Dave may seem like the “cool guy” without emotion, but truth be told he has a lot on his mind at all times.

   For instance; Bro was always the awesome one between them. Dave really looked up to him and sill does, but he often compares himself to others that he deems more awesome than himself. That makes him insecure about a lot of things, especially his relationship status with John. He’s always afraid that John will just up and leave him one day. That he’ll find someone more deserving of his love.

   John takes notice of this after they were out at a movie. (John had chosen a romantic drama about break ups. Oh, the irony.) Dave gets all quiet and as they are driving back home, John notices that Dave’s leg is twitching which is odd. Sure, he fidgets, but it’s mostly just drumming out complex rhythms on the steering wheel with his fingers. This “leg bounce” thing is new, (it’s been happening more as of late) and John asks Dave to pull over.

   Dave  is hesitant but he complies, parking along a side street. Without shifting his gaze from looking forward, Dave asks John what’s up.

   ”What’s got you so anxious lately, Dave?”

   Dave shifts uncomfortably and looks out the driver side window and answers “Nothing.”

   ”Bullshit.” John huffs, leaning over and forcing Dave to face him. “Fess up, Dave. I can read you like a book you know?”

   And Dave tenses up and shifts his gaze away from John when he answers him. He tells John how scared he actually is. And normally, he’d try to hide it but Jesus it’s hard sometimes. Because John is just so… perfect. And Dave is so flawed. And-

   John cuts him off mid sentence by hugging him close and shooshing him gently. Dave hugs back after what seems like forever. John pulls back and gives him one of those absolutely beautiful lopsided grins and tells Dave he’s being really dumb.

   ”You’re so hard on yourself, Dave. You have no reason to be! I think you’re pretty damn awesome.”

   Dave is speechless and his eyes widen the slightest bit because wow John really means it.

   ”I mean, sure you have your flaws and I have mine.” John continues, “But I love you anyway. Flaws and all. I love every part of you… except when you forget to rinse your cereal bowls and the frosted flakes stick to the rim. That shit turns harder than concrete, Dave!”

   Dave smiles and just gathers John up in his arms and whispers a relieved “I love you,” under his breath. John smiles against Dave’s shoulder and says it right back. And adds one more word.

   ”Forever.”

(I’m back, guys. For better or for worse.)