Five

Jeremiah’s eyes fluttered open, his hurting eyes assaulted by the harsh sunlight streaming through the window.

A deep, throbbing pain pulsed in his chest, dragging a quiet groan from his lips. The sharp ache reminded him that yesterday wasn’t just some twisted nightmare.

His ex-girlfriend had cheated. And her crazed lover had shot him. Yet he was still alive. 

Somehow.

Voices filtered through the door, low and animated and he couldn’t make out the words. Jeremiah's memory of what happened was foggy at best, but one thing stood out crystal clear, piercing blue eyes. The one who claimed to be Xander’s brother. The one who’d hovered over him with too many questions and an intrusive intensity.

Was he still here?

Jeremiah swallowed hard, slipping out of the room and into the hallway. It wasn't hard to spot Xander in the living room, but his focus was fixed on the broad man who made Xander's 5’8” frame look almost childlike in comparison. The man's dark hair was slicked back out of his face, with a sculpted jaw, although his features were soft and striking, which somehow made him look both intimidating and beautiful.

As if sensing him, the man turned. Their eyes locked. Blue, deep and consuming.

“You're up,” the man said.

Jeremiah froze. A shiver slid down his spine. Why was it suddenly so hot in here? Almost like he was burning up. Was he coming down with something?

Before he could think, Xander rushed over and wrapped him in a hug.

“Oh thank God, Jerry! I thought you were gonna die.”

Jeremiah flinched, awkwardly patting his friend’s back. He wasn’t a fan of physical affection, but he let it slide this time.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Xander rambled, pulling away, his eyes red. “I was so scared, but thank God you're fine.”

Jeremiah offered a faint, apologetic smile. “Sorry, I scared you.”

“It’s fine. How do you feel? Need painkillers? Food? Water?”

“I think he needs space, Xan,” A deep voice interrupted.

Jeremiah looked toward the blue-eyed man. He was closer now, towering but not imposing. The heat in Jeremiah’s face returned, joined by an unfamiliar fluttering in his stomach. His body felt weird.

Xander stepped back, guilt flashing in his eyes. “Right. Sorry. Forgot you don’t like being touched.”

“It’s alright,” Jeremiah murmured, dragging his gaze away from the man.

Xander perked up again. “Anyway, this big guy here is my brother, Everett. He’s the one who treated you yesterday.”

Everett. The name echoed in his head on repeat. It suited him somehow.

Everett stepped forward and offered a hand, his face unreadable. “Everett.”

Jeremiah stared for a second, then reached out hesitantly. “Jeremiah.”

Everett's hand was big, completely engulfing his. He noticed the veins bulging out in his hand and running up his arm. 

“I owe you an apology,” Everett's husky voice said, “I made you uncomfortable yesterday. I’m sorry.”

Jeremiah's eyes flicked to his throat, looking over his sharp jawline that didn't have the slightest bit of stubble on it.

“It’s fine,” he muttered, feeling his cheeks burn up for some reason. “I... thank you. For helping me.”

Everett’s lips curved into the slightest smile. “My pleasure.”

Jeremiah nearly swooned when he felt Everett gently squeeze his hand before he remembered they were still touching and snatched his hand back, flustered.

Xander cleared his throat with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Now that we’re all friendly, how about breakfast? I’m starving.”

“You cooked?” Jeremiah asked, eyebrows raised.

Xander scoffed. “Do I look like I wanna burn down this house? No. Everett cooked.”

Jeremiah’s eyes darted toward Everett, who looked away just as quickly. He trailed behind Xander to the kitchen, his voice low. “It smells good.”

“Thanks,” Everett grumbled.

Then Xander, ever the wild card, blurted out. “Anyway, Jerry, how’s your girlfriend?”

“Xan,” Everett snapped.

“What?” Xander raised both hands. “Just making conversation.”

Jeremiah looked between the brothers with his brows pulled in. What was going on here?

“She’s uhh_,” Jeremiah trailed off, “She’s not my girlfriend anymore,” he mumbled.

Xander’s grin stretched wider. From the corner of his eye, Jeremiah saw Everett visibly relax.

“Why’d you ask?” Jeremiah questioned, narrowing his eyes.

“Just curious,” Xander replied casually, though his eyes stayed locked on Everett like they were having some silent conversation.

The tension made Jeremiah shift uncomfortably. “Is something wrong?”

Everett cleared his throat and looked away, jaw tight.

“Actually_,” Xander said, meeting Jeremiah’s gaze, “There’s something we want to ask you.”

Panic shot through him. His chest tightened. This was it. They were going to ask about the shooting. About what happened. About his scars.

Was he in trouble?

“Breathe, love.”

The words washed over him soothingly, Everett’s voice deep and low. Did he just call him love?

Xander jumped in quickly. “It’s not that serious, promise. I just wanted to ask if it’s okay for Everett to stay with us for a while.”

“What?” Jeremiah blinked.

“Relax,” Xander chuckled. “Everett just got a new job and needs a place close to work. I figured he could use the spare room until he finds something permanent.”

Jeremiah exhaled, relief flooding his chest. “Oh, yeah. Sure.”

He peeped at Everett, a shudder running down his spine. Living with Everett. The idea hit him like a wave of heat. For some unknown reason, the thought of it made Jeremiah feel hot all over.

“Thanks, Jeremiah,” Everett said, sending him another of those smiles that made his chest feel funny.

He nodded, suddenly shy. He could already picture himself getting used to seeing Everett's beautiful face every day. What was wrong with him? He didn’t even swing that way... Jeez.

Xander clapped his hands. “Great! Jerry, why don’t you show Everett the spare room while I set the table?”

“Xander,” Everett growled lowly.

Jeremiah hesitated, eyes meeting Everett’s. His heart thudded hard.

“I guess I could do that.”

This was very, very bad. He most definitely was coming down with something.