Page 9 of A Case of You
“What if I never feel better?”
“That’s not an answer.”
Jeff sniffled. “No, because Stu loves it.”
“He wouldn’t if he knew it was hurting you.”
“He’snot hurting me. This goddamned disease hurts me. He hasn’t done anything wrong.”
“Then why is he nearly in tears out in the kitchen?”
More damn guilt. “I’m sorry.” His breath hitched. “I…I hate feeling like this.”
Brandon kissed him. “Sit here for a minute, okay?”
“Okay.”
Brandon left the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. Jeff sat on the far side of the bed, closest to the sliders. The vertical blinds were shut, but he could already see hints of grey light trying to sneak in around the bottom and sides.
Morning.
People everywhere going to work.
How he wished he was one of them.
All because one stupid, fucking little goddamned tick that wasn’t even as big as the end of his pinky made a meal out of him and infected him with this motherfucking disease.
He didn’t look over when the door opened and closed again. Stuart rounded the end of the bed, a mug of coffee in his hands. Jeff realized it was his favorite mug, one with an Edsel on it that Emma had gotten him for his last birthday.
Stuart slowly knelt in front of him, holding the mug up for him. “I made your coffee for you.”
Now he really wanted to cry. Bless his heart, Stuart was a sweetie, totally a bottom. Jeff took it from him and took a sip. “Thank you, boy. It’s perfect.” He set it on the bedside table and spread his legs a little, patting his thigh.
Stuart edged in, resting his head in Jeff’s lap. Jeff started stroking his hair.
“I’m sorry we didn’t sleep with you last night,” Stuart said.
“No, I’m sorry I snapped at you, buddy. I…I’m sorry. In the future when I’m like this, feel free to call me an asshole and remind me it’s the pain making me be a butthead.”
Stuart’s arms gently encircled Jeff’s waist as he nuzzled in closer. “I love you. I wish I could make you feel better.”
“I know, buddy. But I’m serious. Please, look at me.”
Stuart finally did.
“Imeanit. When I get like this, call me out on it.”
“You can’t help it.”
“Icanhelp it. I also need to be reminded of it.” He raked his nails along Stuart’s scalp the way he knew their little subby boy loved. “How about I grab a shower with you this morning?”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. Hot water might make me feel a little better. Please get me a pair of shorts from my room, and grab your coffee and bring it in. I’ll get the shower started, and you meet me there.” He tipped Stuart’s head up before crooking a finger at him to stand.
When Stuart did, Jeff reached between Stuart’s legs, palming his cock through the sleeping shorts he wore.
He hardened immediately.
