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 Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:07 pm
It was past midnight when Casey finally got home. He just barely got the last bus, having been distracted by how charming Mason was. They ended up talking well after the credits about every little thing that came up. About Casey’s job as a park ranger (in training), and about how he had such a good roommate who always looked out for him, about how he liked to cook and that maybe one day he would go back to school.
He felt guilty about not learning as much as he wanted about Mason, but Mason seemed so interested in him that Casey couldn’t help but chatter away! They’d made plans to meet up again soon.
“Shh,” he instructed Harrison as he carefully unlocked the apartment door to slip inside. He felt bad for getting back so late, but he hoped that Ariel had just gone to sleep. Or better yet, had gone with Morgan and stayed over at his place. Even though the thought made his heart twist painfully.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:07 pm
Ariel was at the front door in a heartbeat. Despite the late hour, he was awake and alert, fully dressed and phone in hand. The curtains had been drawn, as they always were, but the kitchen and bedroom lights were on. He looked like he’d been pacing.
“Casey!” he greeted, with a strangely palpable relief. “Where were you?” No, it was too demanding. Ariel crossed the distance between them, still clutching his phone, and clarified, “I’m sorry, I mean, I was worried. I thought you were supposed to be home hours ago. I’ve been blowing up your phone, I’m sorry. It keeps going to voicemail. Are you okay?”
Ariel knew Casey had gone out to have dinner with ‘a friend’ that he’d met in the park–which was fine, probably. They’d met Morgan that way, after all. Naturally, Ariel knew he was prone to overthinking things and expecting the worst of people, but he also wasn’t used to Casey going out with people he just met. And being out so late! And not answering his phone!
It was so unlike him, of course it was easy to worry that something happened to him on the way home!
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:08 pm
Harrison was, of course, super excited to see Ariel and immediately threw her body against him for pets and love and affection.
Casey was also happy to see Ariel, but immediately felt guilty knowing that he’d probably been worried sick.
“I’m so sorry! My phone died and, uh… well, I don’t have your number memorized so I couldn’t just call you on Mason’s phone. And he didn’t have any cords with him that worked with my phone,” he frowned as he pulled his phone from his pocket to show Ariel the black screen. It was cracked from ages ago, and it was definitely an older model and could barely hold a charge as it was, but he’d tried making sure it had full battery when he left! He’d even texted Ariel when he got there.
It was strange, though. With everything so high tech in his apartment, he’d been at least momentarily surprised that Mason didn’t have any cord that was compatible with his phone. Then again, he had been easily distracted by Mason offering dessert.
“I’m okay, are you? Did you eat? You didn’t send Morgan out to find me I hope,” he cringed, a horrified expression on his face. He didn’t want his friends to go through that stress.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:09 pm
Ariel nearly dropped his phone when Harrison charged him, but he grabbed it quickly and dropped to his knees so he could pet her. He didn’t want to crowd or smother Casey, especially not when he was suddenly worried about how strong he’d come across. He squeezed her tightly instead, and scratched behind her ears.
“N-no! Of course not,” he said, but he was already quickly unlocking his phone with one hand while he lavished affection on Harrison. “But let me tell him you’re home now. I was–I mean, he’s so much more rational than I am, I did tell him you were out late. I overreacted. I’m so sorry, please ignore all of my messages. I’m very embarrassed.”
He wasn’t quite looking at Casey, but now that the relief of having him back safe and sound had set in, he had plenty of emotion to spare to criticize how silly he must seem.
“I didn’t think you were ignoring me, I was just worried that something had happened. I mean, with all the weird things going on in the city, I–” he exhaled but shook his head. “How did it go, how was dinner?”
Was it too obnoxious to try and hug Casey? No, he could be normal about this. Not too pushy, not too clingy.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:09 pm
There was lingering guilt, of course. He knew he should have paid more attention to the time. He should have made sure he brought an extra cord with him. He should have made sure of a lot of things but--
“I am sorry,” he repeated, a bit mournfully, carefully kneeling down on the ground with Ariel so he could also give Harrison some pets. And, well, he wanted to make sure Ariel was okay, too.
“I lost track of time. I didn’t mean to stay so late. I was hoping you and Morgan would spend some time together,” he admitted, even as his heart twisted painfully.
“You know, since I wouldn’t be in the way. Ah, but dinner was nice. Really nice, actually. Mason was a perfect gentleman, and he made lasagna. He’s still trying to figure out a name for his puppy, so we started talking about that, and then he asked me about my job and… I’m sorry, you know I like to talk. He said he liked my voice so I got carried away,” he cringed again.
And then glanced down at his still dead phone for a moment, before looking up at Ariel again.
“I don’t think you overreacted-- I would have been worried, too. This was my fault, I should have been more careful. What… what kind of messages did you leave me?” he wondered, trying to lighten the mood with some very, very gentle teasing. He would see them later, of course. But he thought Ariel looked rather cute with the flush on his cheeks. But maybe it was mean to tease him.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:10 pm
“No, no,” Ariel assured quickly. “You don’t have to be sorry. It’s,” his face was still very pink. “It’s very embarrassing, I said a lot of things. I was going to go out looking for you. I know, I overreacted. We should get you a new phone,” he said, but maybe he was still overreacting a bit. “Or at least get you an extra cord.”
Morgan was going to come over tonight, to help Ariel assemble the dining room table he and Casey had picked out, but plans had fallen through. “Morgan didn’t make it over tonight. There was a bad fire a few streets away from the mall, they called him into help. They got it under control, but it was already so late, I told him we could do a rain check. He’s still awake, though. He says he’s glad you’re home safe.” Ariel set the phone on the ground now that he’d finished updating Morgan and could focus on just Casey and Harrison.
It was easy to assume that Casey meant he’d be in the way only because of how much space it was going to set up the table, and Ariel had experience with his home decoration, and Morgan was just so big and strong so of course he’d be doing all the heavy lifting. The furniture in the living room was still pushed out of the way so they’d have had space to work.
Briefly, Ariel’s nose wrinkled, like he caught a scent of something foul. He shook his head and kissed Harrison’s head. He wasn’t jealous that Casey was out talking with some other man, it’s not like he’d ever made a move, but–
Things were just complicated. He thought there was something between him and Casey, but then Casey would scurry off or make some excuse to be busy. Ariel didn’t press it. Casey was probably just respecting his space. He understood what Ariel had been through, but…
Ariel had wasted too much energy dreaming of all the horrible situations Casey might be suffering in, so he was actually relieved to hear that he had a good night, even if his heart ached a bit.
Harrison was being patient with him and he couldn’t really hold back anymore. Casey was so close, so he leaned over to give him a hug, and–
Just as he squeezed him tightly, he caught another whiff and withdrew with a scrutinizing gaze. “Are you wearing Terre d'Hermès, Casey? What cologne is that?”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:57 pm
Casey had wanted to ask about Morgan, to make sure he was safe, but thankfully Ariel already predicted that for him. He sighed, a little uncomfortable but relieved. He wished Morgan didn’t have to put himself into dangerous situations, but that was his decision. He was a good man for wanting to protect so many others.
He was relieved when Ariel leaned in close to hug him, immediately lifting his arms to hug him back--
Until Ariel withdrew.
Casey blinked at him with confusion, not even sure what he was talking about until he mentioned cologne.
“What? Oh-- no, I’m not wearing any cologne--”
He used the cheapest shampoo and cheapest soap, but Ariel knew that. He was trying to save money for both of them. They were going to get a house or--
Or that had been the idea. But if Ariel and Morgan got together…?
Casey knew his cheeks were red. They’d already been a little flushed from the glass of wine he’d nursed all evening.
“I think it’s Mason’s. He was wearing some. We hugged. And I was sitting next to him on the couch,” he admitted, not sure why he felt guilty for it, except that his heart hurt because he would very much like to be curled up next to Ariel and Morgan. Mason was great! He was just still getting to know him. Ariel and Morgan had been constants in his life, but… he knew he needed to step back for their sake.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:58 pm
Ariel looked at Casey for a few seconds longer. He didn’t know what he was looking for. Casey wasn’t the sort to lie, there was no reason to keep any secrets. It was just cologne. A popular one, at that. He was on edge from overthinking things already.
He shook his head and leaned forward to actually hug Casey. When he rested his cheek against Casey’s it was easy to feel the warmth from his cheeks, and of course he’d noticed the pinkish tint to them but was it too overbearing to keep worrying?
“You feel warm, Casey. You’re not coming down with something, are you? Do I need to turn the air down a little?”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:58 pm
Casey felt so relieved when Ariel actually hugged him. He wrapped his arms around Ariel once more and held him close, letting himself relax for at least a few moments.
Harrison had flopped over onto her side, content to just be around them.
“Hmm? Oh, no, I’m okay I think. It might be the wine,” he admitted. “Mason offered me some and, I mean, I know I’m not twenty-one yet but. It seemed rude to refuse.”
He squirmed a little uncomfortably, but didn’t do anything to wiggle out of Ariel’s grasp.
Although he couldn’t help but ask, his voice quiet and sheepish, “You’re not mad at me, are you? I really didn’t mean to worry you. I should have tried harder to make sure you knew what was going on.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 7:03 pm
“No,” Ariel said quickly. He almost pulled away so Casey could see the honesty in his expression but he didn’t want to release him from the hug. He squeezed into the hug. “I’m not mad, I could never be mad at you. I don’t know what it is, I think I’m just too stressed from work. I’ve been on high alert all week. Maybe I just got so used to you being here with me that I got nervous when I was alone. Or maybe I was just worked up because of Morgan and that fire. It was bad, he wouldn’t send me pictures. So I looked them up online. Ah…”
He deflated and melted into the hug, all the while keeping one hand on Harrison so he could scratch her stomach.
“It’s never rude to refuse wine, just so you know. You don’t have to drink alcohol just because it’s offered.” It didn’t seem like Casey had too much to drink; he wasn’t slurring or confused or anything, just warm.
“I’m glad you and Mason had a good time, really. I just got into my head. You don’t have to apologize, don’t feel bad! I’m glad you had fun. Did he decide on a name for his puppy?”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 7:03 pm
“Not yet,” he shared, although he was still feeling worried about having upset Ariel. He’d wanted Ariel to use that time to, well, move on. But since Morgan was putting himself in danger -- since that was his job -- and didn’t get a chance to spend time with him, well… Casey had just hoped he hadn’t been the only one with a good night.
“I think I want to shower. Just real quick,” he shared, because it was late and he wanted Ariel to have the chance to tell him it would cause too much noise or something. But he also wanted to get whatever smell he had on him from Mason.
He frowned, still holding onto Ariel.
“How did you know the name of that cologne? Or… were familiar with something similar enough to guess?” he wondered, because while things were a little slow for him, he did care very much for Ariel and his comfort and wellbeing.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 7:04 pm
Casey had a good night with Mason. With dinner, a movie. A puppy play date. With a guy who was kind to him, and fed him, and wore a familiar smell. Poor Casey already looked worried, so Ariel drew back and offered an encouraging smile.
“I used to like the smell. In my old life, I knew someone who wore it, it just surprised me on you. It might not be the same smell, you know they change the formulas for those sometimes? It smells nice, though.”
He ignored the sinking, twisting feeling in the pit of his stomach. It was just a smell. “It’s very popular,” he added, maybe to reassure himself. Maybe to reassure Casey.
“But go on, go get a shower. I’ll get my pajamas on, too. Does Harrison need anything? I can take her out, or get you some water or something? You must be exhausted after being out for so long. But I want to hear all about your night.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 7:05 pm
Ariel did a thing sometimes. He smiled and deflected questions by answering them in a way that was honest and sincere, but there were obviously things missing. Like how Ariel didn’t specify who wore the smell. From a life that he’d had to escape from.
Unfortunately, Casey had no real evidence to call Ariel out for keeping things from him. And also, it wasn’t even his business if Ariel did.
“She should be fine. I made sure she had some time outside before coming up,” he promised, glancing over at her and making a mental note to give her a bath, sooner than later.
Although… if he was going to see Mason again, he wasn’t sure how he could keep either of them from smelling like that scent.
“Water would be nice, thank you. Um… since I’ll be telling you about my night, can I stay with you? In your bed I mean,” he clarified.
Would that be completely negating his attempt at taking a step back? But… they could still be friends, right? And it wasn’t like Ariel seemed all that interested in him as more than a really good friend. Even if it broke Casey’s heart to admit that to himself.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 7:06 pm
“Oh, please,” Ariel said eagerly. “I worked myself up so much earlier, I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep well if you’re not next to me. I’ll go get the bed made up, too.”
It wasn’t like they had any sort of ritual, but he could just go grab the pillows and blankets from Casey’s bed.
“I’ll get everything locked up and get all the lights off. Harrison can help me. Don’t take too long in the shower. Please. I mean, I’m sorry. That’s so bossy. I mean, I want to be able to stay up and listen to everything.” He didn’t have to work until a little later tomorrow, if he needed to sleep in he could afford to do so. He smiled encouragingly at Casey. “I’m just really glad to see you. Maybe I need to get some chamomile tea to help me relax a bit. I kept hearing strange noises outside, but I’m sure it’s just the pipes again. This place just stresses me out so much. I’ll be happy when you and I can move somewhere nicer.”
Somewhere close to work for Casey, somewhere in a cozy little neighborhood. Maybe somewhere where he could work from home, or have a small commute to work.
He and Casey had spent many nights talking about their ideal little homes, and Ariel often changed his mind. He liked to imagine different decorations.
One thing was always the same, though–Casey was always there with him. And Harrison. And sometimes Morgan, though Ariel couldn’t blame him if he never wanted to leave that beautiful apartment of his.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 7:06 pm
Casey felt the weight of so much built up stress, that he didn’t even know had been there, just melt off of his shoulders. He liked being with Ariel, and his stomach was doing weird twists at the thought of their fantasized home. He wanted is so badly--
But didn’t know how fair that would be to Ariel and to Morgan. He was afraid of being left behind, or at least not fitting into the dream they had together.
He offered Ariel a smile as though to promise that he wasn’t being bossy, and rose to his feet.
But not before leaning close to press a kiss on Ariel’s forehead.
“I missed you. I know it was just dinner and… a whole evening. But I’m glad to be home.”
Forcing himself to step back from Ariel and Morgan’s lives was going to be incredibly difficult.
“I’ll be out soon,” he promised after he’d reached out to help Ariel back to his feet as well.
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