Imprinted Hearts

Chapter 13: Trust

Lucien's soft exhales were the only things keeping Ethan from panicking that he'd just died in Ethan's arms at that very moment. He blinked once, twice, three times in rapid succession as he processed what had just happened. Lucien had fallen asleep during his apology. And now he was lying on him, injured and out of it.

With a sigh, Ethan leaned forward and picked up his legs and, careful not to disturb him too much, put them fully onto the bed and adjusted himself to sit behind Lucien so he could be more comfortable in his sleep.

Lucien's head shifted and tucked into the side of Ethan's neck and Ethan felt goosebumps shimmy up his spine. This was fine. This was perfectly normal. Just two dudes who happened to like the same girl, but were slowly becoming friends of sorts, sitting on a bed together, one injured, and the other tending to him. This wasn't weird. Or gay.

Not that Ethan cared to be considered gay. He was pansexual, after all. He may find anyone hot in their own respect, but he didn't really know a lot about the community itself. Or if Lucien was even in it. What would Lucien think of this if he were conscious?

We never speak of this again.

The words floated back to Ethan's memory from when they had snuggled in the van by accident. It had been the most comfortable Ethan had ever been, and the most content. Even if it was Lucien - which was the whole fucking problem - and not Hope. He'd imprinted on Hope and now he was finding himself torn between the two of them. He actually liked Lucien's company nowadays. Actually enjoyed his conversation. He'd been amazing with the kids. Ethan was amazed by Lucien's ability to talk to the kids like that and not be intimidated in the slightest. He'd even been considerate enough to tell Leo that Ethan had blood sugar issues and made him those donuts with sugar substitute!

Lucien was just an all around considerate person, and it almost made Ethan jealous at first when he still thought of Lucien as a rival instead of...

Instead of what? Ethan asked himself. A friend? ...a lover?

Ethan sighed. No chance that could ever happen. He couldn't have his cake and eat it too. He couldn't decide.

You know what? I'm not compromising and taking Lucien and Hope. That would just be cheating. Besides, no one was ever up for something like that in a town as small as this. Or hell, even the tri-county area. This was a love triangle gone all wrong and Ethan didn't know where he stood in it any more.

There was a knock on the door that was quickly followed by it opening without waiting for a response. Leo and Patrick came in the door, talking about medications and a sling, when Leo paused, stopping dead in his tracks. He stared at Ethan for a solid five seconds until he felt like he was being stared down like an opponent.

"How long has he been asleep?" Leo asked dangerously. The change in tone surprised Ethan.

"Uh, just a few minutes? Why?" Ethan asked.

"Did he pass out or lie down like that?" Leo demanded.

"I-I'm not sure?" Ethan stammered. "Why does it matter?"

"Because," Leo replied, walking up to Lucien and putting a hand on his forehead. "Lucien doesn't fall asleep around anyone. He's an insomniac. He doesn't trust anyone enough to take even a nap around them due to... reasons. Either his injury is worse than we thought, or he trusts you more than even me."

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait what?" he asked. But he'd... back in the van... they had both fallen asleep...? They'd even cuddled? Wait, had he passed out just now? Was he okay?

"Patrick, I need your expertise. Can you please check on Lucien?" Leo asked as politely as he could, in his worried state.

Patrick put a kit on the bed and started digging through it. He pulled out a stethoscope and listened to his heartbeat, checked his pupils with a light to see how quickly they retracted, and examined his head carefully to make sure there was no broken skin or bones. When he pulled away, he gave a small nod to Leo.