One Temptation (ManxMan)

Skyline

Two Months Later

Xavier

I slide my metro card through the reader and move into the subway terminal. I just got off work at the shop. I was promoted to store manager two weeks ago so my hours have been changing. Thankfully, now I don't feel the need to hover over Ren. He underwent heart surgery six weeks ago which was overwhelmingly successful. It's expected that he will not have any more symptoms for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, he's needed to rest and recover for longer than he wanted. I've been using most of my strength to keep him from pushing himself too much.

The subway screeches into the station until coming to a thundering halt before me. I move onto the train and brace myself for the movement. Michiko left a few weeks ago and since then, I've been dealing with Ren's stubbornness and a clash in our personalities. We have had a couple heated arguments fueled by testosterone-induced anger. As a result of his surgery and a need to rest, he's prohibited from any sexual activity for six weeks. Sadly, that only adds to the tension between us. As much as he pisses me off sometimes, I still love him to death. I feel the shuddering of the subway beneath my feet and I stand still, waiting for the doors to close again. 

I grip the hand hold tighter as the subway lurches again, speeding away in seconds. I scroll through my text messages on my phone. Jackson is bugging me about asking Ren to come to our family's Christmas celebrations. I reply sending him a glaring emoji with my usual response: I'll ask him, don't worry. Michiko is also in my inbox, she and I have been in frequent contact. Usually we discuss Ren's health status because we both know he's not going to tell her what's going on. However, right now she's also asking me about our holiday plans.

With a quick movement of my free thumb, I text Ren that I'll be there soon. He wanted to meet with me for lunch once I got out of work. Lately, because Ren is almost free from his recovery period, he's taking the chance to get out in public again and run errands. I'm glad he's been getting out of the house, that way he doesn't need a babysitter to keep him out of trouble. The subway lurches to a halt again and I step out onto the platform, making my way up into the busy streets of the city. Now that Christmas is approaching fast, stores are decked out in lights and fancy advertisements. 

My family has moved out of our small house in the suburbs. The lease was up on the unit, but we found an apartment closer to our work in the city. Jackson and I share a bedroom now, but that's not unusual for us. We have moved around enough that we are used to sharing a bedroom. Most of my time I spend at Ren's house anyway. I move down the sidewalk and push open the door to a airy cafe. I smile at the interior of green accents, glass and appropriately placed foliage. I spy Ren sitting at a tall table looking directly at me. Butterflies fill my stomach and I smile as I see the familiar blush spreading across his face.

Ren's thick brown hair is a little longer and unruly. The strands in front of his face hang down around his cheekbones, framing his brown eyes. He's thinner than usual and has lost some of his muscle, luckily to anyone else he doesn't look unhealthy. He is covered in a grey knitted sweater that hangs around his hips at the hem. His slim fitting blue jeans pair nicely with his grey boots. I've gotten used to him not wearing his suits and ties. He's been on extended medical leave from his company. Due to economic purposes, the public knows about his condition. Ren still participates in as much as he can, but at an arms length until he returns to work in January. 

He hops off of his seat to greet me as I approach. Much to my pleasant surprise, Ren leans down and kisses me softly on the lips. He's never been so publicly affectionate. We take our seats and he slides a steaming frothy drink in front of me.

"I took the liberty of getting you a salted caramel mocha, with extra caramel." He smiles and takes a drink from his cup.

I grin feeling warmth spread in my chest, "You know me too well."