Sunblood

Every few months, Caleb had a long weekend off. The DCP gave him four solid days of absolutely nothing to do, with the idea that his mind needed down time to keep his power from burning out. No forum gatherings, no trials to monitor, and no contract appointments with the bored-and-wealthy, the cheated-on-and-suspicious, or the thrill-seekers who wanted to feel someone penetrating their private thoughts.

On the last day of his latest break, he stood with Daniel in the middle of the projection hall, watching digital rain cascade down the walls. Daniel looked like a ghost in the dusky blue light.

Caleb knew a girl in the DCP who could see ghosts. She said they looked like footprints, whatever that meant.

When he turned away from the projection and kissed Daniel, he imagined feeling drops of rain on his shoulders and in his hair. Cold water down his back, puddling around his feet.

Then Daniel made a noise and pushed him away gently, eyes darker than the shadowy storm clouds projected on the horizon. "Caleb."

He held Caleb at arm's length, strong hands tight and firm. The grip of a disappointed Keeper, not a lover. Not even a friend.

It hurt, the dull pain reverberating through Caleb as if he’d had the wind knocked out of him. He could still feel a faint tingle at his mouth, where his lips had briefly touched Daniel’s. Embarrassment made his eyes go hot and wet. He knew better; Daniel was just one more thing he wasn’t ever allowed to have.

"Let's get out of here," Caleb said, struggling away violently. He focused on the small yellow beacon that marked the exit door. "This place is a joke."

Daniel followed him. He had to. It was his job.