What Happens on the Cruise

24. I'm All Right

Tim threw away the used condom and tissues they'd used to clean themselves up, and curled up next to Austin. "How's your ankle this morning?"

"Still feeling a little twinge-y, but a lot better than yesterday."

"Feeling a little twinge-y myself."

Austin chuckled. "That's on you, cowboy, not that I didn't appreciate it."

Tim leaned over and dropped a kiss on the tip of Austin's nose because he was doing that cute scrunching thing Tim found so endearing. "I've been thinking."

***

As Home Free walked into the rehearsal, the conversations died and heads turned to look at them. Austin squeezed Tim's hand.

The director looked over, took in their joined hands, and gave them a smile. "Good morning, everyone!"

There were scattered greetings back.

"Today we're going over our opening number and then you're going to split into your ultimate sing-off groupings to work on those songs together. I've got some notes before we get started. Austin, how's your ankle?"

"Still a little tender," Austin answered, "but not too bad with the brace on."

She nodded. "I'd like you to stay off it when we're not dancing. Tim, get your man to a seat."

***

"You feeling okay, buddy?" Rob asked as Austin sat down during their break.

"I think I'm definitely going to want to ice this tonight."

"Excuse me. Hi," De'Zhanice interrupted them.

"Hey!" Austin greeted. "What's up?"

"I've got something for you."

"Really, what's that?"

"Well, we noticed you looked really bummed yesterday and we wanted to do something to cheer you up, so we made you this." She held up a bracelet made of braided cords and pony beads. "There's 12 beads, one for each of us."

"Oh, wow! This is awesome. Thank you."

The high schooler gave him a quick hug, then ran back to her group.

"Kids these days, am I right?" Rob joked.

***

Tim walked up just as Austin was wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "Are you crying?" he asked in concern.

"The kids of Vocal Rush made this for me."

"Oh, I can see why that would make you cry," Tim teased.

"Shut up. It's really sweet."

"It is," Tim agreed. His phone chimed. He pulled it out and gave a bark of laughter.

"What?" Austin asked curiously.

Tim handed Austin his phone. Austin looked down and saw the text message exchange:

Hey, I was going to tell you at lunch but I wasn't sure how discreet Jenika is - Austin and I are dating.

Adam C.: I guess I owe Jenika $20

Adam C.: Happy for you. He seems nice, if a bit quiet, or maybe just shy

***

"Do you need to sit a minute?" V J asked.

"If you don't mind."

"We'll work with the other guys on those body rolls."

Austin found a chair out of the way of the cameras. He sat and admired Tim dancing.