought life to the dead surroundings. Peaceful music rang in the background, asking each customer to relax and enjoy their time.
Surely, he would’ve never found a place like this by himself.
Weird, it was completely empty.
They sat down by one of the booths, and immediately, the server presented himself with the menus, leaving the pair soon after.
The woman didn’t open hers, and only waited for Steven to pick something.
“Aren’t you going to eat something?” he worried.
“I’ve picked already.” She offered him a faint smile. “Do you need any suggestions?"
He shrugged bashfully. “I might.”
“Then what do you usually prefer?” She leaned over the table, and Steven couldn’t help but notice the way her breasts pressed themselves against the surface.
He tried his best to maintain eye contact and to avoid staring back at her exposed chest. “I’m a vegan, so if there’s anything good…”
“Mm. There is something you might like…” She loomed closer, and dragged a long nail over the menu, trailing over one meal, then the next. Steven finally said ‘this one’, and the server quickly returned, as if he could’ve heard it.
Steven was curious when the woman ordered her ‘usual’ meal. He wondered what would be placed in front of her, but guessed that it could be something rich in taste. Then he took a closer look at the server, but was a bit concerned to notice the man’s fright, as though he was being held at gunpoint. What could’ve terrified him so badly? Maybe it was his first day? But if she had asked for something she usually gets, it wouldn’t be his first day, right? Or maybe, just maybe he was nervous around this mysterious woman as well?
Either way, the server left the couple with a promise to bring their food soon, and only a couple of minutes passed by when he returned to their table.
For some strange reason, he seemed paler than before, his breathing was heavier, and he had difficulty standing on his feet.
“Is the service here always so quick?” Steven laughed in confusion, staring at the rushing man, and then the lady in front of him, who only held a glass of dark wine in her hand.
Was wine always so dark? Why all of the sudden the colour is so deep; was it special, older, fancier? It did seem a bit dense when she swirled the crystal glass in her hand, leaving streaks of red to its elegant sides. Maybe the lighting was at fault for the sinister illusion. Surely, she has a refined taste, that’s all.
It should be.
“Well yes, that’s also one of the reasons I enjoy eating here,” she replied, while taking a careful sip, trying not to ruin her makeup.
He couldn’t lie, his meal looked incredible, and the taste was otherworldly, yet he continued to worry. “Why didn't you order yourself food?”
“But this is my food.” She licked her upper lip while saying so, washing off the dark red stain with her tongue. It was blueish in shade, his brows knitted, yet she continued, “It’s far more fulfilling than a steak, besides, you shouldn’t bother.”
Steven tilted his head to the side curiously, while chewing slowly, “Why not?”
The woman placed her chin on a palm, once again, exposing her chest to his pure eyes, almost purposefully. “Because I’ll eat plenty today,” she said so seductively that he could’ve choked on a bite right then. She laughed, but he noticed her hiding her teeth. “I mean, we do have a box of chocolate, don’t we?”
“We do, we do… Yeah…” Steven joined her, though his laughter was rather awkward than charming. He cleared his throat. “So… Did you like the exhibition?”
“Hm? You mean the Egyptian one?” she responded, rolling her pretty eyes around. “Of course, I'm quite fond of the ancient world, so it was a must to visit.”
“Do you also like studying about it?” Her words caught his curiosity.
“History interests me in general. I am but an old soul.”
“Oh really?” he giggled while taking another bite. “Then how old are you?”
She gasped, winking at him playfully. “Steven, it’s a bit rude to ask a lady such a question.”
“O-Oh I didn’t mean—” Steven smiled widely in between his munches, but getting embarrassed, he lowered his gaze to the plate. “Ehem. Sorry.”
“You apologise too much.” She sighed, though her faint smile lightened the mood. She took another sip of her glass, flopping back against the soft cushions of the booth. “But, I'm older than you. That’s all you have to know.”
Steven nodded, that idea didn’t bother him whatsoever.
You're stunning. Absolutely. Inside and out. I'm the luckiest to be with you this evening, really. He thought to himself. She was truly more than enough.
Then her gaze pierced right through him, as if she was trying to extract all of his organs. “So, you like studying about ancient Egypt?”
“I do… Yea, very much.” He gulped down, but the piece almost got stuck in his esophagus. He hit his chest a couple of times. “It’s fascinating! Very rich in culture!”
“But why Egypt? Why not Rome? Why not the Greeks? There is a variety to choose from.”
“There is, but…” He thought for a second, gesturing with his fork. “I guess there’s a feeling of closeness to something. Something that fills your need for knowledge. I can’t explain why specifically ancient Egypt out of all. Maybe because it’s older, maybe because it influenced other civilisations, I wish I knew. But I picked up a habit of reading much about it, since my therapist recommended it to me.”
“Why?” She raised a brow curiously.
He halted for a second, nibbling his own bottom lip anxiously, but eventually, he decided to be blunt. She would find out about it either way, so it’s for the best to speak of nothing but the truth. “Please, don’t judge me, but I… Sleepwalk. I can’t explain how I end up in unfamiliar places, but I do. I wake up, not understanding where I am, and why am I there…” He waited for a minute or two, feeling distressed for his sudden confession. He didn’t know why he was so honest, why he had opened up. “That’s why I don’t understand how I missed our date… I just want you to know that I didn’t mean it.”
Then her hand reached forward, and caressed his own gently; it was oddly cold. However, he did feel her fingers pressing down over his arteries, as if to feel his blood flow stopping beneath her touch. “Don’t worry about me. I’m more than happy to have you here right now.”
Accidentally, she smiled widely, forcing a gasp out of Steven’s chest.
Two pointy canines, like sharp blades, shimmered in the dim light.
Alarmed by consciousness, she hid her teeth, releasing him from a tight, yet caring grip.
And Steven managed to catch it, blinking a few times, just to make sure that he wasn’t dreaming, and pausing on the excessive munching. “You’ve got fangs?”
She remained silent, covering her lips behind a dark glass.
“No, no, no, don’t be shy or anything like that! Honestly, I think they’re cool! Did you get those at the dentist? I’ve heard that they’re making permanent fangs! Are they comfortable though?” Steven dropped his utensils and waved his hands eagerly.
She sighed in relief, visibly calming down, and opened her mouth widely again, showcasing her pride. “More than comfortable, I can’t live without them.”
“So… You’re probably into vampires?” Steven asked, feeling happy to know something about the mysterious lady in front of him.
“Obviously,” she chuckled, dropping her tense shoulders, though her voice sounded plastic.
“You’ve got any favourite films with them?”
“The classics, that’s all.”
“Oh, well they’re pretty nice. You know, it’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but I kind of liked Twilight. It’s cheesy, yeah, but hey, it was romantic and that’s enough,” he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.
She hummed, as if in agreement and disagreement, only affording to watch him with a sly smirk behind an almost empty glass. “Alright, alright… Eat up, pretty boy, we’ve got the whole night ahead of ourselves.”