Lane worried about Mike. Though he’d played it off as nothing, he was concerned about a repeat as they headed back to his place. If Mike had another episode, would he wake up in time to fight him off?

The bus dropped them off, and they walked the rest of the way to his apartment. Mike bumped his shoulder as they headed into his place, and he glanced over, liking the heat he saw in Mike’s eyes. He’d been talking enough with Jake and Brent to know what anal sex was like, and he guessed their relationship made him more accepting. Maybe he would have been open to a relationship with a guy earlier in his life, but if he’d hooked up with just anyone, he might not have been willing to take a chance with Mike now or he would have blown the chance before he realized he needed someone in his life long-term. He and Mike were good together, and he wanted them to last for more than a few fucks.

They took a quick shower, washing off the dirt and grime from the city. After drying, they flopped onto the bed, snuggling close. Mike held him tight as they kissed and cuddled.

Mike rolled on top of him and stared into his eyes. “I never thought I would feel this way about another person.”

He nodded. “I know what you mean.”

“I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t.” Lane rocked his hips up, pressing his body against Mike’s. The feel of Mike’s hard cock was making him so hot.

“Soon”—Mike licked his neck and then nibbled on his earlobe—“I want to actually fuck you.”

“God, yes,” Lane said.

“I want to slide into you and take you higher than you’ve ever been before.”

He sighed and grasped Mike’s body harder, holding him close. “Yes, I want that. I want to feel you. All of you.”

“Fuck, man, you drive me crazy.”

They were rocking hard, and sweat slicked their skin. Mike sliding against him was an incredibly delicious feeling. He lifted his head, kissing Mike’s chest.

“God, Lane, I need you.”

They both grunted before Mike delivered a long, deep kiss, which left him breathless. He lifted his legs and wrapped them around Mike’s body. Again, if he tilted up a little, then Mike would be inside him.

Mike stilled and stared at him, his eyes full of emotions. “How can you mean so much to me?”

His voice caught with emotion as his throat closed. Sure, the sex was great, but the sex wasn’t what made this so amazing. He cupped Mike’s cheeks, holding them between his hands as Mike began rocking above him. He dropped his legs, and Mike adjusted their cocks so they were pressed between them, the sensation taking him higher.

Mike’s body was shaking, his breath coming in gasps. “Fuck, Lane.”

“Mike,” he said between clenched teeth. “Mike!”

They both came, their gasps and grunts filling the room. He held onto Mike as they recovered, his grasp going from clenching his lover to gentle strokes of his hand as Mike slid to the side. Neither one of them got up to wash. He drifted off first and woke to light spilling into the room. His first thought was he’d forgotten to lower the light blocking shades. Then he realized it was the first time in a long while that he’d slept until dawn. Usually he woke at some point in the middle of the night if he tried to nap on his nights off. It would be hard getting back to his regular schedule but so worth it since he’d been in bed with Mike.

He looked at Mike’s head resting on the pillow next to his. His heart filled with an ache that made him want to hold on tight and never let go. Mike moved, snuggling closer, and he smiled as warmth washed over him. He was hard, which wasn’t unusual in the mornings, but having a hard cock pressed up against his leg was very different.

He rolled toward Mike, happiness filling him. “Morning,” he whispered, trying to keep his stinky breath out of Mike’s face.

“Hmm, I need a taste of you this morning.”

Lane laughed as he got up and headed into the bathroom. They both rinsed out their mouths before Mike pushed him up against the door. He sighed as Mike pumped against him, his touch rough. It seemed like when Mike felt a little insecure, he grew rougher. Having the appointment this morning would surely make him feel off. Lane didn’t mind because Mike wasn’t hurting him, and it was kind of fun just hanging out.

After they finished their sexcapade up against the bathroom door, they showered then dressed. They needed to leave with enough time for any delays getting across the river. He suggested they get food in Manhattan and Mike agreed. After their shower, Mike seemed subdued. He didn’t say much on the ride over, and when they arrived at Penn Station, he exited the bus without speaking.

Lane didn’t press him. They stopped at a small diner near the hospital to eat breakfast. If they had time, he’d suggest they walk around a little. He tried joking with Mike, but his comedy fell flat. Mike wasn’t in the mood. It took longer for them to eat than he thought it would. When they were close to the appointment time, he stood. Mike wasn’t in a hurry and seemed to be taking his time getting up from the table.

They walked over, but Mike was dragging his feet. Once at the hospital, Mike followed him to the elevator but didn’t say anything on the way up. When they got to Sharron’s office, Mike spoke only when he needed to.

“I’m going to go grab a coffee while you have your appointment,” Lane said.

Mike nodded, but again, his words were few. His eyes were glued to the door, maybe planning his escape. Lane wished he could help his buddy, but this was something Mike had to do on his own.

When the door to the doctor’s back area opened, Lane stood and gave Mike a quick hug before heading out. He wanted to hold Mike’s hand, but Mike needed to work through this on his own.