Mark topped, for the second time in their wholerelationship. The only other time was once back in basic whenPatrick forgot that Mark was the NCO. Patrick had never forgottenthat lesson.
But tonight Mark took his time with his lover.He stroked Patrick until Patrick was begging. His tongue foundevery single hidden recess that Patrick's body had. When he wasfinally sunk into the other man's body Mark moaned long andlow.
Patrick whimpered at the unaccustomed pain butwanted more. The pain let him know he was alive. The love pulsingthrough him let him know that without Mark...yeah, he didn't evenwant to think about it.
“I love you, Patrick. I love you so fuckingmuch,” Mark whispered as he began to slide in and out of his lover.“I want you...I need you...you're my everything.” His breath blewacross the back of Patrick's neck. He was so close. Patrick wasvirgin-tight. His cock felt like it was being strangled to death.His strokes became harder. More demanding. Patrick's cries turnedloud and high-pitched until the smaller man came all over the bedand his own stomach.
Mark didn't last long after that. As soon asPatrick came, the vice grip he held him in tightened. That sentwaves of pleasure coursing through his belly, straight to hisballs. He came with a roar, spilling himself deep into his lover'sbody.
***
Patrick and Mark went to San Antonio the nextday. Mark was grateful for Marko and Collie, who were running thebar so he could be here. He hadn't been in his own bar in over twoweeks. If it weren't for them he would be out of business.
Patrick choked on the cleanliness of thehospital. Mark knew the feeling.
Phillip was still in ICU, he had coded twicesince he’d been there. The doctors were taking no chances,especially with the group that hung out in the waiting room forhim.
Mark had to smile when Patrick blinked at thetwo old grizzled Drill Sergeants.
“Roach and Beaver? Wow.” Patrick sent them mocksalutes and was then enveloped in a huge bear hug by Kenneth. Hewas passed around the room until he was standing in front of RobertBeaver.
“I ain't that happy to see you son, but I'llshake any SOB's hand that has been over in that hell hole,” theDrill Sergeant boomed. It seemed completely out of place-- yetnot.
Patrick put out his hand and the older man shookit tightly.
“Welcome home,” Jeff said, shaking his hand andpatting his back.
Sandy pulled Patrick to the side and informedhim that he was Phillip's step-brother, if anyone asked.
“They're being dicks. Sherri and Gerry goteveryone in though. Phillip's family is freaking huge now.”
“How's Katie?”
“She's staying with Tory today. They had a majortest. She's doing okay. Scared, and doesn't know how to say whatshe feels,” Sandy said sadly. “She hasn't been in to see Phil sincethe first time we brought her. She can't bear to see him likethat.”
“Yeah.” Patrick nodded, understandingcompletely. Mark had a hard time seeing Phillip the way he was.
“Mark, why don't you take Patrick back?” Sherrisaid gently. “Send Mac and Meghan out.”
Mark nodded. As he was leading Patrick back inthe room he took a deep breath. “He doesn't look like he did,” hewhispered.
They entered the room. Patrick had thought he’dprepared himself, but he obviously hadn't. A sob ripped from histhroat and he swallowed. Hard.
“Oh fuck. Oh god.”
Phillip lay against the cold, white pillow andnearly blended in with it. His skin was almost translucent. Hisonce full face was gaunt and sunken in. He looked like some sort ofzombie. Patrick couldn't believe this was the same man who’dbrimmed with life just a month ago.
Mark slipped his arms around Patrick and heldhim tight. They both moved forward.
“Hey buddy,” Patrick said quietly when they werebeside the bed. “You're going to be starving to death when you wakeup. And you damn well better fucking wake up.”
Mark felt Patrick shaking and knew the man wasbarely keeping it all in.
The ventilator had been removed when Phillipbegan to fight it. He was breathing on his own with a little helpfrom the oxygen being pumped in through tubes in his nose.
“He hasn't woken up?”
“No. He has brain activity so the Doctors areoptimistic, but the longer he stays down...they just don't know,Patrick.”
