Ry nodded and settled onto the couch.The candlelight flickered and danced as a draft swept in.Alex’s footsteps were faint behind the closed door, but Ry felt warmer.Inside this room, the storm’s roar was a distant, muted rumble.He relaxed, checking his phone.The device powered on, yet its charge remained low.
Alex came back in and tossed the blankets and pillows to Ry.“Might as well get comfortable.Oh, that’s the water.I’ll be back.”
Ry grabbed the pile and took a couple of pillows and leaned them against the armrest, and shook out a blanket for Alex.Despite the darkness, it was only six.Ry looked in the bag that Alex had left and pulled out a radio, setting it on the coffee table.Alex had thought of everything.
Alex bustled in with two huge, steaming mugs of cocoa.The sweet chocolate in the air made Ry’s mouth water.
“Here you go.”Alex handed him one.He sat down.“Do you want to listen to the news?I brought some cards.”
“We also have some board games,” Ry said, sipping his drink.“Though they may be out of our age range from when my mom and I used to play.”
Ry sighed, warmth spreading through him.He shed the blanket and scooted closer to Alex, leaning against him.He looked at Alex’s hands, sparkling caught his eye.
“Did Ella paint your nails?”
Alex chuckled.“Yeah, you saved me from having my toes done as well.I didn’t have anywhere to be, and she was bored.My dad would never let her do such a thing, so I gave in.”
“She’s a makeup artist in training,” Ry said.“Though you pull it off.”
Alex grinned, setting his mug down.“Thanks.Well, let’s see what the news is.”
“Major outages have been reported all across the metro area,” a man announced.“At least one hundred thousand residents are without power.PGE has crews prioritizing downed lines, and emergency crews are working to keep roads clear of debris.Do not travel unless necessary.If you see any trees obstructing roads or if you see a fallen wire, call first responders.”
Alex turned it off.
“It’s grim out there,” Ry said.“How bad?”
“I had to backtrack twice due to fallen branches blocking the road.”
Ry sat up, his face cold.The image of Alex crushed under a tree came to him.“I’m sorry I made you risk yourself.”
“Hey, babe.”Alex took Ry’s mug and set it down and pulled him tight to his chest.“You didn’t make me do anything.I chose to come.”
How could he have been so selfish?Tightness built behind Ry’s eyes, his tears staining Alex’s hoodie.His chest shuddered as he struggled to breathe through the tightness in his throat.He tried talking but couldn’t speak.
Alex held him close, rubbing his back.“It’s okay, Ry.I’m here.”
Ry focused on the warmth from Alex, the pressure holding him together, the sensation of hands on his shoulders.He pulled Alex closer to him.The low rumble of Alex’s voice vibrated through Ry, the words indistinct, but akin to leaves singing in the breeze.
Ry’s breath slowed, his swollen eyes still damp.He loosened his grip around Alex’s middle.He twisted to get more comfortable.
“Ugh,” Ry groaned.“I’m sorry I broke down like that.I’m not four.”
Alex glanced down, the soothing rubbing continuing.“Don’t apologize for being human.Glad you are comfortable around me.”
Ry noticed tears in Alex’s eyes.“Did I make you cry?”
Alex laughed, almost choking on spit.“Yeah, of course.Holding you, knowing I can help you feel better just by being here?God that’s the most amazing experience in the world.”
Ry melted at the words, a prickle at the back of his eyes.“Really?You are ridiculous.”Ry reached up to wipe Alex’s cheek.“I love you, goober.Thanks for being here.”
“By the way, you are the cutest crier.”
“What?No, I look so gross.”Ry wiped his nose.
Alex kissed him on the forehead and squeezed him tight.“I can’t explain it.All I want to do is wrap you up.”
“Does that mean I can finally get this hoodie?”Ry asked, tugging at the fabric.“It’ll be like you hugging me while I wear it.”
