Főnix

Phoenix

Episode 16: Homecoming and Forbidden Desire

The scent of the sea mixes with the cold evening wind.
Phoenix and Albatross walk slowly side by side, close to each other. Phoenix’s arms are crossed over her chest under the weight of tension. Albatross steals a glance at her, hoping she might open up a little, but Phoenix keeps her gaze fixed ahead, as if looking into the distance.

They arrive at the house. Phoenix opens the door and they step inside the apartment. She shows Albatross the guest room and lays out a T-shirt and a pair of shorts for him.

Albatross (gratefully, smiling):
“Thank you for letting me stay.”

Phoenix (smiling, softly):
“It’s really nothing.”

Phoenix leaves the room, letting Albatross get ready, while she starts cooking, listening to music through her earbuds.

Albatross (carefully, softly):
“Phoenix… may I take a shower? Just quickly.”

Phoenix is standing with her back to him, soft music playing in her ears. She only murmurs a quiet “hmm,” not really hearing the question. Albatross assumes she simply wants to avoid eye contact.

Albatross steps into the shower. A few minutes later he comes out, a towel around his waist, drying his hair, when Phoenix enters the bathroom. At that moment, one of her earbuds falls out of her ear onto the floor. Phoenix bends down to pick it up—and suddenly Albatross is standing in front of her half-naked, his chest glistening with moisture in the light.

Phoenix (suddenly, blushing, innocent, whispering):
“A… Albatross?! What are you doing here…?!”

Albatross (serious, calm):
“I asked you, Phoenix, and you signaled that I could take a shower.”

Phoenix instinctively raises her hand to cover her eyes, but her gaze is drawn to Albatross anyway, his muscles tense and clearly defined.

Phoenix (breathless, embarrassed):
“Oh no… I thought you were in the guest room! I didn’t hear you… I was listening to music.”

Phoenix (inner thought):
What is this attraction…? I blush just from him standing here in front of me… I’m not normal…

Dressed now, Albatross follows Phoenix into the kitchen. He steps closer, carefully.

Albatross (gently):
“Can I help?”

Phoenix sighs, then nods. They cook in silence. Sometimes their hands touch, sometimes their eyes meet. The silence is often louder than words.

Albatross:
“I found a wine that would go well with dinner.”

Phoenix (protesting):
“No, not for me… it goes straight to my head, and then I talk nonsense.”

Albatross (smiling):
“Sometimes it’s not a problem if you talk nonsense.”

Because of the excitement of the evening and their closeness, Phoenix eventually asks for a glass—then another, then a third.

Phoenix turns on slow, soft music to relax. Her steps become unsteady, her eyes half-closed.

Albatross reaches out his hand.

Albatross:
“Would you dance with me?”

Phoenix hesitates, but the wine, the music, and the emotions have their effect. She stands up and begins to dance with Albatross.

They dance slowly, gently. Phoenix rests her head against Albatross’s chest.

Phoenix (drunk, trembling voice):
“I don’t know… what you’re doing to me… but I’m always… always drawn to you. Please… tomorrow… don’t tell anyone what foolish things I said.”

Phoenix falls asleep in his arms. Albatross carefully carries her to the guest room, covers her with a blanket, and sits on the edge of the bed.

Albatross (whispering, a quiet confession):
“I love you too, Phoenix… more than I’ve ever loved anyone. But you don’t know that.”

During the night, Phoenix cries in her sleep because of a nightmare.
Albatross wakes up and gently wakes Phoenix.

Albatross:
“Calm down… I’m here, nothing bad will happen.”

Phoenix (fearfully, softly):
“Please… would you lie on the bed until I fall asleep?”

Albatross nods, sits beside her, and carefully wraps an arm around her until Phoenix slowly calms down.

Albatross (inner thought):
The more I get to know you, the more I fall in love with you…
But how could I tell you that the company is mine, and that I’m not just a photographer…?
Would you forgive my lie?