Page 287 of Fragments
“Well, I assumed we’d need to eventually.”
He gives me a knowing look. “I just thought maybe you were hesitating.”
Blinking at him, I watch his lips twist in that smug way he does when he knows he’s right.
He’s just so insufferable, I swear.
And I’m the crazy person who loves it more than anything.
“Okay,maybeI’ve been hanging onto the idea of being close to my parents,” I grumble. “I hate being so close to them and not being able to see them.”
“Then why don’t we?” he hums.
I shake my head. “It’s too dangerous…”
“I’m sure we could figure something out,” he offers supportively. “At least just one time, so you can finally say goodbye.”
The thought of it has my heart leaping. I wouldlovemore than anything to just see my mom and dad one last time.
And maybe I could introduce them to Ren… I’m sure they’d be all sorts of confused, about a lot of it. But they deserve to know that I’m alive, and that I’m in love.
They deserve to know my fiancé.
“I can tell by your silence that you’re on board.” He grins. “So it’s settled. We’ll find Dash, find our landing spot, and then arrange to see your parents before we go.”
He kisses my lips, then rolls over, giving me his back.
I chuckle. “That’s it? Conversation over?”
“Mhm,” he breathes. “It’s all settled. Now, big spoon me, baby.”
“As you wish, princess.” I curl up into him from behind, kissing his shoulder.
“I know I should hate that, but I won’t lie… I’m feelin’ it.”
Rumbling content laughter, I close my eyes and drift back off.
No more dread in my head.
In the morning, Tauren brings Ren and Colson down to the beach to surf, while Cyrus and I stay inside like the big dorks we are, resurrecting an old bit of nostalgia.
“Alright, look here. The nukes have been dropped,” Tony barks into my ear through the headset. “I expect to see you all rallying right now.”
“But I’m hanging up posters in my house,” Reno whines.
“I’ve got you, buddy!” Cyrus gasps, sitting next to me on the couch. “I’ma comin’!”
“Hang on. I’m too heavy,” I grumble.
“Look at this noob,” Tony jeers. “Been outta commish for a while, huh hot stuff?”
“You’re one to talk. You never play this game anymore,” Reno says.
“You’re right,” Tony sighs. “Why are we playing this again? There are, like, a million better games out there.”
“Because! It’s for old times’ sake,” Cyrus whines.
“Yea. Honestly, fuck the nukes,” I huff. “Let’s just talk shit like we used to. Remember when Cyrus ranted for forty-five minutes about the order of best Batmans?”
