Disclaimer: I don't own any of Matthew Reilly's amazings series!
Set in the city of bridges, the second vertex. Word count: 200 exactely! (inc. quote from book) 174 without.
Im pretty sure this should have warnings of some kind but nothing quite fits so I'll say everything close (but please take into account the low rating before you run away screaming): (hints at) pre-slash, slash, shota, one-sided/unrequited love
'And as the last flare began to flicker and die, Jack put his arm around Alby. 'I'm sorry, kid.'
The flare went out.
Darkness engulfed them.'
Alby barely held back a whimper when the impenetrable blackness blanketed his eyes. He shifted onto his knees and snuggled further into Jack's embrace. Alby felt safe in his presence even with the dark; even with the now ominous-sounding echoes of Morse code reverberating in the flooded city.
He raised one hand to wipe the still drying tears from his cheek.
Then he raised his hand further.
-oOo-
Jack thought he felt a hand at his jaw; he stayed still with his arm around his daughter's friend as small fingers un-did the clasp of his helmet.
The ex-soldier smiled as cool air hit the top of his head; he turned to face the boy, sensing that Alby has commandeered the fireman's attire for himself.
Jack thought he felt something soft briefly touch his lips and then, just before he flung his arms up to shield his eyes from a glaring spotlight, he glimpsed a small smile turning the mouth on a youthful face and twinkling eyes under the shadow of an oversized hard hat.
