Peter laid his head on Bayani’s shoulder as he began to feel his exhaustion really sink in. “As long as you’re safe,” Peter mumbled, his eyelids becoming heavy.
That was when Himeko peaked her head out of the doorway. “You can come in now,” she told the boys. “Do you want us to give you a few minutes to get changed?”

Peter took his time standing up, taking Bayani’s hand when it was offered to him. “I’m fine,” he insisted. “I don’t feel like changing. I just want to get some sleep.”

Bayani decided not to insist that he changed. He knew that Peter did not want to risk his sister seeing his bruises, whether or not they trusted her to stay out and let him change without being interrupted; if she came back in too soon, his secret would be out. Cerys did not argue either. She seemed satisfied, since it meant that she could get to bed sooner and not have to wait for anyone else.

Once they were all inside, Peter sat on the edge of his mat, and as he took off his boots, he started to realize that it was actually quite soft. He laid down on it and let it out a long sigh. It only took a couple minutes for everyone to let their heads find a pillow, and Bayani turned down the oil lamp in the middle of the hut to the faintest dim glow.
When he laid down, he felt Peter’s body scoot close to his. His head laid on Bayani’s chest, who in turned to encircle his narrow body with his arms.
“What’s wrong?” Bayani whispered to his boyfriend when he realized that his shirt was getting wet.
“Just go to sleep,” Peter whispered back. He took his boyfriend’s other hand and intertwined their fingers. “I’m tired is all.”
“Me too, Peter,” Bayani whispered. “Me too.”
And the next thing he knew, Peter was sound asleep on hi chest. His own mind soon gave in to exhaustion, and together they faded into the realm of dreams.

End of Part Three

of

A Modern Legend