They both laughed.
“Whatever you do,” Walker said, quietly holding out his hand, “you’re still my brother.”
Pug clasped it, grip firm and familiar. “Same.”
They stood there for a second longer than usual. Outside, someone started up a truck in the parking lot. Life moved forward, with or without them.
“You scared?” Pug asked.
“Terrified.”
Pug nodded. “Yeah. Me too.” He let go of Walker’s hand and stood up. “Let’s go see your omega. I’ve missed Beans, and your apartment is better than here.”
Walker grinned again and agreed. A moment later, he was on the road, Pug following his bike in his truck. Soon enough, the neighborhood rolled past, and he kept it easy, shifting smoothly, letting the road carry him home to Fernando.
Soon, they stood in front of the apartment door as Fernando unlocked it. The front door clicked shut with a soft thud, and Walker immediately heard it. Music swelled dramatically from the living room.
“Hmm.” Walker dropped his keys into the bowl by the entryway. It wasn’t just music. No, Walker knew this. This was belting. Full, unapologetic Broadway belting.
He shared a look with Pug, and they grinned when a dog howled in harmony as Fernando sang about unrequited love at the top of his lungs.
They rounded the corner slowly.
Fernando was on the couch. Curtains half-drawn. Only the blue flicker of the television lighting the room. Onscreen,Les Misérableswas in full emotional devastation mode with Anne Hathaway’s character mid-solo, eyes glassy with heartbreak.
Fernando’s eyes were also glassy. He was holding Beans in his arms like a baby.
“…And I dreamed a dream…” the TV sang.
Fernando sniffed loudly, and Beans licked his cheek.
Walker cleared his throat. “Honey, I’m home. Pug is here to visit, too.”
Fernando jumped like he’d been caught committing a felony. He fumbled for the remote but hit volume up instead. The orchestra swelled. “Damn it.” He stabbed at buttons until the room fell silent.
Pug tsked and walked over to the couch. He pulled Beans out of Fernando’s arms. “You shouldn’t have to see this, sweet boy. Let’s go for a walk.”
Walker moved closer, noticing the half-empty box of tissues and the fuzzy blanket wrapped around his shoulders. A bowl of popcorn untouched.
Walker sat beside him, close enough that their knees touched. “What’s going on?”
For a moment, Fernando didn’t answer. His jaw tightened, the way it did when he was trying very hard not to feel something. “She loses everything, Walker, but she still hopes it’ll get better.” His voice cracked, and he winced. “The school fired me because of Uncle Diego.”
“Fuck, sweetheart,” Walker said gently. “I’m so sorry. Can we appeal it?”
“No, I don’t want to bother with it.” Fernando looked embarrassed. “I don’t know why this stuff gets to me anymore.”
“Because you’re a human being with a pulse?”
He huffed out a weak laugh. “Welcome home. I’m sorry you had to see this.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m glad I’m here.” Walker reached for the remote and hit play. The song resumed softly. He shifted, tucking Fernando against his side and stealing part of the blanket. “I’m going to make Pug get us Chinese food. We can watch musicals all night.”
Fernando sniffed. “If we’re going to spiral into theatrical despair, we should watchThe Greatest Showmannext. We can cry and aggressively inspire ourselves.” He gave Walker asideways look. “You’re not going to make fun of me if I sing along, are you?”
“Oh, I absolutely will,” he said, kissing the top of Fernando’s head. “So will Pug, but we’ll do it lovingly.”
Another sniffle escaped Fernando, but this time he didn’t hide it. “By the way, I’m pregnant too.”
