Tea Boy: A Deacury Fic

Chapter 38: Just. One. Cup! Or An Alcoholic Alternative

-Freddie's POV-

I went out to the store this morning because John flat-out refused to come along unless he was buying at least one bottle of wine. I wouldn’t let that happen—I’m not going to let him undo all the progress he’s made. I was actually out to find a substitute for him, something that might fill that void. I tried giving him coffee this morning, but he wouldn’t touch it. He claims he’s allergic to caffeine, which is complete nonsense—he once told me he drank an espresso martini on his 18th birthday.

So, I picked up some sparkling water and a fancy herbal tea, hoping they’d at least distract him from his usual cravings. It’s tough, though. Every time he sees a bottle of wine, it’s like he’s trying to negotiate with himself: “Maybe just one glass won’t hurt.” But I know better—one glass turns into three, and then we’re back to square one. I’m just hoping this alternative will be enough to keep him steady, at least for today. I went out to the checkout line and was greeted by this nice cashier woman named Lori.

"Good morning, find everything okay?", she said sweetly. "Yes I sure did. I can't wait for my partner to try these.", I replied. "I see, they must be on the path to recovery. It can be quite tough. My girlfriend has only been sober for a couple of weeks and she is not a happy camper." She took a quick glance at the sparkling water brand. "I do remember she likes sparkling water, I'll probably pick up a couple of these after work today." "Absolutely, I'm hoping he'll like them.", I responded giving her the payment. "I'm hoping that too for my girl.", Lori replied handing me the change, "you have a nice rest of your day, sir!"

I left the store and headed my way home. When I got there, John was there sitting on the couch, probably still angry that I tried giving him coffee as an alternative. "Oh you're back after trying to poison me.", he snarkily greeted. "Oh hush, I would never. Besides I think you'll like these better.", I replied. He turned the telly off and came over to see what I had bought him. "What'd you buy this time?", he sighed. "These!" I pulled out a tall bottle of sparkling water and the fanciest herbal tea available.

John gave me a confusing look. "I can't believe you're serious. I would only consider having tea if I were feeling unwell. Also, I find that people who drink sparkling water tend to be a bit delicate. Are you really suggesting I join them?", he huffed. "Oh c'mon, just try a glass.", I encouraged, I grabbed a nice clean glass from the cupboard and opened the sparkling water bottle. I poured up a heart half a glass and gave it to him. “Bottoms up, baby.” I chuckled, pressing a small kiss to his cheek.

John looked at me as if I were trying to poison him this time, even worse than this morning. He finally gathered enough courage and took a big sip of the water. It was naturally flavored cherry lemonade, with the realest flavors that must be bursting in his mouth right now.
"Well, what do you think?", I asked him. "It tastes...well it kinda has...a taste I can't really explain.", he huffed. "Well darling, it's because of the natural flavors. Look at the label. It says that it's naturally flavored and no artificial flavors.", I said. He knew I was right because it said exactly that.

"You're right. And I can really taste more of the lemon flavored.", he hummed. “Exactly, maybe this can be your new drink. Thank you for trying it, dear. I appreciate it.” I murmured. "I know, Freddie. I understand you're doing your best to keep alcohol away from me...I....I appreciate that.", Deaky replied trying not to get teary eyed. I kissed his forehead, “and we are going to try to have a more positive attitude about this whole situation.” "...and we are going to try to have a more positive attitude about this whole situation.", he repeated.

My eyes lit up excitingly, “Oh boy, John! It feels like Christmas.” I cooed, then giggled. "What are you talking about?", the younger asked wiping his eyes. “It just makes me so happy to hear that, sweetest!” I replied, then gently pressed a sweet kiss to his cheek. "This is fucking killing me.", he dully replied. "Please don’t be too hard on yourself. I understand that this is quite challenging for you, and I want to express how proud I am of you for successfully overcoming your struggle with alcoholism.", I reassured him, I rubbed his shoulder, but he pushed my hand off.

"Baby, c'mon, don't be like that. I know how you get when you're in one of those moods.", I warned him gently. "This shit sucks! Literally, Fred! I feel like I'm being forced to do this! I guess you really don't know what it's like to be forced into something you didn't want to do!"

That struck a nerve in me, because I do in fact know what is was like. “I'll have you know that I do know what it's like to be forced into something I didn't want to do,” I explained, “fleeing Zanzibar even though I didn’t want to.” “Oh…oh I see. I’m sorry but…I know how hard that is for you to think back on it. It’s best that you not think about it ever again. Let’s not discuss that further.”, Deaky sighed, lowering his voice.

I shook my head and further explained myself, “it was hard for such a long time. I didn’t understand why Mama and Papa took me away from the place I loved so dearly… until I realized how awful it had gotten. It was a safer for me to be in England than there. I’ve moved on—I’m using myself as an example, dear…because I went though something hard, but I came out the other side. Just like your situation, John. It’s better for you not to drink any more alcohol. You've come so far already, it'd be best not to start that whole process over.”

John gave me a comforting nod back in reply. "I happened to understand that example, Freddie. I'm sorry I snapped."
"All is good baby.", I replied kissing his forehead sweetly, "why don't you finish up the rest of this glass of that fancy water."

"No thanks, I'm good. You can finish it.", he politely pushed the glass back to me and walked away.

Well that was just rude. After that sweet moment of forgiveness, he just...well I won't say anything else, but maybe this could be the best alternative I found so far. I must find more!