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Fuck.
This is us.
We’re real.
We’re in this together.
Once they enter the small villa, Ty busies himself inspecting the rooms. He walks through the small house, checking the space thoroughly. There are two bedrooms, but neither of the beds is suitable for Bran – too high and bolted to the floor in the middle of the room.
What the heck?
He checks his cash and goes over the travel documents they both now have, considering if he needs to leave a set with Rian or take the whole stash with him.
Ri doesn’t interrupt his concentration giving him plenty of space to sort through his thoughts. The silence between them is comforting.
Ri draws a bath for Bran, and the little one wriggles in his arms impatiently trying to get in the bathtub.
Ty watches them for a moment, wanting nothing more than to stay exactly where he is. But there is something he must do, and for that, he needs to give Rian some privacy.
He clears his throat, getting Rian’s attention, “I need to get us some supplies. Food and things for Bran. Write down everything you might need. I don’t know if I’ll be able to find all the right brands, but I’ll do my best.” Ty takes a step closer and takes a knee next to Rian who is sitting on the floor near the bathtub.
Ty hands him over a small pad and a pen, and Rian has to visibly force himself to think for a moment, fighting through his own fatigue. The little one is already in the bathtub, splashing in the shallow water.
“Are you going out? Alone? I…” Rian’s head snaps back at him. He looks scared but doesn’t make a move to protest further.
Ty leans closer in his space and cups Ri’s face in his hands. “I’ll be back in an hour. We need a car. Lock up and stay in the bedroom. We’re safe for now. We’ve been very careful. Trust me.”
Trust me, my love.
Rian sighs, relieved. He doesn’t doubt Ty. He doesn’t have any reservations in his assessment of their situation, even if he’s scared. Rian locks eyes with him.
Hurry back.
Ty wants to kiss his full parted lips.
I love you.
He bites it back. This isn’t the right time.
But soon. Very soon.
Before he leaves, he makes one final move, digging through his backpack. He hands Rian the tattered envelope that contains the last words of his brother Cyril to him.
Rian immediately recognizes the handwriting and brings his hand to his lips, muffling a quiet sob. Tears run freely down his cheeks instantly.
“I knew you would want to read this right away. I’m sorry I didn’t give it to you earlier. I…we had a lot to deal with. I wanted you to have some privacy when you finally got to read it. I should have given you this letter years ago. I fucked up. I’m sorry. I hope Cy’s words bring you comfort.”
Rian manages to mouth,thank you, as he reaches for the faded envelope. He holds it to his chest, his eyes closed.
He is holding Cyril,Ty thinks, and hurriedly wipes his own tears away as he leaves the room, giving Rian privacy to be with his brother one last time.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Rian, Ri, Ree-ahn
SEPTEMBER 2022
Dear Rian,
