Grim Dawn

He’s late.

Alex glared at his watch, then scoffed; Eric’s shift was over half an hour ago. And yet it was ten to six, and he wasn’t home. Where could he be? Alex leaned into his couch, folded his arms, and crossed his legs. The police station was a five-minute drive—no way Eric would let work get in the way of coming home.

Was he seriously stalling for time? It’s already pitch black outside. I can’t stay forever—Zoey’s gonna flip her lid if I’m late.

Alex rumbled his throat and rolled his neck. He had two hours’ worth of driving down south to reach Banks City, where his friend, Zoey, lived; driving at night wasn’t exactly part of the plan. If he’d left during the day, there wouldn’t be an issue. But given that it was November first, nighttime arrived sooner.

And Eric really needed to be home to see me off?

Obvious bullshit. That man was clearly delaying on purpose. Alex pulled his phone from his pocket, hoping to see a text from him, but there was nothing. Of course. Zoey, on the other hand, spammed him with messages—most of them were just a jumble of words; she was likely drunk by now with their other friends. But some of them were clear as day, wanting to know where he was and why he was late, also.

Ignoring those, he refocused on Eric’s last text, a promise that he would be home soon. The bright light flashed in his dark green eyes and glowed against his short, chestnut-brown hair. A low sigh escaped his lips. Alex shut off his phone, then softly whispered, “That man’s gonna be the death of me.”

Zoey was going to be livid. If there were one thing she despised, it would be tardiness; to her, even a second late would be inexcusable—punctuality meant caring about her time. If she made the effort, then everyone else should as well. And while Alex was more forgiving, he now saw what she meant.

Hopefully, she’ll be too drunk to remember, Alex thought. It honestly surprised him that she could get wasted, then show up at work nine on the dot, ready the next day; city life was rough, and only the best could survive. That was honestly why he stayed in his hometown, Terrace View—quiet and peaceful was better than bustling and loud. I’ll never understand why you wanted to move out there with Matt, Alex blinked slowly. At least Eric also preferred a small town over a large metropolis.

Eight years had passed since he and Eric started living together. Ever since that one night, they’ve been stuck together like glue. Alex pushed his check out and grimaced. Memories of that horrid night surfaced in his mind, like monsters crawling out from the depths. He clenched his teeth as the sound of a gunshot echoed in his ears. Then, his hands, blood stained them crimson. He hitched his breath and clenched his eyes. When he finally opened them, his hands were clean.

It was a long time ago, Alex reminded himself. And besides, Eric has it worse.

He finally stood up and headed toward the kitchen. He needed to focus on something else. Otherwise, he’d… Alex cleared his throat as he opened the fridge. With a blank face, he stared at the assortment of food, but nothing seemed interesting. As he closed it, Eric returned to his mind. That guy still wasn’t home yet.

Screw it, I’m leaving. He can rant about it over the phone for all I care. Alex walked over, grabbed his things, and headed for the door when, suddenly, his hand froze inches from the handle. It was as if chains were pulling his body back. So, instead, Alex retracted his hand and put his backpack down on the dining chair. I should probably make sure I have everything I need before I go. Alex nodded to himself.

Since he planned to ride his motorcycle down there, Alex made sure to pack light. His backpack held only a couple of clothes and a water bottle. His phone and wallet were stored in his waist pack, which Zoey had bought for him a while back. Good thing he didn’t throw it away. He also kept it simple, wearing a black quarter-zip sweater and slim dark blue jeans. Hopefully, Zoey will be proud that he at least matched his clothes. Alex sighed inwardly. Who was he fooling? The second he gets there, she’ll have him stripped of this outfit and into something more in line with her aesthetic. She hated monochrome colors and would never hesitate to point out how tacky they looked. He lowered his eyes and held himself.

Wait, maybe I should change—

—A light click echoed throughout the small three-bedroom apartment, prompting Alex to stand straight. The front door opened ajar; he was here, finally. The bulky police officer entered and dropped his duffel bag by the door. Eric then unstrapped his bullet-resistant vest and untied his black boots. Alex rolled his eyes and folded his arms. Once he finished, Eric pushed up his square glasses and sighed, now relieved to be home. “Fuckin’ hell—work was a nightmare. Hi, Ali.”

“You’re late,” Alex said coldly.

“I know, I know,” Eric sighed again as he unbuttoned his black collared shirt, revealing his white undershirt. He then finally moved toward Alex for a hug. “Missed you.”

“That so?” Alex snarked. A thick stench of sweat and musk drove into Alex’s nose as his head reached Eric’s right shoulder. He huffed quietly as Eric adjusted his large biceps fully around Alex’s scrawny body. After a couple of seconds, Eric finally let go.

“You need a shower,” Alex suggested, stepping back and pinching his nose.

“Long day—” Eric stretched his arms as he wandered over to the kitchen, “—you make me food?”

“Beef broccoli.” Alex softened his tone. He was happy to see the man home and safe. “Bowl’s in the microwave.”

“Nice, nice.” Eric pulled out the warm meal, plopped it onto the counter, and ate.

Alex rechecked his watch. It had only been twenty minutes. “So, why are you late? Especially since you’re the one who wanted me to wait.”

“That Thompson kid…” Eric said, between bites of his meal. “He had more questions…about that one case in Riverlands.”

That case, Alex thought.

It was an investigation of some sort—one of the locals, from what Eric briefly mentioned a few days ago, went on a rampage and attacked his wife. Alex had also heard something similar on the news recently. Sources said that multiple people came down with a strange illness that caused aggression and cannibalism. However, he still maintained his skepticism about that last part. Eric never mentioned any of that, so it was likely untrue.

“And you still gave him the whole spiel?” Alex folded his arms and leaned on one hip.

“He’s a good kid—wants to make a difference.” Eric fixed his foggy glasses.

“Yeah, I know a knucklehead like that, too.”

Eric chuckled as he chewed. “I’ve changed.”

“Right. Now you’re a grown-up knucklehead.”

“Hey, at least I’m not Finny; dude’s still doing stupid shit, and he’s gonna be a dad soon!”

Alex shrugged, hiding his grin. Sure, Finny was bad for twenty-seven; however, Eric wasn’t so innocent either. Those two together were the epitome of disaster. Alex still remembered the time they had to get bailed out of jail after getting into a bar fight.

And Finny has matured; he stopped drinking and going out, all ’cause Katie asked him to. Alex narrowed his sights on the man slurping broth. You, on the other hand…

“Anyway, I also packed up your gear for the cabin trip,” Alex said. “It’s in your room ready to—”

“I’m not going.”

Alex blinked. “Why not?”

“’Cause you’re not goin’.”

“Eric, you know I can’t be attached to your hip all the time, right?”

Eric grunted and kept eating.

“You know I can’t—I already promised the girls I’d visit,” Alex stated.

“Yeah, I know. But I wish we could do something together.”

Alex rubbed his arm, shying away. Eric wasn’t wrong, as it’d been months since they’d actually done something together as friends. But Alex couldn’t help it; he worked at the opposite hours to Eric. And they were both often tired. However, Alex said, “Maybe when I get back… If Finny doesn’t convince you to go up to the cabin.”

Eric perked up. “You promise?”

Alex raised his pinkie and gave a half-smile.

“Yes!” Eric jumped into the air and fist-bumped. “Alright, I’m gonna plan stuff out. When did ya say you were coming home?”

“Sunday.”

“That’s fine. I can wait a weekend.”

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Alex tilted his head down to his pocket. It was likely Zoey who texted. He returned his attention to Eric and said, “I gotta go. I’m already late as is.”

Eric stood up. “Which one are you taking?”

“The bike. I’ll get there faster on the Kawasaki than the SUV,” Alex said. Eric eyed him as he grabbed his things and headed for the door. But as he was about to grab the handle, Eric called out to him in a low, stern voice.

“You really thought I wouldn’t notice?”

Alex flinched at the words. He knew exactly what Eric was about to say next. And he really didn’t want to be scolded for not being adequately equipped. “I thought…that I could…?”

“Ali, you’re not leaving without a helmet or a riding jacket.” Eric shook his head as he walked toward his room.

“But I hate wearing them!” Alex whined. “Can’t you just let tonight slide?”

Eric returned not only with the gear but also a deep scowl. He then lifted his jet-black helmet and army green riding jacket. “Yeah? No. I don’t want a phone call tonight about someone having to scrape you off the asphalt.” He stood there, arms crossed, and watched Alex reluctantly put on the oversized jacket.

It was uncomfortable with all the layers. Additionally, Alex had to adjust the cuffs as they were too long. He was already short at five feet five inches, and wearing this thing only made him look even more diminutive. Finally, Eric handed Alex the helmet.

“Was that so hard?”

“I feel stupid,” Alex muttered.

“You look safe, and I expect you to be as well,” Eric ordered, his fierce brown eyes staring intensely.

Alex’s eyes fell on the jacket. The sleeves went well past his hands. However, when he glanced up, he was met with a satisfied-looking Eric. And so, Alex said, “Yeah, I know. You’re right.”

Eric breathed through his nose, seemingly doubtful of those words. But he gave in and let Alex go. “Don’t speed or lane split, okay? Slow and steady wins the race.”

“Fine.”

“And you’re gonna call me when you get there, right?”

Alex nodded. I always do.

“Good boy,” Eric said.

Alex’s pocket vibrated again. It had to have been from Zoey. He could only imagine the type of scolding he’d receive once he got there. The two exchanged looks before he said, “She’s totally pissed.”

Eric lowered his eyes. “You know you don’t have to go. You can always stay here with me.”

The thought crossed his mind. But he’d quickly abandoned it. He had to see it through; there was no way Zoey Taylor would let him call in a rain check. “I can’t… I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Eric fixed his falling glasses and sniffled. “I already knew the answer. I’ll let you be.”

Eric then leaned in for another hug; he wrapped a single arm over Alex’s shoulders and his other around his waist. Despite the horrid musk, Alex endured it and hugged back as tight as he could. This guy’s hugs were truly something else; Alex could easily go numb and fall asleep from the warmth they brought. But the comfort didn’t last long as Eric inevitably let go of Alex’s body.

“Take care,” Eric suggested. He stood tall and smiled.

“I will—see you later.” Alex waved goodbye, then grabbed his backpack and left.

Alrighty, here we go. He made his way down to the bike, started it up, and put on his helmet. Finally ready, Alex sped off into the dark.