126 Life with you part1 (1/2)
Arei sank against the wall of the shower letting the hot water flow over his icy body. By now, it was obvious to him the cold he felt came from some where deeper than the chill of the New England ocean. As if stuck on auto replay, his brain just kept flashing back to earlier.
His heart had leaped back to life with hope as Ry had explained the tense situation of earlier to him. He'd let out a sigh of relief as Ry's irritation continued to increase. ”Don't you understand?!” Ry yelled. ”If the kid finds out she's only telling him what he wanted to hear this whole time, it will be a sure-fire shit show! With everything we've taught him and with his lack of control over those teenage emotions of his... we will practically be unleashing a damn bomb on the entire Mediterranean!”
Ry huffed out an irritated puff of air. ”Are you even trying to think with the head between your shoulders right now?” He flung his hand out to the window. ”Have you seen them together? That's not an act, Arei. They truly love each other.” He ran a hand through his short hair. ”You saw for yourself; the boy was able to help her through a process in six weeks that we had both failed at over the course of three years.” Arei only grunted and looked back out to the open ocean.
”If you're considering playing the long game, you're only setting yourself up for a life of torture. It's hard to see someone you love openly love another... whether it's 4 years or 400...” Tri said quietly as he ran the pad of his thumb over the tattooed wedding band. Before Ry or Arei either one could reply, the sounds of gunshots had reverberated through the tower.
Arei jumped to his feet and bolted to the window Ry had already been leaning against. His eyes searched the beach and cliffs for any signs of duress. ”What the...” He narrowed his eyes trying to force them to zoom in on the figures silhouetted against the setting sun on the highest peak of the cliffs. He began moving toward the spiraling staircase of the lighthouse in a hurry. He struggled to believe his own words as they left his lips. ”There's people on the cliffs!” More gunshots sounded causing him to pick up speed as he worked his way down the steep steps.
Greek Island of Zakynthos
”Drinks all around!” Ry called out as he toasted his pint to Arei once again before chugging it's contents.
Arei laughed and took another long drink. ”Admit it, you're only glad that you'll get longer that a weekend off from our favorite lil beasty.”
Ry chuckled, ”It has been a good while since I last partook of some proper debauchery.” To emphasis his point, he pulled the bar maid down onto his lap as she refilled his mug. ”Would you like to join me later for proper debauchery?” He asked her huskily.
Arei laughed, shaking his head. ”Thank the gods a simple dip in the ocean can cure all your ailments… otherwise brother, you'd have some serious health concerns by now.”
Ry gave a heavy, guttural laugh. ”Sure you don't want to join? The place is full of willing enough participants and 'our lil beasty' does well enough on her own. She shouldn't expect your return until morning.”
Arei shrugged, ”It's been several months, and my last stay was so short, I thought I'd drop by tonight.” He raised a small sack that he'd had prepared by the bar earlier. ”Speaking of which, I should get going before the food gets any colder.”
A mischievous grin curled the corners of Ry's full lips, ”I'll still be here in the morning. You should stop by and see me off.” His grin hinted of something unspoken.
Arei narrowed his eyes on his brother. ”What are you up to? You never ask me to see you off.”
Ry shrugged, poorly forging indifference through his drunken state. ”No reason. Just figured my twin, of all people, cared enough to say goodbye before I took off on a dangerous quest.”
Arei puttered out a laugh. ”Sure, I'll be here in the morning, but not because I think you're at any risk of impeding danger.” Arei stood up and finished his beer, before placing the mug back on Ry's table and nodding his goodbyes. As he made it to the door, he heard Ry call out.