Page 117 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Mano stared down at him, his face still, but the tears slipped free anyway.

Ody lifted his head, tears streaking down his cheeks. “Say it,” he whispered. “Please.”

Mano drew in a slow breath. “I haven’t,” he said. “Not since I met you.”

Ody broke, sobs tearing out of him as he threw himself forward and wrapped his arms around his waist. Mano stiffened at first, resisting it, but his hands came up then, gripping the back of Ody’s shirt.

“I need you to stay,” Ody cried against him. “No matter what… please stay. With me.” He pulled back just enough to look at him. “I’m not going anywhere. I won’t leave you alone.”

Mano closed his eyes. This time, he didn’t fight it. He held him back.

Morning light spilled across the bed, finding them wrapped around each other. Their legs were tangled, faces close, breath slow and even. Ody woke first. He watched Mano, still asleep in front of him. For a moment, he didn’t move. Then he lifted his hand, brushing his fingers along his cheek.

Everything from the night before came back. He watched him in silence.

He wanted to protect him. Keep him safe. Give him something to hold on to. A reason to stay.

Their trip to Mykonos was getting closer. Nineteen days. And they filled them all with memories.

Ody taught Mano how to cook, dragging him through recipes that took patience and time. Mano followed carefully, taking notes, snapping photos, determined to get it right.

In return, Mano put a guitar in Ody’s hands. At first, his fingers stumbled, clumsy and unsure, but he picked it up faster than expected.

They finally made it to the amusement park they’d promised each other. Ody screamed through every roller coaster, laughing breathlessly, while Mano cursed the entire time. They shared cotton candy, taking turns tearing off pieces, laughing when it stuck to their fingers. By the end of the night, they were crashing into each other in bumper cars, Mano chasing him down like a maniac, getting his revenge.

By the morning of August 13th, Ody was behind the wheel, Mano beside him.

They picked up Steve, then Chris, before heading for the airport. Pierce and Elias were already there when they arrived. The six of them moved together through check-in and luggage, the usual rush before boarding.

Soon, they were on the plane.

Pierce, Elias and Chris sat in the row in front of them. Steve took the aisle seat beside Ody, still standing as he tried to shove his carry-on into the overhead bin.

Ody, in the middle seat, reached for Mano’s hand, lacing their fingers together.

Mano’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?” he whispered, trying to pull away, but Ody only tightened his grip.

“Hey, Steve, toss this up too, man,” Elias said, handing him a small bag.

Ody looked at Mano, smiling. “I’m really happy we’re going on this trip.”

“Shut up, dumbass,” Steve laughed at something Elias had said, shoving the bag into the bin.

Then his gaze dropped. Straight to their hands.

“What are you guys doing?”

Mano yanked his hand back with a sharp inhale, clutching his wrist. “The idiot almost twisted it,” he snapped, shooting Ody a look.

Ody caught on.

Steve dropped into his seat, still watching Mano. “Since when is Ody stronger than you?”

“Want me to twist yours and find out?” Ody shot back, reaching toward him.

Steve leaned away. “No, thanks.”

He pulled out his tablet while Mano grabbed his phone, typing fast.