Inhale

Chapter 37:

"You okay?" Joey asked to Corey's back.

Corey had settled down right on the other side of the bed, his back to Joey, joey couldnt see much apart from his outline, and hear little muffled noises.

"Corey...?"

Joey sighed "I know you're not asleep."

Joey waited for a response but he didnt get one.

"You can come closer you know." Joey said harshly.

Nothing.

Joey bit his lip, he didnt mean to sound so...so aggressive.

"That's...well that's if you want to."

Joey sighed again before the sheets began moving and corey rolled over next to him.

Joey smiled softly "hey."

Corey blinked up at him "hi..."

"You okay?" Joey asked facing him, and taking his hand gently

"I...I'm okay."

"Corey...you dont need to lie to me. This is a safe place for you. I'm here. I'm going to listen."

Corey looked up "last time-"

"No no no." Joey said "this isnt last time. This is now. I've improved on myself. I'm here."

Corey sighed "just the guy...and the pub you know?"

Joey nodded "look, and you may not expect this, but that, that wasnt fair on you. You didnt deserve that."

Corey gasped "you...you really think that?"

Joey nodded "corey. I. I know what I said it was untrue. You've been through so much, I should have put you over me. There wasnt anything you did to deserve it and I realise that now that, there wasnt anything for you to do. You know. Jim he well you'll hate him but he explained everything to me the other day on the phone. I understand now. And you know. It wasnt a good thing for you."

Corey looked at him "why? I mean why did he tell you?"

"Its just, you were so much happier round his. I thought you loved him...I. i was the dick new to relationships, and I guess the only thing I'm good at is pushing people away through my actions. And I didnt want to loose you so I well asked him to tell me what it was like for you and well him...and he did. I want to support you. Never tear you down like that again."

"Joey...I...I love you."

"I love you too."

Corey sighed "I'm sorry I told you though..you know? I'm sorry, to dump it on you. I should have kept it a secret I feel really bad that you had to know how...well how used up and dirty i am."

"Corey! Baby! No no! Sweetheart dont say such stuff. No!" Joey said firmly "

"But-"

"No! I shoudnt have pushed It. Okay? But i know. And we cant take it back but I'm me now. And im gonna support you and love you and give you everything you never had because you're so kind sweet and everything. You make me laugh, you're so funny and werid but I love it. I love you!"

"Joey...I-"

"You're so beautiful honeslty, I dont car if someone finds it werid I find a man so beautiful because you are. Okay? I really do, I love you and your moods and your face when you get confused and try and figure something out. And your voice and your hot tattoos and piercings and I love your face when you're excited talking about some comic book character or some film. And the way you look during sex. It's a sight. A sight I'd never give up." Joey said