Donald X Caiside Excerpt - Staring

Donald had short hair that was combed back. A strand was going against the grain by poking in front of his face. His brown eyes scanned the book he was reading carefully in the recliner. Caiside sat in the chair across from him. He had only sat there because he had nothing better to do. So he chose to stare at Donald. He had to admit that Donald was rather handsome.

Donald flipped a page of his book. He was snuggled into his favorite chair. He was reading a book of potions and spells. He could feel eyes on him, but he didn’t want to stop reading his book.

He flipped to another page and read.

He still felt the eyes burning into him.

He flipped another page.

His skin was beginning to crawl.

He flipped to another page.

Donald bit his cheek as he attempted to suppress the urge to scream.

He flipped another page.

He couldn’t handle it anymore.

He flipped down a corner of the book and snapped it closed.

He sat the book in his lap as he looked up at Caiside. “Is there any reason why you’re staring?”

Caiside shrugged as he continue to stare.

Donald rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Is staring a common thing where you’re from?”

Caiside thought about it for a moment. “No,” he finally answered after a moment.

“Then why are you staring at me?”

Caiside tilted his head back and stared at the ceiling. Why was he staring? Staring was just something he did. His kind did it all the time. He could stare into the souls of people. He could tell so many secrets just by one look. But there was something interesting about Donald. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. Plus there was that deal he made with Bethel. “You interest me,” he replied staring back at him.

Donald tilted his head. He interested him? Strange. He was just a simple witch. Why would a simple witch interest him? Someone who wasn’t even mortal. Come to think of it, he still didn’t know what Caiside was. He squinted his eyes as he stared at Caiside.

“Trying to figure out what I am?” Caiside smirked.

Donald nodded. “I’ve yet to make any guesses.”

“Well, stare all you want.” Caiside shrugged. “After all, they say the eyes are the windows to the soul. I’m curious what you can see.”

Donald glared. He was sure that was a crack at his lack of ability. Sure he wasn’t as good as his Aunt Bethel with magic. But he could still use it. He just needed a lot of practice. The two entered a staring contest.