In Fear of Three Little Words
folder
X-Men - Animated Series (all) › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
61
Views:
18,827
Reviews:
76
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
X-Men - Animated Series (all) › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
61
Views:
18,827
Reviews:
76
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own X-Men Evolution, or any of the characters from it. I make no money from from the writing of this story.
Chapter 29
Hmmm, I've never had my writing compared to a car crash before, but I'm sure it was meant in the nicest way. Oookay, some nice lovely sex then some not so lovely angst. Have fun, kiddos.
Chapter 29
“Hullo,” Kurt said, landing in Logan’s room after a “port.”
“Whoa!” Logan whirled, going into defensive mode then straightened and groaned “Hey, someday you’re gonna give me a heart attack doin’ that, elf.” But Logan came to him, pulling him close to nuzzle his hair and kiss his ear.
Kurt turned his face and Logan’s mouth caught his for a deep kiss.
“The Professor and Ororo have gone to the theater,” Kurt said, pulling back and gazing on Logan. “Jean and Scott have gone out on a date. Kitty and Rogue and Amara went shopping and Hank has the rest gathered downstairs in the rec room for a night of volleyball.”
“Hmmm,” Logan said, pulling Kurt to him again and kissing him behind the ear. “That sounds like a suggestion to me.”
Kurt smiled. “It’s been weeks Logan and I’m going to die if we don’t...do it soon.”
“It just feels like you’re dyin’, sweetheart,” Logan said, nibbling his earlobe. “But I think we can remedy that tonight.”
“I thought you said we couldn’t sleep together here,” Kurt teased.
“Who said anything about sleepin’?” Logan moved them towards the bed and Kurt fell back, landing with Logan on top of him. Logan’s kisses ravaged Kurt’s mouth, but he gave back what he got, hands groping, searching for a purchase on Logan’s shirt. He finally got a good handhold and pulled Logan’s shirt up. Logan’s back was warm to the touch and the muscles moved like silk beneath Kurt’s fingers.
Logan had similar ideas and rose up, gripped the edges of his shirt and pulled it off over his head. Dark eyes gleamed and those same hands reached for Kurt’s shirt and did the same.
Logan’s fingers stroked Kurt’s fur, stroked over his nipples and Kurt groaned against Logan’s mouth. He ground his hips upward and Logan met him with a thrust and grind.
“Gotta get these pants off ya,” Logan growled and Kurt felt his hips lifted and his sweat pants pulled off without much effort.
Kurt’s tahipphipped around and stroked Logan’s ass. “Now we just need to get your’s off.”
With a grin Logan pushed off the bed and stripped off his boots and socks and jeans. Kurt watched, loving Logan’s body, hard muscles and hard touch that could turn gentle and loving as needed. Logan’s cock already jutted out, obviously as needy as Kurt’s.
Back in bed, Logan pulled Kurt into his arms, kisses alternating between rough and tender, hands performing that same magic.
Kurt lay back when Logan rose above him then plunged in to kiss his neck and nibble behind his ear. Logan worked his way down Kurt’s body, stopping to lick and gently bite at the nipples. Kurt threw back his head, hand reaching to stroke Logan’s hair and flex his fingers in the strands. Logan moved lower, caressing Kurt’s stomach and his hand moved to work Kurt’s cock, already hard with need. Then something extraordinary happened, a sensation Kurt had only dreamed of. Logan’s tongue licked his cock, mouth moving to suck the tip between his lips.
“Logan!” Kurt gasped.
“Easy, elf. You like it, don’t you?”
“Oh, what a question. Of course, but....”
“Then lay back and take it like a man.”
Logan bent down again and sucked Kurt’s cock into his mouth. Kurt lay back and sucked in air, trying to accept the idea of Logan going down on him. But it did feel so good, like nothing he’d felt before. The sensation wrapped around him, saturating his body with pleasure.
If this was all right with Logan then it was certainly all right with him.
Logan pushed at his thighs, forcing him to bend his knees. Kurt obeyed and after a brief interruption, Kurt understand why. Logan’s slick finger stroked his hole and slid in. Kurt nearly came up off the mattress, this dual sensation rocketing through his groin. He bit off an exclaim, remembering where he was and gripped Logan’s hair tight. The finger moved in and out of him while Logan’s mouth sucked and licked, devouring him in the nicest way.
Kurt felt his orgasm coming and tugged at Logan’s head, but Logan was lost in the experience.
“Logan,” Kurt hissed. “I’m...going...oh god...Logan.”
Kurt swallowed a cry and rode out the storm of his body’s release. Logan drank down his juices without a qualm. After, Logan licked him clean, nuzzling his softened cock with tender administrations. Kurt felt Logan rise, crawling up his body and Kurt opened his eyes to Logan’s dark gaze and saw love there and worship, their bonding almost complete.
He tasted his own sex on Logan’s mouth and thrilled at the wonder of it, of this love he’d never dreamed he’d have.
Logan kissed him again, rough and hard. Kurt returned the favor, his own fingers finding Logan’s nipples and stroked and pinched lightly. Logan groaned and ground his hips into Kurt’s. With a quick maneuver, Kurt was on top of Logan, controlling the kisses. He worked his mouth along Logan’s jaw and down his neck, sucking behind the ear. Moving down, Kurt licked Logan’s nipples, sucking until Logan’s hand in his hair tugged him up for another kiss.
A smile came to Kurt’s lips and he moved down Logan’s body once more, determined to give Logan the same pleasure he’d been given. But Logan’s hand in his hair pulled him up again and Logan’s eyes were serious.
“You don’t have to do that, elf. Not if you don’t want to.”
Kurt’s smile broadened. “But I do want to.”
Logan’s hand smoothed his hair and trailed around to caress his face. Then he lay back and Kurt kissed his lover’s stomach and bent low over Logan’s cock. He licked out, tasting the hard surface. He took a deep breath and smelled Logan’s musky essence. Opening his mouth, Kurt let the hard rod slide between his lips. He sucked a little and let the cock slide back out, unsure of what he was doing. Mimicking Logan’s movements, Kurt wrapped his hand around the base and plunged in again, letting the cock push further into his mouth. He felt it at the back of his throat and gagged.
“Easy, sweetheart,” Logan murmured and stroked his hair. “Nice...and easy. It feels real...good.”
A wave of confidence swept Kurt, and pleasure at Logan’s words. He let the cock into his mouth again and sucked gently, letting his tongue roll around the tip and along the sides. Logan groaned and his fingers flexed in Kurt’s hair.
Well, he was doing something right.
Kurt continued sucking, letting the cock in and out of his mouth and listened for signs from Logan that he was doing everything right. Logan’s hips rose to meet Kurt’s mouth, shoving the cock against his throat again. He fought down the gag reflex and opened his throat further. His other hand moved to fondle Logan’s balls and Logan’s moan and another sharp raise of the hips was Kurt’s reward.
Logan’s fingers in his hair flexed convulsively, trying to pull him back.
“Elf! I’m comin’. You’d better----”
But Kurt refused to give in. Logan slammed a fist down on the bed and spurted into Kurt’s mouth. Hot cum spilled over Kurt’s lips, too much for him to suck down so quickly. He choked and got it under control, enjoying the salty, musky taste and continued sucking until Logan ran dry. Kurt licked away the lost droplets and kissed Logan’s thigh and hip and stomach, fingers stroking sweaty skin.
Logan’s breath came in heaving pants and Kurt smiled to himself again that he’d done that to Logan. He rose and crawled up Logan’s body to snuggle. Strong arms wrapped around him and drew him close for a long deep kiss.
“God, you’re wonderful, sweetheart,” Logan sighed into his ear.
Kurt snuggled closer, feeling like the cat who’d drank the cream.
They lay together for a long time and Kurt almost fell asleep, but then Logan’s hands began stroking his fur, kneading his muscles and the kisses came, gentle at first then deepening. The taste of sex tingled on Kurt’s tongue, delicious to his senses and the kisses grew rougher, more demanding. Kurt let Logan take control, guiding them to the next dance.
Logan pushed up and rolled Kurt over, moving down then to push Kurt’s legs apart. He felt fingers stroking his hole and something wet lick across the sensitive flesh.
“Oh,” Kurt moaned, enjoying Logan’s tongue flicking his hole, pushing in. He grabbed the bed sheets and hung on while this new pleasure swept his body. Lubricated fingers followed, sliding in deep, seeking that special spot that sent Kurt into orbit. He forced his tail to curl up against his back and dug his teeth into his lower lip to keep from shouting when Logan found the spot.
Logan’s arm reached under him, pulling him up to his knees. Kurt lifted his hips in invitation and turned enough to give Logan a grin. Logan grinned back and snuggled up close behind him.
Fingers gripped one hip and Kurt felt Logan’s cock at his hole, readying for entry. Kurt took a deep breath and let it out, relaxing as Logan pushed in. A blossom of pain gave way to that straining feeling and Logan was inside of him, filling him up. Kurt rested his head against his arms and fought to control his ragged breathing.
“God, elf, you feel so good. So tight. I could cum without movin’.”
“Don’t you...dare,” Kurt replied. “I want it...to last longer...than that.”
“At your command, sweetheart,” Logan said and gripped both his hips.
Kurt let his tail wrap around Logan’s waist in a loose embrace, anchoring them for the coming storm.
Logan pulled to the edge and shoved back in, rocking Kurt forward. Kurt spread his legs further for stabilization and took the thrust with a backward thrust of his own. Ecstacy raced through his body, skewering his limbs and torso, his brain screaming for more. The thrusts came harder and Kurt met each with desire and need.
They rocked together in perfect union and the love Kurt felt for Logan blossomed inside of him further, ready for exclaim. But he held his tongue, wanting to save such declarations for a quiet moment.
Logan pounded into him, growling low in his throat and Kurt moaned in response. Logan’s hand moved around to grip Kurt’s awakened cock, stroking it hard and rough, perfect for this love making session. Kurt bit his lip again, thrusting forward and back, not sure which sensation he needed most. He came hard, only moments before Logan shot into him. They rode out their orgasms until Kurt collapsed forward with Logan on top of him, still deep inside of him.
Logan kissed his ear and with a hand smoothed the hair from his neck to nibble gently. Finally, Logan rolled off of Kurt and produced a towel to clean them up.
Kurt lay afterwards in Logan’s embrace, his head on Logan’s chest listening to the beat of his lover’s heart. His own heart throbbed with pent up emotion.
“I love you, Logan,” Kurt said.
Silence greeted his declaration, that and a tensing in Logan’s arm around him. Kurt waited with his breath clogging up in his throat.
“Logan?” he said and pushed up to look. His heart began to ache, his chest constricting with pain. But Logan wouldn’t meet his gaze. Kurt reached to turn Logan’s face, to force him to look, but Logan avoided his grip with a twist of his head.
“You’d better “pop” on back to your room,” Logan stated flatly. “It’s gettin’ late and the others’ll be home soon.”
Kurt stared down, suddenly feeling used and dirty.
“Well,” he said, fighting back anger and tears. “I know when I’ve been dismissed.” He pulled out of Logan’s embrace and Logan let him go. Kurt grabbed up his clothing. He turned and met Logan’s gaze finally, his eyes begging Logan for a response, but Logan just looked away.
Kurt forced down a hard lump in his throat and teleported away.
He “ported” in high in his room, his mind not at all on what he was doing and twisted his ankle on the landing. Kneeling, Kurt bent his head, tears threatening to fall. His chest ached like he was having an attack and he couldn’t seem to clear his throat of the hard lump stuck there.
What had he done? He’d made a terrible mistake, that was what he’d done. He’d said the words and now he knew the truth. Logan didn’t love him back.
No. Perhaps he’d only caught Logan by surprise and Logan didn’t take well to emotional surprises.
Kurt shoved up from the floor and pulled on his clothing, but the feeling he’d been used didn’t leave, nor the feeling of dirtiness. He grabbed some clean night clothes and peaked out his bedroom door. The hallway was empty. Kurt headed for the bathroom, wanting a shower, wanting to cleanse himself of the dirt he felt clung to him.
He let the hot water cascade over him, washing away his and Logan’s love making. Tears sprang to his eyes and he prayed he’d misunderstood Logan’s actions.
But how much plainer did Logan have to be? When someone you care about says they love you, you say you love them in return.
Logan’s silence beat at Kurt’s confidence, making him doubt the last few months. He’d thought that all he’d been put through by Trask had been worth it if he and Logan were together. Now he didn’t know. Had the horror and torture then been for nothing?
Kurt climbed from the shower and dried off, his fur still damp.
Sounds of Kitty and Rogue and Amara filtered through the walls, their girlish voices laughing so easily.
He teleported back to his room and climbed into bed, uncaring that the clock hadn’t yet struck ten on a Friday night. He pulled the blankets up close around him, but sleep didn’t come, only tears of heartache and dread of tomorrow.
Chapter 29
“Hullo,” Kurt said, landing in Logan’s room after a “port.”
“Whoa!” Logan whirled, going into defensive mode then straightened and groaned “Hey, someday you’re gonna give me a heart attack doin’ that, elf.” But Logan came to him, pulling him close to nuzzle his hair and kiss his ear.
Kurt turned his face and Logan’s mouth caught his for a deep kiss.
“The Professor and Ororo have gone to the theater,” Kurt said, pulling back and gazing on Logan. “Jean and Scott have gone out on a date. Kitty and Rogue and Amara went shopping and Hank has the rest gathered downstairs in the rec room for a night of volleyball.”
“Hmmm,” Logan said, pulling Kurt to him again and kissing him behind the ear. “That sounds like a suggestion to me.”
Kurt smiled. “It’s been weeks Logan and I’m going to die if we don’t...do it soon.”
“It just feels like you’re dyin’, sweetheart,” Logan said, nibbling his earlobe. “But I think we can remedy that tonight.”
“I thought you said we couldn’t sleep together here,” Kurt teased.
“Who said anything about sleepin’?” Logan moved them towards the bed and Kurt fell back, landing with Logan on top of him. Logan’s kisses ravaged Kurt’s mouth, but he gave back what he got, hands groping, searching for a purchase on Logan’s shirt. He finally got a good handhold and pulled Logan’s shirt up. Logan’s back was warm to the touch and the muscles moved like silk beneath Kurt’s fingers.
Logan had similar ideas and rose up, gripped the edges of his shirt and pulled it off over his head. Dark eyes gleamed and those same hands reached for Kurt’s shirt and did the same.
Logan’s fingers stroked Kurt’s fur, stroked over his nipples and Kurt groaned against Logan’s mouth. He ground his hips upward and Logan met him with a thrust and grind.
“Gotta get these pants off ya,” Logan growled and Kurt felt his hips lifted and his sweat pants pulled off without much effort.
Kurt’s tahipphipped around and stroked Logan’s ass. “Now we just need to get your’s off.”
With a grin Logan pushed off the bed and stripped off his boots and socks and jeans. Kurt watched, loving Logan’s body, hard muscles and hard touch that could turn gentle and loving as needed. Logan’s cock already jutted out, obviously as needy as Kurt’s.
Back in bed, Logan pulled Kurt into his arms, kisses alternating between rough and tender, hands performing that same magic.
Kurt lay back when Logan rose above him then plunged in to kiss his neck and nibble behind his ear. Logan worked his way down Kurt’s body, stopping to lick and gently bite at the nipples. Kurt threw back his head, hand reaching to stroke Logan’s hair and flex his fingers in the strands. Logan moved lower, caressing Kurt’s stomach and his hand moved to work Kurt’s cock, already hard with need. Then something extraordinary happened, a sensation Kurt had only dreamed of. Logan’s tongue licked his cock, mouth moving to suck the tip between his lips.
“Logan!” Kurt gasped.
“Easy, elf. You like it, don’t you?”
“Oh, what a question. Of course, but....”
“Then lay back and take it like a man.”
Logan bent down again and sucked Kurt’s cock into his mouth. Kurt lay back and sucked in air, trying to accept the idea of Logan going down on him. But it did feel so good, like nothing he’d felt before. The sensation wrapped around him, saturating his body with pleasure.
If this was all right with Logan then it was certainly all right with him.
Logan pushed at his thighs, forcing him to bend his knees. Kurt obeyed and after a brief interruption, Kurt understand why. Logan’s slick finger stroked his hole and slid in. Kurt nearly came up off the mattress, this dual sensation rocketing through his groin. He bit off an exclaim, remembering where he was and gripped Logan’s hair tight. The finger moved in and out of him while Logan’s mouth sucked and licked, devouring him in the nicest way.
Kurt felt his orgasm coming and tugged at Logan’s head, but Logan was lost in the experience.
“Logan,” Kurt hissed. “I’m...going...oh god...Logan.”
Kurt swallowed a cry and rode out the storm of his body’s release. Logan drank down his juices without a qualm. After, Logan licked him clean, nuzzling his softened cock with tender administrations. Kurt felt Logan rise, crawling up his body and Kurt opened his eyes to Logan’s dark gaze and saw love there and worship, their bonding almost complete.
He tasted his own sex on Logan’s mouth and thrilled at the wonder of it, of this love he’d never dreamed he’d have.
Logan kissed him again, rough and hard. Kurt returned the favor, his own fingers finding Logan’s nipples and stroked and pinched lightly. Logan groaned and ground his hips into Kurt’s. With a quick maneuver, Kurt was on top of Logan, controlling the kisses. He worked his mouth along Logan’s jaw and down his neck, sucking behind the ear. Moving down, Kurt licked Logan’s nipples, sucking until Logan’s hand in his hair tugged him up for another kiss.
A smile came to Kurt’s lips and he moved down Logan’s body once more, determined to give Logan the same pleasure he’d been given. But Logan’s hand in his hair pulled him up again and Logan’s eyes were serious.
“You don’t have to do that, elf. Not if you don’t want to.”
Kurt’s smile broadened. “But I do want to.”
Logan’s hand smoothed his hair and trailed around to caress his face. Then he lay back and Kurt kissed his lover’s stomach and bent low over Logan’s cock. He licked out, tasting the hard surface. He took a deep breath and smelled Logan’s musky essence. Opening his mouth, Kurt let the hard rod slide between his lips. He sucked a little and let the cock slide back out, unsure of what he was doing. Mimicking Logan’s movements, Kurt wrapped his hand around the base and plunged in again, letting the cock push further into his mouth. He felt it at the back of his throat and gagged.
“Easy, sweetheart,” Logan murmured and stroked his hair. “Nice...and easy. It feels real...good.”
A wave of confidence swept Kurt, and pleasure at Logan’s words. He let the cock into his mouth again and sucked gently, letting his tongue roll around the tip and along the sides. Logan groaned and his fingers flexed in Kurt’s hair.
Well, he was doing something right.
Kurt continued sucking, letting the cock in and out of his mouth and listened for signs from Logan that he was doing everything right. Logan’s hips rose to meet Kurt’s mouth, shoving the cock against his throat again. He fought down the gag reflex and opened his throat further. His other hand moved to fondle Logan’s balls and Logan’s moan and another sharp raise of the hips was Kurt’s reward.
Logan’s fingers in his hair flexed convulsively, trying to pull him back.
“Elf! I’m comin’. You’d better----”
But Kurt refused to give in. Logan slammed a fist down on the bed and spurted into Kurt’s mouth. Hot cum spilled over Kurt’s lips, too much for him to suck down so quickly. He choked and got it under control, enjoying the salty, musky taste and continued sucking until Logan ran dry. Kurt licked away the lost droplets and kissed Logan’s thigh and hip and stomach, fingers stroking sweaty skin.
Logan’s breath came in heaving pants and Kurt smiled to himself again that he’d done that to Logan. He rose and crawled up Logan’s body to snuggle. Strong arms wrapped around him and drew him close for a long deep kiss.
“God, you’re wonderful, sweetheart,” Logan sighed into his ear.
Kurt snuggled closer, feeling like the cat who’d drank the cream.
They lay together for a long time and Kurt almost fell asleep, but then Logan’s hands began stroking his fur, kneading his muscles and the kisses came, gentle at first then deepening. The taste of sex tingled on Kurt’s tongue, delicious to his senses and the kisses grew rougher, more demanding. Kurt let Logan take control, guiding them to the next dance.
Logan pushed up and rolled Kurt over, moving down then to push Kurt’s legs apart. He felt fingers stroking his hole and something wet lick across the sensitive flesh.
“Oh,” Kurt moaned, enjoying Logan’s tongue flicking his hole, pushing in. He grabbed the bed sheets and hung on while this new pleasure swept his body. Lubricated fingers followed, sliding in deep, seeking that special spot that sent Kurt into orbit. He forced his tail to curl up against his back and dug his teeth into his lower lip to keep from shouting when Logan found the spot.
Logan’s arm reached under him, pulling him up to his knees. Kurt lifted his hips in invitation and turned enough to give Logan a grin. Logan grinned back and snuggled up close behind him.
Fingers gripped one hip and Kurt felt Logan’s cock at his hole, readying for entry. Kurt took a deep breath and let it out, relaxing as Logan pushed in. A blossom of pain gave way to that straining feeling and Logan was inside of him, filling him up. Kurt rested his head against his arms and fought to control his ragged breathing.
“God, elf, you feel so good. So tight. I could cum without movin’.”
“Don’t you...dare,” Kurt replied. “I want it...to last longer...than that.”
“At your command, sweetheart,” Logan said and gripped both his hips.
Kurt let his tail wrap around Logan’s waist in a loose embrace, anchoring them for the coming storm.
Logan pulled to the edge and shoved back in, rocking Kurt forward. Kurt spread his legs further for stabilization and took the thrust with a backward thrust of his own. Ecstacy raced through his body, skewering his limbs and torso, his brain screaming for more. The thrusts came harder and Kurt met each with desire and need.
They rocked together in perfect union and the love Kurt felt for Logan blossomed inside of him further, ready for exclaim. But he held his tongue, wanting to save such declarations for a quiet moment.
Logan pounded into him, growling low in his throat and Kurt moaned in response. Logan’s hand moved around to grip Kurt’s awakened cock, stroking it hard and rough, perfect for this love making session. Kurt bit his lip again, thrusting forward and back, not sure which sensation he needed most. He came hard, only moments before Logan shot into him. They rode out their orgasms until Kurt collapsed forward with Logan on top of him, still deep inside of him.
Logan kissed his ear and with a hand smoothed the hair from his neck to nibble gently. Finally, Logan rolled off of Kurt and produced a towel to clean them up.
Kurt lay afterwards in Logan’s embrace, his head on Logan’s chest listening to the beat of his lover’s heart. His own heart throbbed with pent up emotion.
“I love you, Logan,” Kurt said.
Silence greeted his declaration, that and a tensing in Logan’s arm around him. Kurt waited with his breath clogging up in his throat.
“Logan?” he said and pushed up to look. His heart began to ache, his chest constricting with pain. But Logan wouldn’t meet his gaze. Kurt reached to turn Logan’s face, to force him to look, but Logan avoided his grip with a twist of his head.
“You’d better “pop” on back to your room,” Logan stated flatly. “It’s gettin’ late and the others’ll be home soon.”
Kurt stared down, suddenly feeling used and dirty.
“Well,” he said, fighting back anger and tears. “I know when I’ve been dismissed.” He pulled out of Logan’s embrace and Logan let him go. Kurt grabbed up his clothing. He turned and met Logan’s gaze finally, his eyes begging Logan for a response, but Logan just looked away.
Kurt forced down a hard lump in his throat and teleported away.
He “ported” in high in his room, his mind not at all on what he was doing and twisted his ankle on the landing. Kneeling, Kurt bent his head, tears threatening to fall. His chest ached like he was having an attack and he couldn’t seem to clear his throat of the hard lump stuck there.
What had he done? He’d made a terrible mistake, that was what he’d done. He’d said the words and now he knew the truth. Logan didn’t love him back.
No. Perhaps he’d only caught Logan by surprise and Logan didn’t take well to emotional surprises.
Kurt shoved up from the floor and pulled on his clothing, but the feeling he’d been used didn’t leave, nor the feeling of dirtiness. He grabbed some clean night clothes and peaked out his bedroom door. The hallway was empty. Kurt headed for the bathroom, wanting a shower, wanting to cleanse himself of the dirt he felt clung to him.
He let the hot water cascade over him, washing away his and Logan’s love making. Tears sprang to his eyes and he prayed he’d misunderstood Logan’s actions.
But how much plainer did Logan have to be? When someone you care about says they love you, you say you love them in return.
Logan’s silence beat at Kurt’s confidence, making him doubt the last few months. He’d thought that all he’d been put through by Trask had been worth it if he and Logan were together. Now he didn’t know. Had the horror and torture then been for nothing?
Kurt climbed from the shower and dried off, his fur still damp.
Sounds of Kitty and Rogue and Amara filtered through the walls, their girlish voices laughing so easily.
He teleported back to his room and climbed into bed, uncaring that the clock hadn’t yet struck ten on a Friday night. He pulled the blankets up close around him, but sleep didn’t come, only tears of heartache and dread of tomorrow.