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 Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 11:17 am
The day started off as any other ordinary day would start.
He'd been dragged out of bed at the crack of dawn by a grinning, eager wet nose to the arm and a lopsided tongue that begged him to hurry up with every sloppy stroke it made across his sleepy-eyed face.
"I know, Gats, I'm up, I'm up."
The dog had whined pitifully, all the way up until the duo had reached the back door and the boy with tousled blonde hair struggled to unlock it fast enough for the German shepherd mix to go flying out into the back yard.
He really should install a doggy door, he knew.
Coffee and a bagel were next on the agenda, unless the bagels proved harder than they had been the day before. There was a small victory as he squished the sides of the bag, confirming the bread was still good despite the expiration date looming on the horizon.
It was a Monday morning, which meant the cafe would receive heavier foot traffic for those desperate for sugar and caffeine who held weekday jobs. He'd almost automatically wandered back into his bedroom to pull out his uniform but managed to stop himself just as he'd reached the kitchen's door frame.
Wait.
It was May seventh.
The thought had genuinely slipped his mind as the green eyed man shifted to hunt down his cell phone, taking the large mug (with a cheesy inspirational quote emblazoned on it, no less) to his bedroom as he glanced around for the cellular device. The calendar confirmed his suspicion and for a moment the barista had to laugh at his own self for forgetting the occasion.
Go figure.
Ah, well. It wasn't as if he'd had anything planned for the day. Maybe he'd take himself out to lunch for a change - when was the last time he'd eaten out that hadn't involved the food court in the mall attached to the cafe? The answer would probably worry him, so he wasn't going to think about it.
Honestly, he almost wished he'd insisted on coming in to work. The weekend had been split between cleaning the house and looking after the store, leaving him with no chores to do for his day off.
Eh. Maybe he still could show up to work, after all.
For now, though, he'd putter around the house and straighten up this or that. Maybe he'd start that new show on Netflix - he hadn't had a good and proper binge in... well. A while.
What better way was there, to spend his day?
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 8:59 am
It had been a mad rush of things once he realized what day it was and how long he'd truly been gone.
His bag had been abandoned by the side of his bed, the one that'd been unused for nearly five months now, and several articles of clothing ended up on, or beside, it as he hurried to change into something fresh. There'd been a quick trip to the bathroom where he washed his face and anything else that seemed like it needed it.
There wasn't time for a proper shower, not if he wanted to catch his friend before he left the house.
By the time he'd made it to one Daniel McKay's apartment complex he was breathing heavily. It didn't matter how in shape he thought, he was winded by the time he'd trotted up the stairs and knocked on the door. His heart fluttered in his chest and he could feel his throat trying to close, the tell-tale signs of his anxiety threatening the take control of him until every part of him was trembling from it.
But...
He was better, he was in control. Most importantly, he was okay.
He waited.
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 9:52 am
The sudden, unexpected knock caught his attention as he was leaving the bedroom, the blonde boy almost spilling his coffee in surprise. One hand moved out to automatically catch any wayward splashes before eyes widened and he searched for some place to set the mug down on.
"Coming!"
Cup deposited, he reached into the nearest dresser drawer, pulling out the first shirt he could find. It was a dayglow orange one, not the most appealing of colors - a sentimental shirt kept for nostalgia purposes as off-orange writing on it proudly proclaimed Camp Kiwani Counselor 2011. Little tight, little mismatched with his blue pajama bottoms but it was an eyesore the stranger at the door was going to have to endure as penance for knocking on his door before eight in the morning.
The chain was undone and the locks slipped free before he was twisting the doorknob and pulling the heavy door open. Gatsby would no doubt hear the creak of the hinges in no time, but thankfully the back door would keep him penned - at least until he realized there was a visitor and began his ritualistic barking.
Green eyes opened wide as the automatic smile on his face froze upon recognition of the taller boy standing in front of him.
"T-Tristan?"
His hair had grown longer, looking extra shaggy. The brunette also looked significantly thinner, both in body and face, like a permanent state of tired had settled across his features.
There was a moment of silence as Danny could have sworn he heard his heart thumping almost wildly. There were about twenty questions on the tip of his tongue, but the only thing he managed to blurt was "Oh my god, it's really you!" before launching himself at the older boy, arms reaching out to circle around his torso in a desperate, excited hug.
"You're back!!!!!"
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 10:15 am
It was the saving grace that his ability to grow a beard was sub-par at best, a resting five o'clock shadow that wanted to be a beard graced his jawline and Danny might've felt the scratchiness as Tristan had no time to clean himself up any further before he'd hurried over. The hug was unexpected but the moment Danny's arms wrapped around him he felt something in him crack and relief flooded his entire being.
He had been away for so long he was worried that no one would be waiting for him. Not that he would blame them, he had left so abruptly, without a word and he had been gone for so much longer than he'd meant to.
But Danny was here and from the way he greeted Tristan, he was welcome back and the older, taller man thought he might cry from the relief that overcame him.
His tongue wet his lip and he said, "I hope I'm back in time." He looked a little uncomfortable in his own skin but for the most part he looked better. Less weighted down even if he looked more tired.
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 11:02 am
He clung to him for what felt like forever, smooth cheek pressed against the scruffy one of his best friend as his arms were incredibly reluctant to release their hold. It was almost as if he were scared that the older boy would disappear again if he let go, fingers lingering on his sides as he finally pulled back to get a better look at him.
Danny's nose wrinkled at the comment, messy blonde hair shaking as his grin failed to waver. "Don't be ridiculous, I've always got time for you, Tris. This is the best gift I could have ever asked for."
Feet traveled backwards as his hands shifted to take hold of one of his friend's, yanking him to follow the younger man inside. He thanked his lucky stars that he'd made himself clean the day before - what a mess that would have been, Tris coming back and seeing the house in such a state!
"I would have made something if I had known you were coming - I made coffee already but I can boil up some water for tea in a jiffy, it wouldn't be a problem."
His bottom lip quickly found its way between his teeth as he scoured over the counters, trying to figure out if he had anything suitable to offer his newly-returned friend. "I'm sure I can whip up something, if you're hungry." Head turned, green eyes looking him up and down, as if reminded once again of just how thin the brunette had grown. "Are you hungry? I can make something or I can order something - I..."
The hand squeezed the calloused fingers he remained attached to, Danny struggling to keep his thoughts on track when all he wanted to do was repeat you're back, you're back, you're back! over and over again until his brain finally processed the good news. Forcing himself to calm down, he took a deep breath and beamed another smile. "How have you been? I missed you."
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Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 7:57 am
Danny clinging to him helped Tristan feel more and more relieved the longer the hug went on. He had been terrified that he would be rebuffed when he'd shown up suddenly out of the blue after being gone for so long and he hadn't realized how worried he'd been about it until that moment.
A short noise of laughter left him when he was tugged inside, barely managing to coax the door closed as his friend led him into his home.
"Why would you make me anything, it's not my birthday," he said softly, almost humbled by the notion that the blond cared more about doing things for him despite what day it was. "I...I'm okay, but if you're going to eat, I'm happy to eat with you."
He didn't know how to tell the man that he wasn't hungry because he wasn't used to eating too much. Besides, today wasn't about him. "But don't feel like you need to do something just because I'm here. I just wanted to spend time with you. I've been gone so long...I didn't have time to get you something before I realized what day it was."
Tristan fidgeted, uncomfortable with the idea that he'd failed. "I'm...okay, but I'm working on being better."
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Posted: Tue May 15, 2018 8:10 am
He busied himself with making tea, putting the task on himself before the taller boy had a chance to actually request any. It kept him from gawking, kept him from asking too many questions that Tristan probably didn't feel like answering - goodness knew that the poor guy went through a lot as it was, he didn't need someone pestering him when here he was, clearly going out of his way to make sure Danny felt special on his birthday.
"You brought me you - I can't think of anything better for a present."
His smile was ear-to-ear, green eyes watching as stable hands moved to fix the large mug he'd pulled out from the cabinet. It was filled in a matter of moments before the young man turned to offer his friend the fresh drink.
"Hey - each day is a new day." Once his second hand was freed from the beverage, it returned to help cradle his own. "And I have a feeling today is going to be a good one."
The peaceful moment was soon broken by the sound of loud whines and claw scratches on the back of the door. Sixty pounds of dog continued to throw itself against the white paint as a long, familiar snout pressed against the glass. Gatsby had noticed his favorite person and was doing his damndest to get to him but had apparently found himself stuck on the other side of an immovable force.
Danny laughed, the sound light as he shuffled over towards the back door. One hand paused on the doorknob as he glanced over towards the brunette. "Looks like someone else is happy to see you, Tris. You ready for some puppy loving? You're not going to topple over on me now, are you?"
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2018 8:03 am
Having someone who was simply happy to spend time with him was startling. He was used to coming bearing gifts of some sort, even when he knew it wasn't necessary, and to be told that bringing himself was enough...well, it made something twist inside of him.
"Ah, well, I'd like to make it up to you later." He hoped that Danny would be able to tell that he needed to be able to do so. "I just, I got home and realized what day it was and I just came straight over." His cheeks flushed when he realized how silly that sounded.
Accepting his mug, Tristan held it with both hands and took pleasure in the way it warmed his hands and how the scent reminded him of well...home, whatever that meant to him now. "Thank you," he mumbled, looking up at the man as he went towards the door to let in the eager dog that hadn't grown out of his puppy stage.
At the question he set the mug on the table and sank down to his knees so that if he did topple over he would at least closer to the ground. "Yeah, I'm ready."
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2018 11:05 am
Tristan's confession had Danny's cheeks flushing - he'd come straight over? To see him? It was baffling to the younger man that he would be ranked so highly in someone's book that they'd put the thought of him before their own needs.... it was just....
It simply proved, once again, that Tristan was an incredible human being.
"I'm flattered."
He turned to stare out at Gatsby, who continued to yip and bark wildly as if to say why am I not inside with you?? The blonde boy needed a moment to subdue the color in his face, delight dancing at the corners of his mouth as he struggled to think of something to respond with.
Nothing came immediately to mind so, instead, he chose to let Gatsby do the talking for the both of them.
Once Tris was in position, the doorknob was turned. The large Shepherd mix took control of the situation from there, using his large body's weight to push against the wood. A black, wiggly snout was first to make an appearance as he whined, claws soon following as he scratched and scrambled to gain his footing against the tiled flooring. Danny made a half-effort to reach out for the collar but the dog was far too fast, shooting off like a rocket towards the tall brunette on his knees.
"Gatsby! Please!"
Long red tongue and wet, black nose met Tristan with enthusiasm, the beast having several months of attention to make up for in a span of a few seconds.
All Danny could do was shake his head as his shoulder leaned against the door frame. A short laugh, followed by a smirk as he murmured, "Looks like someone else missed you a lot while you were gone, Lestrange."
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 1:14 pm
Regardless of what the thought, there was no way to properly prepare for the excitable bundle of fur that made up Gatsby. The dog launched at him and while he thought he was rather grounded, it didn't take long for him to be knocked onto his back with an omph and a breathless burst of laughter while a tongue lapped all across his face.
Long fingers slid along fur and blunt nails, that had been checked down, scratched at dog's sides while Gatsby got his fill of scenting Tristan.
Eventually, he had to push the dog back gently, scooting out from beneath the beast that made his lap a home until he could sit up. One hand kept ruffling the fur on the dog's head and Tristan looked up at Danny.
"I didn't mean to make anyone miss me," he said ruefully, letting his green-eyed gaze drop down to the dog who seemed to settle down as long as Tristan pet him. "I'm sorry."
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Posted: Sun May 27, 2018 1:42 am
Danny's smile failed to falter but the dip in his eyebrows gave away the concern growing within him at Tris's almost melancholy reaction to his comment. Upsetting the brunette was one of the very last things he'd ever want to do but it seemed not even the whirlwind of fur in his lap could chase away the sadness for very long.
"You gotta do what you gotta do, Tris. We'll always be here when you're ready to come back - won't we, Gats?"
Pushing off the door's frame, Danny walked over and ran his fingers through the large pup's fur, scratching gently behind his ears while Gatsby's tongue continued to dangle happily. Once the dog was satisfied, he moved it out towards Tris in offering, the blonde attempting to rescue his companion from the dog's domain and the kitchen floor. "That's what friends are for, right?"
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 2:36 pm
At first, Tristan didn't say anything. There was a conflict of emotions welling in his chest and he didn't know how to handle them despite all of the progress he had made. It hurt to realize that there was still so much to improve on, areas for him to grow and places where he could be better.
His friends deserved better than the person he was now and he wanted nothing more than to give the people that meant something to him everything in the world.
"I know," he said quietly after the hand had been extended towards him for more than a minute or two. "I'm really lucky to have you as a friend Danny." And Tristan meant it, because he had so few people in his life and they were so terribly important to him.
In fact, without them, he didn't know what would or would have happened to him.
Finally he accepted the outstretched hand and climbed to his feet. He didn't let go, instead he tugged Danny towards him and wrapped his arms around him. "Thank you, for being my friend and always welcoming me with open arms even though I keep stumbling."
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 1:47 am
For a moment, Danny was starting to wonder whether or not Tris was going to take his hand (and by that, his offer of help). But then, sure enough, the tall boy grabbed his hand and helped hoist himself up.
What Danny wasn't expecting was the sudden hug that came after that. Eyes widened up in surprise as cheeks colored but the blonde boy’s body didn't tense, instead choosing to relax against him. The words murmured in his ear were heartbreaking and he wished he hadn't bothered to take a mug so he could hug the older boy back.
“Hey, we all stumble - it's a part of being human. The important thing is that we get back up again.”
Pulling back, he offered a grin. “I'm lucky to have you too, you know. You seriously are the best present I could ask for.”
It took a few moments for the color to leave his cheeks, Danny clearing his throat as he nudged his companion towards the living room. Gatsby, excited as ever, continued to form a figure-eight pattern between the two men as the homeowner guided his best friend into the other room, allowing him time to snag his cup along the way. “Now whaddya say we do a little catching up? Because man, I've got some stories.”
Granted, they weren't exactly the most exciting stories but everything seemed to feel more important when he got to tell it to his favorite person.
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 2:12 pm
Tristan didn't understand how Danny didn't realize how wonderful he was, but he didn't push it because the same could have been said for him. Instead he relished the moment of relief that shivered through him.
Danny accepted him for who he was and wasn't going to fault him for dealing with all the things he was dealing with. It was more than he could have asked for and he couldn't have been more grateful for the man if he had tried.
"I would love that," he answered earnestly, following the man easily. "I want to know everything." And he did because he missed his friend and what he had to share was important.
And it made things feel normal, which was important.
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