ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON TEN

Episode 143

" You're sick. "

Nigel sneezed once behind a Kleenex. Then twice. Then a third time as he looked at his husband Richard who bore a strangely guilty expression on his classically handsome slightly lined face as he sat next to him on the bed. " Yes. I'm bloody fucking sick with some ungodly germ that dared to invade me body. And you are sleeping on the couch tonight. "

Richard looked horrified now as well as guilty. " Why do I have to sleep on the couch? It's expensive but very uncomfortable. Probably because it's expensive. Is it because I was late home? I'm sorry, baby. It's been hell all day. I've been swamped with work. So swamped I couldn't find a moment to return your calls. I should have. " He kissed Nigel on the side of his neck. " I should have been home on time. I'm sorry. Don't leave me. " He hesitated. " Please don't find someone else. "

Nigel pulled back to look at him with amazed wonder. " What the fuck are you talking about, you twat ? I am never leaving you. You think I pined like a lovesick teenager over you to pick up and go now that I have your workaholic ass ? And I will never cheat on you. You're the only man I can even see as attractive. You are my everything, man. Don't you know that? "

Richard flushed red in the face. " Well I figured, thought, you were mad. About my being late. Especially when you don't feel well. My other spouses didn't appreciate that in our marriages. So..... I don't want to lose you. Outside the children you are the most important person in my life. I'm sorry you're sick. I hate you being unwell. Also you put me on the couch. "

Nigel laughed in spite of his pounding head. " Oh. I only said that because you can't get sick. I know you can't miss work. Work is very important to you. I know that. "

Richard toed off his loafers , crawled into bed with his husband and pulled the man close. " Work is never more important than you. I'm not moving an inch from you. Tonight or any night. Lewis said you didn't eat. I got sushi. Do you want some? "

Nigel made a face. " My God , no. I couldn't keep it down right now. But I could handle some of that chicken soup my stepmother came over with. And maybe some crackers. And some tea. And maybe a brownie that DuBuis dropped over here earlier. They look..... tasty. Interesting but tasty. "

Richard said," Your wish I will always fulfill. Brownies , hmmm. I have not had a brownie in the longest time. "