It was easy for the pair of them to fall into a rhythm. Without even trying, they worked seamlessly together—picking cases, making sure each had what they needed, and Blake submitting to Derek’s care without objection or complaint. Derek loved how pliant Blake became under his ministrations, and he always seemed to know exactly what Blake needed the moment he needed it.
Blake’s recovery time was quicker and easier, too. After a week it was clear Blake’s crying jags lasted less time and were less violent. At first, Derek thought he was just becoming used to them, so they didn’t seem as jarring and painful as they had. When another week passed, Derek knew he wasn’t imagining it, so he brought it up.
“You think?” Blake toyed with his turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich, pulling off the top lay
