Pup (Bratt)

Chapter Thirty-Four: Normalcy

Matt was actually sad to see McKenna go home. While she originally came off as crass and rude more often than not, she was actually really sweet, and that rudeness was just hard, honest curiosity. She was funny and clever, and she didn't seem to care at all that Matt was Brian's submissive. They even played some in his headspace. Matt didn't freak out like he had last time, and he indulged in games of tug of war and belly rubs. She showed Matt tricks on her skateboard, and talked about strawberry festivals and weird indie bands and curio shops in Connecticut with old women bent over knuckle bones and tea leaves.

He liked her. He kind of wished she could stay. She didn't seem to like it with her parents, and it would have been fun having her around. But Brian disagreed.

"She doesn't like our parents because they set boundaries for her." Brian said, "And as much as I think they can be too harsh at times, they only want what's best for her. Besides, we can't reward her for running away by letting her stay here. Maybe she can come back over the summer, though."

Matt liked that idea.

That afternoon, he had a doctor's appointment to check on how he was recovering. It was his first appointment after the incident. Brian had wanted Matt to schedule an appointment with a psychologist, and that was something he was not looking forward to.

~*~

"Okay, Matthew, you're on track for removing your cast next week. Bruising everywhere is down, bruising and swelling in your throat has decreased significantly. Tears in your rectum will take time; you need to refrain from engaging in anal intercourse for at least another month. I'm renewing your prescription for pain, because I'm sure your ribs are still hurting. Other than that, you're in good shape." Dr. Orwell smiled at Matt, who smiled in return.

"Thanks, doc."

"You're a very lucky man, Matthew, I hope you know that. It wasn't likely you would make it out of that situation." Dr. Orwell shook his head. "At any rate, your husband's been taking excellent care of you."

Matt blushed at this, "He's my boyfriend, actually."

"Oh, my mistake. Well, he's been calling us you know. Making updates. We were told it would be better that way, at least for a while, so you could recover emotionally and rest at home without stressing about coming to the doctor and being forced to remember everything."

Matt didn't know Brian had been doing that.

"Oh, that was uh, that was sweet of him." Matt replied.

"You know, you said you're not married, and it's none of my business," Dr. Orwell said, "But I wouldn't let that guy slip by. He cares about you."

Matt smiled, "Yeah. He's good."

Dr. Orwell cleared him to go. Matt found Brian in the waiting room.

"How did it go?" Brian asked, "What'd the doctor say?"

"I'm on track for healing." Matt said, "I get more pain meds." He pouted. "No sex for a month."

"Well, I'm sure we can find other ways around that." Brian smirked. "Okay then! Let's head out. Are you interested in eating out tonight? Jimmy and the kits can meet us at Provino's." Kits. Johnny was a kitten and Zacky was a kit. It was cute.

Matt nodded. "Yeah, uh, that sounds good."

"Great." Brian paused, turning to Matt and cupping his cheek in his hand. He didn't say anything, just searched Matt's face, eventually leaning in to kiss him. "Great." He repeated. "Let's go."