Jason paused again, to look at him. Colby looked back, and that was a different sort of expression: entirely serious under the teasing and the role-play.
Colby meant it. Every word.
Colby believed in him. Believed that Jason could take care of him, could be good for him, could adore him and cherish him and keep him safe and make him feel incredible. Colby believed that beyond any doubt, and clearly wanted Jason to see it and know it.
You do that so well, Colby had just said. About Jason taking care of him, being here for him. Here for all the stories and scars and unfolding future horizons.
That was everything Jason needed to hear, to know. Everything he was made of and made for: caring for Colby, the man he loved.
Colby knew that too, of course.
He managed, voice rough around the ed
