Free By Any Other Name by Tia Fielding Page A

hated to miss time with Thom even more. This time he wanted to figure out dinner before Thom got home, and he had a feeling Skye had something on his mind.
     
    He left the computer on to be able to easily check his e-mail later and went downstairs, finding his way into the living room. He plopped down on the couch and turned on the TV.
     
    “What happened to exercising?” Skye asked from behind him.
     
    Dru turned his head and looked at his friend. “I was too into working, and I feel lazy today. I really am almost too into the whole keeping fit thing, Thom’ll tell you that if you ask, but I just didn’t feel like it anyway.”
     
    Skye moved around the couch and sat down on the other end. The couch was long enough that there was no way for them to come into contact. Dru changed channels, flicking through them and waiting for Skye to gather up his nerve for whatever he was going to say.
     
    “So I was thinking….”
     
    Here we go , Dru thought and turned his head just a little. Enough to show he was listening but not staring.
     
    “This thing I have, about being touched… maybe we could work on it? Like I can’t be touched yet, but how about….” Skye swallowed hard and blushed and then asked in a quieter voice, “Would it be okay if I touched you? And Thom, if it’s okay with him? Like you do with Kara and stuff… like people do?” Skye looked away toward the TV, though Dru could tell he didn’t really see the talk show that was on.
     
    “Sure, that’s probably the easiest way to get used to it. I’m sure Thom won’t mind either. On your terms, Skye. We’ll get you better, but it has to be on your terms and as slow as you want to go.” Dru spoke with conviction he felt in his whole being. They would make it work. It hurt him like hell to see Skye being so shy and insecure when he had the looks and potential to do anything he wanted.
     
    “So, dinner. I thought it could be takeout night. Anything you’d prefer?” Dru said, sitting up straighter, a bit slower than he’d do usually, and flashing a smile at Skye.
     
    The smile he got was hesitant, but it was there.
     
    “Chinese? If that’s okay? I mean my friend, the nurse, Tim… he ordered Chinese occasionally and would share with me,” Skye said and smiled.
     
    “Absolutely, let’s go see the menus in the kitchen,” Dru said, and they went to do so.
     
    When Thom got back, there were takeout cartons on top of the island, and they were chatting a bit while eating at the table.
     
    “You started without me!” he said, and Dru got up from his seat just to go and give him a hug and a kiss that, for Skye’s benefit, lasted for a shorter time than usual. “Mmm… sweet and sour,” Thom murmured against Dru’s lips after the kiss and placed his briefcase next to the island.
     
    “Go change; we’ll leave you some,” Dru commanded, and Thom rolled his eyes at Skye, who grinned a bit.
     
    “I’ll make sure he leaves you some spring rolls and the chili chicken,” Skye promised, and it appeared that he was trying to look more serious for a moment.
     
    “You’re a lifesaver, man!” Thom smirked and grabbed his case again before practically jogging up the stairs to change out of his monkey suit.
     
    “You two are so going to make some sort of alliance and plot against me,” Dru said in mock seriousness and tried to sneak his hand toward the last spring rolls.
     
    “Stop that!” Skye exclaimed with a chuckle, and he reached a hand to pat Dru’s before either of them had time to realize. When their hands met across the table, they both froze, and then Dru smiled.
     
    “Okay, you win. But I’m having more of the sweet and sour, then.” Dru pulled his hand away and grabbed the box before the situation got uncomfortable for either of them.
     
    When Thom came back downstairs in a pair of lounge pants and a T-shirt, they were eating again, this time in relative silence.
     
    Thom sat next to Dru, and they began to chat