"I hate this."
"I know," Arik said.
"No, I need you to understand that I hate this in several directions."
"I assumed."
"I hate that he is funny."
"He is not funny."
"He insulted me while I was medically fragile. That is objectively funny."
Arik looked personally wronged by the universe. "Do not encourage him."
Liam closed his eyes against Arik's chest, exhausted, irritated, and warm enough that his anger had to work far too hard to remain properly dramatic.
"I am still angry," he mumbled.
"I know."
"And you owe me an explanation."
"Yes."
"When?"
Arik's hand moved through his hair once, slow and careful. "When you are strong enough to hear it."
Liam forced one eye open. "That is dangerously close to sounding reasonable, which makes me suspicious."
"It should."
"I am giving you one day."
Arik looked down at him.
