Dating apps weren't that bad once you started taking the very graphic messages as compliments. Isn't it nice to know how others are affected by your profile? He was aware that the same pick-up line and pictures were being shared with countless others. Now that his bright idea was officially a bust, Ike's goal was to drag Ollie outside, visit a crowded place, and meet new people. In all honesty, Ike needed this just as much. It was much easier to focus all of his energy into someone else and ignore all the things going wrong in his life.
"Of course there's someone out there. But you won't know it unless you get out of the house. Do you expect The One to just come knocking on the door?" Ike flashed a big smile, proud of himself for winning Ollie over. Even if the results came from wearing him down, not by logic and persuasion. "If it happens— and you bring someone home, I could rent a room for the night. Let you have the house all to yourself, so you can get as wild as you want." He said teasingly, shoving his friend back.
"My job here is done. Good night, Ollie." Still in a playful mood, Ike got up from the couch, leaned down to place a kiss on top of Ollie's head, and patted him gently, like a good parent tucking their child to bed. Amused by himself, he headed over to his bedroom to get some shut-eye.
The next morning, as a way to show his gratitude, Ike set up an alarm for early so he could get out of bed before Ollie and start preparing breakfast for both of them. It was his way of showing how much he appreciated Ollie for letting him stay. An easy, small thing that would hopefully make his friend's day better before he left for work.
At the table, he set a few plates with different options. Toasts, pancakes, croque-monsieurs. The smell of coffee filled the air, which he hoped would invite Ollie into the kitchen. Ike stood in front of the stove, messy hair, unbuttoned shirt, and the smallest shorts, but smiling proudly at himself for all his effort while preparing a brie omelette. The amount of food was excessive for just two, but he wasn't quite sure of Ollie's preferences, and asking would ruin the surprise. So he tried a bit of everything, hoping to get something right.