Maris pulled him into a tight hug. “We’re going to get our lady and bring her home, Darling. I promise you.”

Darling clung to Maris as all of his fears and emotions shredded him. It was a weakness he’d never allow anyone else to see. Tears swam in his eyes. “I can’t live without her, Mari,” he whispered. “I can’t. She has to be all right. The thought of anything else…”

Maris tightened his arms around him.

“I am so incredibly confused.”

Blinking away his tears, Darling burst out laughing at Drake’s befuddled exclamation from the opposite hallway. With a shake of his head to clear his vision, he leaned against Maris and met his brother’s fierce scowl. “Yes, little brother, I’m that confidently heterosexual that I can hug my best friend in public and not feel awkward while doing it.”

“Yeah, I can hug a guy, too. Just not nipple to nipple.” Drake shivered in revulsion. “That’s just a little too much bromancy for me, thank you very much.”

Laughing, Maris held his hand out to Drake who took it without hesitation. He pulled Drake toward him, then hugged him with one arm while keeping their crossed hands trapped between their bodies so that their chests didn’t touch. “Don’t worry, Drake. Even nipple to nipple, you wouldn’t turn me on.”

His expression offended, Drake stepped back. “I don’t believe you for even a second, Mari. I ooze sexy animal magnetism.”

Darling rolled his eyes at Drake’s arrogance. “Excuse me, little brother? Not to tear down your epic ego or anything, but… Mari and I have gotten more women as gay men than you have ever gotten with all that oozing sexy animal whatever.”

Maris concurred, then stepped forward to whisper loudly. “And if it is oozing, sweetie, you really should see a doctor about it. I’m told they have medication for things like that nowadays.”

“Oh dear gods, what did I just walk in on?” Annalise pressed her hands to her ears and started singing out loud as she continued on her way down the hall, past them.

Maris gave Darling a lopsided grin. “I think we may have scarred her for life.”

Darling shrugged. “I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m pretty sure I ruined her years ago.” Grateful for the temporary break in the melancholia that had been his life since Zarya had been taken, he met Drake’s gaze. “Did you need something?”

“Yeah. I was coming to let you know that Giran has finally assembled the CDS in the south council hall. They’re waiting for you.”

Maris sighed. “Do you know what you’re going to say to them?” he asked Darling.

If he’d been his father, Darling would have had a prepared speech ready. Something profound, that would unify the people and build their confidence.

Unfortunately, he flew by the seat of his pants, and would rather speak from his heart.

“Not a clue.”

“Oh good.” Maris elbowed Drake. “You get the drinks and I’ll bring the snacks. This is going to be a great show.”