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Troy looked at his hands and chuckled. “That’s probably not going to happen either. He’s not even big on you knowing about us, so I don’t think he’s going to want to go to a gay club anytime soon.”

Dean looked him over. “Hey, don’t worry about it, okay?”

Troy shook his head. “I’m not.”

And he wasn’t. He had Oscar in his life again, not just as an awkward friend who pretended they hadn’t been crazy about one another. Hell, still were crazy about one another. No, Oscar was with him again, loving him, holding him, and spending most nights in his bed. Troy wasn’t going to push Oscar as he’d done in the past. If Oscar wanted to come out, he had to do it in his own time.

“Must be hard,” Dean said.

“What? Loving someone and having to keep it a secret? Yeah, but I have him,” Troy said.

“Just give him time. He’s been through a lot lately, and coming out is a huge deal for him, more than it was for you and me. He’s probably freaked out.”

Troy laughed. “Yeah, you could say that, and he’s actually said it.”

“Well, take it from someone who knows a bit about patience. Just wait and be there for him. Right now, I think you’re doing the right thing just loving him.”

Troy winked. “You can bet your ass that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m not letting him go without a fight.”

Dean turned back to his computer with a chuckle. “Then go home and see your man.”

“Yes, sir.”

Troy stoppedoutside Oscar’s apartment door when he realized there were noises coming from the other side. He strained his ears, listening carefully, and realized he could hear music and something sizzling. He slid his key into the lock and opened the door slowly, smiling as he smelled whatever was cooking.

Taking off his boots, he made his way through the dining room and into the kitchen, where Oscar stood at the stove. His back was toward Troy, and he quietly sang along to the slow, melodic tune from the Bluetooth speaker on the counter. Troy crossed his arms, leaning against the doorway as he soaked up the sight.

Troy was so pleased when Oscar gave him a key but not nearly as happy as when he stood in the doorway. The sight of Oscar at home in his apartment, comfortable enough to sing quietly while he cooked, was a balm to the nervous feeling Troy had been left with after talking to Dean. Maybe not every problem he and Oscar had in the past was completely resolved, but by God, seeing Oscar so relaxed and happy was enough for Troy.

Oscar turned toward the fridge, freezing when he spotted Troy in the doorway. A moment later, his shoulders eased, and he scowled.

“I hate when you sneak around,” Oscar grumbled as he opened the fridge.

Troy chuckled, stepping forward to lean over the open fridge door. “It’s not really sneaking. I walked in.”

“It is when you’re not making any noise and scare the shit out of me,” Oscar said.

Troy watched him, waiting for Oscar to steal a kiss. Despite his seemingly foul attitude, Oscar kissed him, and Troy swore he felt the corners of his mouth twitch upward. Troy grinned as Oscar backed toward the stove, knowing that despite his boyfriend’s serious face, Troy had won that little battle.

“What’re you making?” Troy asked.

“Burgers, and they’re about done, so get yourself comfortable so you can eat,” Oscar told him over his shoulder.

Troy wouldn’t ignore that order, and he skipped to the bathroom with Oscar’s cooking echoing down the hallway. True to his word, Oscar had finished preparing the meal by the time he returned. Troy was glad he had what many like to call a ‘bottomless stomach’ since Oscar tended to make his meals monstrous. The burger was several layers thick, dominated by the thick patty, and heaped with toppings. On the side were Oscar’s secret fries, which were just frozen fries but topped with a combination of spices that Oscar point blank refused to share. It didn’t matter much to Troy, though, as he was content to have Oscar make them so he could devour them by the handful.

Troy plopped down at the table. “Didn’t realize how hungry I was till I walked in the door.”

Oscar smirked. “You’realwayshungry.”

“Not true. Sometimes I’m thirsty, or sleepy, or horny.”

“Yeah, you’re thirsty, alright.”

Troy stuck his tongue out to show his disdain but distracted himself by digging into his meal. He’d be more than happy to trade verbal blows with Oscar after he had a full stomach. Plus, it would be a total waste to let the delicious meal Oscar had made go to waste by getting cold.

Once the meal was heartily enjoyed, Troy helped Oscar clean up. Troy was generally content to let the dishes sit for however long it took him to get around to them, but Oscar was a little more fastidious.

“You can go sit down and rest,” Oscar told him as he scrubbed at the pan.