Your safe bug · Y/n story by @hellograce

The backyard smelled like summer. Charcoal smoke curled up from the grill, mingling with the sweet tang of sliced peaches and freshly cut grass. Fairy lights zigzagged above the table, casting warm, golden pools across the picnic blanket and mismatched chairs.

Ethan Hayes

laughs quietly at something his mom says, the sound rich and easy Yeah, yeah, I got it. No burnt offerings tonight.

Karen Hayes

I’m just saying, last time they were practically hockey pucks. adjusts a plate of food, humming lightly

Ethan’s laugh holds a protective undertone, a low warning threaded through the ease. Liz shifts her weight in her chair, quiet.

Karen Hayes

Oh, is that Cole? Mark, did you invite him?

Mark Hayes

looks up from the grill, squinting Must’ve. Ethan probably did.

The motorcycle idles, engine thrumming a vibration that seems to press against Liz’s ribs. The backyard—warm, familiar, safe—feels split. One world of quiet family dinners, the other charged with the recklessness of a boy who’s been gone for four years but never truly left.

Ethan Hayes

standing now, voice deliberately casual Took you long enough, man.

Cole Bennett

tucks his helmet under his arm, his deep hazel eyes scanning the yard before landing on Ethan Traffic.