Page 38 of Except You

“What’s wrong?” he asks, his eyes going down to the sheets in my hands. It’s not like I can pretend they’re something else. They’re a very distinct eighties floral pattern that’s faded into obscurity. My parents really need to invest in a neutral bedding cover.

“Nothing.”

“Why are you washing the sheets?”

“No reason,” I say and then try and push past him, but he blocks my way.

“You’re trying to sneak. What happened?”

“Nothing, Max. Do not make me kick you in the balls. I will not respect them in this situation.”

He cocks his head but lets me pass, and I sigh in relief. As I shove the sheets into the washer, he reaches out and snaps the waistband of my pajama pants.

“What’s this? You were wearing something different last night.”

“Oh, bugger off,” I say, and he chuckles behind me.

“Did you wet the bed?”

I stand up so quick, I nearly knock my head. “I do not wet the bed, Max.”

He holds his hands up in surrender as his eyes peruse my crotch.

“I’m just worried. Did you throw up? Are you feeling sick?”

“I’m fine,” I say, folding my arms across my chest. “I just… I had an accident and it was not poop or pee or vomit.”

His eyes flick to mine. “Cum?”

“Oh my god. You are worse than my mother. God, Max. Fuck off.”

He chuckles and runs a hand across his handsome face.

“I mean, it’s natural. But I haven’t done that for years.”

“Oh, go die.”

“You’d miss me.”

“I would, but you can do it anyways. God, you’re so embarrassing. You’re embarrassing me!”

He grins, those perfect white teeth flashing at me.

“It’s okay, Bow-tie. I don’t blame you one bit. I am a bit much.”

“You are disgusting. This was not about you. This was about Henry the other day.”

“Who?”

“Whatever his name is. He was the man of my dreams. Not you, straight man. Never you.”

His lips turn down at that, and he nods slowly…and fuck, did I hurt his feelings?

“Alright, well, um, breakfast is ready. I was just coming to get you.”

He turns and leaves, his shoulders sagging slightly. Fuck, I need to apologize. But why are his feelings hurt in the first place? He should be glad, right?

Happy the gay guy isn’t hitting on him?