Page 27 of Until the Day You're Mine

His heart is racing, imagining them together, tangled in a loving embrace.

Ty mumbles something. Ri leans in closer trying to catch the meaning of his quiet whisper, “…you’re so beautiful, baby. Like a siren…”

Rian swallows the lump in his throat and whatever measly pride he has. He moves closer ghosting Ty’s temples with his lips and mutters, “You’re beautiful, my beloved.”

Ty stirs in his sleep. He shivers and groans, cuddling closer to Rian, naturally seeking his warmth.

There is nothing more Rian wants, but to close his eyes and let it happen.

But what would Cyril say if he finds them like this?

How would Ty react when he wakes up next to him?

Rian gently pries himself away from Ty without disturbing his sleep. His head lulls back on the faded plush upholstery. Ri drapes a blanket over Ty’s shoulders and goes to his room, where he spends the rest of the night tossing and turning.

For hours he debates in his head if his feelings for Ty would falter should Ty happen to be in love with another man.

Is he dreaming of someone? Does he have a lover he calls beautiful?

Does Rian care?

The answer is a resounding“no.”He can’t give up Ty. He won’t.

When morning comes, Rian still feels lost. Strapped for time. It kills him, that he must saygoodbyeto Ty and Cyril again.

Those couple of weeks they’ve spent together snowed inside their shitty little apartment are some of the best in his life. There is no need to sift through his memory to know for a fact he’s never been this happy. Ever. All the time they’ve spent together has given him a taste of a future he is willing to do anything for.

Falling in love with Ty, slowly over years and years of stolen small moments, finally becomes this giant boulder of emotions he can no longer hide.

All those insignificant, accidental touches. All the times he has held his breath at the close proximity of Ty's body. All the sweet moments they’ve shared when he has been fortunate enough to bask in Ty’s laughter. Lucky enough to be the recipient of Ty’s radiant smile. Don’t even get Rian started on Ty’s fucking dimples and thick dark lashes.

The comfort of Ty’s presence. The sweet melody of his voice. The kindness of his heart.

All those things have only intensified the way Rian feels about Ty.

Rian swallows the giant lump lodged in his throat. No wonder he can’t think straight.

Rian has been obsessed with Ty for years, but the slow simmer of his affection has finally reached its boiling point.

He can’t take it anymore.

He needs to know.

Of course, this desperate need to get some clarity is quickly followed by a profound sense of guilt. Rian feels embarrassed he is more focused on Ty than he is on Cyril.

He bites his lower lip, dragging his teeth over it for the millionth time.

Rian has already had one fight with Cyril, regarding his ever-so-elusive retirement from active duty. He’s been begging him to stay, yet Cyril is adamant – just a few more tours, then he’ll come home for good. He’s been saying that for years.

Rian weighs his options – pick another argument and waste the precious few hours they have left together, or let it go for now and bide his time until the moment feels right again.Bullshit.

There is never a right fucking time to talk to Cy. Getting him to change his mind, once he has decided on something, is absolutely impossible. His brother is fucking stubborn like that.

Rian has come to understand that serving in the Army isn’t just about money. Everything they both earn now is saved.

Something was holding Cyril back from giving civilian life a fair go.

And Tayida...Ty waits for Cyril. Always loyal. Never questioning his lead.

---