Limited
Atlanta, GA
7:54 PM
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Xavier got off two hours earlier than usual.
It rarely happened, and when it did, it left him restless instead of relived. The hospital noise faded too fast. He drove home with phantom monitor beeps echoing in his head.
Jayce didn't know he'd left early, but Xavier thought about texting him.
Maybe letting him know.
He didn't.
Stella padded into the kitchen the second she heard his keys hit the counter, nails clicking softly against the hardwood. She circled his legs once before sitting, expectant.
"Yeah, yeah." he muttered, grabbing her treat jar.
He bent to scratched behind her ears, grounding himself in something familiar.
His phone buzzed.
Two messages.
How was the rest of your shift?
And later---
Still busy?
Xavier smiled before he could stop himself.
He typed back:
Got off early.
The reply came instantly.
Since when is that allowed?
He huffed a small laugh.
It's usually not.
Three dots.
You home?
He stared at that one a little longer.
Yeah
Another pause.
Can I come by?
This was different. It wasn't like his usual quiet, controlled statements. It was asking.
Can I.
Xavier leaned back against the counter. Fast, but not pushy.
You can.
Be there in twenty
Jayce arrived in twenty-three. Xavier noticed.
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Stella was already sitting on the back of the couch when the knock came, tail flicking once.
Xavier opened the door.
Jayce looked different without the hospital lighting, less sharp, more of his age. Still put together, still steady, but the edge wasn't as pronounced.
"You look exhausted," Jayce said as soon as the door opened.
"That obvious?"
"Yeah."
His gaze drifted past Xavier.
Stella stared back.
Jayce stepped inside when Xavier moved aside, hands sliding into his pockets like he wasn't entirely sure where to put them yet.
"Who's this?"
"Stella. She's judging you."
"I can tell." He crouched slightly--- not reaching for her, just lowering himself.
Stella didn't move or blink, and after a moment she turned her head away.
Jayce exhaled a quiet laugh. "Tough crowd."
YOU ARE READING
Belonging
RomanceJayce stood closely in front of Xavier. "Lemme treat you right."He said while licking his lips seductively. Xavier sighed and looked down at his shoes, "No". The younger man's hands traveled up his waist before moving their bodies closer to one anot...
