Love Virus

Chapter Forty

Saturday March 14, 2020

Recommended song - Somebody To Love by Troye Sivan

Alfie's POV

He snuggled in closer to Garrett, breathing him in as he wrapped himself tighter in his embrace. He could feel a vibration from his chest as he laughed quietly.

"Are you smelling me darlin?" Garrett looked down at Alfie and smiled.

"Yes I am bear. You smell so good." Alfie said and squeezed him.

They sat around the campfire and chatted quietly, in their own world. Allison and Adam had kids on their laps and blankets wrapped around them. The kids sitting quietly, watching their marshmallows carefully so they wouldn't burn too much. Natalie and Alfie Sr. watching their family that had grown substantially in the recent weeks and smiled brightly. They had more than enough love to go around.

Brian, Benjamin and Liam sat a little off from the fire, practicing some new songs. Tyler and his little brother Simon seemed to be in a deep conversation and Benjamin kept looking over to make sure everything was ok.

Noah, Cal and Sam were coming out of the cabin. Noah holding Sam with Cal's arm around his waist. Alfie smiled, happy to see his brother so happy. They're good for each other, he thought.

Alfie looked up at Garrett and leaned up for a kiss which was returned with tenderness. "I am so happy bear."

"So am I darlin. I never thought this kind of happiness existed." Garrett looked at his family and the crowd of new friends and finally his eyes settled on his beloved Alfie. "This is a dream I didn't dare to dream. Thank you Alfie. I love you so much."

Alfie beamed at him. He didn't care how mushy they were, they both valued the tenderness and gentleness between them, and viewed their relationship as a once in a lifetime chance,

Spring break was coming to an end and he knew he would once again be busy at work. They had prepared for the transitions that would be inevitable at the soup kitchen and Alfie had himself and Garrett well prepared for the upcoming repercussions of the virus. Alfie knew it was just a matter of time before Covid would hit Vancouver and life would be very different. 

Alfie knew their lives would be busy for the next while so he was grateful for this time he had with everyone. He looked at Garrett and wondered how it was possible to feel so much love for one person. He knew he wanted him to be in his life and that he didn't think that would ever change.

Noah's POV

He held Sam in his arms and felt Cal's arm wrap around his waist as he leaned in for a kiss. Since their conversation earlier they hadn't made any attempt to hide their relationship, it wasn't even a conscience decision. Why would they? Neither were uncomfortable with themselves or displaying their affection for each other. For Noah, this felt like the surest thing in the world. The most natural he had ever felt with anyonr.

Did he think that he would develop feelings of protectiveness, passion, tenderness for a man? It never crossed his mind and he knew Cal wasn't expecting it either. But it happened and they were so at ease that every movement they made to one another was without a second thought.

Noah looked down at Sam and instinctively knew that he would be there for this little boy and love him as though he was his own.
Was it too soon to have theses thoughts? Probably, but Noah didn't push them aside. He needed Cal as much as Cal needed him. They took care of each other and that was so refreshing to Noah.

Noah had always been the caretaker, the big brother, the shoulder, the embrace, the rock. He loved that role BUT damn it felt so good when Cal looked out for him.

It was equal and he had never had an equal relationship in his life. Even with his family, his friends that he had since childhood, colleagues, everyone depended on strong and steady Noah and to lean on Cal was amazing. There was something about Cal that Noah hadn't found in anyone he had ever dated, it took him a while to pinpoint exactly what it was but now he knew. Equality. He loved the equaled strength and  equaled weakness. The constant flow of energy between them was unparalleled of how he had ever felt before and he knew that Cal felt that same feeling. Equally. He knew every other relationship he either loved that person more and gave more, tried more, held back more. It wasn't equal. With Cal it was beautifully balanced.

Cal's POV

In turn, Cal had never had an experience like this in his life. No one had depended on him. Ever. He was a misfit, a screw up, an asshole, a druggie, a thug. Nobody ever looked at him and thought "now here's a guy I can depend on." Granted things changed when he met Amy and he became the man he should have been a lot sooner, but did she count on him? Did she really? No.

It was different than it was with Noah. Amy would just go ahead and get something done before Cal would even have a chance to do it.

He remembered when they were setting up Sam's nursery and he was so excited to tackle the room. They had bought the paint and his parents bought the crib and her parents bought the dresser. They were going to paint and set it up on the weekend, his days off. Friday evening he came home from work and the room was painted and crib set up. She was proud that it was done, her mom had come over to help and yes it did look very nice BUT he couldn't help but be disappointed and hurt because they didn't depend on him enough that it would be done.

With Noah he knew it was equal and for the first time in his life he was counted on and the pride he felt was indescribable. Did he love Noah, not quite, almost but he knew it wouldn't be long until it was absolute head over heels, "I can't stand being away from you for a moment" love.

Was he afraid of the intimacy? Not a bit. Was he worried about anything? For once in his life he wasn't anxious. He knew his place in the world and that was with Sam and Noah by his side. He couldn't help but feel excited about his future. Sure of it, positive he was going to make good decisions, he a good father, A good son, a good provider, a good mate. He would have the life that had alluded him for far too long.