“Okay, everybody. Time to get moving.” Sid took Tommy’s hands. “I’ll just walk you out here a sec.”
“See you soon, Mother.”
“I’ll wait here with him.” Jack sat and waited for the question they always asked.
“How bad is it, Jack?”
“You can move shit, you know your name, you can talk—not too terrible. You’ll miss the rest of the season for sure, possibly talk about retiring. You might be able to get it up again…”
“Fuck you.” Mackey tried to laugh, but his throat was too dry, and it came out more like a cough. “Ow. Christ.”
“Yeah, you got to watch that.” He held Mackey’s gaze. “You’re going to recover. I don’t lie.”
“Fine.” Mackey squinted at him. “But not today, right? Seriously I need you to turn down the fucking lights.”
“On it. I’m taking Hudson to the hotel. I imagine Sid’ll want to stay with you.” He turned the lights down.
“Okay.” Mackey was fading, eyelids getting heavier.
Hudson put an arm around him. “He’s good, baby. You did great. He’s going to be okay.”
Sid came back into the room followed by two nurses, who got busy checking vitals and meds.
“Hey. Thank you. Mackey. You…” Sid shook his head. “Thanks.”
“Yeah. Old friends, you know?” He clapped Sid on the arm. “He knew you.”
Sid still looked pretty freaked out, but he didn’t figure anything he could say was going to change that. They just needed some time. “Yeah. Yeah, thank you. You guys should go get some rest; you’ve done so much.”
“We’ll be at the hotel. There’s a shuttle for you, if you need it.” Jack nodded to Hudson. “Let’s go, darlin’. We have plans.”
“Night, Sid. Really happy for you. Very relieved. We’ll check in tomorrow.” Hudson was still talking over his shoulder as they left the room. He got a wicked grin. “In a hurry?”
“Yes. I want you. I want a Coke. I want a shower.” He wanted something normal.
“Yeah. Me too. All of that. In that order.” Hudson held his hand tight. “He’s okay, baby. He’s going to be okay.”
“He is. He’s going to be unhappy and bitchy, but he’ll be fine.” Jack kept moving Hudson through the hospital. Mackey would have to let Sid help for a night, though. He needed his man.
“Mhm.” Hudson leaned closer. “Do you know how hot it is that you’re rushing me out of here so you can fuck me?”
“Be good, you.” He swatted Hudson’s butt, playfully, on their way in the elevator.
“Fuck that. I’ve been good for days.” Hudson pushed him against the elevator wall as the doors closed.
He took Hudson’s face and tilted it so he could take the kiss he wanted.
No, that he needed.
The way Hudson kissed him back felt like they’d been together forever, but apart for weeks. Knowing and needy.
At least it hadn’t been a year. At least they’d been able to be together.
The doors opened and Hudson broke off the kiss, but there was heat still in his eyes. “That’s my cowboy.”
“Right here. Going to bend you over the bed and fuck you until you’re bowlegged.” He thought it was important to be clear.
“Hm.” Hudson looked confused. “You’ll have to show me. I’m not sure I get it.”