Third person point of view
The next day, they drove to the city nearby where there were other places to visit. They spent the whole day in the city and came back at night. Oliver had another bottle of beer. Christian looked a little disapproving. Oliver smiled. " If we are done with this, it is over. We are going back tomorrow anyway and I don't drink much in daily life ".
He blinked innocently. Christian let out a sigh and shook his head, letting him do as he pleased. Oliver grinned. " You are the best ". They sat on the balcony again. It was their last day and he could indulge a little. Christian stood near the railing. The moon was full and the waves were crashing harder than usual.
He took a deep breath and turned around. He leaned his back against the railing. Oliver finished one glass. He poured the other and the bottle was over. He took a sip and looked up at Christian. He was mesmerized. The moon was bright in the sky and Christian's clothes were fluttering in the wind. He looked like he had a halo around him.
Christian looked down. " I also have something to tell you... about myself ". " Okay ". Oliver put the glass aside and sat up straight. Christian put his hands in his pockets and looked up. " I am actually a pediatric surgeon ". Oliver frowned. But he knew that Christian only took consultations. Christian continued speaking.
" I was actually a workaholic. I always had consultations and surgeries lined up with my schedule full ever since I graduated. Four years ago, I did two surgeries which were very critical cases. I was very worried about the kids and I literally stayed in the hospital during that time to make sure the kids were safe. I barely even slept during those days. And when they were finally safe, I went back home. And... I slept for 50 hours without waking up ".
Oliver's eyes wavered. He gasped in shock. Christian clenched his fists. " My family was very worried about me at that time. I was so exhausted that my body forced me to rest. I didn't even know that I slept for that long until I woke up. That was the first time I saw my mother and Jacob cry. Jacob even yelled at me and scolded me for not taking care of myself ".
Christian took a deep breath and frowned. " After that incident, I realized I was living the wrong way. Yes, those kids' lives are important but I should also be well. So after that I promised my family to not take up anymore surgeries and I really stopped doing any from then on and only took consultations. And I also took a break from work ".
Oliver gulped hard feeling his vision blur. He blinked to get rid of the moisture and his eyes were clear again. Christian noticed this. " I didn't like to travel but I had a leisurely life. I picked up some hobbies and just did some random things. That is when I came across that house. The owners didn't even finish it before selling it. So I bought it and got it done the way I liked ". He looked up at Oliver.
" You asked about cooking and also those random things I know, it was all during that time. I had a lot of time in my hands so I did anything and everything. And after the house was done, I moved there and started to cook for myself. I took almost a year off before slowly starting work again. Well the privilege is, the hospital is my family's. So it was not a problem. I got back on track again pretty fast ".
Oliver rushed to him in two steps and hugged him tightly. The tears he was holding back rolled down his cheeks. Christian also hugged him back. He rested his head on Oliver's shoulder. Oliver took a deep breath. He might know exactly how it felt but he knew it was not an easy thing to have a human's life in your hands.
He can only imagine how hard it might be. Christian smiled and rubbed Oliver's head. " I am fine now ". He pulled away slowly and wiped his tears. " I learnt to cope with things better and also my life is a lot better now. It only got even better with you here ". Oliver sniffled. " Thank you for telling me ". Christian smiled.
" You have the right to know ". " I will always be there for you. So if you ever feel down, come to me. Even if I can't cheer you up, I will keep you company. I will try my best ". Christian chuckled and rubbed Oliver's cheeks. " Alright. Then I am going to rely on you from now on ". Oliver nodded seriously.
Christian couldn't help laughing. " You are so cute ". He pinched Oliver's cheeks. Oliver blushed a little. Christian put his hands around Oliver's waist and held him close. " I like you ". " I like you too ". Both of them smiled and Oliver hugged Christian again. Christian also hugged him back. Oliver moved back a little and kissed Christian's cheek.
Christian was surprised. He didn't see it coming. He held Oliver's face and kissed his forehead. Oliver's heart raced a bit faster. " Let's go. It is getting cold outside ". Oliver nodded. Both of them got on the bed and covered themselves. And this time Oliver cuddled up to Christian without any hesitation while they were awake.
Christian also hugged him back. " Good night ". " Good night Ian ". Christian froze at the nickname. Oliver blurted it out without thinking. He gave a sheepish smile. " I can call you that right ? " " Yeah, sure ". Christian gulped. Oliver smiled and closed his eyes. They fell asleep in a few minutes.
The next day, they packed up all their things after getting ready. Christian tossed the keys to Oliver when they walked out. He suggested driving this time and Christian didn't see a problem with it. He got in the passenger seat. Oliver was excited to drive the vehicle. He drove onto roads and whistled. " So smooth ". Christian smiled.
" Want to get a car like this ? " Oliver was astonished. " No way. What would I do with it ? " Both of them chuckled. They talked for a while and listened to songs for a while and finally reached their home. They ordered food and then went to unpack. The clothes were all put away for washing and they cleaned the suitcases before putting them away.
The food also arrived. They both had lunch and sat on the couch. Oliver dropped his head on Christian's shoulder. " I don't want to go back to work ". Christian laughed. " What will you do then ? " Oliver gave it a serious thought. " I can just stay at home. You are earning anyway and I also have some savings. Life will go on ".
Both of them laughed at the ridiculous thought. " Fine ". Christian answered without any burden. Oliver looked up at Christian and scoffed. Christian shrugged. Oliver put his head back on his shoulder. They just chatted about this and that and then made dinner together. Oliver wanted to clean the dishes but Christian did not let him.
" Ian~ " " No. Just sit. There are not even many. See. I am already done halfway ". Oliver huffed and walked away. " I am going to shower ! " " Okay ". Christian finished cleaning the dishes and also cleaned the countertops once. He opened the bedroom door and Oliver also just came out of the bathroom in a bathrobe.
He didn't expect to come across Christian and quickly ran to the wardrobe. Christian chuckled at his escaping back. He shook his head and sat on the bed waiting for him to come out. Oliver flushed red. He felt thankful he wore the bathrobe properly. He changed into pajamas and went out.
Christian smiled at him. Oliver gave a sharp look. " Don't laugh ". " I did not ". Oliver pursed his lips. Christian got up and ruffled Oliver's head. Oliver blushed harder. Christian chuckled and took his things before going to shower. Oliver sat on the bed and picked up a magazine. Christian was done and joined him on the bed.
Oliver glanced at the book Christian was reading. " What is this ? " " It is a book related to some unique diseases ". Oliver nodded. " Do you only read these kinds of books ? " " I don't really read romance novels but I read some other ones from time to time besides these academic books ". Oliver nodded.
Christian read a few pages and put it aside. " Let's sleep. We need to get back to work tomorrow ". He turned the lights off. They got under the quilt and cuddled. Oliver cuddled up to him and Christian took a deep breath. " You smell good ". Christian said, making Oliver's heart tremble. " You too ". Christian smiled. " Thank you ". They fell asleep.
-MG