Page 70 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

The pages were worn with use. Bits of food flecked, stained, and covered portions of the recipe and drawings. Parts of the recipe had been crossed out and rewritten as his mother had adapted and changed the recipe over the years.

“Her pies were my favourite though,” Leo said. “They are still the best thing I have ever eaten. My pies are not as good as hers.”

Percival’s head shot up, eyes widening in disbelief.

“It’s true.” Leo chuckled. “Hers were just better. But when I make her pies, I feel like she’s still a part of me. I feel like when she died, I took over and became the person who baked pies in the family bakery.”

Leo ran his hands back and forth over the pages. “She died when I was still pretty little. Her and my dad died on the same day. It was all very sudden. An accident. Grady was with them.”

Leo lifted his wrist, showing a band wrapped around it. “Now Grady makes us wear these charmed protection bands.” He dropped his arm as he looked back at the recipe book. “I feel closer to her when I bake her recipes.”

Percival’s head pressed against Leo’s face. Leo stroked Percival’s neck.

“After Mum and Dad died, life was never the same. Everything was grief, chaos, and stress.” Leo paused. “Jas and I had always been close, what with being twins and all. But during that time, we clung to each other.”

Leo stared at the cookbook in his hand. “And now Jas is so distant. He’s hiding something from me. I know it. But he won’t tell me what’s wrong. And I don’t know how to help him. I miss him.”

Percival shuffled. Then large wings stretched out to the sides.

Leo blinked, staring up at them. Then the iridescent orange and red wings folded in, enveloping him, cocooning them from the world. Throat tight, Leo wrapped his arms around Percival’s torso, burying his face in Percival’s feathery chest.

“I’m so glad I have you, Percy.”

Percival trilled. Leo smiled.

They sat that way for a while longer. Leo holding Percival and Percival’s wings enclosing them.

Leo looked up into Percival’s face. He hesitated. “I love you, Percy.”

The orange eyes widened.

“Maybe it’s too soon to say that. I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but every moment I’m with you, my feelings only grow stronger. I adore you. My phoenix. My firebird. I love you with all my heart.”

Percival’s wings withdrew from around them. He stood and moved away from Leo. He let out a breath, and golden fire burst and consumed him. The fire never got out of control, even inside. Percival controlled it so it didn’t even singe anything.

Then Percival began to shrink. His feathers retracted. Dark-red hair grew from his head. Percival stood naked and human before him.

Then he ran at Leo, falling onto the floor beside him and throwing his arms around Leo’s neck. “I love you too, Leo. So much!”

Leo let out a breath and hugged Percival tight.

“But I can’t believe you told me you loved me when I was in my phoenix form and couldn’t say it back!” Percival laughed.

“I’m sorry.” Leo grinned. “I just couldn’t hold the words in. I had to tell you what I felt.” Then he pulled back and kissed Percival, pouring all the love he felt into the kiss.

He wanted to stay just like this, kissing the phoenix he loved forever.

There was a knock at the door.

“Who the fuck is that?” Leo muttered.

They untangled. Percival grabbed a blanket to cover himself.

“Come in,” Leo called out.

The door opened. Jack’s eyes widened when he realised Percival was practically naked. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s okay,” Percival said, although his cheeks flushed.