Transaction

Cleaning Together

Devon cleaned us off with a soft towel. He picked me up princess style and kissed my cheek. I leaned into him. He brought me all the way to his bedroom, setting me down in the soft covers. I hated that he was setting me down, but happy again when he slid in next to me. I buried my face into his chest and he rubbed my back. "You did so good, Aiden. You're amazing. You checked all the boxes."

When I woke up, I came to the realization that I had fallen for him. I wanted to wake up next to him again, and again. Devon was next to me, gently petting my hair. I rolled over to look at him. "What time is it?"

"1. You still got time." He smiled at me.

I groaned and sat up. "Sadly, I have housework to do."

"Can I come? I'll be helpful!" His smile beamed.

I hesitantly agreed and we drove home. We did laundry, scrubbed countertops, and cleaned dishes. And it was lovely. Devon had a way of making everything lovely. We lost track of time, and 3 rolled around. The front door creaked open, barely heard over my laughter. Charlie stood in the doorway staring at us. "Why is he here?"

Devon looked confused, as did I. "I thought you  two were okay with each other now." I stated gently.

"Yeah, in his house. This is my house. He doesn't belong in my house, and he doesn't belong with you."

I was shocked at the attitude. "I can leave." Devon tried to offer.

"No, I'll be right back. I know what this is about."

Charlie and I went outside. We sat on the steps. "It's not about Paul." He sighs.

"Charlie, I can tell when you lie. And that was an obvious one."

We both sigh. "Can you just..." I began, "trust me? I'm different than him. I love what I do. Devon is not my way out."

"How many siblings do you say you have?" He asked me.

"4 younger. Why?"

"Because we have an entire fucking other brother that we don't talk about because he left us and you're following in his footsteps."

"Charlie, I'm not-"

"I can't do it without you, Aiden. I can't take care of them like you can."

I put my arm around his shoulder. "I'm not leaving, Charlie. Never in a million years. Paul... he couldn't handle it and I don't blame him for that. It's tough. But Devon helps me. He reminds me that I'm a person. He makes me happy."

"So, you're dating?" He asked.

"No. And I don't think we ever will be, but that's okay."

"Don't convince me, convince yourself."

I looked at the sky, then back at him. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, kid. Now, can Devon stay?"

"As long as you don't have sex." He grimaced.

"I sleep on the couch, where would we?" I laughed and ruffled his hair.