“Found my brother,” Snod added, a soft slur in his voice. “Came out as a disgusting liar...”
“Which I forgave you for,” Frankie reminded firmly.
“I also came out to my brother,” Snod said, wrapping an arm around Frankie’s shoulders.
“Really?” Frankie’s eyes twinkled fondly.
“He said he already knew,” Snod replied, smirking.
“Coming out is a huge deal,” Frankie said, kissing Snod’s cheek. “People actually have coming out
parties now. It’s a beautiful celebration of who you are, surrounded by your family and friends—”
“I don’t need that,” Snod insisted. “Besides, I don’t have any friends and the only family that matters
is my brother.”
“Oh, come on,” Frankie scoffed, protesting lightly. “You do so have friends! You have me! And
Lorenzo is your friend even though you hate him. Mandy likes you, she’s your friend. And Rees! You
guys committed a felony together, that’s something only friends do!”
Snod did not seem impressed, saying flatly, “I do not want a party.”
“Fine,” Frankie drawled dramatically, imitating Obe’s deep voice. “Hmph. Just wait until your
birthday.”
“We don’t have birthdays in the Order,” Athaliah called out from the kitchen, “but mine is the
eighteenth of January!”
“What do you mean, you don’t have a birthday?” Frankie blinked.
“We don’t celebrate them,” Snod replied. “I don’t know when mine is. Not exactly.”
“But what about your driver’s license, your ID?”
“They’re all fake,” Snod explained. “I’m sure the council knows. They probably have the day I was
born in their records. Athaliah only knows his because he wasn’t born in the Order.”
“Ohhh, we should have a birthday party for you, Obie,” Athaliah gasped excitedly. “You’ve never had
one.”
“No,” Snod said, frowning, “I don’t want one.”
“Oh, shush,” Athaliah argued, ignoring his negative reply. “We could have it here! We can get some
presents, decorations, a big cake...”
Frankie grinned, cheering him on. “I think that’s a great idea!”
“No,” Snod groaned, trying to bury his face against Frankie’s chest. “No party. It wouldn’t be the right
day.”
