Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 7

so he could face his friend, Scott tangled their feet together under the covers, slipping a hand over Jimmy's hip. "I don't know, it's like…" Taking a breath as he chose his words, "I think of you in a totally non-sexual way, ya know? Like… I love you, we take care of each other, always there for each other, but… It's like a dog, I mean… Some people love their dogs more than the people in their lives, but they don't think of them in that light."
    "Well, some people—"
    "Oh, Jesus, you're such a sicko."
    "I didn't say I would!"
    Both of them laughing, Scott put his hand over Jimmy's mouth, "Shh, Ruby's trying to sleep."
    Jimmy nudged Scott's hand until the man let it slip from his mouth, the two looking at each other in the shadows, "So, you're telling me I'm like your dog ?"
    "Only in that non-sexual love way." Scott answered seriously even as Jimmy was biting back his grin. The man looked at him for a long moment and Scott knew he should prepare himself for something, just not sure what. He could feel Jimmy's bare chest against his own, feel the rise and fall as Jimmy took a breath. The man's arms tightened around him slightly before Jimmy let his smile shine through and leaned forward, licking Scott's cheek. "You are so gross."
    "Woof."
    Scott turned back over then, laughing with Jimmy. "Better knock it off or you're getting kibble for breakfast."
    ****
    Waking slowly and pressing back slightly against the nudge of a warm morning erection through layers of flannel and cotton, Scott was still half-asleep, his own cock stirring as he nestled closer to Jimmy, letting himself pretend it was still a dream. The soft moan and grinding of Jimmy's hips had Scott fully awake, though, his eyes popping open as he tried to shift away from the man. He knew Jimmy was still asleep and couldn't allow himself to enjoy it anymore.
    Jimmy's arms tightened around Scott, pulling him closer again, "C'mere," he muttered, talking in his sleep, voice a warm rumble against the back of Scott's neck. As Jimmy's hand started to drift lower over Scott's stomach, a small bolt of panic rose in his throat, wanting to let the man continue, and at the same time knowing how awkward things could turn if he did. No matter how much Jimmy joked and teased and flirted, he knew the man was straight and—in Scott's experience—straight guys could get weird after dipping a toe or two in the gay end of the pool.
    Stopping the progress of Jimmy's hand, Scott held his wrist, shifting his elbow back into Jimmy's ribs at the same time, "Wake up, I think Ruby's burning the kitchen down," he whispered, sniffing into the air and coming away with the scent of scorched meat-substitute.
    Jimmy seemed to wake up then, sliding his hand back a little, lacing his fingers with Scott's, "Oh, Jesus, how in the name of God did you two survive? Your mother worked fifteen hours a day and neither one of you can boil water without setting off the smoke alarm."
    "Sandwiches." Scott told him, pulling away with a laugh, trying to will his own erection down.
    "She's not still on that vegan kick is she?"
    "Far as I know. Meat is still murder, according to Ruby."
    "Delicious and nutritious murder." Jimmy offered, running his hand through his hair that was sticking out at odd angles, making him look boyish and unassuming.
    They made their way out of bed, elbows bumping each other, shoulders brushing, as they walked together into the kitchen. "What did you do?" Scott asked his sister, looking around the small kitchen where it seemed every dish they owned was out and dirty.
    "Breakfast. Kind of." Her own brow creased as she looked around the disaster area. "It's kinda burnt, but, um…" Pointing with the oven mitt she had been using to wave the smoke out the little kitchen window, "Soy bacon, egg-substitute scramble, whole wheat toast…that's probably not edible anymore, though." She poked the black toast with a fingertip, a corner of it chipping off under the slight pressure.
    "Probably?" Jimmy teased, coming around and dropping a kiss to the top of Ruby's head as he reached over her into the cupboard and pulled out a box of cereal. "You have other talents, Rubes. Explore them. Cooking, not so much."
    "See if I try to do something nice for you again." Ruby told him, reaching for a bowl to join him in the cereal. "Walked to the store, lugged groceries in, washed dishes before I could even cook, made a healthy breakfast…"
    "I'm pretty sure that much carbon can't be considered