He looked up to find Rus’ gaze locked on the television screen. Before Dylan could continue, Kaiden flicked his leg. Yes, Dylan realized Valentine’s Day wasn’t Rus’ favorite holiday, and for good reason. It carried memories he’d rather ignore. If Rus wanted to avoid the holiday altogether, Dylan would accept that, but he hoped to pry just enough to figure out if it was something they could explore anew.
“I’ve never celebrated the day,” Dylan said. “I mean, maybe in school or whatever for a class, but not like actually celebrated. Pretty sure Kaiden never has either.”
Kaiden responded by yanking some of the hairs on Dylan’s leg.
“Ow,” he muttered, before lifting his leg.
He used it to pop Kaiden in the chest with his heel. A light smack, but enough to make up for the mean tug of his leg hairs.
“I get if it’s something you don’t want to celebrate,” Dylan said, staring up at Rus, who didn’t return his gaze. “And you’re probably thinking it’s something we could celebrate without you. Kaiden and I having a fancy little dinner or something silly. But I don’t like that idea.”
“Then why bring it up?” Kaiden asked aloud, more to himself, based on his mocking tone.
“I just think if we were going to do something for Valentine’s Day, it should be as a trio or not at all,” Dylan continued. “To be clear, I’m cool abstaining from the holiday. It’s so corporate anyway. Boo to the card companies and flower murderers.”
“I don’t know,” Rus finally said with an aloof shrug. “I think it’d be nice to make new memories.”
“Yeah?” Kaiden cocked his head curiously.
“I’m well past any feelings or regrets with Lana, and maybe I’m not entirely over the day itself,” Rus explained. “I think a small part of me will always wonder what could have been. Even if I don’t actually regret giving up the kid. Like I would’ve been in way over my head. Probably would’ve resented the kid or Lana or both eventually. Still, it’s nice to remember him.”
Rus ran his thumb over the Valentine’s Day tattoo on his wrist.
“But maybe it’s better to just remember him, not let the joy of the day be ruined.” Rus looked down at Dylan and grinned. “And I’m here for all the flower murders. I say slaughter ‘em all and drown them in delicious chocolates!”
Rus cackled loudly with obnoxious flair, imitating his favorite vampire character.
Soon after, they settled back into comfort, playing their game and enjoying each other’s company. Kaiden put aside hisdrawings and started looking up restaurants he thought they’d all enjoy.
“Do we have to do gifts?” he asked with a twinge of concern.
“I don’t think—”
“Absolutely,” Rus interrupted. “I demand only the best of presents to honor me on V-Day.”
Kaiden huffed. “I’m giving you a coupon book, and you better like it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” Kaiden replied. “It’ll have like one free hug and one premium massage and one silly drawing and… Hmmm. Other cool stuff. I don’t know. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”
“I love it,” Rus said.
Not long after, they paused the game and put something random on the television for background noise. Dylan enjoyed the silence. He could enjoy anything with Rus and Kaiden.
“Speaking of upcoming holidays,” Rus chimed in to break the silence. “I have a three-day weekend coming up in March.”
“Oh?” Dylan looked up inquisitively.
“Yeah, and I was sort of considering heading home for it,” Rus said rather casually, even if the slightest crack in his voice revealed a twinge of nervousness. “I figured it might be a good time for y’all to join, too. If you wanted, of course. Not that you have to. It’s short notice.”
“It’s like a month away,” Kaiden said, perhaps perplexed by the short notice comment based on the tone of his voice.
“Yeah, I know,” Rus replied. “Probably should’ve given a bigger warning. It’s cool if you don’t want—”
“I want to go,” Dylan blurted.
“Me too,” Kaiden said, turning around so he faced them.
