25 25- Morning Predicament

It was getting close to dinner time, and right as Scott decided to call it quits, Ryan's stomach growled quietly. They settled on salad, as Ryan really didn't want to think about sandwiches for a while and Scott didn't want him eating anything too greasy yet. It was something Scott would have to go pick up, so Ryan bummed the use of his shower while he was gone. He vaguely remembered maybe having one yesterday, but in all honesty, the past few days were kind of blurry. He didn't like to go more than a day without showering, it made him feel gross.

Scott had washed Ryan's clothes that morning, so at least he had something clean to change into. Scott himself changed out of his PJs to go on the food run, then left Ryan alone with a quick goodbye kiss, insisting that if anything went wrong to call him and that he'll be right back. Just like that, Ryan was completely alone in Scott's apartment.

It was almost lonely. Scott's place was nearly five times the size of his. He tried not to dwell on it, instead focusing on getting cleaned up before Scott got back. Ryan decided he really liked Scott's bathroom. The shower was huge, and he had one of those shower heads with a bunch of different settings on it. He knew he couldn't linger, even though he kinda wanted to. Still, being clean again felt great. It was almost like a recharge after the past few days. He was vigorously trying to dry his hair with one of Scott's huge fluffy towels, when he heard Scott announce his return.

Coming home to see his boyfriend clean and happy, clad in nothing but a t-shirt, underwear, and collar sent Scott's heart fluttering. He was so glad Ryan was feeling better. He set the food on the table and insisted on helping Ryan finish with his hair. He liked playing with it. It was so fluffy and soft...

They ate and spoke of inconsequential things, simply enjoying each other's company. Scott tried not to think about the fact that this was temporary, that now that Ryan was better he was going to go home... Not that he wanted Ryan to be sick, it's just that it gets a bit lonely staying by yourself most of the time.

After dinner, Scott decided he should take his own shower, and he had a confession to make.

"Would you be bothered if I went without a shirt? Truth is, I hate those silky PJs. I'm more of a lounge pants guy, I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable."

Ryan laughed and insisted Scott wear what made him most comfortable, that he was an adult and could certainly handle seeing his boyfriend topless. That Scott would make such considerations was touching, though.

Turns out Ryan maybe wasn't as prepared as he thought he was after his boyfriend made his post–shower appearance. Sure, he'd seen Scott shirtless in a picture, but it didn't compare to the real thing. Especially his rather thick chest hair, which looked like a blond cloud against still-damp skin. He would admit, he probably stared a second too long.

They settled in on the couch to watch a movie before bed. At this point, Scott was fairly certain Ryan was okay, and had suggested they share a bag of microwave popcorn. Ryan's back was against Scott's chest again, as Scott had cheekily admitted it was his favorite position to cuddle in. Having pressure against his torso was exceedingly calming, and Ryan's body just so happened to fit his perfectly. Ryan was happy to oblige, he felt safe when Scott held him like that, though he wasn't quite ready to admit it out loud.

They picked an action movie, something exciting with lots of stunts and explosions. For the first time in a long time, Ryan didn't feel tired at all. If anything, he felt a little guilty, because maybe he could have made his afternoon shift, but he tried to remind himself that all he'd eaten before he was supposed to go in was a bowl of oatmeal. Would he have recovered as fast if Scott didn't help him?

In hindsight, he wished he'd called Scott sooner. He'd probably be allowed to stay the night, but he'd definitely have to go home tomorrow. He'd have to go to work tomorrow. Rent was due, and he had to use what little money was left for food to hold him until next payday. He tried not to think about it too hard. That's how life is, after all. He couldn't rely on Scott for everything.

The movie ended, and Scott gave Ryan a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. "Ready for bed?" He asked.

"Should I sleep out here...? Since I'm feeling better?"

"Only if you really want to, but you know my bed's big enough for two, and I'm happy to share it with you."

Ryan considered for a moment. True, Scott's bed was quite comfortable, and he was almost sure the pillows were goose down... The blanket was warm and heavy, and everything smelled like Scott... Was there a reason to hesitate? They'd already shared the bed together... And, he was pretty sure Scott wasn't going to try anything.

Ryan agreed shyly, and Scott set about turning off lights and electronics, gathering trash, and putting dishes in the sink. Ryan tried to help where he could, but Scott was efficient. The only thing he could do was to fold his blanket they were cuddling under during the movie.

Scott led him back to the bedroom. Ryan took the side he was on last night, carefully working his way into the covers, as if he was afraid of disturbing them. Scott turned the room lights off before slipping into bed himself.

"You can come a little closer, if you want?"

Scott's voice was inviting, though Ryan could barely make out his silhouette in the darkness. He shuffled closer, encountering an arm that guided him in gently.

"You wanna be the big spoon or the little spoon?" Scott asked.

"Whatever you want... Is fine..."

There was some shuffling as they got repositioned. Scott wrapped himself around Ryan, whose body molded against his. He sighed contentedly, savoring the contact. Tomorrow, his bed would most likely be empty, and he'd be wrapped around a pillow like always. Ryan locked fingers with his. Life was good.

"Hot Stuff? Can I ask you something?"

"What is it, Cuddle Bug?"

"You don't have to answer, I'm just curious. Why did you eat expired food in the first place?"

Ryan squeezed his boyfriend's hand. "It wasn't expired. Deli stuff is good for a day or two past it's sell–by date. I just didn't want it to go to waste."

It was a lie. A little one. He didn't like telling lies, but this one was harmless. He had some money in his account now since payday hit while he wasn't feeling well, and so long as he was careful he wouldn't have to ration as tightly. He didn't want Scott to worry.

Scott of course wasn't buying it, not after seeing how sparce Ryan's place was, but he didn't want to press. "Promise me you'll tell me if you need anything?"

"I promise."

They lay there in silence as they fell asleep. Ryan had spent the better of the last two days sleeping, so it took him a little longer. He could feel the rise and fall of Scott's chest against his back, and feel hot breath against his ear. It was tranquil. When he finally did get to sleep, pleasant dreams awaited him.

--------------------

Ryan woke first. He was half–sprawled over Scott's body, face buried in chest hair. Scott's arm was wrapped around him gently, laying over his back. So comfy... Ryan shifted his leg, and encountered something stiff. His half awake mind couldn't comprehend what it could be, until he bumped it a second time, eliciting a small moan from Scott, who thankfully slept through it.

He slid his leg away, slowly. Scott's male, same as he is. There's no reason he shouldn't get a morning stiffy sometimes, more so for the fact that he's an alpha. Ryan was just embarrassed it took him a second to realize what it was. He then realized he was sporting a kickstand too. He tried shifting so it wasn't resting against his boyfriend. Besides, he wasn't ready to get up yet. He didn't have work until the afternoon.

He looked up at Scott's sleeping face. He didn't shave yesterday, and course hair peppered his jawline. Ryan couldn't grow facial hair even if he wanted to. It was a shame. As a teen, he used to think he'd look cool with a goatee.

He pulled the blanket up further on them and pillowed his head on Scott's shoulder. He buried his hand in the center of Scott's chest, taking delight in the softness of his hair. This. This was his favorite place to be.

That's how Scott found him when he woke up later that morning. Ryan had drifted back to sleep, contented smile on his face. He immediately realized something was poking him, and exactly what that something was. They would have to have that awkward talk sooner or later for sure. Sooner rather than later he thought, as he realized his own matching predicament. He tried not to think about it too hard, willing it to go away. Ryan stirred against him, blinking his eyes open and stretching a little.

"Morning, Hot Stuff. Sleep okay?"

"Mm-hm" Ryan yawned, and hugged Scott a little tighter. He belatedly realized he was pressing against him, and moved away with an apology.

"Don't worry about it, it happens." Scott stretched too, groaning with the strain. Something popped. "What do you want for breakfast?"