Page 217 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Silence settled over them.

“I’m going,” Mano said, already heading toward the room. He stepped in, careful not to make a sound.

Ody was lying on the bed, turning his head toward him. A smile spread across his face.

Mano paused, thrown off by it. He moved closer and placed his hands on the blankets. “How are you? Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. It hurts a little, but I’m fine.”

Mano let out a breath and bent down, resting his forehead against the mattress beside Ody’s hand. “I was really scared. If something had happened to you…”

“Hey…” Ody’s voice softened as he ran a hand through his hair. “I’m okay.”

Mano lifted his gaze. “Did they stitch you up?”

“Yeah. Seven stitches, thank you very much. And right next to the old ones, can you believe it?” He let out a small laugh.

Mano didn’t react. He reached for the sheet and lifted it.

Ody helped him pull his shirt up. “Look. They’re green. The old ones were purple or blue, I don’t remember…”

Mano just stared at him.

Ody’s expression shifted. “Hey… don’t look at me like that.” He cupped Mano’s cheek. “I’m okay.”

“I don’t know if you’re joking because you’re actually okay, or because you don’t want me to realize you’re not…” Mano studied his face, trying to read him.

“It hurts a little, but I told you, I’m fine.” He held his gaze. “As long as you’re okay, I can deal with the rest.”

Mano drove his fist into Ody’s chest, making him cry out. “Why don’t you ever listen to me?” His voice rose. “I told you to leave… why didn’t you listen?”

Ody didn’t look away; one hand still pressed to his chest. “I couldn’t leave you. I never will.”

“Ody…” Mano’s tone sharpened. “I can handle five guys. I’ve done it before. But not when you’re there. I can’t focus when I know you’re in danger.”

“I can throw a punch or two as well,” Ody shot back. “And I only stepped in after you were down. If it were you, would you have let him hit me again?”

“I’ve taken worse than that, Ody. I can handle it.” His jaw tightened. “I’d take ten punches over seeing you end up here because someone stabbed you.”

“And if he had pulled a knife on you?” Ody’s voice dropped. “If something had happened to you… I wouldn’t survive it.”

“Neither would I, Ody.” Mano didn’t hesitate.

“Kiss me…” Ody whispered.

Mano leaned down and paused just a breath from his lips. Then his mouth met Ody’s. Slow at first, like he was afraid to hurt him. Everything else fell away. It grounded him. Steadied the fear still sitting in his chest.

He pulled back just enough to look at him. “Your friends are outside,” he murmured.

“What?” Ody blinked.

“They came from Athens. Elias and Pierce are with them. I didn’t know if I should call your parents. I don’t even have their numbers.”

“No, you did the right thing. My mom would’ve lost it.” He looked away. “It’s better this way.” A smile touched his lips. “I want to see them.”

Mano smiled back and stepped out to call them in.

“Wow, everyone’s here?” Ody grinned as they walked in, pushing himself up.