EWB: Enemies With Benefits

by N.R. Walker

I fucking hated him for making me want him.

“What—and I mean this with as much sincerity as possible—the actual fuck? You want me to hate-fuck you?”

“You can’t see the power exchange here? Jesus Christ, you know what? The fact you can’t see it is reason enough for me to tell you to fuck off.” He shook his head. “This is insane.”

His eyes met mine. “So it’s like a work bromance,” he said, nodding. “But the b is silent.”

“Goddammit, Valentine fucking Tye,” he murmured, then stepped back and shook his head. “I must be out of my damned mind.” I put my hand to my forehead and let out a breath. “Same. Marshall fucking Wise.”

And I found myself smiling. “A fuck-toy? In good working order.”

Oh yeah. I was in deep trouble. Deeeeeep. Like Marianna Trench levels of deep.

“Not coming out isn’t about a lack of bravery. For some, not coming out is about survival. And don’t judge your own story against anyone else’s. It’s gotta be the right time for you. Not anyone else.”

“I hate a lot of things about you,” I said quietly. “I hate that you think so little of yourself when I think you’re kinda great. I hate that your parents cast you aside and use you, and they make you feel worthless when everything you do is for them. I hate that you put up these walls of ice like you need to protect yourself. I hate that you—” Valentine thumped his chest, a tear spilling down his cheek. “Me. You’re supposed to hate me!” “I hate that I don’t hate you anymore.”