Chapter 19

6/13/2040 (Continued)

Patrick was concerned about Luca's mental health at the time. The incident with his father was weighing heavily on Luca's mind. The phone call from Luca's father didn't help either.

"If the calls continue, they'll have to issue a restraining order against him," Patrick reasoned. Patrick couldn't afford for Luca to have another meltdown. If he did, Luca might not be able to come back.

When Patrick looked down, he noticed Luca's eyes were closed.

"Wake up, babe," "Let's get you into bed," he said.

"I'm not tired," mumbled Luca sleepily.

"You're half asleep, babe," Patrick said. "You can't tell me that you're not tired," he said. With Patrick's encouragement, Luca opened his eyes, stood up, and exited the tub. Luca lost his footing but was kept upright by Patrick's grip on his waist. Patrick tucked Luca into bed after drying him off and dressing him in warm clothes. He changed into sweatpants and climbed into bed next to Luca. Patrick heard soft snoring as soon as he wrapped his arms around Luca.

6/14/2040

Patrick awoke just as the first rays of the morning sun shone through the beige curtains. He looked over and saw Luca curled up in a ball, sound asleep. Patrick examined Luca's breathing before getting out of bed. It was rough the night before, but it has now normalized. Relieved, he opened the bedroom door, turned around to look at his boyfriend, then went to the kitchen. Patrick took out a small pot and filled it with water before placing it on the stove. He opened the fridge and took out two eggs. Patrick placed the eggs in the water and increased the heat to medium-high. He reached for two bananas on the counter and sliced them into small pieces. He then grabbed some strawberries from the fridge and sliced them up as well. Patrick separated the fruit into two small bowls before checking the eggs.

Patrick returned to check on Luca because the water had just begun to boil. He opened the bedroom door to find Luca awake.

He said, "Good morning, babe." "I'm making breakfast," Patrick explained. "Good, I'm starving," Luca said as he rubbed his eyes.

Patrick kissed Luca on the cheek and said, "Get your medicine and meet me in the kitchen." When Luca got out of bed, Patrick returned to the kitchen.

Luca entered the room as soon as Patrick finished making the plates and placed them on the table. Patrick placed a bowl next to each plate on the table and went to the refrigerator. He took a bottle of orange juice and set it in the center of the table. He took two glasses from the cupboard and placed one in front of each plate.

"I hope you enjoy your breakfast," Patrick said as he took a seat at the table.

Luca laughed as he bit into his hard-boiled egg. Patrick smiled back as he munched on a slice of banana. Luca grabbed the container of orange juice and poured himself a glass. As some of the juice spilled onto the table, Luca lowered his gaze in sadness.

"There's no harm done," Patrick said, standing up and grabbing a wet rag. Patrick sat back down after cleaning up the spill. Luca slowly brought the glass to his lips and sipped from it, keeping an eye on Patrick.

"Don't be afraid, princess," "I'm not mad," Patrick said via their connection. Luca fixed his gaze on him before setting down his glass and opening his medication bottles. Patrick reached out his hand, then stopped.

"I can do it," Luca said through the link as he took his medicine.

Luca got up from the table, gathered his dirty dishes, and went to the sink. He filled the sink with warm water and dish soap. Patrick handed Luca the wet rag and filled the other sink with rinse water. Luca nodded and began washing the dishes. Patrick dried and put away the dishes after washing them in the sink. Luca washed the table while Patrick washed the sinks. Once done, they headed to the office. Luca checked on his art stuff while Patrick did some data entry work.

The phone rang while Luca was concentrating on his work. He took a look at it and noticed it was an unknown number. Luca showed it to Patrick, who sighed in frustration.

"Block the number," Patrick advised. With a nod, he blocked the number. Luca flipped his bangs and went back to work. An hour later, Luca shut down his laptop while rubbing his eyes.

"I'm going to rest my eyes," he said, standing up and walking towards the door.

"Turn off your phone so it doesn't bother you," Patrick suggested. "I'll be there in about an hour," he said.

That's exactly what Luca did. He wanted to rest without being disturbed. Luca switched off his phone and placed it on the nightstand. He rolled onto his side and closed his tired eyes. After an hour, the bed shifted, and Patrick wrapped his arms around Luca's waist. Luca slid into Patrick's embrace, savoring the comforting scent Patrick emitted. Patrick would occasionally plant light kisses on Luca's neck.

"Use your words if you're uncomfortable," Patrick advised. Patrick placed love bites down Luca's neck and he didn't resist. When Patrick's hand went under his shirt and light touched a nipple, Luca's breath caught.

"Would you like me to stop?" Patrick inquired. "Too fast," Luca said, nodding.

"Babe, we'll take it slow," he said. They agreed to only cuddle in bed.

Later that afternoon, they sat in the living room and watched TV.

"Would you like to go on a date?" Patrick spoke into Luca's ear. Luca's cheeks turned bright red.

"Really?" "A real date?" he inquired, a little shyly. Patrick kissed Luca softly.

"With flowers and everything," Patrick confirmed.

"When?" Luca inquired.

"It'll be two weeks from Friday," he said.

"I'd love that," Luca said, nodding and smiling.

"Be prepared to look beautiful for me," Patrick said. "We'll be having lots of fun,"