“Nope—patience,remember?”
“You’re such a demon.”
???
We end up going out to dinner—some place my mom is a fan of since no one else could be bothered with deciding.
“Little Bird—we are so happy you’re awake.” Mom says over her fettuccine.
“We really are.” Dad smiles.
“Thanks—me too.” I’m stirring my spaghetti with my fork and trying to ignore my growing desire as Benjamin sits next to me—innocently eating a breadstick.
“I’mhappy you’re taking Bear.” Felix says, grinning at him from across the table.
“Hey! So much for loyalty. Kayla—hit him for me.”
“Ow!” Felix grabs his arm as Kayla returns to her salad. “Are you notmyfiancée?!” She shrugs.
“You’re being mean to my favorite brother-in-law.” Benjamin flips Fe off with an evil little smile.
“I’ve been the favorite since we were kids Fe—just accept it.”
“Not fair. I can’t even ask Aaron since he’s biased.” Felix mumbles—picking at his food with a frown.
“My vote is for Felix.” I say, showing my baby brother some support in this ambush, evening the playing field. Benjamin’s head snaps toward me—eyes wide and shocked.
“Really?! Thanks Bub. I love you too.”
“Huh.” Benjamin huffs, returning to his breadsticks. I place a hand on his thigh, and he shoves it right off, making me chuckle at his pettiness. “Alright then. Kayla, I’ll be coming home with you. Felix, get the fuck out and go with Aaron.” Felix gasps.
“Woah—wait a minute—” I say, raising a hand. “I may think he’s the favorite, but I don’t want—”
“Wow.” Benjamin interjects, staring at me like he has no idea who I am. “You knock out for five minutes and suddenly you have a different favorite person? Okay.”
“Well—”
“Nah.”
“Ben—”
“I’m good.” Everyone’s giggling as he leans back in his chair—crossing his legs under himself as he eats another bite of his bread.
“Sorry bro. I might have put you on the couch on your first night home.” Felix laughs, looking between the two of us. My parents are watching all four of us lovingly. All of their babies are together again at last.
“Aaron—” My dad starts, earning everyone’s attention. “One day they were changing your clothes, and I saw you have a tattoo now. It looks like a blue bird? I noticed the same one on your helmet when you got your bike, but your mother said she had no part in it. What’s the deal with the bird? Are you interested in birds?” The table is quiet as I slowly turn to Benjamin who’s staring at my dad with wide, embarrassed eyes.
“Uh—I—” I start.
“I put it there. The night before he got the bike.” Benjamin says—smiling awkwardly and looking around the table. “I just thought it… suited him. So…”
“And you got it tattooed onto your body?” Dad asks—brow raised. I laugh at him.
“I literally just jumped to my death after him—and you’re surprised I’d tattoo a blue bird onto my side because it’s meaningful to me?” After a moment, Dad grins.
“Good point, son. But no more jumping to your death.Either of you.” He narrows his eyes between the two of us and everyone chuckles as we sayyes—of course. What else are we supposed to say?
???
