message in a bottle

By the time he and River arrived back home Tobi could barely walk straight thanks to the heavily discounted drinks at the club. It took them both a few minutes to correctly slide the key into the door, taking it in turns.

When he suggested they head out for drinks that evening he was expecting to be home and in bed by 8pm. River didn't seem like the type to stay out until dawn like Tobi. He was the sensible one in their friendship. The one who kept Tobi in line or tried to. Tonight he was the one leading River astray. Handing him shot after shot until he’d lost count. Then dragging River away to the dancefloor to sweat out the alcohol. Their friendship was purely platonic but it didn’t stop Tobi from looking at River, glistening with beads of sweat.

And so what if he was admiring? It wasn't a crime. He’d always seen a massive question mark over Rivers head when it came to his sexuality anyway. Tobi’s gaydar wasn’t always accurate though. Plenty of times he’d hit on men, swearing blind they were gay only to be rejected. Usually with some shitty comment until their breath. They should have been thanking Tobi for giving them the time of day though.

With the taste of tequila shots resting heavily on his tongue he decided to pour them both a glass of water. Tobis ancient body would be thanking him in the morning. He needed something to wash away the liquor anyway before he vomited over their freshly mopped kitchen floor. It wasn’t like his mom would be screaming at him if he did. Sometimes he was convinced he took second place for the most disappointed child. Kai took first place of course. They gave him the benefit of the doubt most of the time. Being drowned by your older brother was bound to cause some trauma. It didn’t excuse his reckless behaviour from before he died though.

Tobi threw himself down on the couch next to River, handing him the glass. “I’m convinced I’ve given myself acute alcohol poisoning.” His words were slurred. He rounded his statement off with a hiccup. “If I die, promise me you’ll throw yourself onto my coffin in front of everyone. Screaming that you can’t live without me.” His mom might join River if that happened. At least this time he would have his own funeral instead of a joint one with his siblings. “I had a lot of fun with you tonight. Didn’t know you were such a great dancer.” He teased, leaning over to poke River lightly. He couldn’t toss his hips around as well as Tobi though.

RIVER MAY