[More like dry-heaving and retching. In hindsight it is obvious, isn't it? He'd chalked it up to Cesar being concerned for him, caring for him as a friend and lover and stepping up in a moment of crisis. The fact that it was extreme, even for a crisis, was easily overlooked because for the most part, it had been pleasant to think that he was cherished so much. It had been easy to nestle into that patient, kind embrace and demonstrate his gratitude both verbally and physically, depending on the moment and the mood.]

I've...

[He sets aside the bucket, shuddering, voice sounding raw.]

I've been with him for days. He's been taking care of me while I recover, in a hotel. I was attacked in the school and I didn't think it would be safe, but...

[He trails off. He feels like such a fool.]

I'll try. I'll do my best. I'll stay and find out what I can.

[He feels like he's been punched in the chest when he thinks about Cesar's warm brown eyes and warmer embrace, both of which he'll have to deal with shortly. If he can in fact succeed, it'll be barely, and it'll tear him to shreds repeatedly.]