five times kissed
One. Isaac’s arm is bandaged from wrist to elbow and it hurts Zach to look at, but Isaac won’t stop scratching the healing cuts through the cloth. Zach takes his arm from him and presses his lips to the bandage. Isaac stops scratching.
Two. It’s after lights-out and Isaac is crying and Zach has climbed into his too-small twin bed to hold him but it doesn’t help so Zach does the only thing he can think of and kisses him. Isaac calms down.
Three. Zach has pressed his hands to his stomach and is struggling not to start crying from how much it hurts. He wants to throw up and Isaac is there telling him not to and then there are lips on his and hands in his hair. He forgets his stomach hurts.
Four. They’ve gotten the news that they’re out tomorrow and they’re celebrating, lips tracing each other’s skin whenever they can steal a moment alone. It’s the first time they say those three little words, but it’s not the last.
Five. It’s been a bad day at home and Zach isn’t sure he can do this. The hospital was easy but he isn’t sure if they can keep going now. He’s hiding in their room curled up on the bed and doesn’t notice Isaac until he kisses him. And then everything is okay.
