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Dev caught the back of Casey’s neck and pulled him in for another kiss, although he kept it on the lower end of the heat scale since his dick had only just deflated. As Casey stood, Dev caught his hand.
“And, babe?” When Casey raised both eyebrows, Dev reached around and freed his T-shirt.
Casey’s blush was a glorious thing, like sunrise over the trees. “Oh my god. I can’t believe you let me parade around like that in front of Haru!”
“Be fair.” Dev caught Casey’s flailing hands and pressed a kiss into each palm. “You high-tailed it into the kitchen before I could mention it. And at least I kept you from parading around Home like that.”
Casey lifted one brow. “You’re all heart.”
“They’re very nice briefs,” Haru said, his narrow face mock innocent. “Purple is one of my favorite colors.”
“Seriously? You’re as bad as he is.” Casey kissed the top of Dev’s head. “I’m leaving now before I humiliate myself any further.”
Dev gazed at the door after Casey walked out until Haru cleared his throat. “Oh. Sorry.” He picked up the pitcher and filled both glasses with tea.
Haru took the offered glass. “Don’t be. If I’d still had doubts about how delusional Nash is about your intentions, the way you look at Casey would have smashed them like Pete Townshend with a Rickenbacker.”
“Not gonna hide it and not gonna apologize.” Dev brandished his own glass. “I’m not ashamed of the way I feel about him.”
Haru tilted his head. “Does he know that?”
“I… think he does.”
“Never said it in so many words, eh?”
Had he? Dev tried to remember. He’d considered it. The words had been right there on the tip of his tongue. Had they ever made it past his lips?
“Maybe not.” He clinked his glass with Haru’s. “But it’s on the agenda. In fact, I know just how to do it. Did you hear any of the song I was playing before?”
“Before I barged in and killed the mood? Yeah. It’s got terrific bones, but…” Haru bit his lip and shrugged one shoulder. “Sorry, but I’m guessing it’s not finished?”
“Don’t be sorry, because you’re perfectly right.” Dev grinned. “I only started noodling with it at the beginning of the summer when I had a, er, different impression of Casey’s character. He told me it needs another verse. He’s right, but I think a second guitar would improve it too.” He gestured to the case at Haru’s feet. “What about it? You up for a session?”
Haru’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding? You want me to help you write a song?”
Dev shrugged. “Why not?” He snaked out an arm and retrieved his Gibson from the stand. “If you suck, it’s not like I have to use your suggestions.”
Haru laughed. “Fair point.” He opened the case, lifted out Dev’s old Martin, and held it toward Dev. “Are you sure you don’t—”
“Nah. I’m good with this one. ” Dev patted the Gibson’s belly. It was older than the Martin, but it had mellowed over the years. He’d left it in Home when he’d gone on the road with POV, but he’d written his very first song with it. “You’re welcome to use that one, but if you’ve got an axe of your own that you prefer, I’ll wait for you to grab it.”
Haru’s expression shuttered. “I don’t have one of mine with me. Nash always insisted I use this one for acoustic sets.”
Dev met Haru’s eyes. “Dickhead,” they said together.
“All right, then.” Dev played a lick. “That’s the progression for the verse. What do you think?”
“What about switching to E major in the chorus?”
“Perfect.” Dev bent over his guitar and they traded riffs, over and over, until the tune rang like a bell, from first note to final chord.
“Guys? Guys? Guys?”
Dev looked up, blinking blearily at Casey standing in the doorway. Why was his vision so dim?
“Casey?” he croaked. Fuck, his throat was raw. He reached for his iced tea, but the glass was empty. So was the pitcher. And his back was killing him. He straightened up, rolling his shoulders and twisting until his spine cracked. “Did you get your problem sorted?”
Casey reached over and flicked the wall switch, flooding the room with light. “About five hours ago. Did you guys even take a break?”
