Page 61 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody didn’t let go right away. Then, slowly, he pulled back. His hands lingered on him as his eyes moved over Mano’s face, searching, taking in every detail like he needed to make sure he was really there.

Mano held his gaze, then looked away. “Let’s go upstairs.”

The moment they stepped inside, Mano barely had time to drop his keys before Ody pulled him in. His back hit the table. Ody’s hand slid to the back of his neck, holding him there as their lips met. Mano’s hands settled at Ody’s waist, fingers tightening. The kiss deepened, slow and hungry.

When he finally pulled back, it was only enough to meet his eyes. “I missed you so much...”

“You already said that,” Mano breathed out, something close to a laugh, but not quite.

Ody’s smile faltered. “So you didn’t miss me at all?”

Mano’s gaze dropped.

“Hey…” Ody’s thumb brushed over his cheek. “What’s wrong?”

He didn’t answer.

“Baby… what is it?”

Mano looked at him, his expression softening at the nickname.

“Is it about your brother?” Ody asked.

Mano nodded.

“Did you fight?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

Mano hesitated before taking Ody’s hand. “Come with me.” They sat on the couch, close. “I want to tell you everything...”

Ody studied him. “I want to hear it… but are you sure?”

Mano nodded. For a moment, he didn’t speak. His gaze dropped to their hands. Then he started in fragments, pauses.

He told him about that day. What he saw, what he couldn’t forget. Ody didn’t interrupt, didn’t move. He just listened as the pieces came together.

By the time he finished, Ody’s eyes were full, tears slipping down. His grip tightened around Mano’s hand, almost without realizing. He wiped his face, swallowing hard. “What happened to the people who killed your parents?”

Mano didn’t answer.

“Did they catch them?”

He finally looked up. “They did. And? Does that change anything? Do the dead come back because the killers are in prison?” His voice shook. “They’re behind bars. So what? My parents aren’t coming back.”

Ody pulled him into his arms and held him there. “Thank you for telling me,” he whispered. “I know that wasn’t easy.”

When they pulled apart, Mano spoke again. “Nick asked if I’m happy with you.”

Ody stilled. “What did you say?”

“I said I am.”

Ody’s hands came up, cupping Mano’s face. “Everything’s gonna be okay… as long as we’re together.”

Mano didn’t react right away. “If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t have told him about you… and he wouldn’t have said he lo—” The word caught. His throat tightened, looking away.