I can't escape this now (unless you show me how) TODDBLACK - NOT ME THE SERIES

17 - special episode: beach trip

author's note:

What kind of BL doesn't have a beach episode? Not this one, that's for sure! This chapter is not very plot heavy and I tried to keep it pretty fluffy for the most part.

Slight smut warning for the last bit (don't worry you'll be able to tell when it's happening :))

Enjoy!

***

Two hours and thirty-six minutes later, Black found himself consumed by regret as he lay beside Todd, reflecting on recent events. Despite getting sidetracked halfway through his recounting—something Black didn't mind in the least—Todd seamlessly resumed the conversation.

"I'm dead serious about you wearing a bodycam. I can't risk missing out on this," Todd reiterated for the third time.

Black responded with an inarticulate groan as he tied a knot in the condom and tossed it accurately into the trashcan across the room, earning a half-hearted scowl from Todd despite his precise aim.

"Quit with the glare. I nailed it," Black retorted.

"Someday you won't," Todd replied, rolling onto his back to stare at the ceiling, one hand resting on his chest while the other dangled off the bedside.

As Black moved to get up, Todd's hand shot out, gripping his wrist. He didn't resist as Todd pulled him back into bed.

"Don't run away."

Black settled his head on Todd's chest, as his feet were still dangling off the bedside.

It could have felt condescending or confining, but for some reason, Black didn't mind when Todd pushed him around. Just as Todd didn't mind when Black did the same. They flowed like the ebb and flow of the tide.

Black remained still, gazing up at the ceiling. He had stared at many ceilings in his life, often accompanied by feelings of dread, loneliness, or exhaustion. But now, as he looked up, he wondered if he had ever felt this content before.

Breaking his gaze from the endless expanse of white, Black turned to Todd, who was already watching him as if anticipating what was to come. He always seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to him.

"Shower," Black said.

Todd released his wrist and let his hand trace slowly up his arm until it settled on his collarbone. "You just want to distract from the beach trip."

"It's not just a beach trip."

Even though it was undeniably a beach trip, the term felt too intimate for Black's liking. It sounded like something friends would do. And despite the awkward dinner they'd shared just hours earlier, he still wasn't comfortable labeling their relationship as anything more than former acquaintances. Colleagues? Ex-gang members?

"Call it whatever you want," Todd replied, gently pushing Black away from his chest before sitting up as well. "The fact is, you're spending the weekend at the beach. Eating, swimming, and building sandcastles."

Black glanced over his shoulder, brushing off Todd's inaccuracies. "You should come. I'm sure the other's invited everyone and their grandmas."

"Probably, considering you practically ordered them to do so."

"I did not," Black said, though he knew he did. He hadn't planned this delayed birthday party and the invitation sort of jumped out of him last minute. "I obviously was referring to them alone. So, you should come, too."

"You know I'd love to, but I'm not sure how my presence would be perceived."

"Who cares?" Black retorted, turning to grasp Todd's hand. "It's my birthday party too. If I have to endure Sean and the rest, they'll have to tolerate you as well."