Learning to Walk, a City Hospital Novel

by Zachary, Drew

  They finished off the strawberries, the wine, the coffee and the tea, and when Alex delivered the bill on a discreet black tray Neil almost missed the way Kit slipped his credit card under it and Alex vanished again to process the charge.

  “So, we’re going to wander around for a bit?” Kit said when Alex returned and Kit was signing charge slips. “I can call our car, if you’re tired.”

  “It’s your show. I’d rather spend more time with you than just go home, though.”

  Kit beamed at him. “Thank you, Alex. Wonderful evening.” He didn’t even look at Alex, who merely nodded and wished them a good night, smiling slightly.

  “Let’s get out of here.” Neil had had enough of the fancy atmosphere. He wanted to be able to hold Kit’s hand.

  Kit nodded and moved away from the table, heading for the door. “I think we can just turn at the corner and head downtown,” he said. “And there shouldn’t be too many people taking up my space on the sidewalk.” He grinned and made a low beep-beep sound.

  Neil laughed and followed him out, moving up to walk beside Kit once they were on the sidewalk.

  “Nice night for a stroll.” Kit smiled up at him.

  “Yeah, it is.” He put a hand on Kit’s shoulder, the wheelchair version of holding hands.

  “Do you know if there’s any new exhibitions at the art gallery?” Kit asked as they went down the block. “I haven’t been there in months, though, so anything showing now will be new to me.”

  “I think one started a few weeks ago -- an East Indian collection.”

  It was nice, just wandering with Kit -- they didn’t have anywhere special to go, they were just hanging out together as friends, maybe more.

  “Cool. I’d like to see that.” They crossed the street and went past a few boutiques, pausing to look in windows. “I always wonder what three-hundred-dollar jeans feel like,” he said, pointing to a sign.

  Neil snorted. “Like you just wasted two fifty.”

  “Exactly!” Kit grinned and they’d carried on. “And T-shirts shouldn’t cost any more than fifteen bucks.”

  “You pay fifteen bucks for T-shirts? You’re getting robbed my friend.”

  Kit laughed, looking delighted. “Only the really nice ones, I assure you. Like when I want to impress someone.”

  “You? Try to impress someone? Nah...” He winked at Kit.

  “Yeah, I know. Weird, huh? I’m totally the kind to sit back and wait to be noticed.” Kit snorted and looked up at him, chuckling.

  He grinned down, and, on impulse, bent to place a quick kiss on Kit’s lips.

  Kit stared at him for a moment and then gave him a huge grin. “Do that again.”

  “Uh-uh. That was a spontaneous kiss in the street. Doesn’t work if it’s planned.”

  “Hmm.” Kit looked like he was mulling that over. “But planned kisses on the street work like planned kisses,” he said brightly.

  “Nope. If I’d planned it, I wouldn’t have done it.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Kit grinned. “I’ve met you. But you did. You kissed me.” Kit looked around. “I’m going to go tell that lady that you kissed me.”

  “You are not!”

  Kit grinned at him. “I might.”

  “Butthead.” Neil popped Kit in the shoulder, laughing.

  “Name calling, now! Just for that, I’ll wear my second best T-shirt on our next date instead of one that cost the whole fifteen bucks.”

  “I’ve got a few with stains; I could wear one of them. If we’re one-upping each other. Or one-downing.”

  Kit laughed again. “You totally would, wouldn’t you?”

  He chuckled and helped Kit get turned onto the path through the park. “I would.”

  “That’s what I like about you, you know. Always willing to win.” Kit looked at him, apparently delighted.

  “What? I’m supposed to hold back just because you’re in a wheelchair? I would never win if I thought that way.”

  “Right, because I’m awesome and will beat you soon. Gotta get your wins in while you can.”

  “You’re just a little bit competitive, aren’t you?”

  “Does it show?” Kit gave a completely deadpan look.

  Neil laughed. “Just a little.”

  Kit grinned. “Oh, look.” He pointed down the street. “It looks like there’s some street musicians out tonight. Want to go listen?”

  “Yeah, that sounds good.” It was awesome, just wandering with Kit, going where the wind blew them, so to speak.

  “It sounds a little jazzy -- there’s a sax.” Kit sounded pleased.

  “You a jazz fan?” They stopped a few feet from the musicians. There were four of them: a sax, a guitar, a clarinet, and a trumpet. Music students at the university was Neil’s guess.

  Kit nodded. “Well, not a huge fan, but I know the big names and have a few CDs. My dad, now there’s a huge jazz fan.”

  “Yeah? That’s cool.” He settled his hand on Kit’s shoulder, letting it connect them as they listened to the music. The players were really quite good.

  They watched for a song, and Kit lifted one hand and placed it over Neil’s, his gaze on the band. He was smiling, looking completely relaxed. It was a good look, and one Neil didn’t get to see that often. Of course maybe that would change now that he wasn’t Kit’s therapist anymore. He really hoped so.

  They threw some money into the guitar case when the song was over and started on their way again.

  “I suppose I should call our car,” Kit said with a glance at his watch. “Not that I don’t want to stay out with you, but our driver has an early morning.”

  “Go for it. It’s been a great evening, Kit. Really.”

  Kit smiled at him and got his phone out. “Thank you for coming to dinner, Neil,” he said again. “I had a really great time.”

  Neil leaned in for another kiss, his lips lingering against Kit’s.

  Kit kissed him back, gently, and smiled against his mouth. “Really great.” One more kiss and Kit let him go.

  “Yeah, I agree. And we’re on for Saturday next week, right?”

  Kit nodded. “Yes. We won’t bring my dad, okay?”

  He laughed. “It’s a deal.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Dating was going well as far as Kit could tell, on the evidence of three -- about to be four -- dates and a lot of calls and text messages. There were kisses, for one, and Kit was all about kisses. There was a corresponding rise in jacking off, too, since kisses were fuel, but that was okay.

  Tonight was big, though. Date four was dinner at Neil’s place, and Kit had a surprise for him. It had been almost three weeks since their first dinner and a month since Kit had essentially fired Neil. It was time to show off his new skills, as meager as they might be. Or as astounding; Kit wasn’t sure, since he’d been working so hard on it for months and months.

  He’d been intending to take a cab to Neil’s place, but his father had insisted on driving him. “It’s just faster for me to get the chair in and out, is all,” he said. “A cab driver doesn’t know the tricks.”

  Kit rolled his eyes. He knew why his father wanted to be there.

  When they arrived at Neil’s door (the chair swiftly being taken from the car in smooth motions, since his father was showing off), Kit had his father leave before he’d ring the bell. “I’ll tell you about it later. Shoo. I’m not taking you on my date, not even a minute of it, old man.”

  His father sighed, rolled his eyes and left, making sure Kit could reach his cane. “Call if you want me to pick you up.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Kit smiled and waved, waited until his father was out of sight, and knocked on the door.

  Neil answered flatteringly quickly, like he’d been waiting close by. A warm smile lit up Neil’s face. “Hey, Kit. Come on in.”

  “Thanks. How are you?” Kit asked, wheeling his way down the hall to Neil’s door and then just inside. “Oh, it smells great in here.”

  “Thanks. And I’m good. How
are you doing?” Neil closed the door and then bent to give him a soft kiss. “I’ve missed you.”

  Kit smiled and took the kiss, giving Neil another one in return. “I missed you, too.” He had. “I’m fine -- today was good.”

  “Cool. Did you have therapy?”

  Neil led him into the living room. It was simple and green -- pine furniture, lots of pillows, a full bookcase, a little TV, and plants on every flat surface.

  “Yep.” Kit followed, looking around at all the plants. “Wow. I didn’t know you were into houseplants. You just opened a whole new world of gifts for me.” He liked the room. It was inviting and comfortable, and not at all fussy.

  “I love plants. They’re good to us, you know? Pull all that carbon dioxide in, give oxygen out.” Neil turned and smiled at him, nodded toward the little kitchenette behind a breakfast bar with two stools at it. “You want something to drink?”

  “That would be nice.” Kit nodded and asked, “Do you want any help with supper? I’m good with helping out.”

  “It’s all in the oven, actually. I made a Moroccan tangine -- I hope you like spice.”

  “You know me -- competitive.” Kit laughed. “The spicier the better. I assume we’ll have milk with supper?”

  “I was thinking beer actually. I like the tangine because the longer it sits, the better it is.” Neil disappeared around the bar. “I’ve got a couple bottles of local brew, that work for you?”

  “Perfect.” Carefully, not rushing at all but hoping to hell that Neil was going to take his time and not look at him, Kit swung his cane around and got to his feet. “Is it cold?” He tried to keep his voice casual as he started making his way to the bar and its stools.

  “Yeah, they’re in the fridge.” There was a clink of glass bottles hitting and then Neil’s head appeared over the bar again and he turned. Neil’s mouth dropped open. “Kit?”

  “Yes, dear?” Kit grinned and kept moving; it was easier when he had momentum.

  “Oh my God! Look at you!” Neil laughed, putting the beers on the bar and coming around. “Oh my God.”

  “Don’t get too excited; I’m just showing off.” Kit aimed for the nearest stool. “I’m not really supposed to just do this, you know. There’s going to be time with that brace thing and crutches before I’m let loose with just a cane, but look. Cool, huh?” He was grinning foolishly as he got to the bar and grabbed the edge for better balance. He’d been grinning foolishly for two days, waiting for this.

  Neil opened his mouth when he mentioned he wasn’t supposed to do this, and then he closed it with a snap and nodded vigorously. “It’s very cool, Kit. I’m going to come over there and kiss you. Don’t lose your balance.”

  “I’ve got it.” Kit laughed and held out a hand. “Come here.” He’d be a good boy for the rest of the night, and the tiny little extra work out for his legs wouldn’t do any harm.

  Neil took his hand and came around the bar, bringing their mouths together.

  Kit held on tight, and his excitement made his reactions more intense than usual. He held onto Neil’s hand tighter; he kissed Neil harder; he felt everything more. It was like all of the joy of his success was focused right on kissing Neil into insensibility.

  Neil broke off the kiss. “I think we need to get you to the couch.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Kit said with a laugh. “I think I’ll lean on you, if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind at all. This is awesome.”

  Kit slipped his arm around Neil’s shoulders. “It is, isn’t it?” He really felt, finally, like he was getting better. It was a huge thing for him, even though it would probably be another month before he was free of the chair, and months more before he would be able to go out and about without crutches or his cane. He could take steps again, and that was amazing. “We did it.”

  “You did! I’m so happy for you.”

  Neil took it slow all the way to the couch.

  “We forgot the beer,” Kit said when they got there. “But I’m sending you back for it alone. After you kiss me again.”

  “I’m not sure that sounds fair. I might need more than one kiss...”

  Kit beamed. Neil looking for kisses was something else to celebrate. “I’m pretty sure that I can arrange for all the kisses you could possibly want.”

  “I don’t know; I might want a lot of them.” Neil leaned in, pressing their lips together again.

  Kit, settled on the couch and flushed with success -- both walking and surprising Neil -- drew him close and kissed him back, delicately licking at Neil’s lips. Moaning, Neil opened up to him, tongue coming out to touch him.

  Kit buried a hand in Neil’s hair and dove in, tasting and kissing and trying so hard not to rush, not to push. He thought that Neil would throw up a flag if he went too fast, but Kit couldn’t help it. He was aching for this kind of contact, had craved it for so long. His kisses grew deeper and his heart started to race at Neil’s moans.

  Neil grabbed hold of his shoulders, holding on as the kisses went deeper. Giving himself over to it, Kit touched Neil’s arms and jaw, his chest and shoulders. He let his hands roam pretty freely while they kissed, making sounds of his own as he relaxed into Neil and soaked up as much affection as he could.

  “God, I want you.” The words were breathed into his mouth, and Kit wasn’t even sure he’d really heard them.

  He wasn’t about to snap Neil out of it by asking him to repeat what he’d said. Kit kissed him again and shuddered a little at the words, though, his hand sliding down from Neil’s shoulder to grip one of his arms. If he didn’t hang on to something, he’d have his hand in Neil’s lap. It was a distinct possibility anyway.

  Neil leaned back into the cushions, the hands on his shoulders tugging him along. Kit went with him, unwilling to fight it even if he could. He’d wanted this for months, for far longer than he cared to think about. If Neil was finally on the same page, Kit was going to celebrate. He leaned, he stretched, and he kissed Neil with everything he had.

  Neil was lean and warm beneath him, mouth opening wider for him, totally letting him in. Wiggling a little to get into a better position, Kit rubbed on him. His tongue was taking Neil’s mouth, and Kit’s hands were roaming, feeling and petting. Boldly, he finally got his hand on Neil’s erection, over layers of cloth, and squeezed gently.

  Neil bucked for him, a whimpering groan muffled between their lips.

  “That’s it,” Kit said quietly. He didn’t want to break the spell by being too loud. He squeezed again, feeling Neil up very thoroughly, and then started working on his button and zipper.

  “Oh God,” gasped Neil, hands finding his shoulders and latching on.

  Kit grinned and pulled harder, then parted the fabric to make room. The angle was odd, but he slipped his hand under the waistband of Neil’s briefs and took the hard, hot cock in his palm. “All right?” he asked, curling his fingers around it.

  “Yeah.” Neil blinked up at him and then grinned. “I oughtta...” He slid one hand down between them.

  “Relax, we have plenty of time.” Kit stroked.

  “Okay. I’ll do you after.” Neil’s hand slid back around his shoulder, fingers curling.

  “Uh-huh.” Kit would make sure -- assuming he didn’t go off in his jeans, anyway. Ew. He looked down at his hand, slowly jacking Neil off, and almost became mesmerized. It was such a gorgeous erection, long and blushing red, and just the right size for his hand. He stroked again, shifting his weight so he could see better.

  Neil started moving, pushing up into his hand. He licked his lips and little groans came out of his mouth.

  Kit groaned too, moved beyond endurance. He’d imagined this, over and over, and here it was. In his hand, moving underneath him, Neil letting go of the very last of his restraint. It was even hotter than Kit had thought it would be, and even sweeter. He used his free arm for leverage to shove himself down Neil’s body and dipped his head to lick delicately up one side of Neil’s prick.

>   “Kit!” The shout was loud, and Neil’s whole body went tight.

  A growl welled up in Kit’s chest. He liked that, hearing his name yelled in that exact tone. He licked again and then took Neil into his mouth.

  Neil’s next noise was considerably more incoherent but no less satisfying. Matching it with one of his own, Kit bobbed his head up and down Neil’s length, sucking and licking and enjoying the hell out of himself. Neil tasted good, clean, and male, and hinting of the salt to come.

  Looking up, Kit tried to see Neil’s face. It was hard to do, given the distraction in his mouth and the way his own hips kept shifting restlessly; he kept wanting to close his eyes and just go with the feelings until he exploded in a million tiny pieces. Neil seemed down with that plan, soft gasps and moans coming from him as his hips started shifting.

  Kit worked Neil harder, using his hands along with his mouth as he tried to make Neil let go and give him everything, every last bit of his control.

  “Oh God. Kit.”

  Assuming that was good, Kit rolled Neil’s balls and lapped around the head of Neil’s cock, trying to catch his breath for a moment.

  Neil’s hips bucked, pushing the hard cock deeper into his mouth again. Groaning, Kit let him in and swallowed around him, feeling the back of his throat getting battered.

  “Oh! Oh!” Neil’s hands grabbed onto his head, and Neil bucked hard, just the once. Then Kit’s mouth was flooded with come.

  Kit swallowed again, as much as he could, and licked up the rest. He was breathing hard, his hips twitching as he resisted the need to reach down and tug himself off. He kissed Neil’s hip and then his belly, savoring the moment.

  “What was that exclamation you wanted me to make with food?”

  “Uh, whoop. I wanted to get a whoop out of you.” Kit kissed him again, making his way back up. They hadn’t undressed at all, and Neil was just lying there, cock out. It was incredibly sexy.

  “Well, then -- Whoop!”

  Kit laughed. “Whoop, indeed.” He stretched out, mostly on top of Neil and laughed again. “I’m glad to know there’s something that’ll make you whoop.”

  “I told you there was. I just don’t happen to find food nearly as whoop-worthy as, well, that.” Neil’s arms slid around him, holding onto him.