Page 75 of Nitro

“You probably heard about the recent incidents with Hicks and everything,” I ventured.

Marc's expression grew serious. "Yeah, I heard. Nitro filled me in on the details. It must have been tough for you, dealing with all of that,” he said.

"It was. But you showing up out of the blue added another layer of complication,” I muttered.

"I didn't mean to complicate things," Marc admitted. "I just wanted to check on you, Tommy. After everything that happened, I felt like I needed to be here for you."

"And I appreciate that, Marc. I really do," I said sincerely. "But you and Nitro… the tension between you two made things more challenging. I couldn't handle being caught in the middle of it all."

Marc sighed. “I know I messed up there. I should have approached it differently,” he said.

"It's not just about that," I confessed, glancing down at my coffee.

I went on, “It's also about you and Nitro shutting me out, making decisions about my safety without including me in the discussion. I'm not a child, Marc. I can handle myself, and I deserve to be part of the decisions that affect me."

Nitro and I already had a similar conversation before he left.

He nodded slowly, absorbing my words.

"You're right, Tommy. I should have communicated better. I... I let my protective instincts take over, and I didn't consider how it made you feel,” Marc said.

"That..was alot wasn't it?" I finally asked, taking a bite of the cake.

"It was," Marc admitted. "But this is good."

"It is?" I asked.

"The hard part's over," Marc explained. He fidgeted with his paper napkin.

“You know, Tommy, we never had the chance to really be brothers. You were taken from me so early...." Marc trailed off, looking uncertain how to continue.

"Hey," I said softly. "That changes from this point onwards."

"Yeah? You think we can do that? Be real brothers?" Marc asked.

I nodded, smiling. "I believe we can. We just need to work through things together. No more secrets, no more shutting each other out,” I said.

He sighed, visibly relaxing. "I've missed having a brother, Tommy. Someone to share stuff with, to have my back. I want that with you,” he said.

"I want that too, Marc," I replied. "But it's not just about us. Nitro is a big part of my life now, and I need you to find a way to get along with him. I can't have my brother and my mate at odds."

Marc hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"I'll try, Tommy. For you. But it's not just on me. Nitro has to be willing to meet me halfway too,” he said.

"I'll talk to him," I assured Marc.

“You need to promise me something,” Marc said.

I raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"If you have an issue or if something's bothering you, talk to me. We're family, and family sticks together,” he reminded me.

"Got it,” I said.

We continued our conversation, moving into lighter topics.

It was a slow process, rebuilding our relationship, but as we chatted, I felt a weight lifting off my shoulders.

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