“This is Keld,” Grayson said. There was a tremor in his voice. “Keld Vihinu. He’s my boyfriend. The one I told you about, that helped me find a job for you. He’s also the one that got your apartment situation figured out.”
Dawson put on a smile, if a somewhat uncomfortable smile, and stuck out his hand. “Nice t’meet ya.”
Keld paused. “Sorry, what was that?” He shook Dawson’s hand, brows drawn.
“I said nice t’meet ya,” Dawson repeated, a little slower. To Grayson, he added, “He don’t speak English too good, huh?”
A true bubble of laughter rose in Grayson’s chest. He’d never noticed just how thick his youngest brother’s accent was until this very moment.
“He said nice to meet you,” Grayson translated, fighting back a grin. “Daws, his English is fine. I think it’s yours that’s the problem.”
Jameson snorted and offered Keld his hand. “Thanks for doin’ all that for us.”
“You’re welcome,” Keld responded, looking relieved he could understand at least one of them. “Got all your stuff? Let’s get you boys home.”
∞∞∞
Dawson burst through Grayson’s front door, report card in hand. He stopped dead as Grayson and Keld flew apart, severing the deep kiss they’d been tangled up in.
“Gross, git a room.”
“Youwalked intomyapartment,” Grayson pointed out.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever, look!” Dawson thrust the paper into Grayson’s face. “I got an A! I ain’t never got an A!”
Grayson took the paper and scanned the list of subjects.
Pre-Algebra: C+
English 1: D+
Interworld History: B
Biology 1: B
Health and Life Skills: C
Computer Science: B+
Loaish 1: A+
A wide smile split Grayson’s face and he dragged his youngest brother down in a headlock. “I’m so proud of you, bro. You’re killing it.”
“I told you,” Keld said, ruffling Dawson’s blond hair, much to his displeasure. “You have a knack for it.”
“I know it!” Dawson shoved free of Grayson’s grip. “Them classes is easy. Loaish just makessense, ya know?”
“Sure, toyouit does.” Grayson sighed. He could barely get the basic phrases out before his tongue started turning cartwheels.
Keld, on the other hand, stared blankly at Dawson, as he did every time the kid opened his mouth.
Dawson rolled his eyes.“Hosop’posh ka nik’e. Loaish rae ka fieru’n.”
“Oh. Well why didn’t you just say that?”
“Oyirax.”Dawson snatched his report card back and scrambled off the couch.
“What did you just call—who even taught you that?” Keld shouted, bolting after him. “Hey! You little shit!”
