Chapter 36 – Disappointment

Perhaps it was his heightened anxiety but as Trebor entered into the Director’s office his mind was filled with past memories. Memories he’d rather forget. It had been years since he’d been the victim of harassment in the very same room yet the memories seemed to be just beneath the surface. 

Standing, the older man who had taken the position of Director of Medicine held his hand out for Trebor to take. “Thank you for meeting with me. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important.”

Shaking the man’s hand, Trebor tried to work saliva into his dry mouth. He hated small talk that felt more like prying than anything else. He forced a smile to his lips “nothing my husband can’t handle on his own. Our little monster will have soaked him instead of me during his bath.” He tried to make light of it; although it was one of his favorite times he cherished with his son.

“Ah yes I remember those days,” the older man smiled, taking his seat behind the desk fondly shaking his head. “The reason why I called you today is to discuss your future here at the hospital.”

Nodding Trebor took one of the chairs in front of the man’s desk. “Yes sir,” he murmured, sounding calmer than he felt.

Shuffling through a folder on his desk the Director glanced up, eyes and manner serious. “Your residency ends next month. You’ve done exceedingly well despite…” he paused, his forehead creasing as he groped for the right words.

Trebor looked up sharply “despite my circumstances,” he finished for him. “The hospital has been wonderful working with me and the um difficulties I’ve encountered.”

“Well yes…we do our best to work to provide the best experience possible for our residents. I appreciate that you are able to see that we’ve been exceedingly fair with you.” He steepled his hands in front of him, elbow resting on the smooth surface of the desk. “You are an excellent doctor.”

Trebor dug his nails into the palm of his hand. He knew what the next words would be. He wasn an excellent doctor but they couldn’t use him at the hospital. He could feel the first of many tremors run down his legs as he groped to deal with the implications. What alternatives did he have? When he started his residency he hadn’t planned to stay in the city. 

That all changed the moment he met Braylin. He couldn’t ask Bray to give up his position on the team he loved. Bray loved the city. His teammates. Bray had worked so hard to get where he was. Taking a deep breath as he stood to leave “I understand.”

Relief relaxed the lines in the older man’s face. “I’m sure you’ll find a suitable position…”

Trebor didn’t want to hear the platitudes of well meaning words that meant nothing. His chest felt tight as if a boulder was pressing against him squeezing the breath out of him. It wasn’t lost on him that the Director hadn’t even offered to write him a recommendation. He was on his own. All his hard work and sacrifices had been for nothing.

***

Stunned he didn’t notice Eli until he almost walked into him as he turned from the closed door of the directors office. “Hey” Eli reached out stopping Trebor with his hands on either shoulder “I was hoping to catch you before you left.” Studying his friend’s face and reading the near panic in Trebor’s eyes he asked “what’s wrong?”

“I … um …” he ran his tongue across his bottom lip. Lifting mournful eyes to meet Eli’s “I don’t know what to do. I have nowhere to go…”

Tugging on his arm, Eli pulled him into a nearby supply room. “What did the Director say to you?” 

“He … he…” Trebor didn’t know how to explain what just happened. His hand groped for the wall behind him as if he needed the support. His chest began to heave as he fought to drag air into his lungs.

Grabbing Trebor by the shoulder’s “look at me,” Eli demanded recognizing the beginnings of a panic attack. “Follow me. In. Out. Just breathe. Don’t say anything. Just breathe.” After several minutes once he felt that Trebor’s breathing was somewhat under control he nodded asking “what did he say?” He could guess but he wanted Trebor to say it.

Crossing his arms in front of him Trebor seemed to be trying to shrink into himself. “He said I was a good doctor despite everything.” A strangled sob escaped him “I don’t have a position once my residency is over.”

Eli’s mouth dropped. Righteous anger on behalf of his friend had him wanting to go bursting into the Director’s office. “That’s ridiculous,” his words sputtered, “you’re the best doctor here, me included.”

A slight smile brightened Trebor’s face “that’s nice of you to say…”

The defeat Eli could hear in Trebor’s voice had his anger rising “you’re not going to just give up are  you?”

“What else can I do?” he cried, turning away, his shoulder’s jerking beneath his shirt. “I know I wasn’t going to be offered a position…yet I hoped.” It would have been so easy. Neitherhe nor Braylin would have to decide whose career was more important. If he had been offered a position here he could continue doing what he loved and Bray could continue to play with the team he loved.

“There are other hospitals…” Eli began to point out but the fear in Trebor’s eyes had him closing his mouth. He knew the other hospitals in the city were in bad neighborhoods and with Trebor’s panic attacks he’d never cope.

“Don’t you think I know that,” Trebor’s voice was loud and cracking with stress. “What good does it do? I’d never be able to work in them…” He ran his arms up and down, shivering a little in the room. He knew his anxiety would never let him work in those hospitals. He’d be forever looking over his shoulder. Jumping at every unexpected noise. In a small voice like he was trying to disappear “the Director didn’t even offer to give me a recommendation.”

“What? That’s not fair,” Eli cried.

Trebor’s eyes blinked several times as his eyes began to sting. All the years of hard work and dedication were slowly circling the drain. “Yeah well,” he shrugged, “there’s nothing I can do. It is what it is.” He had always hated when people said that. Now he understood it. There wasn’t anything that could be done. He just had to accept it.

“We’ll figure something out,” Eli squeezed Trebor’s shoulder, his chin jutting out like he could make it so just by willing it into existence.

“We?” Trebor asked, meeting Eli’s eyes. “But you’re moving.”

“We are,” Eli nodded. “Lona and I aren’t crazy about raising our kids in the city.”

“Oh,” all the air escaped his lungs. He slumped against the wall “I guess you’ll be moving away…” The future seemed even bleaker than ever before without his best friend and favorite cousin. He couldn’t imagine not getting together for play dates with the kids or the occasional double date with the kids with a babysitter.

“You can always come with us,” Eli invited. “You always said you wanted to go back to Sunlit Tides.”

“You’re moving back home,” his homesickness twisted his stomach. “I can’t ask Bray to move. Not after all the work he’s done to get back on the team. It’s his dream. I can’t ask him to give that up.”

Eli raised an eyebrow “are you sure about that? Don’t make decisions for him.”

“I guess…”

Eli could hear the doubt but he persisted “just ask him. See what he says.”

***

Braylin knew as soon as Trebor came through the door that something was wrong. It wasn’t until he heard the muffled sob that he hopped up from the couch and joined Trebor in the entryway. “Tell me what happened,” he requested, reaching for him gently pulling Trebor into his arms.

Trebor’s bottom lip quivered as one emotion after another raced through him leaving feeling like a limp doll. “I only ever wanted to be a doctor,” his hands moved to cover his face, shoulders shaking as sobs coursed through his body. 

“Who said you couldn’t be a doctor?” Braylin asked gently, running his hands up and down Trebor’s back in a soothing motion he often used when their son woke up in the middle of the night from a bad dream.

“I don’t know what to do,” he gulped for air “my residency is up next month. I thought I’d be offered a position …”

“Oh,” Braylin murmured, unsure what else to say. He could only imagine it’d be like finding he was being traded to another team. “Aren’t there other hospitals?” He wasn’t sure how residencies worked.

Trebor’s body shuddered as he wrestled to reign in his emotions. “Yeah but they’re all in bad neighborhoods…” He sniffled “I don’t think I’d feel safe working at any of them.”

Braylin continued to rub a hand up and down his back “what about going into private practice? Aren’t there smaller clinics you could apply at?”

“I suppose…”

Braylin could hear the reluctance in Trebor’s tone. “You’d still be a doctor. Isn’t that what you want?”

“But not the right kind,” he mumbled, wiping a hand across his eyes.

An almost forgotten memory of a conversation they once had came to mind. Trebor had told him of his dreams “a heart surgeon. You always wanted to go back to Sunlit Tides.”

“I know we can’t…”

“Who said we can’t?”

“Well…what about the team?” Trebor sniffed, craning his neck to look up at Braylin. 

“I could always travel back and forth when training began. It wouldn’t be ideal but we could make it work.” He caressed Trebor’s face between his hands “it’ll require adjustments but we can make it work.”

“Are you sure?” Trebor sniffed, feeling as if someone had handed him a life preserver. “I don’t want to hinder your career.”

Smiling a little as he leant down placing a kiss on Trebor’s forehead. “I wouldn’t suggest it if I wasn’t sure.” He ran his thumb across Trebor’s face, drying the tears. He could see the worry and doubt in Trebor’s eyes as they gazed up at him. “It’s going to be ok. It’ll take some work to make it work but I know we can. I promise it’s going to be alright.”

Knights of Hope – Chapter 23 – Things Don’t Always Go According to Plan

“This is ridiculous,” Trebor complained as he followed Eli into the examination room.

“Then why’d you agree to it?” Eli demanded with a raised brow and a glint in his eyes.

“I agreed to get you to shut up about it,” he mumbled, taking a seat on the exam table. “There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m fine.”

“Who’s the doctor here?” Eli asked putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder to keep him sitting where he was and not bouncing up and leaving.

“I am,” he mumbled, his upper lip rising in a snarl as he tried to think of something else to add.

“Wrong,” Eli shook his head as his arms opened wide to encompass the room “I am. You are the patient.”

Scowling he jumped as Eli’s cold fingers touched his skin. “Your fingers are like icicles,” he shivered to emphasise his point.

“My fingers might be cold but you’re being a whiny baby,” Eli chuckled. “Now breathe for me. Deep breath and hold.”

An hour later Eli handed him a cup. In response to Trebor’s mute protest he pointed towards the bathroom. “You know what to do.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he moaned, snatching the cup from Eli’s hand. “You’re just doing this because you can’t find anything wrong with me. You’ve had your fun,” he shoved the cup and test back at Eli “I’m not doing it.”

“It’s procedure,” Eli persisted “and you know it. You’ve given the test to hundreds of others who’ve presented with symptoms same as yours.”

“And what are my symptoms,” he challenged, turning from the door. He disliked this helpless feeling of being a patient. He much preferred being the one with the answers.

Eli lifted a hand up, his fingers ticking off things on a list “irritability, mood swings, forgetfulness, flu-like symptoms without having the flu…” Giving Trebor a triumphant grin as he saw the flash of acknowledgement in his friend’s eyes “do I need to go on?”

“It’s not possible,” Trebor mumbled, a look of wonder softening his face as he took the test and walked into the bathroom on wobbly legs. His stomach rumbled uneasily, swallowing hard as he resisted the urge to throw up. How was this possible? His residency wasn’t even finished. He couldn’t have a baby now and what about Braylin? The only time kids had ever been brought up in conversation Braylin hadn’t been keen on the idea. 

A soft knock on the door jerked him back to reality. Coming out he handed Eli the sample. As his hand released the sample he had a feeling that his life was about to change irrevocably. Forcing a smile to his face he said “you’re going to owe me big time when this comes back negative.”

“It’s not the end of the world,” Eli assured him, his eyes serious and warm with understanding. “People have been having babies for years now.”

“Not while they’re still doing their medical residency,” he snapped. He was already behind and if he had to take maternity leave he’d be lucky to retain his position at the hospital. 

“Hey don’t take it out on me. I didn’t do it to ya,” Eli sighed understanding why his friend was snapping at him. He’d feel the same way if it were him in his place. Not a likely scenario in his case but if Lana were to get pregnant…. “I’ll let you know what the results are as soon as I have them.” Shaking his head he added “I’d love to be a fly on the wall when you tell Bray though.”

“He’s only going to find out if it’s positive,” Trebor said.

“You and I both know it will be,” Eli persisted, laying aside all his jokes. “You and Bray will make this work. I know it.”

Trebor gave him a look like a man about to drown. All his doubts and insecurities rising to the top. “I wish I was as confident as you are,” he moved towards the door. “I know you have more patients to see. But you’ll call me as soon as you hear from the lab.”

Trebor could barely feel his feet as he walked towards the exit. He waved briefly at Lana at the nurses station on his way out. His mind, light years ahead. What was he going to tell Bray? Would he be happy? 

***

Later that day Eli called Trebor to deliver the results to his tests. His chipper voice rang loud inside Trebor’s ears while the phone shook against his ear. His life as he knew it was over. He sank to the floor pulling his knees into his chest. He’d seen more than one resident quit because of the rigorous demands on their time and body that becoming a doctor had on someone. It was even worse when you added a baby into the mix.

He now had to inform the hospital about his pregnancy. There would be restrictions he’d have to follow. Under normal conditions it wouldn’t be that bad but ever since the altercation between him and Doctor Brackett he felt he had to prove himself that much more or that he had a bullseye painted on his back. The director of emergency medicine didn’t like him and this would be just one more thing against him. He had four months left to his rotation in the ER before he could even hope to transfer to surgery and now with the pregnancy he may not even be able to do that.

Could he keep his pregnancy a secret for that long? Shaking his head he knew that won’t even be a possibility his name was on the lab work. Not to mention if Eli could guess he was pregnant than everyone else could too. He had been an emotional wreck for weeks now. It was just going to get worse as the pregnancy progressed.

Running a hand through his hair mumbling to himself. Mr. McFluffers joined him purring loudly. Taking the small kitten into his arms, snuggling it close to his face “if hiding it is out of the question, what do I do?” he asked the tiny kitten knowing there was no real answer. At least not one he liked.

The sound of his phone was loud and jarring in the silence. Trebor forced himself to reach for it with the intention of telling whoever it was he’d call them back later. He wasn’t in the mood to pretend to be chipper. “Hello,” he snapped at whoever was interrupting his sulk.

“Hey babe,” Bray said into his ear, sounding happy that couldn’t help but bring a soft smile to Trebor’s lips. “What’s wrong?”

“What makes you think anything’s wrong?” he said, trying to evade the question which only made him feel guilty. Taking a deep breath he tried again “nothing’s wrong.”

“Um…okay,” Bray’s voice held several unasked questions of a person not entirely convinced that everything was fine. 

“I can’t wait for you to come home,” Trebor added “I miss you and I…”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Bray’s voice cut him off before he could say more. “I won’t be able to come home this weekend.”

“What! Why?” Trebor cried as panic made his voice into a shrill squeak. 

“If we win the next game,” Bray explained as if he couldn’t hear the panic in his boyfriend’s voice, “the coach wants to train here instead of going all the way back home. Then there’s the signing tour…”

Blinking back the tears stinging his eyes Trebor croaked out a single question “how long?”

Hearing the distress in his tone Braylin said “you knew this was a possibility. We discussed this…”

“I know but…” he pressed his lips together. There was no way he was telling Bray over the phone that he was pregnant.

“Before what?” he asked.

Gulping Trebor tried without much success to get a grip on his rampaging emotions. “Um … before I realized how much I was going to miss you.”

“I miss you too babe,” Brayin soothed. “I could probably make a quick flight home before the tour begins.” Sounding confident that the win was in the bag.

Trebor could hear it in Bray’s voice that he really didn’t want to make a special trip home. He knew Braylin would do it if he wanted him to. It would only cause friction when he wanted harmony to tell Bray about the baby. It was going to be hard enough to tell him much less making him make an unnecessary trip home. “No it’s okay. I’ll be fine.”  He heard the words. Heard the false conviction in the lie when all he wanted to do was to tell him to come home. Clearing his throat before a quiver told the lie “you better win.”

“Don’t worry we will,” he chuckled into the phone. “I’ve got to go now. Love you.”

“Love you too,” Trebor said, biting his bottom lip to keep from telling Bray to hurry home.

***

“Cheer up,” Eli told him as he slapped the book he was reading closed. “He’ll be home soon enough.” 

“Yeah I know,” Trebor’s mouth twitched a little before resuming it’s customary worried frown.

“Then why so glum,” Eli asked, watching his friend.

Shrugging Trebor moved off waving towards Lana who was walking past, her stomach protruding in her nurses uniform. He wondered when he’d be looking like that, unconsciously he put a hand to his stomach. Already there was a slight protruding that wasn’t there before. He was sure of it although Eli had told him it was just his imagination.

“You haven’t told him yet have you,” Eli asked coming alongside him.

Trebor’s eyes shot upwards then skittered away. Guilt making his stomach churn uncomfortably like he was about to throw up. “I didn’t want to tell Bray over the phone and he hasn’t been home…”

An eyebrow rose on Eli’s face “that’s an excuse…”

“Are you worried Bray won’t want the baby?” Lana’s voice made both of them jump a little when she joined them.

Turning Trebor gave her a little shrug, “we never really discussed it except to say baby’s could wait a while.”

She gave him a long considering glance like the kind his mother would give him when he attempted to skirt around the truth. It always made him squirm just as he was doing now. “Somehow I don’t believe you.” She took Trebor’s hand “Bray must have said something to make you so worried.”

Staring at her hand holding his, sighing he shook his head. “I’ve got rounds to get to,” he tried to walk away but her grip held firm.

“No, you don’t,” Eli said “we already did rounds this morning.”

“Tell us what’s bothering you,” Lana urged. 

Looking into her kind eyes he felt his resolve slipping. “It’s not that he’s against having kids. It’s just too soon. We hadn’t planned on having any yet. We’re both at the start of careers. Kids were supposed to come later.” He ran a shaky hand through his hair “this baby messes everything up.”

“Are you sure you’re not attributing your own feelings to him?” Lana asked. When Trebor only stared at her, his chin quivering a little she reached out, stroking his cheek “aw sweetie it’s going to be okay. Really it is.”

Eli moved next to her, wrapping an arm around her the other he rested on his stomach. “Believe me when we say we understand. We had the same discussions. We planned on being married first. Starting a family after my residency was done.” Shrugging, he looked up, eyes twinkling “what can I say? Things happen. Would I change it? Not in a million years. I’m sure Braylin will feel the same way.”

“Really?” Trebor sniffed.

“Yes really,” Lana moved from her fiance’s embrace to dry the silent tears running down Trebor’s cheeks. “Trust me. Things are going to be alright. Just tell him.”

“And,” Eli stepped forward “give him time to adjust to the news. You’ve had more time to adjust to the news than he has. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t react the way you want him to initially.”

Nodding Trebor knew they meant well and it was something he needed to hear. All of it true; although it didn’t alleviate his worries. That wouldn’t happen until after he told Braylin and maybe not even then. “I’ll try,” he promised, knowing he’d put it off too long already. Brayling had been gone for two months already. “I’ll tell him as soon as he comes home.” 

“Don’t forget,” Eli said, poking him in the side. “You won’t be able to put it off for much longer. There’s going to come a time when you can’t hide the changes happening to your body.”

Slapping his hand away “gee thanks,” he mumbled. “Like I needed to be reminded of that.” He’d already noticed how his clothes don’t fit the way they should.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 22 – Separation

A few weeks later Trebor was standing in the middle of the remodeled kitchen. It had been completely gutted by professionals. Trebor had refused to give up his tiny little apartment until the kitchen and bathrooms had been completely redone and fit for human habitation. In time he hoped he’d stop seeing the old disgusting images superimposed over the existing splendor.

Something bumped into his legs, rubbing against them. Back and forth. His heart leaped into his throat imagining it was some kind of rabid rat or something. His heart beat rapidly inside his chest and he almost jumped onto one of the nearby counters.

A small plaintive meow caught his attention before he could react and do anything ridiculous. Looking down he saw a fluffy white, grey tipped ragdoll kitten rubbing against his calf. Bending down he picked up the kitten “where did you come from?”

Holding the kitten, a smile spread across his face. Turning he found Braylin leaning on the wall watching him. “What do you think of the little fur ball?”

“He’s so cute,” he held the kitten to his cheek, it’s little paws patting at his nose. Laughing softly he set the kitten gently on the floor before moving towards Braylin, “thank you.”

“Is that all I get? A thank you?” he asked his bottom lip puffing out in a pretend pout. 

Shaking his head Trebor leaned in close, pressing a quick peck on the pouting lips. “There, is that better?” he asked, stepping back out of reach of Braylins hands.

“Oh no,” Braylin laughed, chasing him around the kitchen. “You can do much better than that.”

The chime of an incoming text message distracted Trebor long enough for two strong arms to trap him against the counter. “I should probably answer that,” he said despite all his senses filling with the man close to him.

“Later,” Braylin leaned in close, mouth hovering above Trebors. “I’m still waiting for a proper thank you.”

Emitting a low whimper as he tried without success to close the gap between them. Bringing his hands up to caress Braylin’s face, fingers tracing his firm jawline noting the faint prickle of whiskers on his otherwise smooth face. “Gladly,” he whispered and when he moved in to close the gap between them he was rewarded with the touch of Bray’s lips against his.

Braylin’s hands moved from the countertop to grip Trebor’s hips, lifting him up. Trebor wrapped his legs around Bray’s waist as their lips continued to be locked together in a dance of their own. Leaning Braylin leaned Trebor against the counter while his mouth moved down his throat seeking the tender spot he knew drove Trebor wild on his collar bone. 

“We should … ah,” Trebor lost his train of thought as Braylin hit the spot and his hands hiked up Trebor’s shirt. Moaning with desire, Trebor fought for control one more time before losing himself to the moment “we should go upstairs.”

Tugging Trebor’s shirt over his head Braylin peppered his skin with kisses “do you really want me to stop?”

In answer Trebor pulled his  partner closer with his legs that were still wrapped around Braylin’s waist.

***

Sometime later they were laying in the tangle of arms and legs on the kitchen floor. Trebor rested his head against Braylin’s chest like a pillow. Lazily he drew circles on his stomach. Their clothes were strewn across the floor. Trebor closed his eyes doing his best to ignore the urge to get up and straighten the mess. Braylin’s even breathing telling him he was awake. Movement in the corner drew his eyes to the kitten, “you’re leaving again, aren’t you?”

“What makes you think that?” Braylin asked, running his fingers through Trebor’s hair. 

“McFluffers,” he nodded towards the kitten.

“You’re not calling it that, are you? It’s my cat.” He tried to sit up only to be pulled down on top of the stronger hockey player.

Tracing Trebor’s lips with his index finger Braylin smirked. “You can call it whatever you want. If it’s McFluffers then so be it.”

Trebor could see the amusement in Bray’s eyes. “I’ll think about it,” he moved enough to find a more comfortable spot. “You’re still leaving though.” His heart seemed to skip a beat before racing ahead at the thought of being alone in their newly remodeled home.

“I am,” he nodded “you’ll be alright won’t you? Most of the rooms have been remodeled.”

“It’s not just that,” he let his hands fall as he snuggled into Braylin. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Damn right you are,” he stated smugly, rolling Trebor over onto the floor. “But you won’t be alone now that you have Mr McFluffers. He’ll keep you company.”

Nodding he asked “when do you leave?” Oddly he felt like crying and screaming at the same time. He knew that Braylin would need to travel once hockey season began but it didn’t stop him from wishing he didn’t have to go.

“Early tomorrow morning,” tenderly Braylin kissed the Trebor’s protesting lips. “I promise I won’t wake you up…”

“But I want to say goodbye,” he cried, his chin wobbling.

Chuckling a little, Braylin brushed a finger across Trebor’s cheek “there’s no need for tears. I’ve left before. What makes this time so different?”

“I don’t know,” Trebor closed his eyes, willing his chaotic emotions to subside. “All the other times I was in my apartment. This place is so big and…” sighing he shook his head “I still remember what this place looked like before.” He knew it was silly but he couldn’t help it.

“You’ll be alright,” Braylin assured him. “We got rid of the rats. No one died here. You’ll be fine.”

“I know I’m just being silly,” he admitted, giving him a rueful smile.

“I don’t have to leave for a few hours,” Braylin grinned wiggling his brows at him “let’s make the most of them.”

“You need to sleep…”

“I’ll sleep on the bus,” and before Trebor could protest further Braylin picked him up and carried him towards the stairs.

“We need to eat something,” Trebor protested as his stomach growled loudly.

“I’ll order,” Braylin said with a grin “Chinese.”

***

The house was lonely without the vibrant, energetic pink haired male. Trebor tried to shake the loneliness his absence gave him by making it his goal to have the living room done by the time Braylin came home. He had two weeks to accomplish it.

Tugging on the old wallpaper it clung stubbornly to the wall. “Damn it,” he muttered, his frustration growing. He’d been working at this for hours and still the horrid wallpaper clung to the walls like it was alive. 

“Hey anybody home,” a familiar friendly voice called from the door.

“How the hell,” he grumbled, tugging harder which meant the stubborn wallpaper chose that moment to give up hit’s hold flinging Trebor backwards. He landed in a heap on the floor, the wallpaper falling on top of him.

“Looks like you could use some help,” Eli leaned back on the wall laughing. “Here let me help you up” he held his hand out.

Taking his hand muttering, “Damn look at the mess you made.”

“Me?” he asked indignantly “all I did was come by to see if you needed any help.”

“You surprised me,” Trebor muttered glaring at his friend “how did you get in, by the way?”

“The door was open.”

“It couldn’t have been,” he protested, “I always lock it.”

“How else could I have gotten in if it weren’t open?”

“I wouldn’t have forgotten to lock it, now way.”

“You’ve been forgetting a lot of things recently,” Eli pointed out, chuckling at the irritable look Trebor gave him. “I bet all you can think about is Braylin and what he’s up to.”

“If you’re implying I’m jealous you’re wrong,” Trebor protested, stomping towards the kitchen to get the mop. “I just haven’t been feeling the best lately. Must be all the fumes from the paint and wallpaper adhesive.”

“Or it could be something else,” Eli said, slipping into doctor mode “you should let me give you a check up.”

Rolling his eyes, sighing heavily “you’re not going to leave me alone until you get your way are you?” Nodding his head when Eli shook his head at him “fine I’ll come in tomorrow.”

Knights of Hope – Chapter 15 – Someone To Believe In

• 

Eli kept a lookout for his chance to catch Trebor before he left the hospital. When he came out of the doctor’s office he made his approach. “How’s the arm?” he inquired.

“I have to wear the cast for another 3-4 weeks” he shrugged “then I’ll have several weeks of therapy before I’ll know if I can come back.”

“You’re taking it fairly well considering” Eli observed.

“Yeah well” he paused. “I’m trying to be positive. Nothing else to do really short of going back in time.”

Nodding Eli sucked on his bottom lip. “How is he?” he asked.

Smiling a little Trebor knew this was really why Eli had stopped him. “Do you really want to know?” he challenged.

• 

“Well….yeah.”

“Just making sure” he sighed “you haven’t exactly been around much checking in on him even though he’s right here in the hospital.”

“I’ve been busy,” he explained, “working more hours. It hasn’t been easy since you’ve been out of commission.”

“I’m surprised they haven’t filled my position with someone else,” Trebor said, trying not to sound as depressed as he felt. He’d worked hard to get where he was and one accident and it could all be gone.

“You left rather big shoes to fill” Eli chuckled holding his hands apart “kind of like big ass clown shoes. No one wants to be caught dead in those.”

“You’re an idiot you know that” Trebor said walking towards the nurses station to say hi to Lana before he left.

• 

• 

“Hey stranger” she called, running around the desk to throw her arms around him. “We’ve missed you so much. You have to come over for supper.”

“I’d like that” he said, releasing her “if that invitation includes Braylin.”

Her eyes shifted towards Eli who shrugged. “Are you two together again? Even after everything that’s happened.”

“We were never apart,” he corrected.

“But he” she met his gaze “he hurt you.”

“He did,” he nodded, “but not as much as he hurt himself. He needs me. He was there for me when I needed him. I can’t do any less.”

“What if he does it again?” she asked.

Lifting his arm “this was an accident. He never meant to hurt me. I was too close to the stairs.”

• 

Taking a step back she shook her fluffy head. “That’s not what I was talking about. He stopped talking to you. Cut you off. I know you. That hurt worse than anything he could do to you physically.”

“Well in that case” he grinned “if he does that again feel free to have it at it.”

Taking a step forward “you’re really okay” she peered into his eyes. When he nodded she continued “alright he’s invited. How about Friday? Tell your parents to come too. I’d love to see them before they have to go home.”

“Thanks Lana” he swooped her up giving her a bear hug “you’re the best.”

Patting his back she grinned “I am going to give that boy of yours a good talking to though. Making us all worry about him like that.”

“You do that” he said releasing her “he needs to know he has people in his corner.”

***

• 

• 

• 

Sitting in the backseat while his dad drove and his mom kept an eye on the map he had plenty of time to notice how uncomfortable and quiet the man beside him had become. Reaching across the seat he touched Bray’s hand.

Entwining his fingers with Trebor’s he attempted to calm his wildly beating heart. “Are you sure they want me there?”

“Yes,” he nodded, “they want you to come.” He could see his words barely scratched the surface of the man’s anxiety. “It’s going to be alright. Lana will probably give you some speech about not hurting me again. Then it’ll be over. They like you.”

“Okay” the anxiety in his blue eyes didn’t abate though.

Squeezing his hand Trebor leaned into him. “It’s been a difficult day, hasn’t it?” He knew Bray’s parents had left earlier that day. He’d worried about Braylin being alone in that apartment. He could only imagine how difficult that would be. He doubted he could do it. He’d always see the blood pooled on the bathroom floor. The steady drip as the water spilled over the edge of the tub. Squeezing his eyes shut he willed the images to the back of his mind mentally locking them away with all the other bad memories. In the place where they couldn’t hurt him anymore.”

• 

• 

Lana launched herself at Braylin as soon as they walked into the kitchen of their small apartment. He hesitantly moved his arms around her, returning her hug. Stepping back she swatted his upper arm. “Don’t ever do that again” she admonished him. “You made us worry about you.” Wiping her eyes she sniffed “I hate crying and you made me cry.”

“I’m sorry” he apologized at a loss for what he should do or say.

“Hey” Eli called from the stove “hands off my girl.”

“She’s the one attacking me,” Braylin protested. The knot in his stomach slowly unraveled. 

“She’s supposed to be yelling at you, not giving you hugs,” Eli said, stirring something on the stove. “You know something to the effect of. You are never to hurt our boy like that again.”

• 

“Eli” she objected “I’m allowed to change my mind.”

“Hey you’re the one who said….” he ducked when she launched a sponge at his head. “I’m just saying….”

“That was before…”

“Before what?” Braylin asked curiously.

“Before I saw you and realized you were hurting too” she walked over to the stove. “Now go set the table before you say anything else and ruin my meal.”

“Why are you mad at me?” Eli whined pouting as he got the dishes from the cupboard.

• 

After supper they gathered in the living room. A small comfortable space barely large enough to accomodate all of them. “So how’s it going?” Eli asked, directing his words to Verity.

“How’s what going?” she asked evasively.

“You know the case” he persisted, missing Lana’s eye roll towards Braylin and her slight shake of the head.

“It’s going well. I’m meeting with a few people tomorrow” Verity tried to answer and be vague enough to not provide much information.

“No one’s admitting to spiking Brays drink then” he asked, making it impossible now to make it sound like it was anything else.

• 

Hearing his name Braylin sat up from where he was leaning into Trebor. “Are you investigating me?” he asked looking around the room. His eyes coming to rest on the man beside him.

“I asked her to” he explained “please don’t be upset. I’m positive I’m right. I never believed you’d take drugs or hurt me.”

He swallowed, feeling everyone’s eyes upon him. “Alright I can appreciate that. It’s just hard to imagine anyone doing something like that on purpose.”

“Mom, what have you found out?” Trebor asked. 

“Not much I’m afraid” , sighing she continued “I know you want to clear Bray’s name but I don’t know if we can.”

• 

“But you said it was possible for someone to spike his drink” Trebor’s voice rose. “You can’t give up. Not now. You said that Matt had motive.”

“He does but getting him to admit it is another thing” she explained “right now we have no proof.”

“Matt” he asked “you think he spiked my drink. Why? I mean he’s a jerk. I didn’t think he was that much of a jerk.”

“Did you at one time date his sister” Verity asked “he claims you killed her.”

“I what” he cried jumping to his feet. “I’d never intentionally hurt anyone. You’ve got to believe me.” His last sentence was directed to Trebor.

• 

“I believe you. Always have” he held his hand out until Braylin took it and sat down again.  “Mom, did you find anything at all helpful?”

“All I know for sure is Matt’s sister Lindsey died instantly in a car accident when she was hit by a drunk driver…”

“It wasn’t me” Braylin insisted “I’ve done a lot of stupid shit while I was wasted but driving while intoxicated wasn’t one of them.”

“Did you ever lend your car to someone who might have” she asked.

“I don’t know. I might have” he frowned “but surely the cops would have asked me questions if it had been my car.”

***

• 

Later that night Braylin and Trebor lay in each other’s arms on the floor of Trebor’s apartment. Pressing his lips to the side of Trebor’s face he asked “why do you believe in me so much?”

“You never gave me a reason not to” he turned his head enough to capture Braylin’s lips with his own moaning softly. “I wish my parents weren’t in the next room.”

“We could have stayed at my place” he ran his hand across his chest and stomach. He felt the shiver that ran through Trebor’s body. Pulling away he let the blanket fall down around him. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am that you found me like that.” He buried his face in his knees. “I never thought…I just wanted the pain to end.”

“You don’t have to apologize” Trebor moved up beside him running his fingers through the soft pink hair. “I’m so glad I was there. That I got to you in time. Nothing else matters. Just you.”

“Really” he asked, lifting his face up.

• 

“Yes really” he gently wrapped his arms around the man he loved more than he ever expected. “I had such an awful feeling that something was wrong. Like there was a ticking time clock counting down the minutes. I knew I had to get to you. Dad even got a ticket speeding across the town to get me there.”

“He did that for me” his voice was muffled as his face was resting on Trebor’s shoulder. “And your mom really believes I was set up.”

“Of course,” Trebor assured him, kissing the top of his head. Sighing when Braylin’s hands moved across his back and down his spine coming to rest on his hips, his fingers just below the elastic of his sweatpants. “We’ll have to be quiet” he said in answer to the silent question in Braylin’s eyes as he gazed up at him.

Smiling his hands moved further down pulling his sweats down around his thighs. “I’m not the one who makes all the noise.” He lifted his head from Trebor’s shoulder, cutting off the retort he was about to make. Rolling him onto his back Braylin let his hands wander across Trebor’s body. He kept his eyes on Trebor’s watching them ignite with desire as he explored his body. Dipping his head down he ran his tongue down his body stopping just above his target.

Biting his fingers Trebor moaned softly. It was an effort not to give vent to the waves of pleasure overwhelming him as Braylin performed his magic on him. Looking in the man’s eyes he could see his hockey player knew what sweet torture he was inflicting on him. At that moment he didn’t care who was just one wall away. He needed this connection, this bond between them.

Chapter 14 – Soulmate / Chapter 16 – Sunlit Tides

Knights of Hope – Chapter 13 – Hope

• 

Trebor could feel the tremors coursing through his body. The adrenaline made his hands shake when he needed them to be steady. The aftermath of trying to keep someone alive who had every intention of dying. The whispered plea “I don’t want to hurt you anymore.” Even then his last thoughts were of him.

Jumping to his feet he made a beeline towards the doors marked surgery. “Excuse me sir. You can’t go back there.” A nurse blocked his path, preventing him from going any further.

“I need to know how he’s doing” he attempted to go around her.

“The doctors will come out and talk to you” she assured him, crossing her arms in front of her ample bosom. 

Short of picking her up and moving her he didn’t have any other choice but complying. Sitting down his leg bouncing up and down in rhythm to the chaos inside his head.

• 

“Son,” his father’s voice calm and steady beside him “they’re doing all they can.”

“What if he lost too much blood?” he asked “what if I didn’t do enough while we waited for the ambulance?”

Putting an arm around his son’s shoulders Garrett said “you did all you could do. He’s lucky you found him when you did. I’m so proud of you.”

“I should have known he was in trouble,” Trebor said, giving voice to the jumbled thoughts running through his head. “I should have tried harder to see him. I shouldn’t have given up so easily.”

“You didn’t know,” Garrett said, his words pinging off him like ricochet’s.

• 

• 

“I should have known” his gruff and stubborn “He was there for me and where was I when he needed me?”

“You were right where you belonged” Verity’s voice startled both of them. “You can spend your entire life second guessing yourself or you can accept that bad things happen that we can’t prevent no matter how much we wish we could.” She held her son’s face between her hands. “You followed your gut instinct that was telling you something was wrong. You were right. You could have ignored it. Hating yourself forever for not following it. That luckily didn’t happen. He’s still fighting or the doctor’s would be out here right now telling us they did all they could.”

Nodding he felt her fingertips drying his tears. She was right. He had been there when it mattered. “I should clean up” he murmured for the first time, realizing he was still covered in blood.

“You’re in luck” she held up a bag “I brought you some clean clothes to change into. You might want to have someone change that cast before you get an infection or something.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks Mom” he smiled gratefully at her as he took the bag from her fingers. She ruffled his hair “Mom stop. I’m not a little kid.”

• 

“You’re my kid” she kissed his forehead “forever and always. Now scoot. Go get cleaned up.”

Standing he could feel how tired he was. “I should call his parents.” In his present state it felt like an impossible task. He had no desire for their first conversation to be him informing them of their son’s attempted suicide. 

“I already took care of that,” Verity informed him. “They’ll be here sometime tonight.”

“But….how” he asked although at this point he was sure he should’ve been beyond being surprised.

“You’re dad asked me to” she smiled at him “it’s the least we could do. You don’t have to do this on your own. We’re here to help. Now go. Get cleaned up.”

• 

• 

His parents would never cease to amaze him. He shuffled towards the bathroom. “Is it true?” Eli’s familiar voice called as he and Lana came around the corner.

Taking a good look at Trebor’s condition Lana nodded “it is true.”

“He’s still in surgery” he said to their unasked questions. “I don’t know how he’s doing.”

“I’ll go check on him,” Eli offered.

“Are you holding up alright?” Lana asked him.

“I’m still in shock I think” he said “my parents are here. Arrived this morning. Thanks for calling them.”

“You’re welcome” she said “I never thought he’d do something like this. I was just so mad at him…”

• 

• 

“I’ve already beat myself up over this” Trebor said “let’s not blame each other. Let’s promise to be more supportive in the future.”

“You’re right,” she said, moving in to give him a hug. She stopped just before touching him.

“I know,” he nodded, “I’m a mess. Mom brought me clean clothes to change into. I was just going to do that when you arrived.”

“Don’t let me stop you then” she smiled “I’ll go talk to your parents while you change.”

By the time he left the bathroom a doctor was talking to his parents. He knew he wouldn’t get much information about Braylin’s condition but any would be better than none. “Doctor Bennett the only thing we can share is that Mr McGavin is in critical condition but we expect him to make a full recovery thanks to your quick thinking.” He paused, frowning at the sight of the bloodied cast. “You should have that cast changed before infection sets in.”

“I’ll do that” he assured the doctor “I just needed to hear how Braylin was doing before I could consider anything else.”

***

• 

The following afternoon Trebor found himself alone sitting beside Braylin’s bedside. Braylin’s dads insisted he sit with him despite his protests to the contrary. As a doctor he’d been inside this room or similar rooms seeing families at their worst. Crying over some loved one they were about to lose. It was the first time he found himself in the role of a heart-stricken family. 

The doctors had repaired the damage Braylin did to himself. Pumped him full of blood to replace what he lost. Risk of infection was high. Trebor could list all the things that could yet go wrong jeopardizing his recovery. One of the many hazards of being a doctor. He knew how close he’d come to losing Braylin altogether. If he’d been even a minute later than he was. it would have been too late. 

Closing his eyes, his hand crumpling the letter within his fingers. He couldn’t lose anyone else. The crumpling sound caught his attention. Braylin’s dad had found a letter Braylin had written to him. The words blurred as tears formed running down his cheeks. He didn’t want to read it. The words felt like a boulder crushing him. His brain insisted on forming the disjointed letters into words and the dreaded letter took shape. 

• 

To my love, my beautiful Trebor,

It’s difficult to know what to write here & I’m not sure where to begin except to say, above all, that I am truly sorry for any pain that I have caused you since the moment that we met. To you I have always appeared so strong & levelheaded. To say that wasn’t planned in some way would be a lie, one of many that I have told throughout my life. It was the only lie that I ever led you to believe about me though. The truth is that I suppose I never moved past that boy who always had everything to prove to the world & to himself. 

The words that I spoke, the moments that we shared & the feelings that I have/had for you have all been true. You are the most incredible person I’ve met & to know you, the most magical part of my life. Stupid me. I always thought that hockey was the only love of my life & all that I’d ever need. That all changed when I saw that glimmer in your eyes for the first time. You gave me purpose & you held me up on days when I felt as though I was nothing more than a shell, even if you never knew. You saved me far longer than I thought that anyone could. 

I fucked up. I failed. I wanted nothing more than to be the man that you wanted, that you needed, someone worthy of your love. I let you down just as I have yet again let my family down. For the last time. I assured you all that I was clean & would remain that way forever. I’m sorry that I could not keep that promise. You deserve so much more & I feel like the biggest asshole for allowing you to waste so much time & energy on a piece of shit like me. I guess I’m selfish. I guess I’ve always been selfish. 

Please tell my family that I’m sorry & that I love them. Tell them that I said ‘thank you’ for the many chances that they gave to me. Tell my brother that I’m sorry I was never there for him in the ways that I should’ve been. Much like you, Bodhi too deserved so much more than I was capable of giving. 

My love for you grew each time that I laid eyes on you. No one in this world has ever made me feel the way that you did. Thank you for saving me from myself more times than I care to admit. This isn’t your fault. It’s no one’s fault but my own. I am far from the man that I always wished to be & there’s no reason for me to continue to suffer or to cause others to suffer just for loving me. 

Trebor, I love you so much. There are no words to express how happy you made me. You’ll go on to greatness; I know that you will. You’ll find someone who can make you much happier than I ever could. When you find that, don’t turn your back on it. You deserve it so much. You deserve the universe & every star it holds. I wish so fucking much that I could’ve given that to you. 

Goodbye to you, my heart & soul. I love you. I’m sorry. 

Bray

• 

• 

The letter slipped from his stiff cold fingers floating softly to the floor. “Why” he cried, lifting his head to gaze at Braylin’s face. The still silent figure of the man he loved cut him to his soul. The gentle beeping of the nearby monitor; the only sound in the room. “Why Bray? ” he cried, burying his face in his hands. “I never asked you to be more than you were.” He reached for Bray’s hand, careful not to disturb the banadages. “I only wanted you to see yourself the way I saw you. You are so much more than you give yourself credit for.”

The door opened behind him. He dabbed at his eyes, drying the tears that streaked his face. The sound of paper rattling as someone picked up the letter that had fallen forgotten to the floor. 

“Maybe we shouldn’t have shown this to you” a low voice spoke behind him. “I thought it’d help to know what he was thinking when he….” the man’s voice became choked up as he too fought tears.

“You must hate me,” Trebor cried, jumping from the hard, uncomfortable chair. His muscles were stiff and tired. He wanted nothing more than to run and keep running.

“What” the man behind him asked. If Trebor could believe what his ears were telling him the man sounded genuinely shocked at his statement.

“It’s all my fault” he cried, giving voice to the jumbled thoughts inside his head. “If he hadn’t felt pressured to be what he thought I wanted he’d never have done this.” He flinched when the older version of Braylin touched his shoulder.

“This wasn’t your fault” the older man spoke with conviction. “I’m glad he had you. My son” his voice cracked “he had his demons. He tried to beat them. I had hoped…believed he had.”

• 

• 

• 

Jerking away he paced the small room. “No, he had beaten them. He….” his chest heaved “he wouldn’t have hurt me. No matter what. It was an accident. I was too close to the stairs. Lost my balance.” He ran a hand through his hair trying to formulate his thoughts into words.

“That doesn’t change the fact that he’d fallen off the wagon. Drank. Took drugs. It was too much for him.”

Whirling around to face the man he found that both Braylin’s dad were there, holding each other’s hands. “With all due respect you don’t know him. Not really. He’s changed.” He raised a hand to ward off their words to the contrary. “He wasn’t drinking. Not once.”

“That’s what he wanted you to believe” the blue haired man said “he’s a master of hiding it.”

Shaking his head, chin wobbling. “I don’t believe you. He wanted to be the son you’d be proud of. He wanted to be the model big brother. He was driven to be the best on and off the hockey rink. He was kind and loving. Always willing to lend a helping hand even when I didn’t think I needed his help. He always went beyond my expectations.” Wiping his eyes he turned facking Braylin lying silent on the bed. “He always made me feel safe.”

“That’s the way we always hoped he’d be” the man’s voice was full of regret. Trebor recognized the tone. The years of worry and disappointment had built up to the point they didn’t know what to believe. They hadn’t been in their son’s life for years kept at a distance. Fear from both sides no doubt.

“He is that way” he stated firmly “I refuse to believe he took those drugs willfully. Something happened that night” walking towards the door “I’m going to find out what.”

***

• 

Trebor drummed his fingers on the table waiting for someone to say something. With each passing second he wanted to ask them to say something. Anything.

Verity lifted her eyes. She met his gaze and nodded. “It won’t be easy to prove. It’s been too long.”

His initial excitement dwindled. An oppressive weight pressed on his chest. “I know he didn’t do this on purpose. Someone had to have spiked his drink.”

Placing a hand over his, she gave him a gentle smile. “I didn’t say it was impossible. I said it’s been too long and it would be difficult.”

“Listen to your mother,” Garrett said from across the table “if anyone can find proof that someone did this she can.”

They exchanged glances. Years of love and respect passed between them. Something Trebor had hoped he’d have with Braylin. He wanted that with Braylin. “Anything. I’ll do anything for him. No matter how difficult it is. He saved me once when I thought everything I’d worked for was lost. I have to do the same for him.” He looked up at his parents, “hockey is everything to him.”

• 

Ruffling her son’s hair Verity shook her head at him. “No, not everything. If that was the case this wouldn’t have hurt him so much. He loves you. Feels he disappointed you.”

Blinking rapidly he asked “did you read the letter he wrote me?”

“We did” she glanced at her husband before adding “his parents wanted our opinion on whether or not to give it to you. They found it. I’m sorry.”

“Yet you still want to help me clear his name,” he said, making it sound like a question.

“Of course,” Garrett said, speaking firmly “we don’t give up on people.”

“His dad’s aren’t giving up,” he protested. “They’re scared. Hurt.”

• 

“They are. If you’re right about this then we can give them back a little bit of hope and faith in their son” Verity asserted.

“So what do we do first?” he asked, wiping his eyes, drying them on the backs of his hands.

“First” she glanced at Garrett who nodded in agreement. “We make a list of anyone who might have a grudge against Braylin.”

“Do you mean like ex lovers or teammates?” he asked.

“That’s a place to start” she patted his hand before opening her phone to make notes. “Anyone you can think of?”

• 

• 

He stared out the window thinking through the jumbled memories of the past several months. Shaking his head about to say he didn’t know when pieces of a half forgotten conversation came to mind “There is someone. He’s new to the team. He took Bray’s position on the team. He…” frowning he tried to remember what it was that made him uneasy about him. Shaking his head “that night is such a hazy blur. There’s something I ought to remember but I can’t. It’s just not coming to me.”

“It’s alright” Verity assured him. “I’ll do some checking around. If you remember what it is, tell me.”

Getting up from the table he said “I’m going to lie down.” He took a few steps. Stopped. Turned “I think his name was Matt. The guy who took Bray’s place.”

“Get some rest, ” Verity said, shooing him from the room. “You’re father and I will go for a walk.”

Chapter 12 – Ticking Clock / Chapter 14 – Soulmate

Knights of Hope – Chapter 11 – The Party

• 

• 

“Joseph” Trebor asked, spotting his cousin across the room. “When did you move from Starlight Shores?”

“Didn’t Bray tell you? I finally made the team” he gave him an infectious smile.

“What” Braylin asked, putting a hand to his head “I had no idea.”

Trebor gave him a concerned look “are you okay?”

“I’m fine” he blinked, moving awkwardly “just have a headache.”

“You need something for it” he asked knowing from experience that Braylin wouldn’t take anything.

• 

• 

“I’ll be fine” he said “I just need to find somewhere quiet to lie down for a while.”

A blue haired guy walking past suggested “you can use my room.”

“Perfect” he grinned, turning to Trebor saying “stay and visit with your cousin. Have some fun.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, “we could go home.”

“I’ll be fine” he assured him “stay and mingle.”

Watching him follow the blue haired guy up the stairs he had a sense of unease enveloping him. His stomach churned as his anxiety rose. A hand landed on his shoulder, turning he stared into the grinning face of a good looking dark haired male.

• 

“I’m Matt” the guy introduced himself “if I were Braylin I would never let you out of my sight.”

“Don’t let Bray catch you saying that” John laughed, gulping his beer. “You might come back with a stump.”

“He shouldn’t have left his date unattended” he gave Trebor a wink attempting to draw the man closer.

“I think you’ve got the wrong idea about me” he stepped back putting space between them. 

“I’ve got the right idea alright” he grinned “you just don’t realize it yet. I’m about to prove to everyone here that I’m the better man on and off the ice.”

• 

“Yeah,” Joseph challenged, coming to his cousin’s aide “sounds more like you’ve got issues.”

“Yeah I’ve got issues” rolling his eyes towards the ceiling then back to Trebor. “I’m going to prove to everyone that he’s just a deadbeat drunk that doesn’t deserve the chances he’s got or the position he has.” Walking away when other teammates jeered at him. Stopping briefly whispering in Trebor’s ear “that includes you too, lover boy.”

Jumping when the man’s hand came down, lingering on his hips and sliding down cupping his cheek. His hand bunched into a fist but before he could punch the jerk an arm grabbed him preventing him. Glaring at his cousin demanding “why’d you stop me? He deserved to feel my fist in his face.”

“He’s just an arrogant asshole,” Joseph shrugged, releasing Trebor’s arm. “Besides, you can’t afford to damage those delicate hands of yours.”

“It would have been worth it” he mumbled “what’s his problem anyway?”

• 

• 

“Jealousy” Joseph suggested “Matt wants Bray’s position as center.”

“He can’t have it, can he?” he asked, concerned for Braylin. His knowledge of how hockey worked was still lacking. Overall he knew how losing his position on the team would affect Braylin. His dedication and ambition for the game equaled his desire to become a heart surgeon. If he ever lost his chance at achieving his dream he’d be devastated. It’d be no different for Braylin.

“No way” John piped in, breathing an alcoholic mist into Trebor’s face. “Bray’s the best center we have.”

Still it nagged at the back of Trebor’s mind. Would this added pressure put too much stress on his hockey player? He didn’t believe in his heart that it would. Unfortunately lesser things have proven to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

***

• 

“I should go check on him,” Trebor said, moving towards the stairs. Loud laughter was emanating down the stairs followed by a raised irate voice. Joseph, John and Trebor moved towards the stairs at once drawn by the noise. The scene that greeted them as they opened Rian’s bedroom door made Trebor’s rising anxiety shoot to the roof. 

“It was an accident” Braylin swayed unsteadily on his feet, his words thick.

“You were only supposed to be resting up here,” Rian said, his voice shaking. “That’s the only reason I let you up here.”

“I got bored,” he mumbled. Looking around he smiled “hey Treb come to keep me company?”

“I thought you had a headache” he said gently pushing the hockey player away from him as his breath blasted him with alcohol. “What the hell! What are you drinking?”

• 

• 

“A little somethin somethin” he mumbled bleary eyed as more people crowded into the room. “My man Matt said it’d make my head feel better. Old family recipe he said. Guaranteed to work.”

“You gave him alcohol” Trebor demanded, glaring at the dark haired man.

“How was I supposed to know he couldn’t hold his liquor?” There was something in the man’s eyes that said he knew more than he was going to admit. There was a certain amount of malice in the guy’s words and eyes that wiped away any impression of innocence his words might have conveyed.

“Come on we should go” Trebor said taking one of Braylin’s arms.

“I don’t wanna” he pouted, shaking Trebor off. “I want to stay and party.”

• 

• 

“You really don’t” Trebor insisted moving closer “I know this isn’t you.”

“Yes it is” he lisped, swaying on his feet spilling the liquid from his red solo cup onto Trebor’s shirt.

“How many of those have you had?” he asked.

“Dunno” he tried to shake his head but the motion unbalanced him. Leaning onto the wall he let Trebor drag him towards the stairs..

“Give me the cup” Trebor held his hand out knowing their progress would be quicker if he could free the man’s hands.

“Not finished yet” he held the cup up to his mouth and tossed it back. Trebor moved in quickly, snatching the cup from him before he was able to down it all. “No” Braylin shouted, knocking him away with an elbow to his face connecting just beneath the eye.

• 

Trebor’s arms pinwheeled trying to keep himself from falling backwards. Too late he realized he was closer to the stairs than he thought. There was nothing but air behind him. The loud popping crunch as his shoulder and elbow took the brunt of his fall echoed in his head as he fell the rest of the way down.

He must have blacked out for a minute or two. The next thing he became aware of was lying flat on the floor at the bottom. Matt’s concerned face near his. “You’re going to be alright. An ambulance is on the way.”

“Bray” he called out attempting to sit up. “Where is he? Is he alright?”

“He’s fine” Matt muttered “stupid jerk pushed you down the stairs.”

“No” he shook his head as he struggled to get up. Strong hands forced down , keeping him from going to Braylin. 

• 

“Lie still” Joseph’s firm voice ordered above him.

“He didn’t push me” he had to make someone understand “it was an accident. He didn’t know I was so close. It was an accident.”

“Lie still” this time it was Matt ignoring him. “I told you he wasn’t what you thought he was. He’s just a no good drunk.”

“No” tears pricked the corners of his eyes. “I need to see him. I need to talk to him. Please.” No amount of struggling was a match with the combined strength holding him down. “Why are you doing this” he asked “he’s done nothing to you.”

“Nothing,” Matt hissed, “what do you call killing my sister?”

• 

Trebor sucked in a deep painful breath. “He didn’t. He wouldn’t.” Shaking his head he repeated “he wouldn’t. I don’t believe you.”

“I’m doing you a favor,” Matt said, wiping his eyes with his shirt sleeve. “He hurts everyone who gets close to him. Look what he just did to you.”

“The ambulance is here,” Rian shouted, opening the door to them. Everything turned into a hazy mess when they moved him from the floor to the gurney. 

“I want to talk to my cousin,” he said to one of the paramedics.

Joseph leaned over him, concern radiating from his eyes. “They say you want to talk to me. I’ll call your parents, don’t worry about that.”

• 

“Thanks but I need you to tell Braylin something for me” he could see the resistance in his cousin’s eyes. “I know he didn’t do this on purpose. I know someone spiked his drink. This isn’t like him. Please.” He grabbed Joseph’s wrist with his left hand squeezing hard. “Tell him I believe in him. This doesn’t change how I feel about him.”

“You’ll feel differently in the morning,” Joseph assured him. “I think Matt’s right. You don’t really know him.”

“You’re the one who doesn’t know him,” he protested.

“You’re not thinking straight” Joseph insisted “you’ll see things differently when you’ve had a chance to think about what happened. He’s not good for you.”

“Joseph please” he pleaded when his cousin walked away “please just tell him.” He knew when he was locked in the back of the ambulance his request wouldn’t get to their intended target.

***

• 

• 

Splashing water on his face Braylin stared at his reflection. “What the fuck happened yesterday” he asked himself. He had vague memories of things that he had done or said. Things that didn’t make sense. The hurt bewildered expression in Trebor’s eyes. Had he really pushed him down a flight of stairs? Someone said he had. He couldn’t have done that. Never. He felt queasy even thinking that he could have done it.

Shuffling into his living room his feet kicked over several cans and bottles. John was snoring on the couch. Several empty beer bottles were scattered across the floor and table tops. Rubbing his hands up and down his arms a strong sense of deja vu enveloping him. Had he fallen down a rabbit hole? What had he done?

“Shit” he yelled, stubbing his toe on a bottle “we’re late.”

Turning to the snoring man on his couch he poured the remnants from a bottle onto his face. “Get up asshole. Coach is going to murder us.”

“Damn” he groaned, holding his head “I forgot how much you liked to party.”

• 

“I don’t” he protested although he was surrounded with proof of John’s statement.

 “Could have fooled me,” he said, dragging himself to the elevator. “We smell like shit.”

“Yeah well” he shrugged. It wasn’t the first time they showed up for practice smelling like a brewery.

Coach glared at them as they joined the others on the ice. Everyone else kept their eyes directed at their skates avoiding eye contact.

“Hey” he attempted to smile “they way you’re acting you’d think I’d killed someone.” It wasn’t the best joke he’d ever come up with. 

Joseph looked up with hostility in his eyes “you could have.” He skated forward, hands bunched “he could have broken his neck falling down those stairs.”

• 

• 

• 

It was like everyone inhaled a breath and held it. They were all waiting to see what he’d do next. “What are you talking about?” he asked, feeling like he was falling into a suffocating pit of despair.

“Don’t tell me you don’t remember” he scoffed and several others nodded their angry glares aimed at Braylin. 

“I…” he gulped; it was like he was trapped in a nightmare and he couldn’t wake up.

Clearing his voice the coach announced. “It’s come to my attention that some of you may be using illegal substances.” Everyone became silent as the man’s voice commanded attention. “Today we’ll be conducting drug testing on everyone. Anyone coming up positive will be suspended from the game.”

He knew even before receiving the results he would be positive. His protests that he hadn’t taken drugs fell upon deaf ears. Drugs had never been his scene even when he was partying hard. His go to drug had always been alcohol. Drugs just weren’t him.

• 

• 

Leaving the coach’s office everyone kept their heads down except John who had been suspended as well. Joseph was glaring at him and Matt was smirking no doubt enjoying the moment of his demise and his rise to center on the team.

Turning he fled the locker room. Sensing that someone was following him he didn’t stop. He wasn’t in the mood for condolences or a walk down memory lane. He needed to confirm he hadn’t done the things Joseph had accused him of. No matter how messed up he was positive he’d never push anyone down a flight of stairs much less Trebor. That was impossible! It had to be impossible.

Checking the time as he got into his car he decided the best place to catch Trebor would be the hospital. Approaching the nurse’s station he could see Lana sitting behind a computer Her cold angry eyes met his confirming his worst fears. “You have some nerve showing up here.”

“I need to see him” he leaned onto the desk “please just for a few minutes. I …. Don’t know what happened.”

“Please” she rolled her eyes standing up “you get wasted and Trebor takes the hit.”

• 

• 

“He’s been asking for you,” Eli said, coming up behind Lana who turned to glare at him.

“Can I see him?” he asked, eyes shifting between the couple.

“Why should we?” she demanded “he trusted you. Believed in you. Said everyone deserves a second chance.”

Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He’d never meant to hurt the one person who believed in him the most. “Please” his voice cracked as his vision blurred. He wasn’t sure if it was the fact he was on the verge of tears or if he had convinced them he was sincere in his intentions. Whatever it was, relief washed over him like a bucket of water being poured over his head when Eli nodded “follow me.”

Following him Braylin asked “is he on rounds or something?”

“You for real when you say you don’t remember” Eli asked, staring at him.

• 

• 

• 

“I don’t remember a damn thing” he muttered “I know we went to a party. Someone gave me a drink. I had a headache. After that everything is hazy and confusing.”

Stopping in front of a closed door Eli said “before I let you in here you should know that Trebor insists that you didn’t push him. That it was an accident. That’s probably the only reason why you’re not in jail right now.”

He swallowed suddenly, scared to find out what he’d see beyond the door. What had he done? His tongue flicked across his bottom lip. “You don’t believe him do you?”

“I don’t honestly know what to believe,” he said, opening the door. “For some reason Trebor believes you. That’s the only reason why I’m letting you see him.” The room was dark and there was the sound of monitors. “He just came out of surgery. His arm was broken in two places. He’ll be lucky if he regains full mobility….”

Braylin didn’t want to hear anymore as he stared at his heart and soul lying unconscious on the bed. He looked so young. Vulnerable. His arm wrapped in a large bulky cast. The realization that he may have cost him his dreams hit Braylin like a sledgehammer. Joseph’s words came back to him. He could have killed him. Broken his neck. One of Trebor’s eyes was bruised and swollen where Braylin’s elbow had connected. The vague memory had him gasping for air. He did this. He actually did this. He….oh god!!!

Chapter 10 – Trouble Brewing / Chapter 12 – Ticking Clock

Knights of Hope – Chapter 8 – Friendly Get Together

“Do I look alright” Braylin asked tugging at his necktie. “I feel like I’m choking.”

Leaning his head to the side Trebor asked “who said you had to wear a tie?”

“You did” he grumbled reaching for the door handle to get out of the car.

“I never said anything about wearing a tie” he protested walking around the car. “Here let me help you.” Moving quickly he released the tie and tossed in into the front seat.

“Hey” he shouted “it took me forever to tie that thing.” He twisted around to retrieve it.

“Leave it” Trebor said “you don’t need it.” he put a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You look fine the way you are.” Stepping back he gave his boyfriend an appraising look “better than fine.”

“Fine enough that’d you would ravish me in the back seat” he asked a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

“You’ve got to be better than fine for that to happen.” Shaking his head Trebor turned to walk to the towards the building. A whistle made him stop and glance over his shoulder.

“Like what you see” he asked smiling.

Hurrying towards him, taking his hand they finished the rest of the walk hand in hand. While they waited for someone to let them inside Braylin leaned in close “you’ve got the best butt I’ve seen. I almost didn’t want to catch up with you. I was enjoying the view so much.”

“I’m glad you caught up though” Trebor said resting his cheek momentarily on his shoulder. “I’d much rather hold your hand than have your eyes on my ass.”

“Knock it off you two” Eli’s voice made them both jump when they realized the door was open.

“Don’t listen to him” Lana said coming up behind her fiance. “I think it’s adorable” she gave Trebor a hug then turned to Braylin “it’s good to meet you in person.”

At Braylin’s confused look Eli explained “meet nurse Betty. She’s the one who gave you the inside scoop on your man’s work schedule or should I say lack of love life until you came into his life.”

“Be nice” Lana warned swatting him “otherwise you’ll be on the couch tonight.”

“Threaten all you want but I know you’ll never do it” he grinned confident in his assessment.

“And why is that” she demanded following him into the kitchen. Walking over to the counter she picked up a stack of plates “make yourself useful and set the table.”

Taking the plates he said “you’ll never do it” as if the conversation never ended. “I’m too damn irresistible.”

Ignoring him she turned to Trebor. “Tell me you’ll trade me cutie pie here for doofus over there.” She winked at Braylin causing Eli to chuckle.

“Don’t get your hopes up. She’ll never do it” Eli said confidently “she loves to me too much.”

Taking Braylin’s arm Trebor said “there will be no trading today…unless of course Bray here wants to be traded.”

He glanced from one smiling face to the next. It was all fun and games. “Nope not today. I’m happy with the guy I came with.”

“Just as well” she sighed “I’m rather fond of my doofus over there.”

“See” Eli grinned putting an around her waist “I knew you couldn’t get rid of me.”

“If you make me drop this bowl you really will be sleeping on the couch” she scolded him.

Dropping his arm he turned to his guest. “Perhaps we should go into the living room while she finishes up.”

***

“Braylin would you mind staying and helping me” she asked as the others moved towards the other room.

“Well I…” grinning he nodded “of course I can. What would you like me to do?” He didn’t miss the panic in Trebor’s expressive eyes or the giggle Eli couldn’t suppress. When they were seated and talking quietly amongst themselves he asked “so is this when you tell me not to hurt your friend?”

She raised an eyebrow at him “what makes you think I was going to do that?”

“Isn’t it pretty obvious? I mean you ask me to stay behind when Eli could have helped you.” Glancing towards the living room “I get it. You care about him and don’t want to see him hurt. I’m glad he has friends that care that much about him.”

“From what I can tell you’re a really nice guy” she admitted giving him a sincere smile. “If I didn’t believe that I would never have given you all the information I had. Trebor’s a good guy. He’s family.” At his blank expression she explained “we’re cousins. Our grandparents were siblings. So we’ve known each other all our lives. He needs someone looking out for him.”

“He doesn’t talk much about his family” he said softly not wanting the others to overhear them.

“It’s his way of coping with homesickness” she explained “would you mind tossing this salad?” she asked handing him some tongs.

“Sure” he said taking the tongs from her. “What makes you think he’s homesick? Where is home?”

“I’m sure he’s told you he’s from Sunlit Tides” she said.

“Yeah he’s mentioned it” shrugging “I guess I never thought about it much. It’s just an island.”

“An island he plans on setting up his practice on” she said watching him carefully. “That’s how I know he’s homesick. He has a habit of not taking about things that upset him.”

“I’ve noticed that about him” he conceded looking towards the living room. “It’s not like I haven’t asked him questions….”

“I’m not saying that” she rested a hand on his forearm. “I’m just saying you need to get him to open up to you. He’ll start to open up. I’m sure of it.”

Frowning he thought over what she’d said. “What else can I do? I mean I’ve told him about my past and party lifestyle. Things I regret a lot. I’ve shared with him my love of hockey.” Looking down at the salad he chuckled a little “I can’t cook worth a damn.”

“What about your family” she asked “have you told him anything about them?”

“Not much. I guess it hasn’t come up” he stared into space. “Do you really think that will help him to open up to me? Me opening up to him?”

“That’s usually how it works” she giggled “it’s really not that difficult or scary. You’re a good guy. Sometimes Trebor needs a nudge in the right direction. Show him you want more than just a good time and sexy times in the bedroom. Show him you’re interested in him as a person.”

“I am interested in him as a person” he protested slamming the tongs down. “I mean the sex is great but I do want to get to know him better. I kind of thought that was evident a month ago…”

“Hey now” she took his hand “don’t think that way. He knows you care about him. He trusts you. That says a lot.” She stopped considering her words “he’s been hurt before. He kind of closed himself off to keep from getting hurt again. This is the first time I’ve seen him this relaxed around anyone not family. You’re good for him.” Letting his hand go she said “I’m glad you haven’t given up trying to get through his reserves. Help him open up. We’ve all been there. Even Doofus.”

“I appreciate you telling me. I really am. He means the world to me.”

Grinning she said “if you hurt that cinnamon roll I’ll personally kick your ass.” Raising her voice she called “let’s eat. Dinner is served.”

***

“Will we be hearing wedding bells soon” Eli asked the following morning as they did rounds.

“No one said anything about marriage” he protested “besides we hardly know each other.”

“Whose fault is that” he demanded “he isn’t Oliver.”

“I know that….”

“You’re afraid.”

“I am not” he hesitated “maybe a little.” Before Eli could say anything he cut him off. “I know what your going to say. I know they’re totally different people. Totally different circumstances. I know it but my brain hasn’t caught up with me yet.”

“Want some advice” he asked.

“Even if I didn’t I’m going to get it anyway.”

“Damn right” he chuckled “don’t hold onto the past. Braylin is here…” Pausing to give Trebor a reassuring smile when he saw the way he looked around attempting to find the pink haired male. “Not physically you dork. I meant figuratively.”

“I knew that” he said feeling his cheeks heating up.

“Yeah right. That’s why you were craning your neck to see him” he teased. “You’ve got it bad for him.”

“I do not” he protested knowing that Eli was just trying to get a rise out of him. “I thought you wanted to tell me something” he said hoping to change the subject.

“Oh yeah I did” snapping his fingers as if the thought just occurred to him. “I need your muscles this weekend.”

Groaning he shook his head. “I am not spending my only day off moving Lana’s furniture around.”

“Did I ask you” he said sounding offended.

“Why else would you need my muscles” he demanded knowing the answer was obvious. “I admit I’ve down that in the past but this time you’ll be moving someone else’s furniture around.”

“No” he said firmly “Braylin and I have plans. Dinner and a movie.”

“He can help” he enthused.

“I said no” walking away hoping that would be the end of it.

“You didn’t even ask whose furniture we’re moving” he said catching up with Trebor.

“If you were a fly I’d swat you to get you to leave me alone” he said annoyed at Eli’s persistence.

“Good for me I’m not a fly then.”

“But no less annoying” he gave him a thoughtful look “can’t you ask someone else to help you. I have plans.”

“I could but you kind of offered…”

“I’m pretty sure I didn’t” he frowned. “I only said I’d help Russell move if they ever found a place.”

“They found a place” Eli clapped a hand on his shoulder “cheer up. You and Braylin can go to the movie another night.”

“It’s the last show” he sighed “I was really looking forward to seeing it too.”

“Give it a few months and it’ll be on Netflix” Eli suggested.

“It’s not the same” he complained.

“It’s better” he winked at his friend “if you know what I mean.”

“Oh I know what you mean” shaking his head “not everything has to be about sex.”

“It ought to be” he mumbled rubbing his side where Trebor had elbowed him. “That really hurt.”

“Cry me a river” he called over his shoulder as he out paced him.

Stopping he said “I’ll text you the time and place” he said going into the room of his first patient.

Chapter 7 – Hockey Practice / Chapter 9 – Movie Date

Knights of Hope – Chapter 6 – Safe Zone

“Do you mind taking him to your place” Eli asked as he helped Braylin get Trebor to his feet. “I don’t think he should be alone right now.”

“What about Lia and Geoffrey? Aren’t they still at his place” he asked putting an arm around Trebor’s waist to keep him falling over. “What did you give him” he asked in concern.

“A mild sedative” Eli said “I think he’s just opting out. Which is why he shouldn’t be alone. Unfortunately if he went to his place Lia would pester him with a million questions.” Pointing at him he asked “do you think he’s in any condition for that?”

“Well…no” he glanced at the man leaning into him all but unconscious. “You don’t think it’ll freak him out waking up in my house” he asked. “He’s been through enough trauma don’t you think?”

Nodding Eli said “I guess he could stay with me and Lana but with Russell staying with us we really don’t have the room. Plus there’s Lia. She’s family so she’ll be over there pestering him with questions too. She means well but she hasn’t figured out when to stop.” He gave Braylin an appraising look “you seem like you genuinely care about him. He seems to trust you. I think he’ll be okay with you if he freaks out on you.”

“Is that likely to happen” he asked his brow rising in concern.

“He might. There are things in his past that might come up because of what happened today. It might explain why he’s giving us a fair impression of a wet noodle right now. I think given time he’ll tell you about it himself. Just give him some space and don’t pressure him too much. Right now he just needs to know he’s safe. Do you think you can do that?”

***

Twenty minutes later Braylin found himself helping Trebor from his car. His light blue eyes appeared to be more alert. Without thinking Braylin said “your zipper’s down.” Instantly he regretted the thoughtless words as tears filled Trebor’s eyes and his bottom lip and chin began to quiver. A silent fury build inside him like lava inside a volcano building up pressure to erupt.

“I didn’t want him to” Trebor sobbed “I….I tried to stop him.”

“It’s okay” he soothed keeping a tight lid on his growing anger. “He didn’t get a chance to do anything. You pushed him away.”

“I…I did” he questioned lifting his head up seeking reassurance. “You’re not just saying that because you think it’ll make me feel better?”

“I promise you pushed him away” he said firmly “if you don’t believe me you can ask Eli.”

Nodding he let the matter drop asking instead “how did you know I was in trouble?”

“We followed you” tapping his phone he explained “Eli downloaded a tracking app onto your phone.” At Trebor’s bewildered expression he added “I was worried about you. I know you wanted to deal with this yourself. You did well but that guy wasn’t playing fair. I wanted to be available if it all went bad.”

Nodding he asked “how did you get the Hospital Director down there?”

“That was Eli’s idea. He thought that given enough rope Doctor Creepy would hang himself.” He grinned remembering that he had indeed hung himself.

“Why” Trebor asked “you hardly know me.”

“Doesn’t matter” he gently caressed Trebor’s cheek “I care about you. I couldn’t just sit by and let you be hurt.”

“Thank you” he leaned into the hand resting on his cheek. “I thought I could handle it. I thought I was misreading things. That he couldn’t really be doing what it felt like he was doing.”

“It’s over now. He can’t hurt you” Braylin soothed wrapping an arm around him holding him tight. “Will you be okay? Do you want me to call anyone for you?”

“No I’ll be okay” he sighed nuzzling his face into Braylin’s chest “I’m so tired.”

“You can sleep once we get inside” Braylin said attempting to move towards the entrance but finding it difficult with Trebor hanging like a limpet around his neck. “Come on honey you’ve got to do your part and walk.”

“Carry me” he requested.

“You can walk” he said thankful that they had finally made it to the elevator. “You can do it. Just one foot in front of another.”

The doors whooshed open. Trebor squealed backpedaling “no I want to use the stairs.”

“Then you have to walk” Braylin said firmly.

“No carry me” he pouted.

“Not up five flights of stairs” he thought a moment “if you get in the elevator I’ll carry you down the hallway to the apartment.” Even then Trebor hung back needing Braylin to practically carry him into the elevator. “You’ll be okay. Just hold my hand.”

Nodding in a jerking head motion Trebor squeezed Braylin’s hand in a vice like grip when the elevator jerked a little as it started upwards. They stopped on the second floor to allow a dark-haired man on. Trebor gasped in shock causing Braylin to look down at him as the sound of Trebor’s labored breathing filled the elevator.

“Is your friend alright” the man asked.

“He will be” Braylin said focusing all his attention on the man in his arms.

“I…can’t…breathe” he gasped eyes round as saucers.

Leaning forward resting his forehead on Trebor’s he said “I want you to concentrate on my face. Not the floor. Not anyone else. Just me. I’m right here. Nothing’s going to happen to you while I’m here.”

“Okay” he said gazing into Braylin’s eyes “I’m okay.”

Once the elevator stopped at their floor Braylin whisked Trebor into his arms at the amusement of the other man they share the elevator with. He felt Trebor move in his arms burying his face in his shoulder. A steady boiling fury rose inside him. How he wished he could go back and beat the shit out of Doctor Creepy.

Unlocking the door proved daunting when Trebor refused to be put down acting more like a toddler than an aspiring heart surgeon. He hurried across the apartment to lay his precious burden on his bed. “I’m going to help you get more comfortable” he said before he started removing the lab coat Trebor was still wearing from the hospital. He removed his shoes and socks next before he reached for the buttons on Trebor’s shirt. Noticing how agitated he was becoming he stopped not wanting to make any moves that would upset him anymore than he already was.

Taking two pills from a bottle Eli had given him he dumped a couple of little white pills into his palm. “Take these” he said holding his hand out.

“What are they” Trebor looked at them suspiciously.

“Eli said they’d help you sleep” he explained “remember you said you were tired.”

“Okay” he agreed taking the pills.

***

Stripping down to his pants Braylin went into the living room to review the plays he needed to learn for his next game. He’d skipped practice that day to be available to be at the hospital. He didn’t know exactly what was happening to him. He never let anyone come between him and the game before. In such a short time Trebor had become his everything. Rubbing a hand over his mouth his brow creasing in worry. With an irritated sigh he turned the TV off. There was no point watching the plays if his mind was on the man in the other room.

Laying back closing his eyes he meant to only rest his eyes for a few minutes. The next thing he knew he was being jolted from his sleep by blood curdling screams coming from his bedroom. Heart hammering in his chest he stumbled to the door expecting to find a bloodbath when he opened the door. He found Trebor tossing and turning on the king sized bed moaning in his sleep rising in pitch and he steeled himself for another gut wrenching scream. The sheets were twisted around his sweat covered body making his skin gleam in the light.

Moving closer Braylin could hear the mumbled pleas mixed with inarticulate groans. “Baby its okay. You’re safe” he reached a hand out to smooth the messy hair. The sweat drenched hair reminded him of how his head felt when he removed his hockey helmet after a game.

“No please” Trebor moaned swatting Braylin’s hand away.

“It’s me” Braylin soothed “you’re safe. No one is going to hurt you here.” He didn’t know what he was supposed to do or say. He was in foreign territory and found himself just repeating that he was safe in the hopes that maybe it would calm him.

A few minutes later Trebor opened his eyes. “Bray? Where am I?”

Smiling up at him from where he was resting his head on the mattress he said “in my apartment. In my room.” He held his breath expecting another melt down.

Sitting up Trebor took several long moments to absorb where he was and why. “Was I screaming? My throat feels like I was screaming.” Looking down at Braylin he asked “did I wake you up?” He pulled his knees into his chest giving the impression of being apprehensive.

“Kind of” he moved to sit on the edge of the bed careful to not do anything that might startle Trebor. “I fell asleep on the couch. It’s been a long day. You must be hungry” he said “it’s been hours since we had breakfast.”

“More Chinese” he asked hopefully.

“If that’s what you want” he said standing up and stretching. “I’ll place the order.”

Following Braylin into the living room he asked “mind if I take a shower while we wait?”

“Sure help yourself to anything you need” he said going back into his room and emerging with a bundle of clothes he handed to Trebor. “You might want something to put on afterwards.”

“What? No sitting around naked on the furniture” he said giving Braylin a cheeky grin.

“You must be feeling better” he said relieved. “I thought with the nightmare that…” he shrugged.

“I wasn’t dreaming about that asshole” Trebor’s voice was harsh and unforgiving. “I’m still shaky over what happened but that’s not what I was dreaming about.”

“Do you want to talk about it” he asked wondering if this had something to do with what Eli had alluded to earlier.

“After I have my shower. I’m all gross” he took the offered clothes and shuffled towards the bathroom.

Staring after him Braylin hadn’t expected him to take him up on the offer to talk. He expected him to brush him off with something along the lines of it being just a nightmare produced from the days events.

***

Their food was delivered as Trebor emerge from the bathroom from his shower. Braylin raised his brows when he was just wearing the sweats but not the t-shirt. The sight of his damp bare chest was enough to awaken his more base desires.

“I took longer than I thought” he said joining Braylin on the couch “I’m starving.”

“When aren’t you starving” he teased.

They ate in silence for several minutes before Trebor said “I was kidnapped when I was two almost three.”

Braylin looked from his meal “I’m sorry” he mumbled around his mouthful of food.

“It was my Aunt. She was my dad’s half sister and for some reason she hated him and my mother. Maybe it was because she couldn’t have children of her own. I don’t know. My parents didn’t like to talk about it much. The memories I have are all vague and come to me in the form of nightmares when I’m stressed out.” He took a deep breath to steady himself. “I do remember wanting mommy and daddy and not understanding why they weren’t there.”

Braylin felt his throat close losing his appetite. Pushing the half eaten food away he stared at Trebor. He didn’t have the words to express how he felt. Moving closer on the couch he reached for Trebor’s hand. Moving of his own accord Trebor leaned into Braylin resting his head on his shoulder.

“Is that what you were dreaming about? Being kidnapped” he asked pressing his lips to the top of his head.

Shivering he pressed closer to Braylin “yeah. She didn’t like me much. Always yelling and screaming me.” Shifting he lifted his face up enough to look into Braylin’s eyes “she threw me away like you would garbage.”

Braylin shivered squeezing him tight. “She can’t hurt you anymore” he said thinking she was in a prison where she couldn’t hurt anyone.

“That’s just it. She’s still out there somewhere” he laid his head back on Braylin’s shoulder “she knew my great-uncle was close to finding her. She decided to get rid of me before she was caught.” Inhaling deeply “I have vague memories of being locked in a room all by myself. From what I’ve been told she lost interest in making me her son when she found out how difficult having a baby really was. My grandpa said when he found me I was nothing but skin and bones and my diaper was rank. I guess she didn’t like to change diapers either.”

“Do you remember that” he asked horrified that anyone could do anything like that to someone so young.

“Not really” he shrugged “I did some research and read all the stories that were written about my rescue and the state of I was in. Then my grandpa filled in the gaps.” Taking another deep breath “the thing that bothers me the most was the way she left me. She could have just left me in that filthy stinking room I was in. But she….” he blinked as tears ran down his cheeks “she threw me away. Put me inside a trash can and put the lid on so I was trapped in the dark.”

Pulling him onto his lap Braylin peppered his face with soft tender kisses. He could taste the salty from his tears. It all made sense now. The reaction to being trapped inside an elevator, being enclosed. Claustrophobia. “I wish there was something i could do for you.”

“Just hold me” Trebor said “I don’t need anything else.”

***

The next morning they woke up still in each other’s arm on the couch. Trebor resting on top of Braylin using him as a pillow. Opening his eyes he found Braylin watching him. A smile slowly spread across his face “morning” he mumbled “guess we fell asleep.”

“Opted out” he agreed “I think this is the first time we’ve slept together without having sex first.”

“Must be why I feel so rested” he stretched moving to get up.

“Not so fast I was thinking we could have morning sex instead” he rolled Trebor onto the couch beneath him kissing him deeply slowly moving his hands across his body. He went slowly making sure Trebor was okay with this pace.

“I could wake up to this every morning” Braylin said when their needs had been met and they were cuddling in the afterglow.

“Until you got tired of me” Trebor said lightly.

“Never. Morning sex is a bonus to having you to wake up to” he asserted determined that Trebor never feel like he was disposable again. He may not always know what to say to express himself but it was that feeling of being cheap that hurt the most from everything that happened recently and the desire to get Doctor Creepy in a room by himself was strong.

Giving him a serious look Trebor said “you don’t have to treat me with kid gloves. I’m not fragile. I know I have issues…”

“Like what” he asked curious.

“Well….that” waved towards the congealing food inside the Chinese takeout boxes. “I’m dying to clean that mess up. It’s driving me crazy.”

“I’m not stopping you” Braylin teased. He pulled Trebor down on top of him when he moved to get up and clean up. “I was joking. I want to lay here and cuddle.”

“I’ll cuddle better when that mess is cleaned up” he protested “besides I thought you had hockey practice this morning.”

“Shit” he cried jumping to his feet “what time is it?”

“Almost seven” he said pulling on a pair of sweatpants.

“Good” sighing in relief “I still have time. I don’t have to be at the rink until eight.” He smiled watching Trebor move around his home cleaning. It was all so domestic. “Want to come watch me play?”

“I don’t know anything about hockey” he said surprised by the invite.

“Haven’t you ever played hockey” he asked in a state of shock.

“I grew up on an island. I never even saw snow until I went to university” Trebor said “the first game I watched was the one you had your face smashed into the boards.”

“For someone who doesn’t know hockey you’ve picked up on some of the terms already” he said impressed “I’ll turn you into a die-hard fan yet.”

“What if I don’t like hockey” he challenged.

“That’s impossible everyone who’s anyone likes hockey” Braylin asserted.

“I guess you could teach me everything I need to know” he said “I have to admit I didn’t know what was going on. Most of the time I had no idea what was going on.”

“Weren’t you paying attention” he demanded.

“I was” he asserted “but I kept being distracted by a certain player in a McGavin jersey.”

“Is that so” he smirked placing his hands on Trebor’s hips. “I was that distracting.”

“No” he shook his head “I just have a thing for jersey’s with the name McGavin on them.”

“You don’t have to make up excuses. I know I’m irresistible.” He pressed his lips to Trebor’s while his hands slipped between his sweats to cup his cheeks forcing the sweats downward.

Gently pushing him away before things could get too heated Trebor said “you’re going to be late.”

“It’ll be worth it” he moved to pull Trebor close so they could resume what they started.

Pushing him away a second time saying “but I was looking forward to seeing you play. I’ll make it worth your while tonight.

Chapter 5 – Confrontation / Chapter 7 – Hockey Practice

Knights of Hope – Chapter 3 – Uncomfortable Situation

Tossing his soiled scrubs into the hamper he hoped the hospital laundry service would be able to remove the blood stains. Leaning against the cool ceramic wall of the locker room Trebor took several deep breaths letting the cold seep into his tired body.

“You better get a move on” Eli said prodding him in the side as he walked past on his way to his locker. Doctor Bracket is looking for willing volunteers to work a double tonight.”

“Not tonight” Trebor moaned forcing himself to move. “I’ve already worked overtime.” He moved like a slug towards his locker where his street clothes were stored.

The locker room door opened allowing an older man in his late thirties early forties into the room. “I need a couple of volunteers” his eyes locked onto Eli a moment before moving to Trebor.

“No can do” Eli declined shaking his head. “Trebor and I have important family matters to attend to.”

The man’s eyebrows rose skyward disappearing into his longish hair on his forehead. “Is that so” he pondered letting his gaze bore into Trebor before dipping and lingering on his bare chest and torso.

“Yyyyeah” Trebor said dismissing the fleeting thought his superior was checking him out. “One of the victims in the multi car pile up was our cousin” he explained. “We need to make phone calls home to inform the family.”

“I’m sure Eli here can take care of all that” Doctor Bracket said stepping close resting a hand on Trebor’s shoulder “I could make it worth your while if you stay.”

Stepping back to break the unwanted contact Trebor fell over the nearby bench. His feet flew out from beneath him. He landed on his back with a loud jarring thud. He lay staring up at the concerned faces while stars floated in front of him as he fought to draw air into his lungs. Struggling to his feet still gasping for breath mumbling “I’m fine” he assured Eli before he could ask if he were okay. Composing himself he addressed the Director “I can’t work a double tonight. Sorry.”

Disappointment tinged with anger flashed in the man’s eyes before nodding and backing towards the exit. Stopping by the door he gave Trebor a lingering leer.before leaving and slamming the door behind him.

“Wow” Eli said releasing a breath he’d been holding “that guy has it bad for you. Did you see the way he was looking at you?”

“You’re kidding right” Trebor protested shrugging into his shirt deciding to wait until he got home to shower.

“Didn’t you see the way he was undressing you with his eyes” groaning he shook his head at his friend. “You cannot be that oblivious.”

“I’m telling you you’re wrong” Trebor insisted finger combing his hair. “The man is married. He has kids a few years younger than us. Why would he be interested in me?”

“So you did notice” Eli grinned earning himself an exasperated glare. Ignoring him he said “you’re a hot young stud. Why wouldn’t he want to tap that?”

“Whatever” Trebor rolled his eyes as he fled the locker room and the jeers his best friend would taunt him with.

Walking past the nurses’ station he was well aware of Doctor Brackett’s eyes upon him. It gave him an unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach. It wasn’t the same thrill of fluttering butterflies he got when he caught Braylin watching him the night of the Charity event. With Braylin he felt desired almost like a cherished piece of art. With Doctor Brackett he felt somehow dirty, like a cheap trick to be tossed like yesterday’s trash.

Waiting by the door for Eli wasn’t the best idea he had that night. He should have waited in the locker room. At least there he wouldn’t have been alone or under the watchful eyes of Dr Brackett. “Finally” he jumped from the wall where he’d been leaning when Eli joined him.

“Couldn’t help it” he said holding his phone up. “Russell called to see if Elaine had made it in alright. I had no choice but to tell him what happened.”

“How did he take it” Trebor asked thankful that Eli had gotten the call and not him.

“Terrible” he sighed “he was in tears before I finished telling him. This is one of the things I hate about being a doctor.” Squeezing his eyes shut he inhaled deeply. “He and Lia are catching the earliest flight they can from Sunlit Tides. They should be here sometime tomorrow.” Glancing over his shoulder where their Director was watching. “I hate to do this to you buddy but I need you to cover for me tomorrow night.”

“You owe me big time” Trebor said walking towards the exit.

Laughing softly Eli said “that guy gives me the creeps.”

“You” Trebor asked incredulously “what about me?”

“Yeah well” he shrugged “you’re the one who says he doesn’t want in your pants.”

“Ugh” he walked towards his car knowing Eli would follow “he doesn’t.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about” Eli flashed him a grin.

“Stop” Trebor warned “or you’ll have to walk home.”

“Alright I’ll behave” he said “but it’s not gonna change the fact Doctor Creepy wants you bad.”

***

In between rounds the next day Trebor stopped to check on his cousin. The sound of the machines in the semi dark room was reassuring. He knew that most people would find it eerie but it meant life. The patient was still fighting. Holding on. It was good. Automatically he checked the chart smiling as he perceived the small improvements in her condition.

Glancing up when the door opened behind him he grinned at the visitors. “She’s doing better” he announced. “Not out of the woods yet but definitely better. He could see the relief flood into the visitors faces at his words. “Russell how are you holding up” he asked.

“I’m functioning” he mumbled staring at the still young woman.

“We’re doing everything possible for her” Trebor assured him.

His only response was a weak nod as the young man shuffled forward his face etched with pain. Lana stood beside him silently rubbing his back a steady presence offering support. Wishing he knew the right words to offer him instead of the cold clinical terms his medical training gave him.

“How’s it going with Doctor Creepy” Eli asked irrelevantly using the nickname he adopted for their superior.

“Haven’t seen him” he shrugged attempting a nonchalance he didn’t feel.

“You could get him on harassment charges” Lia said coming forward. “Someone in his position shouldn’t be propositioning his underlings.”

“Eli you blabbermouth” he cried glaring at his friend “you weren’t supposed to tell anyone.” Crossing his arms he felt heat rise to his cheeks “it’s embarrassing enough as it is without everyone knowing.”

“Hey I was only trying to help” he held his hands up in surrender. “It’s not my fault the guy wants you.”

“Does not” Trebor snapped.

“It’s okay” Lia said “victims always deny it’s happening. Its normal.” Patting his arm she continued “we’ll have plenty of time to discuss this later.” She turned taking her boyfriends arm and guiding him to Elaine’s bedside.

Trebor grabbed Eli’s arm before he could join the others “what did she mean that we’d have plenty of time to discuss it later?”

Eli looked around the room before meeting Trebor’s gaze “ you know how she is.”

“So” he asked nodding towards her “she’s a law student. That doesn’t answer my question.”

“We didn’t know Geoffrey was coming” he explained “we don’t have room for all of them.”

“What does that have to do with me” Trebor asked “I don’t have any room for them either.”

“You would if you gave up your bed and slept on the couch” Eli said biting his bottom lip.

“Sleep on the couch in my own home” he demanded like he thought his friend had lost his mind. “You could have at least asked. I could have company or something.”

“Like who” Eli challenged with a smirk “lover boy?”

Crossing his arms in front of him Trebor said “well yeah.”

“Thought you said it was just a one nightstand” Eli his grin becoming wider.

“You’re the one who said it’s not a one nightstand if it’s with the same guy” Trebor pointed out.

“So they can stay” Eli asked changing the subject.

“Yeah they can stay” he assented walking towards the door. “You know where the key is.” He walked out almost colliding with Doctor Brackett.

“Hasn’t your shift started” he demanded his voice harsh bordering on angry.

“I still have ten minutes” he said “I wanted to check on my cousin before going down to the ER.”

“We don’t pay you to stand around visiting” his eyes narrowed “your work performance has been sub par lately. Come to my office at the end of the shift and we can discuss how you can improve before disciplinary actions need to be taken.”

Trebor could feel his insides trembling as he watched the older man walk away. The man who held his future in his hands. If he lost his residency no one else would have him. His career and dream of becoming a heart surgeon would be over.

Jumping when a hand came down on his shoulder “geez don’t do that” he cried putting a hand to his rapidly beating heart.

Looking after the man who made their daily lives miserable Eli said “you might want to talk to Lia about Doctor Creepy before this gets any worse.”

“Yeah” he swallowed hard “I’ll think about it. I’ve got to go.”

***

“Are you going to tell us what happened between you and Doctor Creepy” Lia demanded eyes bright with more than casual interest.

Shrugging he said “I can handle it.”

“Don’t be all stoic” she said “let us help you. It’s not like we live in the stone ages and you have to put up with this shit.”

A soft knock on the door interrupted what was about to turn into a lengthy lecture. With ill disguised relief Trebor moved to answer the door. “Give it a rest” he pleaded opening the door. A shiver of lust and desire went through him as he recognized his visitor.

“Surprise” Braylin grinned over a large bouquet of flowers.

“I could get used to this” he blushed taking the flowers from Braylin their fingers brushing against each others increasing his desire. “Thank you” he murmured stepping aside to let Braylin enter his apartment. “I have company” pointing he made introductions “this is my cousin Geoffrey and his girlfriend Lia.” Waving a hand to the pink haired male standing beside him “this is Braylin. I’m sure Eli has already told you all about him.”

Grinning Lia had a look of a cat about to pounce on its prey “maybe you can talk some sense into your boyfriend…”

“He’s not my …” he paused shaking his head he decided it wasn’t worth getting into a debate.

Putting an arm around him Braylin pulled him to his side. “I’ve always found Trebor to be pretty sensible.”

“That may be but he’s making a huge mistake” Lia said preparing to launch into her spiel once again.

“Don’t listen to her” Trebor said nudging Braylin towards the door. “We’ll be here all night once she gets going.”

“Could be interesting” Braylin teased a sparkle in his eyes as he regarded the young woman in front of him.

“Trust me you’ll want to hear this” Lia insinuated hands on hips.

“Geoffrey can’t you do something” Trebor asked.

“I would if I thought it would do any good” he shrugged “in this instance I agree with her.”

“What’s going on” Braylin asked looking from one face to the next all amusement draining from his eyes.

“Nothing you need to worry about” Trebor insisted. Grabbing Braylin’s arm he moved towards the door “we better be going or we’ll be late.

Braylin let Trebor hurry him from the apartment. “Where exactly are we going? The last time I checked we didn’t have any plans.”

“I don’t care” Trebor admitted “as long as it isn’t here.”

“We could go back to my place” he offered “order in some Chinese. Watch a little Netflix. See where the night takes us.”

“Sounds perfect” Trebor sighed getting into the elevator.

Moving to stand next to Trebor sensing that something was wrong and wanting to help.

“Is someone giving you a hard time” he asked guessing.

Grunting Trebor shrugged “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Is it work” he pressed hoping he might stumble upon the problem and be able to help.

“I can handle it” he growled stepping out of the elevator as soon as the door slid open. “I’ll follow you” he said hoping to avoid anymore probing questions.

“If your afraid I’ll pressure you for answers I promise I won’t” Braylin said. “If you need someone to talk to I’m your guy. No pressure though.”

Stopping Trebor considered his words. “I just want a stress free evening. Free from someone telling me what I should do. I just need a chance to think.”

“Okay” he nodded closing the gap between them. Once he was within touching distance he brushed his lips over Trebor’s forehead. “I know a sure fire way of making you forget all of your problems.”

“Really” he asked perking up.

 

 

“I can work all kinds of magic with my hands” he nuzzled the side of Trebor’s neck nibbling on his ear. “Trust me. You won’t remember your name by the time I’m done with you.”

“Sounds wonderful” he sighed returning the kiss as Braylin’s lips pressed into his. His stomach took that moment to growl “food first. I’m starving.”

“Well…” he gave him a mischievous grin “maybe we can start with desert while we wait for our food to be delivered.”

“You’re insatiable” Trebor chuckled leaning into him taking comfort in the man’s warmth.

“So I’ve been told” he said letting his fingers wander beneath Trebor’s belt “but you’ll find there’s more to me then hot passionate sex.”

“Not tonight” Trebor said pulling away before Braylins searching fingers found their destination. “Tonight all I need and want is the hot passionate sex.”

“After we eat” he grinned taking Trebor’s hand and walking towards his waiting car.

Chapter 2 – Date Night / Chapter 4 – Opening Up

Knights of Hope – Chapter 2 – Date Night

Trebor checked the time as soon as he got home. 4:05. He had enough time for a short nap before needing to get ready for his date. A thrill went through him as he anticipated the evening igniting every nerve ending in his body.

Pulling his shirt over his head he tossed it into the hamper as he entered his room before flopping on his bed. Closing his eyes images from the first night he and Braylin had been together came to mind. Would tonight end the same way? Part of him hope it would. Another part hoped there was more between them than just animal attraction.

The phone buzzing inside his pants pocket roused him from his dreams. Moaning in protest he reached around to pull the annoying device from his back pocket. “What” he mumbled voice thick with sleep.

“Is that anyway to greet your mother” the voice in his ear demanded.

“Oh..hi mom” he sat up rubbing his eyes.

“Did I wake you” she asked her tone conveying concern. “You’re not working doubles again are you?”

“No mom” rolling his eyes. He managed to snap his mouth shut before he added not tonight. What his mother didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.

“You work too much” she said “how do you expect to meet anyone if you’re always working?”

“I don’t work all the time” he protested “Last night I went to a hockey game…” As soon as the words came out he regretted it. It was one thing to be pestered about his lack of a love life than to be asked when he was going to settle down and have a family.

“Anything we need to know” she asked “Do you need me to run a background check on him?”

“Mom” he cried “stop.” Closing his eyes he started counting to ten. “I don’t need a background check done. I went to the game alone.”

“Oh” her disappointment was almost palpable in the room.

Feeling like the worst son ever he said “mom it’ll happen one day. Just not today. I’m busy with my career. Aren’t you always telling me things happen when they’re supposed to?”

“I did” she agreed. “I worry that you’re not open to the possibilities around you because of what happened…”

“Mom don’t” he pleaded. He knew all he had to do was tell her he was going on a date to ease her mind but… “I’ve go to go” he said instead wanting to end the call. He wasn’t ready yet to introduce the idea of him being in a relationship. He wanted to see where things went first. For all he knew this was more about lust then love.

“Oh don’t let me hold you up” she said “I love you.”

“Love you too” he said before disconnecting the call. He didn’t miss the sadness in her voice. She meant well but sometimes he felt pressured to live up to her expectations and what was worse he was sure she didn’t even know she was doing it.

A soft knock on his apartment door had him rushing to answer it. Throwing the door open he came face to face with Braylin. “Shit your early” he blurted almost angrily.

“Nice to see you too” Bray smirked eyes moving across Trebor’s bare chest. “As much as I like your outfit it’s a little risque for where we’re going.”

“Sorry I fell asleep. Then my mom called” he ran a hand through his dirty hair “I need a shower.”

“Is that an invitation” the pink haired male moved in close running his fingers along Trebor’s spine.

Groaning Trebor pushed him away “you wish.” Turning he said “make yourself at home. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready to go.”

***

“You clean up good” Braylin winked at his date.

“Thanks …. I think” he looked over the sea of people ahead of them. “We’re never going to get in. I’m sorry I made us late.”

“Don’t worry about it” Braylin said taking his hand “it won’t be as long as you think.”

Frowning Trebor shook his head “it’s going to take all night.”

“We could have a drink in the bar” he suggested without thinking.

Recoiling at his words Trebor tugged his hand free. “I don’t drink. I didn’t think you did either.”

“I don’t” he assured him “I don’t know why I even suggested it.”

“You used to drink” Trebor asked.

Nodding scratching his head. “I did. I won’t lie. I had a big problem with it. It’s hard not to get caught up in the all the partying in my line of work.” He gave Trebor a piercing hopeful look that he might understand where he was coming from. “Is the fact I used to drink going to be a problem? With us I mean.”

Trebor shook his head letting his fingers trail up to his companion’s cheek and gently lifting his chin. “I don’t see why it should. We all have things in our past we regret.”

There was something about the way he said it that had Braylin thinking he understood more than he wanted to admit. Something in his eyes that hinted he might be hiding something. He was about to ask when their name was called. Clearing his throat he took Trebor’s hand “looks like we get to eat after all tonight.”

Once they were seated their waiter asked “may I interest you in our collection of fine wines?”

Trebor shook his head an almost frightened look in his eyes. Patting his hand where it lay on the table Bray said “no thank you. Please bring us your best sparkling water.”

The waiter’s eyes regarded them in wonder then settled on Braylin’s face as recognition brightened the man’s eyes. “Two sparkling waters coming up” he repeated as he turned to fill the order.

Trebor silently regarded Bray from across the table. “Does it ever bother you that complete strangers recognize you?”

“Not really” he shrugged “it comes with the territory.”

Nodding he glanced down at the hand covering his. “I guess it’s something I’ll have to get used to” he looked up meeting Braylin’s gaze “that is if we go out again.”

“As if there’s any doubt” he scoffed.

“Well….” Trebor chuckled shaking his head “let’s get through tonight first before we talk about the next. For all I know you’ll get bored with me.”

Lifting Trebor’s hand he brought it to his lips. Pausing he smiled over the top of it “I’m rather fond of my sexy doctor.” He pressed his lips to the smooth skin of Trebor’s hand.

“You’re just saying that” Trebor protested tugging his hand free. As soon as it was free if felt cold and empty and he longed for Braylin to hold it again. His hand tingled where Bray’s lips came into contact with it. “You just want someone to play doctor with later” his eyes sparkled in the dim lighting of the restaurant. A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Is that an option” Bray asked attempting to keep his growing excitement at bay.

Blushing beneath the man’s intense lustful gaze Trebor lowered his eyes to observe the intricate design of the expensive dinner plate set in front of him. “We shall see” he said primly looking up in time to see the hockey player’s desire erupt in his eyes like a supernova.

Moaning Bray growled “you tease. You’ve no idea what you’re doing to me.” Pausing he considered his last few words “on second thought you know damn well what you’re doing.” Taking hold of Trebor’s hand he stood saying “dance with me.”

He let Bray lead him to the dance floor. His body tensed as Braylin pulled him close grinding against him letting him know exactly what he had done to him. The man’s obvious excitement sent a thrill through Trebor that he hadn’t experienced before. Leaning in close Bray whispered “if we were alone I’d take you right here right now.”

His skin prickled with anticipation. No one had ever gotten that kind of reaction from him before. Trebor let his lips graze across the man’s cheek stopping to nip at Bray’s earlobe before saying “where’s the fun in that? I might have let you take me right here right now.” Stepping back he turned to walk back to their table.

Standing transfixed staring after Trebor he ached to take the man in his arms and make good on his words. Groaning softly he followed after him aching in all the right places. He couldn’t wait to leave the restaurant so that the real fun could begin.

***

Trebor jerked awake. Something wasn’t right the first thought running through his mind. He wasn’t wearing any clothes. He always wore something to bed. Plus he wasn’t alone. The rustling of the blankets and the hand resting on his thigh made him all to aware of that fact.

The hand moved downward as soft lips kissed a trail up his arm. “Didn’t you get enough last night” he asked as his body responded to the man’s touch.

“Did you” came the soft reply before he resumed kissing along his body.

Rolling onto his back with a contented sigh he closed his eyes. “I could get used to waking up to this.” The man’s teeth nipping into him had him pushing the pink haired male away “what do you call that?”

“Love bite” he grinned leaning up on an arm to gaze down at Trebor.

Rubbing the side of his neck “felt more like a ravenous vampire than a love bite.”

“How would you know” he teased “have you been with many vampires?”

“Only you” he tossed the blankets aside to swing his legs over the edge of the bed to sit up.

“Don’t you want me to finish what I started” he asked pushing his bottom lip out reaching for Trebor’s shoulder.

Glancing at the time Trebor shook his head despite his own growing desire. Looking over his shoulder he said “only of you can do it in the shower. I have to be at work in an hour.”

Rolling out of bed Braylin held his hand out to Trebor. “I thought you’d never ask. Come on” he waggled his fingers meant to hurry Trebor up “we don’t have all day.”

Grinning Trebor took his hand “you’re insatiable. You know that?”

“Yes well” he pulled Trebor flush with his body “there could be worse things.”

***

Hours later Trebor was wishing he’d had a more restful night. The emergency room had been busier than usual with accident victims, smoke inhalation cases from a fire in a senior citizen home. He may have needed the sleep but he knew he’d do it all again if given a chance.

“Heads up” Eli shouted sticking his head into the breakroom. “We’ve got a multiple car pile up coming in.”

“What’s up with people today” Trebor complained tossing his coffee in the nearby trash can.

“At this rate you won’t be going home to lover boy anytime soon” Eli chuckled at the frazzled cross look Trebor gave him. “Hey it’s not my fault you’ve got bite marks on the back of your neck.”

“Shit” he mumbled a hand going to the back of his neck “I’d forgotten about that.”

“Don’t worry about it” Eli shrugged “I doubt I would have notice if it weren’t for your cousin pointing it out to me.”

“You can tell Lana I’ll get even with her one day” Trebor warned.

“From the looks of it you got lucky last night” Eli grinned winking at him.

“That’s beside the point” Trebor grumbled as they worked to get the exam room ready for casualties. “She had no right to give my contact information out to anyone. For all she knew he could have been a stalker or something.”

“I still say Nurse Betty did you a favor” Eli ducked to avoid the roll of gauze Trebor tossed at his head.

“What if someone did that to you” he demanded.

“Depends if it had a happy ending or not” he gave Trebor a serious appraisal from head to toe. “From where I stand you had several happy endings last night and possibly this morning too.”

“Stop” Trebor shook his head “I know you won’t side with me against Lana; especially now that you’re sleeping together.”

“Damn right” he grinned “why would I want to jeopardize my relationship for you?”
As the first victims were carried in Trebor said “remind me later to thank her.”

“You do that and she’ll invite you and him over for supper for a game night or something” he teased flashing him a grin. “Are you ready for the mundaneness of being in a relationship?”

“No one said anything about a relationship” he objected “it was only one date.”

“Yet you’ve already sampled the goods” Eli gave him a stern look like he was mystified by his friends behavior.

“That’s why they’re called one night stands” Trebor pointed out.

“They’re not one night stands if you keep having them with the same guy. That’s called a relationship” Eli stated before they were both inundated with injured people who needed all of their attention.

Chapter 1 – Hockey with Heart / Chapter 3 – Uncomfortable Situation