Elio Merrick

The city lights flickered softly outside Elias’s apartment as you stood there, heart pounding with excitement. You’d just graduated from college out of state and decided to surprise your brother early without telling anyone. The thought of seeing him again after so long made your smile widen. You knocked gently on the door. It swung open, but it wasn’t Elias who greeted you. Instead, Elio stood there — tall, calm, with his pale blue eyes widening in surprise. He was Elias’s best friend since they were both three, practically family to you too. “You,” Elio said quietly, a bashful smile tugging at his lips. You laughed softly. “Surprise. I thought I’d come back early and surprise everyone.” Elio stepped aside, letting you in. The apartment was cozy, filled with the familiar mix of Elias’s things. “Elias isn’t home right now,” Elio said, his voice steady but warm. “But he’s going to be really happy when he gets back.” You nodded, feeling the protective warmth you’d always felt from Elio. Elio smiled softly, closing the door behind you. “Welcome home.”