Page 109 of We Are Just Us

Rory was quiet, then said, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For taking care of me. For not making it awkward.”

Kieran squeezed his hand. “It’s what you do.”

“Still.”

Kieran didn’t know what to say to that, so he just held Rory’s hand and drove.

The landscape shifted as they put miles between themselves and the park. The stark desert softened into rolling hills, then the wind farms appeared again, those massive white turbines turning slowly against the sky.

Rory had fallen asleep somewhere around Cabazon, his breathing deep and even, his hand still resting on Kieran’s thigh.

Kieran drove carefully, avoiding sudden stops and taking turns slow. He kept the music low so that it wouldn’t jar Rory awake.

In the back seat, Mabel had curled up, but her eyes stayed open, tracking Rory like she was on duty.

Kieran glanced over at Rory again, face relaxed in sleep, dark circles under his eyes, still pale but breathing steady.

The freeway gave way to surface streets. Familiar intersections. The first smell of salt through the cracked window. Kieran took the turn onto their street, and for once, arriving wasn’t like a mistake.

He pulled into Rory’s driveway and cut the engine.

Rory stirred, blinking awake. “We’re here?”

“We’re here.”

“I slept the whole way.”

“You needed it.”

Rory rubbed his face, still looking exhausted. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t fair to you.”

“Rory. Stop apologizing.”

“Okay.” He paused. “Sorry.”

Kieran laughed despite himself. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

“I can walk.”

“I know you can. I’m not carrying you, Captain Independence.” Kieran hopped out and rounded the car. “I’m getting the door and pretending none of this happened.”

Rory smiled, tired but genuine. “Stubborn asshole.”

“You have no idea.”

Kieran came around to the passenger side and helped Rory out, one arm around his waist again. Rory leaned into him more than he probably wanted to admit, and Kieran took the weight without comment.

They made it to the front door. Kieran already had the keys in his hand.

Inside, the house was cool and dim. Kieran guided Rory straight to the bedroom.

“Sit,” he said, pointing at the bed.

Rory sat.