Reclaiming Austin

By William Tyler King

Chapter 23

I spent what remained of that night comforting Austin despite feeling sick and worn out. I held him tightly when we retired to our bed in the new apartment. I felt guilty for enjoying being with him when his father had just died, What follows then, is mostly second hand information, as I was unconscious for most of it so I’ll just relay the pertinent facts.

Austin apparently had not been sleeping all that well to begin with until about 3:30 a.m. when I woke him yelling incoherently. I was moaning loudly and grasping at my stomach, muttering “snakes!” over and over. I vaguely remember a dream like image of these living flaming lava tubes popping out of my belly and diving back into it. Austin was freaked out and was about to call an ambulance when he decided he could get me to a hospital quicker. So he scooped me up and set me in the jeep and drove like a demon to Orlando Regional Medical Center (henceforth-O.R.M.C.). Austin carried me into the emergency room and screamed out that he needed some fucking help; I was immediately taken on a gurney to a room in the back where doctors checked on me and ran a barrage of blood tests. Austin didn’t know what else to do when he was escorted outside. Consequently, while he waited he called my mother; then he set to work finding numbers for Mrs. Tremere, Michael, and the new job I was supposed to begin later that morning.

My mother pulled in slightly before six a.m. and was told the doctors were still working on me and that she had to wait with Austin outside. At six thirty a.m., Austin called Mrs. Tremere and Michael, shortly there after, Austin and a young female doctor told my mother that I had slipped into diabetic coma. Austin insisted that that was impossible, as I wasn’t a diabetic; the doctor read the report and said my blood sugar was well over a thousand and that it was very likely that I now did indeed have diabetes. They were shown my room where I laid quietly sleeping, a sharp contrast to what Austin had seen earlier. I had an IV sticking out of my arm and a blood pressure cuff and heart beat monitor on as well. The nurse said this could last for hours or indefinitely, but that most people woke soon after their insulin levels were stabilized.

Michael called into his work to say he wouldn’t be there that day, and showed up to the hospital slightly after seven a.m., he got the news from Austin about my being in a coma and apparently fell apart. My Michael, all six foot six inches of him cried on Austin’s slighter shoulders as my mother hugged him and whispered platitudes to him. When Mrs. Tremere showed up, after eight-thirty, Austin excused himself to call his Mom; his father had just died after all. Michael and my mother told Mrs. Tremere what had happened and was going on currently. Austin was told that his father had requested that he not be at the funeral anyways, so he stiffened and said he couldn’t have gone even if he had been asked to attend, that I was in danger and his place was with me and he was where he needed to be. Austin and his mom talked for quite a while, she told him that they had several relatives with diabetes that were living quite well so he should be strong.

Austin and Michael called Henna and Jorge, and all my older friends. Mom called all the relatives, and Mrs. Tremere talked to Ivan and he told my former bank coworkers. By seven p.m., the waiting are was overflowing with my friends and family and a very despondent Austin. Austin and my Mom stayed most of the time over the next few days; they took turn giving each other breaks and occasionally allowed my other friends or brother to take a turn. Finally, late on Thursday afternoon I opened my eyes and saw my Mom sitting by me reading a book. She almost fell out of her chair when I said “hi” and then closed my eyes and rasped out “can I have a drink, my mouth is dry”

She gasped and stood up as if I were a long dead relative and she said, “Baby, don’t try to sit up, I’ll get your nurse and tell the others! And I’ll check on a drink for you!” Then she came over and gave me a small kiss to my forehead. I lay back as I had no stamina at all and wouldn’t have even thought of standing up, though I was very curious about why I was in a hospital, as I had gone to bed in my new house. In moments, a squadron of nurses descended on me with thermometers, stethoscopes, syringes, and a variety of prods and gizmos.

Finally, a young guy came over and stuck out his hand “Hi Mr. Johnson, I’m Dr. Shallamar; I’d like to ask you a few questions if it’s ok?” I nodded my head and said yes, than I rasped out hoarsely “Is it possible to get a drink, I feel like I’ve gargled a mouthful of hamsters.” The young doctor laughed and then he looked at a young nurse and said, “Can Mr. Johnson get a cup of ice chips please?” She smiled and nodded then left.

“Your Mother’s here and your boyfriend, Mr. Camble, is being contacted at home; he’s supposed to be taking a nap.” When the nurse came back in she handed me a foam cup of ice chips and set a plastic water pitcher by my beside table. I nursed the ice like it was a cup of platinum as the doctor asked me a barrage of questions such as if I knew who the president was (Clinton), where I was (obviously a hospital but not which one) And about my friends and family.

Then the Doctor sat back and took a deep breath, “Mr. Johnson, for the past week you have been in a persistent diabetic coma brought on by uncontrolled type one diabetes mellitus.” I was about to protest that I didn’t have diabetes, but Dr. Shallamar held up his hand and quickly said, “Look, I know you didn’t know you had it, but all those angry moods, that dry mouth, the persistent peeing, being sleepy all the time, all of them are common warning signs.

“Does this mean I have to diet and not eat sugar,” I asked.

“Well partially, but you’ll be taking insulin shots too.” I sat stunned a moment while he read his chart.

“But My grandpa only had to watch what he ate, and loose weight.” I protested weakly.

“That’s the other form of diabetes, Type II, or Adult onset Diabetes. What you have is type one or Juvenile Diabetes. You’re a bit older than we usually see it, but it can occur any time in life. Unfortunately, type one isn’t brought on by being overweight, old, or pregnant, they actually produce some insulin, just not enough for what they need. Your pancreas has ceased to produce any insulin at all.” I must have looked quite weak at that moment, for even the very officious doctor looked at me and closed his note pad. “This can all wait until later, why don’t you just rest and visit your friends and family and you can talk with our diabetic specialist tomorrow and see our nutritionist soon too.” As Dr. Shallamar was leaving, my mother walked in.

“Oh Alex, Honey… “She said closing the distance and bending over to kiss me.

“H, mom,” I said weakly, still choked up by the news I’d just gotten.

“So has he told you what happened yet?” She asked sitting in the chair by my bed.

“Well, he said I was in a coma all week, and that I… uhhh, that I had diabetes.” I said closing my eyes and laying back.

“Yes Honey, but we’ll all be here for you. Austin has been getting information all week so he can help with your shots and your diet. They had a class about the disease and he sat in on it. I think it helped him because he’s been just lost without you. I think it’s helped him feel more at ease with what needs to be done and that there’s hope that there would be a future with you.” She said taking my hand and squeezing it slightly.

I felt like crying, how could all this be happening, I wasn’t fat, I ate good, I worked out and exercised… WHY did I have this? In truth though, I was just too tired to think about it anymore. I’d fallen asleep within minutes of Mom entering the room and taking my hand. Later, I awoke to a very soft kissing of my lips and a firm hand holding the hand my mother’s soft hand had held as I drifted off. I knew that kiss and just responded instinctively by kissing back.

“Hussy, you aren’t even going to open your eyes to see who it is first?” Austin teased above me. I opened my eyes to see his beaming face looking down on me. “I know who it is. I’d know that kiss anywhere!” I protested weakly.

“Baby, you’ve had me so fucking scared…” Austin said softly. The lights were soft now and we were alone.

“Now you know how I felt…” I said closing my eyes but smiling weakly.

“You’re lucky I know you didn’t fucking plan this… you little drama queen.” Austin said sternly.

I stuck my tongue out at him, “You’re mean!”

He stopped the teasing abruptly, scooped me up in a massive hug; carefully avoiding the IVs and monitors. “God fucking damn it Alex, I was so fucking scared! I’m just so fucking glad you’re ok now.” He said sighing as he held me tightly, his fears washing over me and he began to sob softly on my shoulders.

“But I’m not ok Austin…” I protested softly, “I have diabetes apparently, and they don’t know why…” I said as I gently stroked his hair. “I have to start taking shots I guess…”

Austin wiped the hair from my face and I realized I hadn’t bathed in a weak. “Baby…” He pleaded softly as he kissed my hands. “I’ll help with your shots and your diet; I’m just fucking glad as hell you woke up. Your mom and I really bonded this weak, and poor Michael is a wreck… A lot of people are here, Marika, Henna… Natasha… Glen, Dennis… God man, you have a lot of really close fucking friends and we’ve all been fucking wrecks!” I looked up at Austin. “Just friends?” Austin smiled warmly then bent over to kiss me “And family you little fucker”

“Austin?” I pleaded with my eyes as he stood up. I didn’t want him going anywhere at the moment.

“Yeah baby?” he cooed back at me.

“Will you hold my hand until I fall back asleep please?” I asked reaching for him.

“You mean like I have all week while you were sleeping?” I nodded so he took my hand and kissed my head softly as he sat there sharing his strength as I wandered back to sleep.

Rudely, twice more that night the nocturnal ghouls woke me, wanting blood and vital statistics for their charts. Finally, at six a.m., a tray was arrived with cold eggs, a piece of wheat toast, a pat of margarine, tea with sweet and low, and two cold pieces of bacon. Although I ate it, a large part of me was praying this was just hospital food and not what I’d be sentenced to eat the rest of my life.

About eight thirty a.m. I got my first visitor.

“Hello? May I come in?” An older woman asked at my door, I bid her in and looked at her plain skirt, blouse, and shoes before it hit me whom this was.

‘Mrs. Camble?” I gasped out, totally not expecting her. She got a knowing smile and put a large card on my desk.

“Yes Alex, I came by to check on you. You had us worried something fierce. Poor Austin…” She couldn’t finish her thought. I suddenly remembered knowing that Austin’s dad had just died.

“Oh, Mrs. Camble, I’m so sorry about Mr. Camble.” I said laying back to rest my head.

She stopped cold than gave me a small knowing smile, “Your mama has got to be proud of you Alex.” She said coming over to my bedside.

“Yes Ma’am, I think she is.” I said humbly.

“Well thank you, it’s been difficult, but to be very honest, I’m not sure we’d have been together longer anyway…” She said giving me a weak smile.

“I don’t understand.” I said looking at her not comprehending.

“Darling.” She said touching my hand maternally, “He was coming between a mama and her only son. I may not agree with your lifestyle, or all of Austin’s choices, but doesn’t mean I don’t love my son, or that I don’t think you’re a fine young man.”

I was about to pass out from her revelation. All I could do was say “Thank you Ma’am!” I have thought about it a great deal since then and wish at the time I’d said more, but considering how close my brain was to shutting down, I guess I was lucky to say what I did. “Thank you Mrs. Camble, Austin should make you very proud too, he’s a wonderful guy.” She didn’t respond, but I could see the conflict in her eyes, how proud she was, but wishing I was a girl telling her that.

“There’s a big pink elephant in this room Alex, and we both see it but don’t know how to address it and still be polite.” She said standing and looking out the window. “Yes Ma’am, but we have to address him cause I’m too tired to pretend I don’t see him.” I said with a sigh.

Mrs. Camble stood in the window and turned to face me, the morning sun shining about her, “I’ll be honest Alex, I pray he comes to his senses and finds a nice girl and marries her and brings me lots of grandchildren, the way good southern men are supposed to do.” She looked down at her feet at that point. “But you’re a very well mannered boy, and he’s plum crazy about you…” She looked my way from over her shoulder, “you keep my boy happy and I’ll try to learn to accept this ok?”

I got a tear in my eye, “Mrs. Camble, after he learns all the changes we’ll face and what that’s going to mean for us, , I don’t expect he’ll be with me much longer anyways, so you might get your wish…” I said turning to face the other direction.

She returned in a swift, determined stroll to the side of my bed, “Now you listen here Alex…” her voice unexpectedly sounding very much like my mother’s. “My boy was a wreck while you were in a coma, he barely left your side, he’s learned how to give you shots, what to do for emergencies…Alex, you give my boy some credit! You didn’t see the way he worried over you, you didn’t have to listen to him cry when he though he might loose you.” She stopped and shook her head and laughed to herself dismissively. “I can’t believe I’m here trying to talk you into staying with my boy!” Her determined look turned to one of sadness.

“Maybe it’s for the best if he leaves me...” I said turning back to look out the window.

“Now how’d you feel if he walked hisself away? Can you imagine your life all alone…?” She said. I began tearing up imagining my life with out Austin. “And how do you think he’ll feel if you turn him away?” She said further. “You’re upset sugar, its ok, it’s what anybody that goes through this feels. Take a while to make your mind up about things, okay?”

I nodded and continued crying, “Thank you Mrs. Camble.” I sobbed.

“Calm yourself down honey, won’t do no one no good all worked up like that.” She said placing a hand on my shoulder. I nodded and tried to stop crying. “I’m… I’m ok Mrs. Camble… Thank you for coming by.”

“Alex, you’re gonna be just fine, Now be strong ok? I gotta go, but your Momma and Austin will be back here soon. You have a nice day sugar.” After a weak smile, she gave a small kiss to the air and winked at me, a moment later she was gone.

An hour later, a tall dark haired girl entered and introduced herself as Maria. She said she was the diabetic specialist and wanted to talk to me about living with diabetes. She talked a bit and gave me very enthusiastic responses about how it wasn’t a big deal anymore.

I however replied with, “But I can still loose my limbs or go blind?”

“Well yes but…” I cut her off with, “And I can suffer from sexual dysfunction and be on dialysis way sooner then other guys my age, right?”

“Yes Mr. Johnson but…”

I cut her off again, “I’m going to have to take shots several times a day the rest of my life and will never again have the freedom to eat what I want to?”

Maria set her note pad down on my desk, sat down, and gave me a long stare… “Are you done now?” She finally asked when I’d stopped.

“I am unless you try painting a rosy picture again.” I said flatly.

“Fair enough, yes, all that can be true, Diabetes comes with a lot of rotten side effects, it’s a tough disease, and no one can honestly tell you otherwise.” She said as she picked up her note pad again. “My job here isn’t to try and tell you that discovering you have diabetes is like winning a new car, it’s telling you how you can avoid all those pitfalls.”

I laid my head back and said, “Why can’t you just give me a new pancreas?” I closed my eyes then tightly suppressing a sob…

“Well, Mr. Johnson, there are scientists working on that, but it’s not a real option right now. But we do have some great new treatments and new insulin’s…”

I looked over at her and said weakly, “I’m really tired right now, can we do this later please?”

She moved in her seat, trying to think of what to say, finally however, she stood up and I heard her notepad close, “Ok Mr. Johnson, I’ll come by tomorrow, maybe we can talk then… we’ll have to before you’re allowed to leave you know?” A lone tear escaped my eye as I tried to will myself better.

About four p.m. Austin showed up and walked in smiling and looking all Abercrombie and Fitch like. “Hey gorgeous!” He smile was so bright he beamed from across the room. I couldn’t help but give a brief smile back, even if I was depressed beyond all recognition. “Sooooo….. Word up at the nurse’s station is that you’re being a fucking miserable and ornery little cuss…” He said coming over and kissing my forehead as he sat on the bed beside me. “What gives baby? The nurses are only trying to do their fucking jobs?” Austin asked as he reached down and took my hand in his. I just teared up as I tried to think of what to say. “Hey, hey, hey Alex, calm down baby…” Austin said as he spun off the bed and reached down to hold me. “Wow, my mom said you were depressed, but… Dude, I wasn’t expecting this.” He said softly as he pulled me up to his chest.

“Will you PLEASE stop being so nice to me? Please?” I sobbed loudly on his chest as I tried to stop so I could talk to him.

“I love you, of course I’m gunna be fucking nice to you… dumb ass!” Austin teased down at me. “Alex, I went fucking crazy when you were in a coma, no one could make me smile, everyone around here was a wreck… I’m not here cause I feel sorry for you, I certainly don’t think of you as fucking weak or sick… Alex, look in my eyes…” He said like a small command, so I looked up, my eyes still wet with tears. “I’m here, because the past few days helped me fucking see what you mean to me. Alex, I’m a total wreck without you; without your guidance… Baby, when I say I love you, dude, it’s a mixture of wanting you, needing you, and knowing with out a fucking doubt that no one else can make me as happy as you do. I was so totally pissed cause I couldn’t even call you up and talk to you about what I was feeling.”

I was sobbing on his chest as he held me protectively in his arms. It was maybe five minutes later that he hugged me tightly and said “Ok baby, this position is killing me…” And he got up and stood for a moment looking down on me before pulling the chair up to the bed and sitting down, taking my free hand in his and just smiling at me.

“How the fuck am I gonna pay for all this?” I suddenly let out crying again. “sssshhhhhhhhhhhh” Austin soothed gently, “It’s all taken care of baby, Ivan said you’re still insured even if you haven’t started at the new place yet, and Henna and Marika are coming in later to show you all the money people have donated to what they’re calling the ‘Alex-Aid’ fund…”

I don’t know why, but that amazed me so much, “What, really?” I asked.

“Yeah, they already did a benefit for you, and so did Natasha, honey, don’t worry, the bill is taken care of already, I was worried about it too.” Austin was smiling his award-winning grin at me and I just melted. “Sooooooo,” He said with a teasing smirk, I looked up not knowing where he was going with his jest. “You won my Mom over this morning huh?”

I rolled my eyes, “Well we talked…” I said.

“Must have been some fucking talk I’m guessing.” Austin teased as he pulled my hand up to kiss my fingers.

“It was nice though,” I said softly, then added, “since she and I wouldn’t even recognize each other outside a hospital.” I said sarcastically.

“Dude,” Austin began teasing me, “She hasn’t blessed our marriage yet, not sure we should fucking expect that, but she really likes you. Hell, she ‘warned’ me not to hurt you… She said, (mimicking her voice badly) ‘He’s a nice young man, he comes from good breeding, but he’s in a bad way now Austin Camble, don’t you go and hurt him none!’” he said wagging his finger in my face.

“Alex, dude, she never even said that about any of my girlfriends.” Austin said with a crazy smirk, I looked up too amazed to know what to say, I kinda just shrugged for lack of a better response. “Dude, you have some weird thing that makes everyone want to take care of you…” Austin said kissing my hand.

I looked up and smirked. He had broken my solemn mood and found the chink in my armor, my sense of humor was slowly returning. “Well, too fucking bad, that’s your job from now on!” I said winking at him…

“Baby, trust me, everyone fucking knows that already.” He said beaming at me. “So can I tell the nurses it’s safe for them to come in here again?” He said smirking.

“Yeah, but why didn’t someone think to write, ‘must only be approached with a tall sexy gay athlete in the room’ in my chart?” I said laying back and taking his hand with me. Austin shrugged as he stood up, “I think it’ll be in there by tomorrow sport!” Then he leaned over and kissed my head, “be back in a few seconds.” Then he left for the nurses’ station.

Austin sat with me all after noon and into the night as first the nutritionist and then the diabetic specialist came and talked to me, Austin held my hand and talked soothingly to me whenever things seemed to be too much for me and I’d start tearing up. When they left, we were alone for a while. Austin got into bed with me and held me to his chest, “Thank you baby.” He said kissing my forehead.

“For what hon? You’ve been the champ in all this.” I replied in true confusion.

“For waking up and being ok, for not leaving me… God!” He choked up, I could feel him quiver, “Sorry, you just had me so fucking scared, you had all of us praying and promising anything if you’d only wake up and be ok.” He said hugging me tightly.

We were kissing passionately when I heard a loud voice exclaim, “Good god almighty, the two of you never stop! TELL me he’s awake and you aren’t just molesting him PLEASE?” Marika begged.

“Marika!” I said sitting up with a smile.

“Hey sugar, how you feeling baby?” She said coming over and kissing my forehead. We talked for a while and then she said, ‘So, has your Fiancée given you the money we raised yet?”

I was about to answer when Austin said, “No hon, I did tell him about it though, and I did tell him you were coming in with another surprise for him though.” Austin said. Then he added, “Actually, I’ve already put a down payment on a new Porsche.”

“Oh cool!” I added quickly, “We’ll look so good on our get away video!”

Marika just scowled, “Neither of you are half as funny as you think you are!” Marika said putting a folder down and then sitting in the chair by me. “Now YOU Mrs. Drama queen, we have alllll had way more than enough of all your antics! So cut it out!” Then she smiled sweetly, “kay?”

I smiled at her and said as weakly as I could, “you just want me better so you can pick on me. *cough, cough*!” Marika burst out laughing, “Shut it! drama queen, Austin, you make him stop!”

Austin just shrugged and smiled, “YOU make him stop, I’m just happy he’s still here to fuck with!” He said as he reached over for my outstretched hand.

“Baby…” Marika said to me, “You better treat this man like GOLD! I ain’t never seen a man break down the way he did worrying about your ass.”

I squeezed his hand, both out of gratitude, and because I knew, he was giving her his tough macho posturing. “Yeah, like gold…” I said softly looking up in his blue eyes.

“Now!” She said sitting up and reaching for her folder, “I brought these so you could learn the music before we have to perform these.” She said flipping the folder open before me on my beside tray.

“WHAT?” Austin exclaimed impatiently. “Marika, he almost died… He’s not singing now!” Austin was so cute and growly when he was protecting me.

“Easy there papa bear… “ Marika said with her hands up, “I gave him Christmas music for our concert in two weeks, he’ll be out and back to work by then I’m guessing… Besides, he should already know the music; I’m just making sure he has it all to refresh his memory.”

I flipped through the folder than gasped and said, “You want ME to dress like the Virgin Mary?” I expected Austin to jump up and defend me again…instead he stood with crossed arms and asked her, “But he’ll have big boobs right?”

I snapped out, “NO I won’t, I’m not dressing like a woman asshole!”

Marika was laughing, “You two!” Austin just smirked at me. I lay back down and grumbled. “Well Alex, I’m very glad you’re feeling better, Robert will be in tomorrow and God only knows when Phil and Tiago will be here? But I’ll visit soon, maybe this weekend if you’re still here.” She leaned over and kissed my forehead and left.

The next day Austin sat with me as I talked with all the specialists, he held me and groomed me as I tried to shave and take a shower. He wouldn’t let me anywhere near a mirror, saying, “You lost about 30 pounds while you were sick, most of it came from muscles…” He sounded very matter of fact about it, but I knew he was worried about how I’d react.

“Guess this means I’ll never catch up to you now…” I lamented as he washed my hair.

“It means,” He said correcting me, “That we’ll be spending a lot more time in the gym from now on.”

After lunch, Austin tried to take me for a walk around the corridors of the hospital. I was surprised at how quickly I became winded and tired. Austin nearly carried me back to the room and I fell asleep moments later.

When I awoke later, my Mom was sitting there reading. “Hey baby, I heard you were quite the athlete today.” She said as she came over to kiss my head. I rolled my eyes, “Twenty Seven years olds and I can’t make it across a damn hall way without collapsing.” I was pissed.

“Honey, you were almost dead! I don’t mean to make light of what you’re going through, but honey, we almost lost you… it’s going to take some time and work to get your stamina and energy back, but you will, Baby! You have an army of friends and loved ones that want to help you…so just relax a little honey. It’ll take time, but you’ll get there.”

I hung my head… “Yeah Mom, I know… Thanks!” So, we talked about my family and what everyone was up to, what everyone said and did when they found out I was in the hospital. Mom told me how Austin looked like a florist in the new place with all the flowers and bouquets that couldn’t be left at the hospital.

That afternoon Michael showed up. “Ok Little Mrs. Drama Princess, just cut the shit and get outta bed!” He bellowed on the way into my room, scaring poor Daniel and Christian to death.

“Hi Michael, nice to smell you too… I suppose.” I quipped back lying against my pillow.

“I didn’t get you any damned flowers!” He stated flatly.

“Honey, you need to save your money for breath mints!” I said turning to watch Daniel and Christian laughing.

“I don’t know why I even bothered to come by and check on you!” He said shaking his head.

“Baby, I heard all about how you were crying and threatening the doctors and nurses if they didn’t help me… so drop the act ya big softie!”

Michael gave Daniel and Christian sideways looks and then shrugged, “I was a little crazy- so sue me!” He shrugged. “It was sweet Michael- and it may only be me saying this because I’ve been starved all week, but I love you too.” Michael made a strange face then turned to face Daniel and Christian, “I trust you value your lives enough to keep this little secret of ours? Can’t have people thinking I’m soft or sentimental or anything…” Michael said with an implied threat…

Daniel laughed and said “For a dollar I’ll tell everyone you didn’t even show up here!”

Michael thought about it than said, “No, for a dollar I get Christian for a night!”

“And what about Jason?” I added with a jab of my foot to Michael’s side.

“Oh him! Uhhh, well… He’s in LA now… and while the cats away…”

“While YOUR Boyfriend’s away, the faggot boy better damned well keep his pants on!” I added with a grin. Christian grinned too; he’d loosened up a great deal since meeting us.

“Asshole!” Michael grinned back at me.

By the end of the week, I was ready to kill to get out of there! Everyone I’d ever known had visited me; Austin had brought me pictures of the legendary botanical gardens our house had become since I’d been in the hospital. He and Natasha had planted a great many of the live plants I’d received so a new garden was waiting for me when I got home.

Austin and Natasha and the girls had been busy while I’d been away, even Michael and Glen had come over to lend a hand, the place was totally set up when I got home, and as I found out later, Austin and Mrs. Tremere had gone though the cabinets getting rid of any possible temptation for a newly diagnosed diabetic. Everything was now “Low carb-high protein” or artificially sweetened. As Austin pointed out to me though, of major importance was that I was already used to my coffee with sweet-n-low since that’s how my grandparents had always made it and what I’d always had growing up. As Michael had already said to Austin and repeated to me, the ‘place looked like Martha Stewart blew chunks all over it’ with all the flowers and the flowery stuff the previous owners had left up. And that was before Austin and Christian and Daniel had put up the new Christmas tree and lights and decorated the place with sparkly gold, silver, red and green foil crap.

At noon I did my first blood test on my fingers and scored a 152, a little high but not too serious. Austin was upset though and blamed it on the emotions of finally getting out of the hospital. He drew up my insulin and told me to “drop trou’” Since he’d appointed himself my loyal shot giver. It was actually a little erotic bending over for him, as he pinched and then poked my ass. After he was done, he continued to pet my ass and lamented, “I have missed this ass so much this past week.” Then he swatted it and said, “Ok perv, pull the pants up unless you want me to poke it again.” I just stayed there bent over while he laughed then redressed me. “Later perv, we got a lot people to see and have to get some Christmas shopping done first.”

“Why do we have to go see the people? Hell, all of them saw me in the hospital this week already!” I asked bewildered.

“Cause that’s what’s done stupid!” Austin replied, as if it was just the most common sense thing to do in the world… I assumed it was a Southern thing.

So, we went on a traveling spree all across Central Florida and thanked the people for their flowers and good wishes. When Korma offered me a Pepsi, something as natural to her to as my British friends offering me tea, Austin nearly backhanded me as he flung a protective arm to shield me from the evil and offensive sugar. “He can’t have a regular Pepsi anymore Korma- ALL he can have is unsweetened ice tea, coffee, or a diet soda. Or water I guess.” Austin said like a protective parent.

I took a deep breath then looked up at Korma who was blushing and apologizing. “I’m sooo sorry Alex-I forgot…”

I held my hand up, “It’s ok Hon, how ’bout a Diet Pepsi?” I asked since I knew it was all she drank.

“Ok hon…” She said leaving.

“Austin, you CAN’T do that every time someone tries to get me a drink or forgets and offers me a desert- it’s just common courtesy, and let’s face it- I don’t look different so people forget. But honey, you can’t attack everyone who forgets okay,” I chaffed at him before Korma came back in the room. Austin blushed and hung his head. I reached over and cuffed him playfully before Korma stepped in with our drinks.

Later that day as we sat at Michael’s he grinned over at me and asked, “Want some Apple pie or a big piece of Chocolate cake?” He smirked as Austin about blew a gasket.

“Ok, remember what I said earlier about being nice when someone tempts me?”

“Yea…” He grumbled.

“Well, all bets are off if it’s Michael being a wiener!” I said with sadistic glee.

“HEY!” Michael pleaded as Austin sprang up and closed with him. “Are you REALLY gonna have me put your Fiancée in the hospital; right after you get out?” Michael asked as he stood up and held his ground.

“You’ll be right next me smart ass…” Austin growled as he flexed his massive bicep for show.

“Ok, Ok boys, relax, no one gets hurt today…” I sighed, proud as hell of Austin and his mating strut.

That night as we were sitting looking over the stuff we’d bought for Christmas, a car pulled up. As Austin got up and went to the door, a voice called out through our kitchen window, “Hey asshole, open up!” It was Nathan.

“Nate!” Austin greeted him as he opened the front door.

“Hey Austin, Hi Alex! You feeling better now that you’re out?” He asked which surprised me because I didn’t even know he’d known I’d been in the hospital.

“Yea, it’s nice to be home!” I said with a smile at Nathan’s upbeat stance.

“Hey Austin, I brought something over for you, it’s part… well, it’s partially something Joe left you, and partly an early Christmas present… I’m bringing it early or late depending one which way you look at it.”

Austin cocked his head to one side, not knowing what Nathan meant… “Huh?”

Nathan opened the door back up behind him and bid Austin and me to follow him. “Joe left me his car and said I should think about letting you have it since I already got one…” Nate said as he walked back to a sharp little red truck under our streetlight. “But I knew you’d feel as weird driving his car as I would, and I know you needed one, so I used it as a trade in and paid the rest to get you this S-10 extended cab pick up!”

“FUCK!” Austin and I said at the same time, then we both talked at once. “Nate, this must have cost a fortune!” I said as Austin said “Jesus fucking Christ Nate! I just can’t… Holy shit!”

Nate just stood there beaming. “It ain’t really ‘new’ but it’s close, it’s in really good shape. I got it for a great price and Joe’s car went for a lot, I checked it out, and it’s in great shape.” He said with sad reverence.

“If you don’t think it’s too grim, Austin said slowly, “I think I’ll name it Joe.” Austin said softly putting his hand reverently on his new truck! “Thank you Nate, I-I-I just can’t thank you enough…” Austin said with great respect.

“Awww shut up, if I’d known you get all mushy…” Nate teased though he never stopped grinning.

“Hey, you want to come in for some coffee or tea or something?” I asked since it was getting a little nippy out in the mid December night.

“Yeah, coffee sounds good. I’m guessing you only drink the good stuff.” Nate said with a smirk, hinting at my being gay and there fore classier than “normal folk” I just smiled at him since in this case, he was right.

“Got ya, for you I’ll break out the Kona and ignore the 8-O-clock,” I teased.

“Austin cook any of his deserts?” Nathan asked.

“Sorry, he threw them all out when he found out I had diabetes.” I sighed.

Nate looked shocked, “You have what?”

“That’s why I was in the hospital Nate.” I said assuming he’d known.

“I didn’t know Alex, dude, I’m sorry, god you must think I’m a total ass.” He lamented.

I smiled at him as I held the door for him. “Look at the smile you put on Austin’s face Nate… I couldn’t be happier with you right now if you’d gotten me the new truck.” I said as I closed the door and let Austin explore his new toy.

“Dude, I’m sorry, my grandpa and Uncle have diabetes, I know it gets rough watching what you eat all the time.” Nate said sounding suddenly a lot more human.

“It’s gonna take some getting used to, the diet and all the shots and shit, but Austin’s appointed himself my official nurse maid- so…” I grinned at Nate as I put the coffee pot on.

“Yeah, that ass loves to take care of his girlfriends…” Nate stopped and was ready to apologize when I started laughing.

“Relax Nate-like it or not, that’s what I am now.”

“No you ain’t, but I’m sorry. It’ll just take a while to start talking about Austin and his boyfriend.” Nate said with a sardonic grin-it was obviously still a new idea for him.

“Dude, just relax, you won’t offend me unless you say something mean on purpose… I know the difference.”

Nate grinned up at me with a strange look, “That’s cool dude, you’re all right.”

Austin popped in just then looking like a lottery winner. “Dude, Nate… I don’t know what to say! I mean, thank you so much… Man, that’s one cherry truck!”

Nate laughed and grinned as I set out the sugar and cream. “Austin, dude, after all the shit I’ve done this past year, it’s the least I can do for you. I know Joe would be happy as shit to know he’d helped.”

“Nate, we’ve been friends most of my life… you don’t owe me anything-this was just awesome though-God damnned-thank you.” Austin said shaking Nate’s hand.

I put out the coffee and made my own with sweet-n-low and cream and poured cups for Austin and Nathan.

“Thank you…” Nathan said as I handed him the cup.

“Are you kidding me Nate? Thank you!” I said with a warm smile. “Now don’t you go getting all mushy on me too- I can’t take a house full of men getting all weepy on me.” Nate said with a self-depreciating grin.

Austin drove Nate back home later while I cleaned up. He came back later and beeped his horn. When I went to see what he wanted, he yelled, “Come on, go get your jacket and get in- I want to drive around a bit.” I went and grabbed my bomber jacket and climbed in next to my leather-clad boy friend. “How bout we get some coffees at Mr. Donut then walk around Lake Eola?” Austin asked as we pulled out. The truck was immaculate and had a distinctly Austin smell to it now. I lay across the bench seats and laid on his jean-covered lap.

“Whatever you say honey.” I said glad for his good mood after all the stress I’d put him through the past week. As we drove then walked around the busy nightspot, we saw Christmas decorations on the light posts, some of the hotels, the condos, and some of the more adventurous private homes. Later that night, we sipped our drinks as we strolled around the chilly park. The night was crisp and clear and felt like a night in a big northern city with all the twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and far away traffic. We drove back slowly, me cuddled against his leather-clad chest and leaning my head on his shoulder and he drove with his right arm over my shoulder hugging me to him serenely.

The next day was Saturday and Austin didn’t work until that evening. I’d decided to go visit the Seattle Scene and hang out with the group for the evening. That morning, about 10 o’clock, Austin walked out of the bedroom wearing a pair of beat up shorts, his white cowboy hat, (we now had a white and a black for him, and a white for me) and a days growth on his face.

“Hey Sexy, where you heading all shirtless and sexy as edible hell?” I asked as I sipped my coffee and relaxed at the table.

Austin got a big grin and flexed as he smiled at me, “Cole and I are gonna work in the yard, I think I’m mowing today.” He offered as he headed out the door.

I said, “Ok sport! I’ll come out and help…”

“NO you aren’t!” Austin snapped as he chastised me. “You aren’t doing any work until you get back in shape-I’m not gonna jeopardize your health!” I got a big grin at his growly protectiveness. Then I reached for the phone… “Who you calling?” Asked Austin.

“Michael, He’ll die if he finds out I’ve been watching you sweat all day and didn’t call him.” Austin laughed as I saw a shirtless Cole walk up.

“Ok, you can sit outside and perv- but NO getting out of your seat!” I kissed Austin as I filled my cup and rang Michael. I sat outside in the shade sipping coffee as I watched my big muscled boyfriend and Cole pushing the mower around and pruning the bushes. Michael joined me about lunchtime and brought Subway subs for Austin and Cole. After lunch Natasha came and joined our little soirée dressed in a billowing something, I called it a nightgown and was then, summarily “shuuushed” by Natasha who gave me an opened hand dismissal.

About one that afternoon Austin jumped in the pool as it was still a warm day and the pool hadn’t yet been drained. After another half hour of work, the shirtless hunk in the cowboy hat walked up to me huffing. “You enjoy watching me work hard?” He asked with a sexy grin.

I stood up, licked the middle of his salty chest, stopped at his right nipple, and sucked away. Suddenly a big hand was pressing my face into the warm chest. “Ohhhhhhhh yeeeaaaahhhhhh, God I’ve missed that mouth.” Austin groaned.

“Baby, all you had to do was ask I’d have licked you…” Michael was saying from behind me. Without a word, I spun around, cupped Michael’s balls, and began to squeeze. “FUCKEN-A!” Michael yelped as he bent over. “Call this little rotweiler off me!” he yelped as Cole, Natasha and Austin laughed.

“MINE!” was all I said before turning back to nurse on Austin’s other nipple.

“Michael, honey, I’d be careful around that one, even with all the muscles he lost, his teeth and claws are still sharp as shit.” Natasha said with her arm around the ever stoic Cole.

“Alex, I hate to rush you or disturb what you’re doing, but Austin has got be at work by four…” Natasha said as she walked to her house. I started to pull Austin toward our bungalow… “This means, he doesn’t have time to fuck you!” She added without turning around.

“SHIT!” I said loudly…. “Well come on, we have time for a warm shower at least.”

In the shower I washed and shampooed him, but try as I might, every sexual overture was ignored or rebuffed. “I gotta get to work sweetie!” He’d plead as he swatted my hands off his dick.

He drove us to the P house and I watched him get dressed in his cowboy outfit… Natasha came over and interrupted us as I was sliding his chaps off… Then she shooed me away, so in defeat I drove Austin’s new truck over to the Seattle Scene.

Chloe, one of the servers, was the first to recognize me and hug me as a greeting when I entered. Then Henna and Jorge followed, and after their practice set was over, Marika and the band came over to check on me. I guess from all the action and the emotions, I began to get dizzy as I sat there listening and bantering with the regulars and the band. As I sat there, I began to feel very strange, my stomach was gurgling at me and I began to feel both faint and panicky. Marika commented how pale I’d gotten and told Henna to get me a muffin and something to drink. When Henna exclaimed that I was diabetic and couldn’t have sweets any more, Marika said, “honey-Alex is going into a diabetic insulin reaction, if he doesn’t get something to eat soon, he’ll be back in the hospital…” Henna ran and got me a blueberry muffin and had Chloe make me an iced Latte. My blood sugar had fallen to dangerous levels and I all but ate the paper liner around the muffin. I ate with a panicky feeling of urgency, as though I couldn’t get the food in me fast enough. Half an hour later, I felt fine, as though nothing had happened. Marika came over and sat with me after her first set.

“Baby, from now on, you have to start taking better care of yourself, you have to eat better and for god’s sake, why aren’t you carrying around some type of hard candy or something in case you get low blood sugar? What if you were some place that didn’t have food?” Marika had learned a lot about Diabetes both from her father who had the other kind of diabetes and from her sister, Tamara, who was a nurse. Later that night I wasn’t allowed to leave on my own after my silly reaction, I swore I was better but the group was adamant. Finally, Tiago said he’d drive me to the P house in Austin’s truck and if he couldn’t find his own way back, we could drive him back to his car after Austin was done with his shift.

While I had been at the Seattle Scene, Marika and I and the band had discussed the upcoming Christmas event, she asked if we could do a toned down version-i.e. ‘More religious’ for her church, and we ask agreed we’d love to. Then, as Robert and Phil began discussing a way to decorate the stage like a manger, I hatched an idea. Marika saw my eyes and smirk and asked, “Okay you aren’t even back yet and I can smell you plotting something… what gives Alex?” I smiled and said I loved the idea of the decorations… and really, I did. I didn’t elaborate further as I knew she and Robert would object.

When I got to the P-house, I walked in the back dressing room and waited for Austin to finish his last number. He came back a few minutes later dressed in black leather shorts and a chainmail shirt carrying a prop sword. GOD almighty was he hot! “Hey you- back already?” he greeted me with a kiss to my cheek.

“No, I’m still there drinking Latté.” I replied with a smirk as he shed his mail.

“You’re such a shit sometimes!” He rolled his eyes and replied as he held his sword to my chin.

“Ok, I give up-rape me and pillage my village!” I said with a hungry look in my eyes.

“Honey, if you’re gonna give up that easy, you should say it in French!” Natasha said as she walked in dressed as a Massi warrior. They’d just done her version of Scandal’s “I am the warrior.”

“I don’t want him to misunderstand me.” I said as a plea as Austin bent over to kiss me.

“Trust me whore dog, he’s not going to misunderstand you-especially with that hard on in your shorts.” Natasha quipped as Austin cupped my hard on and rubbed it.

“Ooohhhhh, god, I think we need a few minutes alone…” I moaned as Austin laughed.

“Nope- we’d need hours baby- think you can wait until I get you home?” I held his arm so his hand remained where it was as I humped his big hand. “Can you?” I asked breathing hard in his chest.

After we’d disentangled, I told Natasha and Austin I needed their help. I asked Natasha if she had any tiger material left from Halloween, or what else she might have in animal prints. She showed me a bunch of Tiger skins, Leopard, Cheetah, a variety of browns and buckskin materials and a few black furs. Then I asked Austin if he could get a few more dancers for me?

Awhile later Tiago told Austin about my reaction, which did little to ease his mind, and he all but carried me to his truck. “Damn it Alex, I told you, you needed to eat more…” He admonished on the drive home. Once home he had me test my sugar then sat there and made me eat a peanut butter sandwich before he ushered me to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Austin tried to baby me and act all parental and protective, but my soft touches and pleading eyes, and a bit of seduction finally had him enter me and pound me into submission. More than just wanting him, same as always, this time I “needed” him. I needed him to prove to me that some things weren’t going to change. The next morning we drove to the gym and I began trying to regain all the muscle tone I’d lost. It was amazing how much weaker I’d gotten in two weeks.

Later that day I practiced Christmas songs while Austin watched some sports team loose on TV, I pretended to be upset and consoled him after they’d lost and while he returned my hug he quipped “Thank you Alex, even if you couldn’t care less who won or lost.” I kissed his bare chest and said, “I care if you do…”

He kissed the top of my head and said “Thanks sweetness, But I wonder if Cole is watching the games-I think I need some male enthusiasm…”

“Well, if the academy awards come on I’ll show you enthusiasm… but grown men throwing spherical objects? Well, unless their naked...” I smirked as I picked up the folder and began singing silent night. Austin smiled and waved on his way out the door.

Saturday we gathered at the Seattle Scene and wore our best suits, I wore the pinstriped suit Ryan had bought me. Tiago had on a brown sweater and a pair of reindeer antlers they were funny as hell to watch as he was drumming away and they just bobbed and rocked rhythmically. … Austin and three of his friends were in the dressing room/supply closet waiting for me.

We started our set with a warm welcome and wished everyone a merry Christmas. I announced that Henna had made a big batch of both warm hot chocolate and a pot of mulled cider. We sang a few favorites before our first break, when the lights went out I gathered my men near the manger and waited with them, kissing the shirtless Austin. When the lights came back up the audience saw the half-naked men wearing animal print loincloths and Tiago and Phil in reindeer antlers and Robert in a giraffe print tie. Marika, who’d been kept out of the loop stood there with a shocked look on her face. “What in gods name are you doing?” She asked me mystified. I shrugged and said, “You put goats and sheep in your manger and I’ll put the animals I like in mine.” Marika was as near to verklempt as anyone I’d ever seen. “You are NOT bringing them to my church tomorrow!” She stated. “Nooooo, they’re on loan from the P-house, cept the Reindeer Tiger and Giraffe.” I said. One of the guys, a red haired named Bryan Okter, came up in his leopard skin loincloth and made a loud purring noise as he rubbed his head against me. I began our next set then as I pet Bryan and then scratched Austin under his chin and behind his ears.

The last part of our first performance was all Marika. With all the lights out, we put a blue spotlight on her and in her lowest alto began a note that was so hauntingly low and pure it caused shivers on me even though I knew what song she was doing as she’d been practicing it for over a week.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need - to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

Marika sang with a power and conviction that was as haunting as it was captivating. The audience sat transfixed even as the lights were brought back up, the subsequent applause was almost a shock as the silence had been so absolute.

Later, between sets, the well-built cheetah and zebra left as they had a show at the