Page 80 of Out of the Storm

When Mel and Jeff returned to the living room a few minutes later, Ken was engrossed in the movie, while Gary was still conked out on the couch. Mel took the bowl of popcorn to Ken. Gingerly, Jeff tried to squeeze into his old seat, hoping he wouldn’t wake Gary, but it seemed his movements weren’t careful enough. Gary straightened up and opened his eyes, groaning as he reoriented himself.

“Sorry. Fell asleep.”

Jeff smiled. “Yeah, I know.”

“I kind of want to sleep some more too.”

With a chuckle, Jeff took Gary’s arm and put it around his shoulders.

“Go ahead.”

“Will you tell me what happened in the movie later?”

“Sure, Gare Bear,” Jeff said, settling back against Gary’s chest.

Within seconds, Gary fell back asleep. And even though Jeff tried to focus on watching the movie, he couldn’t seem to pull his thoughts away from the card in his wallet.

***

Over the next couple of days, Jeff and Gary weren’t able to see each other as often. Jeff had several shifts at the mall, andof course, Gary had his radio programs to run in the mornings and evenings, plus trying to catch up on everything he had missed in Niles news-wise over the past week.

On the third night they were spending apart, Jeff was sitting in his bedroom listening to Gary’s program, missing him so fervently it felt like his heart was being put through one of those pasta presses he remembered his mom used to have. He hadn’t realized how much he’d be missing Gary’s presence. Or, especially and surprisingly, how much he’d be missing Gary’s touch. Gary’s embraces had once made Jeff slightly nervous, but now they seemed to have a calming effect, especially whenever they’d cuddle, propped up in bed with Gary holding him from behind. Even though sleeping had been slightly easier the last few nights without Gary constantly squeezing him, the contrast between the two hadn’t been as stark as Jeff had expected it to be. And that surprised him more than anything else—the fact that it seemed like he was becoming used to Gary’s overnight cuddles too. Fuck, he really missed his Gare Bear.

Chest heavy from Gary’s absence, Jeff struggled to keep listening to the program. Hearing Gary’s voice was making him feel worse. He should have been watching Gary’s show in person. Why hadn’t he thought of that earlier? Why had he been so insistent that he’d benefit from some time sleeping in his own bed? What the fuck.

Unable to focus on Gary’s beautiful voice, Jeff switched off the radio. He’d have to waste the time before their phone call some other way. As Jeff’s mind ran through the possibilities—listening to some records, making himself a cocktail, folding the laundry that was sitting in the basket—his eyes fell upon the tape player in the bookcase. He stared at it for a second, and then he grinned. Maybe he could make a mix tape for Gary. After all, Gary was probably sick of Jeff’s “old-time-y male singers” (as he had oncecalled them), so maybe Jeff could surprise him with a mix of modern crap—stuff Jeff could only really tolerate listening to in the car when they were together. Gary’d probably be thrilled. They could pop it into the tape player to listen to whenever Jeff drove Gary around Niles. Or maybe it’d help Gary’s nerves when Jeff eventually took him to Youngstown.

Heart pounding from the rush of excitement, Jeff set to work, and by the time Gary’s program was coming to an end, Jeff had finished the tape. He knew he couldn’t stand to wait before surprising him with it. So, without even calling Gary first, Jeff hopped in his car and rushed over to Gary’s house. As soon as Gary saw Jeff through the window, his face lit up like the brightest fucking evening star. Jeff could only shake his head in response. Gary was so cute.

When Gary opened the door, he held out his arms, wordlessly inviting Jeff in for a hug, though Jeff kind of wished Gary would skip trying to be considerate. Of course Jeff wanted a fucking hug. Jesus. Hell, Jeff had become plenty okay with Gary squeezing him like a fucking boa constrictor, even while they slept (or while Jeff kinda sorta slept).

Relieved to be with Gary again, Jeff stepped up, letting Gary wrap him up in a hug. He hugged Gary tightly in return.

“Missed you, Gare,” he said, his voice slightly muffled by Gary’s shirt.

“Geez, I’m so happy to see you,” Gary said, nuzzling the top of Jeff’s head. “What made you want to come over?”

“I have a present for you,” Jeff said before pulling back a bit. “Kind of.”

“Kind of?”

“It’s not much, but...” Jeff took the plastic case out of his back pocket and held it up for Gary to see. “I—”

“Oh, wow! Did you makeme a mix tape?!”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Let me think...” Gary hummed. “Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole?”

“Um, no. It’s—”

“Oh!” Gary had obviously found the track list. “Real music!”

Jeff let out a snort. “Fuck off, Gare. My musicisreal music.”

“Eh... maybe.” Gary looked up from the tape and winked. “I hope you know I’m kidding. I like your music. More importantly, I know how muchyoulike it.”

Jeff smirked. “I know you’re kidding, Gare. I’m not sure you have a mean bone in your body. I, on the other hand, have many, and I thought I’d better make you a mix of stuff I wouldn’t completely hate.”

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