Page 25 of Mouth to Mouth

It just wasn’t fair.

Brad was good at everything he did. Kisses, blowjobs, handjobs—whatever Brad put his mind too seemed to be done with perfection. Stupid damn perfect man. And Brad might claim that he was no longer a Daddy but his words contradicted that claim. It was confusing, frustrating, and a damn shame that Brad was locking that part of himself away.

The short hall from the two bedrooms led into the living room where Luca spotted the big lump under a blanket on the couch. Shit! That meant Dawson had a bad night.

“Dawson,” Luca called softly as he crossed the room. “Dawson, buddy, are you awake?”

A grunt was his only response.

At least that was something. Better than some mornings. Luca sat on the coffee table in front of the couch. The thick curtains that hung in front of the windows let in the soft morning light so Luca could see Dawson rolled into a ball. It should be impossible for such a big guy to appear that small. And vulnerable.

It hurt Luca’s heart to see his friend like this. Anger pulsed, making Luca fist his hands. Dawson had been all alone in the world, fighting the ghosts of his past, until Luca had found him. Adopted him as one of his own as James would tease him about. Luca collected people like others did coffee mugs or cute little nicknacks. Bringing Dawson home was one of the best things that Luca had ever done. Even if he knew that Luca didn’t have the ability to help Dawson the way his friend needed.

“Hey,” Luca said. “What do you need?”

There was a sniff before Dawson wiped his eyes. “Nothing.” The response was so low that Luca barely heard it.

Leaning forward, Luca pulled the edge of the blanket down. “How about a chocolate milk?”

Cloudy green eyes blinked at him. “Extra chocolate?”

Luca smiled. “Of course extra chocolate.”

Dawson gave a small smile. Just the tips of his lips turning up.

“That’s what I thought. One double chocolate milk coming up.” Luca rose. “Do you need help up?”

Slowly Dawson pushed the thick blanket down. His cheeks were red as he nodded. “Please. Kind of shaky.”

Which meant that Dawson had suffered through an episode. “You should have woken me,” Luca said, reaching down.

Dawson shook his head. “You were tired.”

“Never too tired for you, buddy,” Luca assured his friend. He spoke with a soft tone. Dawson asking for help was something new for them. Once Dawson was steadier he’d apologize and promise not to be a bother again.

Baby steps. The councilors and VA reps that they met weekly had told Luca that patience would pay off with Dawson. And sometimes it would feel like they took one step forward and two steps back.

“You were awesome yesterday,” Dawson told him as he reached out both arms.

Luca braced his bare feet and hefted Dawson up and off the couch. “I’m glad you came and watched. It was nice seeing a friendly face in the crowd.”

“Everyone loves you,” Dawson said. “There was a ton of friendly faces.”

“Yours is my favorite,” Luca teased. Although the words were truthful. Dawson coming out and being in the middle of the crowd was a big deal. He’d done it for Luca though. Had been there to support Luca. It meant everything.

Dawson’s knees went weak but Luca was prepared for that.

“Take your time,” Luca urged. “We’re not in any hurry.”

“Legs are asleep,” Dawson said.

“Because you were bent like a damn pretzel, man,” Luca teased.

Dawson nodded. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“I’m sure it did.” Luca hovered for a few feet until he was sure that Dawson would make it back down the hall on his own.

“Got it.” Dawson waved Luca off.