Chapter 7: Not So Good Sunday (4)
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“I’m back!” Ethan said with a cheery voice as he entered the apartment of the man that was still both his employer and lover. “And look what I brought! Cookies! You seemed to really like them the first time, so I thought it would be great to get some more.”
Ashton carefully moved his wheelchair next to his lover and embraced him silently.
“Hm? Ashton… Is something the matter?” Ethan asked as he touched his lover’s blond hair, caressing it ever so gently as if he was reassuring a child.
“I just missed you a lot.” Ashton said, it wasn’t a lie, this was the only good thing that happened the entire day for him. It was one after another that people continued to make him rethink his initial decision. He was hoping to find some support with his lover at least.
“It seems to be quite more than just that…” Ethan might have seemed like a naïve student with little to no knowledge about anything. However he was very observant of people’s behaviors and moods. Ethan could instantly tell something wasn’t right with the man in his arms.
“Let’s go inside, it’s no good to stay in the hallway…” Ashton said as he turned his wheelchair around.
“Do you want me to push it for you?” Ethan asked as he watched his lover turn it around with some difficulty.
“I can do it on my own.” Ashton said as he moved the wheelchair and went back into the living room.
That statement had left Ethan with a bitter taste in his mouth. ‘I know you can do it on your own… but I hate to see you struggle while doing so.’ He thought to himself as he silently followed after his lover.
Even though it was official that they were dating already and even though their relationship was progressing well. Every once in a while Ashton would act in such a way and make Ethan question if everything truly was alright.
“Ashton, man up and tell me what’s been bothering you.” Ethan said as he prepared tea to go along with the sweets he had brought.
“I’m sorry, I know I’m acting childish and I shouldn’t…” Ashton as always ended up regretting his behavior. “Ethan, do you think it’s a bad idea to leave Ed in charge of the company?” He finally asked, it was obvious it wasn’t the only thing on his mind, but a big part of it.
“Hm… Edward doesn’t seem to have an interest in the company truly.” Ethan remarked, as he looked over at his lover’s expression he knew that wasn’t what the other wanted to hear. “If I have to be honest… I think it’s better for him to decide what he wants to do on his own. Of course learning to lead a company wouldn’t be bad either, but maybe you can start him with an entry level position? I hear he doesn’t have a job yet, that might be a good way to get him started.” The student said, it was a very mature route to chose, one that seemed beyond the twenty one year old man’s age.
“That does sound like a great idea…” Ashton thought about it for a second and instantly recognized how valuable the experience would be for his little brother. “Indeed, there’s no need to force him…” He continued in a steady voice.
“I’m glad I could help.” Ethan said as he laid out the tea and sweets. “Anything else troubling you?” He asked, looking at his lover it was obvious that wasn’t everything he had burdening him.
“Just one more thing… I know I haven’t mentioned this before, I don’t think therapy is necessary for me anymore. But I have been suggested to go to rehabilitation.” Ashton said, at this point they were like a married couple conversing about family issues. Except they were simply lovers, but the atmosphere was truly the same.
“You definitely should! Wouldn’t you enjoy walking around freely on your own?” Ethan asked, he seemed excited at the very thought.
“Why would I want that when I have you?” Ashton said as he held onto his lover’s hand. “I don’t really need to go anywhere on my own…” He continued, his voice sounding slightly pained.
“Ashton… I can see you struggle to do daily tasks, and you know I’m not always around to help you.” Ethan said with a loving voice towards his boyfriend, who listened intently. “I don’t want to see you troubled… and I’d want nothing more than to see you walk. So if not for anything else, would you go to rehab for me?” He asked as he knelt down and looked at his lover.
“That’s such a cruel thing to say Ethan…” Ashton remarked as he squeezed the hand in his. “You know I can’t say no to you.” He smiled lightly and brought the hand to his lips, giving it a kiss. “I’ll go to rehabilitation, but promise you’ll come with me when you can. That’s my only request.” The man said as he looked at his lover awaiting his response…