Turn to Me by Mythical Rhink. (PG-13)

Turn to Me: Chapter 19

He took a step to the coffee table and located the iPod and battery-powered speakers, which fortunately had some charge remaining. Rhett watched him scroll through the songs for some time, considering his options, before tapping on one. He put the devices back on the table and stepped into Rhett’s arms as the song began to play.

From the first note, Rhett recognized it. He would know it anywhere — one of his favorites. Merle Haggard’s Turn to Me.

This time, Link stood closer to Rhett and put his arm along Rhett’s back, hand flat on his shoulder. Their other hands clasped anew, but with bent elbows rather than stuck out straight. Rhett put his arm around Link’s slim waist. They moved slowly to the music under Rhett’s lead, staying close to the warmth and light of the fire.

When the whole world turns against you
and life won't let you be
when you need someone to turn to
turn to me.

When questions go unanswered
and you wonder what will be
when you need someone to turn to
turn to meWith each line of the song, Link seemed to move closer… or perhaps Rhett drew him closer.  Soon he rested his head against Rhett’s chest, clasping Rhett’s hand in front of his face, eyes closed. Rhett leaned his cheek into Link’s hair, arm entirely encircling the man’s waist. Their hips pressed against each other as they swayed back and forth.

I stand on every corner
I'm just around the bend
I've always been here for you
I've always been your friend.

When walls close in around you
I'm the one who sets you free
when you need someone to turn to
turn to me, turn to me...

As the song drew to a close, Rhett found himself wishing it would go on and on. Holding Link like this, the way they seemed to fit together perfectly… it was like a dream. He didn’t want to wake up to a reality where they would laugh and then never talk about it again.

But the song did end, and there was silence except for the crackling of the fire. Neither man moved for some time. Rhett felt Link’s heart beating against himLink eventually stirred and moved his head away slightly, turning to look up at Rhett. He kept the rest of himself where it was, arm around Rhett’s shoulders and body pressed against him, their hands clasped against Rhett’s chest. His eyes were half-closed and he had a soft smile on his lips. “That was definitely worthy of the tradition.”

Rhett smiled down at him. “Oh good, I’m glad.” His voice was deep and slightly rough. They regarded each other from inches away.

Link looked as though he was expecting something more, but afraid to ask. Rhett gave him the opening. “Any other traditions you’d like to fulfill tonight?”

Link looked away, and even in the firelight Rhett could make out a slight flush to his cheeks. “There is one,” he admitted in a whisper. “The… biggest one.”