Chapter 90 90

Chapter 90 90
Jay asking Dylan to hangout made him a little nervous. not nervous to hangout but…he’s not sure if he needs to tell Andre? or ask? this is still their home…it’s rude to just come and go without saying anything right?

But when he joins Andre and Henry for a late breakfast the next day, Andre catches him off guard, “mornin’ baby, you going to that craft fair with hobi today?”

“oh…” Dylan sits in front of the plate that’s prepared in his usual spot “…if that’s okay?”

His eyes glance between Andre and Haejin who both look puzzled.

“I hope you’re not asking me…” Henry speaks instantly “you don’t need my permission…oh, did you want to use the car? you’re more than welcome to. Andre has the extra keys, just get them from him.”

Dylan shakes his head instantly, “no, no, I don’t drive…I wasn’t sure if…” his eyes find Andre's, who smiles softly.

“Dylanie you don’t have to run anything by me, ever. just because I live here too doesn’t mean you answer to me…i mean yeah, i’d like to know where you are…but i’d want to know that if you were on the other side of the country too. I just like knowing what you’re up to. but it’s not like that.” 

Dylan stuffs the toast into his mouth to keep from saying something stupid something like how he’ll never be able to thank them enough for making him realize that it’s okay to make decisions for himself and how he’s not sure if he’ll ever get used to it, but his chest doesn’t really feel as tight as it used to.

This little fair in the city that Jay drags him to is so lively. 

There’s a band playing music, so many different vendors, food stalls, and more. 

He’s never seen anything like it. and Jay? apparently really loves shopping because he stops at every single stall.

They easily kill several hours resting under a tall tree for shade as they enjoy the music andbeat some snacks. 

Jay asks softly, “How has it been living with Andre?”

“well…I mean we lived together at school so it’s not like it’s new…” the smirk Jay sends his way shows that he isn’t buying that answer, “yeah right, now tell me how you really feel.” Dylan sighs, smile unconscious, "Is it weird to say it just feels right? like it makes sense for us to live together.”

“I don't think it’s weird.” he squeezes Dylan’s shoulder assuringly"It’s nice to see Andre the way he is with you. He's always been a loving guy towards the family, you know? but it’s like all of that is amplified now. All the rough edges he used to have are gone.”

Dylan takes this opportunity to say, “but I have to be honest…i know you at least know to some degree that my parents suck. my mom made a comment about me being a charity case and sometimes that thought still nags at me. I don’t want Denis or Henry to view me like that.”

Jay shakes his head immediately, “nah, I talked to Grant and Austin the day you guys met when you visited and apparently the parents were already in love with you then because you’re so sweet and smart.” he smiles brightly “everyone just loves you. you’re not a charity.”

Dylan feels a lot better after they spent a bit more time talking.

He didn’t get into too much detail, but talking to Jay really comes so easily and it makes him feel more confident about sharing the real stuff with Andre.

When they reach the car to head home, Jay answers the phone but the way he stops before getting in makes Dylan feel sick to his stomach. “Which one? okay, okay , no worries. we’ll be right there!”

“Jay?”

Jay looks up at him with cautious glance, “we’ve got to go pick up Andre’s bag from the arena.”

“huh? his bag? why?” Dylan’s heart nearly stops “where is Andre?”

“Relax, Dylanie, he’s okay! apparently they were doing a scrimmage with some other college boys today and there was a tiny bit of a collision between a few of them. He's safe,nothing’s broken. but Evan sent them all to be checked out as a precaution.”

these ‘almost’ injuries are going to fucking kill him. is this what he has to get used to?? He needs to change his field of study. 

Andre needs a fucking personal doctor. 

Jay’s hand brushes his arm with a chuckle, “deep breaths, little bro, I can feel your stress” with Andre’s bag in the trunk and Dylan’s heart barely functioning, they finally get home, where Dylan can see Andre climbing out of Daniel’s car. with half of his head wrapped?

Dylan tries to run to him but Andre turns away swiftly, “no! don’t look at me!” his jaw drops. lump heavy in his throat and tears almost immediate. … Why?

“Dre!” Daniel slaps his shoulder “quit being dramatic. It’s like four stitches, stop scaring Ian he’s about to cry.” Andre finally faces him and Dylan can see where the wrap covers beneath his eye. “what happened?”

“Just a little pile up, I took a skate to the face.”

“you took a blade to your face?!” Dylan holds onto his cheeks gently. “how are you even standing right now?”

"It hurt like hell at first but the numbing stuff they put on me is pretty nice. I don’t feel anything other than swollen and ugly right now.”

Daniel laughs from beside them, “you should see the other guys. Andre’s stick knocked a tooth loose.”

“oh my god” Dylan groans “why do you have to play hockey of all fucking sports?”

Andre glares, “Don't scold me right now, I'm hurt.” his eyes go round. stepping closer into Dylan’s arms. "I need my baby to take care of me, just yell at me later.” Dylan giggles softly, arms hugging Andre close, "I’m glad you’re okay.”

After everyone takes their turn checking in on Andre’s, much-less swollen face. They hide away for bed. 

Dylan is kneeling on the floor in front of him. cleaning solution and soft towel in hand. “are you going to sit still so I can clean your stitches?”

Andre scoots a little further back on the bed, hands reaching for Dylan to stand.

As soon as he does, he feels himself pulled into his boyfriend’s lap. Andre’s arms wrapped securely to hold him in place.

“Now, I will. clean away, baby.”

The first touch of the towel Andre jerks back. making Dylan drop the bottle of solution as he frantically reaches for him, “are you okay? I'm so sorry—“

"I was just messing with you.” Andre kisses him instantly, returning the bottle to his hand and smiling. this time he does sit still eyes mesmerized by the focus that paints Dylan’s features.

He takes his time delicately cleaning the area. then runs his gentle fingers over

Andre’s slightly bruised eye.

“I should prepare for a lifetime of looking after your stupid hockey injuries shouldn't I?”

Andre grabs Dylan’s now free hand, locking their fingers together and pressing it against his chest. 

"I’m sorry baby…but I do imagine there will be another injury or two…”

Dylan sighs. settling into Andre’s lap and kissing him deeply those plush lips that blanket his own in the best warmth has his entire body fluttering with butterflies. “as long as you still come home in one piece, I think I can manage.”