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Devon took a sip of coffee and continued to scroll through the data he'd just received. Compared to most other days, his shift was slow, allowing him to finally catch up on paperwork. Still, he wasn't able to get anything done because he couldn't focus on the madness of bureaucracy. After a couple more minutes he sighed and put the tablet down letting his gaze sweep through the room.
Patients were all cared for, nurses kept bustling around, and apart from the familiar background noises it was relatively quiet. That wasn't good. That absolutely wasn't good. Usually such slow shifts ended with a big bang.
He felt more than he saw another person stepping up behind him, turned and recognized the slim figure of Conrad Hawkins leaning at the nurses' station.
Devon smiled. „So, Doctor Hawkins, what can I do for you?“
Conrad stared at him wordlessly.
„Conrad, what is it?“ Although Devon knew Conrad wasn't a man of many words, he had also learned that it was never a good sign when he remained absolutely silent. Therefore he was instantly on high alert when his colleague showed no reaction.
„Is something wrong? Did something happen to Gigi? Is she alright?“ he asked, worry clearly audible in his voice.
„Yes, my daughter is fine.“ Conrad answered still staring at him.
Devon felt like way back when he had started working with Conrad. Rattled by the piercing gaze, all confidence gone in a heartbeat. Ready to double check his last steps, only that there weren't mutual patients they were signed up for. „What. Is. It?“
„Hm, I'm thinking.“
Baffled, Devon looked at Conrad took a deep breath and asked, „Thinking about what?“ He swore, if he'd get another evasive answer, he simply would turn around and leave. Or strangle him.
„Christmas presents and stuff.“
Now it was Devon's turn to stare silently for a couple of heartbeats. He took a step closer and whispered, „I understand that this obviously is a very significant subject for you, but can't it wait? I mean, it's still a couple of weeks and Gigi hasn't even finished her wishlist yet. More importantly, we're still at work and ...“
„Yeah, I know,“ interrupted Conrad, „but some things have to be considered and planned now.“
Although his patience was wearing thin, Devon still tried to analyze Conrad's behavior. Not enough coffee? Too much coffee? Mental breakdown?
Conrad mumbled in a low voice, „Since we are such a devout family, we must choose our gifts with the utmost care.“
A stroke. It had to be a stroke. Then he saw the tiniest grin on Conrad's lips and decided to end this there and then. „You lost me. I'm out of here.“
Before he could leave, Conrad grabbed his arm. „Because I'm officially still a single parent, it was just me that got summoned to the day-care this morning.“
They were standing so close, Devon could feel the body heat radiating from Conrad. Still trying to make sense out of the seemingly random comments he asked, „And?“
„Apparently, Gigi told the nurse, that every time Uncle Devon sleeps over, he and Daddy are doing a lot of praying. In the morning. In the night. In the bedroom. Shouting the good Lord's name, over and over.“
Devon blushed and Conrad smiled. „So, what do you think? Headphones for Gigi? Gag for me? Renovate the master bedroom … make it soundproof?“
If possible, Devon blushed even more. Then he caught the mischief in Conrad's eyes. „You're enjoying this, aren't you?“
Conrad laughed. „Maybe. A little.“
„I can't believe this,“ Devon stammered.
„Oh, you're so adorable when you're blushing,“ said Conrad with a bright smile.
Nurse Hundley appearing out of nowhere looked from one to the other. “Young love. So cute. I hate to break this up, but we got incoming...“
„You're so gonna pay for this,“ exclaimed Devon reciprocating Conrad's smile before he turned and rushed towards the new patients. Apparently the big bang had arrived.
***
Much later that night Devon slipped into bed snuggling up to Conrad. He placed a featherlight kiss on his lover's shoulder and whispered, „I'll definitely get you a gag for christmas.“
„I heard that,“ mumbled Conrad sleepily as he turned around. „I love kinky Devon.“
„Do you?“
„I do,“ replied Conrad and pulled Devon into a kiss.
END