“Ash—” “Yes, I’m ready,”

“Ash—”
“Yes, I’m ready,” Asher stated stiffly from the sofa, switching the TV off with a small huff, waiting for Loch to come in from the hallway.
“Did you—”
“They’re waiting for you on the bed.”
“Thanks,” Loch said hurriedly as he rushed through to their room, where Asher had laid out his outfit. Loch was pulling off his work clothes as he went, and Asher pouted, hoping Loch at least kept them together rather than strewn all over the floor as usual. Unlikely, but perhaps one day he’d be surprised.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Asher mumbled grouchily as Loch reappeared, clumsily fastening the button on his cardigan. How had he once been so naive to believe he could keep Loch and Amir away from each other long-term? Loch had been right, of course. Didn’t mean he had to be happy about it.
“Trust me; this is important for Bay.”
“Oh?”
A sly smirk played at Loch’s lips, a look Asher recognised immediately; Loch knew something he shouldn’t. “Can’t say,” he confirmed. “Now, are you definitely ready?”
Asher sighed. “Physically, sure.”
Loch smiled reassuringly as he grabbed his hand. Sensing Asher’s reluctance, he sighed and tugged harder to counter Asher’s stiff resistance. “It’ll be fine. C’mon.”