More than a Couple - The Long Day is Done
“Oh thank god you’re home,” she said, rising from the window seat. “Jay’s been at it all day with that guitar.”
Steve glanced at the sofa where Jay was sitting, holding tight to his lent guitar.
“Not all day,” he mumbled.
Ruth gave an exasperated huff and leaned on the back of the sofa. All day, she mouthed.
“And a good day to the two of you,” said Steve with a grin as he set his keys down. “Have you at least been doing more than chords?”
“Yeah, whole songs too.”
“Singular,” interjected Ruth.
“Don’t listen to her,” said Jay, smiling as Ruth ruffled his hair affectionately. “She won’t listen to me,” he added.
Ruth leaned close and gave him her best imitation of a Russian gangster. “If you keep this up, we will be forced into a very compromising position. Your little guitar friend will be the first to go.” Jay gasped exaggeratedly and looked pleadingly at Steve. The other man shrugged and unbuttoned his shirt. “We will make you watch, pretty boy” Ruth finished, kissing him affectionately on the cheek.
Jay smiled and strummed his guitar. “As long as you think I’m pretty.”
“Move over for a tired man,” said Steve as he sat beside Jay on the sofa. He leaned back, stretching an arm over the younger man and giving Ruth’s arm a soft rub. He gave a deep sigh and closed his eyes. “You going to play us something tonight? That one song you’ve been playing to death, for example?”
“It’s going to need more than cardiac infusers, mister,” whispered Ruth.
“Hey, it’s getting there.”
“Think you might be able to get Jay to relax a little? He’s in his ‘prepare obsessively’ stage.”
“As soon as I can move again, china-doll,” muttered Steve amidst the sofa cushions.
The three were quiet for a while, Jay idly picking the guitar as Ruth watched over his shoulder. Steve seemed dead to the world until he opened his eyes. “Bath.”
Jay silenced the guitar. “Hm?”
“Bath,” he repeated. “Gonna take a bath.” The determination in his voice failed to be reflected in his actions. He closed his eyes again with a groan. Jay picked up the song where he left off.