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“Because cats aren’t known for that or anything.”

“Hey, I had a cat we had to keep out of our swimming pool growing up. It can happen,” Troy protested.

“You were dreaming. Just own up.”

Troy turned back to Gabriel with a shake of his head. “All lies.”

Gabriel chuckled. “Right, well, you two seem to have a handle on things. I should probably head out. I have a flight in the morning, and I don’t want to be jet-lagged by the time I get home. Oscar, be ready for a thousand questions from the kids and a whole new lecture from Anne when she shows up.”

Oscar groaned. “Is there any way you could make her, you know, not do that?”

“Not a chance in hell.”

“Great,” Oscar sighed.

Gabriel reached out and pulled his brother in for another tight hug. “Take care of yourself, Oscar, okay?”

“Don’t I always?” Oscar asked, hugging him back.

“Not as good as you seem to think,” Gabriel said, kissing Oscar’s cheek.

Oscar laughed. “You two sound so much alike right now, and it’s a little creepy.”

“Just don’t get any weird thoughts, and it’ll be alright,” Gabriel said.

Oscar wrinkled up his nose. “Gross.”

Gabriel laughed and said his final goodbyes, which took another fifteen minutes before the man finally left the apartment. Alone with Oscar, Troy finally turned to the man, ready to speak. He was startled when Oscar turned to him and wrapped him up tightly, holding Troy against his chest.

“Jesus Christ,” Oscar muttered, pressing his face against the top of Troy’s head.

Troy smiled, wrapping his arms around the other man and holding him tight. “It’s okay, Oscar.”

“It is now,” Oscar whispered.

Troy could feel the sag of relief as Oscar’s tension bled out. Troy rubbed his back, savoring not only the strength of Oscar’s body but the knowledge that the man was taking refuge in the comfort Troy could give him. He had no idea how long they stood there, holding onto one another, but the soft smile and the tears in his eyes never left.

Oscar finally pulled away, his own eyes watery. “Thank you for staying.”

All Troy had ever wanted was to know he’d always be allowed to be there for Oscar, no matter what happened to them. He’d left the apartment sure he’d just watched his chance at happiness crumble. Troy would never entirely be able to explain to Oscar what it meant to see the man chasing him down, pleading for him to stay. It was then he knew they might actually be okay, for good this time.

Oscar stroked his cheek. “I think I need to lay down for a little while. Join me?”

Troy chuckled. “Yeah, how’s your hip?”

Oscar cocked his head. “Better than usual. That wasn’t my medicine you gave me, was it?”

Troy shrugged, turning away so Oscar couldn’t see his face. “I have no idea what you mean. There’s no way I would happen to have a stash of medicine that I shouldn’t have for unknown reasons.”

“And I’ll pretend I believe you,” Oscar said as he followed Troy to the bedroom.

“Good,” Troy said, flopping onto the bed.

Oscar lay beside him, wasting no time curling himself around Troy and pulling him closer. Troy grinned as he bent himself to fit perfectly in the curve of Oscar’s body.

“I can’t believe that went so well,” Oscar said softly.

Troy grinned. “I’m really glad it did.”