Page 13 of Survival Game

Request sent.

Minutes later, much to his surprise, he got a notification that Kyle had accepted. Messenger showed him as online. Eric thought it would be rude to simply leave it there, so he messaged a simple Hi. You’re up late.

The reply came back quickly. Couldn’t sleep. You too?

He smiled as he replied. Same. We’re a right pair, aren’t we?

A smiley face came back. Not sure what to reply at four in the morning, he sent back a sleeping kitten emoji. Going to try get back to sleep now. Hope you do too.

Kyle’s response was a quick Will try. Thanks for the chat:)

He laid his phone down and went back into his bedroom. He crawled under his duvet and lay back on his pillow, hands behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling.

“Miss you, Linc,” he whispered softly into the darkness. “Gonna try to get back to sleep now. Please visit me and leave me good memories this time, will you?”

He shuffled about, punched his pillow into a comfortable nest for his head then lay down and closed his eyes.

It took him a long time to fall asleep.

Unfortunately, with a couple of his teammates calling in ill—one of them Aaron—and a horrific workload, it was impossible for Eric and Kyle to get together. Over the next couple of weeks, they texted short messages about the woe of their respective jobs and consoled themselves with silly gif wars and the occasional meme.

End of shift, he and the cleaning crew were under manpower pressure, with more needs than bodies to do the work. He figured it was a sign of things to come with the current government cutbacks and inspections. Just as he was restocking the truck, his personal mobile rang and he answered his phone with a smile. “Kyle, hey. This is a surprise—”

Out of breath, Kyle sounded panicked. “Eric, Ryan’s passed out in his office. I heard this noise and came in to find him slumped over his desk. He’s awake, but really out of it.”

Eric’s paramedic mode kicked in immediately. “Did you call nine-nine-nine? Is an ambulance on its way? I haven’t heard anything via my station.”

“Yes, I called them first. They’re coming. They’re only a few blocks away. I just wanted to tell you about it. Mango isn’t here. He’s abroad. I’ve told Ryan’s bestie, Lenny, and he’s going to try to track Mango down.”

“Okay. Good. Chances are they’ll take him to UCH. University College Hospital.”

“I know what UCH stands for, Eric,” Kyle said waspishly then let out a shuddering sigh. “Sorry, I’m in a state. I didn’t mean to snap.”

“Don’t worry ’bout that. Just sort out stuff with Lenny, and let me know when they take Ryan in. Do you need to go to the hospital with him?”

Kyle heaved a deep breath. “I can’t leave the club. We’ve got deliveries scheduled this afternoon and I’ll catch shit from Ryan if I don’t get it sorted. He wouldn’t want the club to suffer. Lenny will go to the hospital with his boyfriend Brook. Lenny is Ryan’s emergency contact anyway.”

Eric didn’t have time to wonder why Ryan’s boyfriend wasn’t down as his contact. “All right. Text me when the ambulance arrives, and I’ll make a few calls to the hospital, see if I can find anything out once Ryan has been admitted. Don’t worry, mate. I’m sure he’s probably not been eating, or has low blood pressure or something. He’s been a little off for a while now, but damned if anyone can get him to open up about it.”

Kyle heaved a shuddering sigh. “Thanks. Okay. I’ve got to go. Lenny’s on the other line. Hopefully he’s got hold of Mango. Speak later.”

The phone went dead and Eric swore. “Stupid, secretive arsehole, Ryan. I’m going to kick your backside when you’re better.”

Later that afternoon, when he had confirmation that Ryan was resting comfortably, Lenny and Brook by his side, and Mango was on his way home from Spain, Kyle texted:

Finished with deliveries. Club ready to open per usual.

Eric messaged back: Cool. Luckily Tuesday nights aren’t that busy. Hope it goes ok.

Kyle’s reply was short.Yeah, me too.

Around ten that night, Eric walked into Club Delish to find it in full swing. He grinned wryly. Life carried on regardless of the owner being in hospital.

Determined to find Kyle, Eric manoeuvred through the writhing throng of half-naked, sweaty bodies, pouting drag queens, and men in various stages of grinding and sex play on the dance floor. He had a feeling he knew where to look.

Sure enough, Kyle was in Ryan’s office, standing with arms folded across his chest as he stared out of the large observation window down at the mass below. Eric couldn’t help but notice the strain of Kyle’s shirt across his shoulders, sleeves rolled up the elbows. His pert arse filled out his well-fitting trousers, one foot tapping to the faint strains of the music floating up from below. His hair colour had changed once again since Eric had seen him last. It was still a deep dark purple but now featured lilac streaks at the tips, and artful splashes that looked casually painted in.

Eric knocked and cleared his throat, announcing himself, knowing Kyle was skittish. Startling the man was the last thing he wanted.