Holy shit.
His partner was crying.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Ethan said. “I’m good.”
Gene shook his head.
“I’m not. Knowing you went through that when I was just living a normal life, playing football, and being loved… How do I not think about the disparity in your existence, and not let it hurt my heart?”
Ethan leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
“No one cared. I was the throwaway, and that’s one more reason I can’t be here, Gene. Timothy could have adopted me, too. He could have claimed me. He’ll say money was tight, and yada yada, but…he could have tried at least.”
Gene was honest.
“I would have come for you. I would have given you my life and taken yours.”
Honestly, he believed him. Gene was just that kind of a guy, and he loved him for it. When he wanted to protect, he did, and Ethan always felt more than safe with him.
“I wouldn’t want you to live what I lived. Just like I was glad it was me and not Callen. I’m stronger than people believe. I had to be. I don’t hate you for the opportunities you got, and I will eventually forgive Timothy. I’m just not there yet. I have a lot of healing to do.”
Gene cupped his cheek with his good hand.
He wanted to be on that journey with him.
“I know how strong you are. You’re titanium, EJ. I’m proud of who you’ve become, and I can’t wait to spend the next fifty years with you.”
He actually smiled.
“Is that a promise?” he asked.
Gene nodded.
“It’s a promise, Mr. Blackhawk. You. Me. Old age. Hip replacements and sharing a room in the nursing home.”
He laughed.
“Well, we know how those hips wore out,” he joked. “That won’t be a mystery, now will it be?”
He grinned.
Hell.
Yeah.
Gene planned on making sure he’d get his money’s worth out of those replacements, too.
With this sexy man?
How could he not?
“Let’s get this interview done and grab something to eat,” Gene said. “I’m starving.”
Ethan reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a candy bar. It was Gene’s favorite.
Then, he explained.
“I stopped at the vending machine. Need a snacky so that you’re not hangry?”
