Chapter 27: Chris Norway

I held Gabriel in my arms as I waited for Darrius to come over. He was so small and precious that I feared even holding him the wrong way. Seeing him only made me feel even happier along with getting my chain back. I was so pissed that I couldn't really give Harry the proper thank you because of my freaking ankle. I was waiting for Evan to get home and Darrius to show up, but right now it was me and Gabriel time.


"Hey Gabe!" I cooed, "You are so handsome and I love you."


It had been about three weeks since Evan brought him home and it was tough adjusting to a new baby. The first week was the worst because we were trying to get him on a sleeping schedule and since he was born so early, we had to watch out for any breathing complications. We had to feed him a little bit more than normal but other than that he was a quiet baby. Evan got him on a sleeping schedule that I helped with keeping up. Tonight, Evan trusted me to be alone with him and I wanted to hang out with Darrius. He said he didn't mind being around the baby and Evan didn't have an issue either as long as he washed is hands before holding him.


I continued to rock a smiling Gabriel when the doorbell ringed. I carefully walked towards the door and placed Gabriel head against my shoulder. I used one hand to slowly answer the door while cradling him tightly against me. Once fully opened, Darrius head nodded me before discovering what I was holding. I smiled excitedly as he walked through, studying the baby.


"He not asleep yet?" He asked trying to see the baby's face, "Oh yeah, Marcus is outside so don't closed the door."


"You sure seeing Gabriel is good for him," I concernedly asked, "I mean he is a manifestation of the guy he loves."


Darrius looked at me before sucking his teeth, "He said he wanted to hang out with us, so I guess he can handle it."


Just then Marcus entered the house and as soon as he saw the baby he smiled. He closed the door softly behind him before he tip-toed towards us.


"Is this Gabriel, "He asked and I nodded smiling. His smile became wider as he moved to see his face. Gabe was wide awake and from the way Marcus's eyes brighten, I could tell he had won him over.


"He is precious," He happily sighed, "Let me go wash my hand so I can hold him!"


He ran to the kitchen as Darrius and I walked to the living room. I could feel a little of Gabe's drool hit my shoulders through my shirt as we sat down. Then Darrius commented, "He is really quiet. My kind of baby."


He continued to stare at him. Holding eye contact like the baby was a science experiment. Marcus came back in ready to hold him. He sat down next to me and held his hands out.


"Okay now, he is really small," I clarified, "So be careful with his head and hold him against you a little bit."


He nodded as I passed Gabriel over. He was fussy at first until Marcus pulled him in a little closer. He smiled down at the small infant like he was his own child. Shit, he smiled harder than when he was with Evan.


"Hey Gabe," He softly cooed, "I'm Marcus and you are 10 times as cute as your father."


Gabe toothless smile always gets to me and his legs begin to kick as he looked up at him. Then Marcus glanced over at us and he raised his eyebrow, "D why are you looking at him like that?"


I turned to my best friend and saw that he was still giving him that stupid stare. Then he answered, "Because he is oddly quiet for a new baby and that is surprising to me."


"He feels secured," Marcus answered moving his thumb through Gabriel's hair, "He has two big guys looking after him and all the toys he can have. Has Caleb seen him yet?"


"Yea, that didn't go well. He puked on him and Caleb made him cry," I stated as Darrius laughed getting up. He went to the kitchen and I heard the water running before Marcus asked for my attention.


"Have you guys gotten in contact with Gabi?" He asked rocking Gabe. I shook my head as Darrius made his way back into the room and said, "He has tried calling her, her parents, and even her grandparents. No one wants anything to do with him or Gabe."


"Aww," Marcus sadly groaned, "I feel bad for Gabe."


"Not Evan?" Darrius injected and we waited for the answer when Marcus repeated, "I feel so bad for Gabe."


We all shared a laugh before going silence for a moment. Then Darrius sat back against the couch and said, "Let me hold him! Y'all baby hogging."


"Did you wash your hand?" I asked.


"Yeah now let me hold him!"


"Stop being a baby," Marcus teased as he slowly passed Gabriel over to Darrius. Darrius in our whole life has never held a baby. Even when we had to have the fake one for class, he let the girl do it. So, it was no surprise that he was shaking before we placed him in his hands. It didn't help that Gabriel didn't like moving around all too much. He was fussing again and if Darrius didn't calm down, he was for sure going to start crying.


"Darrius you are scaring him," I told him and Darrius seemed just as afraid as the baby. He was still holding Gabriel away from him but securely. I softly pushed him towards his chest as he cradled his head. Once Gabriel felt the contact he was alright again but Darrius looked way too stiff. His shoulders were shrugged up and I didn't even know if he was holding his breath or not.


"Bruh!" I laughed, "Relax! Shit!"


"Naw," He said scared, "As soon as I'm relaxed, he is going to roll over and fall to the floor."


Marcus couldn't control himself as he laughed, burying his face into a pillow. My best friend was seriously nervous and we were enjoying this rare moment of him being afraid of something smaller than him. I placed my hands on his shoulders to bring them down to normal. If I knew he was going to act this way I would have never let him hold him and he asked to do it too.


After a few minutes, I could see him relax and Gabriel moved in closer to him. He gained the courage to look down at Gabriel who was staring up curiously at him. He moved his finger and placed it in Gabe's small hand. When he gripped his finger, I can see something change in Darrius. It was subtle but I could see it. I have the same face whenever I hold a baby. His lips had curled slightly upward and his eyes were locked on Gabriel as he continued to hold his finger. Gabriel let out a small laugh and my best friend gasped smiling.


This was a new Darrius I was seeing. I decided to test my theory by saying, "Hey D. Its close to his bed time so if you want to rock him to sleep or whatever, Marcus and I can start making some food."


He didn't even look at me as he nodded. I gave Marcus an intrigued look before we got up and went to the kitchen.


"I have never seen him like this," Marcus said as I pulled some Doritos from the cabinets, "I think Caleb's sensitivity has seeped into him."


"I think it was always in him," I said placing a bowl on the counter along with the chips, "It just took little Gabriel to bring it out a little bit."


Marcus smiled still looking at his brother as I got the rest of the ingredients to make cheese dip. During the process, he walked over towards me and smiled looking at my neck, "I can't believe Harry got it back. And whoever made him pay $10,000 for it should have been slapped."


I laughed, "Harry spends that much money on shoes alone. Plus, he knew how much it meant to me."


He leaned over the counter and smiled. His shirt was loose, so I could see inside as he reached for a chip. I laughed as I put the meat into the pan on the built-in stovetop on the counter. If Evan was here right now he would probably pass out from this exposure. Thinking about Evan, I knew Marcus wouldn't be up for it but I decided to ask him some questions, "So...when are you going to give Evan another chance?"


"Oh, so you team Evan now," He joked.


"Been team Evan for a while because I know you guys belong together."


"Yeah right," He said sarcastically. I finished cooking the meat before getting the crockpot out and mixing everything together. I let it sit and we went back in the living room to check on Darrius. We quietly walked in on the most amazing sight.


Gabriel was laying down on the couch but Darrius laid back towards the edge of it. He was basically a cocoon for Gabriel as he laid his small head on his arm. Darrius was trying to take my spot as being the best uncle and I wasn't having it. I slapped his leg and he looked up at us.


"I'm not getting up I might wake him," He said, "Just bring me a plate when it's finished."


"Man, you taking up the whole couch," I stated laughing just as the door opened and in came Evan. Marcus had instantly stopped laughing and Evan had stopped in his tracks to look over at us. Darrius even turned his head and hissed at the awkward moment.


"What's up Evan?" He said trying not to move his arm, "Don't worry all is forgiven."


"I wasn't even thinking about that," Evan stated sternly, "I was really wondering why my son is next to you when he should be in his crib. Chris?"


He closed the door behind him as I answered, "The guys came over and we lost track of time but hey he is asleep though."


Evan nodded in understanding but his eyes weren't even on me. They were dead set on the guy in the loose shirt and jeans with his thick curls springing out. I could see Evan losing his breath as he tried to find the right words to speak. Marcus was no different as he scanned over how the scrubs hugged Evan's body.


"Hey," Marcus said first rocking nervously on his heels and biting his lips.


"You look amazing as always," Evan confessed and I swore Marcus kind of squealed under his breath. Darrius and I didn't know what to do. He wasn't trying to wake up the baby and I was just enjoying seeing this interaction take place. They hadn't seen each other in a while, so you know I have been waiting to see what happens.


Then Gabriel begins to whine very loudly. Evan's attention immediately turned to his son as he dropped the backpack he was holding and picked him up. He rocked him until he went back to sleep and turned back to us to say, "I'll go put him in his crib. You making something to eat?"


I nodded before he turned and walked up the stairs as he said, "Can you bring me up a plate? I don't want to leave him by himself."


"For sho," I answered as he went out of sight. Then I smiled at my friends and said, "That man loves that kid."


"Even took his attention off Marcus," Darrius stated getting up, "I'm shooked!"


I heard Marcus laugh before I went to prepare plates. As I did, I could hear Marcus say, "He really doesn't have time for me."


"I mean he is a new dad and he got school to finish," Darrius responded, "Plus he has to work so...wait what are you thinking about? I know you ain't thinking about getting back with him? I mean I'm good with him but this would be too much Marc."


"I know!" Marcus said, "But I do miss him. I guess right now its not meant to be."


I had stomped my feet out of frustration because these two were being so difficult. Am I the only person that could see this? I mean understandable their relationship was rocky but I could see that connection the first time I saw them kissing. If any couple deserves to be together it's them but I guess only time will tell. I gathered up my plate and Evan's before going into the living room to sit mine's down. No, I wasn't going to leave mine in the presence of Darrius because I had a plan.


"Hey Marcus," I said pushing Evan's plate toward him, "How about you take the plate upstairs. I don't want to trip and fall with this cast on."


A heavy blush spread across his cheeks as he took the plate. I knew that I was wrong for playing the cripple card but it was the only way to get him to take it upstairs. Darrius's eyes said it all as he stared at me curiously. Marcus stood up and went to take Evan his food as I sat down smiling.


"You ain't slick nigga," Darrius said as Marcus went up the stairs, "I know you are trying to play cupid."


"What?" I said dramatically sarcastic, "I don't know what you are talking about."


"I heard you stomp from the kitchen," He laughed, "But why are you interfering with this? This was not what we agreed to when you said he could live here."


"I know but he grew on me," I confessed, "He really is changing D. He really just fucked up."


He nodded and said, "Yeah. Caleb has been telling me about him. I pretend like I don't want to know but I listen. Still though, it's not the best time. Like I said to Marcus, he has a new born and he is still trying to figure his life out. I don't want that stress to come down on my brother."


Just then Marcus came down the stairs, slower than usual.


"That was fast," I thought as me and Darrius stared at each other concerned when he walked back over to us. His eyes were red but the tears haven't left yet as he said, "It's not going to happen guys. Well, at least not right now anyways."


We didn't have to ask what he was talking about because we knew. At least this time it wasn't over Evan just being stupid. I didn't like seeing Marcus hurt but at least there was still a possibility. As he sat down though, I cradled him in my arms. Darrius shook his head and laughed, "See, you are always babying him. He is never going to grow up."


"You're just a hater," Marcus said laughing but I could feel tears on my leg. I combed my fingers through his hair as Darrius turned on the tv and ate my nachos. I would get me another plate later but right now all I was concerned with was getting Marcus to stop crying.


**


The guys had left and I told Evan that I would be back later. I was kind of upset at him but I understood. I just needed to get some attention from my own love.


I had reached the big house on the hill and smiled as I stepped out of the car. Harry was standing right in the doorway, waiting for me to come in. He must have just left work because his tie was undone but still around his neck. His baby blue button down was hugging him extra tight today and the dark blue slacks he was wearing just magnified every single muscle in his legs.


"Stop molesting me with your eyes," He said as we met up at the door, wrapping his arms around my waist.


"I can't help it," I whined hugging him, "You just look so good...and you smell good too."


"You smell amazing," He whispered into my ear before he licked the edge of it.


"No, no, no," I said pulling away from him, "A few more weeks until my cast is off and then we can do nasty stuff."


He took my hand in his guiding me into the house as he groaned, "Ugh! I'm pretty sure there are positions we could do with your cast on."


"Yes, but I don't want to risk it," I said pulling him with me as I hopped towards the couch.


"Your walking is getting better though," He stated sitting down with me, "I'm glad because those crutches were really killing the mood sometimes."


"Oh really?" I laughed, "You didn't have to have them all day at school."


He hissed imagining as he rubbed his armpits and I laughed even harder. I moved in closer, laying my head on his lap while putting my feet on the arm rest. I turned to look up at him and he smiled down at me. He take me in with those soft blue eyes as his hand caressed my face. He didn't even move in to kiss me. He just kept staring at me and touching me.


I kissed his hand and he smiled again. His eyes raked me over before he came back to my face. His fingertips glazed over my neck and a little of my chest that was exposed. Then down my arms and repeat. I just let him touch me. It wasn't anything sexual but it felt really nice.


All I was really concerned with was how our eyes never left each other. We were dead silent just smiling and deeply gazing. We were just talking and now we didn't have anything to say to each other. I don't think that we even need to say anything to each other if we are both comfortable. However, I did come over to talk to him but not about anything specific. I just wanted to see him.


"How was work," I finally asked still looking at him.


"The same but one thing happened today," He replied and my ears perked up as his hand stopped moving. Then he said, "Your dad's company is slowly going down hill from what we did and our business is getting bigger than ever."


I sat up excited until I realized what that meant. More business means more work which meant...


"You're going to be gone a lot, aren't you?" I asked not even looking at him. He gently turned my face towards his and said, "Only for a little bit. Not for long periods of time but yes, I'm going to be gone a lot more."


My face became hot and I could already feel the tears trying to rush out. We just got to a good place and now he is going to be gone. I missed him so much when he was gone overseas and if that was any indication on what's to come, I don't think my heart could take it. I had to be honest with him about how it made me feel before he leaves again.


"This really sucks Harry," I cried and he sadly nodded as I continued, "With graduation coming up and me still undecided about what I want to do, I can't get through those things without you. I can't just have an over the phone and skype relationship."


"I know Chris," He responded moving me in a little closer but I pushed back. He knew I'd be upset but did he really understand how I was feeling?


"Do you Harry?" I stood angrily, "Because you're the one that's going to be traveling all around the world while I'm stuck here in fucking life limbo! I don't know what the fuck to do with my life. All I know is that I want to make clothes but I don't have a clue how to get myself out there."


It begins to set in. That I'm not enough feeling and its speaking loud to me. I know he reassured me but right now it felt like I was about to be a ball and chain. I didn't want to feel like that. I didn't even notice that Harry had been hugging me as I tried to calm myself down. He was rubbing my back and guiding me to sit down on the couch. Then he let me go and took my face in his hands. He smiled as he wiped my tears away and said, "Stop whatever you are thinking about because I am telling you right now I love you and no time or space is going to change that."


I nodded still trying to get the feeling to subside. He just kept smiling and kissing me on the cheeks until he got to my forehead. Then he whispered, "Come with me."


"Like upstairs," I sniffled and I could feel his teeth on my forehead before he replied, "No...come with me around the world."


Now I really had to push back from him. He was biting his lip and stared at me like I should already be saying yes. All I could do was look at him with my eyes wide as if I just saw God in person. I was blinking because at any time I could be woken up.


"What?" I mastered to say as he shrugged, "I mean it feels right don't you think."


"But I have school and graduation," I explained, "And I can't miss those things."


"No one said you would have to," Harry said taking my hands, "Everything can be rearranged for the summer and since you are amazing with your hands, I want you to be the signature designer for my stores. If that is what you want. I'm not forcing you."


Was he for real? I pinched him to see if he was and he jumped back in surprise, "Oww, you are supposed to pinch yourself."


"No," I said, "People aren't as strong in their dreams which is why I pinched you."


He laughed still holding his arm, "So now do you believe me. Plus, your cast will be off just in time which means..."


He pulled me into his lap, placing his hand on my lower back, "We can do a lot more than just work."


We softly kissed and his hand caresses my face. His smooth hand against my skin was relaxing as those thoughts of worthlessness went away. He did believe in me and most importantly, he believed in us. I intensified our kiss, pushing him on his back as I ran fingers through that glorious blonde hair.


"Oh God," He whispered as I took my lips to his neck, "Even though I really want you right now, we have to think about your cast baby."


He was saying that as his hands gravitated towards my ass, so I didn't really think he believed a word he was saying. I licked at his collarbone and nipped his skin before I felt him grip me so hard that I jumped up. He held his painful grip on my ass until he sat up against the arm rest. I was trying to remove his hands when he breathlessly said, "We will have time for this when you get the cast off."


I nodded biting my lip but looking down at my position, I had the upper hand. I smiled through the pain and moved my hips. My hands were still on his as he tried to remove them but I didn't let him. My slow roll was driving him crazy as his head tilted back trying to hide a moan. Even though I wanted to continue to torture him, my ankle was starting to kill me from being in the position I was in.


"Oh shit! Oh shit!" I groaned in dissatisfaction as I released his hands before just cuddling up with him. I stretched my feet out on the couch and the pain in my ankle went away. Harry gently turned my face to look at him and said, "I really can't wait until you get that cast off."


We shared a laugh before he continued, "And you didn't answer my question."


"You didn't ask me anything," I stated, "All you said was come with me."


"I would like to think that's asking," He grinned, "But okay. Would you like to come with me and be my designer?"


Hmmm let me think. Did I want to travel the world with the man that I love and create amazing clothes plus get paid for them? Or do I want to sit at home the entire summer waiting for him to get back while not being able to hold him or kiss him and probably having to get a job I don't like? Well this was an easy answer.


"Hell yeah, I want to go," I expressed, "You plus designing clothes? Life doesn't get better than that."


He placed a kiss on my forehead before hugging me extra tight. Then he humped against my leg making me laugh so loud that Caleb shouted from his room, "Oh my God! Go to your room!"


We became quieter but we still were laughing. After we died down, I just stared at Harry. I tend to do that when we're like this. He told me one time that he liked my teeth I think and it caught me off guard. However, it made me realize that even the things I really didn't like about me, he did. It was going to take some time to really get a handle on having a relationship but right now I felt we were going to be okay. Especially if he keeps surprising me like this.


I could see the wheels turning in his head as I just dreamily gazed at him. He was probably thinking I was a weirdo for staring at him this long but I didn't care. He was mine and I was his.


"Chris," He said moving his fingers on my arm, "I know that I am really really sexy but if you keep staring at me like that, then that cast is going to have to stay on for a little longer because I am about over my threshold of restraint."


"Why can't you just say you horny," I grinned.


"Because when I am really horny and trying to restrain myself, I get very educated," he laughed and I did along with him. I really hope we stay like this but, we will change. I'm just happy that we will be doing it together for the time being. Hopefully forever.

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