Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 5

Would you believe me if I said that?"
    Scott shrugged, a half-smile curling one side of his mouth. "I guess I could try."
    "Alright then, yeah. I look forward to seeing you too. Why else would I show up when I could obviously have any man anywhere?"
    "That was a joke, right?"
    "God, I hope so since I feel kind of dirty now."
    They laughed out loud at the same time, Scott's anxiety squeaking out with one of his chuckles. He hoped it stayed away this time. He was about to ask Devon if he wanted another drink when they were interrupted.
    "Devastation? What the fuck, man? What are you doing in a place like this?"
    The man behind the voice threw himself between Scott and Devon, slapping Devon on the back and replacing their laughter with his own. "I can't fucking believe it's you. I'm such a huge fan. Are you guys play—"
    "I think you have me confused with someone else," Devon said, cutting the man off, his eyes narrowed. He turned back to Scott. "Do you mind if we cut out early? I'm suddenly not feeling so hot."
    "Yo', man, can I get an autograph?"
    Devon shoved back his chair, grabbing the man by his arm and yanking him close. "I said you must be mistaken. Now back the fuck off."
    Scott watched the interaction with amazement. Devon's jaw was clenched, the little muscles on the sides twitching with the strain. He let the man go, skewering him with a look Scott didn't understand, but whatever it was, it did the job. The man stepped back and turned away.
    "Dev? What's going on?"
    Devon shook his head, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair and hastily putting it on. "Nothing. Guy thought I was someone else. Didn't like how he got in my face. You ready?"
    The ride back to Scott's place was quiet, the air thick with tension. Devon stared out the passenger window, his hands folded in his lap. He flinched when Scott reached over and stroked his thigh, but then relaxed and covered Scott's hand with his own.
    "You okay?" Scott said, when they stopped at a red light. "Did I…"
    "I'm fine. Didn't mean to spoil the evening." Devon shot Scott a half-smile, and then went back to staring out into the darkness.
    "That guy…"
    "He reminded me of a guy I used to know."
    "Not a good memory."
    "Nope. Light's green."
    When they arrived back at Scott's, Devon mumbled something about a shower before heading off in that direction. He'd given Scott no indication he wanted company so Scott hung up both their coats, checked his answering machine, and then went to his room. Devon sat on the bed, body leaned forward, head resting in his hands. He hadn't taken his clothes off or even started the water in the shower, and Scott was baffled as to what was going on.
    "Dev?"
    "Hey," Devon said as if he hadn't heard Scott come in. He lifted his head, but no smile appeared on his downcast face. "You wanna shower?"
    Scott moved farther into the room. "No. You go ahead. I'll shower in the morning."
    "I don't really feel like it either."
    "Would you rather go home tonight?"
    Devon cocked his head, the usual sparkle in his eyes replaced by clouds. "You want me to?"
    "No," Scott said quickly. "But you said you weren't feeling well."
    "I think I just need some sleep," Devon said, hauling himself to his feet. His actions were more old-manish than Devonish, and Scott wondered if something was really wrong with him. "I know I promised… you know, the desk?"
    Scott smirked, moving closer until he was inches from Devon. "The desk's not going anywhere. I have to get up early for a meeting in any case, but I'd like you to stay."
    Devon closed the gap, wrapping Scott tightly in his arms in a desperate hug. He returned the embrace, kissing the side of Devon's head and nuzzling his neck. "Let's go to bed, Dev. You need to rest up if you're gonna tackle the desk." That drew a small snicker from Devon, his tense body relaxing a little against Scott.
    Scott kissed him again before untangling them and taking a small step back. Devon's eyes were half-closed, his face drawn and expressionless. "Get your clothes off, mister. You know the bare sleeping rule."
    Devon managed a tiny curl of his lips, and then yanked his t-shirt over his head. He stepped back to Scott, his fingers slipping under the knot of Scott's tie, gently undoing it and tugging on the ends of the tie. "You'll have to wear this again when I have the strength to do something interesting with it." He tugged the tie again, dragging Scott closer and kissing him tenderly.
    "Interesting?" Scott said. He