A soft laugh escaped the blond as warmth spread across his face.
"I'm glad."
He nestled closer until his head rested comfortably against Clyde's broad chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"But honestly..." he mumbled with a sleepy giggle, "this just makes me want to lock you away more... where nobody can find you."
Clyde let out a quiet chuckle, his fingers absentmindedly combing through Ryley's hair.
"I wouldn't mind being locked up by you."
His smile lingered for only a heartbeat.
"...But you know they'd tear the doors down and drag me back out."
The lightness in his voice faded so subtly that most people would've missed it.
Ryley didn't.
He slowly lifted his head, searching Clyde's face.
"...I've never heard you sound like that before."
His smile disappeared.
"What happened, Clyde?"
For a brief moment, Clyde looked away.
Ryley braced himself, already expecting another reassuring lie.
Another I'm fine.
Instead, Clyde drew a slow breath.
