Chp 13 Through His Brother's Eyes

Claire already knew Daniel had a brother, Ryan—the "serious one," the "protective one," the one Daniel half-joked would interrogate anyone who got too close. But knowing someone exists and meeting them in person are two entirely different things.

It wasn't their first time meeting, but it was different this time because its their official first meeting where she'd be interrogated.

The weekend Ryan came to visit Copenhagen was grey and wet. Rain tapped on windows like impatient fingers, and Emma spent half the morning pacing her tiny dorm room, wondering if her outfit was too casual or too formal or too anything. She settled on her usual coat and boots, hoping for the best.

Daniel met her at the metro station, umbrella in one hand, the other holding a bag with pastries from their favorite bakery.

"For bribery," he grinned, lifting the bag. "Ryan likes food more than people."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Great, so I just need to compete with a croissant for approval?"

Daniel leaned in and kissed her cheek. "You'll win. He just takes time."

They met Ryan at a quiet cafe near the city center—one of those low-lit, wood-paneled places where the coffee is strong and conversations seem to carry more weight. Ryan stood as they entered, tall, broad-shouldered, clean-cut in a way that made Daniel seem like the wilder sibling.

"Ryan, meet Emma," Daniel said, casually placing his hand on the small of her back.

Ryan gave a nod, his handshake firm. "Nice to finally meet you officially. I've heard a lot even before the last trip."

"Only the good parts, I hope," Emma said with a polite smile.

Ryan's lips twitched—maybe amusement, maybe skepticism. "We'll see."

---

The beginning of lunch was stiff.

---

Things relaxed when Amalie joined them.

Amalie, Ryan's girlfriend, was bright, talkative, and warm in all the places Ryan was reserved. She slid into the conversation like a breeze, sharing with Emma about her favorite book genres and whether she liked wine or beer more.

Over shared flatbreads and espresso, Amalie gently coaxed Ryan into telling embarrassing childhood stories about Daniel—the time he got his head stuck in a fence, his failed attempt at learning the violin, and a particularly hilarious tale involving a pet hamster named "Thor."

Daniel groaned. "I knew this would happen."

Emma, laughing, reached for his hand under the table. "This is the best lunch I've had in weeks."

Even Ryan cracked a smile.

---

Later that evening, they walked along the canal as the sky cleared. The cobblestones were wet from the earlier rain, and golden streetlights reflected in puddles like fireflies.

Emma walked a little ahead with Amalie, while Daniel and Ryan lingered behind.

"You like her?" Daniel asked, trying to keep his tone light.

Ryan shrugged. "She's intelligent. Calm. Doesn't fawn over you."

Daniel smirked. "You say that like it's rare."

"It is," Ryan said, pausing. "But yeah. I like her. She's grounded. Just be smart about it."

Daniel frowned. "What does that mean?"

Ryan looked at his younger brother. "You're impulsive, Dani. You go all in, then burn out. Don't do that with her. She's not someone you can just forget."

Daniel's chest tightened. "I don't plan to."

---

Meanwhile, Emma and Amalie found a quiet bench overlooking the water.

"He doesn't bring people home often," Amalie said softly. "Ryan, I mean. But Daniel either. You're the first person I've seen make him... settled."

Emma glanced back at Daniel, who was laughing at something Ryan said. "I'm not sure where it's all going yet. But it feels real."

Amalie smiled. "Then that's enough for now."

---

When the night ended, and Emma and Daniel were finally alone, walking back toward her dorm, he looked at her and said, "Thanks for surviving Ryan."

"He's not so bad," she said. "Like a quiet puzzle."

Daniel laughed. "Exactly."

They stopped at her front steps. The street was empty, the wind brushing against her coat.

"He likes you," Daniel said. "He won't say it. But I know."

Emma smiled. "Good. Because I like you. And I want to know the people who matter to you."

He pulled her close, resting his forehead against hers.

"You already do."