The three of us stepped outside, and the air was crisp with a light breeze. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood. Henry took off running ahead of us, leaving Michael and me to follow at a slower pace.
“He’s really something, isn’t he?” Michael smiled as he watched Henry chasing a butterfly. “Thanks for picking him up today. I don’t know why, but knowing I didn’t have to rush to be at the daycare on time made it easier to focus today.”
“He’s the best. Takes after his dad,” I said with a smirk, bumping my shoulder into his.
Michael rolled his eyes playfully. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Smooth Talker.”
Was that what I was doing? Did hewantme to flirt with him? Seriously, what in the hell even was this life? Michael didn’t say anything else about my compliment, so neither did I. I needed to get them home for the night and make sure Michael actually went to bed, and then I could go home and sort through all this shit in my mind.
We laughed and continued our walk. As we made our way through the neighborhood, the conversation shifted between the mundane daily life to more profound topics.
As we turned back toward the house, Henry grew tired and clung to Michael’s side. I couldn’t help but notice how gentle Michael was with him, how his face softened whenever Henry spoke, and how he seemed to treasure each moment with his son.
The sight of Michael being such a loving father struck a chord within me. It felt like my heart was swelling with an emotion I couldn't quite place.
As we reached the front door, Michael seemed to falter slightly. His eyes were drooping, and he looked as though he was about ready to pass out.
“I’ve got him,” I said quietly, taking Henry from his arms. “You go lie down.”
Michael nodded gratefully and stumbled inside, collapsing onto the couch.
I took Henry upstairs, helped him brush his teeth, and tucked him into bed. As I was about to leave the room, Henry’s small voice stopped me.
“Uncle Billy, are you and Daddy gonna be boyfriends?” Henry asked innocently.
I was taken aback by the question. “What makes you ask that, buddy?”
“'Cause I think Daddy likes you a lot. And I like you too. I think it would be nice,” he said with a sleepy smile. “Daddy isn’t so growly when you’re around.”
I felt my heart melt. “We’ll see, Henry. Now, get some sleep.”
I left Henry’s room and went downstairs to find Michael snoring softly on the couch. I covered him with a blanket and then took a seat in an armchair opposite him. My mind raced, unwilling to wait until I got home to figure out what was going on.
The house was quiet, and in the soft glow of the living room lights, Michael looked peaceful. I realized I wanted more nights like this. More moments with him and Henry. I wanted to be there for them, just as I hoped they would be there for me.
Determined, I quietly began setting things up for the morning, preparing Henry’s lunch, laying out clothes for him, and making a to-do list for Michael.
As I finished, I looked over at Michael one last time and made a silent promise to myself. Tomorrow, I would talk to him. It was time to face whatever was building between us head-on. For Michael, for Henry, and for me.
The night was filled with possibilities, and for the first time in a long time, I felt both anxious and excited about what the future might hold.
5
MICHAEL
The sunlight filteredthrough the blinds as I woke up the next morning, casting long shadows across the floor. I groaned and rolled onto my side, the events of the past few nights rushing back into my mind. Billy, stripping me down to my underwear, tucking me into bed, the soft press of his lips on my forehead. Me, begging him to keep going when his hand brushed against my long-neglected dick. Rolling over and rutting against the mattress after he left because there was no way I was going to sleep without getting off. I flushed, tugging at the sheets that would need to be washed.
Yesterday, we’d been able to pretend everything was normal. We spent the evening together and, sometime after I crashed on the couch, he’d set up everything for this morning. He even left me a note reminding me to take care of myself. Longing weighed heavy in my chest, and it was screwing with my head.
God, it was Billy, for Christ's sake. My best friend, my confidante, the one person who had always been there, through thick and thin.
And Danny's older brother.
I groaned again as I rolled out of bed, shuffling into the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day before Henry woke up. The scent of my citrus body wash didn't do much to clear my head, and neither did the warm rush of water over my body. Billy's face was there every time I closed my eyes, his voice echoing in my ears. I shook my head and focused on finishing my shower.
When I was dressed and ready, I made my way into the kitchen to fix some breakfast. The smell of brewing coffee filled the air, comforting in its familiarity. I was halfway through a bowl of cereal when my phone buzzed. I picked it up and glanced at the screen, my heart skipping a beat.
Billy.
