“Are you doing okay? Neil needs some water. Man, what a day.” The doc stopped short and looked around. “It smells great in here.”
Water. He’d seen a fancy-assed pitcher in the fridge. He could do that. “Rice pudding. You want some too? It’s easy on the belly, yeah?”
“I’ll have a little bit. Thank you. I appreciate this; I didn’t bring you here to put you to work.”
“La, this ain’t working. This is feeding.” This was showing care for ones that showed care for you.
Doctor Sir went to the fridge and took out the water and filled a glass. “It’s appreciated. Neil needs some comfort food, so thank you.” Once the water was back in the fridge, Doc looked at him like he was thinking hard. “We should talk about your needs while you’re here after we eat. What your routine has been with Master Cyrus, so I can…try to fill that role for you.”
Wasn’t that dear as all get out? “If you want. I’m glad not to be on my all alones, huh? That’s a blessing.”
He got a nod. “You’re a good boy, Alain. So sweet, so positive. It makes me happy to have you around. I’m going to enjoy your company, I know it.”
Oh, didn’t that make him feel melty as ice cream in August. “Thank you, Mister Doctor Sir. I ’preciate that.”
“That’s quite a title you have for me, boy. You can just call me, Sir. That’ll do fine.” Doc gave his shoulder a squeeze, then that hand slid down his back.
Oo-ee! Didn’t that give him the shivers! He sucked in a lungful of air, his belly going tight.
“Good boy,” Doc whispered, then took a step away. “I’ll…uh. We can eat in the living room. Just be comfy. If you need help bringing anything out, let me know, I’m going to…get this water to Neil.” Doc hesitated just a second, then turned to leave. “Yep. Thanks.”
“Yes, Sir.” Oh, pretty pretty. He could just lick that pretty body all over. All. Over.
He fixed three bowls of pudding, found three spoons, and then went to figure out where the Doc and Chou were.
He found them cuddled on the sofa, looking comfy as could be. Officer Neil was leaning against Doc, and he patted the little empty spot on the couch for him to come sit.
“Mmm.” Neil hummed as he got closer.
“See? What did I tell you? It smells amazing, right?” Doc smiled at him.
“It smells warm and sweet and yummy. Is that cinnamon?”
Lawd, the officer was into Doc like whoa. “Oui, Chou. It’s good for what’s wrong with you.”
“Eat up, boy. You need the calories, whether you think you’re hungry or not.” Doc took a bowl and let him hand one over to Chou. “Thank you, Alain. Have a seat. It’s close but there’s room.”
Now…how interesting was that? This was Doc’s boo? Chou sure didn’t seem like it, but maybe… “Yes, Sir. I hope y’all like it.”
“Master Cyrus was very discreet about your recovery, but he talks a lot about your cooking.” Doc took a taste, humming. “Mm. Oh, Neil, you’re going to love it. Thank you, Alain. It’s delicious.” Doc proved his words by taking another big bite.
That felt so good inside him, yes it did. It felt like heaven.
Neil ate quietly, but he was eating, yes sir. He didn’t have a lot, but he had this. He could do this.
“So what are you into, Alain? Other than cooking, I mean, which is enough but…aren’t you an artist too?”
“Yessir. I do performance art, and I paint some. Nothing fancy, but folks buy them sometimes.” He liked to paint things that reminded him of home but looked more like here.
“This is real good, kiddo. Real good. Thanks.”
“Anytime, Chou.”
Doc was petting on Neil, touching his arms and shoulders, nuzzling his hair. “It’s pretty comforting I think, don’t you? Is it sitting in your stomach okay?”
“Yes, Sir. This is…it’s delicious. Perfect.”
Alain beamed. He did like to hear that.