roseapothecary | 𝔸𝔻 𝔸𝕊𝕋ℝ𝔸 ✰ 𝕀ℕ𝔹𝕆𝕏;

[ The way David's eyes flicker for a second behind his lids in a narrowly averted eyeroll proves that yes, the fact that Patrick had meant another gay couple was obvious, but it's the phrase 'love is love' that actually gets a full face twitch from David and reveals what he thinks of that slogan.

Yet the way Patrick scrubs at his own face makes David hold in the many possible comments that bubble up in him on instinct. It's clear this is something that Patrick needs to say and David doesn't want to step on things any harder than he already has.

And he's glad he lets him because moments later, David feels like he's been unexpectedly grabbed by the heart. ]

So, um. One day I want to hear more about your token gay guy? But...

[ It's just one of the many ways that David has overlooked the gaps in their experiences once again. When Patrick finally finds David's eyes, he meets a much softer expression there. ]

If you want to... spend time with new friends? Who are like you? I think that's... great.

[ The adoring smile that follows the adjective he settles on hopefully takes any sting of possible sarcasm out of the long pauses. David just wasn't sure which words he was reaching for that wouldn't sound hokey. Because Patrick's sweet little moment of bravery didn't deserve a hokey response. ]

Also, Jake might 'understand'? [ Though that allowance is accompanied by a look of extreme doubt. ] But that doesn't mean we're ever going to understand Jake.

[ Luckily, he doesn't see David's aborted eyeroll, or the look on his face at love is love. This is difficult enough as it is.

But David listens patiently, as he always seems to when it's important, even when whatever's Patrick's trying to explain is outside of his own experience. Patrick shoots him a look, half grateful, half still uncertain. It's still hard putting himself out there like this, even just with David. ]

I'm not sure I want to understand Jake.

[ He suspects he'll be happier, actually, if he never does. Instead he rolls closer, tugging David down gently just so he can cuddle up against him, resting his head on his chest. It's the opposite of how they usually end up - David's normally the one clinging to Patrick, nuzzling up against him - but it feels right, right now. ]

I do want to, I think.

And I barely knew the gay guy. Don't get excited.

We'd have to ask Stevie anyway, and I do not want to hear any of those accompanying stories.

[ But it's always easy to convince David to stay in bed and cuddle, so when Patrick maneuvers him so he can settle against him, David is happy to tuck his nose against Patrick's hair and wrap his arm properly around him. ]

Mmm. Disappointing.

[ Meaning it's disappointing that he won't be getting any adorable stories about closeted high school Patrick this morning. But after David has been idly stroking Patrick's warm, broad back for a while in the silence, he carefully tries to repair the mood he wrecked. ]

So what are they making? For dinner, I mean? Convince me.

[ Even though he's already convinced, and for once it has nothing to do with the promise of food. ]

Agreed.

[ And really, that's enough discussion of Jake, Patrick thinks. He closes his eyes, humming in contentment when David wraps an arm around him and starts stroking his back, but of course the quiet doesn't last for long. ]

I didn't ask.

[ He keeps his eyes shut, smiling against David's chest. ]

But it's homemade. And there'll be a lot of it.

You didn't?

[ The expression of disappointed disgust that David pulls is nearly a full-body physical reaction. He can't think of a single question he'd be more likely to ask a host inviting him to dinner and that suddenly obvious divide between him and Patrick is shocking. Shocking!

But then... Patrick is just going because of the company. David isn't really on that page yet. ]

Okay, well... As long as it's nothing I'm going to be filling napkins with. And there's dessert.

[ As if there's any food that falls into the 'unacceptable' category for David, and he can feel Patrick just smiling against him and settling more comfortably into bed so David lets out an overdramatic sigh in defeat. ]

You know if you go back to sleep we'll never get up?

I didn't want to be rude.

[ Remember, David? That thing that most people try not to be? ]

I'm sure there'll be dessert, though.

[ He smiles wider at David's loud sigh, one he feels as much as hears, and opens one eye to squint at him. ]

And that's a problem for you?

[ David's mouth twists at that unsubtle chastisement and his narrowed eyes slide over in Patrick's direction, but for once he says nothing in defense of himself. He just sulks a bit. ]

Well. Whatever it is, I hope it's covered in chocolate.

[ But he doesn't notice Patrick sneak a glance at him because he's already closing his own eyes and settling back deeper into the blanket. ]

You're kidding. Like there's anything we need to get up and do here.

If it isn't, I'll find you chocolate when we get home.

[ Okay?? He just really wants this to work out. David's comment produces a new spike of concern - as nice as it's been to have so much time with David, no work or bills or anything to worry about, he's not sure the prolonged idleness is good for either of them.

But that's a problem for tomorrow. For the moment, he just snuggles in a little closer, with a contented sigh. ]

Thank you, David.

[ For humoring him. ]

𝔸𝔻 𝔸𝕊𝕋ℝ𝔸 ✰ 𝕀ℕ𝔹𝕆𝕏;

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