Chapter 60
CHAPTER 60
Roger stretched, sleep having done its work of restoring his energy, and cuddled up against Takashi. He reached out to touch Zack but didn’t find him. Frowning, he opened his eyes and leaned up. Just enough light was coming from under the crack of the door to provide illumination for him to see.
Where Zack’s head should have been on a pillow, a folded piece of paper was waiting.
“What’s wrong?” Takashi asked as he yawned.
“Zack isn’t here, and this is.” Roger plucked the paper off the pillow and unfolded it.
Roger, Takashi,
I thought about asking you to come with me, but you’re safer without me in town. Think about it, if Seamus was livid that Roger was missing, he’s going to actually lose his mind if he can’t find me.
Both of you have risked so much for me. I am sorry, Takashi, that Seamus used what I told him against you. I should have known he’d do something terrible.
All my life, I’ve tried to be what other people told me I should be. A hunter. A researcher. Even you two have pushed me towards what you wanted for me, though you wanted what you thought was good for me. Now I’m not technically alive. I’m a vampire. And Seamus had a plan for my new life, one that I think I was sliding into without meaning it. His voice is quieter in my head, but it’s still there.
Right now, what I need to do is learn to be okay with being me. I love the two of you. I love what we have together. I just need a second to breathe—well, not actually breathe. I just need time. What’s awesome is that we will have forever if we want it, so I hope you can forgive me for skipping out for a few months, especially since this should take some heat off you.
I’m not on my own. Dad insisted on coming with me. He says he has a lot to make up for and that he loves me no matter what. Thank you, Roger, for making him own up to his bullshit like you showed me mine. I have my dad back because of you.
Lee, Bastian, and Vincent will be coming with us, too. Apparently, Vincent’s arcane powers are a bit explosive at the moment and Lee hates the city. So I get to travel with them. Yay? Dad’s already scolded Vincent and me once for bickering.
Honestly, it felt kind of nice. Almost normal.
I love you both more than I can say in words, more than I have time to write right now.
Zack
P.S. Dad’s email is on the bottom of the page. He promised me it’s a new one Mom doesn’t know about, so it’s secure from the rest of the shit-head hunters.
P.P.S. Did you know Lee can talk? Dad says he’s not actually a cat. Lee said something about Dad owing him a favor, so maybe he’s really a fey? Will tell you more as I find out.
Unable to speak, Roger handed the letter to Takashi. He noticed that Zack’s dagger and the purse from the mansion were gone. That confirmed what Zack had written more than his absence from the bed.
Takashi finished reading the letter and leaned into Roger. “He left. To protect us.”
“Can’t fault his logic,” Roger murmured, though his heart stung.
“I think I hate his logic right now,” Takashi replied.
“Me too.”
“I’m not going to wake and suddenly find that you need a break from us, am I?” Takashi asked.
Roger kissed Takashi’s cheek. “No. I’ve missed you too much.”
Takashi snuggled into him. “And you’ve missed him.”
“I have.” Roger held Takashi close. “But he has a point. He deserves some time.”
“I hope he doesn’t take long,” Takashi whispered.
“Me too.” Roger did his best to relax into his cuddling with Takashi. “We’ll have to make a home for him to come back to.”
They lay together for a long, quiet moment. Then Takashi said, “Sounds like an idea. When do we start?”
Zack, Roger, and Takashi will return in Midnight War.