[ The apologies aren’t solely for Quentin’s sake. He doesn’t seem to let anything phase him, but Tim is very different. He feels guilty, and not just because of what happened to Hawk in the meantime. He approached Quentin last night under false pretenses, having mistaken him initially for someone else entirely, prowling the bath out of anger and hurt that this man had nothing to do with and doesn’t deserve to be involved in, gave him parts of himself that he reserves for lovers. Serious connections, not tawdry hookups. If the roles were reversed, Tim would be hurt. He would expect something, if only some assurance that there weren’t a long-time partner, of sorts, waiting in the wings. That ought to be the bare minimum. Quentin’s carefree attitude about the whole thing doesn’t actually assuage his guilt. ]
I’ve never been friends with someone after. [ Quieter, hushed, as if it’s a scandal, because it is: ] After sex.
[ He takes the little chocolate one, as instructed, obedient despite his little protests here and there. He’ll have one, to please Quentin, and then return to the healthier bits on the plate. He’ll need the nutrients to take care of Hawk. Science, not appetite, forcing him to eat, but most of the work is being done by his new friend. The idea of which still sounds so strange. ]
no subject
I’ve never been friends with someone after. [ Quieter, hushed, as if it’s a scandal, because it is: ] After sex.
[ He takes the little chocolate one, as instructed, obedient despite his little protests here and there. He’ll have one, to please Quentin, and then return to the healthier bits on the plate. He’ll need the nutrients to take care of Hawk. Science, not appetite, forcing him to eat, but most of the work is being done by his new friend. The idea of which still sounds so strange. ]
Don’t say that so loud.