ODDS OF LOVE : ONE MOMENT

Episode 18

" The doctor says I can go home on Monday," Nigel said as he was being fed breakfast by Richard that morning. The vision in his once only working eye still had not returned. Richard was still holding out hope but Nigel wasn't now.  In fact he was worrying about his future life and prospects as his former employer and..... what ever Richard was now to him carefully made sure he got proper nourishment in the form of a bowl of oatmeal, scrambled eggs and overdone bacon strips. He had at first been against Richard feeding him but after a few ill advised mishaps that had involved him spilling orange juice all over the blanket he had eventually relented to the help. He had felt like a baby at first but started to get used to the assistance especially with how gentle Richard's hands were as he fed him and wiped his face of any food substance.

He wondered if Richard was as gentle in other aspects of his life. Not that it mattered. Not anymore. Nigel was completely blind now. And according to the doctor and nurses he had burns now on his face. He couldn't see why the handsome and rich lawyer would still be interested in him now.

Hell. He did not even know how he was going to take care of himself in the future. Marco would still welcome him back to the apartment but his roommate wasn't going to be there all the time. Marco was an extremely busy man and as big a workaholic as Richard. Maybe even more really. If that was possible. And he could not afford a rehab center like Richard's brother had gone to after the shooting because he had no insurance anymore.

What was he going to do? , he thought and suddenly pulled his mouth away from the feel of the plastic spork Richard held. He had never felt so alone before. He thought he was doing good with absolutely no family but maybe not.

Nigel sighed. " I don't think I am ready to go home. But I don't know what to do. "

Richard said cautiously," I have an idea. " He hesitated and all Nigel could hear was his breathing which sounded almost musical and so appealing to his ears.

" What idea? I'm not going on disability. I don't even think I can. I'm not a proper citizen of your country am I? I have just the work visa. "

Another worry. He had heard nothing from Joe Jacobs after the accident. What if he was fired from the restaurant job before it even started? Not that he could do that position without any sight..... What was he going to do?

" I wasn't thinking of disability per say ," Richard continued on. " I am taking an open ended leave from the firm. I can have an occupational therapist come to my condo. I can easily have it retrofit for your current needs. I have, as you know, four bedrooms. I imagine you can have the bedroom closest to mine and....."

Nigel shook his head and reached out a hand in the air until it landed on what felt like Richard's face. His fingers traced the lines of his face tenderly. " Are you asking for me to move in with you, Richard? "

" Maybe, " Richard said haltingly.

" Why? "

He could feel Richard's lips curl up into a smile under his fingers.

Why did Richard want him in his own place? , he worried. Was it pity ? Charity? Nigel was not a big one on accepting charity. From any one. Especially not this man. But he had nowhere to go but back to his and Marco's empty apartment where he would be all alone.

" Why not? Isn't that what a husband would do? "

Nigel actually laughed at that. " Did you actually make a joke? "

" Only if you thought it was funny. Will you stay with me as you recover? Knowing you it won't be long. And I am perfectly confident that you will regain your sight in that eye. "

Nigel was so reluctant. Live with Richard? Be that close to the man he loved and then what? Just move out when or if he was better? Could he really do that? But did he have any other choices?

" It was funny. Well done you. And.... yes. Yes I will come stay with you. At your place. "