Ody watched him for a moment, remembering the panic attack at the cinema. He kept his voice light. “How about a comedy?”
Mano hesitated before giving a small nod.
Ody went to grab his laptop. He brought it back and set it on the coffee table, opening it while Mano remained quiet on the couch.
“Want the lights on?” he asked, glancing at him.
Mano shook his head. “No. Turn them off.”
Ody switched them off and sat beside him. They watched in silence. Ody laughed more, but he didn’t mind. Seeing Mano smile after a night like this meant everything.
“That was good,” Ody said when the movie ended.
“Yeah.”
He checked his phone. “It’s twelve thirty. In about two hours you’ll need your pain meds. Does it hurt?”
“I’m fine.”
“Want me to wake you up for it or let you sleep?”
“I don’t know... What do you think, doctor?” Mano smirked.
Ody chuckled, but the smile faded quickly. “Since you were hurt pretty badly... I think you should take another one. We’ll see how you feel in the morning.”
“Yeah, but aren’t you going to sleep?”
“I’ll set an alarm.”
“No, no need for that. Let’s just wait till morning.”
Ody shook his head. “I don’t mind. I go right back to sleep. I just want you to get better.”
Their eyes met.
Mano studied him for a moment, as if weighing whether to argue. “Okay,” he finally said. “But I’m sleeping here.”
“No, you’re sleeping in the bedroom.” Ody leaned forward. “I don’t want your back to get worse.”
“Why? Your couch is fine.”
“Mano...” Ody held his gaze. “I said what I said.” His tone left no room for argument.
Mano sighed and leaned back against the couch.
“Want me to take you in now?” Ody asked after a moment. “Feeling sleepy?”
Mano nodded. Ody helped him stand, guiding him slowly to the bedroom, and lowered him onto the mattress. “Do you want to change? Put on something more comfortable?”
“Like what?”
“I’ll get you something of mine. Though I’m not sure it’ll fit. I’m taller,” he teased.
Mano shot him a sideways glare. “Hey, take it easy, mikre.”
“What? I’m like two whole inches taller than you,” Ody said.
“And I’m two years older. So keep your mouth shut.”
