Page 215 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“I can’t tell you right now.” Mano held his gaze.

Steve didn’t look away. Then it clicked. He turned to Elias and Pierce. “Go get coffee. Both of you.”

They exchanged a look. “At this hour?” Elias frowned.

“Get juice, then. I don’t care. I want coffee. I need to wake up.”

“You’re about to turn green and start smashing things in here,” Elias muttered.

“Get the fuck out before I smash you instead,” Steve snapped.

Chris let out a short laugh, and Pierce nudged Elias toward the vending machines.

When they were far enough, Steve turned back. His gaze locked on Mano. “Now talk.”

“Some assholes. They started mocking us because…” He faltered, lowering his gaze.

Steve and Chris stood in front of him, watching.

“Because they saw us… kissing.”

Steve let out a breath and looked away.

“I didn’t provoke them. I swear. I’d never put Ody in danger.” He lifted his eyes to meet Steve’s.

“What exactly happened? Details.”

Mano told him everything. Steve turned away, rubbing the back of his neck.

The others came back with coffee and juice just as Mano got to his feet, trying to calm him down. “He’s okay. I talked to the doctor. Don’t worry.”

“Don’t worry?” Steve let out a short, sharp laugh. “That’s easy for you to say. How many times have you been stabbed, Mano?”

“Steve—”

“What?” He snapped at Chris. “Don’t even get me started on the time they dragged him to school in the middle of the night to beat the shit out of him, because Mano over here was messing around with Kash’s sister!”

“Steve, for fuck’s sake!” Chris shoved him.

But Steve’s eyes were already on Mano. “I was there when he was a wreck after you pushed him away. I fed him. I stayed with him, because you fucked everything up for him.” He shoved Mano in the chest.

Mano stumbled back, his eyes stinging.

“Steve, enough. This isn’t Mano’s fault.” Chris stepped in.

“Then whose fault is it? Mine?” Steve shot back. “Is it my fault he’s in there right now?”

Chris’s gaze flicked to Mano. “Enough, damn it. Look at him.” The words came out through his teeth.

Steve turned.

“I tried to protect him. I didn’t want him to get hurt.” Mano sank back onto the bench, a tear slipping down his cheek.

Steve exhaled, his jaw still tight as he sat beside him. “I just… If anything happens to him…” He let out a breath, shaking his head. “He’s like a brother to me.” He swallowed, his voice dropping. “I’m sorry.” He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, hands clasped.

Mano dragged the back of his hand across his face, keeping his eyes down.

Steve glanced at him, his expression softening. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. This isn’t your fault.”