The Price of Love (Boyxboy)

17

alex p.o.v.

By the time I drove back from town, the clouds in the sky were painted pink and orange from the setting rays of the sun. Half of me felt slightly guilty for leaving Dean, especially considering how fragile he was now.

The other half knew he was a big boy and would be capable of taking care of himself.

I hope.

Without meaning too, I added more pressure to the accelerator, speeding up a little in an attempt to get back to Dean faster. I sighed in relief when the lodge came into view again. I pulled up in front and gave the keys to a valet. I quickly grabbed the groceries out of the trunk before he could drive away, and nodded my thanks at the guy.

I headed to the valet desk and saw Carlos, who was working behind the table with a smile.

"Alex!" He called. I smiled and walked over to him.

"Hey Carlos. Do you have the menu?" I asked. He slid me a fancy menu over the counter. I grabbed it and held it up, smiling. "Thanks."

"No problem my friend. Any time you need anything, you just call Carlos," he replied. I smiled.

"You know I will," I said.

I walked back to the lodge quickly - partially because I wanted to check on Dean, and partially because the groceries were heavy and my arms were starting to burn. I had picked up almost everything I thought we would need or want. Room service was good for a little while, but I preferred to make my own food when I had the choice.

I made it up the steps of the cabin and set the groceries down to open the door. It swung open with a squeak, and I walked inside, using my foot to kick it shut. I carried the groceries into the kitchen and set them on the counter.

"Dean?" I called. There was no answer. A little concerned, I walked into the bedroom to check that he was still in the cabin. I smiled a little when I saw him draped over the bed, a peaceful expression on his face. I watched him for a moment before I reached out to grab the door handle and pull the door shut. It had almost closed all the way when I heard a whimper.

Immediately, I pushed the door open again. Dean was still asleep, his face looked strained. I rushed over to him and touched his shoulder lightly. I didn't want him to have another nightmare, and if I could stop it before it started, I would.

"Dean," I said. "Come on Dean, wake up. It's just a dream. Wake up Dean. Wake up." I pleaded over and over, but with every word he seemed to grow more and more agitated. I shook his shoulder one last time, which finally seemed to rouse him. His eyes fluttered open, and I saw fear flash through them.

"Alex?" He asked. His voice was sleepy, and his hair was mussed. He actually looked sort of cute - no, I reminded myself firmly. I'm not gay. I smiled gently at Dean, who managed to lift the corners of his lips up a little. His half-smile dropped quickly though, and I found myself uncertainly hugging Dean. He clung to me as though he were afraid I would disappear and turn into dust in his arms. I released my arms quickly from around him, and after a few moments, he dropped his as well.

"Sorry," he said, not meeting my gaze.

"I...it's fine. As long as you're okay," I said honestly. Dean's gaze found my own, and he tried to smile again.

"I'm really sorry about all this. I know it's putting a damper on your vacation," Dean apologized. He looked ashamed. I placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Seriously Dean. I don't mind. We took this vacation for you, not for me. If having a few nightmares helps get this whole business out of your system, then that's what it will take. And if you need me, I swear I'll be here for you," I said. Dean smiled, really, truly this time, and I smiled in return.