Chapter Fourteen

One Month Later

March 15th

WAYLAN

“You sure you can spare the time?” Channon asked, tucking his hands into his jeans pockets as they stood outside the hospital.

“Yes. Davy’s taking charge tonight.” Waylan felt like the proverbial schoolboy on his first date, and he supposed the concept wasn’t too far from the truth. He’d never been on an official date, sticking to anonymous hook-ups for Eli’s sake.

“I didn’t bring the truck,” Channon added, rubbing his neck. “Since we’re eating at my place, we should take your car. That way, you can leave whenever you’re ready, and you’re not relying on me to drive you back.”

He was grateful for the thoughtful and generous offer, made not for his own sake but so Waylan could feel comfortable. “That’s fine.” Waylan wasn’t sure what else to say.

The day Channon had told him about his past, Waylan had accepted a hard truth that had presumably slipped past Channon: he was still in love with Caedin. Once he’d pointed that out, Channon had agreed to take time to work through his feelings.

Waylan had suggested starting with a clean slate. They resumed their daily meetings over the truck’s counter. Waylan routinely ordered mass meals for the staff and invited Channon to join them. He increased the frequency of his visits to the shelter and soup kitchens to spend more time with Channon doing something close to his heart.

He wanted to give Channon time to get comfortable with the idea of dating, to realise and accept that he’d still been in love with Caedin, without the pressure of a new relationship looming over his head. Waylan had been willing to wait and hadn’t expected Channon to take a full month, but the delay proved he’d truly dealt with his feelings in a healthy way. He hadn’t rushed to push Caedin out of his life or made false promises that would only end in heartbreak. Waylan appreciated that they’d been able to grow closer during that time with Channon opening up more about his past, about Caedin and about his feelings.

Channon had no one else to confide in, and Waylan was proud to be the shoulder to cry on, the sympathetic ear to listen to his worries, hopes and dreams. Their friendship was strong enough to bear the weight of those things, and for Channon to share Waylan’s fears and doubts, to listen to his stories about Eli and his friendship with Tabitha. Sometimes Waylan felt wrong-footed by how their relationship had shifted so drastically. He couldn’t pretend to be just another customer, but he wasn’t a stranger, a one-night stand or a boyfriend. He was stuck in the limbo of being caught halfway between a friend and boyfriend until tonight. This was when they would find out if becoming more was even a possibility.

“Um, shall we go? You’re welcome to drive, as you know the way,” Waylan said, offering the keys to his car.

“Okay.” Channon looked confused but took the keys.

They walked to the parking lot, awkwardly silent after days apart. Waylan had been busy at work, treating his patients, while Channon dealt with preparations for the upcoming Good Friday holiday. He was catering for an event important for his business, and Waylan had tried not to interfere.

Channon unlocked the car and opened the passenger door. Waylan took a deep breath and spun to face him. “I’m sorry this is awkward,” he said, grabbing the strap of his satchel bag. “It’s just new and you’re…you.”

The corners of Channon’s mouth twitched, trying and failing to suppress a smile. “Is that supposed to clear things up?”

Waylan huffed, not bothered by the teasing. “Trust me, I can be much more awkward. You have no idea what you’re letting yourself in for,” he said, slipping into the passenger seat. He liked that they’d moved beyond the strange tension. He wasn’t even remotely good at flirting, and returning to their usual flow and banter was a relief. He liked it better than the long pauses and silences between what few words they did say.

Channon must have felt the same as he was smiling when he got into the car. As he started the engine and drove, he asked about Waylan’s day and listened intently to how he’d started treating his patients.

“The root we found wasn’t the problem, after all. An insect that lives inside the soil has been laying eggs on the leaves that are practically invisible to the eye,” he explained, thrilled to have found the cause. Though Channon frowned, Waylan found the thought fascinating although probably not first date material.

Channon cocked his head but didn’t take his attention off the road. “Go on. What happened to cause the sickness?”

Waylan let Channon’s kindness spur him on. “The insect is common in Dnara and humans who ingest its eggs or the insect itself find it relatively harmless, if unpleasant. Most of their food is washed before being consumed, but the Vihaans who have been visiting the reserve are eating the root freshly plucked or they take some home to their families as a reminder of the Vihaan elham root.”

“Okay.” Channon had the tone that said he was thinking, so Waylan didn’t interrupt. “To find the solution, you need to discover what made the insect and its eggs toxic to Vihaans, right? If it’s common in Dnara and humans can eat the root without getting ill, then you can’t reasonably hope to kill off or monitor the insect.”

“Exactly.” Waylan loved how invested Channon was and that he was always interested in listening to his work theories. It wasn’t that he asked but actively listened and contributed to the conversation so Waylan didn’t feel like he was talking to thin air. “I’ve run tests and discovered the insect produces a fluid harmful to Vihaans. I still need to examine the fluid to create a counter-agent or treatment for the affected.”

“Haven’t you already started treating people?” Channon recalled with a frown.

Waylan was proud of their progress. “The least severe cases have been given a broad-spectrum antibiotic and have been warned to be more careful of what they’re eating. If they must forage for food, they must wash or clean the leaves with a cloth.”

Channon glanced across with a warm smile. “I can’t believe you solved it. You might not have the final solution, but you’re doing everything to protect your patients. I’m proud of you.”

Waylan blinked, not used to anyone being proud of him for doing his job. Tabitha had spent the first few years of his work being proud of every advancement he made but she believed he was fulfilling his calling and honouring the Mother with his abilities. He forgot what a warm feeling he got from having his work recognised.

Channon had always said his skill as a doctor was a blessing from the Mother, but his pride was recognition that the work hadn’t been easy. Waylan worked hard to honour the Mother and the people he cared for, resulting in long hours, little sleep and hours of studying and research, hunched over paperwork and test results.

“Thank you,” he said, staring at Channon, who glanced up in apparent surprise. “I work hard, and I appreciate you acknowledging the time and effort I’ve put in.”

The surprise didn’t fade but Channon dropped his left hand from the wheel and held it out between them, an offer Waylan couldn’t refuse. He slipped a hand into Channon’s and held tight, cherishing this chance to progress their relationship to something more.

*

CHANNON

Channon could feel the nerves waving off Waylan and felt the flutter in his stomach too. He’d been used to dating, hook-ups, casual flings and relationships over the years, but Waylan never took the risk because of Eli. This would be his first real date, and Channon wanted to make it a night to remember.

“You did say you lived in the woods, but this is more secluded than I expected,” Waylan said in a tone that didn’t tell Channon much about his opinion.

“Is that bad?”

Waylan pushed his glasses up. “You tell me. It’s your home,” he replied calmly and casually as the car passed down a long road lined by trees. “Personally, I always liked living privately, but we chose a central location for Eli’s sake when we bought our house. We knew he needed to socialise and grow up Dnaran.”

“I find that I like the solitude, and being in the forest means I can let my kalou out for a decent run at night without worrying about being seen. Plus there’s little traffic,” Channon explained, glad he’d made the decision to buy this place when he had the chance. The solitude was exactly what he needed after a long day surrounded by people.

They approached the property, and Waylan sat forward. “Wow.” He craned his head to take in every angle of the long, low cabin with a wrap-around porch. “This is gorgeous!”

“Thanks.” He rolled his eyes, because he had no idea why he was saying thank you. It wasn’t like he’d done anything to the property except get the driveway soil flattened for a smoother drive. The rest he’d left wild and natural, not wanting to disturb the local wildlife.

The car had barely stopped in the parking space when Waylan opened his passenger door and clicked off his seat belt. He was out the car before Channon could say a word, standing and gazing at the cabin.

Channon left the car and viewed the cabin from a stranger’s eye. It was a typical log cabin with two bedrooms and a kitchen, an en-suite and a main bathroom, even a room at the back of the house that extended the length of the property. He used that room for when he wanted to be a kalou without being out in the torrential rain or foot-deep snow. He’d bought the cabin fully furnished and kept everything but the kitchen, which he updated to his own standards, liking the comfy sofa, big TV and music system. Would Waylan notice?

“Shall we go inside?”

Waylan never took his eyes off the building. Channon took that as a good sign and headed to the front door in the centre of the building. He unlocked it and gestured for Waylan to step inside, then followed.

They walked straight into the open-plan living space with a dining room, a living room and the kitchen, bright from the many windows. Not sure what to say or how to conduct a date in his home―this was the first time he’d made the offer―Channon figured the best place to start was with a tour.

Waylan didn’t say much, but he was smiling as they walked into what he called the sunroom, where he spent the most time when he had the chance to relax. “This is…” Waylan took a deep, obvious inhale and closed his eyes. “It smells like you. Do you spend time here as kalou?”

The wide-eyed look, the amazement in his tone, made Channon’s stomach tighten.

Waylan had been right about his feelings for Caedin and that he’d never dealt with what happened in the past. Adjusting and acknowledging that he’d been hiding from the past wasn’t easy, but with Waylan standing in front of him, he was glad he’d taken that month to question what was in his head and heart.

With Waylan, he could share a life with someone without compromise, never needing to keep secrets from the person he loved. Waylan was part of who Channon was―Vihaan and kalou―and had the same values, the same goals in life.

Yes, he came with extras: a son, a brother, a best friend and a career that occupied most of his life. But Channon had his charity work, food truck and his work with the soup kitchens. Channon could believe in what Waylan did, and he could trust that what they felt was secure and unlikely to fall apart for frivolous reasons. Waylan was the real deal and ready for something that could last forever if Channon accepted what he was offering.

Finally, he was ready.

Channon was sick of waiting for what already felt right. He kissed Waylan and a hand grazed his stomach. He worried he’d moved too fast, that he’d startled Waylan until the fingers curled, fabric bunching beneath his fingers and his lips parted to return the kiss.

Waylan stepped closer to graze a hand against Channon’s jawline. They bumped noses and Waylan’s glasses prodded him. Waylan let slip a soft laugh that Channon feared might ruin the mood, but his eyes sparkled with happiness and lust, and Channon didn’t feel like being sensible tonight. He let his hands drift over Waylan’s waist to squeeze his backside, having been eager to get his hands on it for far too long. Before he could suggest moving this somewhere else, Waylan scratched his nails against Channon’s stubble.

“I can’t stay the night,” he said, following the disappointing words with a light kiss. “I didn’t tell Eli I would be gone tonight…but you did bring my car.”

The hint was all he needed, but when Waylan backed against the wall, Channon didn’t feel like leaving the room. Not even the hope of pinning Waylan to his bed could have him ruining that bright, hot look in Waylan’s eyes.

“Then we better make the most of the time we have.”