Page 93 of Hummingbird and Kraken

“You were right,” Geir whispered. “This was what we both needed.”

Declan nodded. “It’s always been what I’ve needed. I just hoped you needed it too.”

Geir kissed him gently. “I didn’t know what I needed, so you’ll have to show me the way.”

Declan gave another contented hum.

“Is there anything else that you need that you haven’t told me about?”

Declan tensed and a little wrinkle crossed his brow.

Geir waited, but Declan didn’t answer. “If you don’t tell me now, I can spank it out of you.”

Declan shivered. “Fuck, that was so hot. You’re good at this.”

Geir grunted. “Tell me. Now.”

“I just… I didn’t want you to think I was after your money. But you said you would support me? I just wasn’t sure if you really meant it. Because I could still get a job. Or I could work from home like you said. I’d really like to work from home. And be home with you all the time. I just need a computer. And internet. And I know computers are really expensive. I just don’t have any money, because Mike’s an asshole. But I can pay you back. And maybe for a few art supplies? If you really meant that. I’m not trying to use you, I promise.”

Geir tapped one finger to Declan’s lips. He loved how Declan was so full of energy and life that it came pouring out of him in rivers of words. But he also loved how Declan quieted the moment he touched his lips, letting Geir take control and giving him time to think it all through.

He finally thought he had it all figured out. “You didn’t believe me when I said I would support you?”

Declan shook his head, looking miserable. “I believed you. You just didn’t… I didn’t know how to ask. I thought you would have…”

“Would have what?”

“Bought them for me? Maybe like presents?” Declan hid his head as soon as he said it.

Geir reacted instinctively with two quick slaps to Declan’s already sore ass. “If you need anything, you tell me, alright?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’m sorry. So sorry.”

Geir rubbed his back soothingly. “I can’t get you presents, or even things for your art, which aren’t presents because you need them, if you don’t tell me. You have to communicate, too.”

“I understand. And you’re right. I need to communicate more, too.”

He grumbled, pleased but still thinking about that point. “I may punish you for this later.”

“Yes, Daddy,” Declan sighed happily.

Geir definitely didn’t need to understand anything about why this worked so well for both of them as long as it did.

Declan squirmed and looked up at him. “Can I ask for one more thing? Or maybe two more things?”

“Always. That was our agreement.” He gave Declan a stern look.

“Do you have to… go away? Everyday? I get lonely without you.”

That one was easy to answer. “No. Never again. Not when I have you. Not if you want me there.”

“I do. All the time. But the other thing is… I get lonely for other people, too. Is that… is that OK?”

Geir narrowed his eyes. He’d known that Declan needed people a lot more than he did, but he wasn’t sure what to do about it. For so long, he didn’t have any friends. He hadn’t wanted people around. He’d remembered so many things about himself in the past few days, but he was never going to enjoy strangers and crowds.

But for Declan, he was sure he could do it. “A lot of people?”

Declan looked nervous. “I was thinking, like… maybe Ro could come over a little more often? And maybe a few more people? I want to have friends here. Or I could go visit them. Not like every day, but once in a while?”