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Burst
He can hold on. Shame is clawing Patrick’s back as he drives away from the motel, knowing the entire Rose family is watching. Knowing they probably overheard Rachel’s anger when he told her. He has to hold on. He can hold on.
His throat is tight on the drive home. He almost loses it when he passes the store. And he almost cracks again when Ray greets him, then instantly reads his expression and just nods at him. He can hold on, hold on.
When Patrick finally closes the door to his room, he lets go and bursts into tears.
Tray
Patrick opens the cash drawer, so he can total out their first day of sales.
When Patrick had stashed a copy of their very first sale receipt under the cash tray, he’d had every intention of giving it to David right away.
But he’s changed his mind.
An hour ago, they’d shared a sweet congratulatory hug. The lights flickered and for a moment Patrick thought it was the beating of his own heart that caused it.
Something special is happening and he wants to do something special with this receipt.
He slips it into his wallet, an idea already forming.
Soup
“Are you sure it’s a good idea, David?”
“Dad. Yes. Thanks for believing in me.”
“It’s just, you know. A lot of work to run a business.”
“I’m aware.”
“You’ll need, you’ll need help. With everything. Uh, soup to nuts.”
“What? What does that mean?”
“Soup to nuts, David.”
“What does soup to nuts mean?”
“Soup to nuts! You know, what it means, it means the whole shebang.”
“The whole shebang?!”
“Yes! The whole she– soup to nuts, David. Everything. It means everything.”
“Well, if it means, like, everything to you, you should probably be able to explain it better!”
Bargain/Blanket
Patrick carefully folds the blanket and stuffs it into his backpack. It’s almost time to go pick up David at the motel.
Patrick’s eyes are drawn, again, to the long velvet box on his dresser. He can’t help himself, he picks it up, and for the hundredth time in the past few days, he runs his hands over the soft surface of the box. Then he opens it.
It steals his breath every time. Four wide gold bands. Expensive, but even ten times more would’ve been a bargain for the return on investment. David. A lifetime of David, his husband.
Convenient/Eerie
David ties his robe and opens the front door. “The dry ice is effective. Very eerie”
The grumpy vampire says, “But no one is coming.”
David suppresses a smile. “We’re kind of far for kids to come, don’t you think?”
The vampire pouts.
“Can I help?” David opens his robe. “Dr. Frank N. Furter at your service.”
Patrick’s plastic teeth fall in his lap.
“Oh, my–”
A car pulls up and children tumble out and start up the driveway.
David pulls his robe closed, growling, “Could they be less convenient?”
Patrick pushes him inside. “I’ll save some candy for you.”
Review/Deer
Patrick has witnessed The Number. They’ve only just started dating and David waits, frozen like a deer in headlights, for Patrick to succumb to the ick and run.
Instead, Patrick’s looking at him with big heart eyes. “My review: 10/10 would recommend.”
“Admit it, you are a little turned off right now.”
“David, believe it or not, I like you more than ever.”
“Because… of this?”
“Because you did a kind thing for your mom.”
“Oh.”
“And you look incredible in Givenchy.”
David’s jaw drops. “You know the designer?”
“I listen.”
Now, David likes Patrick more than ever too.
Base/Superstition
They’re not really kissing. More like panting into each other’s mouths. Patrick has David pinned against the inside of his bedroom door, with his hand down David’s pants.
David tips his head back and gasps, “So the. Bluejays. Are playing. To–tonight?”
Patrick nips, then sucks David’s neck. “They are.”
“And the last time. You gave me a hand-job. On game day. They won?”
Patrick grinds his hips into David’s thigh. “They did.”
“So, because. You’re super–. Superstitious, I get. Hand-jobs on. Base– baseball day?”
“That’s right.” Patrick strokes faster.
“I can't. Believe.” David groans, “You’re. Making me. A. Baseball fan!”
Perform
A moan erupts from deep in Patrick’s chest, completely unbidden. He has a fleeting thought, I don’t have to pretend. It’s fleeting, because for the first time in his life, he’s not at all in his head about this. He is fully, delightfully, vigorously present in his body.
And presently, his body is experiencing David’s mouth on his neck, sucking and wet. And David’s hands on his ass, pulling their bodies together, tight, grinding. Patrick’s hips keep jerking forward, instinctually chasing pleasure. He can’t help it. It’s not a performance. He literally can’t help it. It’s glorious. Patrick is free.
Laser
“This round is on me.” David scoots out of the booth.
Patrick watches him go, helpless to look away. It’s new. They’re new. Patrick can’t get enough. Those long legs, that big heart. Patrick sighs.
Stevie elbows him. “Have you told him yet?”
“What’s that?”
“How you feel.”
Patrick flusters. “I don’t. How do you—”
“Patrick, your eyes shoot out love lasers every time you look at him.”
“Love lasers. What…” Patrick trails off, beaming at David as he approaches the table. He cuts his eyes at Stevie.
She makes a heart shape with her hands and mouths, love lasers.
Wedding
David didn’t dare dream before.
David didn’t dream of a quiet life or a quiet man.
He didn’t dream of open-hearted trust or unguarded laughter or deep peace.
David certainly didn’t dream of a wedding, not really, not outside the fantasy of his dream book. David wouldn’t get to have love. It was too big to dream.
But then…
Then came a beautiful boy with honey eyes and a teasing smile.
Then came Patrick.
Patrick opened a door in David’s heart that had been long sealed shut.
And all the dreams came pouring out.
And then, each one came true.
Echo
“Marco.”
“Polo.”
“No whispering, David.”
Patrick hears the softest splash and dives in that direction. He spins underwater, flailing his arms, trying to catch his new husband. His new naked husband.
Patrick surfaces. “Marco.”
“polo.”
“It can’t just be this far away echo, David!”
“The private honeymoon pool is a lawless land, Patrick. I do what I want.”
Patrick lunges across the pool, coming up empty once again. “David.”
“patrick.”
Patrick smiles in spite of himself. “David.”
David treads water silently, and stops in front of him. “Patrick.”
Patrick reaches up to take off his blindfold.
“Leave it on, honey.”
Frozen/Fresh
David can’t sleep. The moment is fresh in his mind, he wants to savor it.
We kissed.
When Patrick said he hadn’t ever kissed a man, David froze.
Experience told him what comes next. That Patrick would request something physical, just to, you know, satisfy his curiosity. Nothing more. Just a quick blowjob between friends.
And it’d be hard to say no, because have you seen Patrick? So maybe, David would’ve done it. But god, his heart would break, because David like likes Patrick. A lot.
But that’s not what happened at all.
And David is thrilled to be wrong.
Tire/Chill
“Thank you for coming, Patrick.”
“I’m glad you called me.”
“Even though…”
“I wouldn’t let you be stranded, David. Ever.”
“I’ve just never changed a tire.”
“I know. It’s okay.”
“I appreciate it. You. I appreciate you.”
“It’s getting chilly, why don’t you sit in my car while I take care of this.”
“Why did you come?”
“You know why.”
“I’ve been giving you the silent treatment since the bbq though. No one’s ever…”
“I want you to take the time you need. And I want to show you that I’m not going anywhere. I’m still here for you. Always.”
Necklace
David returns from the bar’s restroom, delighted to find his drunk husband being hit on.
She purrs, “Do you like my necklace?” A long gold chain dips between her breasts.
Oblivious, Patrick stares down her cleavage and shrugs, unmoved. “It’s okay.”
“What would you think of pearls?” Her fingers flutter across her chest.
She’s bold! David snorts. Patrick turns and lights up.
“Hiiii, husband! This is my David. David, my husband.” Patrick hugs him. “I love my husband’.”
David smiles at the woman over Patrick’s shoulder. “Sorry. My husband is really gay.”
She chuckles, “Lucky you.”
David grins. “Lucky me.”
Number
“Emir asked me what my body count was.”
David grimaces. “What? Ew. What did you say?”
“Three.”
“You are such a liar.”
“Hey, the only advice my mother gave me was, ‘you don’t have to tell anyone everything’.”
“Not ashamed to say that I’ve lost count.”
“I’m not ashamed either, I just don’t owe anyone that number. I like that some things belong to only me. That I belong to me.”
“That’s very evolved. I admire you.”
“As you should.”
“So. What is your count?”
David squints at her. “I think you’re still lying.”
Stevie smirks. “You’ll never know.”
Lamp
Patrick is afraid.
He’s far from shore. The raft is small, the sea is rough.
A monstrous swell of water lifts him, then it drops out from under him and he falls.
Over and over.
Another wave lifts him and he sees a light in the distance.
“David?” Voice rough, throat full of sea water.
“Patrick.”
At the peak of the next wave the light is closer.
“Patrick. Honey, wake up.”
Patrick opens his eyes, shaking and bleary. “Lighthouse.”
“What?”
“Nightmare. You brought me home. My lighthouse lamp.”
“Come here.”
He curls into David’s arms, drifting back to sleep. Safe.
Courage
“I hate that I’ve kept you a secret, like I’m ashamed. I’m not ashamed. I’m proud to be gay. I’m proud I know myself. And I’m so proud to be your boyfriend, David. You deserve better. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“Patrick, honey, stop. You’re torturing yourself. I’m not hurt, baby, you know why? Because I know you. This isn’t about me. This is about you and your very personal timetable. You’re not a coward. You had the courage to walk away from a life you knew you couldn’t lead. That’s lionhearted if you ask me.”
“I’ll tell them tonight.”
Whisper
Patrick’s face is tucked into David’s neck. David invited Patrick’s hands under his sweater and Patrick had to stop kissing so he could focus. It’s the first time Patrick has his hands on the smooth, warm skin of David’s broad back.
Patrick’s never been vocal. He’s not used to having words threaten to leap out of his mouth. Words like, you’re beautiful, I want you, you feel so good.
It’s just that everything is so new. So new and so good. And David should know. Patrick should tell him.
He whispers into David’s neck. “So good, David.”
It’s a start.
Explain
Patrick whispers against his cheek. “Say it again.”
David is still on Patrick’s lap. “You’re my boyfriend.”
“No, say it the other way.”
“Other way?
“Yeah, you know…”
David leans back to look at him, eyebrows up. “Can you explain what you mean?”
Patrick blushes. “I’ve been a boyfriend but I’ve never had a boyfriend.”
Patrick’s eyes are wide and glistening and David knows. “Oh.”
“Yeah.”
“So you want me to say…”
Patrick nods against David’s neck.
David puts his lips to Patrick’s ear. “I am Patrick Brewer’s boyfriend.”
Patrick presses an unbearably soft kiss to David’s lips. “Thank you.”
Hurried
Patrick’s always been an early riser. He’d always felt the need to rush into the day. There were other people’s expectations to meet, after all.
Not this morning, though. This morning Patrick has no plan, but to be right here, right now.
Because this morning, for the first time, there’s a boy on the pillow beside him. A beautiful boy with kiss bruised lips and hair a glorious mess.
Patrick had made it a mess last night.
The memory makes Patrick grin and blush in the secret dark of five am.
Patrick reaches out an unhurried hand to stroke David’s cheek.
Ink
When all he had was money, there seemed to be a rule, (you’re too much)
A harsh fate, scratched into David’s flesh, ( you’re not enough)
Indelible ink poured into the wound, so he wouldn’t forget (don’t fucking forget, David)
what he meant to his lovers. (nothing)
what he had to offer the world. (nothing)
what he was worth. (nothing)
Then the money was gone. (terrifying) (freeing)
And Patrick came along
and got under his skin. (effortlessly)
With every kiss and promise kept, (Everything)
with wide, warm eyes and gentle hands, (Everything)
Patrick writes something new on David’s heart; (My Everything)
Rain
Their first kiss was six days ago. Patrick is getting bolder and David is dying.
Patrick looks at David like he’s starving and David is a six course meal.
God. David shivers. He’s never felt more desirable in his life.
Patrick joins him in the back room.
“Hi.”
Patrick’s eyes shout, plead, sing.
He says, “It’s raining so...”
David flushes with anticipation. “Hm. No customers then.”
“Yeah.” Patrick blushes.
David sits on the desk and lets his knees fall open.
Patrick steps between them and kisses him hungrily, hands already roaming.
Lightning flashes. Lights flicker. David’s heart sounds like thunder.
Victorious
Patrick is driving away from his hometown with a fully packed car.
His initial exhilaration fades on the road, leaving room for doubt.
His friends had kind words and confused faces. Saying, I hope you find what you’re looking for, while their eyes said, you’ll be back.
Patrick knows how easy it’d be to go back. How easy it’d always been to stay put.
It was soft there. Friendly, familiar, safe.
Suffocating.
Fear competes with his determination, and his eyes tick toward every exit.
He could turn around at any time.
He won’t.
He can’t.
Every mile is a victory.
Glitter
He had been with Seb last night and now David’s looking at his business partner, whom he’s barely noticed. He shouldn’t compare.
He does anyway.
Sebastien is handsome, but he’s proof that all that glitters isn’t gold.
David guesses that Patrick’s kind of cute.
Maybe even beautiful, with his fair skin and big brown eyes. Those forearms.
Sebastien teases with sharp teeth.
Patrick teases with warmth. Fondness threading through every word.
Seb is pretentious and callous.
Patrick is kind, funny and smart.
And incredibly, incandescently hot.
David has noticed Patrick a little bit.
Okay, a-fucking-lot.
David’s in so much trouble.
Scuff
“David! Where’s the big bandages?”
“In the linen closet. Are you okay?” David gasps when he sees Patrick, back from his morning run, with blood running down his shin.
“What happened?!”
“It’s nothing.”
“You’re gushing blood!”
“I just knocked some bark off.”
“You’re not a tree!”
“Scuffed the paint?”
“Are you a car? What—”
“Scraped some meat off—”
“Patrick!”
“Okay! I wiped out coming up the driveway.”
“You were ogling farmer Rob across the street, weren’t you?”
“David. He’s on his tractor. Shirtless.”
David's jaw drops.
“I’m fine. Go look!”
David kisses Patrick’s forehead. “Bandages first. Then we ogle together.”
Flower
David’s phone lights up. The ID says Business Partner.
“Patrick?”
“David! I’m drunk!”
“Okay?”
“Don’ worry. Ted’s drivin’.”
“W-why are you drunk with Ted?”
“We won baseball. So. Drinks!”
David grins. “I see. Why are you calling me, though?”
Patrick’s voice goes soft. “I’m glad I got the money.”
“Me too, Patrick.”
“I ...”
“Yeah?”
“I was thinkin’ ‘bout how you’re like a crazy jungle flower?
David breathes, “Why?”
“Beautiful. Rare. Amazing.”
David whispers, “Thank you.”
Patrick sighs. “We won baseball and my business person is beautiful. I feel so lucky.”
David closes his eyes as hope blooms. “Me too, Patrick.”
Ponder
David is squatting in a field and pondering his lovability.
They sold the town.
David pulls the hood up on his Helmut Lang.
They’re in New York.
He adjusts his grip on the weirdly beautiful wooden rake.
Why don’t they miss me?
If he gets out of here, he is never speaking to them again.
Hateful, thoughtless, monsters, all of them.
Then he hears Alexis call his name.
They found me! They didn’t abandon me!
He’s too overcome with emotion to respond. He must access a facade of indifference before he looks up.
God, I missed my monsters so much.
Spin
“Good night, David.”
“Good night, Patrick.”
From his car, Patrick watches David walk to his door. Before he opens it, David turns and gives him a soft, crooked smile and a little wave. It makes Patrick’s throat go tight and he blinks rapidly as he smiles and waves back.
Patrick stares at the closed door. Of course, he’s heard of this, but never in his wildest dreams did he think this was real, this head-spinning, heart-pounding, stomach-flipping feeling. He kissed a man. He kissed this man. David. Patrick will never be the same. Nothing will really, and his heart rejoices.
Honey
David snaps his mouth shut as his eyes widen. He stutters, “Uh, I’m sorry. That just slipped out.”
He could run. Or hide, maybe Patrick will forget what he said if he hides. Maybe if David concentrates, he’ll just vanish.
Patrick crosses the store with his loud, fond eyes and David tries to sink into the floor.
It’s day two. Fucking day two of this, this, whatever this is, and David slipped and called Patrick honey. What the actual fuck.
David will run. It’ll be fine. But Patrick is there and he kisses David's cheek, then whispers, “Say it again.”
Denim
David has regrets. He’s embarrassed, and regrets getting high with Stevie. He really regrets leaving an untold number of mortifying voice messages for a snippy business boy with unfairly pretty eyes.
Before opening Ray’s door, David mentally prepares himself for more snippy sassmouth, so he is completely unprepared for an eyeful of low quality denim and high quality ass.
He’s even less prepared to learn that Patrick actually understood him. Patrick understood and filled out David’s forms and then teased him in the gentlest way. It was a little unnerving but kind of hot, and David is no longer regretful.
Button (300 words or less challenge)
Alexis called Patrick a button face last night, and despite being too cutesy and incorrect, David is a little obsessed with Patrick’s buttons. His face, too, of course. He’s a good looking man. But today, a button on Patrick’s shirt appears to be losing its hold, and David can’t stop staring at it.
Patrick comes up beside him and reaches across the table to turn a bottle of body milk so it’s facing front. That level of attention to detail is swoon-worthy enough, but the button finally slips free and David sees the delicious curve of Patrick’s pecs and in the shadow, a hint of nipple. David can’t help the appreciative grunt that escapes him.
“Oh!” Patrick straightens and starts to re-button his shirt.
David grabs his hands. “Let me?”
Patrick nods, his eyes wide and shy.
David steps close, resting his forehead against Patrick’s. And looking down between their bodies, David fixes the errant button.
Patrick, blushing and breathless, whispers, “Thanks.”
David swallows hard and nods. It’s the first time he’s ever felt sexy doing the opposite of undressing someone. He has a feeling there’s going to be a lot of firsts with Patrick.
David can hardly wait.