Dear Brother

27. Date

Haydrian felt a little sick as he looked at his phone. Alannah-Thea had text him. A simple, cte text that made Haydrian's stomach churn a little with pleasure.

Do you want to go on a date with me? Alannah xxx

Haydrian smiled, feeling his muscles strain a little and he quickly replied, saying he'd love to. He picked up a small box of pills, made sure they were his, and opened them, popping a small white capsul into his mouth and swallowing with a gulp of tea.

Alannah had replied by the time he'd put his cup down.

What about tonight? Yang's Tea House? Just of some tea and cake? :) Alannah xxxx

Haydrian clenched his fist and pumped it into the air, a grin now stretching across his face, large and wide and unmissable. He jumped a little as he replied that it was fine, he'd see her there at seven, and he laughed.

It was a bubble of laughter, but it was a laugh all the same, and it made him feel good.

"IYDEN! IYDEN! I HAVE A DATE!"

And Haydrian went to go get ready, leaping up the stairs two at a time.

**

"I'm done in the shower, buddy!" Haydrian shouted down the hall, and ran to his room, clutching a white fluffy towel around his waist. He heard a mutter from his brother, and shouted a faint 'yeah' in reply, not really caring.

His room was quite plain and small, furnished with a single bed, a cupboard, a thin wardrobe and a bookshell. Everything was blue and white; calm and light. He'd done his room with his best friend last year along with Iyden's: Doctor Oldron had said they should have their own retreats, light and airy places they'd love. Haydrian didn't know if Iydne loved his, but he certainly loved his own.

He made sure he was dry, and pulled on a pair of pants. He flung open his wardrobe and rumaged around for suitable clothes. He'd never talked to his dad about clothes...he'd never had anyone to talk to him about 'adult' things, likes dates or love. He'd ended up asking his Art teacher at his last school! Highly embarassing, but worth it...still, he hadn't learnt much.

He knew he should dress smartly. That was obvious. But what else? He pulled out a crisp white shirt and grey jumper, matched with straight legged dark jeans and a pair of brown brogues he'd inherited from his dead Uncle. He put the clothes on, realising they were slightly crumpled, and ran his fingers through his damp hair before leaving his bedroom.

He paused before going down the stairs.

"Iyden? You know I'm going out on a date right?" he called out.

He heard Iyden stir from his bed.

"Um...I do know." he said quietly from behind the door. Haydrian cursed himself for his own forgetfulness.

"You okay with that, right buddy?"

"Yes, I am."

"Good guy....I'm off now okay? There's bread and stuff. Make yourself a sandwich, okay? I'll text you to remind you to eat."

"Okay Haydrian."

"Bye buddy!"

"Bye Haydrian."

Haydrian frowned a little as he went to unlock the front door. Iyden didnt seem to worried about being left on his own.

Maybe he really is getting better, Haydrian thought a little gleefully, and smiled to himself as he went out of the door.