The train pulls into the station at ten past four that afternoon.
Ryan can’t go onto the platform, because of the ticket barriers, but he waits just beyond them, still shifting on his feet as if he’s about to break into a run, and getting funny looks from the station staff.
Alex comes through the wider gate for luggage, a large sports bag slung onto his back and a laptop case in the other hand. Ryan barely pauses long enough to take the laptop bag and tuck it safely between his feet before he’s hugging him, tight and hard and desperate, as if letting go would be some kind of mortal sin.
“God,” he mutters, burying his face into Alex’s neck, and Alex shifts slightly to return the hug. “Told you. Told you that you’d have to fend me off.”
Alex chuckles slightly.
“Missed you,” Ryan whisper
