“Mm hmm,” Alex agreed.
The server slipped them the check and left to wait on another table.The night was still warm, and the patio filled with people, some of whom looked at him and Alex with faint recognition.Perhaps being out on the town would one day be less stressful.He hadn’t gotten used to the staring this close without chemical help.
Ry paid the bill, fairly inexpensive for an enjoyable meal out, and it was a novel experience for him to be at a place that wasn’t catering to super-rich celebrities.
“Shall we?”Ry asked.
Alex was smiling.“Maybe in a minute,” he said.“Nice night out.”
“It is,” he agreed, thinking about some work he’d done at rehab.This was new, uncomfortable, but ultimately what he wanted: to be out with his friends, celebrate life, and be human.It was so damn hard, though.
“I’m also sorry for some things, too, you know,” Alex said.“I wrote a letter for you, but never thought I’d ever be able to hand it to you.”He pulled out an envelope that looked worn and handed it to Ry.He took it gently and tucked it into his vest.
“I’ll read it at home,” Ry said.“It’s a little too much to do in public.”
Alex chuckled.“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”Instead, he sipped his water and looked around for a moment.“I didn’t think my life would end up here.Especially not in the last couple of years.”
Ry grinned.“Me too,” he said.“I’m just happy to be feeling alive again after all that awful shit.”
The low hum of rising chatter filled Ry's ears as the patio grew cooler.A prickle of impatience radiated in his skin, an urge to flee the crowded space.With a sudden push, his chair scraped loudly against the floor.Ry rose, his muscles protesting with a long, satisfying stretch.
Alex also pushed back from the table, suddenly towering over everyone.“Yeah, time to go.”
As they left, they thanked the staff for a wonderful meal.The valet pulled up with his car, and Ry tipped him well.He slipped into the driver's seat, the lingering scent of worn leather enveloping him.The click of the passenger door closing plunged the world into a profound, tranquil contrast to the cacophony of the establishment.
“Thank you,” Alex said after they were on the road.
“You’re welcome.”Ry glanced at him.
The hum of the engine, beneath a soft melody of Alex’s choosing, filled the space between them.The quiet inside the car was a different kind than before; no crackling tension, but a gentle, peaceful stillness that settled comfortably.He kept his hands on the wheel, tempted to curl his fingers around Alex’s hand.
Soon, the crunch of tires on gravel announced their arrival at Alex's place.Instead of a quick drop-off, Ry killed the engine and opened his door, stepping out into the evening.He grabbed a small package and tucked it into his vest.
“Thanks,” Ry said, his voice trembling with sudden nervousness.“For coming out tonight and agreeing to this mad scheme.”
“You’re a dork.”Alex smiled.
“I have a gift for you,” Ry said.“I visited my dad and picked up something of yours.”
“Huh?”Alex leaned forward.“What did I leave there?”
Ry pulled out the wrapped package.He handed it over to Alex.“You left it there when we moved down here.”
Alex took it, hefting its weight, a puzzled expression on his face.“It’s a book.”
“Yeah,” Ry said.“Open it.”
He cradled it, his fingers tracing the rough, crinkling paper as he gently peeled away the layers.The cover, a vibrant swirl of stylized art, immediately drew his attention, causing him to inhale sharply and almost silently.A Wizard of Earthseawas scrawled in a distinctive font.
“Ry,” he said.“I can’t believe your dad still had this.I figured it was in a box somewhere.Thanks.”
“Do you remember when I gave it to you?”
Alex smiled, a faraway look in his eyes.“Yeah.You were so dramatic about it though.”
Ry laughed.“I just wanted to show you how much I liked you.”
“It worked, didn’t it?”
