Page 2 of Brother
Not out loud, atleast.
Nathanimagined a millionscenarios of how Simon would greet him when he arrived home. Wouldhe come downstairs and hug him? Would he stay in his room? Would hebe out of the house entirely, telling Nathan exactly what hethought of his arrival?
The buzzing ofhis anxious thoughts came to an abrupt stop as he spotted Simon in the waiting area of theairport—that same strawberry blond hair and freckles on pale skinthat looked back at him in the mirror.
Nathandidn’t sayanything—couldn’t, judging by the sudden lump in his throat, evenif he wanted to. He let go of his suitcase and hugged Simon’sfamiliar body, letting the wave of him crash over his head anddrown him in a feeling both suffocating and warm.
Nathan had noidea what was going on around him—if they were blocking the way andbeing a nuisance. Allhis senses could process was the smell of Simon, hiscrushing arms, the feel of his breath against his neck.
How the fuck hadNathan feared that Simon wouldn’t love him anymore after a school year apart? How could hehave even thought it, when the reality of it felt likethis?
Simon squeezedhim a little tighter, pain and safety crackingNathan’s bones. “Imissed you.”
Nathan swallowedconvulsively.“Metoo.”
There was afrown pulling at Simon’slips when they finally pulled away, but it was tucked away quickly,where anybody else wouldn’t be able to see. “Let’s get your asshome, then.”
The drive, aslong as it was, remained silent—the kind ofsilence that was sweet and comfortable.That didn’t hurt at all.
The familiarsmell that hit him as soon as he stepped into the house almost bowled him over—someindescribable but comforting scent of childhood.
“Hey, loser!”Kate barrelled down the stairs, two years younger than them butjust as tall, giving him a tight hug and then a punch to thestomach.
“Oof. Fuck you,”Nathan moaned as Kate stepped away from his swiping arm.
“Language,” hismom admonished as she came into view, rolling her eyes even as shepulled him into a hug. “Really? Not even a minute intoarriving?”
“She’s amenace.”
“You’re all amenace. That’s how we raised you.”
“Who’s amenace?” Nathan’s dad smiled at the crowded entryway.
Nathan raisedhis eyebrows.“Dad. Whatthe hell are you wearing?” He pointed at the lime-green pantsoffending his vision.
Kate immediatelystarted cackling.“Dadthinks he’s a fashionista now.”
His momtutted.“Come on, Katie,that’s not true…he’d have to begoodat fashion to be a fashionista. Which, you know. He clearlyisn’t.”
His dad gaspedin mock offence.“Youjust can’t take my immaculate vibes.”
Simongroaned.“Oh, my God. Donot say ‘immaculate vibes’ ever again. Who eventaughtyou that?”
“Theo,forsure,” Kate tattled.“She can’t even unglue herself from Twitch long enough to say hi toher brother.”
“I can hear allof you!” A voice came from deep in the house.
Nathanfrowned.“Should she bewatching that stuff? She’s, like…thirteen.”
Kate made aface, mimicking him.“She’s, like…thirteen.”
“Why are youlike this?” Nathan complained. They were supposed to be onthesameside.
“All right, howabout we move away from the door? It’s fucking cold,” Simonsuggested.
“Language!”
Nathan smiled. It wasgood to be home.
