All It Takes - Some Care

Ch. 2

“Maybe.” Benji said contented with the answer. They rode the short distance to the hotel and the driver pulled up in front. Billy pulled Benji out of the cab careful not to let go of him as he tripped all over. Billy held onto Benji’s arm as he led him through the lobby and into an elevator. He leaned Benji up against the side and pulled out his wallet to get the key. “You know why else I don’t like girls?” Benji continued. “They use too much perfume. They must not shower. I tried that once. I used cologne to cover up my smell cuz I didn’t shower for a week. It didn’t work.”

Billy laughed and Benji stopped and looked at him. “Sorry Benj, continue.”

Benji shrugged and stared off into space like he was deep in thought- even in his state. The doors dinged and opened. Billy held onto Benji once again as he found the suite where they had two rooms and four beds. They were off for the next two days before they had to drive to the next city. Billy fumbled with the key and Benji mumbled, “I don’t feel good.” Billy finally opened the door and pushed Benji towards the bathroom as he wretched into the toilet barely in time. Billy closed his ears to the painful noise and went to see if Joel and Paul were there. They were in one of the rooms- each passed out fully clothed. Not just asleep but in that state of true tiredness and alcohol consumed sleep. They wouldn’t wake if the hotel burned down around them. Billy shut the door and went back to Benji. He flushed the toilet and handed him a towel. Sitting next to the toilet, Benji tried to wipe the vomit off his front but failed- only to smear it.

Billy sighed and kneeled, “No Benj, not like that.” He took the towel and wet it then wiped Benji’s face lightly. Benji groaned as his head began to swirl again but there was nothing left to surrender in his stomach. Billy held out his hands and Benji took them shakily standing. Billy lightly guided him to the room and Benji sat on the nearest bed. Billy softly spoke, “Take that shirt off.” He went to Benji’s bag and pulled out the first shirt he found. Smelling it he asked, “Is this clean?” Benji shrugged as he took the shirt and slipped it on. He reached down to untie his shoes but fumbled almost falling completely forward. Billy sighed as he saw and reached down and quickly unlaced the shoes. Benji kicked them off and crawled back onto one of the beds collapsing in the pillows.

Billy took his shirt off then sat on the end of the other bed to take his shoes off. Benji’s breaths had slowed but he wasn’t asleep yet. Billy heard him rustling in the sheets and looked over. Benji sat up, “You know what else? Girls wear makeup that gets all over your pillows. Then you have to clean them. I hate girls.”

Billy stood and got in his bed, “That’s nice Benji go to sleep.” He lay on his back and looked at the ceiling still feeling very awake.

It was quiet for a second and Benji spoke quietly, “Billy- I'm glad you don’t wear perfume.” It was quiet for a second, as Billy looked over confused at Benji. He had his eyes closed, “And you don’t kiss me.” Billy watched as Benji slipped off into sleep. Another silent second and this time quieter, “And I like the way you dance.” Benji slowly opened his eyes, “Why did you take care of me tonight?” He closed his eyes again and yawned. “And you wouldn’t leave makeup on my pillow.” Billy didn’t answer and he soon heard the deep breathing of sleeping Benji.

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