Page 36 of Damian & Jun, Episodes 13-16

Sevastyan’s lips tightened. “Da, if he’s alive, maybe.”

Sevastyan left the same way he had come. Damian turned his chair back around, meeting Jun’s eyes. Neither spoke for several beats.

“You did good,” Damian said.

Jun held up his hand and smiled, ruefully. There was a tremble from his wrist to his fingers.

“Doesn’t matter.” Damian stood, bracketing Jun in with his body. “You can’t be brave if you’re not scared. I have your back. We all do.”

“You always have.” Jun touched his forehead to Damian’s. “Do you think they’ll give me three days?”

“Sevastyan knows them better than we do. We’ll trust him on this. Until then…”

“Double security. Don’t be alone. Keep the rest of the guys close. Mi Hi, too.” Jun recited the plans that had been in place for days. “Nothing has really changed. We’ve known this was coming.”

“Nothing has changed.”

Damian held Jun against his body. Nothing had changed; the danger was still real and close.

Jun

Jun eased out of the big bed before anyone else the following morning. Most nights the pile of bodies kept his nightmares away, but after Sevastyan’s visit the previous day, even that had not been enough. He made sure Collin was still covered and Richard’s feet weren’t out in the cold, then slipped out the door. Artemis followed him, curious at the change in routine. Jun went to the Den and put on lounge pants and one of Damian’s sweaters. He grabbed his notebook of lyrics and padded to the kitchen, promising Artemis treats. Using dim lights, he started the electric kettle and gave Artemis some cat-friendly fish scraps. In the cupboard he found a packet of hot chocolate with mint. Maybe if he paired it with coconut milk that would settle him. He didn’t dare have a whole cup of milk.

He fussed with finding the coconut milk and heated it in a pan on the stove, forgetting that he’d started water boiling until the kettle clicked off. The sound made him flinch and turn around. Émeric was standing there, taking the water off the electric pad.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Émeric shook his head. “Are you using all of this?”

“No. None. I forgot I started it. I’m using milk.”

“Then I’ll use the water.” Émeric rummaged in the cabinet for a sturdy mug and handed it to Jun, then selected a delicate teacup and saucer for himself.

They sat down at the table together. Jun pulled one knee up against his chest and wrapped both hands around the mug. He was cold on the inside, and not in a way that clothes seemed to help.

Émeric swirled his tea with a small spoon and pulled out the leaves, leaving a steaming, perfectly colored brew behind.

“Did I wake you?”

“Yes.” Émeric gave Jun a soft smile. “Don’t apologize.”

Jun grimaced and pulled up his second knee to his chest.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Tomorrow. Today, if they don’t wait.”

“Sevastyan and Ellisandre could likely warn us if they decide not to wait.”

“But if they don’t…”

“Then we have Holden and Timothy and Cedric, and Maleko, and the rest.”

“I hate this.”

“So do I.”

“Sometimes I still think I shouldn’t have involved all of you.”