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Ralbert: Touch

Albert didn't do very well with touch. It was something that stemmed from childhood. His boyfriend Race, on the other hand, was very touchy. He loved a good hug or holding hands. Albert would normally comply to see Race happy but it wasn't his favorite.

Race stood at the kitchen window, watching for Albert's car. After living in New York City for 18 years, they went to Colorado, where Race went to college. As he stood, he recited his notes from that day's lessons. 

"Only male farm animals are neutered. If they are going to slaughter, non-neutered males are gamey and won't taste good. Cattle are neutered because it improves the meat quality and it causes docility. Rams are castrated between 8 and 10 weeks. Stallions are non-neutered horses while geldings are neutered stallions."

He recited facts for another couple of minutes before Albert's car pulled into the small driveway. Race's head perked up as the redhead got out of the car and rushed into their dorm.

"Hi, Albie," Race smiled, his face falling as Albert looks at him. Albert's hair was a mess, his eyes were red, and it looked like he had been crying. "Hey, what's wrong, Bubbas?"

Albert sniffed and wiped furiously at his eyes. He didn't respond but rushed over to Race, pulling the blond into a hug. Race stiffened and Albert pulled away, a stray tear falling from his eye.

Race opens his arms again. "No, no, it's alright Bubbas, come here." He coaxed Albert back into his arms. The pair sunk down to the floor as the redhead cried.

Once his tears had slowed down, Race pulled Albert's head out from the crook of his neck. 

"What's going on? Why are you so upset?"

Albert wiped his face with his sleeve. "I couldn't stop fidgeting during class today." he wiped his eyes once more as Race handed his boyfriend a fidget cube. "The professor told me to stop prying for attention and he was denying my notes to use my fidget cube and it doesn't help that I had to sit near the front today because I ran out of contacts and my glasses are still in one of the boxes."

Race rubbed Albert's back. "Do you want me to go talk to your professor, Bubbas?" he asked softly. "I'd be happy to do that for you."

Albert nodded. "I don't wanna go to his class tomorrow. I had to sit there and flick my hand to not make so much noise."

Race frowned, knowing that Albert had really sensitive skin. "Why don't we eat some dinner then we go up to bed and snuggle?"

Albert nodded and stood back up. "Can I do anything for you?" he asked, kissing Race's cheek.

Race shook his head. "Why don't you get comfortable, splash some water on your face, and get a drink. It will help you feel a little bit better." Race suggested, turning to the fridge and finding some ingredients as Albert trudged to the bedroom.

After twenty minutes, Race had finished making their dinner and Albert still wasn't out of the bedroom. He went to the bedroom and opened the door a crack, seeing Albert asleep. Race rushed back to the kitchen, put their dinner back in the fridge, and went back to his boyfriend. Race pulled on one of Albert's shirts and climbed into bed next to him, turning off the lights.

"Goodnight, Albie," Race smiled, spooning Albert. He could've sworn he saw the ghost of a smile come across Albert's face. After a few minutes of admiring Albert, Race finally drifted off to sleep, holding Albert as close to him as possible.