Eryx's heart clenched as he watched Braylon lying so still in the hospital bed, the machines humming softly around them. He held Braylon's hand gently, pressing a kiss to his knuckles, hoping beyond hope that Braylon would wake up soon. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as sadness consumed him. "It's so hard to see you like this, wake up soon, baby." Another peck washed over Braylon's knuckles, heavy words choked in the throat already.That's when The door creaked open, and Eryx turned and there Mr. and Mrs Rhys entered, their faces etched with worry and grief. In Mrs. Rhys's arms was Alan, his eyes red-rimmed from crying. Eryx informed them about the name of the accident but who would believe him since They knew what kind of field their son was working in?"Uncle, Aunt," Eryx said softly, his voice catching in his throat as he stood to greet them. Mrs Rhys collapsed into a nearby chair, tears streaming down her face. "Braylon," she whispered, reaching out to him. "How did thi
As Eryx stepped into the house, a series of thoughts struck him, but it was quickly overshadowed by the sound of laughter echoing from the dining room. His father greeted him with a warm smile, but Eryx's mind was elsewhere, fixated on the voice he heard – Amy's voice. He felt a knot form in his stomach as he realized she was here, which he hated the most. If his dad didn't call him a fourth time, he wouldn't pick it up and agreed to come home for dinner. It had been only two days, Braylon woke up from the coma and leaving him alone was not convincible for him. To the kind information, Braylon was not actually alone since Adler had returned, and his parents were beside him, and his friends as well. Being overdramatic, Eryx almost made a scene about going to dinner and leaving Braylon behind.And the whole bunch of people had to convince him and kick him out of the hospital. The pile of work had been left behind by the detectives, yet here, Eryx, being stubborn, stayed at his side and
"So, it's like that; I told them that I'm Gay and I'm in a relationship. They disown me," Eryx shrugged his shoulders, Explaining whatever happened at dinner time. Braylon's heart clenched how Eryx was smiling but he knew deep down the latter was feeling miserable. "So you are now homeless," Adler made fun of Eryx; instantly, Eryx's eyebrows made a frown. "Enough of your little silly fights, I'm really done with you guys," Braylon groaned. The others went to buy them something to eat while Arthur was staying there to protect them, simply.The room buzzed as the trio made their entrance, their presence grabbed the attention of everyone within, distracting them from the conversation. Alex couldn't help but puff out his chest a bit, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he produced a handful of snacks from beneath his shirt. Revilla and Franklyn followed the male, their laughter ringing out in the otherwise serious atmosphere.When Revilla sensed the weird gaze of the Eryx and Bray
"Gosh! You aren't a child, Eryx. Stay out of my bed." Braylon pushed the latter away yet Eryx was stubborn to lay beside the male. "It had been so long since we cuddled," Eryx whined, trying to climb up the bed while Braylon blocked him completely."Are you for real? I'm a patient. Treat me like one," Braylon growled low-key when the painkillers wore off; the pain struck his body, making the back hair stand straight. "Baby, are you okay?" Eryx's heart palpitated when Braylon's expression changed to discomfort. He held the latter gently, eyes held a deep concern with a pain. "I'm okay, it's just I got strained. Nothing to worry about," Eryx embraced Braylon softly, planted a deep affectionate peck on his crown, rubbing his shoulder soothingly. Braylon could hear the pounding sound of Eryx's heart, showing how scared he was just now. Braylon involuntarily chuckled, wrapping his hand around Eryx's waist."I make you worry, I'm sorry." He said. "No, I... I don't like seeing you in pain.
The eerie silence echoed through the eroded building as the group of people stood motionless, waiting for someone to speak. Finally, he stepped forward, his voice shaking with barely contained rage. “Our plan was flawless, how did it go wrong?” he demanded, looking around at the others.A woman in the group sighed heavily. “That detective. He showed up right in the middle of our chants,” she spoke; literally, they were in a rage.“How did he find out? We were cautious about it.”No one had an answer. They all knew the Plan had been perfect, meticulously laid out with every detail accounted for. Yet, somehow, Braylon had discovered their location and intervened at the last moment, disrupting everything.In the corner, Stiles stood silent, his eyes burning with a vengeful fire. As the others continued to discuss what had gone wrong, his thoughts were consumed by his growing hatred for Braylon. His brain was accumulating the details of how Braylon and Eryx collapsed everything.Suddenly,
Eryx began his investigation by interviewing the museum staff and reviewing security footage. He asked Franklyn and Revilla to take the footage to see if it had been tampered with. Meanwhile, Alex started to investigate the staff, and Eryx was roaming around to collect any evidence if there was any. The museum was a sprawling old building with high ceilings and large, echoing halls. Eryx methodically checked each exhibit room, glancing at the glass cases and the security setups. The museum director, Thompson, hovered nearby."Do you think it could have been an inside job?" Thompson asked."It's too early to say," Eryx replied, scanning the marble floor for any signs of disturbance. "But we have to consider all possibilities."Alex, meanwhile, was talking to the employees in the break room. Most were shocked that anything had gone missing at all. The security guards seemed especially rattled, one of them, a young woman named Clara, couldn't stop fidgeting with her keychain."It’s just
Eryx sat at his cluttered desk, stacks of papers and old files littering the surface. He was engrossed in the museum staff list, carefully examining each name and its corresponding details. Across the table, Alex was hunched over his laptop, reading aloud from an article about the recent rash of antique thefts."Listen to this, Eryx," Alex said, not looking up from his screen. "Some of these stolen antiques are worth millions on the black market. There's this one Ming vase, for example, that could fetch up to three million dollars. Can you believe that?"Eryx nodded absently, still focused on his task. "Yeah, I can believe it. People will pay anything for a piece of history. Just keep track of the most valuable items. It might help us understand the thief's motive better."Just then, Franklyn burst into the room just always, a folder in his hand. He looked slightly dishevelled as if he had rushed over from somewhere. Eryx and Alex turned to him expectantly."Got the surveillance resul
Just then, the door to his bedroom burst open, and his son Alan came barreling in. The little boy’s face was lit up with excitement, his eyes sparkling with the pure joy only children can muster. Alan leapt onto the bed, landing with a soft thud beside Braylon."Daddy, come play with me!" Alan exclaimed, tugging at his father's arm. "You promised!"Braylon couldn't help but chuckle at his son’s enthusiasm. His worries about Eryx began to fade as he looked at Alan. "Alright, alright," Braylon said, nodding and smiling. He scooped Alan into his arms carefully, lifting him off the bed. "Let's go play."Alan cheered as Braylon carried him out of the bedroom and into the living room. They settled onto the floor, surrounded by Alan's toys. Alan grabbed his favourite toy car and handed another to Braylon."Daddy, let’s race!" Alan declared, already lining up his car on an imaginary track.Braylon smiled and positioned his car next to Alan's. "Ready, set, go!" he shouted, pushing his car forw
Braylon's Pov!The sun was setting behind the city buildings. I stood by the window, my heart pounding with a secret I could no longer keep. I had planned this for weeks, hoping everything would go perfectly. I slipped out unnoticed, everyone too absorbed with the happy couple to notice my absence.As I approached the spot I had chosen, a secluded garden just a few minutes away, I quickened my pace. It was beautiful, exactly how I ordered the arrangements: fairy lights draped over the trees, a cosy setup with cushions and blankets, and a small table adorned with candles. It was warm and magical.My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. A message from Eryx: "Where are you? Everyone’s looking for you." I didn't reply, they might have already guessed where I was. I just wanted to wait for them to reach here. After twenty minutes, I heard the familiar voices of my friends. They had found me. Eryx rushed to me, wrapping me in a tight hug. "I was so scared when I couldn't find you," h
It was like a strong storm finished in their life. Braylon almost lost his sanity, when Alan was kidnapped. It had been two weeks, and everything had happened. Alan was coming out of the trauma slowly, Eryx often came home to cheer up his son. He wasn't going to school, not yet. "He must be tired. But he is strong, don't worry." Eryx squeezed Braylon's shoulder, pulling him close to Eryx. Braylon just hummed in response; eyes gazing at the sleeping figure of Alan softly. "Sister Zaneta came home to invite us to her wedding, but Alan didn't talk to her and ran into his room. She was suspicious about it, but I managed to lie to her." Braylon's eyes brimmed with tears, chest congested with a feeling of agony. "It's okay, he needs some time." Braylon nodded. "Alex and others came home but left just before you came. Alan seemed quite active today." "He will get out of this trauma soon. He is just a kid and it was too much for him. Just believe him." Braylon inclined his head in agreem
"I am coming with you two," "No... you aren't going anywhere," Eryx sternly said, refusing Braylon's request. "He is my son. I'll come with you two. If you two refuse me, I don't hesitate to kill myself," okay, this was the underrated threatening from Braylon, but what they didn't expect was his hands were holding a knife. Eryx and Adler exchanged a worried glance, their faces tight with concern. Eryx stepped forward, his voice low but firm.“Braylon, I know how much this means to you, but it’s too dangerous. You need to stay safe. He is my son as well. Don't do anything stupid.”Braylon’s eyes flashed with anger. “I’m not staying behind while my son is out there. I’m coming with you, whether you like it or not.”Adler sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “We can’t protect you and search for Alan at the same time. You’ll slow us down.”“I won’t be a burden,” Braylon snapped. “I’m a trained detective, remember? I can handle myself.”Eryx glanced at Adler, seeing the defea
Adler’s apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of air conditioning. Braylon was fast asleep on the couch after being convinced by Adler and Eryx. It was a hard task for Adler and Eryx to convince Braylon to sleep since he wanted to go to search for Alan. Adler had convinced him to stay over for the night, reassuring him that it would be safer than being alone. As Braylon slept, Eryx was staying with Braylon to take care of him while Adler was on the phone with the technical team. His voice showed how much rage he was holding right now. If that kidnapper got caught, he would surely skin them alive. "I need you to trace the caller ID that contacted Braylon Rhys earlier," Adler instructed the team. "It's urgent," Adler told them Braylon's number to trace. After getting orders from the chief, the technical person hung up on him. "Guys... We have an issue. Need to track the Caller ID," That guy shouted, getting the attention of everyone. Alex, being the one responsible for issuing
"Let's go home," Adler softly exclaimed. Braylon shook his head denying the offer. "We can't stay here, baby. We will surely find Alan, but for that, you have to be strong, right?" Eryx caressed his love's hair. Adler and Eryx had finally managed to convince Braylon to leave the bustling mall, where they had spent an hour under police surveillance. Adler informed his members before leaving the mall. It had been a long and exhausting day for everyone, and the last thing they wanted was to add to the worries of the Rhys couple. So, they decided to take Braylon to Adler's apartment, a place where Braylon could be safe for now.Adler's apartment was a haven after the chaos he had experienced. Adler went to cook something for Braylon. Eryx followed Adler. "Do you want anything?" Adler asked while searching for the ingredients. "Where is the first aid kit? I will treat his wound." Eryx uttered. "In the bedroom. Second cupboard on the left," Adler instructed. With a hum, Eryx left to g
It was another day, and Alan was once again brimming with excitement. He had been begging his dad Braylon to take him outside ever since they had fun in the amusement park. And it was his demand since Braylon hung out with his friend and refused to bring him with them.“Please, Dad, can we go out today? Please?” Alan had asked that morning, his big brown eyes wide with hope.Braylon sighed, knowing he couldn't resist his son's plea. “Alright, alright, baby. Let’s go to the mall. But you have to promise to behave, okay?”Alan’s face lit up with a huge grin. “I promise! I’ll be the best behaved!” He ran to get changed, Braylon stood there adoring his son.With that settled, Braylon got them both ready, making sure Alan had his favourite sneakers on and a small backpack with snacks and a water bottle. They headed out, the sun shining brightly as they walked to the nearby mall. Mr and Mrs Rhys hadn't returned from the business trip so He just texted them about the outing. At the mall, Al
The day had finally arrived. Eryx and Braylon had been planning the outing, and now it was happening. Braylon called Alex and Revilla, and then he contacted Adler and Franklyn to join them. Even though Braylon informed them, once again Eryx called them to confirm the outing. Alex and Revilla were happy about this little outing. In their group, they were only staying in the work since Eryx and Braylon quit. It was their dream job, but when their life took an unexpected turn, they had to choose a path that was not even their profession; that kinda hurts them, though.They hadn't seen each other for the past few weeks, and this little outing to the hotpot to the old place was what they needed. Eryx was the one to pick everyone from their place, Braylon's excitement bubbled in his face. It was quite hard for Braylon to convince Alan since the younger was stubborn to join them. Braylon wasn't selfish in not taking his son with him. It was quite a remote place; Alan would be uncomfortabl
In just one month, Alan would turn five, and today was the day Eryx and Braylon had planned to enrol him in the school. Alan’s excitement was visible; he had been homeschooled by his grandparents until now, and the expectation of attending a regular school with other children thrilled him. Braylon wanted Alan to experience school life. He argued with his parents to let Alan study in the school rather than homeschooling. At last, the Rhys couple decided to accept the decision of Braylon made. Alan was mature for his age, understood how Braylon was struggling and many other things, which was something both Eryx and Braylon were proud of, mostly Braylon.Eryx, Braylon, and Alan arrived at the school. The school building loomed large and renovated, compared to other kids' schools, with children’s laughter echoing from the playground. Alan’s eyes sparkled as he looked at the new atmosphere, excitement pooled in him. He was squealing in joy inside, obviously. It was new lBraylon and Eryx
Amy burst through the cabin door with a loud bang, startling Mr. Silvester immediately looked up from his desk. His secretary stood behind Amy, her face flushed and her hands wringing nervously, unable to stop Amy from intruding into the CEO's office. With a wave, Mr Silvester signalled for his secretary to leave them alone. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and quietly closed the door behind her, leaving the two of them in the room.Mr. Silvester calmly gazed at Amy's angry face. She stood there, her fists clenched at her sides, her eyes blazing with fury. “How could you do this?” she shouted, her voice echoing in the spacious office. “You just broke off the merger without any warning!”Mr. Silvester leaned back in his chair, “I had to, Miss Anderson,” he said evenly. “My son wasn’t fond of the decision.” Amy let out a derisive laugh. “Oh, please! Don’t try to pin this on your homo son. You were okay with the merger, regardless of how much he opposed it. This was your decisio