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Six hasn't seen his brother in 16 years give or take. Hasn't kept up on his life like he may have wanted for the fear of having it connected back to him. Only to ruin his brothers life. He knew a few things, one, he has a science degree (he was always so smart), two, the UNESCO conference (how could he not? That's probably one of the first things that pops up when you search for Ryland Grace) and 3, he's a teacher now. That's it.
He wished so desperately with something he couldn't name anymore that he knew more without it being unsafe. But that's besides him, he tells himself. That he did what he did and that's the end of his old life. Six tells himself this constantly, when needed, but something deep down wishes to see his little brother once more and get to know him.
What's his favorite color now? It used to be blue when they were younger but has it changed? What does his apartment (house?) look like? Is it covered in posters, does he take care of any plants—
—No. This thinking it isn't productive.
Six groans silently as he forces himself to walk through the nights crowd. Having been shoved around one too many times tonight on this mission, he can't wait until he's somewhere decently safe to take care of his wounds. These bruises aren't going to be pretty in the morning. He can say that for sure.
"Seb, you can't be serious!" Six freezes.
A million thoughts run through his mind at that fimilar voice that cut through the crowd. His eyes dart around the crowd until he spots him. Why does the universe work like this? He finally let himself think about his brother in years and this is the night it happens?
He finally spots him in a clearing in the crowd, perfectly lit under the street light he's standing under. Ryland Grace, his little brother, is here. Tonight. Six exhales in disbelief as he looks ahead at him. No that's not entirely right, Ryland is here with someone.
A man in his early thirties dressed in older styled suits. He's smiling brightly at Ryland as they hold hands. Ryland laughs as "Seb" pulls him in with an arm around his waist. Body's pressing together Ryland wraps his arms around him and they start to sway. Seb and Ryland start to slowly "dance" around laughing to each other, almost giggling Six would say.
"What? Can't I compliment you?" The guy asks. "Cmon just admit it!" The other guy cheeses close to him to kiss his cheek. He lets his face rest there as he stares into his eyes. Ryland pushes at him half heartedly "You cannot claim that was complimenting me! Saying that-" he cuts himself off with a laughing sigh.
"Of course I can!" Seb grins and kisses his cheek again. "I could listen to you talk all day. I love when you ramble on and on about whatever your interested in at the moment. Seeing the passion as you talk just makes me love you more." Red creeps up Ryland's face as he ducks to the side and looks away, causing Seb to grin even harder.
Ryland sighs and stop their "dancing" and pulls in Seb close to kiss him. He closes his eyes with a sigh as he smiles so bright into the man's lips.
That's Six's cue to drag himself away from the two. He doesn't need to interrupt their moment. Even if it hurts to look away from this opportunity to see his brother, he drags himself down the street, further and further away from the two.
Ryland was so happy. That was probably something anyone could see from a mile away. God did that make that boy deep down in him want to cry. His brother was happy. He was happy and smiling. After everything their father put them through, he came out on top over both of them and had a little life to himself.
It's almost cinematic the date (he thinks) the two were on. Dancing and giggling under the moonlight. This was the only thing he could have ever asked for Ryland. He was with a man he loved. Who very clearly loved him based on the way he was looking at his brother. Anyone with eyes could see that at least. Ryland deserved this.
Maybe everything Courtland went through was worth it in the end. That Six endured through every mission. It was all for one moment on a random Saturday night, on a San Francisco street.
He wanted to walk up to Ryland and hug him tight. To tell him he's so proud of him and how he turned out (he didn't deserve to be the one to tell him that, he wasn't there-), to ask how the two met. How long have they been together? Have they only been together a couple of months or has it been years-
He sneaks a glance, he knows he shouldn't but his body betrays him before he could do anything about it. Ryland and Seb were walking away from him, hands swaying between them. His mouth breaks into a small smile before he ducks his head and adjust the cap on his head down. Walking away from his brother and the life that he has for himself.
The universe was kind to let him see his brother for even a moment, but oh was it cruel for making him walk away.