Page 16 of Asystole

“Yeah, Matthews,” I deadpan, ignoring the nickname. “Giant, redheaded green flags are the shit of my nightmares.”

“Who’re you calling a green flag?” he asks, feigning offense, just before messing with a dial on my side of the dashboard’s control panel. “Shit. I meant to turn your seat warmer on when I left my place. It should only take a second to heat up.”

I chuckle to myself at his obvious display of green-flagness, but don’t say a word.

Conversation flows easily as we head toward the climbing gym. The fifteen-minute ride is mostly us discussing the Bruins’ most recent game and our work schedules.

I don’t envy his at all.

While I may switch back and forth from day shift to night shift every three months and have twelve-hour workdays, at least I can plan around it. I know what’s coming. I know what my whole year will look like. Chase’s schedule changes every week. It includes weekends, holidays, all-nighters followed by early start times in the operating room.

“Jesus, it sounds like BUDS training for the SEALS,” I point out.

“Yeah, some days feel like it for sure.”

“How do you have the energy for shit like climbing after days like that?” I ask, genuinely curious how he isn’t asleep this second.

In the glow of the dashboard lights, I see his cheeks darken ever so slightly.

“I really haven’t had much energy recently, to be honest. It’s just been about surviving, you know? But I mean, I’m excited to hang out with you because it’s new and shit,” he says.

I turn my head slowly to look at him, but stay quiet until his eyes are on me.

“What?” he finally asks.

“So, you’re saying once I’m not new and exciting anymore, you’re dumping me?” I ask in a serious tone.

Chase lets out a genuine laugh, the kind that forces the corners of his eyes to crinkle, and something pinches in my chest.

“No, that’s not what I meant, dickhead.”

Turning back to face forward again, I hum.

“I think I like Buttercup better,” I tease.

Without missing a beat, Chase says, “My term of endearment will be a direct reflection of your treatment of me.”

I bark out a laugh.

“Is that so?”

“Yup.”

“Well then, your Highness, do enlighten me on how best to treat thee.”

“I’m a simple man, really,” Chase says stoically. “Food and cuddling are the fastest ways to get on my good side.”

I snort.

“Cuddling?” I repeat.

“Yeah. You got a problem with bro-cuddling?”

“I mean, as a gay guy, I sort of have to be in favor of bro-cuddling on principle, you know?”

“Not true,” he fires back immediately. “I know a few gay guys who are keen to shove their dick in an asshole, but don’t like to be held afterward, or snuggle during a movie.”

“Fair enough,” I reply, giving myself a moment to assess my actual feelings on the matter. I come up empty. “I guess I don’t really know how I feel about it then. I haven’t had much opportunity to explore my cuddly side.”