Shell Of A Man

14 - Reconciliation

PRESENT:

It had been a long day for Ray. He was so worried for Jason, he could hardly focus on anything else. Such were the times when he missed smoking. He was fidgeting with his lighter when he heard the news that Jason was recovered safe and sound. At that moment, he wanted to hug Jason, but he settled with a sigh of relief.

After finishing the day's work, when Ray came back home, he was exhausted. He decided to have a glass of wine before taking a shower. He removed his tie, unbuttoned the top buttons, and plopped down on the couch.

Halfway through the glass, Ray became drowsy, but he was suddenly jolted up by the doorbell. He put down the glass of wine and went to open the door. He didn't expect what he saw – Jason.

When Ray opened the door, Jason embraced him. For a second, Ray couldn't believe what was happening, but eventually, he wrapped his hands around Jason as well. They stood there, hugging each other for quite a while. Neither wanted to let go. It had been so long since they both felt the spark that they just didn't wanna stop reminiscing.

"Thank you," Jason said finally. "Thank you for saving me."

"Don't be silly," said Ray with a smile.

Seeing Ray smile after years, Jason couldn't stop himself from kissing him. And Ray melted like butter in Jason's arms. It was like his body just acted on reflex. He snapped out of the trance when he tried to pull Jason's hair on the back of his head but couldn't, 'cause there were none. The silly act made them laugh.

"Hi," Ray said as he rested his forehead against Jason's.

"Hey," said Jason. He was basking in Ray's breath when he noticed something, a silver chain going down under Ray's shirt. Jason pulled on it and saw it – his ring. "You still have it?" he asked.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

"I mean... It has been eleven years I... It wasn't on your finger... I thought you..."

"It doesn't fit me anymore either," said Ray, which made Jason smile. "Come on in," he said and kissed Jason again.

"You cut your hair."

"Yeah... Professionalism."

"It looks better anyway," said Jason.

"I knew it! You hated my long hair, didn't you?"

"I didn't hate them...but I wasn't fond of them either."

"Oh, please. You loved pulling on them," said Ray.

"I was just making use of what was available."

A blush crept onto Ray's face as he felt embarrassed. He couldn't help but smile. That smile faltered, though, when he saw Jason wince while sitting down on the couch.

"Jason..."

"Yeah?"

"Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

"It's just a couple bruises. I am fine. You know I've seen worse," said Jason.

"Yeah, but I still wanna see," said Ray. Jason remembered how stubborn Ray could be, so he just obliged and pulled up his shirt. Ray grazed his hands over Jason's now skinny body, being careful to not put pressure on the bruises. "Does it hurt?" he asked.

"No, I already took painkillers," said Jason.

"What happened to you?"

"What do you mean?"