Short Story

Arriving back at his apartment, Booker found Tom curled on the couch, his gaunt face a mask of misery. Dressed in ill-fitting sweats, the borrowed clothing swamped his slender frame, giving him the appearance of someone much younger than his twenty-five years. There was a bucket next to the couch that smelled faintly of vomit and Booker averted his eyes, unable to stomach the sight of the foul smelling liquid. His lower body ached, and all he wanted to do was take a hot shower and go to bed. For the first time since Tom’s arrival, he was aware of the enormity of what he was taking on. He could say goodbye to his carefree bachelor’s life, he was now responsible for a sick and emotionally damaged

Falling forward, Tom pressed his lips against Booker’s open mouth and kissed him passionately. Removing his finger, Booker wrapped his arms around Tom’s narrow body and pulling him close, they thrust their bodies together as they continued to shudder out their release. Seconds passed, and when they were both finally spent, Tom slowed the kiss and sitting up, he trailed a finger over the seminal fluid covering Booker’s chest. “Wow,” he grinned.

A stillness settled around them, all the hospital sounds fading into the background as the enormity of Tom’s admission finally hit home. The dark-haired officer rose to his feet, his movements slow and clumsy. But as a surge of adrenaline secreted into his system, his eyes darted wildly around him and the sudden need to escape the close confines of the room overwhelmed him. “I can’t...I...I’ve gotta go!” he blurted out, and spinning around, he stumbled out the door, hot blinding tears blurring his

Booker’s grinned widened. He knew exactly how to push Tom’s buttons to trigger a reaction, so much so that he hardly considered it sport anymore. However, he continued to goad the younger officer because any response, even an angry one, was better than no interaction at all. He needed Tom’s attention in the same way he needed oxygen; it was crucial, and he knew the only way he would get it was to continue to piss him off. But, in

Even though Booker had attended over a dozen therapy sessions (both with Tom and without), he still found the experience extremely uncomfortable, and he cringed inwardly at the question. He was a private person by nature, and discussing his feelings with a stranger was not easy. The intense psychological examination was new territory for him, and it had him stepping outside his comfort zone and leaping feet first into the unwelcome state of vulnerability and agitation. Although he had known

But when he caught sight of the wistful look in Booker’s eyes, he felt like a prick tease. He’d given his lover false hope by implying their relationship was moving toward a more mutually beneficial arrangement, but at the last moment, he’d chickened out, leaving Booker wanting. After everything he and Booker had been through, he wanted their lives together to move forward and the only way he could perceive that happening was to prove his love. Deep down, he knew he was ready for the next step, but he’d allowed his anxiety to convince him otherwise. He was man enough to admit he was nervous, but he was tired of living in fear. Despite their propensity for passionate outbursts, he knew in his heart their love was the real deal, and he wanted to express it physically as well as emotionally. Love wasn’t always easy, it required dedication, sacrifice, and above all, commitment. And he was committed, one-hundred percent committed, and the time had come to show Booker his

The emotional anguish shining from Booker’s dark eyes brought a lump to Tom’s throat, and before he had time to think about the consequences of his actions, he leaned forward and brushed his lips over his friend’s quivering pout. The brief contact sent a shiver of arousal down his spine, and flustered and confused by his overt display of affection, he stepped back, his face flaming red and a shy smile playing over his lips. He had no idea what had made him act so impulsively, and uncertainty quickened his pulse. His stomach rolled with a mixture of nerves and humiliation, and he quickly lowered his eyes to the floor, too embarrassed to meet Booker’s gaze. But as a lengthy silence hung in the air, he dared to peer up through his long lashes,

Turning a corner, Tom slowed his pace as he approached his apartment building. Although he longed for the comfort of his home, the thought of facing Booker filled him with dread, the psychological burden weighing him down. Consequently, he purposely dragged his feet, delaying the confrontation and the inevitable argument. He’d reacted badly to the news of Booker's tape, and his guilt hung like a noose around his neck, waiting for the moment his mind yanked at the metaphorical rope, and the painful castigation crushed his airway. But while his remorse was real, his jealousy was a far bigger beast, a raging fire-breathing monster that easily dominated all other emotion. It was a deep-seated sensation that encompassed feelings of fear, rage, and

Booker’s dark eyes shone bright and bending his head forward, he rested on his elbows and took Tom into his mouth. With his lover’s hand steadying his head, he allowed him to thrust his cock between his

Tom had exposed his weakness, leaving Booker wondering if he could be bothered getting to know someone who wasn’t prepared to stand up and fight. While there was no denying he was physically attracted to the pretty officer, his lack of fortitude bothered him. He’d never come across anyone like Tom, and while the young officer’s uniqueness fascinated him, he was still unsure whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, and he figured, only time would tell.

Pain stabbed through Booker’s heart, and although he sympathized with his friend’s plight, he knew he needed to convince him to stay calm and listen to the doctors. “No, baby, that’s not what they think. They’re just making sure you’re okay.”

Joseph kicked off his shoes and helped Paul out of his shirt, careful not to brush the bruises. Paul raised his arms above his head slowly, watching Joseph as he slid the shirt over his head, tossing it aside and letting his fingers linger on his bare chest for a moment. There was a silence that filled the room. Not an awkward silence, for they had known each other long enough that they could sit in comfortable silence. But this was not a familiar silence. Both men were close enough they could hear the other’s breath, see their chests rise and fall, feel the warmth between them. Paul took a step forward, closing the gap between them. Joseph looked at him. confused and surprised, opening his mouth to raise a question. Paul held up a hand, stopping Joseph from saying anything.“Just” he paused

“I love you,” he murmured, and without waiting for an answer, he continued an oral examination of his lover’s warm flesh. His tongue dipped into the hollow of Dennis’ throat, his soft, moist lips full of tenderness and passion as they explored the familiar contours. The heat of Booker’s skin radiated against his lips, and his breath melted into a moan. “Oh, babe,” he whispered. “You’re so fucking

It was one of those moments where Tom knew his actions would speak far louder than any comforting words, and without hesitation, he stepped forward and gently placed his hands on either side of his lover’s face. Their eyes locked, and for the briefest of moments, he could see Booker’s soul reflecting through his pain-flecked irises, the depth of his despair shimmering in the desolate black pools. It was a powerfully moving experience and overcome with empathy, he brushed his lips over the dark-haired officer’s quivering mouth, tenderly silencing his fears with the soft caress. Never before had he felt such an overwhelming urge to nurture another human being, the intensity of the emotion rekindling his love for the man standing before him. There was now no doubt in his mind Booker was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and with the knowledge came a sense of peace; he had found his twin flame, and he would do everything in his power to protect him.

But just as he had made up his mind to tell Booker it was over, a strident voice inside his head told him to stop being so pathetic and fight, fight, fight! Despite the roller coaster ride that was their friendship, Booker had chosen him as a partner, not Jorge, and he needed to stop doubting his lover’s motives and treat him with the respect he deserved. But it wasn’t quite as easy as that. If their relationship was to survive, he needed to overcome his fears and give Booker the greatest gift he could offer; his unconditional love. It was a huge step for someone who only three months before had been violently raped by seven strangers, but it was a sacrifice Tom was willing to make. His love was absolute, and he wanted to experience the same level of passion his lover had once shared with Jorge. He wanted to feel loved. He wanted to be Booker’s everything.