Just Pretend

Chapter 26: News

Tré was the first one to wake up in the morning, or so he thought.

Billie was awake, watching the TV from his bed.

He still looked sick, but he looked a lot better than the day previous.

"Hey Beej."

Tré sat up, taking Billie's hand. It startled Billie but he offered Tré a smile. "Was it you who kept wiping my face while I was out?"

Tré broke out in a laugh, nodding his head. "Yes sir. Nurses orders."

Billie just smiled softly. "Thank you." He had turned to watch the TV again, but Tré gave a little tug on his hand.

"Not done. Look at me."

Billie did as he was told, his eyes meeting Tré.

"I'm sorry you went through this, babe. I should have listened to you when you said he was making you uncomfortable. I'm so.. I'm so mad at myself for letting you go through that. I'm just- really sorry."

Billie saw the tears in Tré's eyes and immediately sat up, with a "Hey, hey."

He cupped Trés face, gently and lovingly. "It's not your fault. You can't think like that. Trust me, no hard feelings. I'm just glad it's over."

Tré nodded, pulling Billie into a tight hug. "I'm glad it's over too." He jumped slightly when he heard Mike's voice, who was clearly awake now.

"Well fan my brow, we got a coupl'a gays in here."

"Shut up," Tré laughed, lobbing a magazine at the bassist. "I'm just happy my friend is okay, thank you Michael."

Mike held both hands up in surrender, not wanting this to escalate and end in a paper cut to the eyeball. "Whatever. I'm gonna get Starbucks."

As he stood, Billie piped up. "Can you get me a-"

"Do you really think," Mike interrupted him quickly. "That after this many years I don't know your order at Starbucks? Beej, I know your order for every food place around here. I got this."

Billie chuckled as Mike left, shrugging as he looked at Tré. "Apparently he's got this. Might tell him it's wrong when he comes back just to make him panic."

Tré raised an eyebrow. "It's the most basic drink they sell, I'm sure he won't struggle."

Billie shrugged, settling back down in bed to watch the news, which was depressing him. "I hate the news."

Tré nodded in agreement, leaning forwards to rest his chin in his hands. "Hey, did you know it stands for Notable Events, Weather and Sports?"

Billie shot him a look. "Seriously? I thought news was just a fuckin' word. That's kinda smart."

Tré nodded as he giggled, happy that him and Billie were back to pointless conversations full of shitty facts. Just like old times.

"Can't wait to get outta here." Billie spoke into the silence, making Tré look up.

"It won't be long babe. You're looking so much better."

Billie just nodded, and they sat in comfortable silence until Mike returned with their drinks.