Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

All I needed was the love you gave 

All I needed for another day 

And all I ever knew 

Only you

It’s not the first time he’s woken up in David Rose’s bed. 

Patrick’s parents bought twin beds for his room many years ago once they figured David would be a permanent fixture in their lives. David’s parents, however, got David a California king when he outgrew his child-sized bed because, of course they did, and that’s where Patrick has slept whenever he’s stayed over. Many nights over the years have been spent whispering and giggling late into the night. He has had to wake David up from a nightmare on a few occasions. David would grip Patrick’s hand or bicep for the rest of the night, which always made Patrick happy that his friend found his presence comforting. 

But this morning is different. Because after last night, everything is different. Everything is the same but also different and so, so much clearer. 

Patrick had worried a bit that things would change and be awkward between them, as they had been a little shy with each other after getting intimate in the front seat of his Corolla. However, by the time they had cleaned up with napkins from the glove compartment, they were quietly laughing and bantering as always, between kisses, and Patrick’s worries were quickly extinguished. David holding him and whispering in his ear how beautiful Patrick looked while David touched him was indescribable. Certainly nothing at all what he had experienced with either Lisa or Rachel. And while he may not have been particularly skilled at giving another guy a handjob, bringing David to orgasm was the most sensual and beautiful thing he’s been involved with so far in his relatively uneventful life. David didn’t seem to have any complaints. Patrick got an introduction to just how incredible sex can be when you’re experiencing intimacy with someone you’re actually attracted to and also with someone who already means everything to you. Patrick had driven them back to David’s to help him study, surprisingly without too much interruption with kissing, and then they had fallen asleep in David’s bed, tucked around each other. It felt as natural as breathing. 

Now, Patrick is looking at David’s face in the early morning light, relaxed in a way that only sleep brings to him. He is so beautiful, and Patrick is baffled as to how he didn’t see this before—his gorgeous, intelligent, insightful, funny, complex friend.

Boyfriend?

Patrick chuckles as a smile spreads across his face. 

It's incredible how quickly things have changed since yesterday afternoon. If someone had told him yesterday that he would end the day with David as his boyfriend, he would have told them they had lost their minds.

Glancing at the alarm clock on the nightstand, Patrick sees that the new day with his new boyfriend needs to get started, or they’ll be late for school. He leans in and places a kiss on David’s perfect nose, then his forehead, and then his cheek, quietly saying David’s name to try and wake him up. He gives a little shake to David’s hip, where his hand is lying, and chuckles at the scrunch of annoyance it creates on David’s face. 

“Hey, David.” 

“Hmph.” 

“David, we gotta get up.”

“Nope.” 

Patrick shakes David’s hip again, laughing. “Yep, ‘fraid so.”

David squints one eye open and scowls at Patrick.

Patrick laughs at his so-not-a-morning-person friend. “Good morning, sunshine,” he says brightly.

David groans as he tries to bury his face in between the pillow and Patrick’s neck, wrapping his leg and arm more tightly around Patrick’s body, and Patrick wonders briefly if finals are really necessary to take. 

“Ok, seriously. We need to get up.”

David pulls his head back to look at Patrick, all sleep-eyed and sexy as hell, as he presses his hips closer to Patrick’s, and Patrick inhales sharply at the feeling of David’s hard length against him. “Hmmm, I’m already up, it seems,” he murmurs.

Oh, this will take some getting used to, Patrick thinks as he laughs shakily and pulls regretfully away, noting how quickly his body naturally responds to David. Noticeably faster than it has to anyone else. All the agonizing make-out sessions he had been in before, wishing desperately to feel something, anything, wondering if something was wrong with him. Then, one evening with David, it’s all crystal clear. 

“Okay, David. That is not something we have time for right now. Finals, my friend! Focus!” he gives one more quick kiss to David’s pouting lips, pats his hip, then rolls away across the massive bed and stands up. Turning back to face David, he watches him grab Patrick’s pillow, snuggling into it, and it’s all Patrick can do not to climb right back in.

He turns to grab his backpack, which luckily has a change of clothes from when he packed it the night before because of the initial plans he had had to spend the night with Rachel.

Rachel.

Oh, that will be tricky waters to wade through for the few days they have left at school. He had been so overwhelmed with everything that had happened last night that the thought of seeing Rachel the next day after their breakup didn’t occur to him until now. And if that doesn’t say a lot about how disinterested he was in their relationship, nothing will.

How should they move forward?

Should they wait to make it official?

Tell people they’re boyfriends now, or wait?

Are they even boyfriends? Maybe they should talk about that.

Patrick froze, staring at the wall, paralyzed by the weight of what was happening. His heart raced, his thoughts running faster than he could process them.

Patrick should tell Rachel.

Tell his parents.

Holy shit.

Oh, Jesus. He’s going to have to come out, isn’t he?

“Patrick? Are you ok?”

He hears the uncertainty in David’s voice and turns around to look at him. David is sitting up in bed now, the fingers on his left hand fidgeting with his right. He looks concerned, his dark brows furrowed, and Patrick immediately knows what David’s anxious mind is thinking.

Patrick walks back to the bed and sits down, reaching out to take David’s hands, trying to calm his thoughts while knowing he needs to reassure his friend. 

His friend, whom he knows better than Patrick knows himself, he thinks.

“I’m okay. I just got thinking about some things.”

David nods. “Regrets?” He asks with a grimace, then looks down at their clasped hands.

“What? No, not at all, David!” Patrick says. “David, look at me, please?”

David lifts his eyes to look at him, and Patrick’s heart skips a beat at the worry he sees in those brown eyes. 

“I don’t regret anything about last night. David. I am so happy. I’m thrilled that we discovered how we feel about each other. It’s a relief to finally understand why I was struggling so much with Rachel. And last night…David, last night was the most amazing night of my life–to be able to discover this part of me and to be able to do that with my best friend, who means everything to me? I can’t even explain how that makes me feel. I just…well, I just realized that this also means a lot of change. I need to, you know, come out, and that sort of…I don’t know. It’s a little scary, I guess. It means people could treat me differently or look at me differently. My parents might not react the way I hope they will. Maybe they’ll be upset that I'm not the person they think I am. And Rachel. I should tell Rachel. I feel like I owe it to her to explain…”

“Ok, first of all,” David interrupts Patrick’s spiraling thoughts, “I understand you feel like you owe her an explanation, but you owe nothing to anyone. You don’t owe it to Rachel to tell her anything. You dated for a few months. It didn’t work out. You broke up. Okay? If you want to tell her, that’s up to you, but don’t do it because you feel like you owe it to her. You don’t owe anyone a damn thing—not Rachel, not anyone. It’s your life, your terms.”

Patrick nods, releasing a breath, letting David’s words calm him down.

“Second of all, I understand that this is all very new, and you still have a lot to process.” David continues. “I hope you didn’t think I expected us to go sauntering into school today, holding hands and making out against the lockers. I know we’re not ready to do that yet. It’s only been since last night, Patrick. I wasn’t thinking you would be making any major announcements today. This is very personal and something you need to do on your terms. When you’re ready to tell people–or not tell people-it's your journey, Patrick. So, please don’t fret over having some big coming-out scene. It’s entirely up to you.”

Tears prick Patrick’s eyes as David cups his cheek.

“Thank you, David. I guess I needed to hear that. But I also don’t want to hide who I am or us. I’m not ashamed of this or being your boyfriend.” Patrick looks into David’s eyes and smiles. “I want people to know. I’m so excited to be with you and share this with you. I just feel like I need a little time to prepare myself for how people might react.”

David takes a breath. “I understand that. You know I do. And I wish I could tell you that everyone will be accepting and lovely and rainbows and unicorns will shoot out of the sky, but you know that’s not the reality. I wish it were.”

Patrick knows. He remembers all too well the bullying David has dealt with over the years. Hell, Patrick almost got suspended during his freshman year when Billy Garrison called David the f-word and pushed him to the floor after third-period algebra. Patrick had seen red and grabbed Billy by the shirt, slamming him against the lockers.  He would have punched that asshole in the face if David hadn't caught his arm and Mr. Feinstein hadn’t stepped out of his classroom to see what the commotion was. Patrick knows what the world can be like, the ugly truth of possible harassment and discrimination he’ll be facing. David has had to put up with it for years, and he’s only eighteen. Luckily, Schitt’s Creek is pretty accepting for the most part. Patrick has witnessed the community growing and changing over the years. The Garrisons moved before the beginning of their sophomore year, and the few jerks left have been pretty quiet. Even Blake Watson, one of the other bullies in their life, hasn’t bothered them much lately. However, life outside the town limits could be very different, and Patrick is very cognizant of that. 

“Look, I know you better than anyone,” David says. “And I know your biggest concern is how your parents and family will react. I’ve known your mom and dad almost as long as you have, and there is no way Clint and Marcy Brewer will ever not accept and love you.”

“I don’t know,” Patrick said, voice thick with emotion. “I guess I'm worried what they’ll think of me, what will change… what will stay the same. I don’t want to lose that part of me, the one they’ve always known.”

David’s lips quirked. “Your family isn’t going to reject you, Patrick. Not over this.”

“I hope not,” Patrick muttered.

“I’m pretty sure they’d rather you were gay than a mime,” David shoots back.

Patrick laughs and nods. “Dad can't stand mimes. Thinks they’re scarier than clowns.”

“Which I don’t disagree with,” David says. “He has never wanted to go back to Quebec City. Point is, your family is going to support you. I know they are. I know your cousins won’t care, especially Josh and Casey. They’ve dealt with me all these years, so I know they don’t care.” David frowns. “Jury’s out on Uncle Peter. He’s kind of a dick.”

Patrick huffs out a laugh at that. “Alright. I want to take this kinda slow as far as telling people. But I do want to tell Mom and Dad soon. I honestly don’t think I’ll be able to hide it from them anyway,” he says with a fond smile at David. 

“So, you said ‘boyfriend,’” David says softly, and Patrick grins.

“Yeah, I did. Is that okay?”

David nods as Patrick leans forward, loving the swoop in his stomach of anticipation just before their lips touch. 

Suddenly, there’s a loud bang as the bedroom door is flung open, hitting the wall, and a gasp that makes them both jump apart and turn to face the bedroom door. 

In the doorway, hands on her hips, mouth ajar, stands David’s little sister, Alexis. Even at just fourteen years old, it’s easy to see the beautiful woman she will become. The devil-may-care, rebellious girl she always has been, however, is fully present and is giving David more and more anxiety every day, Patrick knows.

Right now, however, she has the mischievous glint in her eyes of a younger sister who just discovered something she can tease her big brother over.

“David! Were you guys just kissing?” She exclaims. “Are you boyfriends now?” 

“Oh my God, Alexis!” David snaps at her. “Knock much?”

“I’m telling Adelina!” She yells with glee and runs out of the room, shouting as she tears down the hallway, “Adelina! Where are you?”

Patrick watches as David lurches from the bed and stomps after her. “Alexis! Don’t be a little b! Do not tell anyone about this! I will kill you and hide your body under the Blouse Barn in Elmdale!”

“Ew, David! That’s so mean! I would never shop at that place!” Alexis yells back. Patrick can hear them clambering down the wide staircase leading to the Rose mansion's first floor. 

He shakes his head, laughing at the siblings and feeling the fluttering in his stomach. Patrick knows that for all her bravado, Alexis really won’t out him to anyone. She loves any opportunity to rile David up. But the nervousness he was feeling about coming out is still very present. Patrick knows his parents are the only two people he wants to tell as soon as he can, even though it’s scary as hell. 

Patrick needs to think about that later. He needs to focus on getting him and David to school for finals. Then, he can properly overthink how Clint and Marcy Brewer will react to their son telling them he’s gay

Chapter Text

“That’s not the face I was expecting to see,” says a dry voice to Patrick’s left.

He turns his head to see Stevie sliding into the desk next to him and quickly looks back at the notes he was studying before the English final. She was one of the people he was most concerned about seeing today.

Patrick has known Stevie longer than anyone. Born just a day apart in Elmdale Hospital, their lives couldn’t have been more different. Patrick grew up with loving, attentive parents, while Stevie’s mom was in and out of her life, and her dad was never in the picture at all. Stevie was raised by her Aunt Maureen, who owns the local motel. Patrick vividly remembers afternoons spent playing in and out of the motel rooms as her aunt cleaned, chasing each other around the picnic tables, and hunting for tadpoles in the creek.

Stevie learned early on that people—even the ones who are supposed to love you most—can be cruel and untrustworthy. Her walls went up when her mom left for the second time before Stevie was six years old. Because of that, Patrick never formed the kind of deep bond with Stevie that he has with David. Stevie keeps people at arm’s length, letting them in far enough to care but never close enough to hurt her. David does the same. Only Patrick was able to get past those walls David started forming early in his young life.

That doesn’t mean Stevie is blind to the people she does care about—Patrick and David. Over the years, Stevie and David grew closer, bonded by their shared experiences with absentee parents. Patrick knows Stevie can read them both like open books, and keeping this new development in his relationship with David a secret from her will be difficult, if not impossible. And knowing Stevie, she won’t take it well if she feels shut out. Patrick doesn’t intend to keep it from her for very long. He just wants a little bit of time as it’s so very new.

“What sort of face were you expecting? I’ve had the same one for many years,” Patrick quips.

Stevie rolls her eyes. “You are a laugh a minute, Brewer,” she replies, tucking a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear with an irritated flick. She’s letting her hair grow out, but the short bob is in that awkward, untamed phase that drives her crazy—especially since David never misses a chance to tease her about it.

“Hence why I am such a joy to hang out with and why we’re friends,” Patrick says with a smirk.

“Hmmm. Anyway, I just saw Rachel moping down the hall and figured either they’re out of Cucumber Melon at Bath and Body Works, or you two broke up,” Stevie says, narrowing her eyes. “So naturally, I expected to see the same look on your face. But instead, you’re sitting here looking all moony-eyed.”

“Moony-what? I’m not— I don’t— What does that even mean?” Patrick sputters, quickly turning back to his notes to avoid Stevie’s piercing gaze. “I’m just studying.”

Dammit. Patrick hadn’t seen Rachel yet this morning, but he knew she’d be upset after last night. (Jesus, was that just last night?). Now, Stevie had taken one look at him and figured out he wasn’t exactly mourning the breakup.

“Oh, I didn’t realize your notes are written on the back of the chair in front of you,” Stevie deadpans. “Or that they made you smile like an idiot.”

Patrick’s face flushes as he realizes he’s been absentmindedly staring at the seat ahead of him, daydreaming instead of studying. He tries to pull himself together, but the damage is done—Stevie isn’t going to let this go anytime soon.

A loud voice from outside the door causes them to turn and look. Ms. Lee, their English teacher, is yelling at the stragglers to get into the classroom, and Patrick sighs in relief that, at least for the time being, he can avoid this conversation with Stevie.

“I’m going to get the scoop from you after this final, Brewer,” Stevie hisses as Ms. Lee shuts the door behind the last student, scurrying inside.

********

“So, you ran out of the classroom before Stevie could even stand up from her chair,” David says, eyebrows raised high, as Patrick slams the locker shut. “I’m sure that was not super weird at all and didn’t raise any more questions in her mind.”

Patrick had shot up out of his seat the second Ms. Lee said they were free to go and made a beeline for his locker, where he knew David would be waiting for him after his statistics final. He had to talk to David to inform him that Stevie knew something was up, and she was like a bloodhound when it came to finding out something she wanted to know. 

“Okay, look, David. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t think I was acting or looking any different than usual, but she’s uncanny in reading people. It’s kinda creepy.”

“What’s creepy?” Stevie’s voice cuts in from behind, and Patrick jumps, almost dropping his phone. 

“You’re creepy, you little gremlin.” David snarks, “especially with that mop of hair,” and Stevie flips him the bird.

“It’s actually sort of creepy how you just sneak up on people,” Patrick says. 

“Or maybe you’re just really extra jumpy today for some reason,” Stevie says, narrowing her brown eyes at him and then looking at David when Patrick flicks his eyes over to him. Patrick swallows hard as Stevie’s gaze swings between him and David as if she’s piecing together a puzzle. Patrick feels sweat gathering at his brow as he feels her scrutiny, and David crosses his arms in front of him, raising one dark eyebrow, trying to put on an air of aloofness that would work on everyone else but Stevie. 

Stevie’s brow suddenly furrows as she looks closer at them, then her eyes grow wide, and her mouth drops open. 

“No. Fucking. Way.” she says, and Patrick drops his head in defeat. 

“No fucking way, what?” David responds, not giving up anything yet.

Before Stevie can speak, a loud voice booms out from down the hall.

“Brewer! There you are!”

Patrick groans, and David mutters a quiet “ew,” as Blake Watson strides toward them, flanked by his usual entourage of jocks. Tall and broad-shouldered with short, sun-streaked blonde hair that somehow always looks freshly styled, Blake is the captain of both the football and basketball teams—and the star of many high school fantasies, whether he knows it or not (and he probably does).

Obnoxious and egotistical, Patrick has barely tolerated him over the years, enduring countless practices together on the hockey and baseball teams. This year, Patrick was named captain of both– a fact Blake has made no effort to hide his disdain for. As if that weren’t enough, Blake has also made it clear he’s interested in Rachel—despite already dating Brianna, the head cheerleader, and having his pick of any other girl in school.

“Hey, Blake,” Patrick said with a nod. “What’s up?”

Blake pushes himself past Stevie, forcing her to step aside and stand closer to David as Blake’s entourage gathers around. 

“I just heard that Rachel broke up with you last night,” Blake says in his deep “bro” voice. 

“Yeah, so what’s it to you, Blake?” Patrick retorts. Jesus, he can’t wait for the day they don’t have to deal with this jerk anymore. 

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m just wondering what the hell your issue is, Brewer because the story is she dumped your ass because you couldn’t get it up for her.”

Patrick feels his face turning crimson and hears David inhale a sharp breath next to him.

“So, I don’t understand because I would love to tap that and show her what a real man can do for her.” 

David snorts. “Oh, please. You think you’re that man?”

Blake turns his eyes to David as if suddenly realizing he’s there. He looks David up and down and says, “And you think you’d be better than me at giving a girl what she wants, you fa…” 

“Don’t finish that word, Blake,” Patrick warns, fury building inside him.

David smirks at Blake, “You should ask your girlfriend, Blake. I never heard any complaints from her.”

“You fucker!” Blake exclaims, and Patrick quickly steps in between Blake and David. Blake moves to punch David, catching Patrick’s face with his fist instead. 

Patrick stumbles back against David, momentarily blinded by the pain, before quickly recovering and going to take a swing at Blake. Patrick hears David and Stevie yelling his name as they each grab an arm, pulling him back before he can finish the move.

“Patrick, don’t!” David says urgently. “He’s not worth it!”

“What in the blue blazes is going on out here?” a voice exclaims to their right. 

Principal Durie is jogging awkwardly down the hall, tie flapping wildly after hearing all the commotion. He reaches their group, looks at Patrick and Blake, and shakes his head.

“Blake and Patrick. It’s the last day of finals for seniors. You couldn’t wait to air grievances until after school? I was hoping for a quiet day. Come with me, boys.”

Blake snarls at David as he turns to follow the principal. “You’re such a pretentious twat, Rose. Someday, you’ll get what’s coming to you.”

David smiles widely at Blake and waves him off. “Byyyeee.”

Patrick sighs and turns to his two friends. “Well, today got real interesting. I’ll see you guys outside in a bit?”

David squeezes his arm, nods, looks at his rapidly swelling cheek, and rolls his eyes. “Okay, we’ll wait for you.”

Then David leans in and whispers in Patrick’s ear, “This might be a worse conversation with your parents than coming out. Marcy will flip if you have a black eye for all the graduation photos!”

Patrick chuckles and says, “I don’t know. You’re going to be alone with Stevie, so I’m fine leaving you to deal with that interrogation,” he says with a wink, then turns to walk after Blake and Principal Durie. 

Chapter Text

“I think you need to talk to your parents.”

Patrick’s hand, making lazy patterns on David’s chest and abdomen as they lay in David’s bed, stills at David’s words. He rolls away from David’s side and onto his back. 

“I don’t know, David,” Patrick finally responds. “It’s kinda too late.”

David rolls over to face him, leaning on one elbow and propping his head in his hand. “It’s never too late, Patrick. Not if it’s what you want to do.”

He reaches out and runs his hand along Patrick’s stomach, then down to his hip, placing his hand where it fits perfectly. They’ve spent as much time as possible the past week discovering how perfectly their hands and bodies fit together. Kissing and touching David has been a revelation, and Patrick can’t believe they didn’t figure this out sooner. Patrick can’t believe he didn’t figure out his sexuality sooner, especially with David in his orbit constantly. They’re taking things slow; they haven’t done much more than make out, as time and privacy allowed, but Patrick already feels so attuned to David and connected. Patrick guesses he shouldn’t be surprised. They already know each other so well, every hope, dream, and secret. This new side of their relationship feels just as natural. Patrick does not doubt that as they explore their physical relationship, it will be intense and passionate. Patrick needs to take it slow; otherwise, he’s pretty confident he will combust, especially if the way he’s responded to a couple of handjobs is any indication. 

They’re enjoying a lazy Sunday morning, chatting and cuddling in David’s bed after a whirlwind of a week. Between final exams—and celebrating David’s hard-earned C+ in statistics, thank you very much—and Patrick’s decision to come out to his parents, it had been anything but relaxing.

David had tried to reassure Patrick that he didn’t have to rush into telling his parents, but Patrick was ready. He knew how he felt, and there was no way he could hide it from them for long. Still, he hadn’t expected Blake to force the issue. The scuffle with Blake earlier that week left Patrick with a bruised cheek and a phone call home from Principal Durie, prompting Marcy and Clint to ask, “What on earth got into you?”

So, on Wednesday afternoon, Patrick and David sat in The Brewers’ homey kitchen. With David’s hand resting reassuringly on his leg under the table, Patrick nervously told his parents he was gay. Their reaction was everything he’d hoped for—hugs, love, and complete acceptance. Marcy even managed a smile when she added a new rule: David would be sleeping in the guest room whenever he stayed over.

“I’m not naïve,” she said, her tone firm but affectionate. “But I think I can try to be old-fashioned until you leave for college.”

Patrick has spent the rest of the week (when he and David haven’t explored this new exciting side of their relationship) trying to concentrate and focus on finishing up the last few days of his high school career. 

He’s also been thinking about next fall—university to study business. Patrick wants to be excited about it, but something is nagging him. Besides the fact that he and David will be apart for such an extended period of time since they met, he’s been fighting this anxious feeling that maybe he’s not making the right decision. 

He confessed this to David, and now, David keeps bringing it up. 

Because David knows Patrick and he wants him to be happy.

Patrick takes a deep breath and stares at the ceiling, his stomach in a knot. 

“Patrick, we’re talking about your future and what’s going to be fulfilling for you,” David says.

David reaches up, placing his soft hand on Patrick’s face and gently turning him to face him.

“I know you. I know you don’t want to disappoint anyone, and it’s easier to stick to the plan; not say anything, and not rock the boat. Even if it means you are not happy.”

Patrick tries to turn away, but David’s strong fingers hold him in place.

“No, you are going to listen to me. I’m your best friend, and I’m going to speak my mind…”

“So unlike you,” Patrick interrupts, teasing.

David rolls his eyes at him, and Patrick grins at the exasperated expression on David’s face.

“Patrick,” David says quietly but firmly, “I am just going to say this, and then I will let it go because it’s obviously up to you. You shouldn’t live your life the way others expect you to. It's your life, and you have to live it on your terms. You need to do what you want to do. Not what you think you should do. Not what you think your Dad expects you to do.”

Patrick closes his eyes as the truth of that hits him. David is right. He has always been the one to try and make everyone else happy. Patrick’s dad has always talked about how much he looks forward to when Patrick joins him at the accounting firm in Elm Glen. Patrick hates confrontation and has been the one to go with the flow because it’s easier than making anyone uncomfortable or upset. Look how long he tried to date Rachel, even when he wasn’t sure he wanted to be with her. 

Patrick opens his eyes to see David watching him, knowing Patrick is taking in everything David says, giving him time to process. He looks into David’s warm, brown eyes and sees genuine concern.

“Patrick, you are so incredibly talented, and you have a gift that I know you want to share. It would be such a fucking shame for you not to follow your heart. I will always support you in whatever you choose to do, but I have to say it will break my heart a little knowing you’re not living your dream because you’re living someone else’s.”

David leans in and presses a soft kiss to Patrick’s lips. Patrick reaches up, wrapping his hand around David’s neck to hold him in place, deepening the kiss. As they part, Patrick gazes at his dear friend—the one who knows him better than anyone ever could. David, who refuses to be anything other than his authentic self.

Most of the time, anyway. 

Maybe it’s time for Patrick to do the same. 

Patrick takes a deep breath. “Okay. Okay, David. I’ll talk to them. Will you come over with me now? Please?”

David tucks his smile into the corner of his mouth, his dimple popping, and nods. 

“Of course I will.”

********

Patrick’s mom is just taking a sheet of cookies out of the oven as Patrick and David arrive. Early afternoon on a Sunday means Marcy is making a fresh batch for the week, and Patrick chuckles as David makes a beeline to the stovetop. 

“David Rose, those are hot, and you’ll scorch your mouth,” Marcy chides as she tries to bat his hand away. He manages to capture one quickly before she nudges him away, shaking her head fondly as he reacts to the heat of the baked good in his hand.

“Hot, hot, hot!” David says, gently tossing the cookie between his hands as Marcy hands him a napkin. David takes it, places the cookie on it, and leans down so Marcy can kiss his cheek. 

“Sweet boy,” Marcy murmurs as she squeezes David’s arm and watches him take a bite of the pilfered treat.

“Oh my God, so good!” David says, “I love your Snickerdoodles.”

It’s a scene that has played out repeatedly over the years, and Patrick loves how his mom never tires of it. A wave of melancholy washes over him as he takes in the familiar scene, knowing these times will soon be few and far between. David happily chats with Patrick’s mom while grabbing a plate to pile cookies on and bring to the table to share. 

How many afternoons have they spent here over the years, eating snacks his mom prepared and squabbling over who got the last one? The kitchen is probably Patrick’s favorite place in the house. It’s the heart of so many memories—hours spent with his parents, talking and laughing, sharing stories from the day. Countless times, he sat in one of these chairs as his mom patched up scraped knees and elbows.

David still has a faint scar on his left palm from when Patrick convinced him to try rollerblading. Marcy cleaned the scrape, kissed the top of David’s head, and assured him he’d survive, all while David scowled at Patrick with righteous indignation. Afterward, David stomped home and didn’t speak to Patrick for nearly forty-three hours. Patrick knows the exact count because he spent all those hours agonizing, certain that David hated him forever. The thought of life without his best friend left him hollow. He almost cried with relief when David sat down next to him at lunch that Monday, pointedly making Patrick promise never to force him to wear anything with wheels on his feet again.

Patrick thinks of all the time spent at this table—dinners, discussions, endless conversations that ranged from the ridiculous to the profound. Their last serious conversation was less than a week ago when he came out.

Now it’s time for another one.

“Hey, where’s Dad?” Patrick asks as David tries to hand him a cookie. Patrick gives a soft smile and shakes his head. He’s too nervous to eat but appreciates David’s offering.

“He’s in the garage tinkering with the lawnmower. I told him to buy a new one, but he’s convinced he can fix it.”

“Do you, um…” Patrick pauses, swallowing hard, “…do you think you could get him to come inside?”

Marcy turns around and looks at him. “Is everything okay? You didn’t get into another altercation with that Blake Watson, did you?”

“That kid’s got a mean streak in him a mile wide,” Patrick hears his dad say as Clint steps into the kitchen from outside, just in time to listen to the tale end of Marcy’s sentence. “Did you see him today, son? Did you get a chance to land a punch this time?”

“Clinton Michael Brewer!” Marcy scolds as David lets out a laugh. 

Clint shrugs as he walks to the sink to wash his hands. “Kid’s an asshole, Marce. He’s been picking on these two since kindergarten.”

Marcy sighs. “He has a terrible home life,” she says.

Patrick knows that. Everyone in Schitt’s Creek knows Blake’s dad is as mean as his son, and Blake’s mom is indifferent. Even so, it’s not an excuse to be a dick to people. 

“Yeah, so does Stevie, but she’s not mean to people,” Patrick responds.

“Only those she actually likes,” David quips and Patrick chuckles.

Marcy walks over to place a glass of milk in front of David—something she’s done since he sat at this table for the first time. Patrick knows this is the only place David will ever drink milk because Marcy Brewer provides milk and cookies, and David will never pass up the comfort it brings him. She places a hand on David’s shoulder and gently squeezes it as she sits. “People with unstable home lives react differently, dear. Some act out, and some go looking for love elsewhere,” she says with a soft smile at David.

David quickly reaches for the milk, dipping a snickerdoodle into it as he tries to hide how that comment affected him. Patrick and his parents understand David’s need to control his emotions, even in this safe space.

“Clint, Patrick wanted to talk to us about something,” Marcy says, “if you could sit down for a moment.”

Clint pours himself a glass of iced tea from the fridge, then walks over to sit next to his wife. Patrick takes a deep breath and sits in the empty chair next to David, who immediately slips his right hand under the table and gently places it on Patrick’s leg, reassuringly squeezing it.

He can do this. Patrick doesn’t know why this seems to be so difficult. He just told them he was gay last week; one would think this would be a piece of cake in comparison, but here he sits, his heart thudding in his chest. 

Finally, he looks at his parents and says, “I need to tell you something.”

Ever the quick wit, Clint jumps in with, “David’s pregnant!” in a blatant attempt to break the tension.

Patrick rolls his eyes and huffs while David, grinning, quips back, “Yes! Twins! We’ll name them Dolce and Gabbana.”

Clint doesn’t miss a beat. “Not Ralph and Lauren?”

“Ew, no!” David grimaces in mock horror.

“David, we’re not naming our children after fashion designers,” Patrick says, shaking his head.

“Why not?” David protests.

Patrick chuckles. “Wouldn’t that be a bit pretentious?”

“Pretentious or timeless?” David counters with a grin.

“Vera and Giovanni,” Clint suggests.

David looks at him. “Clint, I’m impressed you know those names.”

Patrick’s heartbeat has picked up, and he feels the need to shift back to the conversation he’s been avoiding. “Okay, wow… let’s get through college first, okay?”

David turns to him, his brow creased in genuine concern. “Are we even having kids? Because I may be open to getting a dog, but kids… that’s a whole other realm of responsibility and smell.”

“And name possibilities,” Clint adds, clearly enjoying this diversion.

David nods, then shoots Patrick a playful look. “Patrick would want to name it after Blue Bird players.”

“Jays,” Patrick says, shaking his head.

“What?” David asks.

“Blue Jays,” Patrick clarifies.

“What did I say?”

“Birds.”

“Oh.”

Clint jumps in with another unexpected suggestion. “Huckaby.”

David stares at him, confused. “Excuse you?”

“That’d be a good name for a dog,” Clint says casually.

David wrinkles his nose. “I don’t… think so…”

“Okay, enough, you two.” Marcy’s voice breaks through the banter, her tone light but firm. “Patrick needed to say something.”

Patrick feels a little grateful for the comedic exchange that’s taken the edge off the tension hanging in the air. His dad’s ability to get David going on silly, harmless banter is another reminder of how safe David feels in their home. But now, Patrick needs to steer this conversation back to what he’d come here to say.

“I want to change majors,” he blurts out, glancing at his parents and noting their surprised expressions. “And I know it’s June,” he adds quickly, “and chances are it might be too late for the fall, but if that’s the case, it’s okay. I can take a semester or even a year off if I can’t start until then. I’d rather do that, work, and save money than spend a year studying something I don’t want to do.”

He glances at David, who gives him an encouraging smile, squeezing his thigh under the table.

Marcy blinks at him, processing his words. “Oh. You don’t want to study business?”

“No, Mom,” Patrick responds firmly. “I really don’t.”

The admission feels surprisingly freeing. Sure, he’s good with numbers and enjoys it, but it’s never been his true passion. Finally voicing that truth out loud feels like a weight lifting off his chest.

“Don’t tell me you want to go to NYU and study art with David?” Clint asks, his face a mixture of surprise and concern.

David snorts beside him. “Oh my God, imagine?” He gestures to the framed picture Patrick drew in first grade, still proudly hanging on the kitchen wall—crooked house, stick figures, and the brown blob that was supposed to be their cat, Milo. “I mean, that’s when Patrick peeked at art.”

“Gee, thanks, David,” Patrick mutters.

“What? You want me to blow smoke up your ass and tell you what a fantastic artist you are?” David teases.

Marcy laughs softly but quickly suppresses it. “David, language,” she admonishes while Clint hides a grin behind his hand.

“Sorry, Marcy,” David responds with a mock sincere apology, and Patrick shakes his head, knowing David could do no wrong in his parents’ eyes.

Clint leans in, his expression softening. “Okay, son. So what is it you want to do?”

Patrick takes a deep breath, feeling David’s hand squeeze his thigh under the table. The small gesture steadies him. This is it. He’s about to say what he’s known deep down for a long time, the thing that’s always felt like home, like joy.

“I want to study music education,” he says, his voice gaining strength. “I want to be a music teacher.”

Chapter Text

The lake has always been a place of peace and solace for Patrick. Over the years, especially when life has felt overwhelming and filled with uncertainty, it’s been his refuge—a quiet sanctuary that calms his mind and brings him clarity. A winding path meanders through the trees along the shoreline, leading to a small, secluded beach about ninety meters from the main beach. The space is framed by birch and pine trees, large rocks, and thick bushes that offer a sense of privacy away from the bustling footpath and the crowds of the main beach and boat launch.

This little stretch of sand holds a special place in Patrick’s heart. His dad had brought him here when he was younger, teaching him to swim in the quiet of this hidden cove, away from the noise and chaos of the public beach. The memories of those simpler days—of learning to float, of being guided gently by his dad’s steady hands—are woven into the very fabric of this place. An old, fallen tree lies nearby, its gnarled trunk offering a perfect spot to lay out towels and rest, leaning against the rough wood, the soft sounds of the water lapping at the shore. Here, away from the world, Patrick can breathe a little easier.

As far back as Patrick can remember, his mom and her sisters would bring him and his cousins to Goodwin Lake to spend hot summer days—picnicking, swimming, or just playing in the water to cool off. Patrick always had fun with his family on those days, but he treasured the times his dad would bring him. Every Friday during the summer, Clint would come home early from work and say, ‘Let’s go for a swim.’ They’d bypass everyone else and head straight to this spot. They’d swim and, sometimes, talk. He and his dad haven’t been here together in a long time. Life got too busy after high school started. This spot is special to Patrick because of the memories he shares with his father and his favorite person.

The first summer after Patrick and David became friends, Marcy would take just the two of them to the lake, which was perfect. That summer, Marcy introduced David to cream cheese and olive sandwiches; he’d been addicted to them ever since.

About halfway through that summer, after David had returned from his annual family vacation, Patrick invited him to join the whole group of aunts and cousins for a day at the lake. Patrick may have been young but instinctively knew his friend didn’t enjoy large crowds. He remembered how overwhelmed David had seemed at Patrick’s birthday party that spring and wondered how he would handle the chaos of the lake.

Patrick remembered how wound up he and his cousins had been that day—splashing, running, and roughhousing. Sure enough, he spotted David sitting quietly on a towel, off to the side, away from everyone. Patrick felt terrible seeing his friend looking so alone, so he went over to join him, sitting beside him and nudging him with his shoulder.

“You okay?” Patrick had asked.

David nodded, but his eyes betrayed the same anxiety Patrick had seen when he first noticed David sitting alone on the first day of school.

“Hey, come with me!” Patrick had suddenly thought of the “secret place” he and his dad used to visit, and he stood up, holding his hand out to David. David had taken it warily but let Patrick lead him down the path to a quiet spot by the water. They sat on the lake's edge, dipping their feet into the cool water as it lapped around their toes. They didn’t say much—just sat quietly, listening to everyone else's voices back at the beach, faint in the distance.

They talked about whatever six-year-olds talk about until they heard Marcy’s voice, frantic as she called their names, coming down the path. Patrick apologized for wandering off when she found them, but he didn’t feel bad about finding a spot where David felt comfortable. Since then, they've kept coming back to this spot every summer.

Patrick is thinking of that time now as he and David are watching the sunset, David sitting between his legs, back against his chest. It’s been a wild week, and they needed time to be together in a tranquil place that calms them both. 

The air is cool but comforting, the last traces of warmth from the day lingering in the breeze. A few birds glide silently across the sky, their silhouettes dark against the fading light. The trees lining the shoreline stand like quiet sentinels, their branches swaying gently.

The sunset at the lake is nothing short of magical. As the sun dips lower, the sky deepens into richer tones, the oranges and pinks giving way to dusky blues and the first hints of stars beginning to appear. The final moments of daylight stretch on, peaceful and serene, before the sky darkens completely, leaving the lake bathed in the soft glow of twilight. It’s a moment that feels timeless, a pause in the world where everything slows down, and all that matters is the beauty unfolding in front of you.

The light dances across the water’s surface, turning the lake into a shimmering mirror that reflects the breathtaking colors above. The gentle ripples from the evening breeze catch the light, creating an almost ethereal effect, as if the whole world is bathed in a soft, golden glow.

“Do you remember the first time I brought you to this spot?” Patrick asks. 

“Yes, it was the first time I came along with your aunts and insane cousins,” David responds. “I was so annoyed with you and jealous, I think.”

“Jealous?”

Patrick feels David shrug. “You were so carefree. You and your cousins were having fun, being silly, and being loud. I was barely six years old and knew I was different; my family was different.  I was lonely and didn’t know how to make friends. I had a baby sister at home who was already taking whatever little attention I had received away from me. My parents were always busy or away. I just felt invisible until you came along. I finally felt less alone in the world. Then I was at the lake that day, having to share you. I felt the same way at your birthday party. I wanted to be like you and play in the water. It looked like fun. But it also made me so anxious. Of course, Marcy kept checking on me, but she and your aunts were preoccupied with watching you wild children. Then there you were, sitting beside me because you knew I was feeling alone.”

“Like the first day we met,” Patrick says with a smile. So many memories of his childhood are fuzzy now, but that day at preschool is still vivid in his mind. The day Patrick saw the new boy sitting quietly by himself and how sad Patrick was that this boy looked so alone. 

Patrick feels David let out a soft laugh from where he’s nestled against Patrick’s chest, looking out at the lake.

“Yes, I was sitting by myself in the reading nook, and you came over and plopped yourself down next to me and said, ‘I’m Patrick. We’re going to be best friends forever.’ You always were very sure of yourself.”

Patrick smiles at the memory. “Yep. I remember watching you all morning after the teacher had introduced you. You kept to yourself, and you seemed so lonely and sad. So I decided I would be your friend and make you happy.”

David hums. “Seems like it’s been your life mission ever since.”

“There are worse ways to spend my time,” Patrick replies. Then he pauses, asking, “Have I…made you happy, David?”

Patrick waits for David to answer. He expects a snarky response, but after a few moments, David surprises him with his sincere response.

“I’m never as happy as I am with you.”

Patrick feels his heart swell as he tightens his arms around David, holding him closer. He presses his cheek against David’s temple and swallows the lump suddenly in his throat. “I feel the same way, David,” he says quietly. 

David squeezes Patrick’s forearms and exhales a shaky breath. “It’s going to be so weird this fall, being away from you,” David whispers, his voice cracking at the end. “I’m pretty sure the longest we’ve ever been apart was last summer when I went to Israel for my birthright trip and then joined my family in Tuscany for our family vacation. I missed you so much.”

“Is that, um… when you knew?” Patrick asks. “That you had stronger feelings for me than just friends?”

“No, I had realized that sooner. Just being apart from you that long solidified my feelings.”

“When did you start having feelings for me?”

Patrick feels David shrug. “I mean, I think it just started slowly. I started thinking about you more, wondering what you were doing, even though we’d just said good night or something. I started missing you more when we were apart. I started wondering what it would be like to kiss you, even when I’d be kissing other people. I remember being ridiculously jealous when I saw you with Lisa last summer and then this year with Rachel.” David chuckles, but it’s hollow, without humor. “Remember that horrid eighth-grade spring dance when you kissed Bella Belanger?”

Patrick rolls his eyes. God, does he ever. It had been so sudden. One moment, he was awkwardly dancing with Bella to Open Arms, and the next, she was kissing him. He recalls the taste of her overly sweet cherry lip gloss, a taste he’s never been able to shake off. He hasn’t been a fan of cherries ever since.

“Yeah, of course I do. Bella asked me if I’d kissed anyone yet, and when I said no, she kissed me. I was so surprised I didn’t even have time to think about what was happening. It was bizarre and… sticky.”

David laughs. “Yeah, that’s what you told me later. I was dancing with Casey because George Wilcox had broken up with her halfway through the dance, and she didn’t have anyone else to dance with. I saw you kissing Bella, and I couldn’t stop staring. I remember thinking how much I hated seeing you kiss someone.”

Patrick lets that sink in for a moment before speaking. “David, that was four years ago.”

“I know. I kept trying to deny how I was feeling. I kept telling myself that I was only jealous because having a girlfriend would take your attention away from me. Which, you know, is also true. I’m very selfish.”

Patrick chuckles.

“Then last year, opening night of Barnum, I was so fucking proud of you and so mesmerized. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.”

David stops speaking, and Patrick waits for him to continue as he recalls that night. Patrick had been so excited to have the lead in the high school musical his junior year. He remembers how thrilled David was for him, how happy and proud he had looked, and it stirs something in Patrick’s chest.

“That night when you slept over,” David continues, “I watched you while you were sleeping, and I had this ache in my chest because I thought you were the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. And I had to admit to myself that I had developed feelings for you.”

Patrick turns his face and places a lingering kiss on David’s temple. He notices David swiping a finger under his eye, sniffling quietly. Patrick’s chest aches, realizing how long David has been carrying these feelings inside.

“David, I hate that you felt this way, and I didn’t know.”

David shrugs. “It’s okay, Patrick. I mean, it’s not your fault. It’s not like you controlled my feelings for you.”

They sit together silently for a few minutes, watching a pair of ducks paddle lazily by on the lake. The sky is starting to darken as the sun sets, and Patrick knows he’ll need to start a fire in the little pit his dad built years ago if they’re going to stay much longer. But for now, he can’t bring himself to move.

“Opening night of Barnum,” Patrick says quietly, “I remember the entire time I kept thinking, ‘I hope David is proud of me.’ I was on stage singing Colors Of My Life to Stevie and thinking of you. Maybe I should have been more aware of how I was feeling.”

“No, Patrick. I’m not going to let you start overthinking this. You’ll drive yourself crazy thinking you should have figured it out sooner or fretting that I was feeling like this and you didn’t know, so you’ll feel guilty about it or whatever.”

Patrick sighs. “But David, if you were hurting in any way because of me not realizing that…”

“I’m going to stop you right there,” David interrupts, shifting in Patrick’s arms so he can look at him. “Seriously, Patrick, just stop. Figuring yourself out and your sexuality is your journey. There’s no timeline for that. As far as feeling bad that you didn’t know how I was feeling, please don’t. You can’t go back in time and change anything. Okay?”

Patrick looks into David’s eyes and nods, even though he still can’t understand why it took him so long to discover what was right before him. 

David leans in for a kiss, then presses his forehead to Patrick’s, looking into his eyes. “Okay?”

Patrick smiles, bringing his hand up to cup David’s jaw before kissing him back slowly and sweetly. 

“Okay, David,” he says, and David smiles before returning to snuggle into Patrick’s arms again. 

“Have you ever come here alone?” Patrick wonders aloud.

“Yes. I'd come here to sit while trying to sort things out,” David says. “When I was first figuring out my sexuality and didn’t know how to talk to my family or you about it yet. I came here when you were busy, and my family was driving me crazy. I needed to get away from the house, to be somewhere quiet where I felt safe. I came here often when dealing with my feelings for you.”

Patrick sighs. “David, I hate knowing you were dealing with all that alone. That there were times I wasn’t there for you.”

David huffs out a laugh. “Well, it’s kind of hard to talk to your best friend about being head over heels for the same guy.”

Patrick can’t help the smile that takes over his face, his heart picking up speed. He’s sure David can feel it, the way his pulse races at the thought. “You’re head over heels for me?” he teases, knowing David will squirm if the sincerity becomes too much.

David groans. “Okay, maybe I was exaggerating a bit.”

“Aww, come on! Tell me how crazy you are for me,” Patrick presses, “how you can’t bear the thought of being apart. Will you sit in your room at NYU, pining away for me?”

David tries to sit up. “Okay, now that you’ve gone full snarky asshole mode, I take it back. I have no particular feelings for you whatsoever.”

Patrick laughs and tightens his arms around David, pulling him back into the warmth of his embrace. “Hey, no! I’m sorry. Don’t get all huffy on me.”

David lets out a harrumph but settles back against Patrick’s chest.

They sit silently for a few minutes, watching as the sky slowly darkens toward twilight. The haunting call of loons echoes across the still water of the lake. The lights in some of the cabins across the way begin to flicker on as the night falls around them. Patrick knows he will miss this place and the peace it’s always given him. So many of his best memories have happened here.

It’s where he comes to think, to be with his dad and with David. So many of the best moments in his life—whether good, bad, or somewhere in between—have involved David. When he reflects on his past, David is always there, and the thought of being without him, especially now, makes his chest ache.

He remembers last summer when David was away for five weeks. Patrick didn’t quite know what to do with himself during that time. And now, with college coming in the fall and the reality of David being in New York, it’s hitting Patrick harder than he expected. When they’d talked about schools last year, Patrick remembers how David’s eyes had lit up when he mentioned New York University as his number one choice. Patrick had fought the lump that had formed in his throat then. He’s known for years how much David dreams of New York, of escaping to the city—but now that it’s real, Patrick feels the weight of it in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

You probably could have figured things out sooner, Brewer, if you’d thought about why you felt that way.

David gives a sniffle, then gently clears his throat, breaking the silence. “So your conversation with the admissions person went well today?” He asks quietly.

“Yeah,” Patrick replies. “It did. She was super helpful. As expected, it’s too late to change my majors for the fall, but she said I could declare it after I start. I would then go through the audition process to see if I get accepted into the music program for the following semester. There are two programs to choose from, classical and jazz, so of course, I’m applying to the jazz program.”

“Obviously, you'll get accepted,” David chimes in.

Patrick grins. “Maybe. It’s not definite, David.”

“You’re ridiculously talented, Patrick. They would be fucking idiots not to.”

Patrick squeezes David. “I appreciate your support and belief in me, but there are many talented people, a lot more talented than I am. I’ve had years of piano lessons, but that’s my only formal training. I just picked up the guitar a few years ago. I had to scramble to find a vocal coach to help me learn three contrasting pieces from the audition list and arrange more piano lessons with Ms. Bouchard. It’s wild that we have the music department we do at SC High. I don’t know what brought Mrs. Travers to Schitt’s Creek, but we are so fortunate.  At least I have that experience and music theory. It’s going to be a busier summer than I thought.”

“Well, let’s not forget that you are intelligent and gifted. You will learn all of that because you are a highly focused individual and very competitive. How long did you practice the baseball and the hockey last summer because you wanted to be captain?”

“Well, that was more because I didn’t want Blake Watson to be captain because he’s an asshole,” Patrick admits.

“Yes. Regardless, you were focused and felt challenged, so you worked even harder at two things you were already excellent at. This is the same situation, Patrick, except this is even more important to you.”

“Whatever. I will give it my best and hope that’s enough.”

“Plus, nobody is nearly as charming, and the combination of that and your talent will get you into any school of higher education you’d want to attend, Patrick.” David pauses. “Like, you know, New York University,” he says off-handedly. 

Patrick laughs. “David, we’ve had this conversation. I wouldn’t be able to afford NYU, even if I could get accepted.”

“They accepted me, so they’d snatch you up in a heartbeat.”

Patrick rolls his eyes. “They accepted you because you’re a gifted artist, David.”

“Mhmm. Sure. Or maybe my parents are filthy rich and wrote them a huge check,” David responds, shaking his head. “But whatever. So, what now? You have to study boring business nonsense until you can switch? Why don’t you take the semester off and come to New York with me?”

“Because the admissions person said I have to take core classes anyway, regardless of my major. I can get a bunch out of the way this fall. Since that’s the case, I’d rather just get started. If I had to wait, I would’ve, but this works fine. I don’t want to put it off, you know?”

“You don’t want to come to New York,” David says, his voice quieter, almost dejected.

“What? No, David, stop. Don’t get like that. Why are you so insecure about us?”

Patrick moves his arms from where they’re wrapped around David, placing them gently on David’s waist and pushing him slightly so that David has to sit up. “Look at me, David.”

David reluctantly turns to face Patrick but refuses to meet his eyes. “I just feel like I’m too much of a mess,” he says quietly. “And you’re going to realize you deserve better than me. A friend? Sure. A boyfriend? You’ll find someone stable, someone better for you than I could ever be.”

Patrick grips David’s bicep with one hand and lifts David’s chin with the other, forcing him to look into his eyes. “You know that’s absolutely not true. There is nobody else I want to be with. You’re not a mess, David. I’m so tired of you thinking that about yourself, like someone has made you feel that way. I’m going to miss you like crazy next fall! You know that! Being apart from you is going to be just as hard for me. David Rose, don’t you think for one second that I don’t want to be with you. Do you understand me?”

David’s lips tremble, and he nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. But there’s more he’s not saying.

“Hey, talk to me,” Patrick murmurs, gently taking David’s hands in his.

David looks down at their entwined fingers, sighing. “I think…” he whispers, “I’m a little scared.”

“Of what? New York? You love New York. You and your family have been going there for years.”

“No, yeah, I know. It’s not New York that I’m scared of. It’s just… a lot of change. A lot of uncertainty. Which is all fine. I mean, I… I’m thrilled to leave this place, don’t get me wrong! I want to go to NYU, study something I love, enjoy the city, and see all the art galleries and museums like the Guggenheim. Theater. The food! Oh my God, I can’t wait to have a real bagel!”

Patrick smiles at David. “And a knish. And pizza. I know.”

“Oh my God, Patrick, yes! When you come to visit, you’ll see! I’m going to take you everywhere.”

“I look forward to it,” Patrick says.

David takes a deep breath, and Patrick gives him a moment. He watches as David collects his thoughts.

“I’m scared I won’t fit in there,” David finally admits, his voice small. “What if I still feel like a… a misfit? What if they tell me I have no future in art? What if I’m not smart enough, Patrick?”

“David,” Patrick says firmly, “believe me, I have the same fears. It’s the fear of the unknown. Schitt’s Creek, regardless of how you feel about it, has been your home for the past thirteen years. It’s familiar. You know what to expect. Now, we have to acclimate to new cities and schedules and face new challenges. I know it’s a lot. Honestly? It freaks me out, too. But I’m also excited. Especially now that my best friend convinced me to speak up and go for what I want.” Patrick gives David’s hands a reassuring squeeze. “Also, you’re brilliant, David, so please don’t question if you’re smart enough.”

David cracks a small smile. “My statistics teacher would probably argue with you on that.”

“Statistics sucks. Everyone knows that.”

“But, Patrick… you’re so likable. Even when you’re being an asshole, you’re charming. You won’t have any trouble fitting in or meeting new people. What if people don’t like me? I’m not exactly warm and welcoming.”

“You’ll meet people more like yourself. People who are as excited about the same things you are. You’ll connect with them, David. You’ll make friends.”

David pauses, looking down at their hands. “But I won’t have you,” he whispers, his voice cracking. “I’m scared of losing you. That’s what I’m scared of the most.”

“You are not going to lose me, David.” Patrick’s voice is steady, and his tone firm. “I may not be at the same school or city, but I’ll be a phone call away. A text. Hell, I’ll even write you letters!”

Patrick looks up at the sky and puts on a British accent. “Dearest, I fear to tell you that today was excruciating without your presence. As I gathered my tray at the dining hall to fill with the day’s offerings, I could hear your dulcet tones complaining about what is and is not correct. My heart aches for you. Until we are together again, I will yearn for your company. Yours always, Patrick.”

David laughs, wiping his eyes. “You’re insufferable and such a fucking dork.”

Patrick laughs.

“I know I can text and call you, but…Patrick, since I was five years old, you have been there. You’ve been with me. From the first day we met, you're the only person who gets me. You’re the only person that makes me feel accepted and safe. You call me on my bullshit. You’re my goddamn rock, Patrick. I’m terrified at how I’m going to be without you. Without seeing you. You…you ground me.”

Patrick reaches out, pulling David tight against him. His arms envelop him as he fights to keep his tears at bay, feeling a lump rise in his throat. Patrick is scared of the same things. Leaving home to study music education thrills him, but there’s the unspoken reality that Patrick has known he would have to face someday: living without David near him, not knowing for how long. Patrick knows where he’d like to be after University. He thinks Toronto or maybe somewhere closer to home. But New York? That’s a different story. He has no desire to live there—not without David.

He’s pretty sure that David wants to live there permanently. So then, what happens? If they can make this last between them, who sacrifices to live where the other might not want to? Patrick has another fear: David meets people who are more like himself. People who love and understand art like he does. People who love fashion and are far more sophisticated and exciting than Patrick will ever be. He fears that David will eventually drift away from him once he gets a taste of the life he’s been craving for years. But he also remembers a promise he made a little over two weeks ago. Nothing would change between them, and they would always have each other. Patrick is going to fight like hell to keep it that way, no matter the distance, no matter the challenges. He won’t lose David—not when he’s found something this real.

“David Rose, you listen to me. I need you, too. You’re my rock. I’m terrified of not having you with me every day, of the changes ahead, but I’m excited for the future. And I am sure I will not face that future without you.”

Patrick leans forward to press a kiss to David’s lips. “What did I say to you on that day we met?”

David closes his eyes. “That we were going to be best friends forever,” he responds.

“That’s correct. And what else did I promise the other night?”

David takes a breath and exhales before opening his eyes to look into Patrick’s. “That you won’t ever leave me. That we’ll always have each other.”

“Exactly. So, you need to promise me you won’t forget that, okay?”

David drops his eyes and nods minutely. Patrick lowers his head, his eyes searching David’s until David finally looks up and meets his gaze. “David? Promise me.”

David looks into Patrick’s eyes, and Patrick knows what David is thinking because he's feeling the same: all the years, all the memories, all the milestones–the big moments and not-so-big moments–like a slideshow playing in both their minds. David’s mouth twitches at the corner before a smile overtakes his face. “I promise,” he whispers.

Patrick returns the smile, cupping David’s cheek and kissing his lips softly. 

“I mean, I stood by you during that pacifier necklace, weird haircut faze. If that didn’t send me running…”

David pulls back and glares at Patrick, half-amused. “You didn’t exactly hold back on your commentary, you know.”

Patrick laughs, raising an eyebrow. “How could I not? You practically wore your childhood as an accessory.”

David rolls his eyes, and Patrick can see that he’s trying to suppress his smile. “I still hung out with you, and I promise I always will, regardless of what you wear.”

“Um, I also remember you saying something about promising me anything as long as we got back to kissing,” David says.

“Yeah, I think I remember saying something like that,” Patrick says and leans in for another kiss, but David pulls back before their lips touch.

“Okay, so promise me you’ll come visit?”

Patrick nods, “I said I would, didn’t I?”

“Yes.”

Patrick tries to kiss him, but David stops him again. “Promise me you won’t make me go to any sports ball contests at Yankee Stadium?”

Patrick laughs. “Who else will go with me?”

“Stevie is going to be at Marymount. She’ll go with you.”

“Okay, David,” Patrick says and goes for the kiss again, only to be rebuked. 

“After a game, I’ll come to meet you, and we can eat our way through all the Italian restaurants on Arthur Avenue.”

Patrick grabs David’s head with both hands, “David, I promise you the world! Now shut up and let me kiss you,” he says. David straddles Patrick’s lap, his fingers sliding to the sides of Patrick’s face as he leans in, kissing him deeply as though sealing their promises with every touch.

Tomorrow is graduation, and Patrick knows the summer will fly by. So much will change in the fall, but they are together now. Patrick wraps his arms around David, pulling him closer, and the kiss deepens; twilight turns to night, and the stars start to emerge. It’s just the two of them, and Patrick wants to embrace every moment like this they have.

Chapter Text

David is very drunk.

Patrick takes a sip from his beer, watching through the crowd as David stumbles toward him. He’s moving in fits and starts, his steps uneven, like his feet can’t quite decide where they want to land. Patrick isn’t surprised to see him this way. David wandered off a few minutes ago, following Stevie and a few people Patrick doesn’t know well. He remembers them from the party at David’s a few months back—the crowd that always swarms around David, drawn to the “free booze” and “good vibes” that David often funds without realizing it. They’re the same ones who always leave once the fun stops, leaving David to clean up the mess alone.

But tonight, it’s different. Patrick can already tell. There’s something about David’s eyes being unfocused and his steps faltering. He’s not just drunk—he’s gone further tonight. Patrick knows this level of intoxication. It’s the kind that comes when you’re trying to numb something far bigger than a party buzz.

Patrick doesn’t judge. He’s no prude, and he’s shared plenty of those “buzzed” moments with David and Stevie. But this—this is a different kind of spiraling. Patrick’s been called in the middle of the night before, in the past, when David gets left behind at some random field or darkened street corner, abandoned by everyone else. He tries to talk to David about it, but every time, it only pushes him away more. The last time, David snapped at him and told him to “back off,” and Patrick knew it was not just anger. It’s fear. Fear of someone getting too close to what he’s hiding.

And tonight? It makes sense. David doesn’t just need to escape the usual weight of his family tonight—he needs to bury the crushing disappointment that has been shadowing him all day.

His parents didn’t show up to graduation. Not his mom. Not his dad. Not Alexis. No one.

Patrick remembers how David’s face shifted when he scanned the audience, his hopeful eyes dancing over the rows of families. He’d looked, first with a smile, then with confusion. And then, the slow, unbearable slide into defeat. Patrick saw it, too. The way his shoulders slumped, the way his head dropped just a fraction. That was a look Patrick never wanted to see again.

For a split second, David saw a familiar face—Adelina, sitting with Patrick’s family. His smile flickered back to life, but it didn’t last long. Patrick could feel it—the sharp way David exhaled when he realized it was only a brief moment of comfort, not a solution.

And now, here he is—wasted, high, stumbling through the field. Patrick wants to ask what’s really going on inside David’s head, but he knows it’s not the time. Not with David in this state. Not when all Patrick can do is watch as his friend tries to bury his heartache.

“Patrick!” David’s slurred voice calls to him as David gets closer.

David stumbles up to him and clumsily grabs Patrick’s shoulders. Patrick looks at David, taking in his lidded eyes, the half smirk, and tries not to grimace in reaction to the strong smell of a delightful mix of beer, orange juice, and pot wafting off his breath. David found somebody serving up screwdrivers along with the cheap beer kegs set up by a row of pickup trucks.

“Hey, David,” Patrick says, holding on to David’s biceps to try and keep him steady.  

“Patrick!” David yells into his face.

Patrick is torn between being somewhat amused at his inebriated boyfriend and being very concerned for him.

David pats Patrick’s shoulders as he struggles to stay upright and speak. “My fucking family didn’t come to my fucking graduation, Patrick!” 

Patrick sighs. “I know, David.”

David scrunches up his face, and Patrick can see the wheels turning in his head as he tries to get the words out. “They didn’t fucking come. My mother took my sister to fucking Hong Kong for a photo shoot! I don’t know where the fuck my father is.”

Patrick wishes they could see David right now, to see the hurt their absence causes him.

“You’re the only one, Patrick,” David continues. “You’re the only one who gets me. Everyone else… they don’t see me. You’re the only one who fucking cares at all.”

Patrick smiles at him. “I’d argue that my parents like you a little bit.”

David tries to focus on Patrick’s face as his eyes get teary. “Marcy and Clint Brewer are more like parents to me than my own parents. Nobody else but you and them give a shit.”

“Adelina cares.”

“Hmmmm….yes, but she’s also paid to care. You’re not being paid to care. Your parents aren’t being paid to care. They just…you all just….do.”

Stevie casts her own alcohol and pot-infused gaze on David. “Can I get paid to care?”

David jerks his head towards her. “Oh, fuck off, Stevie.” which causes Stevie to break out in gales of laughter.

Patrick rolls his eyes at how completely fucked up these two are. He’s going to have a time sneaking David back home tonight. He wished they were still staying at David’s, but once his folks discovered nobody was home at the Rose residence, they quickly said Patrick and David needed to be home at the Brewers no later than two am. Patrick doesn’t want his parents to discover just how drunk and high David can get. So far, he’s been able to get David into the house the past few times David has called him to bring him home without them noticing. 

David wobbles unsteadily, and Patrick moves his hands to David’s waist. “Okay, let’s move you over here by the trucks so you have something to lean on before you fall on your face.”

David nods, “Okay. I can’t fall on my face. I don’t want to get another nose job.”

“Nope, we don’t want that,” Patrick says as he guides David to a line of cars and trucks parked on the field, away from the center of the festivities. 

“The only job I want is a hand job!” David exclaims. 

“Oh, my God, David,” Patrick mutters as he props him against the closest vehicle. Patrick recognizes it as Mutt’s dad’s old clunker of a truck, so there are no worries about getting it scratched or vomited on. 

“You’re a fucking natural, Patrick,” David slurs as Stevie cackles beside them. Patrick can feel his face turning a hundred shades of red. 

“Jesus, David, can you keep your voice down a little?”

Stevie pats him drunkenly on the arm, slurs, “Good luck with this one,” and wanders toward the bonfire. 

David looks at him wide-eyed, eyebrows raised. “But it’s true! So true, Patrick,” David says, reaching up to cup Patrick’s cheek, except it’s more like a drunken slap. “You’re so handsome. Why are you so handsome?” David leans in and places a sloppy kiss on Patrick’s lips. 

Patrick usually loves kissing David, but not when he tastes like pot, cheap beer, vodka, and orange juice. He pulls back, and David stumbles forward a little at the sudden move, grabbing at Patrick. “No, don’t - wanna kiss you…”

“What the actual fuck is going on here?” comes a familiar voice to Patrick’s right.

Patrick lowers his head, mumbling, “Ah, shit,” as David turns his head in response. Patrick looks over, expecting to see Blake but not the other person with him.

Rachel. Rachel staring at them in shock.

“Patrick?” she says, looking at him like she doesn't recognize him. 

So, she saw that too, then. 

Blake strides up to them, his brows knitted, a look of disgust on his face. “Did I seriously just see you two kissing? I knew this one,” he says, waving a hand at David, “was a homo, but I didn’t know you were, Brewer!”

“Holy shit, no wonder he couldn’t get it up for you, Rachel,” Blake says, turning to look at her. “He’s a fag.”

Patrick feels the anger rising within him at the ugly term and the insult to them both, but especially David. Patrick doesn’t care what Blake thinks of him but always gets defensive about David. Patrick has always hated that word, regardless of who it’s directed towards.

“Watch your filthy mouth, Blake,” he says through gritted teeth, hands fisting at his sides.

David leans back against the side of the truck, smirking at Blake. “Blake Watson, you are an absolute waste of sperm, you know that?”

Blake rounds on David, fist rising, but before he can swing, David steps forward, defiantly getting in his face.

“Go ahead, hit me, you fucking Neanderthal. Then let’s see how quickly you lose that precious hockey scholarship to Quinnipiac because I file assault charges.” David manages to slur into Blake’s face. 

Patrick watches as Blake reacts to this, his face contorted in anger, as he lowers his arm like it’s taking all of his restraint not to punch David. 

“Fuck you, Rose.” Blake spits out at him as David smirks in his face, then takes an unsteady step back to lean against the truck again.

“Patrick, what…what’s going on here?” Rachel quietly asks, and Patrick turns to look at her, noting the hurt and confusion on her face.

“Rachel, can we…”

“What’s going on, Rachel?” Blake interrupts. “Obviously, Patrick was dating you to cover up that he’s gay.” 

Rachel’s eyes fill with tears as she scowls at Patrick. “You were just using me, Patrick?” she says. “Pretending to like me to hide…this.” she waves a hand between him and David. “I thought I meant more to you than that.”

Patrick shakes his head. “No, Rachel. That’s not it. I was not using you. Don’t listen to this asshole. I swear. I just didn’t know…”

“He’s so full of bull, the cows follow him home,” Blake says. 

David snorts. “What the fuck does that mean?” 

“Come on, let’s go. I think there are a lot of people who will love to hear about this,” Blake threatens.

David pushes off the truck and steps up to Blake on unsteady feet. “Don’t you dare out him, you fucking piece of shit.”

Blake gets right in David’s face and looks at him mockingly sadly. “And what are you going to do about it if I do?”

David looks back at him thoughtfully. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll tell people how you managed to pass English lit. How is Theresa Morgan these days? I heard she was pretty pissed when you dumped her after she hacked into the computer system at school and changed your grade for you,” David finishes with a smirk. 

Blake’s eyes widen at David’s words. “What the hell? That’s…how did you…,” Blake sputters, his face crimson in anger.

David sways towards Blake, and Patrick is momentarily impressed that he’s still on his feet, never mind putting sentences together. 

“She talks in her sleep,” David says with a wink.

Patrick whips his head towards David. “What? You and Theresa? I didn’t know about that,” trying to ignore the instant feeling of jealousy. 

David glances at him, and Patrick can see he’s holding on by a thread. “It was one night last spring,” he slurs.

“Point is,” David turns back to Blake, jabbing a finger into Blake’s chest, swaying on his feet. “You out Patrick, and I will talk. And Theresa will talk because she also thinks you’re a colossal douchebag. Blake, I don’t give a shit about your threats. You want to threaten me? I’m the one with the dirt. Who do you think people are going to believe, huh?

Blake pushes David, and he bangs against the side of the truck. Patrick turns on Blake as Rachel grabs Blake’s arm, tugging him to move away. 

“Get out of here, Blake. Tell whoever you want. I don’t give a shit. Anyone I care about knows already.”

Rachel turns hurt-filled eyes to him. “So, you didn’t care about me?”

“Rachel, no, that’s not what I meant…” Patrick starts to say, but she interrupts him.

“I thought you at least cared about me, Patrick. I can’t believe you used me.” Rachel tugs on Blake’s arm. “Let’s go, Blake.”

“Rachel, I’ll call you tomorrow to explain…”

“No! Do not call or talk to me again, Patrick Brewer!” Rachel yells at him, tears starting to fall down her cheeks. 

Blake glares at him as he backs away. “You just wait. You two assholes are going to end up miserable the rest of your lives.”

“Not if we don’t have to see your face again, you fuck,” David shoots back. 

Blake gives them the finger as he finally turns and walks away with Rachel.

“Those two coupled up rather quickly,” David observes after a moment.

Patrick watches them walk away, unsure how to feel about Rachel being with Blake. Patrick knows he’s not jealous, but he wasn’t lying when he told Rachel he cared about her. He cared, never meant to hurt her, and wanted to talk to her, if not for any other reason than just to let her know that she is a good person who deserves to be with someone who will be good to her and be one hundred percent into her. He knows Blake is not that person, and Patrick doesn’t know if he has any right to give her his opinion. 

“Yeah, I hope he treats her well,” Patrick says, and David scoffs.

“He’ll treat her like shit, and you know it.”

David reaches out for Patrick drunkenly, swatting at his arm. “Hey, hey, hey…”

Patrick turns to look at David, only to find him looking thoroughly inebriated and uncharacteristically sheepish.

“Patrick, I’m sorry they saw me kissing you,” David mumbles, his eyes glistening. “I wasn’t thinking straight… I’m just—so sorry…”

Patrick places a steadying hand on David’s shoulder. “David, it’s fine. Seriously. Don’t worry about Blake Watson or Rachel. I’ll handle that if it comes up. I’m just a little more concerned about you right now.”

David’s face splits into a woozy grin. “Nah, I’m soooo good,” he insists, leaning forward—only to knock his forehead into Patrick’s with an audible thunk.

Both of them groan in unison. “Oof.”

“Right,” Patrick says, slipping an arm around David to steer him away from the crowd. “Time to call it a night.”

David stumbles along willingly for a moment before asking, “Where’s Stevie?”

“She headed over to the bonfire with Jake a while ago,” Patrick replies, chuckling. He’s come to know Jake fairly well over the years, as Jake always helped design and build sets for the school plays—he’s reliable, calm, and always happy to keep an eye out for Stevie. If she decides not to crash at Twyla’s as planned, Patrick knows she’ll be fine.

David snorts. “Jake’s a good time. She’s in good hands.”

Patrick’s steps falter. Wait—Jake? His gaze flicks to David, who’s now humming some unrecognizable tune as he weaves slightly. Patrick hadn’t realized David and Jake were close, let alone… well, whatever this sounds like. It’s not jealousy exactly, but a pang of something twists in his chest. How did he not know this or about Theresa? Why didn’t David tell him?

His thoughts are interrupted when David jerks free. “Ooh, look! One more beer bong, Patrick!” He veers toward a tailgate, where a crowd has erupted into chants of, “Chug, chug, chug!”

Patrick grabs his arm firmly. “David, you’ve had enough. You’re going to regret this.”

“Hmmmm, nope! I only had vodka! Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear!”

“You had beer first, David. Before the vodka. And the weed. This is not a wise choice.”

“Fuck it!” David shouts, walking unsteadily toward the group. “I fucking graduated today!” and a chorus of voices cheer in response.

Patrick breathes a heavy sigh and walks after David. “I guarantee you are going to regret this.”

********

Patrick looks up from staring at the mug of green tea clasped in his hands when he hears his dad walk into the kitchen. Clint walks to the cupboard, grabbing a mug to make himself tea.

Calling his dad to get him and David was not in Patrick’s plans this evening. The original plan was to walk home, as it was only a twenty-minute walk back to his house, but after David had done two more beer bongs and a couple more hits off someone’s joint, there was no way he could walk anywhere.

Patrick loves his dad for coming to get them without any questions other than where they were exactly. 

That doesn’t mean they’re not going to talk now.

“How’s he doing?” Patrick asks, not daring to look at his father as he sits at the table.

Clint shakes his head and chuckles a little. “Oh, he will be in poor shape tomorrow, that’s for sure. Your mother is sitting with him to make sure he falls asleep. Or passes out, whichever comes first.”

“Thanks for coming to get us.”

“I told you awhile ago that we both would rather have you home safe and not wrapped around a tree because you were scared to call us if you were drunk,” Clint says.

“I know, and that’s why I called. I appreciate it,” Patrick says, glancing up, still unable to thoroughly look his dad in the eyes. “David was just really upset about his family not showing up today, and he got a little carried away.”

Clint nods, taking a sip of his tea. “I know he’s hurting. That was pretty surprising, even for the Roses.”

Patrick finally meets his Dad’s eyes. “I am so angry with them,” Patrick says. “I don’t understand how they could do this to him.”

“You know that we have known Johnny and Moira Rose for as long as we’ve known David, and your mother and I have talked a lot about this over the years,” Clint says, looking at Patrick. “We like them. We genuinely do. A bit quirky and pretentious, but overall, they’re not horrible people.”

Patrick scoffs.

“Well, I know you’re not thinking favorably about them at the moment. I don’t blame you, and I don’t blame David. Not one bit. But we also believe that they love David and Alexis, and they love you. As parents, your mother and I know they do, so it’s not from lack of love. It’s just…inattentiveness.”

Patrick rolls his eyes. “How is that love? They’re hardly ever home; they go on vacations but never spend time with them. They don’t show up for things. That doesn’t shout ‘I love my children’ to me.” Patrick says bitterly. 

Clint shrugs. “They’re caught up in their own lives, I guess. I honestly don’t think they understand how their actions hurt David and his sister. And Patrick,” Clint continues after Patrick looks back at him. “You must know that it hurts us just as much to see David hurting as it does you. He’s like a second son to us, and you know that.”

“I kinda thought you’d be way more pissed off about this. I knew you would come to get us and didn’t hesitate to call, but I thought you would lay into me when you came downstairs.” Patrick says, looking back at his mug, feeling shameful.

“Well, bud, I can’t say I was overly pleased to see David in his condition, but I also can’t say I don’t sympathize with him. His folks not showing up today was pretty disappointing. I don’t blame him for acting out over that, I have to say.” Clint pauses, then continues, “ I am glad you called instead of trying to walk him home in the dark in the state he was in. I’m proud of you for putting his and your safety first, regardless of whether you would get yelled at.” 

They sit in silence for a few minutes before Patrick speaks again. “Dad, I’m really worried about David going to New York and being alone and dealing with these things. What if he keeps acting like this?”

Clint looks at Patrick for a few seconds, searching his face, and then smiles softly. “Well, he won’t be alone, right? Stevie is going to school in New York, too, right?”

Patrick shrugs. “Yeah, but she’s going to be at Marymount, and he’ll be downtown in his loft, near NYU. They’ll get together, but Stevie’s not there to keep an eye on him. She’ll be busy with school and stuff. Also, honestly, she doesn’t always make the best choices, either.”

Clint sighs and takes a sip of his tea before speaking again. “Son, I don’t know what to tell you. I can’t tell you not to worry. I think we’re all going to be a little concerned. I’ve been where David is in my own way. That kind of hurt can make you act out. But it doesn’t last forever, especially if you’ve got people who care about you. But you know him better than anyone, so all you can do is believe in him, support him, be there for him, and trust him to make healthier choices. Maybe being away from here, in a new environment, and studying what he loves will help him.”

Patrick can’t help but feel the tears forming in his eyes at the thought of being away from David very soon, far away from Patrick, where he can’t get to him quickly. “I hope so,” he murmurs.

“And just keep loving him as much as you do,” Clint says quietly. “He knows he can always count on you, and he knows you believe in him. That’s important to him.”

Patrick looks up at his dad. Love? Patrick didn’t say anything about loving David. He knows he loves him, but does he love him? 

“Dad, I don’t…I mean, I’m not sure…” Patrick stutters.

Clint reaches across the table and pats Patrick’s arm. “I know the look of someone who’s in love, Patrick. I don’t just mean romantic love, either. There’s a strong bond between the two of you. There always has been, and I think that combination of friendship and romantic love will be strong enough to get him through anything.”

Patrick takes a shaky breath. He remembers being so nervous to tell his parents about being gay and being with David, and sometimes the support and acceptance overwhelmed him. He knows he’s fortunate and wipes his eyes just as his mother walks in. She takes a sip from Clint’s mug and then sighs. “Well, he was sick one more time. He’s cleaned up again, tucked into bed in the guest room, and asleep. Or passed out. Whichever.” 

Marcy reaches over and pats Patrick’s hand. “You can go ahead and stay with him tonight, sweetheart. I don’t want him sleeping alone in case he gets sick. I know you’ll climb into bed with him as soon as we shut our door to ensure he’s okay.” She says with a wink and soft smile. “Make sure he stays on his side, not sleep on his back.”

Patrick feels his cheeks burning, and he looks down at his hands. “Thank you, Mom, and I’m sorry about tonight.”

“Don’t apologize. We’re glad you feel comfortable enough to come home where you know David will be cared for and safe.” She glances at Clint before she continues. “And we know this isn’t the first time a teenager has overindulged. We’re not naive, nor were we completely innocent in our day.” She says with a knowing smile as Clint chuckles. Then, the smile fades as she looks back to Patrick. “I think the difference is we all know what David was trying to do tonight, and that was to try to dull the pain of his parents not being there today.”

Patrick nods. “Yeah, that’s it exactly. He’s really hurt, Mom.”

“I know, and we know this isn’t the first time.”

Patrick looks up, ready to protest, but Marcy cuts him off. “You’re not as quiet as you think you are. We’ve heard you sneak out and bring him home several times.”

Patrick gapes at them, eyes darting between the two of them. “Why didn’t you ever say anything or ground me?”

“We figured out that you were leaving to bring David home safely. We’ll never punish you for that, son,” Clint says.

“Mom, I was just telling Dad I’m worried about David continuing to act like this in New York.”

“Sweetheart, I know, and your dad and I also worry. You know we love that boy as much as you do, but he has to go and live his life.  We have to let him go and trust that he’ll make better decisions. Just like we need to let you go and trust that you will be okay.”

“That’s right, Patrick,” Clint interjects. “You have to let him go to New York, and you need to be able to focus on your studies and your future. As much as you care about David, you need to take care of yourself. You know David would be beside himself if he thought for one second you were putting yourself and your future second because you’re worried about him.”

Patrick nods as he feels the tears gathering again. “I know, but it’s going to be tough. I’m going to miss him, and I want him to stay safe and know he’s important and not do stupid shit because his parents kinda suck, frankly.”

Marcy squeezes his hand. “We can’t explain their choices. We can tell you that David needs your support, love, and belief in him while taking care of yourself and focusing on your future. We’ve seen how you look out for him, Patrick. You’re more than a boyfriend to him—you’re his anchor. But you also have to take care of yourself. That’s all you can do, sweetheart.”

Clint nods. “That’s right. And we’ll do our part. You know your mother will send him care packages. Probably more than she will send to you.” Clint jokes.

Patrick laughs. “That I don’t doubt.”

“We’re going to try and keep an eye on Alexis, too. We don’t know her well, but she is just as welcome in this family. I plan on telling David that.”

Patrick has to swallow a couple of times before he can speak. “You guys are the best parents. You really are.”

“We just love you, our sweet boy. And we love David. Now go check on him and get some sleep.”

Chapter Text

Patrick wakes up the following day, his sleep-addled brain trying to remember why he’s in the guest room with David snoring against his neck, his arms and legs wrapped around him like a koala. 

Patrick blinks against the morning sun coming through the sheer curtains as memories of the previous night come back to him. Patrick thanked his parents again and made his way upstairs. He had neglected to close the heavier curtains as he crawled, exhausted, into bed next to a passed-out David.

Patrick tries to turn over carefully to face David, not wanting to wake him just yet because he knows he will be an absolute bear to deal with. 

Patrick looks at David’s face as he watches him sleep. He thinks about what his dad said last night about being in love. 

Of course, Patrick loves David. He’s known him forever; he’s Patrick’s favorite person. Patrick cares deeply for him but hasn’t thought about being in love. This is all so new for them. Patrick is still trying to wrap his brain around this self-discovery of being gay, frankly, so to try and figure out how deep his feelings for David go hasn’t been something he’s thought too much about in the past three weeks. There have been finals to study for, graduation to focus on, coming out to his parents, never mind deciding to change majors, and the phone calls and emails. He and David haven’t been together that long, so it’s too early to think about love. 

Right?

Except when Patrick thinks about all the times David has walked into a room, and Patrick’s heart has fluttered. He’s always gotten excited to see David, but if Patrick stops to think about it, the anticipation has been more intense the past few months. Patrick thinks about how much he missed David last summer when David was away. It was more challenging to be apart from him than before. 

And now, when they’re alone and making out and doing other things or just simply sleeping next to each other, Patrick’s feelings are so big he doesn’t quite know how to handle it. It’s part of why they’ve been taking the physical part slowly. David has not pressured Patrick to go further than they have. David even said he wanted to go slow and let Patrick decide when he was ready to take things to another level. David thinks it’s just because the realization of being gay is so new for Patrick, but it’s also because Patrick just gets overwhelmed with how intense his attraction is and his feelings are for David. 

But that doesn’t necessarily translate to being in love. This is too new for that to be the case.

But Patrick can’t deny how it makes him feel when he looks into David’s eyes. 

Or how much it pains him to see David hurting. 

Patrick brings his hand up and brushes a wayward lock of hair that’s fallen over David’s forehead, then runs his fingers gently down the side of his face, grazing the stubble on his chin before running his finger over David’s lips. Patrick feels tears forming in his eyes over just how beautiful David is, as Patrick’s heart swells with affection for his best friend.

So…maybe a little in love.

Patrick sees David’s eyelids flutter and his forehead crease as David starts to wake up. He groans as his eyes open, tiny slits giving a glimpse of the bloodshot whites.

“Oh fuuuuuuuuuck,” David groans, bringing a hand up to his forehead, squeezing his eyes tight shut again.

“Morning, sunshine,” Patrick says, smiling fondly.

“Holy shit, Patrick, you’re really fucking loud.”

“I’m pretty certain that’s the hangover.”

David rolls over onto his back, taking a deep breath, then tries to open his eyes again before grimacing at the daylight. “What the hell is all that bright light?”

“It’s called the sun, David.”

“Well, it sucks right now,” David growls, and Patrick can’t help but chuckle.

David is quiet for a few more moments as Patrick rubs what he hopes are soothing circles over David’s hip and waist, noting how much he loves the curves of David’s body. 

“Tell me that getting sick in front of your mom was a dream,” David finally says quietly, his brows furrowed.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Patrick responds.

David groans and covers his face with his hands.

“They must absolutely hate me.”

“They actually love you very much. More than the hydrangea bush you puked all over.”

“Marcy’s prize-winning hydrangea bushes?” David gasps, turning his head towards Patrick, his eyes wide in shock.

“They probably won’t be winning any prizes for a while,” Patrick admits.

“Fuck,” David says, turning to face the ceiling again. “There goes David Rose, beautifying the neighborhood,” and Patrick laughs.

A few moments go by before David speaks again. “Um, how did we get home? I don’t remember walking very far.”

“I called Dad, and he came and got us,” Patrick says and watches David’s face fall. “I’m sorry, David. I couldn’t handle getting you home by myself in the state you were in. You could barely walk.”

“I puked in the driveway, too, didn’t I?”

Patrick nods. “Yeah, you did. As soon as you got out of the car, which, you know, it’s good you didn’t yak in dad’s car. He wouldn’t be as forgiving as Mom about the bushes.”

David covers his face again with his hands. “They helped me get in bed, too, didn’t they?”

“Yep.”

“I can’t believe they saw me like that. Oh my God, Patrick. I am so embarrassed. I can never face them again.” And Patrick watches a tear slide down from David’s eye. “Seriously, how pissed off are they?”

Patrick reaches over to wipe at the tear, removes David’s hands from his face, and gently turns David’s head until they are eye to eye.

“They are not pissed. They love you. They may be a little…concerned.”

David closes his eyes and turns his face to the ceiling, and Patrick gives him a moment. “So, you talked about me?” David finally asks.

Patrick sighs and runs his hand over David’s arm. “I mean, yeah. They obviously saw your condition, so we had a conversation…”

“Jesus Christ…” David interrupts. “Why did you call your dad, Patrick? I don’t need Marcy and Clint worrying about me. I’m fine. I’m just really embarrassed. You should have just left me at the party.”

Patrick scoffs, “Well, that wasn’t happening. Do you think I’d leave you out there in the middle of the night to fend for yourself?”

David shakes his head. “No, but…”

“No buts. They were okay about it. They always said to call them if I had too much to drink, and they wouldn’t be mad. They would rather we get home safe, which is why I called.”

Patrick takes David’s hand, running his thumb over David’s knuckles. He wants to wait a few minutes before he says what’s on his mind.

“David, I’m kinda worried about you,” Patrick says quietly.

“For fuck’s sake, Patrick,” David snaps, wrenching his hand away. “I was just having a good time. Don’t get on me about it.”

Patrick sighs. He knew David would get upset, but he needed to hear this. “I don’t think you were, though,” he says gently. “I think you were angry and hurt, rightfully so, yes, but you were trying to forget how you were feeling by getting totally shit-faced, and that’s different than just wanting to celebrate.”

David turns to glare at him, and Patrick’s stomach twists. “Oh, I’m sorry, did your parents not show up to your high school graduation? Patrick, just back off. You don’t know how it feels. And right now, my head is fucking pounding, I might have to puke, and I don’t have the energy for a lecture.”

“I’m not lecturing you. I’m worried,” Patrick presses on.

“Don’t be! Just let it go!” David yells, sitting up, and Patrick sits beside him, fuming. 

“Okay, you know what? Maybe I don’t know exactly how it feels, but I do know how I feel about you. It kills me to see you hurting, but it also kills me to watch you hurt yourself because of your parents!” Patrick snaps back. “You’re the most important person in my life, David, so excuse me for giving a shit!” Patrick bursts out and then, tossing the bedding aside, gets up, storms over to the door, and then turns to face David. “I hurt when you hurt, and you don’t get to be pissed at me for that. You don’t get to be mad at me for getting your drunken ass home safe, regardless of how embarrassed you are. You can be pissed at your family, but you don’t get to be a dick to me!”

He yanks the door open and turns to David again before leaving.

“I’m going for a run. You can stay, or you can leave. Whatever you want to do.”

With one last look at David’s face, he leaves the room, slamming the door behind him.

Patrick takes a moment to lean back against the door and takes a couple of deep breaths to try to calm down. He hates fighting with David; he hates confrontation, period, but it needed to be said. It’s all he can do not to go back in and apologize, but Patrick forces himself to go for a run and let David have some time to think.

********

Patrick picks up a flat rock, bends his hand back, and then whips it forward, releasing the stone with a flick of his wrist. He watches it spin and hit the water, skipping multiple times before sinking. He reaches down, searching for another, when he hears footsteps behind him. Patrick doesn’t have to turn around to know who it is. He straightens up, looking at the blue water sparkling in the late morning sunlight, then sends the new rock skipping across the surface.

“You’ve always been so good at that. I can never get the hang of it,” David says as he steps up next to Patrick.

“You just never take the time to try and learn how,” Patrick shrugs. 

They stand together in silence at the edge of the lake in their quiet spot, a breeze occasionally ruffling their hair, and Patrick continues to skip rocks. Finally, he glances at David and takes in his clothes.

“That’s my Leafs hoodie,” Patrick says, then resumes skipping rocks.

David glances at him before turning his eyes towards the lake. “I’ll wash and return it,” he says. 

Patrick shoots him a look. David looks back and then rolls his eyes.

“Okay, so Adelina will wash it,” David says. “Regardless, I will give it back to you.”

Patrick throws the rock in his hand. “Whatever. Keep it if you want.”

“I’m not going to keep it, Patrick. It barely fits me.”  

They’re quiet again, the only sound from Patrick’s rock throwing and the occasional bird chirping. 

“I’m sorry, Patrick,” David finally says quietly.

Patrick pauses mid-throw, glances at David, then throws the rock. “Okay.”

He sees David tip his head back, squeezing his eyes shut. Patrick knows that it takes a lot for David to apologize for anything.  He’s let things go in the past, but this time, he deserves a genuine apology. 

“I am,” David continues. “Patrick, will you stop throwing the fucking rocks and look at me? Please?”

Patrick drops the rock he had just picked up and turns to face David.  Even though David looks like hell, and Patrick thinks he may even have been crying, if his red-rimmed eyes are any indication, he’s still the most beautiful person he knows.

David takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Patrick. I’m sorry for yelling at you. I’m sorry for not appreciating you enough. You’re the most important person in my life, and you’re trying to take care of me. I understand that you’re worried, and you were right. I don’t get to be angry at you for any of that.” David stops, swallows, and reaches up to wipe at the corner of his eyes. 

Patrick wants nothing more than to step up, take David in his arms, hold him, and tell him he forgives him, but he knows he needs to let David finish because Patrick deserves to get this apology. 

“Patrick, I was walking over here, and I remembered that I kissed you last night in front of fucking Blake and Rachel,” David says, and tears are spilling over now. David wipes at them and continues. “I’m so upset with myself over that, Patrick. I outed you in front of people last night.”

“David, I don’t care about Blake and Rachel,” Patrick starts to say before David interrupts.

“No, Patrick. It wasn’t fair to you. I was drunk and high, and my behavior hurt you. My actions hurt you. I took choices away from you last night because I was fucked up and not thinking straight, and that’s unfair to you. So, I’m going to be better. You’re right. I’m angry at my parents, but I can’t let that affect me so much that I hurt the most important person in the world to me. I hate so much that I hurt you, Patrick,” David says, tears running down his face.

Patrick reaches for him, crushing David to him, and David wraps his arms around Patrick, clinging to him. Patrick can feel David’s tears against his neck, where he has buried his face, and he turns his head enough to kiss the side of David’s head. They stand wrapped up in each other’s arms until David pulls back to look into Patrick’s face. Patrick raises his hand to cup David’s cheek and leans in for a kiss. 

“Thank you for apologizing,” he says.

David nods, his lips tucked in, then wipes at his eyes with the sleeve of Patrick’s hoodie. “You’ve never yelled at me like that before. It surprised me.”

“I guess I just got fed up with you thinking nobody cares. I care, David. A lot. Other people care. My parents care. You mean a lot to them.”

David groans at the mention of Marcy and Clint, and he breaks away from Patrick and sits on the log. “I still feel like shit that they saw me in that state.”

Patrick walks over and sits on the log next to David. “Did you get past my parents when you left to come find me?”

“No, I forgot what it was like to try and leave the house with people who give a fuck, so I wasn’t quiet enough.  Your mom heard me and called me into the kitchen. Your dad shoved a cup of coffee into my hands, and Marcy made me eat some bacon, eggs, toast, and take two ibuprofen and a multivitamin.”

“Lecture?”

“Not as bad as yours.”

They sit in silence for a few moments. Then, David takes Patrick’s hand, rubbing his thumb over the knuckles. “I, um, I hope Blake doesn’t open his mouth to people. I seriously will never forgive myself.”

Patrick shrugs and squeezes David’s hand. “David, please stop. He can shoot his mouth off all he wants. It’s not like he will tell anyone that matters to me. I’ve told my parents, Josh and Casey. I need to talk to the rest of my family, but it’s not like Aunty Gail or Nana Brewer will be having a conversation with Blake at the checkout of Brebner’s anytime soon.”

Patrick reaches up to turn David’s face to look into his eyes. “Okay? Please let it go. I want to talk to Rachel someday because I don’t want her to think I intentionally used her. I think she deserves to know that, but otherwise, it’s all good, David.”

David tucks his lips together and nods. “Okay,” he says, leaning against Patrick’s shoulder. They sit in silence for a few moments, listening to the subtle sound of the waves and rustling of leaves and enjoying the sun's warmth on their faces. The sound of a motorboat in the distance grows and fades away.

“I had a text from my mom,” David says quietly. “She sent it last night, but I just saw it this morning after you left.”

Patrick feels the anger bubbling inside but asks, “Did she apologize for missing graduation?”

David scoffs. “Please. She didn’t even mention it. She just texted to say she and Alexis are going straight to Greece from Hong Kong on Monday and that Dad and I are to meet them there for our ‘family vacation.’” David says disdainfully.

“That’s right. I had forgotten about that,” Patrick says, already missing David even though he’s beside him.

“I’m not going,” David repeats, his jaw clenching. “I don’t even know why I ever agreed to it. They don’t care about anything that matters, not even my graduation. So, screw it. I’m not wasting my time.”

“What? David, it’s your annual summer family vacation. You can’t not go.”

“Watch me. None of them have said anything about missing graduation. So, fuck that. I don’t want to go and especially don’t want to be away from you this summer.”

“Are they going to let you do that?”

“I’m almost nineteen, so they have no say over it. Also, what’s the point? We never spend time together aside from a couple of dinners. It’s not like they’ll miss me.”

Patrick can’t help but feel relieved to know David won’t be away for three weeks when they already have such little time together before David leaves for NYU in late August. There is also a feeling of pride that David is prioritizing his feelings for once. Hopefully, this is a sign that he will focus more on taking care of himself.

”You’ll just have to deal with having me around the entire summer,” David says.

Patrick nudges his shoulder, and David lifts his head to look at Patrick.

Patrick reaches up, wraps his hand around David’s neck, and smiles. “I guess I’ll just have to put up with you,” he says before pulling David down to kiss his lips.

Chapter Text

Patrick moves things aside in the closet, trying not to stare at David, who’s lounging on his bed, sketching in the warm afternoon light. David looks effortlessly beautiful, his dark curls still damp from the shower, wearing nothing but joggers and a hoodie

Patrick knows nobody else gets to see David like this, and he feels privileged. Patrick has to fight the urge to throw the search aside, climb onto the bed, and tangle his fingers in David’s thick locks.

And maybe do a few other things. A lot of other things.

Like all the things.

Things he shouldn’t be thinking about while he’s supposed to be looking for the damn accordion.

Patrick is confident he is ready to sleep with David. He can’t stop thinking about it and what a complete one-eighty it is from how he felt about getting physical with Rachel. 

Patrick smiles to himself, shakes his head, and resumes his search. He knows the dumb thing he’s looking for is in the closet, just buried under various sports paraphernalia - uniforms, hockey pads, facemasks tossed in and abandoned now that his high school sports career is behind him.

“What are you even looking for in there?” David asks, pausing in his sketching. “Your closet is a disaster, Patrick.”

“The family barbecue is next Saturday, and you know Grampa Joe always wants to play the accordion with me because he taught me to play,” Patrick says, finally uncovering the instrument under a pair of sweatpants. He should probably bring all of this to the laundry room. His mom is going to pitch a fit. 

“You’re the only one who could make the accordion sexy,” David says with a smirk. “Especially when you do that stompy thing with your lil’ foot and belt out those ridiculous Irish sea shanties.”

Patrick stops and looks over at David with a grin. “I’m sorry. Did you say Irish sea shanties?”

David stops his drawing and looks up, dark brows creasing. “Isn’t that what they are? Like that insane drunken sailor song.”

Patrick smiles at David. “Sure, some of them are.” Patrick lifts the accordion from the closet, places it on the carpet, and then looks back at David. “Wait, you think I’m sexy playing the accordion?”

David smirks at him. “I’m sorry, but when you start singing about ‘blowing a man down,’ yes, I can’t help where my mind goes,” David says, shimmying his shoulders. 

Patrick laughs. “Okay, but you’ve always said it's a ‘ridiculous old man instrument’ and made fun of me playing it, along with the harmonica.”

“That’s because the harmonica is not a real instrument, Patrick. It’s a children’s toy.”

“Tell that to Dylan.”

“Dylan who?”

“You never listen when I play Bob Dylan,” Patrick laughs. 

“I’m sorry, I just tuned him out. His voice is all weird and nasally.”

“So is Brittany Spears,” Patrick retorts, laughing at the expected affronted gasp from David.

“Fuck you,” David snarks. 

Patrick looks at David, grinning back at him. Patrick has always loved their banter and comfort with each other, and they’ve always had this connection. This whole new part of their relationship hasn’t changed that at all, and Patrick’s mind is made up. He knows he’s ready. He stands, walks over, climbs onto the twin bed, straddles David’s hips, then leans down to kiss him. David raises his hand to wrap around Patrick’s neck, pulling him closer, and the kiss deepens. Then, Patrick pulls back, looks into David’s eyes, and says, “Yes.”

“Yes, what, Patrick,” David says, a little breathless, trying to chase after Patrick’s lips.

Patrick takes David’s face between his hands, forcing David to look at him. “Yes, David, I want you to fuck me,” Patrick says, feeling his cheeks burn as he says it, and watches David’s eyes darken but then grow wide.

“Right now?” David asks, his voice pitched an octave higher.

“No, not right now,” Patrick says, chuckling. “My parents are downstairs. Although, I feel like that hasn’t stopped you before.” Patrick kids and tucks his head into the side of David’s neck, kissing and sucking the delicate skin as David groans quietly. Patrick may be teasing, but he has been thinking about David and his experience over the past few days. Patrick knows he wants to sleep with David. He’s never felt this desire and attraction before and has wanted to take things further, but since discovering that David has more experience than he’s let on, Patrick has gotten into his head about it. He figures they should probably talk about it, but he doesn’t want David to think he’s jealous. 

Because Patrick is not the jealous type, or so he tells himself.

David gently pats Patrick’s hip, indicating he wants him to get off his lap. “Ok, Patrick. While I’m enjoying this position and your kisses immensely, you need to get off and sit, please. Let’s talk about this. We should talk about this.”

Patrick moves off David to sit cross-legged beside him on the narrow bed. David sits up, leaning against the headboard. Patrick reaches out and takes David’s hand, entwining their fingers. He loves how perfectly they fit together and is amazed at how such a simple thing feels so intimate. 

Patrick looks up at David, meets David’s chocolate brown eyes watching him patiently, and takes a deep breath. “David, I want to have sex with you. I’m ready to do more than what we’ve been doing. I’ve never felt like this before. It was always such a struggle for me while it was all everyone else talked about. I seriously thought something was wrong with me until that night in my car with you. Yeah, I’ve wanted to take things slow because it’s kinda overwhelming for me. All of these new feelings, but I want you. I want to be with you. I appreciate you being patient and understanding, and I’m ready.”

David squeezes Patrick’s hand and smiles softly. “Patrick, I didn’t want to rush into anything physical. Not with you. I’ve wanted to go at your pace with this. I’ve enjoyed what we’ve done so far, and really, it’s only been a month. I know you have had a lot of complicated feelings and thoughts surrounding all of this, as we’ve talked about. It’s a lot to process. I hope I haven’t pressured you to go further,” he says, dark brows creased.

“No, David! Not at all!” Patrick responds reassuringly. “Yeah, I’ve been working through what I believed to be a fact about myself for so long, and you’ve been so great in helping me with this and talking with me about it. I haven’t felt any pressure from you at all. This is me knowing for the first time what it feels like to be attracted to someone. This is me deciding what I want, and I want to share this with you.” Patrick pauses. “I also have to be honest and say I know that you have a lot more experience than I do, more than I thought, apparently, and I may be a little nervous because I don’t want you to be disappointed if it’s not as good.”

“Okay, first of all, yes, I do have experience, but nobody has meant anything to me as much as you do,” David says. “There is no way I’m going to be disappointed. It’s you, Patrick. I don’t want you to do anything you’re not ready for. I want it to be…I don’t know, special for you.”

Patrick recalls their conversation in the car just a few weeks ago and how David had scoffed at Patrick, wanting his first time to be special. Patrick knows David is a romantic at heart, and Patrick wants to give that to David. 

“David, it’s you. It’s going to be special because it’s you. I want it to be special for both of us.”

David tucks his lips in, his eyes shining, and nods. “It will be. That’s why I haven’t wanted to take things any further until you are certain.”

Patrick places his other hand on David’s thigh, feeling the firm muscle and warmth through the fabric of his joggers, thinking he’s lucky to have this with his best friend–to finally be with someone who turns him on unlike ever before, but also someone he trusts implicitly. “I’m one hundred percent certain.”

David smiles, leans forward for a kiss, and then breaks it to look at Patrick.

“Um, also, what was that comment about?” David asks.

“What comment?”

“The ‘apparently more than I thought’ comment,” David says with furrowed brows.

Patrick sighs. “The other night at Mutt’s party, you told Blake that you had slept with Theresa Morgan. And then you said something about Jake ‘being a good time’. I mean, it’s not like you owe it to me to tell me about everyone you’ve been with, but I don’t know why I thought you had. Not that it’s my business, but…”

“Okay, first of all,” David interrupts.  “I insinuated I slept with Theresa if I recall anything from that night. I don’t remember saying that to you about Jake.”

“When I told you who Stevie had gone off with, you said that,” Patrick responds.

David lets out an exasperated huff and rolls his eyes. “Oh my god, fucking vodka and weed is like truth serum with me. Okay. So, yes, I fooled around with Jake last winter when you were busy with hockey and the play, and I was just trying to distract myself from how I was feeling about you. It wasn’t anything serious. Just a few times and that was it. I didn’t think it was worth telling you about, like what I was up to last summer in Ibiza during my family’s vacation.”

“You were with someone last summer in Ibiza?” Patrick responds, trying to ignore the flare of jealousy.

So, maybe a smidge of the jealous type. 

“Remember when I told you that Brianna was my first time?” Patrick nods. “Well, she was the first girl. The first guy I slept with was last summer. It was some guy that I had been flirting with at the beach all day. After he ignored me the next day, I found someone else to spend time with. Then, there was some random person at a club that I hooked up with. I could go on, Patrick, but I just didn’t want you thinking I was some giant slut,” David says, looking down at their clasped hands, then looks up at Patrick again. 

“The thing is, Patrick. I’ve partied and slept with people, hoping maybe it would keep me from thinking about you, but you’re all I’ve ever thought of anyway. None of those experiences has meant anything. They were distractions. Distractions from you and my ridiculous family, and to not feel so shitty for a while. So, when the time comes for us to have sex, I’m not going to be disappointed. I already know it’s going to be amazing because it’s you. Someone nice that I care about. Even the little bit we’ve done so far has felt far above anything I’ve felt with anyone else.”

“I guess I just worry you’re going to get tired of having to explain stuff to me,” Patrick says, avoiding David’s eyes. 

David reaches out and crooks his finger under Patrick’s chin, gently lifting his face until Patrick looks into David’s eyes. David tucks his smile into the corner of his mouth, and Patrick thinks he’s never seen anything more sexy. “Oh, never, Patrick,” David says softly. “You don’t know how much I look forward to exploring this with you, finding out what you enjoy, showing you how good you can feel.” Patrick’s breath catches, and he feels that familiar feeling of want pooling in his belly. “Honestly, there’s a lot I haven’t done,” David continues, “Knowing there are things we can explore together is such a turn-on for me, Patrick.”

Patrick swallows and nods. “I want that. I want that with you, David,” he whispers.

“Then there’s no way either of us is going to be disappointed,” David says, leaning in for a soft kiss.

“For the record, I would never think you were some ‘giant slut’ as you so eloquently stated it,” Patrick says. “I think you’re a good person. I would hope you know that I would never judge you, David. I guess I hope they were at least enjoyable experiences, if not memorable. I hate when people haven’t treated you well.”

“Most of them, sure,” David says. “But nobody has made me feel like I was a part of something we were enjoying together, if that makes sense. I’ve never felt any real connection with anyone. It’s basically been two people getting each other off, so nothing exceptional,” David pauses and then adds softly, “I’m excited to be with you and discover what it’s like to be a part of something we’re enjoying together.”

Patrick smiles and picks up David’s hand to press a lingering kiss to his knuckles. He understands how letting himself be open and vulnerable is difficult for David, and it makes Patrick feel all the more special to know how much David shares with him and how much trust he has in Patrick. Patrick pledges to himself that he will never betray that trust. “I am excited about that, also, David.”

“And also, for the record,” David says, “I slept with Theresa, but it was literally just sleeping together. We didn’t have sex. She came to my place when she needed help in that elective art class she was taking because she needed it for her college applications. We made out a bit, but it didn’t go any further.  We just spent the rest of the night talking. She joked about how she could always hack into my statistics grade if I didn’t pass the final.  I laughed and asked if she really could do that, and that’s when she told me about Blake.”

“So he dated her so that she would help him cheat, and then he dumped her. He truly is the worst. She must be so pissed at him,” Patrick replies. 

“The thing with Theresa is that she’s genius-level intelligent, and she doesn’t show much emotion. She’s more the type who knows someday she can totally ruin his life when he least expects it.”

Patrick laughs. He knows Theresa’s career goal is to work in cybersecurity, maybe even for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. He thinks she could get back at anyone who’s done her wrong someday. “Blake better watch his back, then,” Patrick says with a wink. 

“Also, I didn’t say you were a good person, Patrick. I said ‘nice’". 

“Oh, I know,” Patrick says with a smirk. 

“You’re not very nice, actually. You have a lot to prove on that front currently. I take it back,” David says playfully.

“I’ll try really hard to be good for you, though,” Patrick says in a low tone. 

David grins at him. “Oh, I know you’ll be hard.”

Patrick laughs and climbs back onto David’s lap, “Kinda getting there right now,” he says, leaning forward to kiss David. Their mouths come together, and Patrick feels David’s tongue lick along Patrick’s lower lip. Patrick opens his mouth, allowing entry, and meets David’s tongue with his own. They explore each other’s mouths as David wraps his arms around Patrick, his hand sliding up into Patrick’s hair, gently tugging at his wayward curls, something Patrick enjoys immensely.

“So, um, my family leaves Friday for Greece,” David says, mouthing along Patrick’s neck, causing goosebumps all over Patrick’s body. “And Adelina is taking some time off to visit her daughter. We will have the whole place to ourselves for a few days.”

Patrick feels his heart skip a beat and his stomach swoop as he looks down at David, his lips kiss-swollen and eyes dark. Patrick feels his dick respond more at the thought of being utterly alone and naked with him. He presses his hips against David’s, causing David to groan and press up in response.

“Yes, David,” Patrick says, nodding. “That sounds perfect.”

They kiss again before David breaks contact, looking seriously into Patrick’s eyes. “I want to make sure you know that I was always careful. I always wore a condom, and a couple of months ago, I went to the clinic in Elmdale to get tested. For no other reason but to be sure everything was copacetic.” Patrick grins at the term, thinking David has a bit more of Moira Rose in his personality than he would like to admit. 

“I think we should wear condoms anyway, but I was clean, just so you don’t have to worry about that,” David continued.

Patrick nods, feeling so much affection for David. “I wasn’t worried about it because I know you, and you’ve been preaching the importance of safe sex to me for years. But thank you for sharing that.”

“I just wanted to be sure neither of us had any concerns about anything,” David replies, and Patrick has to kiss him.

David runs his hands over Patrick’s back, down to grasp his ass, and Patrick automatically grinds against David, his body craving more contact with David’s. 

“God, David,” Patrick groans. “You feel so good.”

David pushes his hips up to meet Patrick’s, and they both moan at the feeling of their hardening lengths rubbing against each other through their sweatpants. David mouths along Patrick’s neck before murmuring into his ear, “So do you, Patrick. God, I want you so much.”

Their make-out session starts again in earnest, getting more intense as they completely forget time and place. Suddenly, there is a knock on the door, and Patrick’s mom whips it open, startling them both. David scrambles to sit up, pushing Patrick off of him and causing Patrick to fall off the bed, landing on the floor with a thud and an “oof!”

“Um, hello, boys,” Patrick hears his mother say. 

Shit.

Patrick grabs the nearest thing he can get his hand on and says from the floor. “Oh, yep! Here it is! That Alanais Morriset CD. I told you it was probably under my bed, David,” as he sits up, looking at David, who is trying to keep from laughing, his lips tucked together. 

“Uh, huh,” Marcy huffs, lips pursed. “Well, I was coming to see if David would be staying for dinner again tonight.”

“I would love to, Marcy,” David quickly responds, flashing her his most charming smile. “Thank you so much for asking!” 

Patrick shakes his head over David’s overly excited response and then looks wide-eyed as David grabs a pillow to place on his lap. An action that doesn’t go unnoticed by Patrick’s mother, and Patrick feels his face burning.

”That’s nice, dear,” Marcy responds. “Also, it’s a lovely afternoon. I think you should get outside and get some fresh air,” she says with a pointed look at them before turning and walking away, deliberately leaving the door open.

David looks down at Patrick sitting on the floor, feeling completely mortified. “That was smooth. Very convincing.”

Patrick drops his head down against the mattress. “Shut up.”

*********

Patrick grabs his duffle bag from his bed and then stops to look at himself in the dresser mirror. Just a few short weeks ago, he was standing in this exact spot, getting ready to go to Rachel’s to have sex, and the two moments couldn’t be more different. The night he was going to Rachel’s, he was filled with anxiety and upset with himself for deserting David. Patrick had left the house that night, trying to push thoughts of David from his mind, the hurt in David’s eyes. He tried to ignore the dread in his stomach as he drove to Rachel’s. He remembers how badly it went with her but how unexpectedly the night ended, wrapped up in David’s arms, discovering himself.

Now, Patrick stands here, looks at himself, and breathes. Tonight, he’s once again ready to go to someone’s house to have sex. Patrick is again anxious and nervous, but it’s completely different. This time, he’s also excited. As he pictures David’s face, he sees the fire in David’s eyes and the smirk on his face as they had discussed Patrick coming to spend the night. Patrick isn’t filled with dread. He can’t wait to share this with David. Share himself with someone he trusts, desires, and loves. 

Patrick’s stomach flutters in anticipation.  He takes another deep breath, then heads downstairs, gathering himself for the potential awkwardness of the moment ahead as he tries to leave the house.

Entering the kitchen, Patrick walks quickly past his mother, who looks up as she puts a roast chicken in the oven. 

“Hey, Mom. I’m heading out to David’s,” Patrick says as he grabs the car keys from the peg by the back door. I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“His family is away, aren’t they?” Marcy asks as Patrick reaches for the door handle.

Dammit. Patrick was hoping for a quick and easy exit, but no such luck, it seems.

“Um, yeah, but you knew that,” he says, looking back.

“Is Adelina going to be there?” his mom asks, trying to sound casual as she mindlessly wipes at the counter with a dishcloth.

Patrick sighs. Shit, he wanted to get out of the house without them quizzing him about staying at David’s, knowing David’s family was away. “Mom…,” Patrick starts to say. 

“Okay, I know you’re eighteen now, but it’s hard for me to let go of my little boy. Just—just be careful. We never really talked about the emotional side of things, and, well, we assumed you’d be with a girl… which, you know, was our mistake, I guess.”

She glances at the counter like she’s trying to collect her thoughts. “I picked up some pamphlets during my shift at the clinic the other day. You can take them if you want—they’re probably better than the stuff on the internet.”

Patrick stares at his mother, his mouth agape before mumbling, “Nope, I…um…really, Mom…I’m all set, I think.” 

Let her be done, he thinks. I need to get out of this house. Oh, sweet Jesus, this is mortifying…

“Regardless,” Marcy continues, “Just know that—if tonight’s the night—it can be a beautiful moment. You’ll be sharing more than your body; you’ll be sharing your heart, too.”

“Oh, my God, Mom…” Patrick can feel his face turning twenty shades of red as he squeezes his eyes shut. 

Mortifying.

“She’s right, son,” Patrick turns his head towards the sound of his dad’s voice from around the corner as he walks into the kitchen from the den. Oh, good. This is exactly what Patrick wanted–both of his parents giving him a talk before he leaves. “Just be careful and know you don’t have to rush into anything. If David cares for you, he won’t be pressuring you. He’s not, is he?”

Patrick wants the floor to open so he can fall blissfully through it and not continue having this conversation. “No, Dad! Of course not! He would never.”

Make it stop, make it stop, make it stop…

“I didn’t think so, but I just wanted to check in. You don't have to rush into anything because you will be apart in a few weeks. Don’t let that sway your decision. There’s always time for this step.”

Patrick sighs. “Guys, I really need to get going, okay? I love you and appreciate what you’re saying, even though it’s incredibly embarrassing and not the best timing, but I do appreciate you.”

Marcy smiles, steps up to him, and pats him on the cheek. “I love you. Have a good night,” and she softly kisses his cheek. “My sweet boy, when did you grow up?” she says, tears in her eyes. 

“Mom, I love you, too. I’m not going off to war. I’m just going to David’s for the night.”

Patrick looks at his dad, who is stepping closer now and holding something in his hand. “Here, take these. Just want to be sure you had enough,” and he shoves a box of condoms into Patrick’s hand. “I know we don’t need to worry about pregnancy, but I don’t know what David’s experiences have been.  And you can’t be too careful…”

Patrick grabs the box of condoms, his face on fire, and without another word, he bolts for the door. As he exits, he hears his mom’s voice calling after him—‘No glove, no love!’—and he can’t shut the door fast enough.

********

“You’re not going to believe the ridiculous conversation I just had with my parents,” Patrick says as soon as David opens the giant wooden front door.

“Hello, and let me guess. A very awkward sex talk?”

“How did you guess?”

“I know your parents.”

Patrick steps into the Rose mansion’s grand front hall. Even after all these years, the house always takes his breath away. The stone-gray Georgian Colonial is impressive, yes, but not exactly warm or welcoming. The scale of it, the towering ceilings, the marble floors—it’s a bit like walking into a museum. Still, there are a few places in the house where Patrick feels at home: the kitchen, where Adelina always seems to be cooking something delicious, the home movie theater, and, of course, David’s room, tucked away in the right wing.

“Well, it was mortifying,” Patrick continues, shaking his head as David leans in to kiss him. “Did your parents ever give you the talk?”

“Not really. They just told me to be careful and always use a condom.”

“Oh! Well, here—Dad handed these to me.” Patrick digs into his bag and pulls out the box Clint had shoved into his hands. David grimaces as he takes it from Patrick.

“Dad said, and I quote, ‘just wanted to be sure you had enough.’ I wanted to evaporate into nothingness right there.”

“Well, I appreciate the thought, but we won’t be using this brand.” He says with a wink, and Patrick’s stomach flips, anticipating what’s ahead for them that evening.

David looks again at the box. “I’m sorry, your dad wanted to be sure we ‘had enough’? This is a box of twelve!” David says with a laugh. “We may be young, but that would be a record. Although, I do appreciate him buying Magnum XL,” David says cheekily.

Patrick grins. “Probably figured I would be the one using them,” he says with a wink.

David smacks him on the ass as Patrick walks by him, heading for the stairs. “Damn right, you will be.”

Patrick laughs, turns, and drops his bag to the floor. He reaches out and pulls David to him, and they share a kiss full of promise for the night to come. 

David breaks the kiss and nuzzles along Patrick’s jaw, “Did you eat? Adelina made dinner for us before she left,” he says before taking Patrick’s earlobe between his teeth and pulling gently. Patrick feels heat pooling deep in his belly. He reaches up to wind his fingers into David’s lush hair, tugging until David looks at him. 

“Maybe later,” he murmurs and leans forward to kiss David’s lips, “let’s go work up an appetite first.”

David smiles, then wraps his arms around Patrick, pulling him close as they kiss. Patrick opens his mouth, the feeling of their tongues entwining and exploring already so familiar. Patrick knows it will always ignite a fire like he’s never experienced before.

Breaking the kiss, David pulls away and takes Patrick’s hand to lead him to the staircase. Patrick reaches down to grab his bag and follows David to the second floor, then down the long hallway to David’s wing.

David stops just before his bedroom door and turns to Patrick with an almost shy look. “Give me a quick second?” He asks, tucking his lips together.

Patrick nods and says, “Yeah, of course,” and David opens the door and ducks inside.  Patrick wonders what David needs to do first. He knows that David is a bit of a neat freak, so he’s not tidying up. 

The door opens before he can overthink more about it, and David stands there, looking nervous, chewing on his lower lip. 

“Okay,” he breathes and steps aside to let Patrick enter the room. 

Patrick gives him a curious look as he steps into the room, then stops as he takes in the scene before him. Candles are lit, bathing the room in a soft, flickering glow. There’s an open bottle of champagne chilling on a stand beside David’s bed and soft music playing. Patrick’s eyes suddenly welled up with tears, feeling overly emotional over David’s preparations. 

“David,” he breathes out, turning to look at him. David is wringing his hands, watching Patrick with an unsure look. Patrick’s chest tightens at the sight of the effort David’s put in—candles, champagne, soft music—all for him. He didn’t realize how much he wanted to feel special until now.

”It’s too much? You think it’s too much,” David says.

Patrick drops his bag and reaches for David, who takes Patrick’s outstretched hand. “No, it’s not too much, David,” Patrick says, bringing David closer to him. “It’s perfect. It’s just like those rom-coms and sappy novels I never believed in.”

Patrick watches David duck his head with a nervous laugh. “I just…wanted you to see how special this is for me, too,” David says. “I wanted to make sure it was memorable.”

Patrick brings his hand up to cradle David’s face. “It is special, and it will be memorable. Because it’s you,” he whispers, leaning up for a kiss. 

David shifts closer to Patrick, his hand sliding to the small of Patrick’s back as he gently guides him toward the bed.

They kiss, and then they sit down on the edge. Patrick’s heartbeat picks up as they lay down on the luxurious mattress, Patrick covering David’s body with his. 

As they lay together, getting lost in kisses, Patrick runs his hand slowly up David’s chest and can feel David’s heart pounding.

”David,” Patrick says, looking into David’s eyes. “Are you okay? You seem as nervous as I am,” he says softly.

”I don’t think I’m nervous. Maybe? I just…I haven’t been with anyone I cared so much about, so perhaps a little,” David mumbles. “I want this to be good for you, and I’ve never thought that about anyone before.”

Patrick feels like his heart might burst from David’s words. David is this beautiful person who has given himself away to people, knowing they didn’t care about him and that they were both just using each other. 

“I’m so glad we get to share this, then. It’s almost like we’re both doing this for the first time.”

”Patrick, you said you were nervous. I hope you don’t think we have to do anything tonight if you’re not ready for it. We can stop at any time and only go as far as you want. You know that, right? I would never make you go through with anything…”

Patrick cuts him off with a kiss. “David, I know that. I’m not nervous for any other reason than it’s new. I don’t quite know what to expect or how it will feel, you know? I know I get to experience it all with you, which excites me. You excite me. I’ve never wanted like this. I’ve never felt attraction and desire like I do with you. I’m a little anxious and nervous, but only for that reason. I trust you implicitly. And the scene you have set with the candles and champagne is so perfectly you embracing your best rom-com moment. I appreciate it and you so much.”

Patrick watches a smile cross David’s face and feels the tension leaving David’s body. “I mean, it’s not Cristal. For some reason, Dad only had Dom in the wine cellar, so it’s not a hundred percent perfect.”

”Well, ‘A’ for effort, then,” Patrick grins. “And thank you for choosing music other than Mariah.”

“Oh my God, shut up and take your clothes off before I change my mind.”

*********

Patrick wakes up next to David a few hours later, feeling the warmth of his body as the two of them are tangled together in the sheets. His mind is still groggy, but there’s a contentment in the quiet of the moment, a sense of calmness that only comes after being held so closely, of being so intimate with someone. He feels a strange mix of emotions—gratitude, a hint of vulnerability, and maybe something deeper, something he can’t quite articulate yet. There’s always a sense of security in waking up beside David, yet there is also a new, quiet weight, like he’s on the verge of understanding something new about himself.

As he slips out of bed and puts on the plush white robe David had gotten him—soft and luxurious—it starkly contrasts the cool, late-night air. Patrick makes his way to the kitchen. The chill of the tiles against his feet grounds him, and the quiet of the house is almost too still as he fills a glass with water. The motion is automatic, yet it gives him time to think.

He steps into the sunroom, or as David likes to call it, the “conservatory,” just to rile up his mother, who starts to moan about how the Madeline Kahn part in Clue should have been hers and then takes to her room for the evening. The image brings a small, amused smile on his lips. Patrick isn’t sure what it is about her that leaves him feeling conflicted. Her sharpness, her endless criticisms of the most minor things—they all seem to roll off David’s back, but Patrick can’t help but notice how quickly she retreats behind a mask of displeasure, always distant, always a little bit dissatisfied.

Despite her privilege and everything she seems to have, Patrick can sense an emptiness in her, even if he can’t fully understand it. He remembers David’s stories of Moira’s childhood—growing up in a small town with a single mother, scraping by in a life that was a constant struggle. There’s a part of him that feels sorry for her. No matter how much she tries to fill the gaps, there’s a sense that she’s forever trying to make up for something that can’t be fixed. Patrick wonders if that’s why she’s always so restless and can never quite settle into her life now.

Maybe, he thinks, it’s not just about her kids, wealth, or house. Perhaps she’s still trying to outrun the past, to create a life her younger self could never have imagined. Patrick cannot help but feel for her, even if he disagrees with how she handles it. Patrick wonders if that is why Moira and Johnny have never been home for very long. Wanting to give her children a quieter, safer environment was one thing, but having to subject herself to small-town living didn’t seem to be something she could tolerate. Or she is constantly trying to make up for what she lacked growing up.

He sighs, leaning against the window frame as he gazes out at the expansive backyard, his thoughts drifting as the moonlight filters through the leaves, soft and gentle.

Patrick loves the sunroom with its floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of the sweeping backyard and the gleaming Olympic-sized swimming pool. He finds it impossible not to feel at ease in this space. He especially loves it when the afternoon sun spills in, casting a warm glow over the room, making it perhaps the coziest spot in the entire mansion—though “cozy” might seem an odd term for such a grand space. But what he cherishes most about the sunroom is the beautiful Steinway piano that stands proudly by the windows, a centerpiece of elegance and music.

When he first started taking piano lessons years ago, Patrick would eagerly ask David to bring him to the sunroom whenever Patrick would visit, eager to sit at the piano and practice while David, with his sketchpad in hand, would quietly draw or paint nearby. Over time, this routine became a quiet ritual between them—Patrick’s fingers dancing across the keys, music filling the air while David’s pencil or pen moved rhythmically across the page, or his brush stroked across a canvas placed on the easel. The room has become more than just a place to practice for Patrick; it’s a sanctuary for creativity, a space where music and art come together, and where he can lose himself in the melodies while David captures the world around them in his artwork.

Patrick wanders to the instrument now, softly running his fingers over its smooth surface before sitting down and lifting the cover to the keys. He places his fingers on the keys, mindlessly playing notes as he recalls the last few hours–how David’s hands, mouth, and body took Patrick to places he didn’t even know existed. Patrick feels his body flush as he recalls David gently working him open with his tongue and exquisite fingers; how Patrick writhed on the bed, finally begging David to enter him. Patrick smiles, remembering David watching him intently; how complete Patrick felt as they moved together, and how surprisingly emotional they both were as they clung to each other after.

Patrick softly plays a song he’s been working on for the past few weeks. It’s one of David’s favorites.“Just listen to the lyrics, Patrick!” David once yelled out at a school dance when this song came on, earning some odd looks from nearby classmates. Patrick has been rearranging it, slowing it down so that the song becomes the beautiful love song that it is.

“Are you trying to give me my best Pretty Woman moment?” David’s voice is soft and playful from behind him, startling Patrick, who lets out a breathy chuckle.

David crosses the room to sit beside him on the bench as Patrick continues to play.

“I would apologize for waking you up, but I’m guessing you couldn’t hear me from your wing.”

“No, I woke up and saw you weren’t there. I figured I’d come looking for you, hoping you weren’t leaving in the middle of the night, screaming for freedom.”

“David,” Patrick says, shaking his head. “You don’t think I would have left, right?”

“That sounds familiar,” David says, ignoring Patrick’s question. Patrick plays a few more bars, humming along, knowing David will recognize it in a moment, deciding to let David’s non-answer go at the moment.

“Wait. Patrick. Is that…”

Patrick gently sings, his voice barely above a whisper: “I call you when I need you; my heart’s on fire.” His voice shakes slightly with the vulnerability he’s feeling.

David exhales a soft “Oh” as he recognizes the song and leans closer to Patrick’s side.

When Patrick finishes, neither of them moves or speaks, letting themselves simply be together as the silence settles around them again. David wipes at his eyes, and Patrick also wipes at his own tears before turning his head to place a kiss on David’s head.

“Patrick, how long have you been working on that?”

Patrick shrugs. “I, um,” he starts but needs to clear his throat before continuing. “I know you love the lyrics. Remember when we were at the lake just before graduation?”

Patrick feels David’s head move in a nod. 

“And we left the lake, drove to Elmdale for stuffed shells at Lorenzo’s.”

David sits up to look at him. “Yeah, we were at a stoplight, and the asshole behind us laid on the horn because you didn’t go when the light changed.”

Patrick blushes at the memory. “Yeah, well, because when the song came on the radio, I didn’t even notice it at first, but then I heard you singing along, and the lyrics hit me differently—like they were meant for us.”

“Patrick,” David breathes and runs his hand over Patrick’s lower back, placing a kiss to Patrick’s shoulder.

“So, that night, I started kinda playing around with the arrangement to slow it down so it would show what a beautiful love song it is.”

“You did that for me?” David asks incredulously, and Patrick looks at him, taking in David’s watery eyes.

“Of course. You’re simply the best, David. The best part of me, the best part of my life.”

David tucks his lips together as Patrick watches him process Patrick’s words as if he just now understands the depth of Patrick’s feelings. Patrick leans in for a soft kiss and lets David settle his head on Patrick’s shoulder again.

“So, was this your plan?” David says after a moment. “You just figured I would wake up and come looking for you and discover you at the piano so you could serenade me in the dead of night?”

“No, I planned to serenade you at the next open mic night at the cafe.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Wouldn’t I?”

David harrumphs. “Yes, you would because you are an evil troll.” 

“I was thinking about it. I didn’t mean for you to hear it tonight, but here we are.” Patrick says with a shrug, his fingers mindlessly playing softly on the keys.

“Patrick, if you did that, you would basically be coming out to the whole town.”

“That would be ok. Everyone I care about knows now. I’m not ashamed, and I don’t think other people would care much.” 

“No, Schitt’s Creek seems to be the one place where most people are pretty accepting, oddly enough,” David responds.

“I guess what I’m saying is I’m okay with being out,” Patrick says. “Honestly, Blake’s probably told half the town by now, so it’s not like it’s a secret. I may have been hesitant at first because it was new, and I wanted to be sure my parents and family heard it from me first. But now, I don’t want to hide my feelings for you from anyone,” he says, looking at David with a smile.

David says nothing and leans in to kiss Patrick, which quickly grows more heated.

David breaks the kiss and looks at Patrick with a sly smirk. “I think this is the perfect opportunity to continue acting out a scene from Pretty Woman,” he says.

Patrick laughs and nods as David stands. David pulls Patrick to his feet and reaches for the tie on the robe. 

As David tugs him onto the piano, the discordant sounds of mismatched keys fill the air. Patrick glances at the instrument and silently apologizes to it for the sudden chaos, as he gives in to David taking him apart on top of it.

Chapter Text

Patrick stands in the foyer, hands on his hips, eyeing the surprisingly modest collection of luggage. He’d expected more from David, considering how much effort the guy put into curating his wardrobe for every occasion.

“Gotta say, David, I thought you would have much more luggage than this,” Patrick says, half-grinning.

David rolls his eyes. “Patrick, I’m obviously going shopping for my fall and winter wardrobe once I’m in New York.”

Patrick grins at him. “Obviously.”

God, he’s going to miss David so much.

Patrick is startled by the massive wooden front door opening and Alexis busting inside, almost tripping over the collection of bags. 

“God, David! Block the door much,” she barks at David.

“Go lick your curling iron,” David responds exasperatedly. 

Patrick waits for the expected snarky response, but Alexis stands frozen for a beat, her mouth slightly ajar, eyes focused on David. She chews on her bottom lip, twirling a piece of her long, golden hair, and suddenly, she throws her arms around him.

With a shocked expression, David tentatively raises his arms to wrap around her, then tightens his grip, holding her close. 

Patrick has known these two siblings forever, yet he can’t remember seeing them hug. He barely hears Alexis murmur, “I’ll miss you,” and sees David close his eyes, fighting the emotion this rare show of affection is causing him. 

Alexis gives a sniffle, and David pulls away and wipes under his eyes. “I’m going to miss you, too, unless you got your nasty eye makeup on this sweater.”

Alexis gives a tight smile, reaches out, and touches David's nose, uttering a quiet “boop,” then turns and scampers up the wide, marble staircase that curves around and leads to the second floor. 

“Stay out of trouble!” David hollers at her retreating figure.

Patrick watches as David tries to gather himself from his sister’s rare show of emotion. Between Alexis and the luggage gathered by the door, Patrick suddenly realizes that this is it. David is leaving for New York. Patrick knew the summer would go quickly but didn’t expect it to go so fast. It feels like he and David had just started to settle into the new dynamic of their relationship, and now it’s almost the end of August. 

He wishes he had the power to slow down time. Patrick thinks of all the times his parents had said, “Don’t wish the time away,” when he desperately wanted time to go quickly and could hardly wait for Christmas or his birthday, the trip to Disney World when he was eight, or even just getting through high school. Now he understands what they meant, and he wants the time back. 

Patrick wants all the time with David back. Especially the past two and half months. It’s been the best time of his life, and he’s fallen so in love with David that the thought of being apart is something he’s been avoiding. But now it’s here, and he has no idea how to deal with it.

Patrick had spent the night but had to leave to cover his shift at Rose Video while David finished packing. Patrick had hoped it would give David time with his family before he left, but Patrick hadn’t seen any sign of the Roses besides Alexis. 

“So, um, where are your folks?” Patrick asks hesitantly, shoving his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans.

David rolls his eyes, and Patrick fights the bubbling anger, thinking he knows the answer. They were here last night before he and David went to have dinner at the Brewers’, so he had assumed they were still around to see their eldest child off to college. 

Patrick reaches out to take David’s hand. “David?”

David sighs deeply, his voice flat. “They were here earlier—had breakfast together. But then Mom had to fly out for some TV movie, and Dad went with her.”

Patrick tries to ignore the twist in his stomach at David’s words. His eyes search David’s face, and he is worried about how deeply the family dynamic is affecting him.

”I’m glad you got to spend some time together,” Patrick says, hoping David’s parents haven’t left without a goodbye. 

“Well, we were in the same room having a meal, which qualifies as ‘spending time together,’ sure.” David sighs. “Dad handed me a black Amex card and said to be safe, and my mom asked where I was going, so…you know, typical warm and fuzzy Rose family time.”

”David…”

”It’s fine, Patrick. I wasn’t expecting anything more from them.”

The night before, Adelina had come by David’s room, quietly slipping in after dinner to say her goodbyes. Patrick could see how much she cared for David—how much she had cared for him when no one else had. She’d hugged them both tightly, pressing a kiss to Patrick’s cheek, whispering something in Spanish that Patrick didn’t understand but could feel in the way she held him—‘Gracias por amarlo incondicionalmente.’ Her words rang in his ears, and despite not speaking the language, Patrick felt the truth of them sink deep into his chest. He had never felt so protective of someone, so grateful to someone who had helped raise the man he loved. The one person he knew who watched over the most precious person in his life. 

So much was suddenly changing, and he was starting to feel overwhelmed. 

“Patrick?”

David’s voice shakes Patrick out of his thoughts, and he smiles softly. “I was just remembering saying goodbye bye to Adelina last night.”

David nods, and Patrick recalls how, as soon as the door shut, Patrick took David into his arms and let him cry. David takes a breath and looks away, and Patrick knows he’s fighting his emotions.

“You’ll see her at Christmas,” Patrick says, and it sounds so far away.

David’s phone rings, and he takes it out of his pocket to answer. “Hello? Oh, yes, okay. Thanks.” 

He hangs up and stares at the phone, tucking his lips together. 

“Who was that?”

David swallows and then clears his throat before answering, “The car is here to take me to the airport,” he says, Patrick’s heart jumping. 

Shit, shit, shit. Patrick is so not ready for this. 

“Okay, um, I can help bring these bags out,” he says.

”Patrick, the driver will do that,” David says with an affectionate smirk. “You never will get used to things like that.”

”Having people do things that I can do for myself? Yeah, probably not.”

”My mom did give you a pretty big tip that one time you opened the door for her, so…”

Patrick chuckles as David opens the door to let the driver in, and they walk outside hand in hand.

They stand beside the black SUV, not speaking, just gripping each other’s hands tightly as if the other might float away, as the driver places David’s bags into the back of the vehicle.

The driver shuts the door and faces them. “Ready when you are, sir. Just a reminder, I also have to pick up Miss Budd,” He says, holding the back door open. 

Patrick swallows. This is it. He has to let David go but has no idea how to do it.

”Patrick,” David says, his voice cracking. Patrick turns, and they reach for each other, wrapping each other up in their arms and clinging to each other. Patrick can feel David’s wet face, where it’s pressed into the side of Patrick’s neck, and Patrick keeps swallowing the lump in his throat. 

“I’m going to miss you so fucking much,” David says.

“David, I love you,” Patrick blurts out. Patrick has been dying to say this to David for weeks but knew there was a possibility it would send David running. But Patrick couldn’t hold it back anymore. 

David doesn’t answer. Patrick feels him stiffen slightly as if processing the weight of what Patrick’s just said. Then, slowly, David pulls back, his face streaked with tears, his eyes searching Patrick’s.

“You don’t have to say it back,” Patrick says quickly, his voice trembling. “That’s not why I’m telling you. I just—” He swallows hard, the lump in his throat growing. “I just needed to say it before you leave. Before you get on that plane. I’ve been thinking about it for weeks, and I couldn’t—couldn’t keep it inside anymore.”

Patrick watches as David takes in this information and tries to speak, but Patrick just pulls him to him and kisses him softly, reverently. “You have to go,” Patrick whispers.

David nods, his eyes searching Patrick’s face as tears fall from their eyes. “I’ll call when I get settled tonight.” David rasps out, and Patrick nods. 

David cups Patrick’s cheek and kisses him softly. Then, he backs away slowly before turning and climbing into the backseat. With a nod to Patrick, the driver shuts the door, climbs into the driver’s seat, and starts to pull away. 

Patrick raises his hand to wave when the car suddenly stops. The back door flings open, and David clambers out and rushes towards Patrick. 

“David, what’s…” Patrick starts to say but is stopped by David cupping Patrick’s face and kissing him, then pulls back to look at Patrick.

“I love you, too,” David says.

Patrick can’t help but smile. David looks deeply into Patrick’s eyes, tears spilling over them, and then presses his forehead to Patrick’s. Patrick reaches up and grasps David’s wrists, and they stand there, not wanting to let go. Patrick’s heart is pounding with a combined feeling of joy and sadness. David loves him, but he’s going away.

David kisses Patrick one last time before stepping back toward the car. As the door shuts, the air feels suddenly too thick, like it’s being sucked out of the space between them. Patrick watches as the car pulls away, his chest tight, fighting for breath as the weight of David’s departure settles in.

********

Patrick is slumped on the couch, mindlessly watching the television, when a towel and his swim trunks land in his lap, making him jump a mile. Patrick turns his head to see his dad standing at the end of the couch.

”Let’s go for a swim, sport,” his dad says.

“Aw, Dad, I really don’t feel like it,” Patrick groans.

“I know, that’s why we’re going. Your mother and I let you sulk for a couple of days, but now it’s time to get off the couch.”

“I haven’t sulked for two days,” Patrick protests. “I also had to work, and I had a piano lesson.”

“Yeah, and then you’ve moped about and only brightened up when David called, and you ran off to your room,” Clint says. “Come on. We are way overdue for a father-son swim.”

With a sigh, Patrick pushes himself off the couch. “Yeah, you’re right. We are overdue. Give me a second to change, and I’ll be right back.”

He grabs the swim trunks (the blue and orange Hawaiian ones from Panama Jack that David finds ‘abhorrent’) and heads to his room.

A little over an hour later, Patrick and his dad sit on their towels after spending a good chunk of time swimming in relative silence. The day was fairly humid, so Patrick has to admit it felt good to get into the cool, clear water and give his muscles a workout after being admittedly stagnant for the past two days. 

“Thanks, Dad,” Patrick says, tossing some pebbles into the shallow water, soft waves lapping at the shore. “I guess I did need to get out of the house.”

Clint reaches over and squeezes Patrick’s shoulder. “It’s not like we don’t understand, Patrick. You know that your mom and I were apart for a good part of two years when we were both at graduate school, so we get it. It’s just that the more you sit around moping and not doing anything, the longer the time apart will feel.”

Patrick nods, “Yeah, I get that. I just need to adjust, I guess. I miss him.”

“I know you do. He misses you, but this is also an exciting part of your life, and once you both get settled into your routines and focused on school, the time will fly. Plus, I’m sure David has use of the jet should he want to visit you,” his dad says with a chuckle. After all these years, Patrick’s dad still gets a kick out of their different lifestyles.

“Normally, yeah, but he and Alexis are on jet restriction ever since she snuck out and convinced the pilot she had permission to go to the Beyoncé concert in Michigan.”

Patrick remembers how furious David was that Alexis did that, if only because she didn’t bring him with her. 

“I don’t know who that is,” Clint admits.

“She was part of a group called Destiny’s Child. She released a solo album last year and then had a special concert in June. If you hung out with David as much as I do, you would know all these things,” Patrick says with a fond chuckle.

“How quickly did that pilot get fired?”

“Pretty fast,” Patrick says. “In her defense, she couldn’t reach Mr. or Mrs. Rose, and Alexis had forged a note with her mom’s signature, so the pilot figured it was legit.” 

Clint scoffs, “That was rather naive of her.”

“Well, she was brand new to the job. Probably switched careers after that.”

“Do both David and Alexis know how to forge Johnny and Moira’s signatures?” Clint inquires after a moment.

Patrick nods.

“I don’t want to know why, do I?” Clint asks.

“Probably best you don’t,” Patrick responds, and Clint chuckles with a shake of his head.

“How’s David doing so far? I know it’s only been a couple of days.” 

Patrick tosses a rock. “He’s good. He likes the loft his parents got him near NYU. He’s been showing Stevie around the city, and he’s eaten his weight in bagels, so he’s pretty happy.”

“I didn’t know Stevie was living with him,” Clint says.

Patrick shakes his head. “No, Stevie is just staying there until she can move into her dorm at Marymount. It was easier for her to go down with David when he left. They’re having a ball, I guess,” Patrick adds, hating how dejected he sounds. 

“Patrick, just because David seems happy and busy doesn’t mean he’s missing you any less. It’s hard when you’re here waiting for school yourself. Once you get to University and get settled, meet your roommate, start classes, and work on your audition, you will enjoy your time too, son.”

Patrick does feel like he’s in limbo. Not only is David gone, but Stevie went with him, so Patrick feels exceptionally abandoned. 

“I have to admit that, selfishly, your mom and I are both glad to have a couple of weeks with you to ourselves. It’s been a long time since we’ve spent much time together, which is how it should be. We love how active and involved you are, but it’ll be nice having you around a little more before you leave.”

Patrick smiles and looks at his dad. “Yeah, I’m glad about that, too.”

He is. Patrick loves his parents and misses the days of swimming, playing catch with his dad, playing the piano, singing with his mom, or helping her in her garden. It will be nice to spend some quality time with them.

Clint grins at him, patting him on the knee. “Well, how about we go home and have a catch before dinner? There’s a Jays game tonight we can watch later.”

“That sounds great, Dad.”

The smile on Clint’s face warms Patrick’s heart. He will miss them, so spending this time with them will be great. They have been exceptional parents, and Patrick keenly knows how fortunate he is. 

“How about we stop for ice cream?” Clint says, and he stands up. 

They always do this after their Friday afternoon swims. Treating Patrick to a cone has been a “secret” between them ever since Patrick was a little boy. 

“Before dinner?” Patrick says, feigning shock, playing along just like he used to.

“Don’t tell your mother,” Clint responds with a wink, and Patrick smiles, the first genuine smile he has had since David left.

“It’s our secret, Dad.”

Clint smiles, but Patrick can see a shimmer in his dad’s eyes as Clint holds his hand to help Patrick to his feet.

“I love you, kiddo.”

Patrick nods and squeezes his dad’s arm, remembering how safe those arms always made him feel when he was younger. He fights back his tears as so many things are changing.

“I love you, too, Dad. Even if you do like pistachio ice cream.”

Clint gives him a look, “It’s the superior of all the ice creams.”

Patrick laughs as he reaches down to grab his towel. He starts to follow his dad but pauses to look at the lake again. 

Patrick knows he‘ll be back again, that this isn’t the last time he will be here, but it feels like a chapter is closing.  He wants, no, needs, to take in this moment and acknowledge how grateful he is to have had this time today with this man who has always been there for him.

Patrick takes a breath and turns to see his dad quietly watching him.

“Hey, maybe I will try pistachio for once,” he says, and he and his father walk down the path.

“Finally!” Clint says to the sky, and their laughter rings loud amongst the quiet of the trees.

Chapter Text

“You have a great view, son,” Patrick’s dad says.

Patrick walks over to his dad, who is standing by the huge window of Patrick’s dorm. Patrick looks out and takes in the scene. He’s been placed in a double room on the tenth floor of Chestnut Residence, a more contemporary high-rise recently built. It is a great view—Downtown Toronto, facing the iconic CN Tower, standing tall.

“Yeah, that’s pretty cool,” he says before turning back to face the room, looking around.

It’s bigger and brighter than he thought it was going to be. There are two full-sized beds with a wardrobe in between.  There is a second wardrobe between two desks on the wall opposite the beds, and he wasn’t expecting to have a private bathroom. That’s a pleasant surprise.

Patrick’s roommate seems to have arrived earlier, judging by the bags and boxes left nearby and on the bed furthest from the window. 

Patrick and his parents had visited the campus last summer but didn’t get a full tour of the residence housing because they had tickets to a Jays game. Patrick had his mind made up anyway of where he wanted to go, even before deciding to change majors. It’s a good school where Patrick knows he will get a quality education.  It’s not too far from home but far enough that he knows his folks won’t just ‘pop by’ unannounced, giving him some real independence for the first time. Clint and Marcy haven’t been too over-protective, but he is their only child–and sometimes his mom can be a little…helicopter mom-ish. 

Like right now. Marcy has already unpacked Patrick’s bedding and is putting pillowcases on the pillows they brought. Patrick can’t help but shake his head a little and smile fondly.

“Mom, what are you doing?”

“Making your bed. Don’t forget to do this every morning. It starts your day right, having a tidy bed,” Marcy says as the door opens.

“I know. You told me that when you made me start making my bed when I was ten. I got it,” Patrick laughs as he looks towards the door to see who’s come in, assuming it’s his new roommate.

Patrick’s new unquestionably good-looking roommate is wearing worn blue jeans and a loose white T-shirt with Debbie Harry on the front. He has a tall, slim, and athletic build, thick, wavy brown hair, strong features, and a stunning smile as he reacts to the people in the room he’s stepped into. 

”Hey there,” he says, his voice warm and with a trace of a Canadian accent, “You’re either my roommate or you guys are seriously lost.”

Patrick laughs, stepping forward. “No, I'm afraid you’re stuck with me. I’m Patrick,” he says, extending his hand to shake as his dad instilled in him so many years ago. 

“Aidan,” he says, taking Patrick’s hand. They smile at each other, and Patrick notices Aidan’s eyes are a striking green. They sparkle with laughter and mischief but also hint at depth and sensitivity, and Patrick feels an instant connection. Patrick hoped he wouldn’t get stuck with someone he might not be compatible with, but he instantly felt good about this guy. 

”These are my folks, Clint and Marcy Brewer,” Patrick says, turning back to his parents, who each step up to shake Aidan’s hand. Patrick can’t help but notice his mom’s reaction to Aidan’s good looks. He has a rugged, yet approachable charm with a confident demeanor. Patrick watches with bemusement as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and freaking blushes and giggles after Aidan says, “So nice to meet you both.”

Clint turns to Marcy, places a hand on her back, and says quietly, “I think it’s time we got on the road and let these two settle in.”

Patrick watches his mom’s face as she reacts, her eyes filling with tears.

“Oh, okay, yes,” she responds, her voice wobbling. Patrick knows this goodbye will not be easy, but Aidan takes his cue to start busying himself with his belongings, giving them some privacy.

”Hey, thanks so much for helping me get my stuff up here and for…just, you know, everything.” Patrick says and stops, his own eyes welling up. He wasn’t expecting to feel this emotional about saying goodbye to his parents. The past few months have brought many changes, and they have always been incredible, accepting, and loving. Patrick knows how fortunate he is to have parents like them.

Clint reaches out and puts his arms around Patrick, bringing him in for a tight hug. Patrick inhales the familiar scent of Old Spice aftershave, which will forever make him think of his dad. “You take care of yourself, son, and don’t hesitate to call us. For any reason, day or night. We’re here for you, you know. I love you very much.”

Patrick nods, whispering, “I know, Dad. I love you, too,”

”We’re so very proud of you,” Clint says before patting Patrick’s back and letting go, and Patrick resists the urge to pull him back into a hug. Patrick has only seen his dad cry a couple of times, once when Marcy was in the hospital with a health scare and once after Patrick’s grandfather died. Seeing him getting emotional now is not helping to keep Patrick’s tears at bay.

”Thank you, Dad,” Patrick says, his voice cracking.

Marcy reaches for him next and wraps her arms around him tightly. “I love you so much, my sweet boy. You are my pride and joy,” she says thickly. Patrick has to swallow the lump in his throat before responding.

”I love you, too, Mom,” Patrick whispers and holds on tight, the familiar scent of White Linen on her skin making him wish he could stay in the safety of his mother’s arms. Saying goodbye to his parents proves to be more emotional than he prepared for.

Marcy clings to him a moment longer; then she lets go with a final squeeze, kissing Patrick’s cheek.

They reach the door, Clint opening it with Marcy lingering at Patrick’s side, holding onto his hand.

“Okay, and don’t forget to eat. You must eat healthy to keep your body and mind strong,” his mom says.

“Marce, the kid’s been eating us out of house and home since the day puberty took over. I don’t think he’s going to forget to eat,” Clint says with a chuckle.

“Oh, my God, Dad…” Patrick shakes his head.

Marcy sniffles, looking at Patrick with watery eyes. “If you need anything, just call. We are always just a phone call away, and we can be here if you need us in…”

“Mom, I know,” Patrick says gently. He loves them so much, but they must get going before they say something embarrassing. 

Marcy nods, smiles, and wipes at her eyes. She gives Patrick one more hug and then turns to exit the room. Clint reaches out, squeezes Patrick’s arm one more time, and then follows his wife out the door, shutting it softly behind him.

Patrick momentarily stares at the closed door, needing to collect himself before returning to Aidan. Patrick is on his own for the first time in his life, and the conflicting emotions are a little overwhelming. 

“So, that was mortifying,” Patrick says after clearing his throat.

“Hey, when my folks left, my dad bellowed, ‘Don’t knock anyone up’ as they were walking down the hall, and my mom replied with ‘At least there’s only a fifty percent chance of that happening,’ and my dad said ‘Right because of that whole bisexual thing’ so you’re good,” Aidan says with a smile. 

Patrick laughs, glad that he’s not the only one with parents who love to embarrass their child, but also relieved to know Aidan won’t have any issues with Patrick’s sexual orientation. Something he was quietly anxious about. 

“Has anyone ever told you you look like a younger Aidan Quinn?” Patrick says.

“That’s who my mom named me after.”

“Really?”

“No, I’m totally bullshitting you,” Aidan says with a smirk, “It was my grandfather’s middle name.”

“Oh, ok,” Patrick says with a nervous laugh.

“I do get that sometimes, though. I’m surprised you know who Aidan Quinn is.”

“My boyfriend makes us watch Practical Magic a lot,” Patrick says, the thought of David causing an ache in Patrick’s chest.

“Because of Aidan Quinn?” 

“Uh, because of him and Sandra, yeah.”

“And you don’t mind?”

“Maybe I now realize that I probably also found Aidan Quinn attractive,” Patrick says with a blush. “I figured out that I’m gay just recently, but now that I think about it, yeah, probably I also found him attractive.”

Patrick looks at Aidan’s amused face and immediately blushes. “Of course, that doesn’t mean I find you attractive. Not that you aren’t! You are! I mean, you don’t have to worry about me trying to hit on you. I have a boyfriend. And you and I are roommates, and I wouldn’t. I won’t. I just…” 

Aidan laughs, “Settle down, there,” he says with a wide smile. “I didn’t think you were hitting on me. You’re good, Patrick.”

Patrick huffs out a relieved breath. “Sorry.”

“Just don’t tell your boyfriend who I look like, then,” Aidan says with a wink. “He might get jealous.”

“Ha! Yeah, either of you or me, that might be a tossup,” Patrick jokes.

Aidan laughs. “Well, if things ever change, I wouldn’t mind being hit on,” Aidan says with a wink, then walks past Patrick with a squeeze on his bicep.

Patrick opens his mouth to say something, but Aidan shakes his head.

 “I’m kidding. I’m seeing someone, too. I look forward to being roommates and getting to know each other.”

Patrick smiles and nods, ignoring the little flutter in his stomach. It's the first time another guy has sort of flirted with him, and it feels nice. Patrick loves David and has no interest in getting together with anyone else, but he can’t deny it makes him feel good. Seen, maybe? 

Aidan goes to his bed to finish unpacking. “Hey, I hope you don't mind being by the window. I just dumped my stuff on the first bed, but we can switch it.” 

”No, no, you’re good. I don’t mind,” Patrick responds as Aidan takes out a large Blue Jays poster. Turning to Patrick, he holds it up. “What do you think about hanging this up? Kinda hoping you might be a Jays fan?”

Patrick grins. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Aidan smiles wide. “Casablanca! One of my favorites. I checked it out at least a dozen times at Rose Video. Good thing I got an employee discount.”

Patrick laughs. “You worked at a Rose Video, too?”

“Yeah, here in Toronto. Store number Four.”

”Wow, that’s one of the originals!”

Aidan looks at Patrick quizzically. “Big Rose Video aficionado?”

Patrick laughs and rubs the back of his neck, “Well, kinda? I worked for a branch in Schitt’s Creek, where I’m from.”

Aidan laughs. “I remember our manager telling us that that branch had impressive late fees and that we should try to match it. None of us could believe it was a real name. A bunch of us drove there once to prove to ourselves it was. That’s quite the town sign,” Aidan says with raised eyebrows.

Patrick pictures the town sign and knows it’s been the source of many jokes about the town and its name.

“It’s a real landmark, for sure.”

”Looked like a pretty sleepy town. Not bad, just not much there.”

Patrick tries not to sound defensive about his hometown. He knows what it looks like to people from away. It is sleepy, but it’s his home, and he loves it. “Yeah, it’s pretty quiet, but it was a great place to grow up.”

Aidan holds up his hands. “Hey, seriously. No need to get defensive. I didn’t say it was bad; it looked a lot different than what I’m used to growing up in Toronto.”

Patrick shrugged. “Yeah, I can see that. I haven’t spent much time here. My dad and I have come a few times to see some games, so it’s a little overwhelming for me. I feel like a small-town hick.”

Aidan pats him on the shoulder. “I’ll show you around. Stick with me, and you’ll get acclimated in no time.”

“How long did you work at Rose Video?” Patrick asks.

“About three years. I liked it: pretty easy work and decent pay. The owner and his family came once for the 20th anniversary. He seemed like an okay guy. His daughter was pretty flighty, and his son struck me as a pretentious asshole. Didn’t talk with anyone. Just stood there with a scowl like he hated every second of being there.”

Patrick gets that familiar feeling whenever someone says anything derogatory about David. He also remembers David having to go with his dad to visit the original six stores on the 20th anniversary last year and how much he didn’t want to go. He felt like they were being paraded around to show what a tight family they were, which they were. 

“Yeah, he didn’t want to be there,” Patrick says.

“Did they come to your store, too?” Aidan asks

“They live in Schitt’s Creek,” Patrick responds.

“What? Are you serious? Why? No offense, but I imagine they could live anywhere with money like that.” Aidan says.

“It’s kind of a long story, but Mr. and Mrs. Rose wanted to get their kids out of the city and have a ‘normal’ upbringing in a safer environment,” Patrick answers. He doesn’t mention that they own the town because Mr. Rose thought it would be funny, only to move there after Moira almost overdosed soon after Alexis was born. There had been some sort of scandal about a possible kidnapping attempt, and Patrick was still fuzzy on the details. “They moved there when David was five and his sister was a baby.”

“No shit! So, do you know them?”

“Yeah, I do. I’ve been best friends with David since kindergarten. He’s, um, well, he’s now my boyfriend.”

Aidan looks chagrined. “Oh, fuck, man…I’m sorry if I misspoke.”

Patrick chuckles. “It’s ok. David does come across that way, but you have to know he has his reasons for having walls up.”

Aidan nods, “I will take your word for it.”

“So, what are you studying?” Patrick asks, changing the subject before he ultimately kills whatever chance at getting along with his new roommate because he’s overly defensive of David.

“Musical theater,” Aidan replies.

”Oh yeah? My friend Stevie is studying musical theater in New York.”

”Cool! What school is he going to?”

“Uh, she. Stevie is her nickname. Stephanie is her real name, and she despises it,” Patrick says with a fond smile, remembering the time Stevie threatened to punch him in the face when he wouldn’t stop teasing her and calling her Stephanie. “And she’s going to Marrymount. Got a great scholarship.”

“I auditioned there, too,” Aidan responds. “I just wasn’t sure about going to New York City right away, you know? My parents were also slightly freaked out about the idea, so here I am.” 

Aidan sticks a thumbtack in the upper corner of the Jays poster, then reaches for another from Patrick. “What about you? What are you here for?”

”Music education. I originally applied for business school but changed my mind in June, so I have to start with my core classes and hope to get accepted into the music program next semester. I have an audition in a few days.”

”That’s great, man! You can’t have too many music teachers in the world. I know mine pretty much saved my life,” Aidan replies, sticking the last thumbtack into the bottom corner of his poster and stepping back to make sure it was straight.

“What do you mean?” Patrick asks, curiosity piqued.

Aidan plops down on the bed and starts unpacking a duffle bag. “I was just lost for a while. I didn’t quite know where I fit in. Middle school pretty much sucked. I got picked on a lot. I had no real sense of who I was. I knew I loved music. Like, I could let it take me away, you know?”

Patrick does know. He understands that feeling of connecting with music and letting it take over.

“I’d been playing piano for years,” Aidan continues. “Most kids have parents who make them take lessons at some point, right? All my friends gave up, but I stuck with it. Then, when I was thirteen, my mom had to go to New York for business, and my dad and I tagged along. She took me to see Rent one night.

“My dad didn’t go—he’s not a musical guy—but my mom? She loves them. Grew up listening to Broadway recordings, always singing along. She told me once she’d dreamed of a theater career but never had the confidence.”

He stops to fold a hoodie and looks at Patrick with a small smile. “Man, that show blew me away. I’d never seen or heard anything like it. It spoke to me in ways I can’t fully explain. For a kid who was starting to question his sexuality… it helped me figure out a lot.”

Patrick nods, his chest tightening at the honesty in Aidan’s voice.

“When we got back home, I started diving into all the albums my mom had. Singing along, memorizing everything. A few months later, my school’s music teacher, Mrs. Kennedy, put up an audition notice for the spring musical. I remember staring at it, wondering if I dared.

“I mean, I’d been picked on a lot, so putting myself out there like that? Terrifying. But Mrs. Kennedy noticed me standing there and asked if I was interested. I mumbled something about never singing in front of anyone before, and she just smiled and said, ‘It doesn’t hurt to try. Auditions are tomorrow after school.’”

Patrick leans forward slightly, drawn in by the story. “So… did you try out?”

Aidan chuckles, tossing his duffle bag to the side. “I did. Scared out of my mind, but I sang Corner of the Sky from Pippin—the most recent thing I’d been listening to. I didn’t think I’d get anything, maybe just the chorus, but honestly, I didn’t care. I was excited just thinking about being part of it.”

He pauses, pulling out a framed photo. “The next day, Mrs. Kennedy called me into her classroom. She told me I had real talent and asked if I’d ever taken lessons. When I said no, she told me I should because I was a natural. Then she said she wanted to cast me as Frederick in The Sound of Music.”

“Wow,” Patrick says. “That’s a pretty decent role for your first show.”

“Right? I was shocked. But I loved it. Every part of it—learning lines, rehearsals, choreography. And the other kids in the cast? They were amazing. Theater kids are just… different. They welcomed me in and didn’t make me feel weird or out of place. It was like I’d finally found my people.”

Patrick smiles, understanding the warmth in Aidan’s voice.

“My dad,” Aidan says, his tone softening. “He’s not a theater guy at all—big-time jock, works in construction—but he’s been incredible. Front row at every show, camera ready. First one to cheer when I took a guy to prom junior year.

“He even stood up to his coworkers once when they made homophobic jokes at a barbecue. I mean, he might not fully understand everything about me, but he loves me. I know how lucky I am.”

Patrick nods, his throat tightening with emotion. “Yeah, me too. My parents have always been so supportive. I know that’s not the case for everyone.”

“Exactly,” Aidan says, pulling out the photo of himself and a girl with long black hair. “This is Eve, my girlfriend,” he says, showing Patrick the picture. “She’s here studying philosophy.”

Patrick studies the photo of the happy couple, feeling a pang of jealousy. Aidan gets to be close to his girlfriend, while Patrick and David are miles apart. It’s been almost three weeks, and Patrick misses him more than he wants to admit.

“So, yeah,” Aidan says, placing the frame on his bedside table. “Between my mom taking me to see Rent, and Mrs. Kennedy pushing me to audition, they helped me find who I am. If you can do that for a kid, Patrick, that’s incredible.”

Patrick looks down at his hands, feeling a lump rise in his throat. “I hope so,” he murmurs.

Aidan claps him on the back. “Hey, let’s grab some lunch and explore a little, yeah?”

Patrick’s stomach growls at the word ‘lunch,’ and he laughs as he stands. “Yeah, sounds good.”

As they head out, Patrick can’t help but smile. He rarely connects with people this quickly, and his fear of not getting along with his new roommate has completely vanished.

********

“Seriously?” David asks after Patrick finishes telling him about moving in, the room and Patrick’s roommate, “When do I get to lay eyes on this Aidan Quinn doppelganger?”

“I guess as soon as I figure out how to set up this fancy little camera you gave me for the computer.”

“That's so you don't forget that you have a very attractive boyfriend already,” David says.

“How can I forget when he is always reminding me?” Patrick teases.

“Hmph.”

“Hey, David?”

“Hmmm?”

“I am fully aware of how gorgeous my boyfriend is, and I kinda love him.”

“Well, see that you don't forget.”

“Never.”

Chapter Text

Patrick places his fingers on the piano keys, closes his eyes, and breathes deep through his nose. He holds it momentarily, then blows it out, relaxing his shoulders and releasing any tension. Opening his eyes, he plays the song’s opening notes, then starts to sing and feels himself let go. He gets lost in the words and the melody as the world disappears, and it’s just him and the music.

Patrick sings through In A Sentimental Mood. Then, after he takes a breath, starts Blue Bossa. He enjoys this one because he loves to improvise, which he will be required to do at his audition, and this is a great piece to play with.

After, Patrick starts mindlessly playing a song that his mom loves. It’s not one of his audition pieces, but one whose lyrics make him think of David.

Someone to hold you too close

Someone to hurt you too deep

Someone to sit in your chair

To ruin your sleep

Patrick closes his eyes and pictures David. David looks at Patrick like he’s the whole world, while also looking terrified at what he’s feeling.

Someone to need you too much

Someone to know you too well

Someone to pull you up short

To put you through hell

Jesus, he misses David. Patrick can’t help but think of David every time he sings this. It’s like everything David would say. Everything that David yearns for. Everything Patrick yearns to give him, while they’re both scared of the future, hoping for the best, knowing they will get each other through all life has to throw at them. This song is like the two of them talking to each other, asking for what they want and need, and reassuring the other. Like they always have.

Make me confused. Mock me with praise

Let me be used

Vary my days

But alone is alone

Not alive

Somebody crowd me with love

Somebody force me to care

Somebody let me come through

I’ll always be there

As frightened as you, to help us survive

Being alive

Being alive

Being alive

Patrick holds the last note and ends, letting the rehearsal room he’s in fall into silence again before being startled by someone clapping behind him.

Patrick looks to the door to see Aidan leaning in the doorway, smiling. Patrick can’t help but recall a similar moment just a few weeks ago when David watched him singing. Patrick’s heart twists with longing for his boyfriend, missing him so acutely at this moment that it physically hurts.

Aidan comes over and sits next to Patrick on the piano bench.

“Hey, Aidan. What are you doing here?”

“I had my voice lesson down the hall. I walked by and saw you in here. Hope you don’t mind that I snuck in.”

”No, it’s all good,” Patrick says.

“That was amazing. You’re really talented, Patrick. That improv you were doing on the Blue Bossa was crazy,” Aidan says, his green eyes wide.

“I’m honestly glad I didn’t know you were there. I would have been way more nervous. And, yeah, well, thanks,” Patrick responds, running his hand through his hair as he feels the flush of his cheeks turning red from the compliment. 

“So, explain why you’re majoring in music education and not performing. Because Being Alive really moved me.”

Patrick smiles. “I appreciate the compliment, but I have no desire to perform. Professionally. I enjoy it but not as a career.”

“Why? I think you would have a shot,” Aidan says. “Seriously. I saw a production of Company last year, and you are just as good, if not better than the guy playing Bobby.”

“Because I want to teach,” Patrick says with a shrug. “Obviously, that isn’t an audition song. I just…it’s a favorite of my mom’s.”

Aidan looks at him for a moment before speaking. “And?”

Patrick blushes and smiles, “And it makes me think of David.”

”You’re nuts about him.”

“Yeah.” Patrick says, “I really am.”

“So,” Aidan stops for a moment, then continues, “Is teaching what you want or what David wants you to do?”

“What? No. What do you mean?” Patrick asks, confused by the question.

“I don’t know.,” Aidan shrugs. “It's just a thought that he would rather have you stay in one place teaching and not potentially traveling all over the place acting.”

“No, David is the one who finally convinced me to change my major after I told him that I would love to teach music. He pushed me to go after what I wanted.” Patrick responds.

“David is the one to convince you to switch majors?”

“Yeah, he knew what I needed to do to be happy. He would support me if I said I wanted to act or be an astronaut.”

“Well, maybe I have been a little judgmental based on that one time I saw him. I should know that you wouldn’t be friends with a complete asshole,” Aidan says with a wink and a grin. 

“Not a complete one,” Patrick says. “David has his moments. But he has such a good heart, Aidan. He just doesn’t let many people see that. He’s afraid of it getting crushed.”

Aidan hums in agreement. “Aren’t we all?” He reaches out and plays a few notes on the piano, and Patrick watches. He recognizes the tune but can’t quite place it. “What’s this?”

”I’ll Cover You from Rent.” Aidan says and starts to sing.

I think they meant it

when they said you can’t buy love

Now I know you can rent it

A new lease you were my love

On life

Patrick watches as Aidan sings and can’t help being moved by his new friend’s voice. It’s raw and filled with the pain that the character feels in this moment of the show after losing his love, and Patrick wonders for a moment if that is coming from somewhere deep within Aidan. 

Aidan finishes playing, and they let the silence settle around them before Patrick speaks.

”That was beautiful, man,” Patrick says, his voice a little rough. He can only imagine what it would be like to lose David and can’t think about it. Aidan sang like he had lost someone.

”Thanks. That moment in the show got to me. I could feel Tom’s pain, and I knew I wanted to be able to touch people like that, you know?”

Patrick nods. “Have you lost someone?” he asks gently.

Aidan looks away quickly, absently playing notes on the piano keys.

”Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” Patrick says.

”No, that’s okay. Um, you know how I told you my dad took pictures of me and my date to the spring formal?”

Patrick nods, and Aidan keeps playing. He swallows before speaking again. “Yeah, his name was William. He was the first person I had big feelings for. We connected on so many levels. He was my best friend, and then he died in a car accident. His mom was driving him home from her parents’ house on a Sunday night, and a drunk driver hit them. The guy crossed the line and was going so fast, the impact killed all of them instantly.”

Patrick closes his eyes and lowers his head. He looks up again at Aidan, who stops playing and wipes at his eyes. “Jesus, Aidan. I am so sorry.”

”Yeah, me too. I’ve always wondered ‘what if’ a lot about William. But it also taught me that life can change in a heartbeat, so you need to live it and not let anything hold you back, you know?”

”Yeah, I’m sure.”

“It was also another way that music and theater helped me, finding a way to express my feelings through song and acting; escaping from that for a while helped a lot.” Aidan takes a deep breath and then slaps his hands on his knees, indicating he needs to move on from this conversation. “Let’s say we go grab dinner?” And he stands up, heading for the door, stopping to look back at Patrick. 

Patrick closes the cover to the piano keys, stands up, and grabs his backpack before joining Aidan. He shuts off the lights in the room, shuts the door behind him, and immediately takes out his phone to text David a simple text.

I love you.

David responds within seconds.

Even more than I love this slice I’m eating from John’s Pizzeria?

Patrick can’t help but smile at David’s quick response.

At least as much.

David responds: wow that’s a lot 

Patrick pockets his phone and catches up with Aidan, his heart light after the quick exchange. “Hope there’s pizza left.”

A few seconds later, Patrick’s phone pings. He takes it out to see David’s latest text. Patrick’s heart swells in response to the simple words on the tiny screen, knowing how much courage it takes for David to say them, even to Patrick:

I love you too 

********

“Honestly, I can’t believe you actually enjoyed that ridiculous movie,” Patrick teases his new friend as they walk back to campus.

Aidan laughs, tossing a couple of Reese's Pieces into his mouth. “Oh, come on, Patrick! You can’t tell me that wasn’t entertaining!”

Patrick shakes his head, chuckling. “I don’t know if it was entertaining or disturbing watching you laugh while the Creeper placed that guy’s severed head where his own head used to be.”

”I love horror flicks, man. I love the absurdity of the awful ones; I love the unpredictable ones that genuinely scare me - what can I say?” Aidan replies. “You really didn’t like it?”

Patrick holds out his hand so Aidan can shake some candy into his palm. “Seriously, it was fun. I don’t mind the occasional scary movie. I’m a bigger fan of psychological or occult than I am just slasher flicks.”

”Like Rosemary’s Baby?” Aidan asks.

“Yep, or Amityville Horror or The Omen. The unknown is more scary to me than some masked freak chasing dumb teenagers through the woods.” Patrick says, munching on his candy. “Gotta say, it’s kinda nice to have someone who will watch a horror movie with me.”

“Gonna guess David isn’t much of a fan.”

Patrick laughs as he reaches into his pocket for his cell phone. The mention of David’s name makes him want to text, “Nope, not at all. He loves Hitchcock but that’s about it. Stevie and I have tried to drag him with us when we go. We had a sleepover once for Halloween and made him watch The Exorcist.  He left the room halfway through and still can’t talk about it.” Patrick says, his laugh dying as he sees numerous missed calls and texts. 

“What’s the matter?” Aidan asks when Patrick stops short, staring at his phone. 

“I have a bunch of missed calls from David from when I had my phone off during the movie,” Patrick says, his stomach tightening as he reads the multiple messages.

Patrick call me.

Where are you??

I need you.

Patrick. Please.

Fuck, I need you!

Patrick presses play on the first voicemail and listens to David’s message; his voice is small and tearful, “Patrick, please call me. I don’t know where you are, and I…I don’t know what to do. Call me.”

”Patrick?” Aidan prods.

”Something is wrong. I need to call him.” Patrick replies, calling David’s number without listening to the other messages.

Patrick listens to the phone ringing as Aidan pats him on the shoulder. “You head back to the room and talk with him. I have to run over to Eve’s and borrow a book anyway. I’ll see you later, okay? Hope everything is alright.” 

Patrick nods as Aidan gives him a tight smile of encouragement and turns to walk towards Eve’s dormitory. 

Patrick huffs out a breath in frustration when he gets David’s voicemail. He leaves him a message and then returns to his dorm room, texting David along the way, telling him to call him back.

Patrick’s phone rings just as he enters his room, and he quickly answers it, “David? What’s going on? Are you okay?” He says urgently into the phone.

“Patrick, where have you been?” David replies, and Patrick can tell David has been drinking. 

“I went to the movies with Aidan, so my phone was off,” he says. “David, I’m sorry, but what’s going on? You need to tell me if you’re okay or not!”

David laughs a bitter laugh, “I’m not sure how I feel, Patrick.”

Patrick paces the room, clutching the phone in frustration, “David! Where are you right now?” he asks worryingly.

“Currently leaving a club,” David responds. “I couldn’t reach you and needed to get out.” 

Patrick hangs his head, trying not to feel guilty. “What about Stevie? Is she not around?”

“I don’t know; I didn’t call her. She wouldn’t understand.”

“David, what is going on?”

“Hang on a sec,” Patrick listens as David hails a cab, “465 West Broadway,” David says to the driver before answering Patrick’s question. “My fucking parents let Adelina go,” he bites out.

Patrick stops pacing by the window, staring at the illuminated CN Tower, shining in the night as he takes in this news. 

“Patrick?”

”Yeah, David, I’m here; I just…sorry, when did that happen?” He asks incredulously.

David sighs. “A week after I left for New York.”

”And you’re just learning about it now?”

David scoffs. “You think I’m conversing daily with Johnny and Moira Rose, Patrick? Of course, I’m just finding out now. I still wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t called to check on Alexis today!”

“Jesus Christ,” Patrick mutters, and then he thinks: “Who’s there to watch over Alexis?”

“Oh, you’re going to love this! Alexis is in fucking Switzerland!” David exclaims.

“What? Since when?”

“It's been since just after I left for New York. They sent her to a boarding school because she had been out all night.  The cops saw her walking home from some party and brought her home. Mom freaked out, shipped her off to Switzerland, and let Adelina go, and nobody bothered to fucking inform me of all of this.”

Patrick walks to his bed and sits on its edge. “David, I don’t know what to say. I am so sorry. Adelina didn’t reach out to you herself?”

David sighs and doesn’t respond. “David?” Patrick prods.

”She called and left me a voicemail a few days ago, but all she said was that she loved me and to take care of myself.” David stifles a sob. “I didn’t call her back, Patrick! I was in class, got busy with an assignment, and never called her back.” David says tearfully. “She must think I am the worst ever. I am the worst ever.”

”David, you are not the worst. Adelina loves you, and she knows you are busy at school. Call her tomorrow.”

“I shouldn’t have come to New York, Patrick. I should have just stayed home to take care of Alexis. Now she’s off to another fucking country.”

“David, no…you deserve to live your life. Alexis is not your responsibility.”

”She needs to be someone’s responsibility!” David barks 

“Alexis is your sister, and your parents are responsible for her,” Patrick shouts back. “You get to pursue your dreams, David, and do not have to give everything up to watch over her. Please don’t feel bad about that, David.”

“Patrick, can you come to New York?  I miss you so much,” David says quietly. “I can fly you down. Mom and Dad would lift jet restrictions for you.”

Patrick hangs his head with a sigh. “Listen, David, I would be there in a heartbeat but I have my audition next Monday,” Patrick says. “I need to be ready for that.”

“Right, yeah, ok. That was selfish of me. I shouldn’t have asked.” David says quickly, and Patrick can hear the hurt in his voice.

”David…” he starts to say, but David cuts him off. 

”You know what? I, um, I need to go. We’re at my building. I’ll talk to you later,” David says, abruptly hanging up. Patrick is left holding the phone to his ear, his heart breaking for David, and he is frustrated by being unable to be with him. 

Patrick drops his phone on the bed and puts his head in his hands.

Patrick isn’t sure how long he sits like that, his mind churning, wondering if he could get to New York and back and still be ready for his audition. He knows, deep down, that it isn’t possible. If he went to New York instead of staying and practicing, he would blow his audition, which would mean putting it off for a whole year. 

But David. David needs him. 

David sounded so defeated and heartbroken that Patrick’s heart cracked for him. 

Maybe he should go. Patrick thinks if he left tomorrow, he could fly down and spend a couple of days and then return on Sunday, which would still give him the afternoon to practice…

Patrick’s thoughts are cut off when he hears the door open and looks up to see Aidan entering the room. 

Aidan looks at him, immediately grabs a desk chair, and sits in front of Patrick, his face concerned. “What’s going on? Is David alright?”

Patrick shakes his head, scrubbing his hands across his face. “No, he’s not. David‘s nanny was let go, and he’s really upset.”

Patrick looks up at Aidan when he doesn’t respond immediately to find a blank look on his face. 

“I’m sorry. Your nineteen-year-old boyfriend is upset because his childhood nanny was fired?” Aidan finally asks.

Patrick had a feeling that’s how Aidan would react.

“He asked me to come to New York. He would fly me down, and I’m trying to figure out the timing,” Patrick rambles. 

“You have your audition on Monday, Patrick! You need to be ready for that, not flying to New York and back because David is sad about his nanny.” Patrick can hear the disdain in Aidan’s voice.

“You don’t understand. I knew you wouldn’t understand.” Patrick says testily.

Aidan visibly softens and looks chagrined. “I’m sorry. You know what? Why don’t you explain it? Talk to me. You’re so, I don’t know, almost possessive of David. It’s like you hold back on talking to me about him. It's like you’re protecting him or something. I’m sorry if I come across as a dick sometimes when you do talk about him. I only know the guy from the video store visit and a handful of stories on Access Hollywood. I am just being judgmental for no other reason, and I’m sorry.”

Patrick sits back against the headboard and sighs.

“Aidan. I get it. They are extremely wealthy, and I know how people perceive them.” Patrick knows Aidan is talking about the few times the whole family has been together and subject to gossip magazines and tabloid television. Most of the time, the entertainment media focuses on Johnny and Moira. They have kept the kids out of the public eye for quite a while, but when they are together, they’re subjected to the same treatment. David has never been comfortable with the scrutiny and comes across as a pretentious jerk, while Alexis seems to love the attention, preening, and posing for the camera. Patrick wonders sometimes what they would be like if they had grown up in a different place, in a bigger city and subjected to the lifestyle that Johnny and Moira seem to be a part of away from Schitt’s Creek. David has already started to turn to other means to dull his pain. Where would he be if he hadn’t grown up in a smaller town with Patrick and his family to love him?

“Yes, David can be pretentious, and yeah, he has a high opinion about everything and can be self-absorbed. He will be the first person to admit they are highly privileged. Yes, David and Alexis are very much aware that they are very beautiful people. But Aidan, David has a good heart. He is funny, intelligent, and talented. You have to understand that he and Alexis are both trying to navigate the world with parents who are basically absent. The only person who has truly looked out for and taken care of them has been Adelina. Their parents are always off jetting around most of the time.  When they’re not, they’re not truly present, and it’s all very surface-level. There’s never been any real closeness and communication. And it’s not just about David missing Adelina. Alexis just turned fourteen, and she has already been a handful. David has had to get her out of situations she shouldn’t have been in the past year. Now she’s off at some boarding school in another country, which, by the way, David didn’t even know about. David is going to worry about her. And he…” Patrick pauses, wondering if telling Aidan this is a betrayal of David’s trust, but Patrick needs to talk about this with someone. “David hasn’t been great with dealing with his parent’s lack of attention. I was pretty busy with sports and plays, so he started hanging out with people the last couple of years who want to party.  He has the funds and lack of supervision to provide the things that make great parties and doesn’t see that they’re just using him. He started drinking and partying a lot more the last few months, and I know it’s because he’s trying to dull any hurt and pain he’s feeling.”

“Do you think he has a problem?” Aidan asks.

“I think it could become a problem,” Patrick admits. “He doesn’t usually drink much around me or when he’s at my folks. I think it’s just that he doesn’t know how to cope when he's away from me. He has never really felt like he’s fit in anywhere. Stevie and I are the only people he’s ever been comfortable with. He’s himself with me. Like, I think I ground him, and he knows he’s safe and loved by my family and me.”

“You know, I hate to say anything because I don’t know you very well yet, and I don’t want to overstep.  But it sounds like you have been looking out for David your whole life, and maybe it’s time to step back a little bit. I’m not saying break up or anything; try and let him figure things out now that he’s away from his family and you.”

“He doesn’t have anybody to look out for him. Nobody else ever has, except my folks and Adelina. He needs me.” Patrick says.

Aidan softly smiles. “I’m not saying to not be there for him. Maybe David should learn to depend less on you and more on himself. You seem so focused on David and worrying about him, and I just think you need to focus on yourself more. You are super talented, Patrick, and I hate to see you not do well here because you’re distracted. I’m not saying that’s easy. Just try and let yourself trust that David will be okay. Just pull back a little bit. Let him try and discover himself, too. Figure out how to trust himself and learn to depend on himself and not just you.” 

“I’ll never turn my back on him, Aidan.” Patrick declares defiantly.

”I’m not telling you to! I would never ask you to do that, Patrick. That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying that you seem to be so focused on him. Forgive me, but maybe you concentrate on everyone else and not yourself. This is the time to do that. You need to focus on yourself, man. This is your future, too. You won’t be any good to David if you don’t look out for yourself first. And the same goes for him. I’m not saying to ignore him or not take a call when he needs you. Of course not. You love him, but you have to let go of constantly worrying and looking out for him. It sounds exhausting taking care of him and trying to please everyone.”

“I worry about him and look out for him because I love him. Nobody else is going to!”

“That’s not on you, Patrick. You’re not his keeper. You’re his boyfriend.  And yes, you should absolutely be there for each other, but this isn’t balanced. You will never get to where you need to be and accomplish everything you want, if you’re constantly caring for him. And I feel he would be pretty upset, if he knew exactly how much you could lose because he inadvertently held you back.”

Patrick hears Aidan’s words and knows deep down that he’s right. 

“I just love him and want him to be happy,” he says quietly.

Aidan sits beside Patrick, puts his arm around Patrick’s shoulders, and squeezes. “I know, but enabling him and this behavior isn’t helping him in the long run.” 

Patrick’s phone vibrates with an incoming call. Without looking, Patrick instinctively knows it’s David.

Aidan nudges him with his shoulder. “Go on. Take that. I’m gonna hop in the shower.”

Patrick nods, and Aidan smiles and stands up. Patrick answers his phone as he watches Aidan enter the bathroom, shutting the door softly behind him.

“Hey,” Patrick says into the phone.

“I’m sorry,” David says. “I have no right to demand you to come here and then get pissed. I know you have important things going on. I’m just…” David sighs heavily, and Patrick aches to be with him, to hold him. “I just miss you. I don’t have anyone else to talk to here.”

“I thought you were making friends with some people in your class?”

“Yeah, but they don’t know me like you do. They wouldn’t have understood this situation at all, even Stevie would have rolled her eyes.”

“David, I wish I could be with you right now. I do. I can’t leave…”

“I know. It’s okay. Patrick, I know how important your audition is. I was just being selfish and needy.” David says.

“I think needing to have someone with you who loves you when you’re upset isn’t being selfish, David. I understand why you’re upset and wish I could be there. Maybe I can come down over Canadian Thanksgiving? We don’t have classes that Monday. It would be a really quick trip, though.”

“What about being with your parents? Marcy will flip if you’re not there.”

“Let me talk to them. I think they will understand. If the offer still stands to fly me down.”

“Always.”

********

“You don’t want to be here for Thanksgiving? Clint, Patrick doesn’t want to come home for Thanksgiving!” 

Patrick cringes at the disappointment in his mom’s voice. It took him half the day to get up the nerve to call, knowing exactly how she would react, and he hated letting her down. He finally got the words out after they got through the initial ‘how was your week’ conversation.

“Clint! Go pick up the extension in the kitchen.” Marcy demands.

“But it’s the bottom of the ninth…” Patrick hears his dad say. 

Patrick can picture them. His mom in her chair, knitting, and his dad on the sofa watching the game. He feels a pang of homesickness at the image in his mind.

“Clinton,” Marcy says.

Patrick hears his dad grumble, and a few seconds later, the telltale sound of Clint picking up the other phone. 

“Hey, kiddo,” his dad says, and Patrick can’t help but smile.

“Hey, Dad.”

Marcy gives an exasperated sigh. “Now, explain why you don’t want to be here for the holiday?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to, Mom,” Patrick responds gently. “I didn’t say that. I said that David had invited me to New York, and I said that I would check with you guys. It’s not the most important holiday we celebrate…”

“That’s a ridiculous thing to say,” Marcy interrupts. “We have always had a big family dinner at Thanksgiving!”

“Marce, let him talk,” Clint interjects.

Patrick continues after a huff from his mom, “I mean, it’s not as important as Christmas. Not everyone has been able to be home for Thanksgiving the past few years. Josh has been away at school in Winnipeg and hasn’t been there.”

“Winnipeg is much further than Toronto, dear,” Marcy replies.

“I understand that, Mom. It’s just David called yesterday and said that his parents sent Alexis to boarding school in Switzerland and let Adelina go.”

“What?” his dad says as Marcy gasps.

“Yeah, David called Alexis yesterday to check on her, and she filled him in. He had no idea Alexis was away at school.”

“That explains why we haven’t seen either of them,” Clint says. “We were talking about Alexis the other night.”

“So, let me get this straight,” Marcy says slowly. “The Roses sent Alexis away and let Adelina go, and this was all after David left for school, so he never got a chance to say goodbye?” Marcy asks.

“That is correct.”

Patrick rubs at his temple and lets his parents sit with this information momentarily.

“I imagine he was very upset,” Marcy finally says quietly.

“Yep. Extremely.”

“Oh, the poor boy,” Marcy sighs.

“That’s pretty shitty of them,” Clint says.

“Yeah, it is.”

“So, of course, David asked you to come to New York,” his dad says. “I imagine he is feeling pretty alone.”

“Very. David hasn’t been there long enough to make friends with anyone yet. Stevie is there, but she doesn’t deal well with big emotional situations, as you know. He wanted me to come down sooner, but I couldn’t because of school, obviously. I have my audition this week, too. So, I suggested visiting the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving. It’s the only time I have between now and Christmas.”

“It would be a speedy trip, dear,” Marcy responds.

“Yeah, I know, but he needs me. It’ll be worth it. I miss him. I miss you guys, too, and not being there for the holiday will be weird. I just…”

“It’s fine, sweetheart,” his mom interrupts. “Absolutely, you should be with David. I can only imagine how he’s feeling.”

“I agree, son,” Clint says. “Just let us know the details of when you’re going and how much the tickets are. We support you visiting David one hundred percent.”

“Thanks, you guys,” Patrick says, feeling his shoulders come down. “And don’t worry about the tickets—David’s taking care of it. Apparently, jet restrictions don’t apply to me,” and his parents laugh and joke about taking a trip to Hawaii, while Patrick breathes a sigh of relief, knowing he will get to see David soon.

Chapter Text

Patrick walks into his dorm room, ignores Aidan, who’s sprawled on his bed with a book and heads straight for his own bed. He drops his bag to the floor with a sigh and collapses face-first into the comforter. The sound he makes is a half-groan, half-relief.

“Thank God that’s over,” Patrick mutters, his voice muffled against the pillow.

Aidan doesn’t miss a beat. “So… how’d it go?” he asks, his voice light and teasing in that sing-song way Patrick’s come to expect.

Patrick rolls his head to the side, his cheek squished against the pillow. “That was the most stressful, nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done,” he says, groaning again as he stretches his arms out.

Aidan raises an eyebrow, a grin tugging at his lips. “Yep, it’s a trip, that’s for sure. But seriously, how do you think it went?”

Patrick sighs and rolls onto his back, staring at the ceiling. “I think it went okay. I only messed up once on Days of Wine and Roses. Honestly, I feel like I sang well overall, but I’m just hoping they understand I’m not pursuing a performance career. You know? I want to teach, and I hope that came through in the interview. I tried to relax, not let the panel intimidate me.”

Aidan stretches and puts the book aside, his gaze softening. “Did they ask why you want to teach? Or what your goals are?”

“I told them music has always been a huge part of my life and how much it means to me,” Patrick replies, rubbing his hand over his eyes. “I joked that they’ve probably heard that a million times. But then I told them about my friend Stevie and this kid Erik, who found himself through music. Erik came from a rough home and didn’t have many friends—most of them were bad influences—but he joined chorus freshman year because he thought it’d be an easy class and discovered a passion for it. He made friends, and he felt like he belonged. He’s even taking classes at a community college now. I want to help kids like that find their way through music. I want to be a part of that process.”

Patrick pauses, catching Aidan’s eye, and finds his roommate looking at him with a quiet, almost admiring smile.

“You’re a shoo-in, Brewer,” Aidan says, his voice warm. “No way they didn’t eat that up.”

Patrick closes his eyes, letting out a long breath. “I hope so, Aidan,” he says, tucking his hands behind his head. “The more I think about it, the more excited I get about teaching. I really want this. I feel so much more sure about it than I ever did when I was applying for business school. Back then, it was like I was just following the path I was supposed to take, but this? This feels different. This feels like something I could do for the rest of my life.”

He gazes up at the ceiling, the thought of his future with music swirling through his mind, and with it, the vision of a life that includes David. That is the future he wants.

A pillow suddenly smacks him in the face, snapping him out of his reverie.

“Hey, no daydreaming about your boyfriend,” Aidan teases.

Patrick laughs, sitting up and pulling the pillow off his face. “I wasn’t just thinking about David. I was thinking about everything—the big picture.” He pauses, then adds, “Aidan, for the first time in my life, I’m sure about what I want to do. And it’s so close to happening; I can almost touch it. I want this so badly.”

Aidan’s eyes brighten with an approving smile, his green eyes crinkling at the corners. “Then you’ll have it. Your passion? It’ll make it happen. I know it will, Patrick.”

Patrick grins. “I sure hope so.”

Aidan shrugs. “Or if not, you can always sit in a cubicle somewhere, playing with Excel spreadsheets.”

Patrick chuckles. “I’m telling you, spreadsheets will be part of my teaching career. There’s no way around it.”

Aidan grins mischievously, grabbing a thick statistics textbook from the side of his bed and tossing it on Patrick’s blanket. “Great! Then you can help me with this bullshit.”

Patrick laughs, shaking his head. “Let me guess—you thought statistics would be an easy math credit?”

Aidan dramatically flops down onto his bed, groaning. “I was duped, man. Totally duped.”

Patrick grins, sitting up and tossing the book aside. “No worries. If I can get David to pass statistics, I can help anyone.”

“Perfect!” Aidan says, hopping off his bed and stretching. “But not now. It’s way too nice outside, and I think we need to toss a baseball around and then grab some lunch.”

Patrick looks up at his new friend, smiling. “Sounds good to me.”

********

“David!” Patrick exclaims into the phone, “I got accepted! I’m officially going to be studying music education next semester!”

“Of course you did,” David responds. “I knew you would, Patrick! I believe this is where I get to say, ‘I told you so.’”

Patrick laughs, feeling lighter than he has in a long time. “I can’t thank you enough, David. For convincing me to do this. I don’t know why I doubted it for so long.”

”Um, because you are a people pleaser who just wants to go with the flow as long as everyone else is happy,” David says. “Which is somewhat admirable but also not conducive to you living a fulfilling life.”

”Somewhat admirable?” Patrick teases.

David huffs, “Obviously, I am not a people pleaser, so yes, it’s admirable that you care about others.”

Patrick smiles, knowing that David is a caregiver deep down, even if he would be loath to admit it. “I think I know someone else who cares about others,” Patrick says, thinking of all the times David has shown how much he cares for those closest to him.

”I might care about some people, yes,” David says.

”Might I be one of those people?” Patrick asks, picturing the eye roll on the end of the phone.

”Fishing for compliments is more my wheelhouse, Patrick.”

Patrick laughs, missing David so much. “Hey, I’m gonna call my folks and tell them the news.”

”You called me first?”

”David, of course I did. You’re the one who convinced me to go for this.  Also, you’re my best friend, and I kinda love you a lot. You’re the first person I think of whenever I want to share something.  You know that. You always have been and always will be.”

There’s a moment of silence, and Patrick knows David is taking a second to gather himself. 

“I love you, too,” David says softly. “Tell them I said hello and thank Marcy for the cookies.”

”You got more cookies from my mom?” Patrick exclaims. “I haven’t even gotten one package yet, and she’s sent you two?”

”You’re the one who told her I was upset about the Alexis and Adelina situation. We all know who her favorite is, Patrick.”

”Yeah, they would probably adopt you if they could.”

”That would make things very awkward between you and me.” 

“Worked in Clueless,” Patrick quips.

”Our parents would have to divorce, and one of them would have to marry one of the other one’s so we could be stepbrothers.  We know that is never happening, and this is very complicated and strange, so let’s change the direction of this conversation, please.”

Patrick laughs at his boyfriend’s ramblings. “Can we do a video chat later?” Patrick asks, “Aidan is going out with Eve tonight, so I have the room to myself,” he says, lowering his voice.

”Patrick, are you suggesting we have sexy times over video?”

”I am most definitely suggesting that.”

“I am scandalized! Call me when you’re ready.”

”I will call the second Aidan leaves.”

”Okay. And Patrick?”

”Yeah, David?”

”I am so fucking proud of you.”

********

“You are being such a tourist right now,” David says.

Patrick turns his gaze to David, away from the window of the Lincoln Town Car, where he is watching the Manhattan skyline come into view. David’s tone is teasing, but he smiles fondly at Patrick. Patrick smiles back, squeezing David’s hand.

“Sorry, but this is my first time in New York, so I know you were preparing yourself for this,” Patrick responds, 

Patrick is rewarded with a dazzling smile from his boyfriend, and he has to lean in for a kiss. 

“I have missed you so much,” David whispers. 

“I’ve missed you too, David,” Patrick replies, gripping David’s hand. “I am so excited to see your place,” he adds.

“You’ve seen my place,” David responds.

”On camera,” Patricks says, “And honestly, I pay much more attention to someone’s handsome face than his surroundings.”

David is visibly pleased with this comment, and Patrick smiles, kissing him again before returning to the passing scenery. 

“Shit, the Empire State Building is so huge!” Patrick exclaims and loves David’s response, which is a laugh. 

The next two days are a whirlwind, visiting some of David’s favorite places: The Cloisters, The Strand, wandering through the Village, and stopping by the historic Stonewall Inn. Patrick finds himself getting emotional as he listens to David talk about Marsha P. Johnson and the Stonewall Riots of 1969. He realizes he has so much to learn about his new community and feels prouder every day to be a part of it.

Saturday, they meet Stevie for brunch, and Patrick finds himself emotional about how happy she looks, animatedly talking about school and her future pursuing a career in musical theater. Patrick can’t recall the last time he saw her this excited about anything, and it fills his heart with joy.

He and David have dinner at Via Emilia, where they share a plate of puffy, savory gnocco fritters stuffed with fresh prosciutto. Patrick then dives into a generous portion of Romagnan lasagna, with layers oozing bits of beef and creamy béchamel. “Do not tell my mother, but this is the best lasagna I have ever had,” Patrick says. Another day, they have lunch in Chinatown, where Patrick tastes the best Chinese food he’s ever had—pillowy soft dumplings, crispy egg rolls, and delicious orange chicken—and knows nothing will compare. He also has to admit that the bagels and pizza here are far superior.

David asks what show Patrick wants to see, and he thinks of Aidan and says Rent. Patrick is emotional and speechless afterward, and as they sit enjoying slices of cheesecake at Junior’s, he insists on holding David’s hand across the table because the thought of losing him is more than Patrick can bear. They spend plenty of time in David’s bed, rediscovering each other, and fall asleep, wrapped up in each other’s arms, feeling completely content.

Patrick ultimately decides that maybe New York wouldn’t be such a bad place to live after all. He could get used to the noise and chaos, and there is a lot of that. There is also so much beauty, culture, history, and diversity. Central Park truly is an oasis in the middle of the city, with its winding paths, wide meadows, and serene lakes. Patrick will always cherish standing at the edge of the Imagine circle in Strawberry Fields, holding David’s hand as a guitarist played various John Lennon songs. It would be rather exciting to live there with David, who is so animated and happy. It will be something Patrick needs to think about. 

On his last night in the city, standing on the rooftop deck with David, Patrick listens to the hum of the streets below. He gazes out at the buildings and up at the dark blue sky, illuminated by the city lights. These past few days have been magical, and Patrick has to admit he may have fallen a little in love with New York. Or perhaps he’s fallen more in love with David while watching David love New York City.

“So, do you think you could picture yourself living here?” David asks hesitantly. 

Patrick turns to look at him, David’s hair blowing a bit in a slight breeze, his beautiful face, and in that moment, Patrick knows what the answer is and always will be. 

“I can picture myself living anywhere as long as I’m with you, David.”

“Admit that you have fallen a little in love with the place.”

“I have fallen completely in love with you,” Patrick answers. 

David’s face softens, and he leans in to kiss Patrick. 

“I can’t believe how fast these days went by,” David says. “I don’t want to let you go again.”

Patrick reaches up to wrap his hand around David’s neck and pulls him into another kiss.  Then David murmurs against Patrick’s lips, “I love you.”

Patrick swallows the lump in his throat that always appears whenever the thought of being apart again surfaces. “I’ll see you when you come to visit over your November break, and then it will be Christmas and, before you know it, spring break and then summer. We just need to repeat that a bunch more times, and then we graduate.”

The next afternoon, Patrick grips the armrest of his seat, as the luxury Bombardier Global Express miraculously lifts off the tarmac. Already missing David after their tearful goodbye, Patrick knows what he said is true. Wherever David needs to be, Patrick needs to be there, too. He doesn’t know how or when, but they’ll eventually be in the same place again. 

His mom always says, ‘Don’t wish the time away,’ but as the plane lifts higher into the sky, taking him further away from David, Patrick can’t help but wish the next four years go quickly. 

*******

“I’m not coming home for Christmas.” 

Patrick freezes, clutching a handful of boxer briefs in the middle of his dorm room. That is not what he expected David to say at the start of this phone call. “What?” he finally says in disbelief. 

“Nobody is going to be there,” David says. “Alexis is staying in Switzerland. Adelina is obviously not there anymore. My parents aren’t having a party because Mom is still filming some dumb Lifetime movie. Nobody cares if I’m there.”

“Really, David? I’m going to be there! I didn’t think I was ‘nobody,’” Patrick snaps.

“Oh my God, Patrick, of course you’re somebody! I don’t mean you, obviously. My family doesn’t care!”

“I care! My family cares!” Patrick says, shoving the handful of underwear into his duffle bag. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation while I’m getting ready to leave for home.”

“Come to New York City,” David suggests, and Patrick closes his eyes in frustration. 

“I can’t bail on my parents, David! I missed Thanksgiving. There is no way I’m skipping the holidays with my family, and you know that! You are part of my family, David!” Patrick sighs, running his hand through his unruly curls in frustration. “David, I have to go. I have a final, and then I have to get going. I’m taking the bus home tonight. I can’t believe you’re being like this. We were going to be together during winter break.”

“I guess not,” David huffs in return. 

“Jesus Christ, I can’t believe you’re just dropping this on me right now!” Patrick shouts, then takes a deep breath. “Listen, David. You do whatever you need to do. I can’t talk about it. I have to finish packing and leave for my final.”

”Fine. I guess I’ll talk to you later,” David sniffs.

”I guess,” Patrick says and disconnects the call, dropping his phone on the bed as Aidan comes out of the bathroom, rubbing a towel over his head. 

“What the hell was all the shouting about?” he asks. 

Patrick puts his hands on hips, trying to keep it together. “I love David very much,” he says through clenched teeth, “but sometimes he really pisses me off. He just told me he decided he’s not going home for the holidays.”

”Oh.” Aidan responds. “He hasn’t mentioned it before this?”

Patrick shoots a look at his roommate. “Do you think I’d be this upset if he had?”

”Okay, sorry, dumb thing to say. So, what’s going on?” Aidan says, grabbing his shirt off the foot of his bed and pulling it on. 

“I guess Alexis is staying at school. He’s not sure when his parents are going to be home or if they’re even doing anything to celebrate at all. They usually have this crazy Christmas party, but not this year. He said nobody cares if he’s there.” Patrick clenches his jaw. “Nobody is what he said. It’s so goddamn frustrating! How can he think that? I’m not nobody! My parents aren’t nobody! David has to understand how much we care and how much we want him to be with us.”

“You know, Patrick, from everything that you’ve told me about David and his family, it just sounds like there is a lot of childhood trauma that he’s not dealing with. A lot of trust issues and, frankly, some self-loathing,” Adian says after a moment.

“He’s had me and my parents! David knows he can trust me and my mom and dad! He has to know that and that we love him.”

“But you’re not his parents, Patrick. Watching his mom passed out all the time, practically overdosing, being alone all the time–that’s traumatic! Feeling abandoned most of the time or ignored by his own parents. Patrick, he loves you. Maybe he truly believes that you and your folks love him, but he doesn’t believe he’s worthy of it because of how his own parents have treated him.”

“I guess. I just get so frustrated with it all,” Patrick says, zipping up his bag. He looks up at Aidan. “Since when did you become a psychologist?” he teases.

Aidan chuckles. “Oh, I have spent my fair share on a shrink’s couch. I can formulate some hypotheses on people’s behavior by now,” he says. “Including David, now that I’ve learned more about him over the past couple of months. Maybe you can just give him a little grace with this one, Patrick. As I have said before, let him figure things out on his own. You don’t have to swoop in and save him every time.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Patrick says, reaching for his coat. “I have to go take that French final. I’ll see you before I leave.”

“Maybe Santa will bring David a therapist for Christmas,” Aidan jokes, and Patrick can’t help but chuckle. 

“One can hope,” he says as he heads out the door. 

********

Patrick stands next to his cousin, Casey, both of them watching the subtle drama unfold across the Brewers’ living room. Stevie gives an awkward smile at something Josh said, then makes a quick exit to the kitchen, leaving Josh standing there, his shoulders slumping slightly. He makes his way over to Patrick and Casey.

Casey smirks and pats Josh’s arm. “That went well,” she says with mock sincerity.

Patrick nods solemnly, leaning into the tease. “Definitely. She’ll figure out you’re head over heels for her in no time, especially if you keep playing it this cool,” he says, turning the last word into a playful jab.

Josh groans and pours himself a cup of eggnog from the large bowl nearby. He takes a deep gulp and immediately coughs. “Holy shit,” he gasps, eyes wide. “My dad and Uncle Clint didn’t hold back on the whiskey this year.”

Patrick chuckles, setting his drink—just sparkling water—down on the table. The eggnog was lethal, and while the warmth of it was tempting, he wasn’t in the mood to drown his thoughts tonight. The house is alive with chatter and laughter, the living room glowing with strings of lights and garlands, and the tall pine filled with ornaments from over the years holds a place of honor in front of the window. Marcy has outdone herself again, as she always does, creating a space so festive and inviting. The only thing missing is David.

Josh sighs, still holding his cup like it was a lifeline. “I don’t know why I can’t just say something to her,” he laments, his gaze drifting toward the kitchen doorway. “She’s so fucking cool, you know? And then I open my mouth, and I just feel… stupid.” He pauses, shaking his head. “She’d probably laugh in my face. Or punch me.”

Patrick raises his eyebrows, considering. “Honestly? Could go either way with Stevie.”

Casey slides an arm around her brother’s shoulders. “Someday, big brother. Someday.”

“Speaking of being besotted with childhood friends,” Josh says, smirking as he leans against the table. “Where’s David? Swanky party at The Roses?”

Patrick’s smile faltered. He pulls out his phone, the screen lighting up to reveal nothing new—no text, no missed call. It had been radio silence since yesterday morning, and Patrick was doing his best to follow Aidan’s advice: give him space. But the longer he waited, the worse the knot in his stomach became.

“Don’t worry,” Aidan had said. “He’ll come around.” 

Easy for him to say. 

Patrick rubs the back of his neck, glancing toward the living room. His parents had barely hidden their disappointment when he told them David wasn’t coming home for Christmas. His dad had murmured something about The Roses and priorities, while his mom had just sighed, pressing her lips together in that way that said everything.

When Stevie arrived, she’d taken one look at Patrick and pulled him into a tight hug. Nothing was said, but her expression promised they’d talk later. Now, standing in the middle of the party, Patrick felt the silence pressing in harder than the noise.

Patrick shook his head, pocketing his phone. ““Uh, no. There’s no party this year, and well, David decided to…”

Before Patrick can finish his thought, a flash of light catches his eye, spilling across the snow outside. A car is pulling into the driveway.

From across the room, Patrick hears his dad say, “Who could that be? I thought everyone was here.”

But Patrick’s focus is already at the window. His breath catches, and his heart skips a beat as he sees a familiar figure stepping out of a black sedan. He doesn’t wait to think—he just runs.

“David!” Patrick calls after opening the front door, his voice breaking on the name as the cold air slaps his face. He tears down the porch steps, feet crunching against the snow until they don’t. A slick patch of ice sends him skidding forward.

He stumbles, but before he can hit the ground, he’s caught—steady, warm hands gripping his arms.

“It’s a wonder you’re not dancing on Broadway,” David says, laughter in his voice as he pulls Patrick upright.

Patrick laughs too, breathless, and then David is wrapping him up in a tight embrace. They sway together for a moment, the rest of the world fading into the background.

Patrick pulls back just enough to meet David’s lips, feeling the press of them warm against his own, David’s cold nose brushing his cheek. He cups the back of David’s head, holding him close as their tears mix, a rush of relief and joy spilling between them.

“You’re really here,” Patrick whispers, his voice thick with emotion, hands cradling David’s face as David grips his wrists. “You decided to come home.”

David sniffs, a sheepish smile tugging at his mouth. Whatever frustration Patrick had been holding onto evaporates like breath in the winter air.

“You didn’t think I’d pass up Marcy’s candied sweet potatoes, did you?”

Patrick laughs, shaking his head. “You asshole. I thought you weren’t coming.”

David’s smile falters, his eyes glistening. He reaches to cup Patrick’s cheek. “Honestly? I had this whole plan. Quiet holiday. No Rose family drama. My loft, takeout, movies. I thought it’d be perfect.” He pauses, his voice soft. “But it wouldn’t be. Not without you. You were right. Forget my own family—I need to be with you. It’s not Christmas without my favorite person.”

Patrick grins, too full of love to stop himself. “And my mom’s butter tarts.”

David chuckles, his laugh breaking the tension. “I mean, obviously.”

Patrick pulls him close again, pressing his face to David’s neck, feeling his warmth as snowflakes settle on their hair and shoulders. He presses a kiss to David’s skin and lets himself feel the pure, unguarded joy of this moment.

As the world softens around them, Patrick knows one thing for sure.

As long as David has faith in them—in himself—they’ll always be okay.

As long as David never stops believing that.