Page 60 of Zachary

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Ronan

I stroll into my kitchen,smile as I pat my gorgeous stand mixer that Zac bought me, and open the pantry. What should I bake on this glorious Saturday morning? Zac’s coming over later, and I want to surprise him with something delicious. Hmm… cheese Danish, maybe? Or I saw a recipe for a cheesy choux bread that looked very easy—I could get something complicated and sweet started, then do that for a savory too.

My phone chimes with the tone for Ro Ro Ro The Group, and I fish it out of my pocket.

Hagen:

Ro, I gotta ask you some questions and you can’t ask why. It’s bro code.

Bro code? I don’t know what that is, but it sounds important. I can respect bro code.

Sure

Sophie:

Oh no. Ronan, you’re supposed to reserve the right not to answer if it will incriminate you.

Bro code is starting to sound complicated.

Can’t I just… not answer?

Dustin:

It doesn’t work that way. But Hagen will make an exception because now we’re all dying to know what the questions are.

Hagen:

Do you like surprises?

Only the good ones.

Someone giving me a book of local recipes? Good surprise. Finding out the man who raised me was a megalomaniac who stole me and robbed me of my heritage while also torturing my twin? Not so much.

Hagen:

That’s supremely not helpful. When’s your birthday?

I know what birthdays are. I’d never heard of them before coming to Earth, but the species here celebrate them, and apparently the elves and dragons were quick to get on board with that. Everyone loves an excuse for a party, presents, and cake.

But…

I don’t know

There’s a moment of no typing, and I cringe. Nope. No. I’m not going to feel bad about this. New Ronan wouldn’t.

Hagen:

Shit. I just figured Steffen didn’t tell anyone his because he’s paranoid

Maybe that’s true. But I honestly don’t know mine. Would Brandt be able to tell? Or could I just pick a day?

I’m really curious to know why he’s asking, but whatever bro code is, I’m not breaking it. Anyway, the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of having a birthday. Do I need to consult with Steffen about the day, since we’re twins?

Dustin:

This can’t be right. You’ve been with us for years. How have we not ever thrown a party for you?

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