A Day In The Life of Tim and Bertie
Explosions, gunfire, shouting. Bertie holds Tim in his arms, screaming, his throat raw. The blood pouring from his eyes soaks Bertie’s hands. He isn’t waking up. He isn’t breathing. A hand meets his and he jolts awake, the dream being knocked out of him. “Bertie, it’s me, I’m here. I’m alive. A soft kiss on his knuckles. Bertie sits up and grabs Tim’s face, resting their foreheads together. “I love you,” He says, voice shaking as tears stream down his face like Tim’s blood in his dream. “I love you too. I always will. And I’ll always be here, okay?” “Okay.” Tim climbs into Bertie’s bed and holds him close, whispering reassurances. They just needed the money, they never wanted this. They just wanted better lives.
In the morning, the two eat breakfast together as usual. TS must have heard Bertie’s attack last night, because it had made Bertie’s favorite breakfast, yoghurt with fruit and granola. Bertie likes cold foods. And he knows that they didn’t have the ingredients for this last night, so TS had to have gone to the store that night. He thanks it with a kiss to the cheek before everyone piles into Aurora’s van to be driven to campus. Bertie sits with Tim through his classes, and Tim sits through Bertie’s with him. They made their schedules so they could always be near each other. If they’re apart too long they start to panic.
They wait at the library for Aurora to pick them up. Bertie uses Tim to practice his presentation for his astronomy major. Tim pouts cutely, “Stop giving the moon so much attention when I’m right here!!” Bertie smiles and kisses Tim’s hand, “You’re better than the moon, dearest.” Tim kisses his hand back, “I fuckin’ better be,” He says with a pout. “So what are you working on?” Bertie asks, shutting his laptop.” Tim grins evilly, “I get to write an essay on the military. I get to choose the details.” “Oh no! They’re in for a treat. What have you decided on?” “I’m gonna write about how the military is predatory and manipulates the lower class into joining.” Bertie giggles, “I can’t wait to see your professor’s reaction.” “I can’t wait to hear you describe it to me.”