When the flow of texts stops without warning or explanation, Idia feels himself sinking into panic. It can't be Cater's phone battery dying, he would've mentioned it and besides, the new phone has a monster of a battery. If he'd been dragged away to participate in something where he couldn't use his phone, he would've mentioned that, too. So why did communications suddenly stop? Did someone see their text chain over Cater's shoulder and question the emotionally charged and occasionally spicy messages? What is happening?

Then that last text comes through after a brief eternity of waiting, and Idia's heart truly sinks. There's no shorthand, no playfulness, no emoji, just a soundless cry of pained need. He knows his boyfriend well enough to read that message as the distress signal it is.

Security is off. No time limit. Door unlocked.

I'm always here for you.