Page 70 of The Road Home
They still hadn't had sex yet, but trading hand-jobs and blow jobs gave them both the release they needed. Orson wanted to try having sex, wanted to know if he could be with someone without the past getting in the way, but he was scared to bring it up. He sensed Jared wasn't ready, so he didn't push for more. He was happy with what they shared.
"I'm going to have to find a truck to haul that hutch over to Richard's later this week. It's almost finished. I was going to wait for their wedding ceremony, but since they're already married, I don't see any harm in dropping it off now."
"Do they know about it?"
"Sort of. Richard said he wanted one and I said I'd make one for him, but that was almost a year ago. I hope he likes it since we never talked about designs or wood color."
"It's an amazing piece. They'll love it." Orson was still amazed at what Jared could do with wood. Even after nights together in the shop, he still found himself staring at Jared as he worked, watching in amazement how Jared could make something so perfect.
"Thanks, I just get nervous when I make gifts. I'm so used to people ordering what they want or buying already finished pieces." Jared glanced over at Orson. "Maybe we should make something for Harry."
"I'd like that. Maybe just a simple chest or something." He wanted to help, but anything more than a stool or box would be way too hard for him.
"That would work. Something to keep his stuff in, yet easy to take with him when he finally gets his own place."
"Do you think he will?"
"Yeah, he will. The program he's in will help him find a job and get on his feet. It's not just about learning to sign and survive being deaf. They have all sorts of resources. I know he's nervous, but honestly, this is a good thing for him. Not that there is a positive to losing his hearing, but this will give him a chance to get off the streets and get his life in order."
"Just sucks how it all came about."
"It does." Jared pulled into a large parking lot that was filled with tents.
"Where are we?" Orson looked around, seeing they were in front of a local pet store.
"It's the semi-annual animal adoption event. I was thinking maybe it's time to get a dog." Jared smiled. "What do you think?"
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, why not? We have the yard for a dog to run through, plus I don't mind one in the house, if you don't."
"No, of course not. I wouldn't want to leave a dog outside all the time."
"So, if you are up to helping me train and do whatever else we need to do, what do you say? Should we go find a new family member?"
Tears stung Orson's eyes and he turned away embarrassed.
"What?" Jared's hand settled on his shoulder. "You don't want a dog?"
Orson shook his head. "No, I do. It's not that."
"Then what got you so emotional?" Jared sounded worried.
Orson laughed. "It's stupid."
"Nothing is stupid. Talk to me. I want you comfortable with the decision. If you're not, then we'll wait to get one."
Orson turned, wiping at the tears with the back of his hand. "You said family. I know it's stupid, but that just hit me hard. I didn't expect it, but I really like that you called us a family." He shook his head and laughed again. "Told you it was stupid."
Jared smiled as he pulled Orson into a hug. "We are a family. I know everything between us is new, but I don't look at us living together as roommates. I look at it like a family. I don't know what the future holds, but no matter what, we will be family. Even if a relationship doesn't work, you are still my family. That won't ever change."
"I feel the same way." Orson pulled back. "Sorry, I guess I just missed having a family more than I thought. I didn't expect that to hit me like it did."
"I'm glad you care enough that it did." Jared nudged him gently. "Come on, let's go find us a dog."
Orson nodded, excited that Jared wanted him with him for this. He could have easily come down and picked out a dog on his own. While Orson had no clue what to look for, he was glad he'd at least have a little say in what dog they brought home with them.
"So, what do you think? Is there a certain breed you like or don't like?" Jared walked beside him as they headed into the first tent.
