Page 43 of Sweet Omega
“You said it’s because you want to graduate,” Tarymn said, watching him. “When exactly is your graduation?”
“End of the year,” Ludiin replied quickly, a defensive edge creeping into his tone. “And before you say anything. Don’t. I know it’s still months away, and yes, it was a weak excuse.”
“So, the truth then.”
“Why should I tell you?” Ludiin snapped, spinning away. He crossed the room to the other workbench, bent down, and pulled something heavy from underneath. Tools clinked as he began cutting it into blocks. His mouth moved too, quietly muttering under his breath.
Tarymn caught fragments here and there, but he wasn’t really listening to the words. He was listening to the low, steady hum of Ludiin’s voice, the way it filled the space between them like white noise. Soothing, strangely comforting.
Tarymn let his eyes fall shut, letting the sound of Ludiin working lull his mind.
After some time, there was silence. He opened his eyes to find Ludiin standing over him, brows furrowed in half-annoyance, half-confusion.
“This couch,” Ludiin said, deadpan, “is not for sleeping.”
“I wasn’t sleeping,” Tarymn muttered.
“You were verynotawake,” Ludiin said, folding his arms. “Why are you here anyway? I mean, I know it’s your house, you can go anywhere obviously, but... you don’t exactly like me. But lately you’ve been coming here and…” He trailed off, clearly lost for words.
Fuck.
Tarymn ran a hand down his face. “I don’t dislike you, Ludiin,” he said quietly. “I was angry at someone else. Meeting you and your brother just... brought it all back. I handled it badly. I took it out on the wrong people. I’m trying to fix that.” He gestured around the room with a half-smile. “This? This is me trying.”
He reached for Ludiin’s hand and gently tugged him down onto the couch beside him.
“I’ve accepted my duty,” he said. “We’re stuck with each other, you and me. And Luci. At least until you both find your mates and move on with your lives.”
Ludiin looked at him for a moment. “You were angry at your dad.”
“Yes.” Tarymn exhaled. “When I come up here, I’m not trying to bother you. I just…I’m trying to make up for everything that happened. We’re supposed to be a family, spend time together and all that stuff. It’s a little awkward between you and me because of that night, but we can move past it, right?”
“Yes,” Ludiin said softly, almost shyly. “You can come here whenever you want.”
Tarymn blinked, surprised. He hadn’t expected that, hadn’t expected the warmth behind the offer, or how much it would mean to him.
“Thank you,” he said, genuinely.
Heavy footsteps thudded against the stairs, breaking the moment, and Hym appeared at the top, eyes darting from Tarymn to Ludiin.
“There you are,” he said, his tone halfway between relief and impatience. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“I was here,” Tarymn replied casually.
“I’m going out with Luci. Then I’ll be off.”
“Already? What time is it?”
“I told you, you were asleep,” Ludiin murmured, not quite looking at him.
“I wasn’t,” Tarymn shot back, turning to his brother. “Maybe I should go out with you.”
“No. Please… no,” Hym said, already backing toward the stairs. “You’re no fun. I’ll see you when I get back.”
“You sure?”
“Very.” Hym laughed as he disappeared down the steps.
“I’m fun,” Tarymn muttered under his breath, his eyes shifting to Ludiin’s hands. “Why are your hands black?”
