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Ryan’s finger traces the stub where Dylan’s hand used to be, drawing imaginary patterns and shapes along the skin. He writes little words, too, letting Dylan guess what they are. The other’s head lies on Ryan’s bare chest.
Clad in nothing but sweatpants, Ryan relies on Dylan’s body heat to warm him up. But Dylan, just wearing a pair of boxers and one of Ryan’s shirts, doesn’t have that much warmth to share.
“You scared of ‘em?”
Ryan shakes his head. “They’re dumb and slow. We stay inside, we’re safe.”
“I am.”
“I’ll protect you,” Ryan promises with a laugh.
“My hero.”
Dylan tracks Ryan’s breath, feeling his chest rise and fall with each one. “For real, though, we’ll get through this. We’ve made it this far.”
“We have.”
Dylan moves his body upwards, trapping Ryan’s head between his hand and his stump as he pushes himself up to stare. “You’re so pretty.”
Ryan smiles, breaking eye contact.
“Can I kiss you?”
“Yeah.”
Dylan does so, allowing his head to fall and press their lips together. He tilts his head, deepening the kiss before Ryan pulls back.
“I’m too tired to go again,” he laughs, closing his eyes.
“Sleepyhead.”
“Maybe,” he hums, “lay with me.”
Dylan does so without protest. It’s his turn to trace patterns and shapes onto Ryan’s bare skin.
“We’re gonna make it,” he repeats, “and I’m gonna work at some store, and you’re gonna live with me and be my trophy husband.”
“Husband?”
“Shut up. It’s in the far future, we deserve to get married.”
“We do.”
“So, my future husband,” Dylan hums, kissing him quickly, “what do you want to do when this is over?”
“Maybe tattoo people,” he sighs, “me and Abi could work together. We’ve actually, uh, talked about it before.”
“You guys should tattoo me,” Dylan suggests, “I can find ya the equipment.”
Ryan’s head perks up. “Really?”
Dylan nods. “Yep. You’ll do some beautiful art one day, Ryan.”
Ryan seems to be crying. Dylan uses his thumb to wipe away the tears that fall.
“I love you,” Ryan mumbles, closing his eyes as he chuckles.
That was the first time he’s said it.
“I love you too.”