Chapter 8

4/23/2040 (Continued)

After grabbing his phone, Patrick called Dr. Caldwell. He described the events of that day in detail.

The doctor advised, "Keep an eye on his breathing and pulse." He said, "I'll come over and see how he is later."

Patrick thanked the doctor and ended the call.

Luca was tightly held by Patrick as he drew him into his arms. Even as he slept, Patrick could feel Luca's mind racing. Patrick only stepped away from Luca's side to make him some soup.

"You need to eat." "Wake up, baby," he said. Luca sat up and gradually opened his eyes. Luca trembled as he reached for the cup, but quickly lowered it again. He gave Patrick a sad-eyed look.

"It's okay," Patrick said as he picked up the cup and put it to Luca's lips. Luca took a sip before looking up at Patrick, tears in his eyes.

"No harm done," Patrick said, wiping the tears from Luca's eyes as he cleaned up the access that dribbled down his chin.

Patrick held the cup steady for Luca as he sipped the warm soup. Luca showed emotion for the first time in hours. Even though it was subtle, he blinked as the soup ran down his parched throat.

"Do you enjoy it?" Patrick inquired, a smile on his face. When Luca nodded, Patrick smiled broadly.

"So you're in there somewhere," Patrick explained via their link. Patrick knew that after Luca's shock, it would take some time for him to fully emerge from his cocoon.

Later that afternoon, the doctor arrived to examine Luca. Luca didn't say anything, but he looked a lot better.

"I'd recommend that Mr. Hodges find a less stressful job for now," the doctor said.

"Like what?" Patrick asked.

"I'd suggest a stay-at-home job," he said.

"Is there anything you'd like to do?" Patrick asked, glancing over at Luca. Luca thought for a few seconds, then nodded his head.

"Well, good luck with the job hunt and don't stress so much," the doctor said before leaving.

When Patrick returned from escorting the doctor out, Luca was rummaging through the closet.

"What are you up to, love?" he inquired. Luca emerged from the closet, holding a medium-sized box. Luca sat cross-legged on the bed. The box was sitting on his lap.

"Is that what I'm thinking?" Patrick inquired, having recognized the box. Luca opened the lid with a nod of his head. Since that fateful day that separated them three years ago, Patrick hadn't seen Luca's drawings. Luca's wishes echoed in his mind. "I want to draw again," "and sell them."

"Before we get started on that, I want you to get better." "I miss your lovely voice," Patrick said.

Patrick noticed Luca's unease. "What's the matter, babe?" he inquired. It was low, but audio. "Work," Luca had said through the link.

"Don't worry, they'll understand," Patrick said. "Do you want me to call them and explain what the doctor said?" Patrick asked. Luca lowered his gaze and nodded his head. Luca looked through his drawings while Patrick contacted Luca's boss. When Patrick returned to their bedroom, Luca gave him the "Well, what did he say?" look.

"He understood and will send your paycheck here," he said. Luca leaned back, took a deep breath, and exhaled.

When his stomach grumbled, Luca blushed and looked down.

"It sounds like someone is hungry," Patrick commented. Patrick rose to his feet but turned around when he heard a soft giggle.

"Babe," Patrick exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise. Luca smiled as he wrapped his arms around Patrick's neck. Patrick went to the kitchen, and Luca followed close behind.

"What would you like to eat, babe?" Patrick inquired. When Luca took a step forward and noticed the bulge in Patrick's tight pants, he blushed profusely. "I was talking about real food," he clarified after a brief pause.

Luca grinned and nodded as he reached for the container of spaghetti noodles.

"Are we fixing Alfredo?" Patrick inquired, raising an eyebrow. Luca's smile broadened as he nodded. "If that's what you want," "That's what you'll get," Patrick said, approaching Luca and kissing him on the lips. Before heading to the cabinet, Luca grinned as he reached down and pinched Patrick's ass.

"Who's seducing who around here?" Patrick inquired, his brow furrowed.

Luca smirked as he resumed gathering the ingredients for their meal. Patrick retrieved the necessary pans and placed them on the stove. Patrick relaxed even more as Luca's calm and carefree demeanor emerged. Luca fried the ground beef while Patrick filled the spaghetti pot with water and returned it to the stove. Patrick snuck a kiss from Luca before grabbing apple slices and cherry tomatoes as the water heated up. Luca burst out laughing as Patrick pressed his body against him and nibbled on his ear.

"I love you so much, babe," Patrick said in Luca's ear. Luca turned to face the taller man. For the first time, Luca said aloud, "I love you too," and kissed him.

When dinner was ready, they each filled their plates, got their drinks, and sat down at the table. Patrick chose water while Luca had milk.

"I've missed your beautiful smile and giggle," Patrick said, kissing Luca on the cheek.

"I'm sorry for worrying you," Luca apologized. "I panicked when I saw my father," he said.

"It's fine," "At least you came out of that shell you always build when you're scared," he said.

While they ate, Luca considered how he would begin the job he desired. "How will I get people to notice my work?" Luca enquired.

"We could ask if you could show them off at Starbucks since you used to work there," Patrick suggested.

"Did you complete your college course?" Luca enquired.

Patrick nodded. "Instead of four years, I finished it in three."

"Oh, cool," Luca said, a big smile on his face. Luca and Patrick relished the delicious meal they had prepared together. "I'll need a computer for my job," Patrick explained. "You might need one as well," he suggested.

"Really?" "Personal computers for each of us?" In awe, Luca inquired. Things were going in the right direction in their lives.