𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬/𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬

on our way home (ralbert)

in which albert runs away (and comes back).

this is the first piece of writing i actually posted in like a year or two and it could be better but i kinda like it

aight.

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modern au
ships: ralbert
words: 1306
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It had been four years since Racetrack Higgins last saw his best friend.

He was now a memory buried so deep in his brain, yet so vibrant. His red hair that had grown a bit too long over the summer held away from his face beneath his snapback, freckles dotting his skin and a smile that always made Race's heart flutter.

But that was four years ago.

Nothing was left behind the day Albert ran away except from a note, hastily written on a torn page from a notebook. It read,

‘Dear Mom, Dad,

I'm leaving. I can't bear to stay in this town any longer, it wasn't your fault, don't look for me

Tony,

I love you. ’

Since then there hadn't been a day where the words didn't run through Race's head.

Tony, I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

He wanted to go out, look for him, he knew Albert enough to know exactly where he'd go. But Al wouldn't want that, he wouldn't want him there. Race had taken a gap year before he decided to leave for college, secretly hoping Albert would return before he left. Of course, he never did. It wasn't likely he would anyways, but Race couldn't help but hope. But he couldn't put his life on hold any longer, Race had everything packed, he was moving to his apartment in New York tomorrow and Albert wasn't coming back. He learned to keep Albert just a distant memory and nothing else, a flash through his brain every once in a while. Albert wasn't a reality anymore. Not to him.

Which is why he was shocked to find him standing on his doorstep at 2:00 AM, his hair messy and his eyes wide.

“Racer…” He breathed out, his expression softening.

Race's mind raced a billion thoughts per minute, yet all he could do was stand there, frozen.

“Race, Tonio, say something to me, please.” Albert struggled to catch his breath, Race's expression remaining emotionless as he stared at his best friend. Who had been gone. For four years. Albert was here.

Albert.

Albert.