Steve watched as Jesse moved from dresser to suitcase with an even more manic air than usual. Leaning against the doorframe, he wondered if he should say something to try and calm the other man down, but figured that it wouldn’t be welcome. There was too much restless energy in his lover just then and not enough ways to disperse it. Getting ready for the trip would help a little, although Steve suspected a double shift at the hospital would be the only real cure and that wasn’t an option.

“I picked up the tickets,” Steve finally said.

Jesse didn’t even pause as he counted out socks, tossing each in the suitcase with unerring accuracy, and answered, “No problems getting time off?”

Steve shook his head. “Said it was a family emergency.”

Which it was, although for once it didn’t revolve around his dad. Mark was on a golf weekend with friends and wouldn’t be back until after they’d left. When Steve had told his dad that Jesse’s mother had suffered a heart attack, the older man had instantly offered to cut his trip short and go with them, but this was one thing he couldn’t shield them from. Jesse’s family didn’t know about them yet, but it would still be a nightmare from start to finish when they did.

The irony was that they’d been planning to go visit her in a few weeks when Jesse had a medical conference in Chicago. Jesse had brought it up on his own, out of the blue, wanting to tell his mother about them. Steve still didn’t know what had made him want to do it, but had been as supportive as he knew how. With the heart attack, though, Steve figured those plans were firmly on hold. Jesse wouldn’t add to his mother’s stress by telling her that he was gay and they were a couple.

On the other hand, he thought wryly, Barbara’s not stupid. She’ll see me and know something’s up.

“How much time ‘til we have to leave?” Jesse asked, moving onto boxers.

Steve glanced at the clock and then said, “Half-hour. More if I use the lights.”

Jesse did stop at that, just long enough to flash him a tight smile. “No, I think I can manage it in half an hour.”

Walking around the bed, Steve pulled Jesse into his arms and held him as he said, “Your mom’s fine. She was at the hospital and in good shape, you talked to the doctor. We’re just going to check up on her and help out, not because she’s in any danger. Take a breath, Jess.”

Jesse did just that and slowly relaxed against him. “Thanks, Steve.”

Steve kissed the top of his head before adding, “And if anyone gives you any crap about us, I’ll deck ‘em.”

That caused Jesse to laugh and look up at him, repeating, “Thanks.”

Mission accomplished, Steve let him go and asked, “Want a soda?”

“Sure,” Jesse agreed, turning back to the dresser. “No, just some water.”

Steve nodded and headed out of the bedroom and down to the kitchen. It had taken a long time for him and Jesse to find their equilibrium about who knew about them and who didn’t. It was more of an open-secret than anything else, simply because of Steve still working homicide. His dad and their friends at the hospital knew, but Steve just couldn’t afford to tell anyone at work.

Once he made Lieutenant and was off the streets, then they would be free to do as they wanted. As popular as Steve knew he was, he also knew that fully half of the force, maybe three-quarters, wouldn’t want anything to do with him once he came out and that was being kind. A lot of them would probably want to beat the crap out of him. At least with rank on his side and not being on the streets, they didn’t have to worry about physical ramifications.

Not as much anyhow, Steve thought in dark amusement.

Returning with a glass of water, Steve set it on the dresser and asked, “Done with those?” of the suitcases on the floor.

Jesse nodded and said, “Almost done with this last one. Hang on.”

Steve sat on the bed and watched as Jesse moved folded shirts from the drawer into the suitcase. His movements were controlled, as if he might fly apart if he wasn’t careful, and the normally cheerful expression had been replaced by tension. He’d be lucky if Jesse smiled at all during the coming trip.

Once Jesse finished zipping up the last suitcase, Steve stood up and picked up the two larger ones automatically. Jesse followed him downstairs and they brought out the bags to the car. Getting in and out of LAX would be a pain, but he’d rather know that his car was waiting when they got back. He’d taken off a full two weeks, shocking his lieutenant, in anticipation of a long weekend away de-stressing Jesse when they got back.

“I’ll go check and make sure everything’s turned off,” Jesse offered.

Steve nodded. “Okay.”

Being cooped up with Jesse on a plane was going to be difficult, he could tell. It was under normal circumstances, never mind these. Maybe he could get Jesse a little tipsy, that always made him sleepy.

Steve sat in the driver’s seat and turned on the engine. He idly flipped through the radio stations until Jesse opened the door and flopped into the passenger’s seat. Looking over at his lover, he asked, “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” Jesse muttered.

The trip to the airport took only about a half hour, thanks to unusually light traffic. He parked in the long-term parking and then they headed inside. Two bags each was more than Steve liked to travel with, but it was winter in Illinois and he knew he’d be cold. He’d seen Jesse packing the extra thick sweaters, the ones they brought on skiing trips, as well as jackets.

The lines weren’t long, so they were waiting at the gate in no time. Steve settled Jesse in a seat and went to buy them some snacks for the wait. There was another half-hour before loading onto the plane and he was hungry. Jesse barely even looked at him when he sat down, which was worrying, but Steve kept his mouth shut. He knew Jess had a lot on his mind and didn’t want to add to it.

Instead, he just looked around the terminal, people-watching. It was a habit now, automatic, assessing people who might turn into trouble at any moment. One of the big reasons he loved Jesse so much was that even with his crappy family, he had so much trust and love to give to other people. As opposed to himself, who’d had all the trust beaten out of him by the army and life as a cop.

Steve looked up at the announcement for their plane and nudged Jesse. “C’mon, Jess. Time to go.”

Jesse jumped a little and then shook his head, saying, “Sorry. Was thinking.”

“I know. I could smell the wood burning,” Steve teased, squeezing his shoulder.

Rolling his eyes, Jesse replied, “Thanks.”

Steve chuckled and put his arm over Jesse’s shoulder on the short walk to the ramp area. He pulled out their tickets again and held them out to the stewardess.

She smiled at him and asked, “And how are you today?”

“Just fine, thanks,” he answered.

She gave them back the boarding passes and Steve ushered Jesse down the ramp. It took several minutes to find their seats and take them and, as always, his legs didn’t fit. He suffered through being cramped up until it looked like the majority of the passengers had arrived and then stretched into the aisle.

Jesse said apologetically, “We should’ve bumped up to business class.”

Steve smiled at him and took his hand. “I’ll manage.”

Jesse remained quite through the whole flight, which worried Steve, but he couldn’t do much in the middle of a crowded plane. He nudged Jesse every now and again to get his attention and a small smile, but didn’t bother him with attempts at conversation. There wasn’t much turbulence, thankfully, and they landed a few minutes early.

It was already dark due to the time change and Steve herded Jesse through to the car rental place. The drive to Elgin was uneventful and Jesse engaged somewhat in order to help navigate, though actual talking didn’t seem on the agenda for the rest of the night. The closer they got, the lower in his seat Jesse sank. By the time they pulled into the driveway of his mother’s two-story home, Jesse had to push himself upright.

Steve took Jesse’s hand and squeezed it before asking, “You all right, Jess?”

“Not really, but I’ll live,” Jesse replied, smiling. “At least we don’t have to face anyone tonight. We’ll have the house to ourselves.”

“Good thing you have a key,” Steve observed.

They got out of the car and pulled out the suitcases before walking up the front path to the door. It was a nice looking house with white paint and dark green shutters; very old-fashioned and telling the world that someone important lived there. The landscaping was perfectly done and Steve expected the inside would be just as orderly.

Less than a minute later he saw that to be true. When Jesse flicked the lights on, Steve saw lush rugs, a gleaming banister leading upstairs, etched wallpaper, and furniture that probably cost more than his monthly salary per piece. It was like one of those houses in a magazine, not a place where a boy named Jesse should have grown up. He put an arm around Jesse’s shoulder and observed, “Nice place.”

Jesse snorted and replied, “Really warm and comfy, I know. C’mon. We’re upstairs.”

Steve locked the door and then followed Jesse upstairs, which was just as pristine as the rest of the house. There were three bedrooms and a bathroom in the typical layout and he peeked into the master bedroom and spare bedroom on the way; both were decorated in the same ornate taste, perfection visible in every throw pillow. The last bedroom they turned into was only slightly geared towards a male perspective with blues and grays instead of mauve floral themes. Taking in the artwork on the walls and the heavy oak furniture, he hoped that it had been redecorated after Jesse’s departure for college.

Steve chuckled when Jesse flopped face-first onto the bed and didn’t move. “Tired, baby?”

“Yes,” Jesse replied, muffled.

It had been a long afternoon into night, no doubt about that. Steve asked, “You want to go see your mother while it’s still visiting hours or just call?”

Jesse heaved a sigh as he rolled onto his back and answered, “I’ll call her. She’s getting released tomorrow, so I’m sure that’s soon enough for her to see me. Why don’t you unpack?”

“I’ll get the bags from the car,” Steve agreed and headed out of the room.

It didn’t take long to bring the suitcases inside and upstairs. He stopped in the guest room to deposit his and then continued on to Jesse’s room. It was empty, which surprised him, so he stopped to listen in the silent house. Jesse’s voice drifted quietly down the hall from the master bedroom, so Steve walked over there.

The pained, pinched expression had returned, the one Jesse wore when in emotional distress, and he was saying into the phone, “I know, Mom. Yes, we’ll be there at ten sharp…Steve’s with me…Yes, I know this is family business, but…well he’s here now, so what does it matter? Okay. Fine. Ten sharp. Night, Mom.”

As soon as Jesse hung up, Steve surrounded him from behind and wrapped his arms around the smaller man. Kissing his throat, Steve said softly, “C’mon. Let’s take a hot shower and then go to bed early.”

Jesse turned in his arms and held tight, pressing his face to Steve’s chest. Sensing that his lover needed just to connect, Steve stayed put and rubbed his hand up and down Jesse’s back.

It was several minutes later before Jesse sighed and pulled back, raising a wan face to him and saying, “Thanks, Steve. For everything.”

“No thanks necessary, baby, you know that,” Steve replied firmly.

He was rewarded with a brighter smile and love shining back at him, which made him feel about ten feet tall. Sliding his arm around Jesse’s waist, he guided Jesse to the bathroom where they both stripped. He wasn’t sure if Jesse would be in the mood for anything other than relaxing under a spray of hot water or not, and simply waited for the cues that would let him know what Jesse wanted.

The tub was larger than normal and Steve turned on the hot water while Jesse fought to get off his shirt, mental and emotional exhaustion making him more uncoordinated than usual. When he finally got the shirt off, Steve had to bite back a smile at the way blond hair stood upright in all directions.

Jesse grimaced at him as if knowing what he was amused at and stepped into the tub, flipping on the shower and turning his face to the spray. Steve watched avidly as the water sluiced over his lover’s body, not one to miss out on such an opportunity. His dick stirred lazily, but he ignored it and stepped into the tub. He moved his hands up and down Jesse’s back in long, massaging all the way down to his ass. Jesse let out a long sigh and visibly relaxed, his head dropping forward.

Steve kissed the back of his neck and then picked up the soap to rub all over Jesse’s back and down his thighs, then moving back up. His fingers dug into knots of tense muscles, provoking groans of pained pleasure that stiffened him further without any deliberate attempt on Jesse’s part at all.

Not that it takes much, he thought, grinning.

He turned Jesse around and then washed his chest and abs before going down the strong legs to the vulnerable feet and up again. Steve massaged Jesse’s shoulders and neck for a couple of minutes, enjoying the chance to just look at the pleasure on his lover’s face as he did.

Jesse’s eyes opened and he smiled for real, the first time all day. “Hi there.”

Steve smiled back at him, unable not to, and replied, “Hi. Feeling better?”

“Much,” Jesse confirmed. “So much so that…”

Without warning, Jesse dropped to his knees and took Steve’s shaft in his mouth. Steve gasped in surprise and rested a hand on Jesse’s head. They’d been together long enough for Jess to know exactly how to draw it out or how to get him off fast; this was a slow time, his lover licking and sucking on him in turn, rubbing his inner thighs. Steve shuddered in need and planted his feet better, his free hand braced against the shower wall. As soon as Jesse squeezed and rolled his balls, he was gone, shooting into his lover’s mouth and watching as Jesse swallowed it all down, an expression of bliss on his face.

Steve chuckled breathlessly and tugged Jesse onto his feet, kissing him thoroughly and stroking him. Jesse moaned into his mouth and thrust into his hand raggedly. Tightening his hand, he twisted and countered the hip movement to Jesse was fucking his hand. It didn’t take long for Jesse to come, gasping and shuddering and biting Steve’s lip hard enough to smart.

They stayed under the spray kissing until it turned cool, several minutes later. Steve turned off the water and then grabbed one of the big, fluffy towels to dry off Jesse. Grinning at him as if knowing that his protective instincts were demanding closer contact than usual, Jesse didn’t protest the babying. They both enjoyed it on occasion, though Jesse’s independent streak didn’t allow Steve to indulge nearly often enough.

Their clothes were still in the suitcases, so they both wrapped towels around their waists and left the steamy bathroom for the cooler hallway. Jesse stopped short when Steve headed for the guest room and demanded, “Why’d you put your bags in there?”

Startled, Steve replied, “I assumed we weren’t sleeping together while we were here.”

Jesse shook his head and said with quiet determination, “I’m not letting them dictate my life any more. You sleep with me, period.”

Steve couldn’t help the burst of pride and love inside him and said, “I’ll get my things and be right there.”

“You better, mister,” Jesse mock-threatened.

Grinning, Steve got his bags and rejoined Jesse in his old room. They unpacked and Steve grabbed sweats and tee to dress in. It was almost ten by the time they were done and he heard Jesse’s stomach grumble with hunger, his own pining for more than the bad airplane food so he suggested, “How about one of my famous omelets?”

Jesse grinned easily and agreed, “Sounds like a plan to me.”

They went downstairs to the large, modern kitchen where it took a few minutes for Steve to find everything. Jesse left him to it, perching cross-legged on the marble counter to go through the accumulated mail to sort it into stacks of junk mail, bills, professional missives, and personal cards, probably of the ‘get well soon’ variety. The kitchen soon smelled good, filled with sautéed vegetables he’d found still in the crisper, peppers, mushrooms, and onion, then he dropped the six egg batter over them.

He dished up the omelets one after the other and swiftly rinsed off the pans while Jesse brought the food to the table. The meal was shared in silence, but a comfortable one. Steve knew that his lover had turned inward again, but that was okay. There would be a lot to deal with the following day and, apparently, telling his mother about them, however obliquely by their sleeping arrangements, was on the list.

It was impossible to know how Barbara would take the news, let alone the rest of the family. Steve had the suspicion that she’d be just as cold and disapproving as she was everything else, but it was possible that she’d surprise them. Doubtful, but not impossible. And while none of the Travis’ could be called a close-knit group, from what Jesse had told him over the years, they locked ranks when one fell out of step.

Once the dishes were done, Steve took Jesse’s hand and they walked back upstairs. They went through the nightly routine of brushing teeth and relieving themselves and bumping into each other at the sink, prompting grins and deliberate hip-bumps. It was chillier than he liked in that house, but he didn’t notice once under the covers, spooned up behind Jesse.

“I love you,” he murmured against Jesse’s ear. “No matter what happens here, you have family and we all love you.”

Jesse’s hands tightened on his and he replied, just as quiet, “I know. Night, Steve.”

Steve kissed his ear and said, “Night, Jess.”

* * * *

It’s like girding for battle, Steve mused silently as he watched Jesse dress very carefully the next morning. Having woken first, as usual, Steve was already dressed in casual slacks and matching sweater. Jesse had remained buried under the blankets until the last possible moment, groaning and clutching the mug of coffee Steve had made. It had been, to use a word that Jesse hated with a passion, adorable.

When he was done, Jesse was dressed in good jeans, boots, and a colorful sweater that Mark had bought for him at Christmas. Steve wondered if maybe the sweater was a physical reminder that Jesse had the paternal approval he’d always so desperately needed, but kept the thought to himself. They were on their way out the door at nine-fifteen when another car pulled into the driveway and Jesse cursed under his breath.

“Who’s that?” Steve asked, noting the brand new BMW.

Grimacing, Jesse answered, “My cousin, Edward Sebell, the plastic surgeon. He works in a premiere facility known as The Westcott Center for rich people who need tummy tucks and does the occasional pro bono case as a sop to the Boards’ barely there conscience.”

Thus prepared, Steve wasn’t surprised by the tall, dark-haired Adonis that strode down the driveway with a condescending expression in place. He sure as hell wasn’t intimidated, which Steve was sure the man counted on in all his interactions.

Edward greeted coolly, “Jesse, we didn’t expect to see you.”

Jesse offered a thin smile in return and pointed out, “She is my mother, Eddie.”

Edward’s jaw flexed at the nickname, but he only replied, “That hasn’t stopped you from ignoring her before.”

Steve wanted to jump in, but held back, knowing that Jesse wanted to face his family on his own terms.

Ignoring the jab, Jesse introduced, “Eddie, this is my partner, Detective Steve Sloan.”

Edward frowned at the introduction and repeated, “Partner? Have you gone into law enforcement without telling us? Not that it would surprise anyone. You always were erratic.”

Steve loomed a little and gave the man a cold smile as he corrected, “Personal and business partner. Jesse and I own a restaurant together.”

“And we’re lovers,” Jesse stated baldly.

Edward’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped almost comically before it clicked shut audibly. Drawing back as if they were contagious, Edward replied, “I see. Well. Give my regards to Aunt Barbara. I’ll see you at dinner on Sunday, if you’re still here.”

His disgusted tone stated clearly that he didn’t expect them to be and Edward turned to walk back down the driveway.

Jesse scrubbed a hand through his hair and muttered, “That went well.”

Steve gave him a quick sideways hug. “It did, actually. C’mon. Let’s get to the hospital before we’re late.”

Jesse nodded and they got into the rental, Steve behind the driver’s seat. It didn’t take long to reached Elgin Memorial and when they parked, Steve commented, “He’s probably already called ahead to your mother.”

“Maybe,” Jesse said, “maybe not. Depends on what he thinks will cause the most trouble.”

When they reached Barbara’s hospital room, she was dressed and as put together as always. They’d only met a few times over the years, but not even a heart attack had changed her. She looked a little thinner, maybe a bit tired, but her hair, makeup and clothing were all perfect. She actually smiled at Jesse when they walked into the room and opened her arms for a hug, which surprised Steve, as undemonstrative as she’d always been in the past.

Jesse returned the hug gingerly, as if afraid she might break, and then said, “Hi, Mom. How are you feeling?”

Barbara smiled and said, “I’m fine, Jesse. Hello, Steve.”

Steve nodded and replied, “Hello, Barbara. You look well.”

She inclined her head in return and said, “Thank you. Now then, let’s go. I’ve already filled out all the paperwork and want to get out of here.”

An orderly came in with a wheelchair as if on cue and Jesse asked his mother, “Where are your discharge orders? I want to see them.”

Barbara gave him an irritated look. “Really, Jesse, I know how to read the orders myself.”

“I want to see them, Mother,” he insisted.

Steve hid a grin at the familiar, stubborn tone.

She glared at him a moment longer, then rifled through the overnight bag and handed a thick envelope to him. While Jesse read them over, Steve held out a hand to Barbara and offered, “Shall we?”

Barbara looked like she was going to refuse, but acquiesced with surprising grace. He helped her into the wheelchair and took up position behind it, pushing the chair out of the room towards the exit. Jesse walked behind him, engrossed in the orders, but didn’t bump into anyone, well-trained to read and walk at the same time and under more pressing circumstances at the ER.

Jesse finished by the end of the trip to the car and gave Steve a tight, unhappy look that said more than words could. Barbara must have convinced the doctor to mislead Jesse on the phone, because clearly the discharge orders were more serious than expected. Steve ensconced Barbara in the front passenger’s seat and Jesse took the wheelchair back to the hospital.

In the car, Barbara told him quietly, “I’m not a fool, Steve.”

Steve glanced at her and said, “Never thought you were.”

“Edward called me ten minutes before you and Jesse arrived.”

“I figured he would.”

She paused and then said, “I knew what you were to him as soon as he changed his address to yours two years ago. I prefer not to discuss any of this with him.”

Steve watched as Jesse walked back to the car and then said, “I don’t think you have a choice in it, Barbara, because he needs to talk to you. And if you don’t want to lose him for good, I suggest you listen for once in your life. He’s not going to say what he needs to say twice.”

Jesse opened the back seat before she could respond and Steve started the engine, wondering how long they were going to be in Elgin. He wouldn’t know until Jesse told him just how serious Barbara’s condition was, but knew he had plenty of leave at work to cover whatever they needed. For once, being a workaholic came in handy.

* * * *

There were two cars in the driveway when they got back to the house and Steve grimaced to himself, but acknowledged with relief that at least Edward’s Beamer wasn’t one of them. One encounter with the unpleasant man per day was more than enough. He met Jesse’s gaze in the rearview mirror, but found no hint of what might be waiting inside on his lover’s preoccupied expression.

Steve climbed out of the car and waited as Jesse helped Barbara out of the front seat. He trailed behind them, noting how frail her hand looked in its small leather glove against Jesse’s brighter jacket. It brought a pang to his heart, his father’s age brought forcibly to the fore. Barbara was a good ten years younger than his father and had suffered a debilitating heart attack. Steve knew it was good fortune as much as clean living that had allowed his father to remain as hale as he was.

The front door opened on a short, pretty young woman with brown hair and a bright, warm smile as she exclaimed, “Aunt Barbara! Jesse! Edward said you were bringing her home so we just had to be here. And Jack brought your car, too, Aunt Barbara.”

Barbara actually smiled at her and said, “So I see, thank you, Nikki.”

Jesse grinned at her and added, “I see you got taller.”

Nikki made a face at him. “Very funny.”

As Jesse brought his mother upstairs, probably to rest, Steve introduced himself, “I’m Steve…”

“Sloan, detective,” Nikki interrupted, throwing her arms around him in a hug. “I know! Edward alerted the troops, so Jack and I figured we’d come and help you two weather the storm.”

Startled by the enthusiastic welcome, Steve returned the hug and stepped back to find a dark-haired man his own age watching from the living room.

Nikki stepped back and continued with a beaming smile, “This is my husband, Jack Fairwell.”

Steve shook hands with the man, glad to see that not all of Jesse’s family were cold people. He’d heard about ‘cousin Nikki’ several times, of course, and in a flattering light, but hadn’t anticipated a female version of Jesse. “Good to meet you.”

Jack returned the handshake firmly and replied, “You too, man. We’re glad Jesse’s finally found someone he can trust. He’s a good kid.”

As they moved into the living room, Steve asked, “You’ve known the family long?”

Nikki answered for him, “Only forever. His sister used to babysit me and Jesse on family function nights.”

‘Family function nights’ being when the adults of the family went to various elegant functions around town for charities and foundations and the kids were left behind.

“Took me forever to get Jack to realize I wasn’t jailbait,” Nikki finished, giggling and leaning on her husband.

Jack flushed a little and cleared his throat before asking, “You want a beer? We brought some with us.”

Steve glanced at the stairs that Jesse still hadn’t returned down and nodded. “Sure, thanks.”

“You are quite the catch,” Nikki announced. “A detective and handsome to boot! Who knew Jesse had such great taste in men?”

It was Steve’s turn to flush a little and he observed, “You’re not shy, are you?”

She laughed outright at that. “Me? Heck no. Jesse got my share on top of his. So how long have you two been together? I can’t believe he didn’t tell me!”

Figuring that Jesse wouldn’t mind, Steve answered, “Two and a half years now. He moved in just about two years ago. Of course, we knew each other for years before that, since he worked with my father.”

“The infamous Dr. Sloan, yes,” Jack said, returning with three bottles of beer. He handed them over and asked, “Does your father really solve all those crimes or was Jesse exaggerating?”

Steve grinned, rueful, and said, “No, he really does. I come by it honest, that’s for sure.”

The next hour was spent in pleasant conversation, but Steve couldn’t help worry at Jesse’s continued absence. It seemed a little out of character for him to talk to his mother right away about them, but then, from what Barbara had said in the car, maybe she’d forced the issue. It would be just like her, in order to maintain a semblance of control. Finally, Steve said, “I’m just going to check on Jesse, excuse me.”

They nodded and he jogged silently up the stairs, pausing at the master bedroom to listen. He heard Jesse through the door, but while the tone was low and distressed, it was also clearly private. It looked like they were talking, which made Steve more than a little twitchy, wanting to go in and make sure Barbara wasn’t hurting Jesse further. There was nothing he could do, though, so he just sighed and went back downstairs.

Nikki gave him a sympathetic look and asked, “They talking?”

“Looks like it,” Steve confirmed.

Jack stood and said, “I’ll get another round.”

Sitting, Steve settled in to do what he hated most; wait for the action to come to him.

* * * *

Talking to his mother about being gay and in love with Steve had been about the most draining thing that Jesse had done in his life. The only thing that ranked higher had been working to save Steve’s life on the operating table. Through the whole thing, his mother had simply sat quietly on the bed, watching and listening. He’d spewed out his entire history from first boyfriend in high school, which had ended with the fists of a couple of football players, through mostly happy college years, all the way up to present, ending with Steve.

He’d been reluctant to talk at first due to her health, but she’d brought it up with a firm, “I don’t want this hanging over me during your stay here. Talk now, or don’t talk at all.”

They’d both known that he would talk with that kind of impetus. Two hours later, he finished with a quiet, “I know this isn’t what you want. There won’t be a wedding or grandchildren and it sure won’t raise your standing in this town any, but it’s my life and I’m happy.”

His mother gazed at him for a long moment, sharp gaze not wavering for an instant, and then stated, “This town doesn’t raise my standing, Jesse, I raise its standing; I thought you understood that. As for a wedding or grandchildren, I have enough pomp and circumstance in my life, thank you very much. Honestly, can you see me coddling a daughter-in-law through holiday dinners?”

Jesse had to smile at that and comment, “No, not really.”

“At least with Steve, I know that you’ll be safe,” she said quietly, “both physically from harm and health-wise. AIDS is out there and we don’t know what causes it yet, just that it’s prevalent in the gay community most of all. I trust you used condoms with your sexual partners?”

The honest, blunt concern for his well-being startled Jesse. He nodded in reflexive surprise more than anything else. The three minute sex talk from his father, “Use condoms or I’ll kill you for getting yourself sick or some girl pregnant,” hadn’t included any kind of actual concern that he’d been able to tell; just an implied threat for embarrassing the family.

“Good. Now that that is out of the way, how is Steve handling this at work?”

The question shocked Jesse, but he stammered, “He ah, he isn’t telling anyone until he makes Lieutenant next year and is off the streets.”

Nodding, his mother praised, “That’s an excellent plan, given his chosen field. I assume that Mark knows, as you’re living in his house.”

Jesse corrected, “Our house. We officially bought it from Mark when I moved in. Mark technically lives with us now.”

Barbara’s eyebrows lifted in apparent surprise. “Well, now, that is good news. My son owns a home on the Malibu coast. I’ll be sure and mention that at the next Ladies Luncheon.”

Jesse almost choked on a laugh at her pleased tone, managing to change it to a cough at the last second.

“And it’s not as if being tied to Dr. Sloan is a downward trend for this family, given his standing in the medical and law enforcement communities,” she continued, looking thoughtful. “Jesse, be a good boy and get me some water. I have some thinking to do.”

Jesse got her a glass of water and would have worried about what she might be plotting, only he was too relieved at how she’d taken everything. He paused when she called his name, turning at the door to find a strangely open expression on her face and just a hint of what might be love.

“I don’t say this often, I know, but I am proud of you, Jesse. You might not be in the field that I wanted for you, but you’ve made your own way and people have noticed your work, something that I do appreciate.”

It was a huge concession coming from her and Jesse smiled. “Love you too, Mom.”

She scowled and replied, “Oh go on and leave me be. I have things to do.”

Jesse chuckled to himself and left the bedroom, closing the door behind him. He made it about two steps before reaction set in and he sank down on the top step. As if having some kind of telepathic ability, or maybe having heard the door open and close, Steve magically appeared at the bottom step about two seconds later.

Steve jogged up the stairs and sat beside him, an arm going over Jesse’s shoulder as he asked, “How’re you doing?”

“Better than I thought I would be,” Jesse admitted, leaning on his lover’s strength. Letting out a shaky breath, he said, “I think she knew already, because she didn’t seem all that surprised. Plus she’s the one who brought it up.”

Nodding, Steve kissed the top of his head and then questioned, “So how is she?”

Jesse sobered and said, “Weaker than she wants to admit. There was another, smaller heart attack in the hospital that she neglected to mention and the doctor wants to do a bypass as soon as she’s strong enough for the surgery. Steve, someone needs to stay with her for at least a few weeks, probably closer to a month or more.”

“Then we’ll be here as long as she needs someone,” Steve told him.

Shaking his head, Jesse countered, “But you need to get back to work.”

Steve’s arm tightened around him and he said, “I’ve got the time.”

“Steve…”

“No, Jess. She needs you and I’m not leaving you here alone, end of story.”

Jesse scowled at the peremptory tone, but didn’t want to argue just then. He would bring it up again when the original departure date came up. They’d planned a couple of weeks at the outset, so there was plenty of time to change his lover’s mind.

Nikki peeked around the corner and asked, “Everything all right up there?”

Jesse smiled at his cousin’s question and nodded. “We’re fine, thanks, Nikki.”

“Jack and I are going to head out then,” Nikki said.

Jesse stood and headed downstairs, Steve right behind him. He hugged her and then shook Jack’s hand as he said, “Thanks for coming.”

Jack smiled. “Not a problem, Jess. It was good to meet you, Steve.”

“You too,” Steve replied, shaking his hand.

A blast of cold air wafted in when Nikki and Jack left the house and Jesse shivered, moving to wrap his arms around Steve’s waist.

Steve chuckled and rubbed his shoulder, teasing, “Hey, who’s the native Californian here?”

“I think it’s worse for those of us whose blood thins through adaptation,” Jesse countered, grinning.

Laughing, Steve goosed him, which made Jesse yelp and run for the kitchen, relief combining with happiness.

* * * *

The only thing worse than a doctor for a patient, Jesse decided sourly three days later, is a mother who’s a doctor for a patient.

Looking up from his book when Jesse stormed into living room, Steve asked cautiously, “Problem?”

“Now why would there be a problem when all she does is argue about her treatment and care?” Jesse snapped. “It’s like I’m a first year resident all over again!”

Steve’s lips pursed and then he wisely went back to his book.

The doorbell rang, fortunately, and Jesse stalked to the door. They weren’t expecting any visitors until the following day at Sunday dinner, which was going to be a complete nightmare. Jesse had wanted to cancel it, but his mother wouldn’t hear of it. After only three days in bed, they were both ready for the distraction of other people, even though he was sure it would be too much.

Opening the door on his Aunt Margaret, Jesse bit back a groan and forced a smile as he stood back and greeted, “Aunt Margaret, it’s good to see you.”

Very similar to his mother, her sister, in looks, Margaret Sebell had somewhat darker hair, but the same eyes and ability to make anyone in her gaze to feel about two inches tall. Her two children, Edward and Nikki, couldn’t be more different even counting the five years between them. At least her husband, Ken, wasn’t with her; Jesse couldn’t stand the man.

Margaret gave him a thin smile and asked, “Barbara upstairs?”

“She is, yes,” Jesse confirmed. “Though you should keep the visit brief as she tires easily.”

She sniffed disdainfully and replied, “I think I know how to handle my own sister, Jesse. And you must be Detective Sloan.”

Jesse turned to find that Steve had come up behind him.

Holding out his hand, Steve confirmed, “That’s me. And please, call me Steve. We are family, after all.”

Jesse nearly laughed at the pointed, but polite, jab. Steve had turned out to be better at family politics than Jesse could have imagined. Then again, Steve did have to deal with politics at work, even if he hated it, so maybe he shouldn’t be so surprised.

Margaret returned the handshake, though it was a visibly limp one, and then turned to stride upstairs.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Jesse let out the laugh and just about collapsed against his lover’s chest, still giggling. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Margaret at a loss for words. Thanks, Steve, I needed that.”

Steve grinned and replied, “Anytime, baby.”

Margaret didn’t stay long and on her way out, said, “I’ll be here for dinner tomorrow. Are you catering?”

Steve shook his head and answered, “We’ll be cooking. Jesse and I own a restaurant, so we’re no strangers to cooking. Though I do try to keep him out of the kitchen unless I want the fire department called.”

Jesse mock-glared at him and exclaimed, “Hey! I’m not the one who burned the chili last time.”

“Yes, very amusing,” Margaret commented before turning and leaving without another word.

Steve snorted. “Is it me, or did an arctic wind just blow through here?”

Jesse shrugged and promised, “Wait until tomorrow. That’s when you’ll see the real Travis-Sebell family dynamics at play. I suppose as long as Dad doesn’t show up, we’ll be fine.”

Steve’s eyebrows lifted and Jesse winced, realizing that he’d just invited trouble with his words. Shaking off the possible doomsday scenario, he asked, “What are we cooking for tomorrow, anyhow?”

They went with a large roast, plenty of vegetables, and store-bought pies for dessert. The house smelled better than it ever had, in Jesse’s opinion, and he hummed cheerfully as he set the formal dining room table with its twelve places. It would be him, Steve, and Mom, Margaret, Ken, Edward, Edward’s wife Shirley, their daughter and son, Mary and Michael, Nikki, Jack, and Nana Sebell, Ken’s mother, who was ninety if she was a day, but still the terror of the both families. Jesse had been positive that she would beat him with her cane as a boy, the notion reinforced by the occasional swat by it at random intervals.

Nikki and Jack arrived first, around two. Nikki spent time roaming between the kitchen where Jesse and Steve were still getting things ready, and the living room where Barbara read medical journals she’d missed while in the hospital. Jack stayed in the kitchen, aside from the initial greeting to Barbara. Margaret and Ken came next around three with Nana Sebell, the ‘adults’ remaining in the living room.

Nana Sebell looked him up and down on arrival and then commented, “Not surprised you turned out queer.”

Jesse saw Steve stiffen with anger and put a hand on his lover’s arm as he replied dryly, “And you’re just as loving and warm as I remember, Nana.”

Dark eyes squinted up at him from a very wrinkled face for a long moment and then she barked out a laugh. “‘Bout time you grew a spine, boy. I suppose you’re the one he’s playin’ house with, out there in that damn communist state, California?”

Steve gave the old woman a thin smile. “I am, yes.”

“Good. Make sure those bullies stop picking on him. You’re damn sure big enough to do the job,” she ordered, jabbing Steve in the foot with her cane before hobbling into the living room.

Astonished, Jesse just gaped at Steve, who started laughing.

Edward and Shirley arrived with their kids at three-thirty, also opting to remain in the living room with the others. Shirley was a quiet woman in her early thirties with a soft, southern drawl. Jesse vaguely remembered Nikki saying she was from Alabama when he’d first heard about her years back. The kids were promptly banished to the backyard or finished basement until dinner was ready, which Jesse wanted to comment on, but held his tongue. He wasn’t their parent, after all, and Edward and Shirley would definitely take exception to the interference.

The food was ready just before five and Nikki and Jack helped bring all the food out to the table. Just as he was about to sit down, the doorbell rang. Jesse glanced at his mother and asked, “Did you invite anyone else?”

Barbara shook her head and he straightened to go see who was there. Opening the door, Jesse just about passed out from shock on finding Andrew Belkins on the steps, his first boyfriend. He hadn’t changed much, though his pale hair was shorter; he was also tanned and fit, with muscles he hadn’t had back in high school.

Smiling broadly, Andrew exclaimed, “Jesse! It’s so great to see you!” before grabbing him in a hug and then kissing him soundly.

Too shocked to respond, Jesse finally jerked back, breaking the kiss, hand going automatically to his mouth. “An-Andrew! Ah, hi. Wow. Um, this is a shock.”

Still beaming, Andrew replied, “I know! Edward called me out of the blue this morning and said you were back in town. I heard about your mother, but didn’t know you’d come back. He said he’d hate for us to miss the opportunity to see each other again, after all these years. God, you look good, Jess, really good.”

“Jesse? Who is it?” Steve asked, joining them.

It was like being caught in a nightmare, minus the naked in the snow part. Jesse was just glad Steve hadn’t been there to see the kiss, though he would have to tell him about it later. Once Edward was long gone, of course, so Steve couldn’t kill him for engineering the situation.

Shaking off the stupor, Jesse finally managed, “Um, this is Andrew Belkins. Andrew, this is, ah, my partner, Steve Sloan.”

Steve, of course, recognized the name right away. Jesse had told him about his first relationship and its awful ending when they’d had the ‘ex’ talk, shortly after getting together.

Andrew, to his credit, took one look at the possessive hand on Jesse’s shoulder and merely smiled and held out his hand to Steve. “It’s good to meet you, Steve. Sorry to barge in like this, I forgot about the Sunday dinner.”

Steve took the hand and replied, “It’s not a problem. And it’s good to meet you too, Andrew. Would you like to join us for dinner? We have plenty.”

Chuckling, Andrew shook his head and observed humorously, “I think there are probably as many of us in this house as the rest of the family can take about now, but thanks. Hey, we should all get together for coffee before you two head home.”

Relief flooded through Jesse at how easily the whole thing was being resolved and nodded. “That sounds great, Andrew.”

Andrew gave a cheerful wave goodbye and Jesse closed the door, sagging against it.

“I am going to kill your cousin,” Steve snarled in a low voice.

Seeing the genuine fury on his lover’s arm, Jesse immediately grabbed his arm and pleaded quietly, “Not today, please? This is exactly what he wants, for one or both of us to make a scene.

Steve’s jaw flexed a few times, but he ultimately took and released an explosive breath and nodded. “You can bet we’re going to have words later, though.”

“Have at it,” Jesse replied, kissing him briefly. “C’mon. Dinner’s getting cold.”

The rest of dinner passed uneventfully, thank God, and Jesse relaxed by degrees. Conversation was polite and neutral, mostly revolving around medical treatments and ‘war stories’ about various surgeries from Ken, Edward, and Jesse’s mom. Jesse was content to just eat and hold Steve’s hand under the table when he felt like it, letting the others take center stage during dessert.

It was after seven by the time he and Nikki cleared the table with Mary’s help. She was smart as a whip and a shy girl at seven, which made Jesse wonder how on earth she survived in that household. He suspected that ‘Aunt Nikki’ ran a lot of interference.

Jesse laughed as Mary regaled them with a story about the class mascot disappearing and then showing up pregnant with a little of baby bunnies. A woman’s shriek of anger sent him running down the short hall to the front of the house where he found Shirley punching and kicking at Steve, who’d turned his back to her defensively. Shocked, Jesse instantly pulled her away, Nikki helping him by taking Shirley’s other arm. Then he was grabbed from behind and swung hard into the wall, his nose crunching painfully at the contact and blood gushing out.

Barbara bellowed with shocking volume, “Stop all of this, this instant! How dare you all behave this way in my house!”

Choking on the blood running down the back of his throat, Jesse staggered outside to spit it out, dizzy from the force of the impact and sudden blood loss. Steve was beside him seconds later, supporting him and crooning wordless support. It took several minutes for the bleeding to stop, even tilting his head back and pinching the broken nose shut. His entire head hurt like hell and he let Steve hold him up, noticing Nikki hovering nearby but in too much pain to reassure her.

When he could, Jesse finally asked, “What the hell happened?”

“Damned if I know,” Steve answered quietly. “One minute I was sitting on the stairs talking to Michael and the next Shirley comes at me like a banshee.”

Jesse instantly knew what had happened and knew that Steve did, too. Like far too many people, Shirley associated gay with pedophile and had flipped out on finding Steve alone with her twelve year old son. Letting it go for the moment, Jesse took in his bruised face and questioned gently, “Are you all right?”

Steve nodded, a somewhat bitter smile surfacing as he replied, “I’m fine, Jess. You took the harder wallop when Edward grabbed you. It’s a damn good thing your mother showed up when she did, because I really was ready to kill him for hurting you like that.”

He hadn’t meant physically, but let it slide for later, too. Steve took these things deeply to heart, more so than his tough exterior would allow people to believe. They would talk it all over later, when there was some distance.

“Jesse! Jesse, it’s your mom!” Jack exclaimed, rushing out. “I think she’s having another heart attack.”

Jesse cursed and scrambled to his feet, running into the living room and going to his mother’s side. He check her vitals, hearing Steve call an ambulance in the background, and ordered, “Someone get me the medication upstairs on her nightstand table!”

Nikki ran for it and Jesse turned his attention back to his mother, who was conscious, but panting for air. “Take it easy, Mom, okay? Just try and breathe slowly, you’re going to be just fine, I promise. You know the drill, so just relax.”

Barbara nodded, the wild look in her eyes receding a bit, and Nikki arrived with all five pill bottles. Jesse glanced through them quickly and pulled out the right one, popping a pill under his mother’s tongue and waiting helplessly for the ambulance to arrive. Thankfully, it was only a few minutes before that happened and he relinquished his place at her side, giving them her stats and telling them about the medication he’d administered.

They took over with a reassuringly competent air and Jesse trailed behind them to the ambulance, holding her hand and hopping into it with them. He met Steve’s gaze and got a nod in return that meant Steve would meet him there.

“Sir, let me look at you now that she’s stable,” the EMT ordered. “Looks like you had a hard night yourself.”

Jesse smiled wearily and quipped, “Family dinners can be rough.”

The EMT laughed and agreed, “They can, yeah.”

The cracks when his nose was popped back into place in two major jolts was sickeningly loud and, even if it hadn’t been, the massive pain was enough to make him throw up in the bag the EMT had at hand. Groaning in pain, he sank back against the ambulance wall and closed his eyes as the man put a temporary splint over his face. They were at the hospital about a minute later and he followed them inside, but was detoured to his own curtained area while the medical staff examined his mother.

It was a good twenty minutes before anyone showed up, but Jesse was well acquainted with long ER waits, though from the other side of things. His doctor turned out to be Sandy Metzler, an old high school friend, who greeted cheerfully, “I hear it was WWF at the esteemed Travis household tonight.”

Jesse groaned and replied, “Please tell me that’s not what’s making the rounds.”

She laughed and flashed the penlight in his eyes as she answered, “Oh yes, it is. Police were called and everything.”

“Oh crap,” Jesse exclaimed, hopping off the exam bed.

Sandy blocked him and demanded, “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To make sure Steve’s all right!”

“Your boyfriend’s fine,” she promised. “He’s tearing up the reception tiles as we speak, now plant your butt back on the bed, Travis.”

Glaring at her, but placated, Jesse climbed back on the exam bed.

Sandy took off the temporary splint and whistled in admiration. “Wow. You never did do things by half, did you? What happened?”

Jesse sighed. “Hit the wall with my face.”

Sandy snorted and agreed, “Yeah, that sounds about right. Okay. You don’t have a concussion, but I don’t like the way that’s swelling so I’m ordering x-rays to make sure nothing fractured, steroids to bring down the swelling, and painkillers. No medical allergies, right?”

Jesse shook his head.

“Good. Stay out of trouble and we’ll catch up before you leave,” she said, marking up the chart in her hand. “And you’re mother’s doing well, before you ask. I checked on her first. Dr. Ashram is ordering up that bypass now, rather than later, but he’s admitting her first. It’ll probably be tomorrow before the surgery happens.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, Jesse asked, “Could you let Steve in to see me?”

For the first time, Sandy looked troubled as she replied, “I can’t, Jesse, I’m sorry. He’s not immediate family, which is ER policy. You just lay back and relax. I’ll let him know that you’re doing fine, okay?”

Jesse didn’t really have a choice, so he nodded and stretched out on the bed. He couldn’t sleep, not with the insistent throbbing in the middle of his face, and took the pills a nurse brought him about five minutes later, washing them down with water. It was another shock when two uniformed police showed up a few minutes after that and he eyed them nervously.

“Mr. Jesse Travis, right?” one of them asked.

Jesse nodded. “That’s me.”

Taking out his notebook, the cop explained, “We’re here to take your statement about the attack on you at 115 South Bend St.”

He blinked at them in surprise and repeated, “The attack on me?”

The cop pointed at his face and observed, “I doubt you did that to yourself.”

“Well no, but, ah, it was a misunderstanding,” Jesse replied, wishing that he knew what route Steve had taken.

The second cop spoke up with, “We have five witness statements that a Mr. Edward Sebell threw you into a wall, resulting in that injury.”

Jaw dropping, stunned, Jesse echoed, “Five? Who?”

The first cop checked his notebook and answered, “Detective Steve Sloan, Nikki and Jack Fairwell, Nina Sebell, and Ken Sebell.”

It shocked Jesse that Ken had essentially thrown his own son to the wolves, taking Jesse’s part in the entire disaster. There’d never been any love lost between himself and his uncle. Trying to work through the fog of pain and painkillers, Jesse asked, “What happens if I press charges?”

“We arrest Edward Sebell for assault. It’s a first offense and, given his standing in the community, he’ll probably get probation and community service unless the judge is looking to make an example of him. No idea what it would do to his medical license, not our department,” the second cop told him.

If Edward was convicted, Jesse knew it would go up for an ethics review with possible suspension, maybe even a revocation. Head spinning, trying to figure out the best thing for the family, Jesse finally just said, “No, thanks but I’m not going to press charges.”

The cops exchanged a look and the first one told him, “It might be out of your hands if the D.A. decides to file anyhow, but all right. Their office will be in touch if they decide to pursue it. Here’s my card if you change your mind.”

“Thank you,” Jesse said sincerely. “I appreciate it.”

An orderly came just as they were leaving and told him cheerfully, “Time for x-rays, Mr. Travis.”

Jesse sighed and wished Steve was there.

* * * *

If Jack hadn’t been there to keep Steve off Edward, the local cops would have been arresting him instead. Pacing the waiting area, Steve waited impatiently for news, on Jesse and Barbara. Nikki and Jack waited nearby, sitting in the chairs, while Margaret, Nina, and Ken sat a short distance away. He’d been gratified, and surprised, by Ken and Nina’s support with the cops at the house. The old woman had actually stabbed her cane at one of them, causing him to jump backwards to avoid getting thumped, and snapped, “Don’t just stand there, you dolt, arrest my idiot grandson!”

They had, too, putting cuffs on Edward after taking everyone’s statement and sitting him in the back of the cruiser. And then they’d gone another round of questioning when Shirley had made strident accusations of Steve molesting her son. They’d ultimately dismissed the claims after talking to Michael alone and then everyone else. There’d been a stern admonishment not to waste their time with false accusations before they’d driven off to get Jesse’s statement with Edward in the car.

Jack had offered to drive to the hospital, which was good since Steve knew he wouldn’t remember the way there. Nikki had taken their car since no one was sure how many cars would be needed to get people home after all was said and done. And now he was just waiting in the lobby, unable to see his lover because of some stupid hospital policy about ‘family only.’ Thinking about hospital policy prompted him to think about his father and he pulled out his cell phone to call.

“Sloan residence,” his father answered cheerfully.

Steve relaxed a little just hearing his father’s voice. Smiling a bit, Steve said, “Hey, Dad, it’s me.”

“Steve! It’s great to hear your voice, son. How’d the big family dinner go?”

Grimacing, Steve replied, “Could’ve been better,” and proceeded to explain the situation.

“Oh my,” Mark murmured at the end of it all. “Do you want me to come out?”

Steve considered it for a long moment, but ultimately said, “No, I think it’s better if we try and deal with this on our own.

A small, redheaded woman in a doctor’s coat called out, “Detective Sloan?”

“I think Jesse’s doctor’s here. I’ll call you back, Dad.”

“All right, Steve.”

Disconnecting, Steve dropped the phone in his pocket and hurried over to her, the rest of the family joining him as he said, “That’s me.”

The doctor smiled briefly and said, “I’m Dr. Metzler, Jesse’s doctor. He’s doing fine, all things considered. I’ve ordered x-rays because I think his nose was fractured from the force of the blow, and I’ve given him painkillers. I also ordered steroids to counteract the swelling. Assuming no serious damage to his surrounding facial structure, you should be able to bring him home tonight.”

Steve didn’t let out the sigh of relief waiting, instead prompting, “And if there is serious damage?”

“Then I’ll get a surgical consult and he might need to go under tonight, depending,”

Swallowing against a throat dry with fear, the thought of Jesse being in surgery for anything a nightmare, Steve said the only thing he could think of, which was, “He’s got low blood pressure, normally, doesn’t the anesthesiologist need to know that?”

She smiled kindly and replied, “I’ll be sure and let him know.”

“What about my sister?” Margaret demanded. “How is she?”

Dr. Metzler shifted her gaze to the older woman and replied, “Mrs. Travis is stable, but being admitted so she can have her bypass surgery, which will likely be in the morning if Dr. Ashram can arrange it that quickly. I’m sure an attack on her son wasn’t what he had in mind when he released her home for bed rest.”

Margaret had the grace to look distressed at the pointed comment, but Dr. Metzler turned back to Steve and said, “Jesse will be going down to radiology as soon as the police finish taking his statement. I’ll keep an eye on him to make sure things go as quickly as possible.”

“Thank you,” Steve said, heartfelt.

She gripped his shoulder briefly before leaving, which was when Steve spotted the cops leaving the ER. He hurried over to intercept them and asked, “How did it go?”

Franklin, the taller of the two, shook his head. “He wouldn’t press charges, so we have to release Sebell. You want us to bring it to the DA’s attention anyhow, make an issue of it?”

Steve sighed, knowing that if Jesse hadn’t pressed charges he wouldn’t want it pursued. Shaking his head, Steve replied, “No, but thanks. I appreciate the courtesy.”

“Any time, Detective,” Warrens, the other cop, replied. “Good luck.”

They shook hands and Steve walked back to the others. He met Margaret’s gaze and told her, “Jesse didn’t press charges against Edward.”

Surprise flittered across her face, but she wisely didn’t comment, instead returning to her seat.

Nikki sighed and commented, “That’s so like Jesse. It’s not like I want my brother in jail, but he really went too far this time.”

Jack put his arm over her shoulder and kissed the top of her head, something Steve desperately wished he could do with Jesse right then. It was another hour before they were told that Barbara could have visitors and Margaret and Ken went to go see her. Jack left to bring Nina home while Nikki stayed with Steve. He called his father back with the updates and promised to call the next day to let him know how everything was going.

It was another hour before a wan and bruised Jesse got wheeled out to the lobby. A protective brace covered the center of his face, but there was dark bruising visible surrounding it. On his feet the instant he saw his lover, Steve hurried across the area and observed, “You look terrible, Jess.”

Jesse half-smiled and replied, “That’s about how I feel, thanks.”

Restrained by public location, Steve squeezed his shoulder and suggested, “How about I bring you to see your mom?”

Jesse nodded and Steve pushed the wheelchair to the elevator, Nikki holding her cousin’s hand on the trip up. Barbara looked even paler and weaker than the day they’d gone to pick her up earlier in the week, hooked up to an oxygen canula, and monitor leads connected to her chest.

When she saw Jesse, Barbara gave him a wry smile and observed, “I guess I should have canceled dinner after all.”

Jesse laughed, a surprisingly happy sound, and then replied, “I guess so.”

Margaret stood from her sister’s bedside as she said, “We’ll give you two some time. Barbie, sweetie, I’ll see you tomorrow before your surgery.”

The sisters exchanged a hug and kiss and then Margaret left. Ken was right behind her, the man nodding to Steve and briefly touching Jesse’s shoulder on the way out. Nikki gave her aunt a kiss and hug as well before saying, “I’ll wait for you two outside.”

Steve smiled at Barbara and said, “I’ll be outside, too. I’m glad you’re all right.”

“Thank you, Steve,” Barbara replied.

It was only five minutes later that Jesse opened the door and walked out. Steve frowned at him, but didn’t argue about the wheelchair. He just stayed very close on the silent walk out of the hospital, ready to catch his lover if Jesse fell, or even just swayed. Steve climbed into the backseat with Jesse, pulling the smaller man into his arms and holding him the whole drive back to the house.

It was midnight when they got there and Nikki asked if they needed a ride in the morning, but Jesse turned her down with a tired, “We’ll manage, thanks, Nik. See you tomorrow.”

Steve put an arm around Jesse’s waist for the walk to the house, but paused at the door to make sure that Nikki drove back down the driveway. Inside, he wrapped his arms around Jesse and just held him for a few minutes, relief winding through him that Jesse was all right. He finally pulled back and said, “Let’s go to bed. It’ll be time to get up all too soon.”

Jesse nodded, lacing their hands together for the walk upstairs. He stumbled on the last step, but Steve caught him and guided him the rest of the way to the bedroom. Jesse’s eyes were just about closed by the time they reached the bed, probably in a combination of exhaustion and drugs. Steve gently helped him into bed and took off the sneakers and socks before tugging off his lover’s pants. He stripped quickly and climbed into bed, spooning up behind Jesse.

“I’m sorry things went so horrible,” Steve whispered in the dark.

Nodding again, Jesse mumbled, “Me, too,” and then relaxed back against Steve, quickly growing heavy with sleep.

Kissing Jesse’s shoulder, Steve stared into the darkness and tried not to think about just how much worse things could have gone. If the locals had believed Shirley…if Jesse’s nose had broken in such a way to cause his death…if Steve had lost control and done serious damage to Edward with all the resources of his military and police training…

Steve took a long deep breath and tried his best to get some sleep.

* * * *

All things considered, Jesse didn’t feel too bad when the alarm woke him five hours after going to sleep. His head ached and his nose throbbed painfully, but his thoughts were clear and Steve held him, drooling a little onto his ear, which made Jesse grin as he wiped it off. The movement woke Steve who had, somehow, slept through the alarm. The splint over his face was an annoying blockage to his vision, bulky in its protection, but he knew better than to remove it.

Steve rolled to turn off the alarm and then rolled back, squeezing Jesse lightly as he said, “Morning, Jess.”

Jesse reached back to find Steve’s hand with his as he replied, “Morning, Steve. Ready for the gauntlet?”

“I know upbeat is your normal setting, but really? You’re going to be positive about what happened last night?” Steve countered, kissing his temple and then sitting up. “You should’ve pressed charges, Jess.”

Sighing, Jesse sat up as well and looked at his angry lover and said, “What would it have solved? I don’t want to hurt the kids like that, as much as Edward deserves to be punished. If anything, I wish I could throw Shirley in jail for thinking you would ever touch a child like that!”

Steve half-smiled and cupped his face. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”

Knowing that he meant each of them wanting to hurt the ones who’d hurt the other, Jesse nodded and leaned in to kiss him. It was awkward and slanted to avoid knocking into the splint, but sweet nonetheless.

“All right. Up you get. I want you to take a hot shower to relax and I’ll get breakfast started,” Steve ordered.

Jesse accepted his help off the bed, feeling a little dizzy at the change in altitude, and said, “Just cereal today, I don’t think my stomach can handle anything heavy.”

Steve nodded and squeezed his hand. “I’ll make some tea, too, and call Dad. Do you want him to come out?”

It would be a comfort to have Mark around, but Jesse didn’t want to disrupt the other man’s life when there wasn’t anything he could do anyhow. Shaking his head, Jesse said, “No, but give him my love.”

“I will,” Steve promised, swatting him playfully on the behind.

Jesse snickered at that and continued on to the bathroom. He would have grimaced at his reflection, but knew it would hurt too much. His cheeks on both sides were an ugly purple spreading out from under the splint. Jesse had no desire to see what his nose looked like and carefully brushed his teeth and then relieved himself before stepping into the shower.

The surgery was due to begin at ten and it was just about eight-thirty, so he took a good twenty minute shower. The steam and spray relaxed him and he got dressed feeling a hundred percent better than when he’d woken. His face still hurt like hell, but he would take a painkiller with breakfast.

Jesse huffed in amusement on finding two large pills next to the glass of milk on the table. Steve was on the phone with Mark when he arrived, but was doing all the listening from the silence and troubled expression on his face. Knowing that Mark could get up a good head of steam when he had a bone to pick with anyone, Jesse just poured his cereal and milk and started eating.

Steve joined him just as he was taking his pills, kissing the top of Jesse’s head and telling him, “Dad says hi and he’ll be here this afternoon. He was just about out the door to LAX when I called.”

Jesse’s mouth dropped and he protested, “But I said for him not to come!”

Steve shrugged. “You know Dad. He said he wouldn’t stay long, just a day or two, but insisted on coming out. He’ll take a cab to the hospital and ride home with us.”

Jesse did know Mark and sighed, but privately admitted he’d be glad to see the older man. There was just something inherently soothing about Mark; Jesse always felt better with him around.

“Ready to go?” Steve prompted.

Nodding, Jesse asked, “How are you feeling? Shirley got a few good ones in from what I saw last night.”

Steve half-smiled and answered, “I took some aspirin, but she’s not as strong as she looks. Got some bruising on my shins from those boots, though.”

Jesse felt renewed indignation, but Steve tugged him up and into his arms. Surrounded by his lover, he couldn’t stay mad, relaxing into the embrace.

Steve kissed his forehead tenderly and stepped back. “If they do show up, we’re ignoring both them.”

Jesse nodded reluctantly, willing to follow his lover’s lead, and they got their coats and headed out to the car. It was about nine-thirty when they got to his mother’s room. A nurse was present, taking her vitals and checking the monitors, so Jesse waited until she was done before stepping in for an awkward hug. He would swear they hadn’t had so much personal contact since his childhood bout of the measles, which had almost turned deadly. He took in her clear gaze and rested demeanor and said, “You feel better.”

She nodded and replied tartly, “Just about back to normal, I say, but Dr. Ashram disagrees and wants to go on with the surgery.”

Jesse moved to pick up her chart, scanning it quickly but thoroughly. He nodded as he put it back and said, “He’s right, Mom, you need the surgery.”

“Good morning, Steve,” she said, ignoring the statement. “I trust you made him take his medication this morning? He’s always been terrible at that.”

Steve sounded amused as he confirmed, “Yes, ma’am. And I know. He really is a pain to get to take care of himself.”

“Ever since he was a boy,” she agreed. “Always taking care of any stray thing he could bring home and never even remembering to eat.”

Alarmed by their new alliance, Jesse opened his mouth to change the subject when the door opened. It was only Margaret, thankfully, and he relaxed, stepping aside so she and his mother could talk. And then the nurse was back, this time to get Barbara ready for the surgery so they had to say goodbye. Jesse’s throat tightened, worry for his mother closing it. He didn’t know Dr. Ashram or his qualifications and wished he could stand in on the surgery, but also knew that was a bad idea.

“Oh stop looking at me like I’m going to die,” Barbara ordered, rolling her eyes at him. “Dr. Ashram’s the best, or did you think I would allow just anyone to operate on me?”

Reassured by the blunt, arrogant statement, Jesse said, “No, of course not, Mother. I’ll see you this afternoon, then.”

She nodded and replied, “Of course you will.”

Then she was gone, the bed wheeled away by the orderlies who’d come to collect her. Jesse sighed, leaning back against Steve for a moment before leaving the room. They left the room to find the rest of the family in the hallway, including Edward and Shirley and the kids. Jesse gripped Steve’s hand and pulled him away from the cluster to some chairs in a small waiting area down the hall.

Once they’d sat down, Nikki and Jack joined them. Jack whistled when he got a good look at Jesse and observed to Steve, “I should’ve let you go for Edward last night.”

Jesse stated firmly, “I’m glad you didn’t. I’m glad not to be visiting Steve in jail, thanks a lot.”

Jack shrugged and then asked, “How’re you feeling?”

“It looks worse than it is,” Jesse said, not lying. The pain meds had dulled the pain and it did look uglier than it felt right then.

The rest of the family came in just then and Jesse kept his hand on Steve’s arm when Edward approached them. His cousin wore a troubled expression as he stated, “I want to explain.”

Not apologize, just explain, Jesse noted to himself.

“I was in the bathroom when I heard Shirley scream and when I came out, all I saw was you pulling at her. I didn’t think, I just reacted,” Edward told them. “I didn’t realize that she’d…well…jumped to conclusions about Steve talking to Michael. I didn’t know that she’d started it all by jumping him or that you were just trying to get her to stop attacking Steve. I am very sorry for the misunderstanding, more than you can know, and want to thank you for not pressing charges.”

It was honestly difficult to know if Edward was being sincere. Jesse wasn’t the best at telling when someone was lying or not in the first place, but his cousin was also a master poker player. There was enough bad blood between them, though, for Jesse to believe he was telling the truth. Edward was far too proud for a hollow apology, especially one made in public. Glancing briefly at the tight-lipped Shirley, Jesse said simply, “Apology accepted.”

Edward looked at his wife, nudging her with expectation and Shirley finally looked up from the floor. Her gaze flittered to first him and then Steve before she said softly, “I’m sorry. I…overreacted…it’s, it’s just how I was brought up. I don’t know any que, ah, gay men. Edward and I talked a lot last night and, well, I’m sorry.”

It was more than he’d expected, though less than Steve deserved. Jesse reserved judgment, waiting for Steve to respond.

Steve finally told them, “You don’t know me. Really, you barely know Jesse, with as long as he’s been in California. I understand a protective mother, I do, but if you’d pulled that stunt on anyone else, you could have been seriously injured. Not all men pull their punches when being attacked by a woman.”

“I know,” she admitted, “and thank you for that.”

Steve let out a short breath and held out his hand to her with, “How about we start over? I’m Steve Sloan, Jesse’s partner.”

She smiled uncertainly and took his hand, “Shirley Sebell. It’s nice to meet you, Steve.”

Jesse wanted more than that, but knew that it would take small steps on everyone’s part to get used to them. At least there wouldn’t be more incidents like this in the future.

Nikki abruptly slapped her brother upside the back of his head and said, “It’s about damn time you became a man. Asshole.”

Edward quirked a grin at her. “Thanks, Sis.”

That broke the tension and there was nervous laughter all around. They all sat down and settled in to wait for news on Barbara. The surgery was supposed to take about five hours, so there was a lot of time to just sit and talk. The kids helped break the awkwardness down between the adults as they blithely didn’t notice it and talked about school and their friends to anyone who would listen.

They got coffee and food in shifts, always leaving someone in the waiting area in case a nurse needed to find Jesse with an update or problem if he wasn’t there. Mark arrived on the scene an hour before surgery was due to be over. Steve spotted him first and nudged Jesse. They stood and met him down the hall.

Mark looked at Jesse with open anger and dismay, demanding, “Are you all right? Good heavens, Jesse, let me take a look at that.”

Knowing they would all feel better if he did, Jesse allowed his mentor to bring him aside and carefully take off the splint. His eyes watered and he hissed in pain as Mark gently felt the broken nose and the area around it, pressing carefully at various points, checking it out. Mark shook his head and asked, “X-rays?”

“In my file,” Jesse told him. “I didn’t ask to keep them.”

Mark said, “I’ll go find them,” and strode to the nurse’s station before Jesse or Steve could stop him.

Smiling fondly, Jesse observed, “He hasn’t even taken his coat off.”

Steve chuckled. “That’s Dad for you. C’mon, let’s make sure World War III doesn’t break out when he spots the family across the way.”

“Good thing he doesn’t know what Edward looks like,” Jesse agreed.

After Mark charmed the nurses into getting Jesse’s medical file brought up, Jesse told him, “We’ve got everything sorted out with Edward and Shirley.”

Mark harrumphed, clearly unconvinced, but only said, “I won’t make a fuss as long as you’re satisfied with an apology. I think Steve was right, though, wanting you to press charges. That’s a very bad break, Jesse. You could have been killed with only a little more force applied.”

Jesse had been trying not to think of that possibility and replied weakly, “I’m satisfied, really.”

Mark made another noise, but only nodded and gathered him into a hug. Then he looked at Steve and informed him, “You need more sleep. Did you even get any last night?”

“A little,” Steve said, smiling at his father. “How was the plane ride?”

The nurse returned with Jesse’s file just then and Mark answered absently, “Fine, just a little turbulence,” as he pulled out the film and held it up to the light. Jesse automatically looked over the x-ray, his medical training kicking in as he noted the major and minor breaks in three different places. The EMT had done an excellent job setting his nose and splinting it right away instead of waiting for a doctor to do it.

“God, Jess, this looks awful,” Mark murmured, and then, decisive, “I want to be sure there aren’t any splinters floating around waiting to push into your brain.”

Steve paled and demanded, “Is that really possible?”

Mark gripped his son’s shoulder and promised, “I don’t think Jesse’s in real danger, but I do want to make sure that everything’s all right in there. An MRI will give us plenty of detail to go through. I’ll go secure a machine and be back shortly.”

Jesse watched him go with not a little amazement. Mark saw a problem and went to find a solution, regardless of whose territory he was in. Jesse had no doubt that he would not only secure an MRI unit, but visiting privileges while he was in the area.

“C’mon, Jess, I want you to sit and rest until he gets back,” Steve said, worry furrowing his brow.

Jesse let Steve bring him back to the waiting area where Nikki asked, “Who was that?”

Steve answered, “My father. He’ll be back shortly.”

She frowned and asked, “He came out from California because Barbara had another heart attack? Isn’t he a doctor?”

Jesse nodded, explaining, “He is, but he’s here because of me. He wanted to make sure I was okay.”

“And he rushed off because you aren’t?” Edward questioned.

Jesse held up a hand and promised, “I’m fine, honest. Mark’s a worrier. He just wants to take an MRI to make sure the x-rays didn’t miss anything.”

Thankfully, Steve didn’t contradict him and everyone settled down again. A nurse came over before Mark returned and motioned Jesse away from the group. Steve went with him and she told them, “Your mother’s surgery finished and Dr. Ashram wanted me to assure you that everything went just fine. He’ll be out in about a half-hour to go over the details with you and your mother will be in recovery for about an hour before being moved back to her room.”

Jesse sagged against Steve in relief and replied, “Thank you.”

She smiled and left them.

Walking back to the others, Jesse relayed the information and there were relieved smiles and chatter all around. Mark came back just then and Jesse introduced him to everyone, mentally keeping his fingers crossed that he didn’t make a scene. Mark was very protective of the people he considered family; another trait of his that Steve came by honest.

Mark’s gaze narrowed at Edward and Shirley, but he politely shook hands with everyone before saying, “The MRI room is available now, Jess, we should go.”

“But the doctor’s coming out soon,” Jesse protested.

Margaret assured him, “I’ll get all the information from him and I know he’ll be happy to speak with you after. Go take your test. Barbara would have my hide if something was wrong and I let you not take care of it.”

She’d give him an earful, too, Jesse knew. He reluctantly let Steve and Mark pull him away and they went down four floors to where the MRI machines resided. He changed into a paper johnny and slippers in a nearby bathroom, thanks to the metal zipper on his jeans, and shivered at the draft. The test itself didn’t take too long, though he did feel somewhat claustrophobic in the giant metal machine, the humming and vibrations going right down to his bones, or so it felt.

Once he was dressed again, he joined Mark in the tech room and asked, “So? Am I mostly in one piece?”

Mark smiled at him. “You are, my boy, no bone splinters anywhere.”

Steve visibly relaxed at that, smiling as well. “Thanks, Dad.”

“My pleasure, son,” Mark replied. “Now then. Let’s go check on Barbara, Jess.”

His mother was already in her room by then, groggy and on an oxygen mask, but conscious. The others had already been in to see her and left, according to Nikki in the hall. Margaret was the only one in the hospital room when Jesse entered and she left to give him time alone.

Jesse smiled and said gently, “Hey, Mom, how do you feel?”

“How do you think?” she retorted, though it was a fraction of her usual fire. “Mark’s here? You okay?”

Awkwardly patting her hand, Jesse told her, “I’m fine. He wanted to get an MRI of my face to make sure there weren’t any bone splinters.”

She nodded slowly and rasped, “Should have thought of that.”

“In my defense, I was on drugs and in pain,” Jesse replied wryly.

Barbara shook her head, conveying impatience even at half-speed. “I should have.”

Jesse snorted and countered, “Right, because you didn’t just have a third heart attack twelve hours ago.”

“Impertinent,” she reprimanded.

Seeing that her eyes were drifting closed against her will, Jesse stood and leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Get some rest, Mom. I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you.”

She smiled at him. “You’re a good boy, Jess.”

It was the second compliment from her in a week and Jesse stood there, stunned, as she fell asleep. Smiling broadly despite the pain it caused, Jesse watched her for a moment and then left to rejoin his family in the hall. He informed them, “She’s fine, just sleeping now. Told her we’d be back tomorrow.”

“Of course we will,” Mark agreed firmly. “We’re all family now and this is family business.”

It sounded astonishingly like something his mother would say, which made him grin.

Steve put an arm over his shoulder and suggested, “Let’s get dinner and have an early night.”

“God, that sounds good,” Jesse said emphatically, leaning on him. “I could go for a hamburger and fries.”

Chuckling, Steve teased, “Just a hamburger and fries?”

Jesse grinned up at him. “Well, maybe a shake and piece of pie, too.”

Mark admonished fondly, “Stop picking on Jesse, Steve. You’re the one who needs to watch what he eats these days.”

Steve opened his mouth to protest, clearly stung, and then caught the twinkle in his father’s gaze. Rolling his eyes, he stated dryly, “Just for that, I’m picking the restaurant.”

Jesse snickered as they entered the elevator and didn’t argue.

* * * *

Even with the newfound peace between mother and son, Steve was glad that Barbara’s recovery time was shorter than expected. She spent only four days in the hospital, instead of a full week. She was up and walking a week after that, persistent with her exercises, taking her medication exactly when ordered, and determined to get back to work as soon as possible. Two weeks after her surgery, Barbara was taking short walks down the block and a week after that, she was just about up to full speed.

His father returned home after only a couple of days, probably staying just to make sure that there was no further danger to either of them. Steve ignored Jesse’s pleas for him to go back to California where work waited for him. His captain was understanding, if a little bewildered, about him staying to help out a friend’s mother in her recovery and granted another three weeks of leave. He even said that personnel was thrilled that he was gone for so long, though they wished Jesse’s mother a speedy recovery.

A month after Barbara’s surgery, Steve could see that mother and son were really starting to get on each others’ nerves and knew it was time for that week vacation in the mountains. That night at dinner, he said, “I made reservations for us to get out of your hair day after tomorrow, Barbara.”

“Oh thank God,” she replied. “Not that it wasn’t wonderful of you to come, Jesse, but it’s time for you to leave. Margaret will stay with me and I’m sure Nikki can handle any errands I need done until I’m back to driving. I expect to be back at work in a few weeks.”

Jesse gave them a wry twist of the lips and acquiesced, “I know when I’m outnumbered. Day after tomorrow it is.”

Steve saw the hurt in his lover’s eyes though and, later that night, hugged him tight and admitted, “I can’t wait until we’re alone again, Jess. Jerking off alone in the shower isn’t exactly what I’m used to anymore, not when you’re right here with me.”

Jesse blushed at the low, hungry words and said in a strangled voice, “I’ve missed you too. Sorry about the, ah, ‘no sex in the house with mom here’ thing.”

Steve chuckled and kissed him, keeping it brief for both their sanity. “That’s okay. It took me forever to get used to living with Dad upstairs and bringing anyone home. You’re lucky I put in some soundproofing just before you moved in, all the noise I get from you.”

Jesse groaned in embarrassment and pressed his face to Steve’s chest, making him laugh and kiss the top of his head. Two days later they said goodbye to the whole family, who turned up at Barbara’s even though it was a weekday. Steve could see how gratified that made Jesse and forgave Edward a little more for what had happened. Honestly, he knew that he would have reacted the same way to someone attacking Jesse.

The flight to LAX was a lot more crowded than the one out, being a morning flight. The looks that people gave Jesse’s face ranged between curiosity and pity, but Jesse was too engrossed in a new medical journal to pay attention. His nose was a lot better, the most recent x-rays showing that the bones were knitting together perfectly. The skin had changed from an ugly purple-black to an ugly green, which also indicated healing. Jesse still wore the splint when he was in public, partly to save some scrutiny, but mostly to protect it from his own occasional bout of clumsiness.

The flight was hard on Jesse, who admitted to extensive pressure and pain in his sinuses halfway through; so much so that he took the antihistamine they’d brought and two painkillers. Steve was glad when they landed, though he could see that was even rougher on Jesse, his lover’s eyes watering as he held an ear in obvious pain despite the meds.

Steve helped him off the plane and requisitioned a cart from security, not feeling in the least shy about using his badge to help Jesse the walk to the car. Jesse took two more painkillers in the car as Steve started the engine and then promptly fell asleep. Steve was glad of it, hoping it would help keep the pain at bay for the drive to Big Bear. Jesse didn’t know they weren’t going home yet, which caused Steve to grin with anticipation.

They arrived at the cabin just after dark, the familiar drive one that Steve could do in his sleep. Jesse hadn’t woken even once on the trip, not that he was surprised. Between the physical recovery and emotional burden of caring for his mother the last month, Jesse was due some serious Z’s and TLC.

Shaking Jesse’s shoulder, Steve said, “Wake up, Jess, we’re here.”

Jesse mumbled and swatted at him, barely cracking an eyelid to complain, “Sleepin,’ Steve.”

“I know babe, but come on and I’ll put you to bed for real instead of the car,” Steve promised.

Jesse heaved a sigh, but rubbed his eyes and got out of the car. As soon as his foot crunched in snow, he woke up further and asked, “We’re at the cabin?”

Grinning, Steve replied, “I knew I loved you for more than being cute; there’s a brain in there, too.”

Jesse made a face at him and climbed to his feet as he asked, “What about work?”

“I’m due back on Monday, so we’ve got a whole four days to relax and just be together,” Steve explained. “Go on inside while I get our bags.”

The cabin lights were on by the time he got inside and Jesse sat at the wood stove, feeding it kindling while paper and a starter probably burned inside. Steve nodded approval on the way to the bedroom, setting the bags down and then returning to the main room. He called his dad to let him know what was going on while Jesse kept feeding the fire bigger and bigger pieces of wood. Once the fire was roaring, Jesse closed the hatch and told him, “I put in three artificial logs, so that’ll go all night.”

“Good, because I want it to be nice and toasty warm when you wake up in the morning. I’ll keep you warm until then,” Steve said and then kissed him gently.

Jesse smiled into the kiss and pulled back to say, “That sounds perfect.”

They stripped in the still-cold bedroom and left the door open so the heat would come in. Steve dove under the covers only seconds after Jesse, spooning up behind him and shivering in the cold. Cold feet rubbed against his and he hissed out a laugh, squeezing Jesse and scolding, “Keep your icy toes off my legs, you.”

Jesse cackled an ‘evil’ laugh and taunted, “Make me!”

Steve blew a raspberry against his throat, which made Jesse laugh harder and wriggle in his arms. Humor was fast replaced by desire and he shifted over his lover, kissing him in short, hungry kisses as he rubbed their dicks together. Jesse groaned, a low, pleasured sound that went right to Steve’s gut and made him thrust in a slower, more sensual fashion.

Jesse’s fingers dug into his back and he urged, “More, Steve, please?”

Steve couldn’t resist that desperate plea and knelt between Jesse’s legs, lifting onto one hand and using the other to grasp both their shafts together. Jesse arched into the caress and moved his hips in counter-motion to Steve’s, increasing the friction. Neither of them lasted long after over a month of deprivation, but Steve held on until Jesse spilled with a loud cry of release, gasping and shuddering. Steve moaned at the shadowed sight of his wrecked lover and came, spurting over Jesse’s abs and then collapsing to the side, breathing hard.

Jesse chuckled breathlessly and said, “Wow did I need that.”

Steve reached for his shirt on the floor and used it to clean them off as he agreed, “Me, too.”

Pulling the covers snug over them both, Steve curled up behind Jesse and nuzzled at his lover’s ear, kissing a path along the curve of his throat. Jesse sighed deeply and relaxed into his arms with a soft, “Thank you, Steve. Not just for coming with me now, but for always being there for me. You and Mark showed me what family really means. I don’t think I could have forgiven them, or been honest with my mother, if I hadn’t seen you and Mark, hadn’t been part of your family all these years.”

Moved by the soft words, Steve corrected roughly, “Our family. And you’re welcome, Jess.”

“I love you,” Jesse murmured, sounding more than half asleep.

Steve echoed, “Love you, Jess,” and sighed in deep contentment.

Even with all the problems they faced on a daily basis, this was how he’d always hoped his life would turn out; with someone he loved as deeply as his father had loved his mother. Hugging Jesse a little tighter got him a sleepy protest and Steve relaxed, drifting to sleep and hoping that life only got better.