“Beck’s foot is falling asleep,” he replied with a smile. “I can tell by the way he keeps moving it.”
“I’m so sor…” I started.
“It’s fine,” Beck interrupted.
I shifted off Beck’s lap, and was immediately tugged onto Freddie’s.
“I’m… I think I’m better now,” I said.
“Maybe,” he replied. “But it seems you need this.”
I sighed and settled against his chest. He wasn’t wrong.
Freddie rubbed my arm. “We’re not going to push. But we’re here when you’re ready to talk about it.”
I closed my eyes and blew out a long breath. “Can I stay like this a few more minutes?”
“As long as you need.”
“Tacos and a few dessert choices are on their way,” Ian stated as he returned to the living room. The couch dipped as he sat, then he squeezed my leg. “How ya doing?”
I let out a wet laugh. “I’ve been better.”
He patted my leg twice. “Freddie’s a good cuddler. You’ll feel better in no time.”
“Ok, what do you need from me?” Tony asked. “Ian’s covered comfort food, and Beck and Freddie are on cuddle duty. How can I help?”
I licked my lips. “Just… don’t laugh at me.”
There was a beat of silence, then, “Why would I laugh?”
A half-laugh, half-sob escaped. “Everybody laughs. I mean… what kind of omega is scared of sex?”
“Well that’s just shitty,” Tony stated. “Everybody is scared of something. I’m scared of ladybugs. Everybody else thinks those little monsters are cute and coos when one lands on them. Not me.”
“Are you scared of other bugs?” I asked.
Tony laughed. “No. Just ladybugs. It’s weird, I know, but it’s who I am. And that has way less impact on my life than your fears.”
I sighed and Freddie kissed my hair.
“Is that ok?” he asked a second later. “Kissing you, I mean.”
I nodded. “Mm-hmm.”
“Good.”
A different kind of silence fell—a comfortable one where I felt supported.
“This doesn’t change anything, you know,” Tony said after several minutes. “We still want to date you.”
“Even if…” I took a deep breath. “Even if I’m never ready?”
“I’m not going to lie,” Ian said. “I’d love to be with you like that, to see your face when you’re overwhelmed by pleasure. But like Tony said: sex isn’t everything.”
“We’re here, and we’re listening,” Freddie murmured. “You have boundaries, and we’ll respect them.”
I sniffled. “Really?”