Alex stared through the small window in his apartment, watching the reddish sun rays bend over the hills. Dusk would soon come within the hour; he scoffed and looked away. Eric was late.

Of course, he would be, even when he knew it was important for Alex to leave on time. He rumbled his throat as he rubbed his temples. Alex had two hours ahead of him, and driving through the night was not part of the plan. He quickly checked his phone, hoping for a text from that brute, but nothing, at least not from him. His friend Zoey, however, spammed him with messages asking when he’d leave. She was due to get married soon and asked to meet up for preparations.

Jerk, Alex thought as he stared at his phone’s clock. The bright light flashed his dark green eyes and glowed against his short chestnut brown hair. Watching the hands tick away, he rolled his eyes; the police station was only two minutes away. Where could Eric be?

Though he loved autumn, Alex hated that nighttime came quickly. It was only half past four on the first of November, barely evening, yet around this time, it would start to look like midnight. He had planned to leave earlier, as he would stay until the day of, but of course, Eric just had to see him off.

To make matters worse, Zoey was strict with punctuality. She didn’t care if you were tired the following day; she had things that needed to get done. Tomorrow would be rough. His shoulders tensed as he realized that it was about a two-hour drive down south from his small hometown of Grand Terrace. He’d likely get little sleep once he got there, too. Banks City was massive, full of things to do, though he only fancied going out a little. It was also one of the wealthier cities in California with some of the best restaurants for night relaxation, so of course Zoey Taylor had to move there with her future hubby.

Alex preferred the small, quiet town, especially since Eric was a cop. The fewer people, the better. It had been six years since he and Eric moved in together. Ever since high school, friends ’til the end. Alex narrowed his gaze at nothing in particular as he paced from the kitchen to the living room. He couldn’t help but think about that man. Was it really so hard to be on time? Alex sighed. His friend was always like that. Forgetful of important dates and times. Thank God you pay the bills, we’d never be able to live anywhere if he was in charge.

Since this morning, he had been ready to go. He packed lightly, bringing only his backpack to hold his clothes and a charcoal waist pack for everything else. The backpack was nice; it split into two compartments, with the left side pouch slightly larger. It also attached to his belt and didn’t get in the way. Zoey would be proud that he matched his clothes.

He always kept his outfits simple, wearing a black quarter-zip sweater and slim dark jeans. The cool black fabric was made of fine cotton and nylon; it was stretchy but nicely clung to his small, skinny body. He also prepared for the freezing by wearing a light gray undershirt. That girl is obsessed with fashion. Alex smiled, shaking his head.

Despite his best efforts to look good, she’d probably strip him down and change him for her own aesthetic. She hated monochrome colors—too dull. His stomach churned at the thought. He hated it when she’d try and fix his pale skin to look more “empowering,” as she’d put it. However, it only made him feel foolish. I could bring it up to Eric; he would quickly shut that down.

Alex shook his head against his thoughts. Eric would only escalate the situation and always get what he wanted, no matter who he hurt. On the surface, Eric was a friendly and easy-going guy, but Alex knew him better than most. He chuckled slightly. That’s why you’re waiting in the first place; all because he just had to say goodbye and would through a fit if he didn’t get to.

A light click echoed throughout the small three-bedroom apartment, prompting Alex to turn his head left toward the front door. As it opened ajar, Alex thinned his lips. The bigger, bulky man in his police uniform finally entered. Eric let out a lofty sigh as he shut the door and began to unlace his black boots. He then ran his fingers through his short brown crew cut before trailing them down his fair-skinned neck.

Eric then finally pushed his squared glasses up as he began to unstrap his black bullet-resistant vest. “Fuckin’ hell—traffic was a nightmare. Hi, Ali.”

“You’re late,” Alex said coldly.

“I know, I know.” Eric sighed again as he unbuttoned his black collared shirt, revealing his white undershirt. He then finally moved toward Alex for a hug. “Missed you.”

“That so?” Alex snarked. A thick stench of sweat and musk drove into Alex’s nose as his head reached Eric’s right shoulder. He cringed as it intensified from Eric adjusting his large biceps. After a couple of seconds, the two finally let go.

“You need a shower,” said Alex, stepping back and squeezing his nose.

“Long day—” Eric stretched his arms as he wandered over to the kitchen, “—you make food?”

“Beef broccoli.” Alex softened his tone as he watched the man take out a fork. “There’s a bowl for you in the microwave.” He was happy to see the man home and safe.

“Nice, nice.” Eric pulled out the warm meal, plopped it onto the counter, and ate.

Alex rechecked his watch. It had only been twenty minutes. “So why are you late? Especially since you’re the one who wanted me to wait.”

“That Thompson kid…” Eric said in between devouring his meal. “He had more questions about that one case in Riverlands.”

That case, Alex thought. It was an investigation of some sort—one of the locals, from what Eric briefly mentioned a few days ago, went on a rampage and ate his wife’s face. Alex had heard something like that on the news recently, too. Apparently, sources said that multiple people came down with some illness that caused mass aggression. But even so, he kept his skepticism about it. Eric never mentioned any of that, so it was likely untrue.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“And you still gave him the whole spiel?” Alex folded his arms and leaned on one hip.

“He’s a good kid—wants to make a difference.” Eric fixed his foggy glasses.

“Yeah, I knew a knucklehead like that once too.” Alex walked over, snatched his backpack, and put it on.

Eric chuckled as he chewed. “I’ve changed.”

Alex rolled his eyes, grinning, as he backed up. “Right. Now you’re a grown-up knucklehead.”

“Hey, at least I’m not Finny; dude’s still doing stupid shit, and he’s gonna be a dad soon!”

Alex shrugged, hiding his grin. Eric knew damn well that wasn’t true—he was also still immature, even at twenty-six. But out of all thirteen of their friends, he preferred to be around Eric. Finny was nice—practically that cool uncle who’d sneak you booze, but that was about it. “Speaking of Finny and Katie, are you gonna go up to the cabin with them?”

“Nah, I don’t wanna be their third wheel,” stated Eric.

Alex chuckled. “Fourth. Ray is going up there, too.”

“Great. I’d get hours of him talking about how he’s gonna move to New York soon… Already got a studio and a job and a new life waiting.” Eric averted his eyes, this time toward his meal instead. “I’d rather just stay at home, alone as usual…”

That was strange, Alex thought. That man was always excited whenever his friends did anything. Did they get into a fight? Alex wondered. As he stared quietly, he noticed an unusual gloom lingering in the air, thick enough to cut. Eric turned back to his meal, seemingly uninterested in conversing.

“Okay… I’m taking the bike. I’ll get there faster on the Kawasaki than the SUV,” stated Alex. He reached over toward the key holders and took the correct one. When Alex turned around, he found Eric staring at him again, no longer eating. The man then stood up and took a deep breath.

“Wait, hold on, I’ll get my gear.” Eric then rushed to his room.

“I figured I could just leave without them,” Alex hollered.

Eric returned with not only the gear, but a deep scowl painted on his face. He then lifted his jet-black helmet and army green riding jacket. “Yeah? No. I don’t want a phone call tonight about someone having to scrape you off the asphalt.” He stood there, arms crossed, watching Alex reluctantly put his phone on the counter and then put on the oversized jacket.

It was uncomfortable with all the layers. On top of that, Alex had to flip the cuffs as they were too long. He was already short at five-five, and wearing this thing only added to his smaller stature. Eric, of course, smirked. I feel so stupid, Alex thought as his face started to burn.

“You better stay safe,” Eric ordered. His brown eyes stared intensely. However, his deep, husky voice caused Alex’s heartbeat to thump quicker.

He looked up at his friend, then nodded. “Of course.”

Eric breathed through his nose, seemingly doubtful of those words. But he gave in and let Alex go. “Don’t speed or lane split, okay? The slower, the better.”

“Fine.”

“There. You look good.”

Alex’s eyes fell to the jacket. The sleeves went well past his hands. He annoyingly rolled them, though they resisted. “I feel stupid.”

Eric guffawed at that statement. “Better than dying. How long are you staying?”

“Until Monday night.”

Eric stepped back, scratching his neck, and looked away. “…Was hoping you’d come home sooner.”

“Sooner?” Alex chuckled, easing the tension if there was any. “I haven’t seen Zoey in months—we have a lot to catch up on.”

“I mean…” The man fixed his falling glasses and sniffled. His eyes were now puffy, his face hard; he looked like he’d been holding back a geyser. “You barely see me, too.” He turned around and started to walk.

“Eric, I live with you,” stated Alex.

“Hardly!” Eric whipped around, his voice now strained. “You’re only here to sleep. How long has it been since we’ve done something together? I want my friend back.”

“I kinda need to work—” Alex flung his arms up halfway, “—to, you know, survive.”

“Ali, there are several nights where you don’t get home until midnight. Just what’s in that office that’s more important than your friend!?” Tears slowly ran down Eric’s reddened face.

“You’re being ridiculous,” Alex scoffed, “acting like you haven’t done the same thing.”

“Oh please, I’m not always working in the station—I do go out there, you know.”

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Alex rolled his eyes as he glanced over to the counter. It had to be Zoey bugging him. She was likely already drunk and ready to gloat about how amazing Matt was for getting her a large diamond for her engagement ring. Alex turned his attention back to Eric, letting the phone go to voice mail. “You were saying?”

Eric let out a deep sigh and wiped his face. “Doesn’t matter. You shouldn’t keep her waiting…”

Alex shook his head and reached for his phone. He already had a plethora of messages from that angsty woman asking where he was. “What is up with you?” he asked while responding to a few texts.

“I’m fine, just tired,” Eric whispered.

Alex lowered his phone and then cocked his head. “Do you wanna spend time with me?”

“What does it matter—there’s always something going on in your life—we never have time.” Eric turned around, folding his muscular arms.

The thought of ditching Zoey crossed Alex’s mind. Though, he’d get a rash of shit from her if he did, especially for the guy she despised. She never told him why she hated Eric, likely a childhood feud; they were neighbors growing up. But sometimes Alex wondered if it was because Eric took him away. Alex shook his head. Eric needs to cool down; we’d likely only fight more.

“I’ll be back before you know it. And if you really need me—I’m a call away…”

Eric didn’t turn around as the two said their goodbyes, leaving Alex to shut the door and walk to his bike alone. He’d have to deal with that man later, but for now, he should make haste; time was ticking.