Artur had taken off his shoes, negotiating his way around the dimly lit apartment. It was a one-bedroom apartment, the best they could afford, with a living area and a small kitchen, and the bedroom off the kitchen. The bathroom was off the kitchen also, shared with their neighbor and windowless.
He wasn’t used to the apartment’s layout yet, as they had just gotten a living room set last weekend. Next would be a kitchen set, Dietrich had promised. Possibly next month.
Artur saw the bedroom door open, and suppressed a sigh. If Dietrich had stayed up all night waiting for him…
But he heard Dietrich’s gentle snores coming from the bed. However, Artur knew that he was going to wake him up. He undressed in the gloom, down to his boxers, and climbed into his side of the king-sized bed. Dietrich stirred.
“I got your text,” he said, voice thick with sleep. “You had a good time.”
Artur lay down next to his brother. “We had a great time. He wants us all to go to the museum some night. He wants to involve you.”
“I don’t need to be involved, Artie.” Dietrich reached behind him and patted Artur’s leg. “You have your fun.”
“I want you to have fun too, Dee-dee.”
Dietrich turned over to face him, and chuckled. “Like the last few times you thought I’d have fun?”
“I thought you would have liked them.”
“Just because you like those kinds of men doesn’t mean I do.”
“No, you like the librarians.”
“And politicians. Don’t forget the politicians.”
Artur spat, “Blah.”
“If I hadn’t blown off that politician those couple of times, we wouldn’t be here, you know.”
Artur looked up at the ceiling, knowing exactly where he would be, and where his brother would have been as well. Dietrich patted Artur’s hand. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow’s the weekend, so we can sleep in.”
Artur turned his back to his brother, while Dietrich turned his back also. Artur focused on the quiver of arrows leaning up against the closet, and closed his eyes against tears. The very thought of their being separated for the rest of their lives made him cry.
Then Artur felt Dietrich move behind him, come up to give him a fierce hug. “I’m sorry I brought that up.”
Artur wiped his face. “Please, I know what you’ve done for me.”
“All I ask, Artie, is please, stay out of the light.”
“I can’t have any fun–”
“You can’t be reckless. Be careful, for both our sakes.”
“It was only a night out –”
“I’m not talking about Pavel.”
Artur turned over, “What -are- you talking about, then?”
Dietrich nodded to the quiver. “You’re a good shot. Don’t be too good.” Dietrich moved back to his side. “I know you’re trying to help, and I appreciate the extra money, but until we figure out a way to get you granted asylum without this government coming to take you away, it’s better for us to stay out of the limelight.”
Artur sighed, and snuggled up to his brother, wrapping his arms around Dietrich’s chest. His brother put his hands over Artur’s and said quietly, “It’s for our own good.”
“I know, my brother. I know.” That was the only way he could fall asleep.