The hospital soon became a home to the four friends. They all spent most of their time there. Connor, having gotten an emergency leave from work, would be there all day with Kevin – usually going through old scrapbooks or journals or just telling stories to each other. But always avoiding the touchy subject of death. None of them wanted to think about it. Not now, at least.
As Connor gazed at his lover, he could see the disease slowly taking its toll on the brunette. His beautiful brown hair was beginning to thin out. He remembered how Kevin had cried when he saw that his hair was losing its beautiful sheen. His smile looked forced more often, as if he had less to be happy about. His eyes showed his true feelings. His sadness. His pain. His fear.
The only thing that made them brighten was Connor. All he had to do was look at Connor and he would just feel... happier. The redhead's beautiful smile and optimistic personality were all Kevin needed. I remember falling in love with him, he thought as his mind drifted back to Uganda.
The first day he had arrived, he was clearly very upset. It was Elder Price's first time away from his family, plus all he had wanted was to go to Orlando. Thoughts of Disney and Sea World had cluttered up his mind for the long flight and bus ride. His mission companion, Elder Cunningham had talked endlessly about his life and Star Wars and all sorts of other things that Elder Price wasn't even paying attention to. He just pressed his face against the window until they reached the small village they were to be working in. Elder Cunningham squealed in excitement and rambled on about how incredible their mission would be as they stepped off the bus and into the hot air. That's when the District Leader walked out from the mission building.
That's when everything changed.
From the second Elder McKinley jogged over to him with a giant smile plastered on his face, the young brunette was captivated. He could barely speak when the red-haired man was speaking to the two new missionaries. As he looked Elder McKinley in the eyes, he saw something that excited him – want. His observation was proven even more as he put his hand on the older man's arm. Elder McKinley blushed deep red and dipped his head out of sight. Yes. Yes, I want you too, Elder, Kevin thought.
The two flirted shamelessly for a while, not admitting their feelings. Not until after they abandoned the church and created The Book Of Arnold. When they announced that they no longer had to follow most of the rules, Kevin marched over to Elder McKinley and pulled him outside. The older man obliged without protest. Elder Price pushed him against the wall and put his hands on either side of his head, their bodies close but not touching. The older Elder opened his mouth to speak, but the brunette pressed their mouths together roughly, cradling his face. Elder McKinley placed his hands on the other man's hips. When they pulled away, they both smiled.
"I think that was long overdue, Kevin," Elder McKinley whispered.
"I know, Connor. I've wanted to do that for a long time, believe me," Elder Price muttered back. They kissed again, hands roaming and...
"Kevin, honey? Are you okay?" The voice jolted him out of his memories. He saw Connor sitting on the edge of his bed, looking concerned. Kevin just smiled.
"I'm fine. Just perfect, actually."
"What were thinking about?" Connor asked.
"You. When we first met," Kevin said with a wide grin. Connor smiled.
"That was a good time. I knew we'd end up together someday." Kevin rubbed Connor's hand.
"Ew, get a room guys!"Connor laughed and touched Kevin's face. They all giggled for a moment. Kevin's eyes suddenly flew wide open. He clutched his chest and began wheezing. Arnold and Nabalungi ran to the bedside.
"Kevin! Kevin, look at me. You have to stay with me!" Kevin only said three words.
"This is it."