Just as he was about to walk forward and embrace his brother and friend, someone else stepped into view from the driveway. He was young, and shorter than both Rory and Vidar, but obviously grown with a shock of dark hair and olive toned skin. Harbor had half a second to think he looked familiar when a choked sob sounded behind him, and Niko rushed past him so fast, he nearly knocked Harbor over.
The young man standing beside Rory rushed forward just as quickly, and a moment later, the two were locked in an embrace, both sobbing so hard they couldn’t keep their feet and ended up on their knees in the dirt. Everyone stopped for a moment, shocked still by the raw display of emotion coming from the two young men, then Vidar and Rory walked around them and led everyone back around the corner toward the fire to give them some privacy.
Stella embraced Vidar, and to Harbor’s complete surprise, Magnus walked forward and right into Rory’s arms. The complete shock on Rory’s face morphed into a small smile as he pulled Magnus close to him. Then Magnus pulled back and said, “If you ever leave me a message like that again, I’ll have your balls.”
Rory chuckled, his cheeks flaming red in the firelight and nodded his head.
Then it was like a hug free-for-all, and everyone got in on the action.
“Still pissed at me?” Vidar asked, stopping in front of Harbor.
Harbor rolled his eyes and embraced his brother. “Who’s the kid?”
“Luca. Niko’s brother.” Before Harbor could open his mouth to ask another question, Vidar interrupted. “I know you want to know, but all I can say right now is he was in a bad situation, and I couldn’t leave him there.” Vidar’s eyes left no room for an argument before he nodded his head at Theo. “Nice to see you again, Theo. Glad you could join us.”
Theo nodded and shook Vidar’s extended hand. “Thanks. It’s good to be here.”
“Let’s all settle around the fire,” his mom said, a relieved smile still plastered on her face as she herded most of the group back to the built-in benches around the fire pit. “Vi, honey, have you and Rory eaten? What about the young man?”
As soon as she finished speaking, Niko and Luca appeared around the corner of the house, walking close together, both with red-rimmed eyes and watery smiles. Niko paused when his eyes landed on Vidar, and then he strode forward, launching himself into Vidar’s arms, wrapping his arms and legs around him and burying his face in the side of Vidar’s neck. Vidar went still for moment, and Harbor was half afraid Vi was going to shove Niko away, instead, he closed his eyes and wrapped him up almost like he was savoring having Niko there. When Niko didn’t budge after a few seconds, Vidar gently disentangled him, speaking softly enough that Harbor couldn’t hear, and set Niko back on the ground.
Tearing his eyes away from his brother and Niko, he found Theo watching them with knowing eyes before he turned and met Harbor’s.
“You okay?” Theo asked him and wrapped an arm around Harbor’s shoulders, pulling him toward their abandoned seats.
“Yeah, I’m good,” Harbor answered with a laugh. “Confused as all hell, but good. You?”
Theo smiled and then pressed a quick kiss to his mouth, eyes dancing in the firelight. “Never been better. Now, come on, your mom says I have to try a burnt marshmallow.”
“You’ve never had a burnt marshmallow?”
“Nope.”
“Oh, you are in for a treat.”
Theo leaned close and whispered, “Hopefully more than one before the night is out.”
Harbor smirked just as Rory looked up and caught his gaze, giving him a wink. “Come on you two lovebirds! Get over here and tell me how bad you’ve slacked on your training these last two weeks.”
Harbor shook his head, grateful some things never changed as he grabbed a bag of marshmallows and a roasting stick, and sat down beside Theo. It was a good feeling looking around and seeing all of his family together and whole. Even with the new addition. He hadn’t spoken to Luca, but he seemed content, sitting between Rory and Niko and speaking quietly to his brother.
Theo bumped their shoulders together, and Harbor turned to look at him. He suddenly wished that being together was all they had to do, without worries of work or training or championships. Knowing that their schedules would inevitably keep them apart sometimes, he wanted to hold onto these peaceful moments for as long as he could.
Chapter Twenty-One
Harbor: Why did we decide to spend the weeks separate again?
Theo: Training? Focus?
Harbor: We’re stupid
Theo: Awwww, do you miss me?
Harbor: Shut-up.
Harbor: Yes.
Harbor: Dammit. Why isn’t it Friday yet?
Theo: I miss you too baby
Theo: Do you remember where my red jock strap ended up on Friday? You know, the one you removed with your teeth?
Harbor: I have no clue what you’re talking about. Must have the wrong boyfriend.
Theo: Harbor.
Harbor: Fine...
Theo: Fuck that’s hot. You better be in it on Friday, it’s my turn to take it off
Open Wounds: The Boxed Set Page 24
