Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+

Chapter 19

Vinnie's P.O.V

"Hey, Vin... I underestimated that takeout last night." Leo admitted sheepishly on our video call.

As much as I wanted to say 'I told you so,' I knew that my focus had to stay on caring for my ill partner.

"Had something to drink?"

Leo motioned to the water bottle beside him, his voice hoarse from the coughing fit he recently endured.

"Don't forget to pick up my medication," he reminded.

"Don't worry, I won't."

Concluding our conversation, I slid my phone in my back pocket. Wes directed his gaze towards me. His mouth slightly upturned at the corners.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Bro, you're whipped."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "No, I'm not."

"Yeah, you are."

"Whatever, let's get on with it." I snapped.

We ventured down the street, being sure to pause before attempting to cross. On the other side, we encountered a section of the city that was alive with colour. Exploring this part was akin to entering an enchanted realm.

Everywhere you turned, the distinctiveness of culture was present. The walls adorned with artistic murals, and the streets bustling with life. Instead of the government's intrusive hand visible in the area, the locals were in charge of the narrative.

I remembered all the stories my late grandpa used to tell me about his childhood in Brazil. He always talked about the colours at carnival and his days of playing football with his friends.

"What do we need to get?" he asked.

I perused my list, "First thing's first, we have to visit the drugstore. Then we'll need to pick up a bouquet and a plush koala."

"Deffo whipped." he snickered.

"Shut it." I said without any spite behind the statement.

After a few stops around town, we finally made it to the pharmacy. Picking up what I needed, I dragged Wes to stores, where he made a pointed effort to embarrass me.

I angrily hissed, "Seriously? Can't you be a bit more discreet?"

He crammed the basket with all the necessary safety precautions; lube, condoms, you name it.
Even though I was in full support of him being safe, why did it have to be me who carried the basket?

He held up a packet of condoms with a playful twinkle in his eye, and gave a knowing wink to a passerby as he said, "Safety first, right?"

I hung my head as we walked through the bustling aisle, feeling my face flushed. "It's embarrassing enough as it is."

He had a mischievous expression on his face as he said, "Come on, lighten up! We're grown-ups, right?"

I let out a disgruntled sound before responding with a quiet, "Yeah, easy for you to say. You're not the one holding the basket for everyone to see."

"Yeah, well, if you're feeling uncomfortable, you could always dance a little jig to distract them from the basket."

"Yeah right." I firmly placed the basket on a shop shelf as we wandered to a more secluded area and inquired, "When was the last time you had sex?"

He glanced at his watch. "Probably An hour ago."  Spotting the offer sign, he grinned. "Three for two," he announced, grabbing a few packages of sweets.  "Don't mind if I do!"