Ryan blinked and dropped without hesitation.Brendon and Patrick followed quickly behind.
Kenneth stared at Phillip who appeared behindhim wearing that fucking brown Drill Sergeant cover. Kennethblinked blurredly at Phillip, and then slowly dropped down into apush-up.
“Nice of you to join us, Rosey-ass. I wasengraving your invitation,” Phillip barked.
That's when Ryan got it. Phillip was takingKenneth back to a place where he was actually safe. They pushed itout until Kenneth collapsed. His shoulders were shaking and theyknew it wasn't from exertion.
“Everyone up. ATTENTION!” All four of them, evenKenneth popped up. His cheeks were wet and they all waited.
“LEFT FACE!”
They turned left and Phillip began to march themtoward the van. “Everyone in and back to the barracks,” he ordered.Ryan watched as Brendon slipped Phillip the keys. They all got intothe van without a word being spoken.
Phillip drove them back to Ryan's apartment andnodded at Ryan slowly. They all got out, helping Kenneth up thestairs.
***
Hours later Brendon, Patrick and Ryan began totrickle out of Ryan's bedroom. They found Phillip and Mark in thefront room. Coffee and sandwiches sat on the table.
Ryan's face was pale and tears had dried earlieron his face. Brendon and Patrick both looked the same. It didn'ttake a genius to realize that they were all shaken to their core.Ryan's hand shook as he reached for a cup of coffee.
Phillip slipped an arm around him, not askingwhat happened. He knew that was between the four of them, but hecould support Ryan now.
“He's sleeping,” Ryan said. His voice wobbledever so slightly.
Patrick burrowed into Mark's chest, sobbingsilently.
And Brendon just sat on the edge of Ryan's sofastaring at nothing.
“He's moving in with me. I need to see if I cantake a week’s leave. I'm going to go help him pack.”
Mark shook his head. “Doesn't matter if youdon't. I'll go with him,” he said.
Ryan looked around the room. Every time he felta wave of sadness at not having a family he remembered this one.Now Phillip and Mark were part of it too. It made him thankful forjoining the Army.
Brendon sniffled. “You know...When I lefthome...I was scared. I hated my dad, but he was the known evil. ButI wouldn't trade y'all for anything.”
Patrick snorted in agreement.
Mark chuckled. “Are you sure we're the gay ones?‘Cause, Furry, man...that was kinda gay.”
All of them let out breathless chuckles.
***
A few days later they all said good bye toBrendon. Kenneth hugged Brendon tightly and then stood off on theside.
“Let us know when you get home,” Ryanordered.
“Always do.” Brendon said. He walked toward thegates and turned around. “Ryan?”
“Yeah?”
“I'm calling your sister when I get home.” Withthat said he took off down the hallway before Ryan could go afterhim.
“Dude! I'm gonna kill him.”
“No, you're not,” Kenneth said softly.
