Page 95 of Septembers

Theo laid his head on Dae’s shoulder and let the alcohol sloshing around in his brain take over, encouraging him to slide his hands down Dae’s back, feeling his muscles working with each step. “Damn, Dae. You work out?”

His breath was getting heavy. “You see me go to the gym every day.”

“Just take the compliment.”

A low rumble came out of him that vibrated through Theo’s chest. “Okay, then yes. I’m very strong and manly.”

Theo took another deep breath, savouring the smell he knew was unique to Dae; his shampoo, his skin, his sweat. He wanted to lick him but was saved by the sudden shift in momentum as Dae stopped to catch his breath on the landing.

Do not lick your best friend, Theo told himself sternly, hoping that thought hadn’t slipped out of his mouth as the world once again started to shift.

The sound of Dae’s heavy breath was doing something to Theo’s body—something that could not happen while they were in this position. He closed his eyes tight and thought about his grandma taking out her teeth. When that didn’t work, he tried the climate crisis. Then zombies.

“Are you going to throw up?”

“No.” He squeezed Dae’s shirt in his fists.

“Almost there.” A bead of sweat rolled down Dae’s temple, over his jaw and onto his collarbone, disappearing underneath his shirt.

Mold on pastries. Funeral homes. Garbage day in summer. As soon as they reached the fifth floor landing, Theo squirmed out of his arms and stumbled to their door. “Thank you.”

“Any time.”

“Really?”

“No.” Dae panted, bending over and leaning against his thighs. “Not really. Never make me do that again.”

“But you’re so strong and manly.” What was he doing?

Luckily, Dae ignored him and went inside the apartment. Theo followed, his hands on the wall, because apparently that was how he walked now. Was it forever? Possibly.

Dae put a glass of water in both his hands, surrounding them with his to make sure he was holding on properly before letting go. Another deliberate touch. More intoxicating than the alcohol. And likely why Theo couldn’t quite feel his legs.

“Am I standing up?”

Dae laughed. Fuck, Theo loved that sound. “Drink.”

He did. It was delicious. Could water be delicious? Yes, apparently.

“Hey.” Theo was struck with brilliance and grabbed Dae’s arm, not only to steady himself but also to make him understand the life-changing significance of what he was about to say. “I have an idea. A radiant, resplendent, rapturous idea.”

Dae’s fond smile was so bright, his dimples were out. “Have you been reading the dictionary again?”

“Jordan should move in with us.” Theo gave him what he assumed to be a conspiratorial grin. “We could pull a shenanigan. Pretend we need her help with something and then lock her in the bathroom. I’ll guard her while you go get her stuff.”

“Great!” Dae took Theo’s other arm in his excitement, holding them out like he was teaching a toddler how to walk. “That’s not insane at all, and I’m sure we won’t get arrested.”

“Probably not!” Theo couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or supportive, but either way, he liked the enthusiasm.

Dae laugh-sighed. It was Theo’s second-favourite sigh. “Jordan and Becks are a couple.”

Theo wanted to spit on the ground like he’d seen old ladies do in movies. “They shouldn’t be.”

“Well, try to keep that to yourself. Come on.” He put his hand on Theo’s lower back and led him to his bedroom. It was so easy. So domestic. Theo needed to laugh it away.

“Are you going to tuck me in? Tell me a story?”

“If you’re good.”