Wraiths Adore Gods

“Adam, you’re there on the centering rock,” Trey blurted out when he actually focused on Isaac’s backyard. Adam, his ginger, was sitting cross-legged on the granite stone with his head up toward the sky. The exquisite expression of peace was amazingly hot and like nothing Trey had ever seen. He should have known how to make Adam look like this, but… somehow, he’d never learned.

“Trey, you’re back. When did you? Where did you… come from?” Adam opened his pretty doe eyes and met Trey’s. The smile on his face was less peaceful but still a kicker. Trey kept a hold on that. Adam wasn’t hiding anything from Trey; he was protecting himself. It was his thing. He shielded his light from the world so he wouldn’t be a hindrance. Trey understood that, even though he sometimes forgot about Adam’s need to not make waves so he could bask in his affection.

“One of the Mushroom Forest’s exits comes out on the soccer field,” Trey explained. He shuffled to Adam, wiggling his fingers reflexively. Adam offered his hand in response. Trey clasped it gratefully and snuggled in. He could feel a faint tremble in Adam’s torso and clutched Adam tighter. “We’re good. You’re okay.”

“Just okay?” Adam’s dry question and irritated shake of his head tickled Trey. “What the hell?”

“Well, you know.” Trey fumbled with the question. He thought he could tease Adam, but he still tripped himself up. He gazed at the empty field and chose his words carefully. “I wasn’t here, so of course, you weren’t.”

“That makes no sense, Trey. You need to find better compliments.” Adam kissed the tip of Trey’s ear, making Trey swoon at the touch before releasing him. “Come on, let’s go say hi to the other two and compare notes.”

Adam slid off the rock stiffly and limped to the back door of Isaac’s cottage. Trey narrowed his eyes at Adam’s gait and chased after him, offering his arm. “Big rocks are not the best for communing with nature.”

“True.”

Nothing else was said. Trey blew out some air and tried not to think about Adam not talking to him. Someday, he’d figure out how to get Adam to speak more. They kicked off their shoes in Isaac’s back mudroom before entering the kitchen where Isaac had the beginnings of supper being prepared. Ground beef lay on wax paper in round patties. Cut up potatoes were evenly spaced on a cookie sheet.

“Ooh, hamburgers!” Trey kissed Adam’s cheek and slid into the kitchen beside Isaac. It was his signature move, and as much as he wanted to hover around Adam, he had to stick to the routine. Now wasn’t the time to get Adam’s guard up. He wasn’t going to have that conversation with Isaac and Caspian watching.

“I thought they were easy enough to make, and the weather is nice enough for a first burger of the season, right?” Isaac grinned. “Caspian should be back in his human form soon. He likes to do another look around before settling in for the night.”

“Is there a reason for that?” The concern in Adam’s voice drew Trey’s attention. His spider senses began tingling.

“Cas’s been feeling antsy lately. He hasn’t adjusted to the forced change as we’d hoped. Some nights are good, but other nights he paces around the house.” Isaac sighed. “Maybe we can solve this soon?”

Adam continued to pull condiments from the fridge. It was acceptable that Adam knew every bit of Isaac’s house. He and Trey were in and out of it on a frequent basis. Trey grabbed plates and glasses to bring outside to the patio table. He realized Isaac needed a moment to gather his thoughts.

Adam and Isaac were right behind him with their hands full. The table was set, and Isaac fired up the barbeque. Everything was perfect, and Trey didn’t want to ruin it with mushroom talk. The mood lightened as they joked around and told old stories. Trey could feel some serious undercurrents catching Adam and Isaac, so he did his best to keep everyone mostly happy