Faded Embers

09

Sean's POV:

"Are you going to get up anytime soon?" Miles asks me as I lay on the couch with Bailey laying on the other side with her head on my leg.

I've been on the couch watching Masterchef for a couple of hours now, eating Doritos from the bag, and scrolling through Tumblr. It's not new for me to laze around, but I try to avoid doing it with Miles around because he always suggests that I got on a run or a swim.

Physical activity just doesn't look too hot right now.

"No," I respond, putting another few chips in my mouth and tossing one to Bailey. "I'm one with the couch."

Miles rolls his eyes playfully and sits down on the loveseat. "You're all good to start training Atlas this afternoon?" he asks me as Toast hops up in his lap and begins to purr loud enough that I can hear it. "I know I kind of sprung it on you, and if you don't want to then I can step in."

"No, it's alright," I assure him, putting my phone down and looking at the television. "That job was mine first... it's my baby."

Miles nods. "You seemed a bit reluctant when I asked you to train Atlas."

My face turns a bit red, so I try not to look at Miles. I'm sure he can see it, but I want to avoid him bringing it up. It's wrong of me to crush on Atlas; not only is he straight, but he's going through a rough patch right now.

I'm not a bad person and I won't fall for someone who doesn't want me or have any interest in me.

"Oh, I see," Miles says, his voice softer than it was before. He has that twinkle in his eyes that I've grown to feel comfortable around and I know he knows something that I don't. "Lucky for you, I approve of Atlas."

"He's not gay!" I exclaim, a bit too loudly and Miles raises his eyebrow at my yelling. "Sorry. But, he's made it pretty clear to us that he's straight. At least, that's what he's told me, even though Calin says he doesn't believe him."

Miles shrugs. "I don't know, Sean," he says, leaning back in his seat and looking at his phone. "He could be closeted or repressed. You never know."

"I think he's straight," I say bitterly. "Stupid cute straight guys. They confuse my dick."

"You poor thing," Miles says with mock sympathy, forcing a sad look onto his face. "Do you want me to make you hot chocolate and cuddle you while you pout?"

I glare at him. "It would make me feel better, yes." He starts to stand, but I stop him. "Wait, no! I was joking. I don't want to cause any rifts between you and Calin."

Miles gets up and tells Bailey to get off the couch and then pulls me into his lap and cradles me like a baby. "I told Calin that we are affectionate with each other and he said he doesn't mind as long as there's nothing past cuddling," he assures me. "If there is, he'd probably want to watch."

"He's such a little brat," I say, laughing to myself and imagining Calin setting up his rules for Miles to be allowed to cuddle me. "He's perfect for you though."

Miles grins at the thought of his boyfriend. "I haven't dated anyone in years... but damn, Calin and I just click," he says dreamily. "At first I thought he'd be just another one night stand, but he's so much more than that."

"I'm happy for you, Miles," I say with a smile. "I really am. You two are perfect for each other and he's such a good person. From what Atlas has said, he needs a little guidance because he can't pick a job, and I know you'll give him the support he needs."

"Hmm... so you've been in contact with Atlas?" Miles asks me, watching the television screen.

I groan. "No."