With nothing to do in the dark, Ry closed his eyes and waited, then fell into a fitful sleep.He woke about an hour later, and still no sign of Alex.His heart stuttered in his chest.He checked his phone.No missed calls, but a recent message from Alex:On my way.I should be there in about twenty minutes unless more streets are closed <3.
Ry wrapped himself in a soft blanket and headed into the hall, the wind quieter here.He turned on the flashlight on his device, the shadows dancing on the paintings.Normally, nightlights cast a faint glow in most areas, but with the electricity out, his phone was the sole source of illumination.
When he reached the front door, he unlocked it and then sat down on the floor a few feet away.His mobile died, leaving the entryway in darkness.Alex couldn’t get here fast enough.
Ry withdrew into the blanket, blocking out the whine and whistle of the gale, and waited.
Scratching sounds emerged from behind the door.Something scraped, and Ry’s stomach leaped.With no watch to guide him, he could only hope it was Alex and not the sound of a falling tree come to take him.
The doorway opened and a giant figure with two bags in his hands came stumbling in.Cold air flooded the room, rain gusting in until the door shut once again.Light bloomed.
“Ry, you there?”Alex set down the sacks, unbuttoning his coat.
Ry stood up and ran to him, hugging him tight.
“Hey, hey, I’m here.”Alex squeezed Ry closer.“I’m here.”
Light danced on the ceiling, and Ry took in sharp breaths.Alex smelled wet and cold, but under that, a hint of cloves.
“Come on,” Alex said after shedding his raincoat.“The living room will be the best place to stay.”
“Okay,” Ry said, grabbing a bag and trailing after his boyfriend.
“Your dad never answered me, so I assumed you had nothing.”
Alex handed Ry the flashlight.“Hold this for a sec.”He pulled out candles, a couple of lighters, a few battery packs, and a few other things.Ry followed Alex as he set up the tapers and lit them, warm light flickering to life.
The icy knot in Ry’s stomach unraveled, replaced by a warmth as the candlelight pushed the gloom away.Alex turned toward Ry once most of the candles had been lit and placed.
“Let’s get your phone charged.Have you had anything to eat?”
Ry shook his head.“Not since lunch.”
“Hungry?”
“Not right now.”
“Okay,” Alex said, taking a deep breath and surveying the room before his eyes landed on Ry.He wore his worn blue hoodie, though in this light it looked almost black.“You cold?I brought hot cocoa and can make some.”
“Yes, please,” Ry said, shuffling over to the couch and sitting down, still wrapped in his blanket.
“You are welcome to come with me,” Alex said.He sat down next to Ry and took his hand.“Also, we don’t want to burn your dad’s house down.”
“I’m okay now,” Ry leaned against Alex.“Thank you for coming out all the way over here in the middle of a storm.I’m glad you’re safe.”
“Me too.”Alex pulled Ry close and rubbed his shoulder.
“What did your dad say?”
“Don’t worry about it, Ry.”Alex kissed Ry on the forehead.“Now, would you like cocoa, or would you prefer I stay with you?”
“I’ll be okay here.”
“If you need me, call out, but otherwise keep the door closed.We’ll want to keep the heat in.I’m going to grab blankets.They’re in the laundry room or one of the hall closets?”
“Hall closet near my dad’s study.”
Alex kissed Ry gently.“I’ll be back soon.”He picked up the other bag and headed to the kitchen.
