“Well said,” Azaad says with a chuckle, lying on the floor next to Wizard.
“I think I need to sleep for a week,” I murmur, tilting my head back against the couch but knowing the adrenaline won’t allow me to sleep, not yet.
“We raised almost amilliondollars,” Rin says softly, like he can’t believe it. “Holy fucking shit.”
“That’s gonna help so many people.”
“We can’t start crying again, you guys,” Gayle says but there’s a sniffle in his voice.
“This is gonna be really cheesy but I have to say it,” Kei says, sitting up and looking around the room. We’re all here, gathered together. Azaad, Wizard, Pally, Calloway, Maki, Gayle, Suga, who came over after the volleyball match and brought us food. “I fucking love you guys. I’m glad I know you all.”
Rin wraps an arm around Kei’s shoulders, giving him a little shake. “We love you too, you grumpy bastard.”
There’s a chorus of agreement throughout the room. I carefully nudge Gayle off my lap and stand up, stretching my arms over my head with a groan.
“Food and then giant nesting pile?”
Rin grins. “Hell yes! The perfect way to end the event.”
After ordering some pizza and practically inhaling it, we get to work constructing the biggest nest ever in our living room, making sure there’s room for all of us. We all snuggle together, everyone slowly passing the fuck out as the long day hits us.
I wrap my hand around Gayle’s waist, kissing the back of his neck. Calloway pats my hand before he’s drifting off to sleep as well. I’m so happy I feel like I might start crying again. I’ll have to drink so much water tomorrow with how dehydrated all these tears are going to leave me but that’s okay, some things are worth crying over.
Today went so well but I can’t help but think about how it wouldn’t have been the same without Gayle and Calloway being here. They’ve slotted themselves into my life so perfectly. I didn’t even know they were missing until they were here.
I love Gayle, but I also love Calloway. He might never feel like ‘my son’, but he’sfamilyand that’s all that matters. We’re a unit and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they stay happy and cared for.
I’m just sohappy. I’m happy to know Gayle. I’m happy I never learned how to properly mute my mic. I’m happy we took a chance on each other. I let out a little sigh, tucking myself even tighter against Gayle’s back.
What better way to finish this fundraiser based on community than by nesting withmycommunity. We get some well earned sleep, tucked together, warm and safe.
Epilogue
Rodney
“Thank you fivegoldenRodneys forthe new sub. Thank you UnderRodneysBed for the sub. Thank you RodneysHorseDong for the sub.” I let out a deep sigh, covering my face with my hands. “Could you guystryto be normal? Just once?”
I hear a chuckle from behind me, coming from my bed. I look over my shoulder with a glare, staring down Gayle from wherehe’s watching the stream on a laptop. Gods, he’s adorable. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I get to call him mine.
BedheadRooster(vip): WhoCares and I want to know who’s in your bed, Rodney
SnowsOffspring(vip): HI DAD!
GlassesforDayz: Wait… you and WhoCares??
Azaad(mod): *zoomie eyes* IS IT TIME??
PeriwinklePally(mod): I know I should be excited about this announcement but I’m stuck on @BedheadRooster’s message! Are you guys together right now?? Hello??
BedheadRooster(vip): Heh Heh
“Excuse me?” I practically scream, reading chat. “Wait, wait, wait. Hold up. I hate to put you on blast but WhoCares? Are you with Rooster right now?”
BedheadRooster(vip): He’s at my apartment!
WhoCares(vip): I’m locking myself in the bathroom. This is so embarrassing.
PeriwinklePally(mods): I KNEW YOU WERE CAPABLE OF MAKING FRIENDS! HA!
