The Becoming of an Assassin

Chapter 39:

Aidan sat on a beach, his toes digging into the sand. It was late, and everyone was at home. He stared at the water. The stars shined above him, and he began to count them, even though it was physically impossible to count every single one.

Ian walked up beside him and flopped down on the towel. He leaned back at his hands, looking at the sky. It was a peaceful night, quiet and a gentle breeze blew. The sound of waves hitting the shore created a beautiful melody.

"You know," Ian started, his voice breaking the silence. "Thomas used to say that the darkest nights produce the brightest stars. Without the darkness, we wouldn't be able to see the light."

Aidan snorted, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That sounds like something he would say."

"He is right, though. Even now, with him gone. We were in the dark, but we appreciated what we have more. We are appreciating life more, something that he would have wanted. He would want us to be happy, not stuck in the in-between, like we are."

Aidan nodded his head, Ian was right. He could almost here Thomas scolding them both for letting this sadness consume them.

"Yeah, he would have probably kicked both of our asses. Maybe that's why when I am sitting here, I feel at peace."

Ian nodded laying back on the towel, looking at the stars.

"I have been thinking a lot lately," Aidan said.

"When aren't you thinking? I swear you don't know how to turn your brain off."

"I don't, but hear me out..."

"Go on,,,"

"You remember how I am in school, college to get my teaching degree?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"Maybe it's time when I officially graduate, I stop being part of this gang."

"That's impossible."

"What?"

"Once you are in this gang, its not possible to leave. I am not saying you can't be a teacher, but we are your family. Whether you want us to be or not, even if you physically leave the gang, we will have your back, and you are still one of us. You are as permanent as the RB tattoo on your skin."

"You think the boss would allow me to physically leave but still keep me as part of the family?"

"Aidan, of course. He knew when you first joined you would be a teacher, you made that clear you were gonna still attend school for your teaching degree. He knows that will come sooner or later, and probably a lot sooner since everything that happened."

"Well, that's a relief. But are you okay with it too?"

"Of course, if I get bored, I will just break into your house to bother you."

"Why did I even ask? Of course you would?" Aidan said, rolling his eyes. But he had a smile on his lips.

"Aidan, I am gonna go to Thomas's grave, want to come with me?"

"Yeah, lets go."

They got up and got dressed before getting into the car. Ian drove to the graveyard.

The wind blew gently as the rustle of leaves and the sounds of crickets filled the air. They stood in front of the headstone, a simple tombstone with Thomas's name and a few words that captured the essence of who he was to RB: "Beloved friend and Brother, Forever in Our Hearts."

Aidan knelt down, running his fingers over the engraved letters. The cool stone was a stark contrast to the warmth that Thomas radiated when he was alive. His throat tightened, as he took a deep breath.

"Hey, Thomas. It's been awhile, sorry I didn't come sooner. I guess I didn't know what to say. But you knew I have always been bad with words."

Ian stood back at a distance to give Aidan some alone time with Thomas, but close enough to provide support as well.

"Things haven't been the same without you, Ian still breaks into my room. I remember when you would drag him around because at first, he didn't want too, now he just does it on his own." Aidan smiled slightly. "I used to find it so annoying, now I miss it. I also broke up with Daiichi, I wanted to keep him safe so something like this doesn't happen again. I been trying to keep things together. I would say I am doing pretty good; Ian is keeping me grounded. I guess he is reliable sometimes."

"Hey!" Ian said offended, which made Aidan crack a smile.

"Anyway, I decided once I graduate college, I am going to go straight into teaching. Retire from this life. At least take a break from it, I guess I changed from who my grandfather wanted me to be. He warned me, and while I did take his warning seriously, I met you guys and it flipped everything around."

Aidan fell silent, and he stood up. "I promise to visit you more often. Thank you, for everything, really. I wish I could have said it in person, but I should get going. I will see you around. Until we meet again."

Ian and Aidan walked out of the graveyard. Aidan felt a weight lift off of his shoulders. He felt freer, less stress as if Thomas was there saying everything will be okay. They sat in the car and Aidan leaned his head back.

"Thanks to you too, Ian. You really do keep me grounded when I need you. Glad to have you in my circle too."

"Of course, you aren't getting rid of me that easy. We share a common loss, and we went through so much together. The three of us worked great as a team, we went from a trio to a duet, but that won't change anything."