The Relations

"What one feels is what one craves." Ryan frowned. "Is that it? Is it really the last line?" he stared at the book in disbelief.

Another cliffhanger. Recently all the new books he read ended like this. He complained for sure yet he couldn't get enough of E.C-Ethan Collin's books. The country's most famous writer and the master of horror.

A knock tapped the door.

"Come in, Derik."

The door creaked open. A young boy no taller than the doorknob walked in, pale complexion, chocolate colored eyes with a mess of the same color on his head.

He stood there, arms crossed, sulking.
"How do you always know it's me, Ryan?" he asked, annoyance and  disappointment written all over him.

"No one knocks that low, Derik." Ryan pointed to the knob and shrugged.
"So my height...gave me away?"  Derik sulked harder.
Ryan chuckled.
"Yes, it definitely did." He replied and placed his book beside his pillow.
"That's not funny." His jaw locked and his face tensed. He wasn’t joking anymore.
"Whenever I walk in you are busy. It's like you don't ever notice...me."  His hands grabbed on to the hems of his shirt, his eyes wandering, searching for the right words.

 Ryan knew moments like these mattered. The wrong words might ruin his brother's day.
"Hey!" Ryan smiled gently.
"I am sorry, Derik. I'm your brother and you always.....always bring joy in my life. From the day you were born till the day I die."

He knew what his brother needed. He held out his hand to which Derik grabbed and jumped onto the bed next to Ryan, snuggling into him.

Derik’s smile was enough of an answer that he let go of his worries. This bittersweet moment soon came to an end as Ryan glanced at the clock.

"I think it's time for me to go. I'm sorry, Derik." Ryan's eyes met his before his words came out.
"When will you be back?" Derik asked, his eyes lingering with hope.

Ryan got off the bed and grabbed his clothes.

"Soon after Matthew's match ends." He disappeared into the bathroom.
"Bring Matthew home after it's over." Derik yelled after him, just loud enough to be heard.

 Ryan smiled under the hiss of the shower.

He left the house and rushed to the football stadium. It was the biggest tournament the country had seen in the past few decades. All the high school teams across the country were pitched against each other. It also served as the process for recruitment of youngsters. His high school "Serenoa" had made into the semi-finals. His heart pounded with every movement. After all, his friend was out on that field.

The shouts of the crowd filled the stadium as Matthew scored another goal winning the match.

"Serenoa is going to the finals!" Oliver, the goalkeeper threw his hands up in the air and shouted.
"That was intense." Matthew sighed, wiping sweat from his forehead like he was brushing away his worry.
"It surely was but you won. That's what matters the most. Congratulations, knobhead." Ryan laughed, giving him a playful shove. His awkward way of celebrating.
"Matters, huh?" Matthew grinned and gave Ryan a glance before throwing an arm around his shoulders.
"Right now, food matters more. I'm dying and aunt's cooking might just resurrect the dead." he gestured towards his stomach.
"She might feel alive seeing you too." Ryan laughed.

Later that evening, Matthew leaned over the counter, beaming. "Aunt Kathy, your cooking never fails."
"Someone needs to keep you all alive, right?" She teased with a warm smile.
"Matthew!" Derik ran, wide arms and smiling brightly.
"Aye!" Matthew turned around lifting him in the air. "I missed you, buddy."
"Guys, settle down. It's time for dessert."  Kathy brought the dish to the table and sat down.
"Damn, mum.  You made tiramisu  just because of him?"  Ryan fussed, his arms resting on the chair.
"Don't be so jealous, bud." Matthew grinned, lightly nudging him.
"Oh c'mon on! Why would I be jealous of your momentary joy?"
"Stop it both of you. Sit down and eat."

Kathy pointed to the cake like a referee with a whistle.

The laughter faded, plates were cleared and lights dimmed as everyone went to their rooms. Matthew was staying the night.

Ryan turned off all the night except for one, the night lamp.
"Ryan!" Matthew whispered, sitting up on the bed.
"What is it?" Ryan joined him, sitting on the other side of the bed.
"You know I was just thinking..." Matthew's hands wandered across the blanket. "Will I really make it?" He quietly asked.
"Yes, you will. You are already there, Matthew. The finale is next week. I'm pretty sure Serenoa is winning."
"How are you so sure?" His palms were sweaty.
"Because we got Matthew Dan on our team." Ryan smiled gently. "You are an excellent player. No matter what the damn result is, I'm always going to be proud of how far you've come.".

Ryan's words were soft yet motivating enough for Matthew. Their heartfelt talk ended as their snoring grew louder.

"Wake up! Matthew! Ryan!"  Derik violently shook them both.
"Derik, get out. Let me sleep." Ryan mumbled from under his blanket.
"Stop being mean to your brother!" Matthew threw a pillow at Ryan. "Come here, D.K"  He patted the space beside him.
"Matthew! When is your next match? You are going to win again, right?"  Derik rushed through all his questions.
"That's not up to my judgment, bud."  Matthew responded, his voice rough and low.
"Good luck for your next match then, Matthew. I hope you win and play in the national team." Derik patted Matthew's shoulder
"I think I'm winning already. Thank you, bud." He hugged Derik tightly.

Matthew stayed still for a while but the moment was soon disturbed due to a sudden buzz.
It was Matthew's phone ringing.

"Oliver, what's with this early morning call?"
"The school's been getting lots of calls." Oliver responded.
"Yeah, and?"
"Pal, they are all asking for you. They got tons of calls. All of them were about recruiting you to their teams."
"What are you talking about?" His brows furrowed.
"And guess what? You are all over social media." Oliver added, adding to Matthew's confusion.
"Wait...what? Why? What did I do?" His mind raced in panic, his chest tightened, heart pounding like he'd broken a rule he didn't know existed.
"You played a little too well yesterday and you're a hottie. Obviously people are going mad for you." Oliver cracked up.
"Sort your head out and get back to practicing. You can't let all this ruin your rep" He added before ending the call.

"What was that?" Ryan exclaimed.
"I wouldn't be staring at your ugly face if I had any idea." Matthew uttered
"Well, I think things worked out in your favor." Ryan said, his tone hesitant.
"I think you are right, slowpoke."  

Ryan dropped off Matthew for his practice at the school and went on his way.

Time went by and now the sun was setting as Ryan entered a bakery.

"Hello, I am here to pick-up my order. It was under the name of Kathy Adams." Ryan smiled, making his way towards the counter.
"Here you go, sir. Thank you for choosing our service. We hope you like it. Have a nice day."  The girl behind the counter handed out the order to Ryan.

On his way back home he brought a new E.C book. It was his recently published book named "Grave's Edge".
"Ryan!" Matthew yelled from across the street and ran towards him.
"Let's head to a cafe."  He added, matching his pace.
"I have to drop this back home." Ryan lifted the order.
"I am not stopping you. Get it done and then we’ll go." Matthew patiently spoke, his hands in his pockets.
"Your house is around the corner anyway."  He shrugged.
"Alright, clingy bee." Ryan shook his head, teasing him.
"Be mindful, Ryan Adams. I'm a month older than you."  Matthew argued back.

 They bantered on their way back, dropped the order and rushed to the cafe as if they had a bus to catch.
"What are you ordering?" Matthew asked.
"The same as me?" he smirked, glancing at the menu.
"No. I'd rather order you to shut your damn mouth."  Ryan’s voice carried a wry edge, playful but laced with sarcasm.
"Alright, sir." Matthew leaned back, his arms crossed with a grin on his face.
"Woah, obedient?" Ryan asked, his brows raised, lips curved into a smug smile.
"Ew, bud. Hell no!" Matthew made a disgusted face as his hand sliced the air.

Both of them burst into a quiet laughter.

"Ryan, I feel very excited."  Matthew exclaimed with a beam on his face.
"I can tell." He replied, his tone covered with sass.
"C'mon, I'm being honest. At practice today, the coach told me to choose one national team to join."
"You were right. It worked." Matthew's sentences were all over the place. He was rushing through his words.
Ryan smiled gently. "What are you, a pup?" His arms resting on the table.
"You worked hard for this. You deserve it. Choose one team and stay that pup-like."  He added.
"I am never giving up on this and...on you." Matthew expressed. "You are my family."
"So are you, knobhead. Everyone keeps whispering about you. Even at the bakery, I heard some people talking about you." Ryan said it as if he was breaking the news.
"Damn! I'm famous." Matthew cheered.

Their conversation was a never-ending play but the moonlight ruled the sky. So, it was time for them to head back.
                                                  “The burning candles don’t last long.”