Long Journey Back

Teaser - Nightshift Nurses

TROYE’S PERSPECTIVE

 

It was just after midnight when a nurse knocked lightly on the door before opening it. Tyler was still sitting next to me on the bed, holding my hand in his lap. We were still talking, making plans for when I moved to LA and talking about our already planned trip for November.

“So, what’s happening exactly?”

“After Playlist, we’re staying in New York for a couple days then we’re flying out to Michigan. My mom’s going to get us at the airport and we’re staying with her for the long weekend. Thursday, we’ll have Thanksgiving with my family and then meet up with my friends and head to Chicago for Black Friday like we do every year.”

“And that’s going to involve, what? Shopping at weird hours of the morning in insane crowds to save a bit of money?”

“More than a bit.”

The nurse finally finished checking all my vital signs (ending with my pulse) and dropped my hand back onto the bed. “You do need to actually sleep.” She said flatly. “If you don’t,” she continued, “the doctor’s going to come over here and revoke your overnight privileges, so I’m just going to suggest that you at least try to get some sleep.”

“Oh,” I said looking at Tyler. As the nurse left, Tyler started to stand up. “Wait,” I said quickly.

“What?” he said with a smirk. “You heard the nurse.”

“I know, I know, just.” I paused for a minute, a half-smile forming at the corner of my lips. “I wanna cuddle,” I said stupidly.

Tyler smiled and kissed me lightly on the lips. “Tomorrow?” he suggested.

“No,” I said defiantly. I might have been a two-year-child if it weren’t for my size.

“Troyeeee,” he said. I could tell he was trying to be upset, but he was failing miserably at it.

“Tylerrrr,” I mocked in retort.

He laughed and kissed me again. “What would you like me to do?”

“Cuddle?” I said again. “With me, here, now,” I added.

He laughed again. “Well, I’ve gotten that far.”

“There isn’t much farther to get,” I said smartly. “Just, here,” I said thinking carefully. “I can scooch over a bit,” I said as I did so. “And you can just sleep here with me. And plenty of cuddles can be had.” I let go of Tyler’s hand and opened my arms, invitingly. “Please?” I said, putting a pleading look on my face.

“You don’t have to beg,” he said with a giggle. He moved around and came to rest with his head on my chest and his legs twined with mine. “It makes me happy, too,” he said finally.

“Right now,” I said as I wrapped my arms around him, “I am happier than I remember being in a long time.” I yawned widely and then kissed the top of his head.

I heard his suppress a giggle before he lifted his head to look at me. “I love you,” he said sweetly, lowering his lips to mine.

“I love you, too,” I replied as his head fell back to my chest. “Sweet dreams, Tilly.”

“Good night, Troye,” he replied. “Just promise me you’ll wake up again tomorrow, okay?”

“I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen. I love you, Ty.”

“I love you, too, Troye Sivan.”