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Alcy nodded. “It’s weird, but yes. What is it about this one that’s affecting us both?”
Beez slid his fingers through Carter’s hair, and Carter made a low noise. Alcy found the act surprisingly tender.I’d bet anything that until today, he thought a blow job counted as intimacy.“I don’t know, but he’s special.” Beez’s voice was soft. “Even I can tell that.” He gazed at Alcy. “We both know what our assignment is. We’re expected to find him someone who’ll love him. The problem is, I can’t decide between pushing him out into the world, or holding him tight so he can’t—and won’t—get hurt.” He sighed. “Out of all the persons I’ve encountered, Carter is… unique, and the thought that someone is going to break his heart physically hurts me.”
“Seeing him likethishurts me.” Alcy swallowed hard. “I want to call Supreme, and ask them to heal him.”
Beez shook his head. “Been there. Tried that. No answer. I tossed out my appeal before I went looking for the soup and aspirin.”
Alcy shrugged. “I doubt it would have mattered. Supreme doesn’t really do that. They said it doesn’t matter how many prayers they get, healing is best left to doctors. Supreme trusts science, believe it or not.”
“You’re right.” Beez let out another sigh. “This is maddening.”
“Agreed. All we can do is wait. I still want to take Carter to a doctor, but he insists he only needs rest. I’ve been plying him with liquids, and you brought him soup. We’ll have to keep an eye on him and ensure he’s okay, I guess.” Alcy leaned on Beez, taking strength where he could. “Will you wait with me?”
“I promise, if I have to go anywhere again, I’ll be sure to let you know.” He kissed Alcy on the forehead. “We’ll get through this together, Mom.”
“Okay, Dad.”
Beez curled his arms around Alcy, and held him tight, and that was just about perfect.
For the next three days, they kept vigil over Carter. Each of them doted on him, taking turns sleeping beside him, mopping his brow, or helping him to the bathroom. Whatever he needed, Alcy and Beez were there for him. Finally, on the fourth day, Carter opened his eyes and gave a weak smile.
Alcy beamed. “Beez, he’s awake!”
Beez hurried in from the other room. His gaze snapped to Carter, and Alcy could see Beez’s relief. “Hey, how you doin’?” He stood beside the bed, brushing the hair off Carter’s forehead.
“I feel… weak. There’s no strength at all. I’m guessing I had the flu again.”
Beez blinked. “Again?”
Carter nodded. “Had it last year, and it sucked.” He sat up and rubbed bleary eyes. “Sorry about the party.”
“Oh, fuck the party! Why didn’t you tell us you were sick?”
Color blossomed on Carter’s usually pale cheeks. “I didn’t want you to miss out on something you’ve been waiting for.”
Beez’s eyes bulged. “Of all the stupid, irresponsible—”
“Beez….” Alcy began.
“No!” Beez drew in a sharp breath. “No. He was out fordays. He had us scared out of our minds, and why? Because of a stupid party? We didn’t give a damn about the party. What we care about is—” Beez’s eyes widened.
Alcy finished for him. “What we care about is you.”
“You do?” Carter slumped against the pillows, mouth open. “Really?”
“Of course really, you idiot!” Alcy barked. “Beez went out and looked for vegan chicken soup to help you get better.”
Carter bit his lip. “You called me an idiot. I think that’s the first harsh thing I’ve ever heard you say.”
Alcy gave a wry smile. “Well… If this is how you’re going to behave, it won’t be the last.” He stroked Carter’s arm, then took his hand. “We were so worried. We’ve never been through anything like this before.”
“What do you mean?”
“You were sick, and we couldn’t do anything about it. How do humans cope with that? Feeling so… helpless?”
Carter squeezed his fingers. “By holding on to each other. Mom and Dad did it when I had my tonsils out at fourteen. They sat by my bed and prayed for me to get better.” He snorted. “When I got out of the hospital, they said it was because God had been watching out for me, but I knew it was the doctors.”
Beez’s eyes shone, and his lip trembled as he stared at Carter. When Alcy’s gaze met his, Beez turned away quickly.
