The Dreamer - 13. Chapter 13 - Bold Moves

Part 1 - Wedding Bells

The start of their fourth year came like a storm—unexpected and relentless. Cindy, Maria, and the other girls had all graduated, moving on to their careers. Manny found himself missing their presence, the camaraderie that had once been so natural. With them gone, the once tight-knit group had dispersed, leaving only him and Robby to navigate the pressures of their final year. The weight of their studies and internships at Bill’s company was heavy, and though they tried to find moments of peace, those moments felt increasingly forced, as though they were trying to hold onto something that was slipping through their fingers.

Manny often found himself lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering if they were slowly losing the connection that had once been so effortless. Robby, too, felt the strain, but he was determined to hold on, even if it meant pushing his own worries aside.

With their studies ramping up and internships at Bill’s company taking up much of their time, Manny and Robby found themselves caught in a relentless cycle of work and obligations. The days blurred together, filled with lectures, assignments, and the pressure of proving themselves in a rapidly growing tech industry. The weekends, which had once been their sanctuary, a time to relax and reconnect, now felt more like a chore. The time they carved out for each other felt forced like they were trying to hold onto something that was slipping away with every passing day.

But Robby, ever the optimist, was willing to make the sacrifice. They were so close to graduation and the future they had dreamed of for so long. Just a little longer, they would be free to build the life they wanted together. That thought kept him going, even when the stress and exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him.

Unbeknownst to Manny, Robby had been harboring a secret hope, one that had been growing in his heart for months. He wanted to get married. He had mentioned it the day he spoke with his parents, but he wasn’t sure at the time if that is what he wanted also – and he didn’t know if Manny wanted that. But now he was sure. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Manny.

He knew that most places still didn’t recognize gay marriage, but the Gay Pride movement was gaining momentum. Every day, it seemed like the world was changing just a little bit more, inching closer to a future where their love could be recognized and celebrated like any other. Robby believed it was only a matter of time before marriage equality became a reality across the country.

One crisp autumn afternoon, Robby decided to act on his hope. He reached out to Cindy and Maria, knowing they would understand the gravity of what he was about to share. They met at a small café just off campus, which held memories of late-night study sessions and shared secrets.

As Robby sat waiting for Cindy and Maria, he couldn’t help but feel a knot of anxiety in his chest. What if Manny wasn’t ready? What if the world wasn’t ready for them? The thought of proposing had been a beacon of hope for him, but now, as the moment drew closer, he felt the weight of what he was about to do. Still, he knew he had to try. They had come too far to turn back now.

Cindy and Maria arrived together, their faces lighting up when they saw Robby waiting for them at a corner table. The moment they sat down, Robby couldn’t keep it in any longer. “I’ve been thinking a lot,” he began, his voice trembling with a mix of excitement and nerves. “About Manny and me. About our future.”

Cindy leaned in, her eyes bright with curiosity. “What is it, Robby? What’s on your mind? You guys are good, right?”

Robby took a deep breath, then blurted out, “I want to marry him. I want to marry Manny.”

For a moment, there was silence as the words hung in the air. Then, Maria let out a squeal of delight, drawing curious glances from the other patrons. “Oh my god, Robby! That’s amazing!”

Cindy’s smile widened as she reached across the table to grab Robby’s hand. “I knew it! I just knew you two were meant to be. So, what’s the plan?”

Robby relaxed a little, the warmth of their support filling him with confidence. “Well, I know marriage isn’t legal everywhere yet, but I don’t want to wait. If we can’t get married right away, I want to at least get engaged. I want Manny to know how serious I am about us.”

Maria’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “We’ll help you find the perfect rings! And when you decide to propose, we’ll make it a special event. My brother is a photographer—he can take pictures for you guys. It’ll be beautiful.”

Robby couldn’t stop smiling. He had been so nervous about sharing his plan, but now that Cindy and Maria were on board, everything was falling into place. They spent the next hour talking excitedly about ring designs, proposal ideas, and all the little details that would make the moment unforgettable.

When Robby finally left the café, he was in a happy mood, his heart light and full of hope. He walked back to campus, eager to see Manny and share in his excitement, even if he had to keep the proposal itself a secret for now. As he approached the dormitory, his thoughts were filled with images of their future—of a life together, happy and secure.

Part 2 - For Whom the Bell Tolls

Robby walked back to the dorm, a noticeable bounce in his step. As he approached the building, he made his way up the steps toward their room. But as he got closer, something caught his attention. He could hear voices coming from inside, and for a brief moment, he hesitated. Manny rarely had visitors over when Robby wasn’t around, and they hadn’t planned any study sessions for the week. The unexpected sound stirred a mix of curiosity and unease in him.

Tony was holding Mason’s hand, his voice soft as he spoke. “Mason, I really cared for you. I know we would have had a future had I stayed. Maybe some part of me still loves you, still longs for those days…”

As Mason opened his mouth to respond, ready to tell Tony that he was with Robby now and their future was all that mattered, the door suddenly swung open. Robby stood there, his eyes immediately locking onto their hands.

Startled, Mason quickly pulled his hand away from Tony’s, guilt and panic flashing across his face. “Robby...” he began, his voice trembling with a mix of surprise and fear, but the words stuck in his throat as he saw the hurt in Robby’s eyes.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of what Robby had just witnessed hanging like a dark cloud.

The sight that greeted him made his heart drop as if the ground had vanished beneath him. Manny was on the sofa, deep in conversation with someone Robby instantly recognized. Tony. The name came to him like a cold rush of water, memories of the picture Manny had shown him flashing in his mind. He felt like an intruder in his own life, like he had stumbled upon something he was never meant to see. The happiness he’d felt just moments ago drained away, replaced by a sharp, suffocating sense of betrayal.

Robby stood frozen in the doorway, his mind reeling. Just moments ago, he had been talking with Cindy and Maria about proposing, about spending the rest of his life with Manny. And now, here was Manny, holding Tony’s picture and holding his hand, looking at him with an expression that Robby couldn’t quite read.

Hurt, confusion, and a sharp pang of jealousy surged through Robby all at once. He had thought Manny had let go of the past, that he had moved on. But seeing that picture, seeing them together on the sofa, sitting so close together, brought all his fears rushing to the surface.

Manny noticed Robby standing there and jumped up from the sofa, intending to hug Robby. However, his sudden movement only deepened Robby’s suspicion that something more was going on; Robby stepped back. “Tony, this is Robby,” Manny said, his voice trying to sound casual but betraying an underlying tension. “Robby, this is Tony....”

Robby’s heart sank further at the way Manny introduced him. Not as his partner, not as the man he had spent the last few years with, but just as Robby. It was as if their entire relationship had been erased in an instant. He didn’t want to hear anymore. Whatever Manny was saying was drowned out by the thoughts running through his head.

Unable to trust himself to speak, Robby forced a smile and nodded at Tony. “Hey, nice to meet you,” he muttered, though the words felt hollow. He turned to Manny, his voice strained as he said, “I’m going to step out for a bit so you two can catch up. I’ll be back later.”

Manny started to object, but Robby was already halfway out the door. He couldn’t stay in that room, not with Tony there, not with the sight of Manny holding his hand still burned into his mind.

Part 3 - Betrayed

As soon as he was outside, Robby felt a tear slide down his cheek. He quickly brushed it away, but the hurt lingered, sharp and suffocating. Robby reached the parking lot without knowing where he was going and got into his car. The engine roared to life, and Robby drove off, his thoughts a chaotic swirl of emotions.

He had a tank full of gas but no destination in mind. All he knew was that he needed to get away, clear his head, and figure out what was going on. The joy he had felt just an hour ago had vanished, replaced by a gnawing sense of betrayal.

Manny had always been upfront about Tony and their relationship's impact on him. But seeing them together again, after all this time, after everything Manny and Robby had built together, felt like a knife to the heart. Robby had thought they were past this, that their future was secure. But now, doubt crept in, whispering cruel possibilities that Robby didn’t want to believe.

He drove aimlessly, the city lights blurring past him as he tried to make sense of his emotions. Was it wrong to feel this way? Was he overreacting? Or was this a sign that Manny wasn’t as committed to their future as Robby had thought?

The questions circled in his mind, each twisting the knife a little deeper. He didn’t have any answers, but he knew one thing for sure—nothing would be the same after today. How could it be?

As the door closed behind Robby, Manny felt a sharp pang of guilt settle in his chest. He turned back to Tony, who was sitting on the sofa, a slight frown creasing his brow. For a moment, Manny hesitated, unsure of what to say. The room felt heavy with unspoken words, the weight of the past pressing down on them.

Tony broke the silence first, his voice soft. “I know this is probably the last thing you expected, me showing up like this and telling you everything. But I had to find you, Manny. I had to explain.”

Manny sat on the edge of the sofa, distanced from Tony, his hands clenched tightly in his lap. “I don’t understand, Tony. Why did you leave without saying anything? I waited for you. I searched for you.”

Tony’s expression was a mix of regret and sorrow. “My dad got orders to move overseas. He was in the army, and everything happened so fast. One day we were settled, and the next, we were packing up to leave. I wanted to come say goodbye, but the plane was waiting. Once we got to our new home, I realized I didn’t have your phone number, your address—nothing. I tried to find a way to contact you, but I couldn’t. I thought about you every day, but we were halfway across the world, and there was nothing I could do.”

Manny looked at Tony, searching his eyes for any hint of dishonesty, but all he saw was the truth. The explanation softened the ache he’d carried for so long, but it also brought a new kind of pain—a sadness for what could have been, for the time they had lost.

Tony continued, his voice filled with sincerity. “I’ve been back in the States for a while now, and I finally managed to track you down. I needed to see you, to apologize for disappearing like that. You were important to me, Manny. You still are.”

Manny nodded, his emotions swirling. “I’m glad you’re okay, Tony. I really am. But a lot has changed since then. I’ve changed.”

Tony gave him a small smile, a hint of something bittersweet in his eyes. “I can see that. You’ve grown up. And… I’m happy for you, Manny. I heard you’re with someone now. Robby, right?”

Manny blinked, surprised. “How did you…?”

Tony shrugged slightly, his smile turning wry. “We’re still in touch with a few people from back home. Heard your name come up a few times, and well… some things just find their way to you."

Manny’s thoughts shifted to Robby, and a soft smile touched his lips despite the anxiety gnawing at him. “Yes, Robby and I are serious. We’re even talking about getting married someday.”

Tony’s smile widened, genuine happiness in his expression. “That’s amazing, Manny. I’m so happy for you. Robby seems like a great guy.”

Part 4 - Lost and Found

Manny’s smile faltered as he glanced at the clock. Hours had passed since Robby left, and the sky outside had turned dark. A knot of worry tightened in his stomach. Robby should have been back by now, and the silence in the room only made Manny’s concern grow.

“I should check on Robby,” Manny said, his voice tinged with anxiety. He reached for the phone on the desk and dialed Cindy’s number. After a few rings, Cindy answered, her voice bright and cheery.

“Hey, Manny! What’s up?”

“Cindy, have you seen Robby? He left a while ago, and he’s not back yet.”

Cindy paused for a moment before answering. “No, I haven’t seen him since earlier today. He was in a great mood when we talked, but I haven’t heard from him since. Maybe he’s just out clearing his head?”

Manny’s worry deepened. He thanked Cindy and hung up, quickly dialing Maria’s number next. The conversation was almost the same—Maria hadn’t seen Robby either.

Tony watched Manny with concern. “Do you want me to help you look for him?”

Manny nodded, trying to push down the rising panic. “Yes, please. I’m starting to get really worried. He never goes out alone for this long.”

Without a car, Manny and Tony decided to walk around campus, hoping to find Robby at one of their usual hangouts. They checked the pizza parlor first, the place where Manny and Robby had spent so many evenings together. The tables were filled with students, but there was no sign of Robby. They moved on to the coffee shops, the library, even the park where Robby liked to go when he needed to think. But with each empty space, Manny’s heart sank a little further.

They walked back to the campus, and Manny headed for the parking lot to see if Robby’s car was there. As he scanned the rows of vehicles, a knot formed in his stomach. Robby’s car wasn’t anywhere in sight.

Manny froze for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. He glanced around, trying to convince himself it wasn’t a big deal—that maybe Robby was just somewhere else. But a feeling of dread crept over him, a sinking realization that something wasn’t right. He couldn’t shake the nagging thought that this wasn’t just an ordinary absence.

His mind raced, thinking of all the possibilities, but deep down, he knew. Something was wrong.

The city, usually vibrant and full of life, now seemed vast and overwhelming. The cold night air bit at their skin as they walked, their footsteps echoing in the quiet streets. Hours passed, and still, there was no sign of Robby.

By the time they returned to the dorm, Manny was a mess of nerves. His hands were shaking, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this helpless, this scared. Robby had never stayed out this late without letting him know where he was. Something was wrong—he could feel it.

Desperate, Manny called Cindy and Maria again, his voice trembling as he explained the situation. “I’ve looked everywhere, and I can’t find him. I don’t know what to do.”

“Stay calm, Manny. We’re coming over,” Cindy said, her voice soothing despite the urgency. “We’ll figure this out together. We'll find him.”

Not long after, Cindy and Maria arrived at the dorm room. They took one look at Manny’s pale face and knew how serious this was. Tony stood by the window, equally worried, his presence now understood by Cindy and Maria. They exchanged glances, realizing the full extent of what might have triggered Robby’s disappearance.

Without wasting any time, they called on a few more friends to help in the search. Allison, who also had a car, was the next to arrive. They all piled in and drove to the places Manny and Robby frequented together—the movie theater, the quiet spots by the lake, even the old bookstore Robby loved. But every place was empty, the night stretching on with no sign of him.

As the hours dragged by, Manny’s anxiety turned into full-blown panic. His mind raced with terrible possibilities, each one more frightening than the last. Eventually, they called the police, but the response was cold and procedural: Robby had to be missing for 72 hours before they could officially do anything, and only family members could file a missing persons report.

Defeated, they returned to the dorm. Manny’s eyes were red from crying, his voice hoarse from calling out for Robby. He collapsed onto the sofa, burying his face in his hands. “What if something’s happened to him? What if he’s hurt? This is all my fault…”

Cindy sat beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Don’t do that to yourself, Manny. We’ll find him. He’s going to be okay.”

Maria stood by the door, her expression hard with determination. “We’re not giving up, Manny. We’ll stay here with you until we know he’s safe.”

Tony, who had been quietly observing the group, stood up. “I’ll go grab some food. You need to eat something, Manny. You’ll make yourself sick if you don’t.”

Manny nodded numbly, too exhausted to argue. Tony left, and Cindy and Maria stayed with him, trying to keep his spirits up, though they were just as worried as he was.

The dorm room felt suffocating, the minutes ticking by in agonizing silence. Every time Manny heard footsteps in the hallway, his heart leapt, only to sink again when they passed by. He couldn’t stop thinking about Robby—where he was, what had happened to him, and why he had run off in the first place. Was it because of Tony? Had he misunderstood the situation? Or was it something deeper, something Manny couldn’t see?

Soon Tony returned with food, and coffee and place it on the table and like the rest of Manny's friends, was worried about what could have happened to Robby.

Manny was lost in his thoughts, too consumed by guilt and fear. The night dragged on, each passing hour feeling like an eternity.

Finally, in the early hours of the morning, the door creaked open. Manny looked up, his heart skipping a beat. Robby stood in the doorway, looking disheveled and worn out. His clothes were dirty, his shirt torn and stained with blood, his face bruised, and there was a haunted look in his eyes.

Before Manny could say a word, two campus security guards stepped in behind Robby. “We found him behind one of the dumpsters on campus,” one of them explained, his voice low. “He’s pretty banged up. You should take him to the hospital or the nurse’s station in the morning.”

Manny’s relief was immediate, but it was quickly replaced by concern as he took in Robby’s condition. He looked like he had been in a fight, his shirt stained with blood, and his knuckles scraped raw. Without thinking, Manny rushed forward and helped Robby to the bedroom, his hands trembling as he touched him.

Cindy and Maria were by his side in an instant, their worry evident in their expressions. “We need to clean him up,” Maria said, already grabbing a first aid kit from the closet. Cindy fetched a basin of warm water and some towels, and together, they began to tend to Robby’s wounds. They took him into the bedroom and helped him change out of his shirt and clean him up.

Tony tried to speak to the campus security guards, but they left before he could ask any questions.

As Cindy and Maria worked to clean him up, Manny couldn’t help but feel a crushing sense of responsibility. This was his fault. If he hadn’t let Tony back into his life, if he had been more mindful of Robby’s feelings, none of this would have happened.

Maria and Cindy did their best to clean up the blood from Robby’s, hands and face. Cindy offered to stay the night and look after both of them.

“I'll be OK,” Manny said, his voice choked with emotion. “Thank you for helping, I’ve got it from here.”

Cindy and Maria exchanged a look, then nodded. Cindy placed a comforting hand on Manny’s arm. “Call us if you need anything, okay? We’ll be here for you.”

As they left, Tony lingered by the door, his face conflicted. “I’m sorry, Manny. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

Manny, still focused on Robby, didn’t immediately respond. He was lost in his thoughts, trying to piece together what had just happened and what it meant for him and Robby. He barely heard Tony’s words.

Tony hesitated, stepping closer, as if waiting for some acknowledgment. “Okay,” he said softly, “Take care, Manny. I hope Robby feels better soon. If you need anything, call me. Here’s my number.”

Manny looked up, meeting Tony’s gaze for a moment, but his mind was still elsewhere. He nodded absently, taking the slip of paper with Tony’s number. “Thanks, Tony,” he said quietly, his voice almost distant.

Tony gave a small nod, his expression still torn, before walking out the door. Manny stood there for a moment, listening to the sound of the door closing, the silence suddenly overwhelming.

Finally, Manny turned toward Robby, who lay still on the bed, his breathing slow and steady. He sat beside him, his heart heavy with regret. There was so much he didn’t understand about what had happened between them and why Robby had been so distant. But right now, none of that mattered.

As Robby drifted deeper into sleep, Manny stayed awake, watching over him. He had no idea what had gone wrong that night, but he knew one thing for sure—he couldn’t lose Robby. Not now, not ever.

Part 5 - New Day Rising

Morning light streamed through the blinds as Manny sat up, bleary-eyed and exhausted from a sleepless night. His body ached with worry, every muscle tense as he watched Robby stir beside him. The bruises on Robby’s face and body were more pronounced in the daylight, and Manny’s heart clenched at the sight of them.

Robby groaned softly, his eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again. He was hungover, his face drawn with fatigue and pain. Without a word, he rolled over and went back to sleep, too worn out to face the day—or Manny.

Manny sighed, gently brushing a stray hair from Robby’s forehead. He wanted to say something, to comfort Robby, but he knew there was nothing he could do until Robby was ready to talk. Instead, he resolved to stay by Robby’s side, ignoring the pressing concerns of school and work. None of that mattered now. Robby was what mattered.

The hours passed slowly, the morning slipping into the afternoon. Manny sat beside Robby, occasionally stepping out to get water. Cindy or Maria called Manny several times, checking in and offering their support.

As evening approached, the phone rang again. Manny answered quickly, hoping it was Cindy or Maria but it was Tony, his voice filled with concern. "How’s Robby?" Tony asked.

Manny's heart sank as he glanced at Robby, still asleep. "He’s...he’s still out of it," Manny replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "He’s hurt, Tony. I don’t know what happened."

Robby, though half-asleep, overheard the conversation. His jaw clenched, and he turned his head away from Manny, the bitterness of jealousy and confusion bubbling to the surface. He couldn’t shake the image of Manny and Tony together, the doubt gnawing at him.

When Manny hung up the phone, he turned back to the bed where Robby was just beginning to stir. The room was quiet, but the tension hung in the air. Manny noticed Robby’s eyes were open, staring at the ceiling with a distant look.

“Robby, are you okay? What happened?” Manny asked softly, his voice filled with concern as he moved closer to the bed. He reached out to gently touch Robby’s shoulder, hoping to offer comfort.

Robby flinched slightly at the contact, his expression unreadable. “Was that Tony?” he asked, his voice raspy and tinged with a mix of exhaustion and something deeper—perhaps hurt or uncertainty.

Manny hesitated for a moment, not expecting the question. “Yeah,” he admitted, his tone careful. “He was just checking in, asking how you’re doing.”

Robby’s voice trembled as he spoke, his words laced with raw emotion. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you hide him from me? I thought… I thought we were supposed to be honest with each other. I thought… I meant something to you.”

Manny felt his chest tighten, the weight of Robby’s hurt hitting him like a tidal wave. He took a breath, struggling to find the right words. “Robby, I wasn’t hiding him. I’ve always been open about my past, about Tony. It wasn’t about keeping secrets. It’s just… when I was with you, I wasn’t thinking about him anymore. I didn’t want him to be part of what we were building. But I see now that I should have been clearer. I should have made you feel secure, like you were the one that mattered. Because you are. You always have been.”

Robby wiped his eyes, his voice thick with emotion. “Then why didn’t you tell me? Why did you let me feel like I was just some substitute? I thought you wanted us to be real… but you were still holding on to him.”

Manny felt a pang of guilt, but he didn’t look away from Robby. “I never wanted to make you feel like a substitute. You’re not, Robby. You’re the person I want to be with. I know I could have handled things better. I should have communicated more. I should have shown you that you were my priority, that you were everything. But I wasn’t perfect. I messed up.”

Robby’s shoulders shook, and Manny could see the weight of the hurt in his eyes. Still, he knew they both had to confront these feelings if they were going to move forward. “I’m sorry,” Manny whispered, his voice full of regret. “I never wanted to hurt you. I want to build a life with you, Robby. You’re the one I love.”

Manny’s heart broke at Robby’s words, seeing the depth of his pain. “You are my present. You are my future. Tony is my past, and that’s where he belongs. I love you, and I want to spend my life with you, not with anyone else.”

To prove his point, Manny reached into his pocket and pulled out the picture of Tony he had kept for so long. He looked at it for a moment, the memories flooding back, but instead of nostalgia, he felt only a deep sense of closure. With a shaky breath, he tore the picture in half, the pieces fluttering to the floor. Then, he opened his wallet and pulled out the movie ticket stub—the one he had held onto for years—and ripped it up, tossing the scraps aside.

“This is all in the past, Robby,” Manny said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “You’re my present and my future.”

As he looked at the pieces of torn paper scattered on the floor, a wave of clarity washed over him. He should have let go of these mementos a long time ago. Why had he held onto them? What was it that kept him clinging to these fragments of his past, like they had some kind of power over his future? The picture, the ticket—they weren’t just reminders of Tony. They were markers of a time in his life when he wasn’t sure who he was or what he wanted. But now, standing here with Robby, Manny knew who he was. And it wasn’t someone defined by old memories or past mistakes.

Robby, still exhausted and emotionally drained, began to cry again. But this time, it was different. The tears were a release, a way of letting go of the doubts and fears that had consumed him. Manny moved closer, sitting beside him on the bed and wrapping his arms around Robby’s trembling shoulders. Robby finally let himself lean into Manny’s embrace, his head resting on Manny’s shoulder.

Manny sat beside Robby, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words. He could see the turmoil in Robby’s eyes, the way he was struggling to process everything that had happened. Manny wanted to reach out, to offer comfort, but he knew that Robby needed time—time to sort through the confusion, the pain, and the doubt that had been festering inside him.

Robby’s breath was shaky as he finally spoke, his voice barely more than a whisper. “I don’t know what to think anymore, Manny,” he confessed, his gaze fixed on the wall, avoiding Manny’s eyes. “Everything’s just… messed up. I thought I knew where we stood, but now… now I’m not so sure.”

Manny swallowed the lump in his throat, his heart aching for Robby. “Robby, I know this is hard. I know it feels like everything is falling apart, but I need you to believe me when I say that you’re the one I love. Tony is in the past, and that’s where he’s going to stay.”

Robby closed his eyes, his face contorting with the weight of his emotions. “But how do I know that, Manny? How do I know that you won’t change your mind? That you won’t wake up one day and realize that you love him afterall?”

The words hung in the air, raw and vulnerable. Manny could feel the fear behind them, the deep-seated insecurity that had taken root in Robby’s heart. He reached out, gently taking Robby’s hand in his own, trying to offer a small measure of reassurance.

“Robby, I can’t promise that life will always be easy or that we won’t face challenges. But I can promise you this—I will always fight for us. I will always choose you,” Manny said softly, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

Robby remained silent, his hand trembling in Manny’s grasp. He didn’t pull away, but he didn’t return the gesture either. It was as if he was caught between the desire to believe Manny and the fear of getting hurt again.

Minutes passed in silence, each one stretching out longer than the last. Finally, Robby’s shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him. “I’m scared, Manny,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “I’m scared of losing you, of not being enough for you.”

Manny’s heart ached at Robby’s words, and he tightened his grip on Robby’s hand. “You are enough, Robby. You’ve always been enough. I wish I could take away your fears, but all I can do is be here for you, to show you that you’re the only one I want.”

Robby’s eyes finally met Manny’s, and for the first time since the night began, there was a glimmer of something softer—something like hope. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to start mending the cracks that had formed between them.

“I don’t know if I can just… move past this,” Robby said, his voice thick with uncertainty. “But I want to try, Manny. I want to believe you, to trust you.”

Manny nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and love. “We’ll take it one step at a time, Robby. We’ll get through this together.”

Robby took a deep breath, the tension in his body slowly beginning to ease. He squeezed Manny’s hand, finally returning the gesture. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice still wavering but no longer as fragile. “Thank you for not giving up on me… on us.”

Manny smiled gently, brushing a tear from Robby’s cheek. “Never, Robby. I’m here for the long haul, no matter what.”

It wasn’t a complete resolution, and there was still a long road ahead, but it was a start. Robby wasn’t ready to fully let go of all his doubts yet, but the walls between them were beginning to crumble, brick by brick.

Manny held Robby tightly, his own tears falling silently. "It’s okay, Robby. We’re going to get through this together. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere."

They stayed like that for a long time, holding each other as the emotional storm passed. Manny knew that Robby needed time to heal, not just from the physical wounds but from the pain in his heart. As the tension between them slowly began to ease, Manny felt a protective instinct take over. He gently helped Robby out of his clothes, his hands trembling slightly as he saw the full extent of the damage. The sight of Robby’s bruised and battered body broke Manny’s heart all over again, but he pushed his emotions aside, knowing that Robby needed him to be strong.

Manny led Robby to the bathroom, their footsteps echoing softly in the small space. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the light casting gentle shadows on the tiled walls. Manny turned on the shower, adjusting the water temperature until it was just right—a warm, soothing cascade that would help ease Robby’s pain.

Robby stood there, his shoulders slumped, as if the weight of everything that had happened was pressing down on him. Manny could see the exhaustion in his eyes, the way his body trembled with the effort of staying upright. Without a word, Manny stepped closer, guiding Robby into the shower with the utmost care.

As the warm water flowed over Robby’s battered skin, he winced slightly, his muscles tensing in response to the sensation. Manny was right beside him, his hands steady and gentle as he began to wash away the grime and blood from Robby’s body. He used a soft washcloth, carefully avoiding the worst bruises and cuts, his touch light and tender.

Robby’s eyes closed as he leaned against the cool tile wall, the warmth of the water and Manny’s gentle care slowly beginning to soothe the ache in his body and soul. Manny’s hands moved with purpose, but there was a reverence to his actions, as if he was afraid of causing Robby any more pain than he had already endured.

“Manny…” Robby’s voice was barely a whisper, almost lost beneath the sound of the running water. There was a vulnerability in his tone that made Manny’s heart ache even more.

“I’m here, Robby,” Manny replied softly, his hands never pausing in their task. “I’ve got you.”

Manny’s touch was as much about comfort as it was about cleansing. He wanted Robby to feel safe, to know that he was cared for and loved, even in this moment of weakness. As he rinsed the soap from Robby’s skin, Manny couldn’t help but notice the way Robby’s body seemed to relax, the tension slowly draining away with each passing moment.

When Robby shivered slightly from the cool air that slipped into the shower, Manny quickly reached for a towel. He wrapped it around Robby’s shoulders, then guided him out of the shower, steadying him when his legs wobbled.

Gently, Manny began to dry Robby off, his movements slow and deliberate, giving Robby time to regain his strength. He dabbed at cuts and bruises with a careful hand, making sure not to cause any unnecessary discomfort. Every touch was filled with an unspoken promise—that he was there, that he wasn’t going anywhere, that he would do whatever it took to help Robby heal.

When Robby was finally dry and dressed in fresh clothes, Manny led him back to the bed. Robby sank into the mattress with a sigh, his body still aching but his heart feeling slightly lighter. Manny sat beside him, their hands still together, and for a long while, they simply existed in that shared space, the silence between them no longer heavy with doubt but with a quiet, comforting presence.

“You’re not alone in this, Robby,” Manny whispered, brushing a damp strand of hair from Robby’s forehead. “I’m with you, every step of the way.”

Robby didn’t respond with words—he didn’t need to. Instead, he squeezed Manny’s hand, a silent acknowledgment of the love and care that had been poured into every moment they had just shared. And in that gesture, Manny knew that they were beginning to find their way back to each other, one step at a time.

Over the next few days, Manny took care of Robby, doing everything he could to make him comfortable. He called Cindy and Maria to let them know Robby was recovering, though he didn’t go into detail about what had happened. Cindy, ever perceptive, shared her suspicions about the situation, but Manny stayed quiet, knowing that this was something he needed to work through with Robby alone.

As Robby’s physical wounds began to heal, so did the wounds in their relationship. Manny’s constant reassurance and care helped Robby realize that his fears had been unfounded, that Manny’s love for him was real and unwavering.

Although the semester was nearing its end, Manny and Robby decided to take a break from school. He knew that this would set them back; if they didn’t get time to heal, nothing else would matter. They needed time to focus on themselves, to heal, and to rebuild their trust. They didn’t hear from Tony again, and Manny didn’t try to contact him. His focus was on Robby, on their future together.

One warm, sunny afternoon, they drove to the coast, seeking solace in the peacefulness of the ocean. As they walked along the shore, Manny couldn’t help but think about how far they had come, how much they had endured together. He turned to Robby, the question burning in his mind. "Robby... do you still want to marry me?"

Robby stopped walking, turning to face Manny with a serious expression. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, dropping to one knee in the soft sand. Manny’s breath caught in his throat as he watched Robby, his heart filled with a mixture of love, relief, and overwhelming happiness.

“Manny,” Robby began, his voice full of emotion, “I’m sorry for everything. I was a fool, and I doubted you when I shouldn’t have. But I love you more than anything in this world. Will you marry me?”

As Robby opened the box, revealing the two simple, elegant rings inside, Manny’s eyes filled with tears. He had dreamed of this moment, longed for it with all his heart. But seeing Robby there, kneeling before him, offering not just a ring but his whole heart—it was almost too much for Manny to bear.

Without a second thought, Manny reached down, his hands trembling slightly, and pulled Robby to his feet. The sand shifted beneath them as Manny wrapped his arms around Robby, lifting him up in an embrace that was both fierce and tender. Robby gasped in surprise, his hands still holding the ring box as he was swept off his feet.

“Yes, Robby,” Manny whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he held him close. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I’ve wanted this—wanted you—more than anything.”

Robby’s arms found their way around Manny’s neck, the ring box pressed between them as they stood together, hearts racing and breath mingling. The strength of Manny’s embrace, the warmth of his body against Robby’s, was all the answer Robby needed. He had been prepared to offer Manny his love on bended knee, but instead, he found himself held up by that very love, stronger and more certain than ever.

“These rings,” Robby began, his voice filled with emotion, “Cindy and Maria helped me find them. They discovered a jeweler who works with rare materials. These rings are made from a meteorite that crashed on Earth millions of years ago. When they showed them to me, I knew these were the ones. It took the jeweler months to craft them, but I told him we would wait. They had to be perfect. They had to have meaning.”

“I bought the rest of the meteorite form him, the whole rock so nobody else can have a piece of our love.” Robby added.

Robby paused, looking deeply into Manny’s eyes. “These rings don’t just represent my love for you, Manny. They symbolize that our love is eternal—lasting now and for always.”

"Yes, Robby," he whispered, tears of happiness streaming down his face. "I would be proud to be your husband."

Robby took Manny’s hand and slid the ring onto his finger, a perfect fit. Manny did the same, placing the other ring on Robby’s finger. They stood there for a moment, holding each other as the waves lapped at their feet, the sun beginning to set on the horizon.

Robby chuckled softly, breaking the silence. "Maria’s going to be upset, you know. She wanted this to be a big event, with pictures and everything."

Manny smiled, his heart full. "This moment is etched into my heart and soul, Robby. I don’t need a picture to remind myself how much I love you."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Manny and Robby sat on a log, their hands together. The future was uncertain, but they knew one thing for sure—they would face it together, side by side, as partners in life and love.

As they walked back to the rustic inn they stayed the last time they were at the beach; the waves splashed gently against the shore, the rhythmic sound a soothing reminder that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they had each other. And that was enough.