Page 68 of Sweet Thing

By the end of the telling, Simeon had shuffled to the back railing of the bed so that Bastian had room to lie beside him. The heart monitor returned to its steady rhythm as if, at last, all was right in Simeon’s world. The couple held each other in a tight embrace, and the relief Simeon experienced at being back in Bastian’s strong arms was overwhelming. With the explanation, it all made sense to Simeon now, and he felt foolish for jumping to the wrong conclusion and allowing himself to spiral out of control. He’d expected the worst and had given fate a hand in making it happen.

“I’m so sorry that happened to you,” Simeon said softly, cradling Bastian’s head against his chest. Even though he was saddened because Bastian had been betrayed, Sim was secretly relieved that Mattieus had been pulled from his pedestal. Matti was not the wonderful, perfect partner Bast had made him out to be. He was flawed and troubled, and just as much of a victim of Hugo Roth as his son was. Both Bastian and Mattieus had been pawns in the man’s games, but Matti paid the higher price—with his life.

The truth was tragic, but Sim was glad they knew. Bastian had been given a second chance at love, and Simeon was determined that, this time, he would not let him down. He wanted to be part of a couple. He wanted to be Bastian’s partner and would give the whole of his heart, now the Bast was free to offer the same. What Simeon found with Bastian was far too precious to let go of. Sim would do whatever it took, go back to Rehab if needs be, just to ensure that Bastian trusted him and believed in him again.

A knock on the door drew Simeon from his introspection. “Well, lookie here! This is cozy”, Pieter laughed, “Is there room for one more?” he asked provocatively.

“’Fraid not Peety. No sharezies. This one’s all mine.”

Bastian snickered.

“How you feeling?”

“Like I’ve just been dragged from the jaws of a shark!”

“That bad, huh! Marcus sends his love. The doc will be in soon for a chat. Dr. Schroder’s waiting on Skype so you can all thrash this out together and find a way forward. Oh and Patrice is flying in at lunchtime.”

“Shit. I’m in soo much trouble.”

“I think they’ll go easy on you. But will you go easy on yourself? That is the question.”

“No, not yet. I feel like a fucking failure. I’ve got some stuff to work on, I guess. I’m so sorry I let you down”, Sim said sheepishly.

Pieter stood by the bedside and leaned in to kiss Simeon and then Bastian on the brow. “You know I love you guys,” he said. “Don’t ever try that shit again, you hear? If you need to talk, call, or come find Emily or me, we’re here for you. I know how it is. I know that talking about feelings is hard. You’re not alone, either of you, okay?”

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