Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Alright!” Droid slammed his hands on his desk and leaned into his mic. “I’m locking in. If I lose, I’ll… buy you dinner or something.”

Puffer chuckled. “Well, I hope you got the money ‘cause I’m an expensive date.”

Droid fought down his blush. “Fuck you. I’m winning this anyway.”

“Sure. If you win, I’ll pay.”

. . .

Puffer’s hands shook as he fumbled through his keys. “Shit,” he murmured as they slipped from his fingers.

Droid smiled at him softly.

Puffer sighed. “Why is it so damn cold tonight?”

“Want my jacket?” Droid’s mouth was doing that thing again, moving without permission. He swallowed.

Puffer stared up at him from where he’d crouched to grab his keys. Dude, this is my house; I’m going inside. You definitely need it more.”

“But if you weren’t, would you say yes?”

Puffer avoided his eyes. He stood back up. “It’s this one.” He made no effort to unlock the door, though.

Droid huffed awkwardly. “Well! Thanks for coming out tonight.”

“Sure.”

“Did you have fun?”

“Yeah, thanks, Jaime.”

Droid smiled. “No problem, Chris.” Their eyes finally met.

There was something in Puffer’s eyes Droid couldn’t quite place, a question he was asking. “So,” Puffer said instead, glancing away briefly, “when’s our next–”

Droid pulled the other’s shirt suddenly, throwing all previous caution out the window, and pressed their lips together.

Noticeably, Puffer didn’t kiss back.

Droid gave up quickly, pulling back with an apology falling from his lips. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry. I think I misunderstood…”

Puffer stepped the tiniest bit closer.

Droid didn’t look at him. He was afraid of the hatred and anger that might be there.

Puffer brought his hand up and carefully placed it on the back of Droid's neck. “You didn’t really give me the chance to kiss you back.” He pulled him in again.

Droid made sure to kiss back, maybe a little too eagerly. His eyes fluttered closed.

Puffer laughed against his lips. “You wanna come inside?”

Droid had to peel his eyes back open, still reeling from that kiss. “Yeah.”

Finally, Puffer unlocked his front door. He pulled Droid inside by his hand and flipped the light switch on. He kicked off his shoes. He turned back to Droid and opened his mouth to speak.

Droid pushed him against the door and crashed their lips together again.

Puffer made a shocked noise. He dropped his keys. His hands found the zipper on Droid’s hoodie. Droid helped him remove it.

Droid’s lips parted.

Puffer knew what came next and beat him to it. Droid’s mouth was warm.

Droid gently touched his lower stomach, finding his belt and undoing it. He pulled apart his jeans button and unzipped them. He pulled back unexpectedly, chuckling softly. “You make some pretty cute noises, y’know.”

“What?” Puffer looked down at him through hazy eyes. “I… don’t.”

“Hmm. You do. Don’t stop just ‘cause I pointed it out.”

Puffer frowned. He pushed Droid away and took his hand. “Come on.” He pulled Droid through the house and towards the stairs and his bedroom.

Droid grinned, kicking off his shoes at the bottom of the stairs. They ran up the stairs hand in hand.

Puffer didn’t bother shutting his door behind them. He threw Droid on the bed and climbed on top of him.

Droid pulled him down to meet his lips again. Puffer’s hands undid the button and zipper on Droid’s jeans. They were pulled down to his thighs.

Droid chuckled deeply, hotly. He hooked his leg behind one of Puffer’s knees. He flipped them with impressive ease.

Puffer gasped eyes going wide.

“My turn.” He sat up, pulling off his shirt. He pushed Puffer’s shirt up, too, and leaned down to press his lips just under his belly button. Droid could feel Puffer’s breath stutter.

“What the hell?” Puffer whispered. “Aren’t you supposed to be an inexperienced virgin?”

Droid snorted. “I’ve seen enough movies and jacked off to enough porn.” He pressed a few more kisses to Puffer’s stomach.

Puffer made another small noise. He reached down to grab at Droid’s face.

Droid glared up at him and quickly pinned his hands above his head.

Puffer’s heart flipped. Droid kissed his lips again before going back to his stomach and eventually his chest.

Puffer chewed his lips, trying not to make any embarrassing sounds.

Suddenly, Droid was kissing his face again. “Come on, now. I can see you doin’ that. I want to hear you, idiot.” He released Puffer’s wrists and brought his arm between them. He palmed Puffer’s jeans.

Puffer threw his head back, arching his back. “Oh, fuck!”

“There you go.”

“God! Shit! How are you so good at this?”

“What can I say? I know what a dick likes.” He knew his own hard-on was pressed against Puffer’s thigh. “Can I take your pants off?”

“Yeah.”

He did. He leaned back up to Puffer’s face to kiss him again, but made sure to shove his knee in between his legs. Puffer could barely kiss him back.

Droid smiled. “May I?” He hooked a finger under the waistband of Puffer’s boxers.

Puffer tensed. “Uhm-”

Droid pulled his fingers away. “We don’t have to.”

“No, I just… I’ve never…”

“Me neither,” joked Droid.

Puffer swallowed. “Would you be… upset… if I said no?”

“Not at all.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just not…”

“You don’t have to explain yourself. I’m seriously okay if you just want to kiss some more, make out a whole bunch.”

Puffer managed to smile. “I’d really like that.”

. . .

Droid awoke the next morning mostly nude and alone. He yawned.

He found a shirt on the floor and pulled it on.

Puffer was in the kitchen.

Droid paused, then grinned cheekily, sneaking up to Puffer. “I thought you said you didn’t need this cause you were going home?” He tugged on the sleeve of Puffer’s stolen jacket.

Puffer glared at him. “Whatever.”

“Good morning.”

Puffer managed a small smile. “Morning.”

“Hey,” Droid grabbed his hand, “are you okay? You seem… sad.”

Puffer found a new interest in the ceiling. “Uh, yeah, I just… I’m sorry.”

“For… what?”

“For what? Seriously?”

Droid just stared at him with a familiar lost puppy gaze.

“I ruined it last night. I’m sorry I said no.”

“What? Puffer, you’re not required to say yes. That’s not how consent works. You didn’t ruin anything.”

“Just… don’t think I didn’t want to, okay? I definitely did, but…”

“Okay. Then, why?”

“Look, Droid, losing your virginity is kind of a major thing. I didn’t want you to just give it up on a night you might regret.”

“Regret? Why would I regret anything?”

Puffer shrugged. “I don’t know. I was just… afraid for you. I didn’t want you to hate me for it. I didn’t want you to have to look back on your first time with disappointment.”

“Puffer…” he threaded their hands together. “For the record, I don’t picture myself regretting it. I would love my first time to be with someone I love and trust. I would love to be with you.”

Puffer finally smiled at him. “Thanks. That’s… really reassuring. Can I… kiss you?”

“I think it’s a little too late to be asking.”

Puffer leaned down to kiss him. “For the record – y’know, if it wasn’t super obvious – I really like you.”

“Does this make us boyfriends?”

“I would really like it to.”

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

This chapter has been posted separately. It is non-essential to the plot, they make a few references, but reading the entire chapter is not necessary. Basically, it's couch sex. If you wanna read, it's added to the series and titled 'Where One of Them Discovers Their Love for Being Dominated'

Chapter Text

Droid smiled up at Puffer. He’d just driven the other home from a date.

Puffer returned the smile, then leaned down to kiss him. He would’ve invited him inside, but they had an early recording with Smitty and a few other friends.

“Are you ever gonna plan one of these?” Droid murmured.

Puffer shrugged. “I’m not very good at it. You’re doing fine, I think. I’ll pay for the next date night, though.” He briefly wondered if Droid thought whoever planned had to fork out all the cash.

Droid shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me. I just thought, y’know, you might like to.”

“I’ll let you know if I come up with something, then.”

“Okay.” He smiled a little wider. “Sleep well, Chris. I love you.”

Puffer’s breath hitched. His eyes widened.

Droid stepped back. “Uhm… Good night.”

He turned quickly and basically ran back to his car.

Puffer watched him leave, still stunned.

Why would Droid say that? He loved Puffer? How? They’d only been on a handful of dates and, so far, fucked only once. How could you possibly know that soon? I mean, they’d only known each other for… almost a decade.

“Shit,” Puffer swore, closing the door. “Dammit!” He pulled at his hair. “Why would he-”

He threw his keys on his couch. “I just let him leave without saying anything!”

He stopped. “What?”

“Do I love him? I mean, of course! He’s one of my best friends! But…”

His brain unhelpfully began listing all of the ways in which they weren’t just friends. He shifted to picturing Droid himself. Could he love Droid in that way?

Droid was pretty tall, not quite Puffer’s height, but still tall. And handsome. Incredibly handsome.

Puffer always knew there was more to people than simple things like that, so he thought about what Droid meant to him.

Droid was funny and thoughtful – stereotypical crush stuff. He had this way about him that made Puffer’s whole body react with matching joy. He was a foundation in their friend group, always able to bring them back after petty arguments. It always felt like home to be near him.

He wasn’t afraid to say exactly what he was thinking, even if it was different or dumb.

And when he smiled, his teeth didn’t touch, like he was always grinning too hard for his jaw to close properly. His eyes crinkled more than any young person’s should.

Really, what wasn’t to love about the guy? Puffer couldn’t think of anything.

Nothing these past few weeks made Puffer’s feelings waver; In fact, they were strengthened, becoming way more than he’s ever loved someone before.

Puffer grabbed his keys and threw his front door open again. He couldn’t believe he didn’t  say anything!

It’s raining now. He remembered seeing dark clouds and hearing distant thunder. He ignored it.

He jumped in his car, driving twenty over, cutting the already short drive time in half.

He pounded his fist hard into Droid’s door, incessant, a shaky rhythm he was determined to keep up.

He only paused when he heard the door unlock.

Droid looked at him with dead eyes, a foreign sorrow in his face. “Oh, hey!” He faked a smile. “Did you, uhh, forget something in my car? I’ll go grab my keys.”

Puffer caught his wrist. “Jaime!”

Droid didn’t turn back to him. He swallowed.

“I’m sorry.” Puffer said quickly. “I didn’t- I was just so shocked. I wasn’t expecting you to say that! And then you left! I didn’t really get to say it back, did I?”

Droid turned his head slightly, watching his expression shift through several levels of desperation.

“So let me. Please. Let me tell you to your face. Please?”

Droid’s shoulders rose with his breath. He turned to face Puffer, gaze hardened. “Go on.”

“I love you, too, Jaime.”

“Do you? Because I don’t want you to say that just cause I said it. I don’t want you to feel guilty for not-”

“No, I do. I really do love you. I’ve always loved you. I just… didn’t realise it had changed from friendly love to… well, you’re my boyfriend. And I love having you as my boyfriend. And I love my boyfriend.”

Droid lips quirked. “You mean it?”

“Of course I mean it! I love you so fucking much. You’re always in my head and it drives me crazy, but in a good way. I’m always thinking about the next time I get to see you. I keep seeing your pretty face in my head and remembering the way your hands feel. God, I sound like some high schooler.”

Droid snickered. “You do, don’t you.” He finally met Puffer’s eyes. “Come inside, Chris. You’re soaking wet. Don’t you have an umbrella in your car?”

Chapter Text

Grizzy groaned as he leaned back into his chair. “Bro, my back hurts.”

“Imagine,” Droid scoffed.

“It could be worse, I could be a virgin.”

“Oh, I am not a virgin, trust.”

Puffer snorted, remembering both the night and morning they’d had.

Pezzy stared at Droid. “For real?”

“On God.”

“Dude, awesome! Who is she?  Is she your girlfriend now?”

Droid smirked. “She? Puffer’s a boy.” He reached out a hand, which Puffer took.

Pezzy’s smile dropped. “Oh, haha, funny bit Droid. I thought you were serious, you nerd.”

Puffer barely bit back a knowing smile.

— — —

“Droid,” Puffer called gently from his spot on Grizzy’s couch. “You get me a water?”

“Modello?”

“No, water.”

“Modello, got it.”

“Water!”

“Kiss?”

Puffer rolled his eyes, looking back at his phone.

Droid sat beside him, passing a water bottle. “Kiss?” He puckered his lips.

Puffer glanced at Grizzy, who wasn’t paying them any mind, before giving his boyfriend a quick peck. “There.”

Droid smiled.

Puffer rolled his eyes.

Pezzy yawned as he came back from the bathroom. He eyed the two sitting together on the couch. “What’re you doing?”

“Making out,” Droid said, puckering his lips again, this time adding awful noises.

Puffer pulled a face and pushed him away. “Gross. No one’s kissing that.”

“You are.” He leaned closer again.

“Not like that, I’m not.”

— — —

They were at Grizzy’s again.

Puffer was huddled up on the couch, refusing to admit he was cold.

Droid was watching him. He huffed. “Fuckin’ weirdo.”

Pezzy shuddered beside him. “Right? Can’t believe he didn’t bring a jacket.”

Droid chuckled. “Gotta love him, though.” He set his glass on the counter and pulled his hoodie over his head. He dropped rather carelessly in Puffer’s lap.

Puffer stared down at it for a second before putting it on.

Droid leaned over him. “Thought you weren’t cold?”

Puffer tilted his head back and stared up at him. “I lied.”

“I know.”

. . .

It’s that same night. They’re all in their respective places around Grizzy’s living room, sipping beers. Scott Pilgrim plays on the tv. Puffer is still wearing Droid’s hoodie.

Droid looks over at his boyfriend. He eyes the stack of folded blankets Grizzy had found an hour or so ago. Carefully, he sits up and takes one. He moves to Puffer’s other side.

“You cold now, too?” Grizzy says.

“It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

Grizzy just shakes his head.

Droid unfolds the blanket and spreads it over him and Puffer.

Puffer side-eyes him. “What are you doing?”

“I’m cold, too.” He flips, leaning his back against the arm rest of the couch. He opens his arms. “You coming?”

Puffer watched Grizzy and Pezzy for a few seconds before deciding fuck it and crawls into his boyfriends arms.

. . .

“Oh, they’re totally both passed out, Grizzy.”

“You should take a picture for blackmail.”

“Good idea.”

— — —

Droid had spent the previous night wrapped in Puffer's arms.

Of course, they had two Clooless recordings the next day, so what would be the point in going home?

“Can I borrow this?” Droid held a shirt up.

Puffer didn’t look up. “I don’t care.”

Droid decided yesterday's pants were clean enough and pulled them back on. He took one of Puffer’s jackets for good measure. “I’m ready.”

Puffer stood, pecking Droid's lips. “Me too.”

Droid smiled. “Can I drive?”

“Uhm, sure.” He offered his keys.

They pulled up to Clooless’ recording studio at the same time as Pezzy’s bike. Grizzy's car was already in the driveway.

Pezzy watched them after he took off his helmet. He waved. “You carpool now?”

Droid shrugged, leading them up to the front door. “I stayed at Chris’ last night.”

“Oh! Fun sleepover?”

Puffer snorted. They’d both fallen asleep on the couch watching a Smii7y video. They only ventured up to Puffer’s room around midnight because Droid happened to wake up. “Yeah, super thrilling.”

“Grizzy!” Droid shouted as he threw open the door. “Guess who!”

“The president?” Came the reply.

“And the First Lady!” He took Puffer’s hand.

— — —

They’d gotten wasted at Puffers after recording a Clooless episode.

It was noon before anyone stirred. Unsurprisingly, it was Grizzy. He got straight to work making a meal with what he found in Puffer's fridge.

Puffer was next awake. He chugged a glass of water. He was definitely worse off than Grizzy.

Pezzy came next, sitting up from the couch and making a pained noise. “Oh, hell. It’s so bright. My head is killing me.”

Droid yawned as he stomped down the stairs. He met the trio in the kitchen. “Morning.” He yawned again, this time stretching his arms above his head. He was shirtless.

Puffer helplessly raked his eyes over his boyfriend's bare chest. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Droid and lifted him a bit.

“Ooh!” Droid squealed. “You popped my back!” He brought his arms around Puffer’s shoulders as he was set back down.

Puffer chuckled breathily. “Good morning.”

Droid hugged him. “I crashed last night. I was upside down when I woke up.”

“Were you?”

“Yes?”

“Not when I left twenty minutes ago.”

“Damn.”

Grizzy cleared his throat. “So, do we all get thirty minute hugs?”

Droid pulled back and lunged towards Grizzy. “All you had to do was ask!”

Grizzy hugged him briefly, then pushed him away. “I’m done-”

“Droid!” Pezzy jumped him next.

Droid laughed, hugging him, too.

— — —

Pezzy stands in front of the camera, arms crossed. “Okay!”

His three friends stared up at him, clearly confused.

“This is an intervention.” He turned to Puffer and Droid. “You two!”

Puffer raised his eyebrows. “What?”

“I just…” he deflated, all previous spunk gone. “Do you guys… still like us?”

Droid frowned. “What the hell? What do you mean, Pezzy? Of course we like you.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just… jealous, maybe. I don’t know, I can’t explain it. You guys just seem much closer lately, like you became way better friends overnight.”

Puffer laughs at the irony. “We did.”

Grizzy frowns, too. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Puffer glanced at Droid before sighing and saying, “We’re dating.”

Grizzy scoffed. “Right, and-”

“He’s not kidding,” said Droid quickly. “We’re dating. It’s been six months.”

Puffer turned to him. “Already?”

“Yep. March 13th.”

“Well, I know that.”

“This bit is stupid,” Pezzy grumbled. “What’s actually going on with you two?”

“It’s not a bit, Max. Jaime and I are both bi. He’s my boyfriend.”

Pezzy stared at him. “Oh, my God, you’re serious.”

“Very.”

Pezzy grinned. “Oh, I’m so happy for you guys!”

Droid took Puffer’s hand. “Thanks, man. It means a lot.” He looked at Grizzy, whose face was etched with shock. “Sorry we didn’t say anything. We were tryin’ to drop hints.”

Grizzy swallowed. His lips curled into a terse smile. “I’m confused. I didn’t even know you guys were gay. Pezzy, did you know? Am I a bad friend?”

“Aw, Grizzy,” Puffer cooed, standing up.

Pezzy shook his head. “I didn’t know, either. It doesn’t matter, does it? As long as they’re happy together?”

Grizzy nodded. He stood to meet Puffer and clapped him on the back. “I’m proud of you guys. And I still love you no matter what.”

“That means a lot, Grizzy. Thanks.”

“Hey, so, another question.” Pezzy said loudly. “You don’t have to answer; I’m just curious. Are you switches? I can’t exactly picture either of you, like, bottoming, I guess? Or, maybe Droid is still a virgin! Obviously you don’t have to be fucking-!”

Droid cackled, throwing his head back. “Pezzy!”

Pezzy flushed. “Sorry! You seriously don’t have to answer. Honestly, I’m just talking out of my ass, thinking out loud.”

Droid barely contained himself enough to grab Puffer’s belt loop. “Here.” He lifted his boyfriend's shirt. “Guess.” There were handprints bruised into Puffer’s sides.

“No way,” Grizzy whispered. “First off, I can’t believe you asked that. Second, I can’t believe you answered that! And third: Gross! I don’t need to know this about you!” He turned away.

Droid pulled Puffer onto the couch with him, Puffer’s knee landing over Droid’s leg. He kept an arm around Puffer’s shoulders.

Puffer crossed his arms. “This is embarrassing.”

Droid laughed softly. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Puffer said through a sigh. “I shouldn’t even be shocked, really. I know Pezzy and I know you.”

Droid kissed his shoulder. “I love you.”

Puffer dropped his head onto Droid’s “Yeah, I love you, too.”

Chapter Text

Puffer looked up at Droid as he walked into their living room. “Hey, so… I’ve been thinking…”

Droid leaned over the couch, staring down at his boyfriend. “That's always a good sign.”

Puffer rolled his eyes. “Fuck you. Just listen to me, Jaime.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ve been thinking: do you think it’s time we start telling people?”

“Telling them what?”

“Oh, my God, are you dumb?”

Droid shrugs, then grins.

Puffer rolls his eyes again and reaches up to grab Droid’s shirt. He pulls the other down and kisses him.

Droid doesn’t go far afterwards. “Seriously,” he murmured, “what are we telling people?”

“About us, idiot.”

“Oh! Oh yeah. I kinda forget no one knows.”

“How?”

“Well, you’re always here with me and everything is so normal I just… don’t think about it.”

“Fair. Okay. How about if we don’t tell people, but we just… stop being so secretive about it. Like, if they figure it out, they figure it out, y’know?”

“Telling people is awkward as hell.”

Puffer turned a bit to stick his arm behind Droid and pull him over the back of the couch and into his lap. “So we just be a little more gay than usual.”

“We’re always a little fruity, mi amor.”

“On camera, yeah, but if we just never turn ourselves off…”

“I could just post a picture of us kissing.”

“You would love that.”

“Almost as much as I love you.”

Puffer scoffed, turning away. “Dude.”

Droid puckered his lips.

Reluctantly, Puffer kissed him. “Fucking asshole.”

. . .

“You two said you’re good to share a room?” Tyler asked. “The one upstairs is set up for you. Even got an air mattress out of the garage.”

Puffer shrugged. “We’ll be okay without one.”

“You sure?”

“We’re sure.” He took Droid’s hand. “Come on.”

They followed Tyler to their room.

Tyler pushed open the door. “It’s kinda small in here, but we have an air mattress that fits. The bed isn’t super spacious for two people, so don’t be afraid to change your mind.”

Droid squeezed Puffer’s hand. “It’s fine.”

. . .

Droid leaned into Puffer’s side, a beer in hand. Puffer’s arm wrapped casually over his shoulder. It was cramped in the living room from everyone piling in.

Droid sighed.

“You tired?” Puffer whispered.

“No. I’m just bored. I haven’t spoken in so long, it’s like my vocal cords are itching to be used.”

Puffer chuckled. “It’s only been like four minutes.”

“That's like three minutes too long.”

“Okay, do I need to let you play on my phone like an IPad kid?”

“Would you?”

“No.”

Droid pouted. Puffer smiled and leaned his head on the other’s.

Droid shifted, pulling one of his legs up under the opposite knee. He leaned a little further onto his boyfriend in the process, a hand coming to rest on his thigh. He slid his thumb over his skin subconsciously.

“Your hand is cold.”

"Well, I was holding a beer.” He slid his hand in between Puffer’s legs and tucked his fingers under his warm thigh.

Smitty invites them into the conversation with a very loud, “Hey, Puffer!”

Puffer looks at him. “Yeah?”

“Tyler wants to take us to a new bar in town.”

“Okay? And?”

“And you weren’t listening when he was telling us about it! He said it's a gay bar with, and I quote, ‘straight people accommodations.’”

“Okay. And?”

“And… you’re coming with! You and Droid. At the very least you needa get laid. And there’s bound to be some bisexuals there. Bi girls are freaky as hell.”

“I’ll come, but I’m not looking to get laid.”

“At least let someone suck you off in the bathroom.”

“Are you offering?”

“Are you paying?”

Puffer sighed. “Look, I just don’t want to.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not really into one-night stands. I like having a connection with someone. And more importantly, I don’t exactly like the idea of being unfaithful.”

“Unfaithful? You have a girlfriend.”

“Uhh, something like that.” He felt Droid’s hand move under his leg.

“So you’re talking to someone! Good for you, buddy. Has it been long?”

“Two years.”

“Two years? And you’re still talking? Aw, dude.”

Matt chuckled. “She can not be into you.”

Puffer was struck with a sudden discomforting feeling in the pit of his stomach. He frowned. “I’m done talking about this.” They couldn’t even fathom this girl being a boy instead? They weren’t blind. They could clearly see he and Droid cuddled up on the couch. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

Droid sat up. “You okay?”

“Fine.” He stood up quickly.

When he disappeared around the corner, Tyler scoffed. “Sensitive topic?”

Kelly smacked his shoulder. “Hey! Be nice!” She glared at Matt. “You probably just made him realise something about her. Let him be sad in the bathroom if that’s what he needs.”

Droid hummed a concerned noise. “I’m gonna go check on him.”

Puffer was just standing in the hall, not even close to the bathroom, staring at his feet.

“Mi amor,” Droid purred quietly as he put one hand on his boyfriend’s lower back, “are you okay?”

“I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“I was gonna say something, but… they just really seem to think there’s a girl and I… I don’t know. I freaked out?” He turned to look Droid in the eyes. “Jaime, I’m afraid. I know everyone here is, like, an ally, but we’ve never been close with any other queer people. What if they… change their minds?”

Droid frowned. “That’s dumb. Pezzy and Grizzy didn’t change how they thought about us. Why should they?”

“Pezzy and Grizzy are two people. This is a whole room. If one person says something bad, it’s like a chain reaction through the group. Monkey see, monkey do, y’know?”

“It was your idea to tell them. We can always back out.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. I still want to, I just…”

Droid smiled. “Hug?” He opened his arms.

Puffer leaned into him, balling his hands into the fabric near Droid’s hips. He laid his forehead on Droid’s shoulder. “I love you.”

“I know you do. Te amo, Chris.” He kissed Puffer’s cheek.

“Let’s get back to them,” Puffer muttered. “They’re probably wondering where we went.”

“Sure,” said Droid, smiling. He stepped back and turned back towards the living room.

Puffer caught his hand and followed after.

Droid sat down first, pulling his legs onto the couch. Puffer sat right next to him. Droid, as usual, made himself comfortable by putting his top leg in between Puffer’s. Puffer leaned into him, drawing shapes on the other’s knee with his fingers.

“Puffer,” Matt said quietly, “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I shouldn’t have said it like that.”

Puffer grimaced. “It’s fine, Matt. You didn’t hurt my feelings, honest.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

. . .

“Hey,” Grizzy chuckled, “look. His ass is asleep.”

Droid had shifted as he dozed. His head was leaned uncomfortably on the couch’s arm rest. One leg was under Puffer and the other was stretched completely across him. Puffer’s free hand curled around his sleeping boyfriend’s thigh and was slowly climbing further up his shorts – much more than any reasonable platonic relationship.

Puffer looked up from his phone. “I knew he would be. He tried to tell me he wasn’t tired earlier.”

“Wow,” John chuckled, “he’s all over you.”

Puffer shrugged. “Not really. I was already sitting here, so he’s just making himself comfortable.” He knew what it was really like to have his boyfriend ‘all over’ him in more ways than one. This didn’t even come close. He looked at Droid’s crooked neck and made a face. “Maybe comfortable isn’t the right word.”

“He’s like an octopus,” Smitty laughed. “Or a cat.”

Kelly had gone to bed not long ago, so Puffer had room to pull himself out of Droid’s legs. Droid didn’t stir.

He hooked his hands under Droid’s knees and pulled him further down the couch.

Droid made a noise. Then, he murmured. “The fuck?”

“It’s bed time,” Puffer offered.

“Oh, shit. Did I fall asleep?”

“Yes. Come on. Let’s go to bed.” He offered his hands.

Droid took them. “My neck hurts.”

“That tracks. Come on, get up.”

Droid blinked a couple times. “What?”

“To bed. We’re going to bed. Stand up.” He pulled Droid’s hands.

“Oh. Right.” He stumbled slowly to his feet, swaying a little.

Puffer couldn’t help the small smile that graced his face. “Now we walk.”

Droid made it three or four steps before stopping and almost falling. “Shit.”

Puffer chuckled. “Alright, come on.” He bent his knees a little and hoisted Droid up with his hands under his thighs.

Droid’s hands wrapped around his shoulders and he buried his head into Puffer’s neck.

“Is he heavy?” Matt asked.

“No.”

Grizzy huffed. “Is he asleep again?”

Droid turned his head. “No.”

Puffer turned towards the stairs. “Night! Say goodnight, Jaime.”

Droid just put his face back into Puffer’s skin.

Chapter Text

Puffer set his boyfriend gently on their bed and stepped back.

“Where you going?”

“Taking off my shorts, mi rey.”

Droid giggled. “It’s funny hearing you say stuff in Spanish.”

“You always say that.”

“It is. You don’t speak it unless you’re calling me a pet name.”

“You call me ‘mi amor.’”

“You always say that.”

Puffer didn’t respond. He tossed his phone on his shorts and crawled on top of Droid. “Go to bed.”

Droid wrapped his arms around Puffer’s back. He kissed Puffer’s head. “Glasses?”

Puffer turned his head so Droid could take them off and put both of their pairs on the night stand.

Puffer was alone when he woke up. He rolled over and patted the nightstand wildly before realising Droid had taken his glasses. He snorted. “What a dork.” He sat up.

“Hey, asshole,” Puffer called gently. “You took my glasses.”

Droid’s blobby figure turned around. Puffer knew he wore a beautiful shiteating grin. A few other people were in the kitchen, too.

Puffer’s glasses were in Droid’s hand. He held them above his head.

Puffer rolled his eyes. “I’m taller than you.”

“Yeah, but you still gotta come get them.” Droid leaned against the counter.

Puffer hadn’t really stopped approaching. He continued toward his boyfriend until he was stood between his legs.

Droid put Puffer’s glasses on his nose. “Can you see?”

“I can now.”

Droid was still smiling. He stared up at Puffer.

Puffer knew that look. He was about to ask for a kiss. Before he had the chance, Puffer rested his hands gently on Droid’s face and kissed him.

Droid hummed, pleasantly surprised. When Puffer pulled away, he murmured, “What’d I do to deserve that, mi amor?”

“Nothing.”

“So,” John said loudly, making himself known, “two years, was it?”

The couple turned to him.

Grizzy sighed from where he stood by the stove, eating a bowl of cereal. “It’s disgusting, isn’t it?”

John snorted. “Hardly, but I can imagine it’ll get there.”

“Fuck you,” Puffer grumbled.

“Fuck Droid, you mean?” He frowned at his own statement. “Wait, so, Droid you aren’t a virgin, right?”

Droid laughed loudly. “Definitely not.”

“Is it bad that I’m curious?”

Grizzy groaned. “Pezzy asked, too. You already know you won’t like any answer they give you, so I suggest you take back your question.”

John shrugged. “I’m still curious.”

“What exactly is your question?” Puffer grumbled, already knowing the answer.

“The only question anyone wants to know upon finding out their friends are banging.”

Puffer rolled his eyes. Droid smirked. “He hates this question.”

“I’ve only answered it once.”

“And you hated it.”

“I’m about to start hating you.” He crossed his arms.

Droid stood a little straighter and leaned up to kiss Puffer again. “No you aren’t.”

Puffer stepped back. “Fuck you. I’m leaving.” He left toward the living room.

John restated his question. “Are you switches?”

Droid shrugged. “We… tried once.”

“Oh, so you don’t fuck, then? You’re just boyfriends?”

“Why is us being switches the only option?”

“I just can’t picture either of you consistently bottoming.”

Grizzy dropped his bowl in the sink. “I lost my appetite.”

“What? I’m curious!”

“Obviously, it’s Puffer.”

“Obviously–?”

“Fuck you, Grizzy,” Puffer shouted.

“A little early for this, don’t you think?” Kelly stepped into the kitchen. “I can’t believe only four of you boys are this loud.”

“Sorry, Kelly,” Droid smiled bashfully.

“It’s alright. I don’t think you woke anyone up.”

. . .

“Okay,” Puffer leaned closer to Smitty. “This cooler has one beer left in it and almost all the ice is melted.”

Smitty stared at him. “Uh-huh?”

“I’m dumping this shit on Droid.”

Smitty laughed. “Are you?”

“Absolutely.” He took out his phone. “You filming?”

Smitty was already pulling out his own phone. “Absolutely.”

Puffer tossed his phone on the table behind them.

“Oh, what about Droid’s phone?”

Puffer took that from his pocket next. “I asked for it earlier.”

“So does he know this is coming?”

“Not a chance.” Puffer grinned. He took the last beer from the cooler and set it on the grass. Then, he hoisted it into his arms.

Smitty giggled.

Droid had his back to them, chatting with Matt and John.

John saw them approaching first and took a small step back.

Matt noticed them next and a grin spread across his face.

Droid frowned. “What? Why are you smiling like that?”

Puffer lifted the cooler higher, the water sloshing.

Droid turned around as Matt and John backed away.

Puffer dumped the icy water on his boyfriend’s head, a laugh falling from his lips.

Droid tensed and gasped loudly. “Shit!” He didn’t move, his shoulders scrunched up and he took deep breaths for a few seconds. He turned his head slowly to stare at Puffer. “You…”

Puffer dropped the cooler and took a few steps back, but he didn’t run.

Droid charged him like he was tackling someone in football.

Puffer shrieked a rather unmanly squeal. Still, he didn’t run. He knew Droid wouldn’t hurt him.

Instead of tackling, Droid grabbed his waist and picked him up. They spun a few times before Droid tripped.

“Woah!” Droid shouted as they fell. “Aw, fuck!”

Puffer managed to get his legs back on the ground quick enough to land on his knees. He still landed mostly on his boyfriend.

“Oh, shit!” Smitty shouted. “Are you guys okay?”

Matt came back over with John, Grizzy, and a few others in tow.

Puffer and Droid laughed.

“What the hell?” Tyler asked.

Matt smiled. “Puffer dumped water on him.”

Kelly came over next. “You boys.” She smiled, too. “You better go shower so you don’t catch a cold.”

Droid tilted his head back to look at her. “Yes, mom.” He patted Puffer’s thighs. “Come on, get up.”

Puffer climbed to his feet and pulled Droid up, too.

As they walked, Droid removed his soaked shirt. “Mi amor.”

Puffer turned to him.

Droid held his shirt up and rung it out over Puffer’s head. Puffer gasped. “You fuckhead!””

Droid stuck out his tongue and took Puffer’s hand. “Hurry up.”

“Mi amor,” Droid grumbled for the fourth time in ten minutes, “you need to shower too. Kelly wasn’t kidding about getting sick.”

“I changed my clothes, Jaime; I’ll be fine.”

Droid crossed his arms. “We can shower together.”

“Jaime.”

“Chris.”

Puffer rolled his eyes. “I’m seriously fine. You go before you get sick. You got way more ice water than me.”

Droid pouted a moment before finally giving in and leaving to the bathroom down the hall.

Puffer was asleep when Droid came back.

Puffer was still asleep by noon.

Droid decided he probably had contracted something and let him sleep.

“Man,” Smitty started, “is Puffer still asleep? Didn’t he go to bed at like seven when you went to shower?”

Droid pursed his lips. “He didn’t shower yesterday after I got water on him. Maybe he did catch a cold.”

Grizzy tapped his foot on the ground. “You don’t catch a cold from getting wet, dumbass. Being cold and wet just makes your immune system shitty, so you’re more susceptible to pathogens in the air. So if he’s sick, it’s probably from a germ one of us brought here.”

Droid hummed. “Okay, Wikipedia.”

It was another twenty minutes before they could hear Puffer coming down stairs.

Everyone turned to him. He looked angry.

“Morning,” he murmured.

Droid smiled. “Morning, Chris. You sleep well?”

“Yeah.” He padded over to his boyfriend. “Just feel… bad.”

Droid shifted and sat up straighter. “Come down here.” He put out a hand.

Puffer sat beside him.

“You’re a little warm.”

“My head hurts.”

Droid turned to their host. “Tyler, do you know if you have Ibuprofen?”

“I can find some,” he said, standing from his chair.

“Thanks.” He turned his attention back to Puffer. “You should drink some water and try to go back to sleep.”

Puffer’s brows knitted together. “I don’t… want to.”

“You should if you want to get over this quick.”

“But I…” He paused, eyes shakily finding Droid’s.

Droid’s gaze softened. “You can stay down here, but still, try to rest.”

Puffer nodded.

Tyler came back with a glass of water and two pills.

Puffer swallowed the pills and emptied the cup. “Thanks, man.”

“Sure. Hope you feel better.”

Puffer barely managed a smile.

“Alright,” Droid murmured, running a hand through Puffer’s hair, “get comfortable.” He sat back, one leg bent and the other over Puffer’s lap, and opened his arms.

Puffer cuddled into him immediately. He was back asleep in another few minutes.

Smitty turned to Droid, whose fingers curled through his boyfriend’s dark hair. He said, “You’re a good friend, buddy.”

Droid hummed. “Thanks. I try.”

“I’ve never seen this mom side of you before.”

Droid flushed. He would consider it more along the protective boyfriend side of things, but didn’t voice that thought. Instead, he said, “I don’t really get the chance to care for you guys like this through the screen. This is a nice change of pace.”

“Shit, maybe I get sick next so I can get some mama Droid cuddles.”

Puffer turned his head. “Fuck off.”

Droid chuckled. “You’re supposed to be sleeping.”

“I am.”

“Try a little harder, please. I can be quiet if it helps.”

“No, it’s okay.” He nuzzled his face into Droid’s stomach again.