“Maybe.”
“That’s a yes,” he says with the tiniest chuckle, flashing me a grin big enough to show off his braces. “It’s kinda cute how you’re pining.”
“I hate you.”
“Yet, you allow me into your home. That’s on you, dude.”
“Don’t talk to me about pining,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him.
“Who better to call you out than a fellow yearner?”
I poke Sullivan’s cheek, making him grin even wider. All around us, everyone is slowly falling asleep. I can feel sleep dragging at me as well. The weight of these last twenty four hours are hitting me all at once.
“You should tell him you have a crush on him,” I whisper before letting out a jaw cracking yawn.
“Yeah, I’m sure that’d go over well,” he says with a roll of his eyes. “We’re on the same team. I can’t make things awkward.”
“He doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy to make things awkward, but I guess you’d know him better than me.”
“You strike me as a dumbass,” Sullivan says, blinking slowly.
“Thanks,” I deadpan but can’t help but feel warmth with affection. “One of us needs to get our shit together and I don’t really want it to be me.”
“It’s scary,” Sullivan says, barely above a whisper. “Let’s ditch our crushes and mate with each other instead.”
I snort right in my friend’s face. He pretends to be wounded but we both know that wouldn’t work out. Not only are we silently pining but I’ve talked to him about some of my preferences and let’s just say, they don’t align with his. I’ve always found myself attracted to alphas while Sullivan has always found himself swayed by the sweet scent of omegas.
“I think my feelings are hurt.”
“No, they’re not. We’d have a terrible time as a mated couple.”
Sullivan pretends to think about it before nodding. “Yeah, you’re way too stinky.”
At this point, I can barely keep my eyes open. Sullivan just chuckles, patting my shoulder before scooting over until his head is resting on me. He throws an arm around my middle, snuggling close.
I’m warm, exhausted, and surrounded by some of my favorite people. I fall asleep quickly.
Our group sleeps for a solid twelve hours before we finally get out of our nest and start making coffee and food. Everyone takes turns in the shower, doing our best not to appear so zombie-like.
I come back out wearing my comfiest pair of sweats and a hoodie and a mask across my face. Dragging myself into the living room, I sit on the couch, wrapping myself in a blanket. There’s a tickle at the back of my throat and a headache building behind my eyes.
This happens every year, without fail.
“I think the after-stream funk is hitting already,” I say, looking up at Rodney with big eyes, hoping for a shred of empathy.
“You’re all stocked up on meds and stuff, right?”
“Of course. You think I’m an idiot or something?”
“Or something,” he says with a small smile. “Just sit here and take it easy. Maybe this time you just need a little rest.”
“Doubt it,” I say, leaning my head against the back of the couch.
I watch through heavy eyes as Rodney makes food for everyone. Once everyone has eaten, they start leaving. Sullivan is the first to go. Then Gayle and his son, Calloway. Next to leave is Wizard and Azaad. They both give me a hug, telling me to rest up.
“I think we’re gonna head out,” Rin says, standing in front of me. “I know you’re not feeling well so I’ll just stay at Maki’s house til you’re feeling better.”
I just barely keep myself from pouting. I nod my head, understanding.
