Months Later

"You look like you're going to be sick." John said to Cody who was lying on the couch in his office

"I'm going to do it."

"Do what?" He replied absently as he looked over some paperwork

"Propose to Evan." John slowly turned his chair around and smiled

"Really? When?"

"Today...tonight...I don't know. His ring came in yesterday and I almost did it last night after we'd had sex because I was so nervous."

"Sex makes you nervous?"

"No. Sex with Evan leaves me exhausted and sated." John giggled

"That sounds amazing actually."

"It is."

"Why don't the two of you go out for a really nice dinner and you can do it then...or when you get home. Set up something nice for him so he has a decent story to tell when people ask. You doing it at the nurses' station is hardly romantic."

"But it's where we met."

"You got me there."

"What should I do John?!" Cody asked frantically as he sat up

"I don't know. I've never thought about getting married."

"Fuck." He said lying back on the couch again

"What if," John paused. "What if you gave me a spare key to your place and I go over while the two of you are out for dinner and set up the ring on your dining room table or something with candles and some other nice shit so when you guys walk in he'll see it. Knowing Evan he's going to start popping off at the mouth and when he turns around you'll be on one knee."

"Are you sure you never thought about getting married before?"

"I'm positive. Do you want me to or no?"

"Would you please? That sounds great and way better than anything I thought of...which was nothing."

"Sure. I'll even pay for whatever I buy with my own money."

"You do make like four times what I make. Throw me a bone." John laughed

"Just text me when you're leaving the restaurant. I'll light the candles and get out of dodge."

"Are you going to hang out at my place until we leave the restaurant?"

"No. Let me know when you get there and I'll go to your house about an hour after then wait until I get my signal that you're leaving."

"Will Randy be there?"

"I don't know."

"I mean I don't care if he is just no hanky-panky in my house. Only Half Pint and I get down there."

"Well that bit of information will certainly deter me from any hanky-pankying I may have considered."

"Good."

"Just so we're clear what qualifies as hanky-panky?"

"Let me put it this way, unless you're using the bathroom your genitals should not be out."

"No exposure... got it. It's a good thing I know how to work under clothes right? Am I right?" John asked laughing

"You are not funny John." Cody said with a laugh. "Can you take this?" He asked reaching into his pocket

"You have the ring with you?! Cody!" John whispered harshly. "Are you crazy? Scrub pockets are the worst kind of pockets. I'm so glad you didn't lose this."

"Well yea now that you mention it. The box is in the master bathroom in the bottom drawer on your left-hand side if you want to place it back inside."

"Okay."

"Move it Third Arm." Randy said walking into the office and dropping onto the couch

"Get your boney butt off my legs." John laughed

"Boney butt?"

"Yes...do some deep lunges why don't you?"

"John."

"Keep me out of it." John said looking at his computer screen. "What I would like to know is how my office became the cool hangout? This is where I used to sit and relax while doing some work but these days I come in and there's already someone just chillin in here...and in case you didn't know who I meant by someone I mean one of you."

"It's nice in here." Cody said laying his legs across Randy's lap. "The couch in the lounge looks like it's covered in specimen samples."

"Cody's right and I feel like in dating you I get dibs on the nice office."

"So you're using me?"

"Not at all...but if I were it certainly wouldn't be for your office." John rapidly clicked his pen and Cody laughed

"Did you just make a dick joke? This is hilarious."

"How was that surgery?" John asked ignoring the snickering men sitting behind him

"Good. Seth's in there waking her up right now. There was a little more blockage than initially thought which took longer than I thought but I took care of it. She'll be fine. I'm ready for a nap."

"For real." Cody added settling deeper into the couch

"You're hella comfortable aren't you?"

"Hell yes. Shit – I need to find a place to eat and make reservations."

"Reservations for what?" Evan asked popping into the office

"Oh, um,"

"I told Cody to take you somewhere nice tonight." John said saving Cody who had no clue what to say

"That's nice. We hardly ever go out. Thanks John."

"It's what I do."

"Now," The small man said pointing. "What is going on with this?" He asked referring to Cody's legs being propped up on Randy

"I'm exhausted Half Pint and Randy walked in and sat on me."

"You're lucky John's here with the two of you or I would have cut your balls off for this."

"I know babe."

"That's a ball removing offense?" Randy asked

"Yes. I'm very possessive and Cody knows that. All of that man over there is mine."

"I'm feeling just a tad uncomfortable right now."

"Don't worry; it's just my balls he'd remove Randy."

"I hope so since I'm kinda attached to mine."

"Well I'm not crazy."

"Threatening to cut balls off doesn't sound crazy to you?"

"Not when it comes to Cody. I put a lot of work into him."

"What is my life?" John groaned. The other three men looked at him as if he were the one who didn't belong in the room

...

"We don't have to work tomorrow." Randy said to John as they rode down to the parking garage via elevator

"I know and I am so happy about that. I love my job but working a straight 48 is awful." John said hitting a button on his key fob and unlocking his car doors. He threw his bag inside then shut the door. "Yes?" He said looking at Randy who was staring at him

"What do you mean yes?"

"What do you mean what do I mean?"

"Sometimes I feel like I'm trying too hard with you and this relationship."

"What did I do? Or is it something I didn't do? I didn't make any plans for us." The tall man folded his arms across his chest. "I just hit the nail on the head." John said looking around. "I'm sorry but I already told Cody that I'd do a favor for him."

"Which is what?"

"He wants to propose to Evan tonight and I said that I'd set up their place so it'll be a surprise for Evan when they get home."

"That makes me less annoyed with you."

"I'm going to be at their place for a while so I'm not even sure if you and I have time to do anything."

"I can just pick up food and bring it over to your place."

"Oh."

"But I hate that each time we have days off you're ready to go home and pass the fuck out and not even see me until we're back at work."

"I do recall telling you that I'd start to take you for granted."

"Six to eight months...we creeping up on six but haven't quite made it. You don't get to take me for granted yet."

"You're absolutely right." John said kissing him. Randy's eyes widened

"You never kiss me in public. I hope you know that there are cameras in this garage." The shorter man smiled

"I've been here longer than you of course I know that. I'm pretty sure the watchman isn't in there watching us."

"That is his job though."

"Want to put on a show?" John asked pulling the string of Randy's pants

"Cut it out." The tall man said with a laugh. "I'm going home, you'll go workout I'm sure,"

"Yes I will. I have to look good."

"For who?"

"Anyone who wants to look." Randy rolled his eyes

"I'll pick up food on my way over...2-3 hours?"

"Split the difference and come over in two and a half."

"Alright." The men kissed again then went their separate ways

Later

"This is a nice neighborhood and all but you should really start locking your door." Randy said walking into John's kitchen. John kissed him and asked

"Then how will you get in?"

"I could pick the lock I suppose."

"That won't be necessary Randal." The tall man groaned

"God I hate that I get so turned on when you call me that." John smiled as he shook a cocktail shaker over his shoulder. "You a bartender now?"

"You gonna tip me?"

"Depends on what kind of service you give me."

"I'll give you the service of your life baby." John said pouring the liquid from the shaker. He took a sip of the beverage and nodded his head. "Taste this."

"That's amazing. Did you just make it up?"

"No. I saw it on Bar Rescue just now." Randy chuckled as he opened the refrigerator

"Why the hell is the fridge filled with flowers?"

"Those are for when I go to Cody and Evan's. Are you coming with me?"

"I guess so."

"You don't have to."

"I know I don't but what will I do here alone?"

"I have no idea. We had better eat so we can get there. I got a text from Cody saying that they were there."

"Is he nervous?"

"Very...he thought about doing it at work."

"Evan would probably slap his face if he did that."

"Probably so I suggested me going to their place."

"You saved the day."

Cody and Evan's

"It's really nice in here. It's almost super unbelievably clean." Randy said looking around. John laughed

"A nurse and an anesthesiologist live here."

"You make a good point. Evan probably cleans with a Q-tip or something."

"Why do you assume he's the one who cleans?"

"Because Cody doesn't strike me as the rubber gloves to clean up type of guy."

"Then I guess you'll be surprised to know that Cody is the one who cleans. Evan is on laundry and cooking duty."

"How the hell do you know?"

"One day I asked them."

"Nosy." John chortled

"Says the man currently looking at all their stuff."

"I'm looking at pictures. Isn't that what you do with pictures?"

"Don't smart off to me." Randy smiled to himself

"They're really cute. Evan has pretty eyes." He said picking up a framed picture of the two men. "Do they always have couple Halloween costumes?"

"Yes."

"The adorableness is almost too much."

"Did you see the one where Cody's a firefighter and Evan's the Dalmatian?"

"What?!"

"Yea I just about lost my shit when I saw them. I know the picture is up there somewhere."

"I found it." Randy said laughing. "I guess a couple that costumes together, stays together."

"On the contrary, Ade and I dressed up each year we were together and you see what happened with that."

"You dressed up for Halloween?"

"Yes. Why do you sound surprised?"

"Because I'm surprised. You're so serious all the time so I can't even imagine."

"I didn't like doing it if that helps the situation make more sense to you."

"It does. Cody and Evan appear to like it which is why it works for them...you and ex girl on the other hand. It's like one person enjoying sex and the other just going along with it."

"Well that part I liked and she did too. I'll be right back." John said jogging upstairs. He went to the master bath and retrieved the empty ring box. "I'm thinking of putting the ring in here and sticking it in the middle of the table."

"In the flower petal wreath thing you just made?"

"Right...with the candles."

"That sounds nice especially coming from a guy who doesn't want to marry."

"Just because I'm not all that romantic doesn't mean I don't know how to romance."

"You're fine with you flaws, huh?"

"You wanted me and now you got me so deal with it Randal...and I like to call them perfect imperfections."

"Okay can you not call me Randal unless I'm about to get some?"

"I'll do what I want boy and you'll get some later."

"What about now? We have time."

"Cody already told me that if you came with me there was to be no hanky-panky." Randy laughed

"He knows me so well and only after months of knowing each other."

"You ooze sex so I guess it wasn't all that hard to figure out and Cody is a nurse so his job is to observe."

"I ooze sex huh?" He asked smirking

"Oh God." John groaned. "Here you go."

"Did I ooze when we first met?"

"What? Are you asking if I saw you that way? No. I had no desire to put my boy part in your boy part."

"And now you do?"

"Oh all the time."

"I'm flattered."

"Oh good." John said with a laugh

...

"Don't you have vacation time?" Randy asked as he and John sat on the Rhodes-Bourne couch

"Yes. I always have vacation days because I never use them."

"Why?"

"I love my job and don't feel like I need a vacation from it."

"Everyone needs a break John."

"That's what my days off are for."

"I love my job too," Randy said looking at the other man. "But you have to take more than two days off at a time."

"Says?"

"Everyone."

"Does this mean you want to go on vacation?"

"Maybe."

"Do you know how hard it'll be for both of us to get those same days off?"

"There are other qualified doctors at the hospital."

"I'm the head of the cardiac unit."

"All the more reason for you to take a break. I know they don't want you to get burnout which is very common in our field."

"Read me a pamphlet why don't you?" Randy was starting to get mad but that made him laugh

"Damn it I'm being serious."

"I can tell."

"You don't have to be," He started; ready to tear into John but the older man reached down and intertwined their fingers

"I'll see what I can do okay?" And just like that Randy acquiesced. "Where would you like to go?"

"What about Lake Havasu?"

"Oh hell nah."

"What?"

"One: we're too old. I feel like college kids go there for spring break. Two: That is not a lake. It's a body of muddy water."

"And third?"

"I don't have a third. I think those first two reasons are good enough."

"I want to go somewhere fun...and get you out of your comfort zone."

"I'm not fun?"

"You're not living up to your fun potential. John you're serious 95% of the time."

"Not even a year and you're trying to change me."

"I'm not,"

"I'd also like to mention that I'm working most of the time. I can't be Patch Adams while I work." Randy started laughing

"I hate you for that comment." John chuckled as he reached for his phone

Cody R: we'll be home in two minutes

John: I'll light the candles now and leave out the back of the neighborhood

"I have to light the candles now and we need to go."

"Are they on their way?" Randy asked shutting the TV off

"Cody said two minutes." John responded as he lit the candles

"Why didn't he text you earlier?"

"Didn't want to leave the candles unattended for too long. How does it look from there?"

"Very nice."

"Okay, okay, okay...let's go!" John whispered harshly as he pushed Randy toward the door

"I feel like we're about to get in trouble for something." The tall man said almost giggling as he was being pushed. They hurried out to John's car and John reversed out of the driveway but only drove a short distance before stopping and shutting the car off. "What are you doing?"

"I don't know. I feel better sitting here and not leaving their house completely unattended while there are candles burning inside."

"Good idea." Just then they saw the headlights of a car driving toward them. "Get down!" Randy said ducking and pushing John's head down. The men kept their heads hidden as Cody pulled into the driveway. When they thought the coast was clear they lifted their heads and saw the other two men get out of the car. "Job well done."

"Thank you." John said high-fiving Randy then starting his car

Cody and Evan

"Did you set the alarm before we left because it wasn't on just now?"

"I didn't set it."

"You left the lights off too." Evan said half hiding behind Cody. "Babe someone could be in here."

"There's no one in here. Come on." Cody said taking Evan by the hand

"No...go check it out first."

"I promise that no one's in here."

"Cody." Evan said softly

"Alright then, wait here." Cody walked farther into the house and covered his mouth to contain the happy squeals that wanted to escape when he saw what John had done. Composing himself he went back to the front door. "There's no one here but us Half Pint." The taller man said extending his hand. Evan took it, squeezing tight as Cody ran his thumb over his fingers soothingly

"Cody!" Evan shrieked when they approached the dining room. He reached up wrapping his arms tightly around Cody's neck and buried his head in the crook as he shed happy tears

"Baby," Cody said with a laugh as he attempted to pry the man off. "You have to let me go...I have to ask you something."

"Yes." The small man said without prompting. Cody gently pulled him off, took the ring box from the table then dropped to one knee. "Get up," Evan said wiping his eyes. "I've already said yes."

"I still have to do it so...Evan, Half Pint...the greatest thing going in my life – will you marry me?"

"Yes of course you know I'll marry you." Cody took the ring from the box and slipped it on the hand Evan had extended. "Who did this?"

"John."

"Really? I didn't think he had it in him."

"It was his idea. I was much too nervous to think of anything this nice."

"Well we'll have to thank him. I'm glad the house didn't burn down."

"He and Randy just left. They were probably driving out of the neighborhood as we drove in."

"Oh. How did you pull this off without me finding out?"

"John just thought of it earlier today. There was no time for you to be nosy."

"Well played then but it appears I'll have to keep an even closer eye on you if you slipped that one by me."

"Oh stop it," Cody said slinging Evan onto his shoulder. "Be nice to me for once please."

"I'm going to be so nice to you when we get upstairs. I'll be nice to you at least a few times tonight."

"Ooh baby."