I can't escape this now (unless you show me how) TODDBLACK - NOT ME THE SERIES

16 - forgiveness

It had taken a full week of Todd convincing Black to accept the invite of White to go to this special dinner.

"It's just a dinner to meet your brother's boyfriend."

"Already know him."

Todd had rolled his eyes and smiled. "You should still go. I think it's important to him. He missed you a lot."

Black had wanted to snap at him that Todd didn't know anything about his life, though it hadn't been true. Somewhere between plotting the revenge of Todd's enemies and sex, they had found some time to talk. Genuinely talk.

And while Black had never been good at talking about feelings, Todd had understood him nonetheless. It had made things easier.

"I know."

"It's going to be just you, White, and his boyfriend. You've faced off against more people than that before."

"But it's not a fight."

"Consider it like one. The first one to throw a punch loses."

"Normally, it's the other way around."

"I get that, but maybe this will help you keep your cool."

"What makes you think I'm the issue?"

"Because I've known you for years. And while Sean might not be entirely innocent, neither are you."

And so, Black did something, he usually didn't do. He took his advice and messaged White that he was going to attend this stupid dinner.

The uneasy feeling only got stronger when he stopped his bike in front of the garage.

Todd said he would've killed too see this play out, but he got a meeting with his real estate agent, apparently it was finally time for him to move on as well.

Riding his bicycle to the garage, he found White eagerly waiting outside with a bright and sincere smile—a facial expression becoming more familiar to Black lately.

Black wondered if it was due to Sean or if White had just found his place and was genuine happy. Either way, it made him smile in return. Less bright and definitely less visible, but it was there. And he knew White could see it.

"Black," his voice was all warm as he said his name. "How are you?" White gestured towards Black's arm.

"Better."

"That's good. About the dinner—"

"I thought it would be just you and Sean." Black took off his helmet and looked at the bikes around him. All of them familiar.

"Well, initially, yes," White admitted, "but then Gumpa found out, and Yok, and well... the rest is history."

Black snatched the key, tucking it into his dark jacket. It's just two hours or three. You've survived worse.

White offered an apologetic tight-lipped smile, but Black responded with a stoic expression. "Whatever."

White let out a sigh that almost sounded like relief. He turned away but halted. "Just... try to be nice."

Black raised his eyebrows. "Be nice when they are the ones intruding on our dinner?"

White gave him a pleading look.

"Fine," he grumbled, though he was already thinking of a reason to leave as soon as possible.

Not enough time had passed for Black to consider it weird being back; everything looked just as it had since the last time he had been there. Nevertheless, it felt strange. There had been a time when he had considered this place home, or at least the closest thing to it.