it’s easy to lean into bittle’s touch, palm skimming along the blond’s back in slow, circular motions. and jack lingers there, in that moment of peace and comfort and home. it really is too early. and he hadn’t slept well. but it all falls away when he looks at the boy with sun in his hair.
arms wind around bittle’s frame and the kiss is returned, gently, lazily before they both pull away. one look around the kitchen and jack knows bittle hadn’t gotten much sleep either. it’s stress cooking, something his boyfriend usually does when all other coping mechanisms fail him.
“ i have practice in a few hours. thought i could go for a quick run before that. ” sleeves are already piled up as jack steps further into their kitchen; there is no way he’ll let bittle handle all these dishes alone.
“ i’d ask you to join me, but… i see you’re a little busy at the moment. ” laugh bubbles up, but the curled up corners of his mouth fall a little. “ ——– bits, you okay? ”
going back to where he was cutting slices of brioche bread, he made sure to purposefully bake this type because it’s french and because it could typically sit in the fridge for a night or two besides —— this wonderfully delicious and buttery bread was perfect for french toast. the slices are then cut into three pieces. it’s drawing out the process, much like he wants to draw out his stay here.
turning he catches a glimpse of his boyfriend already making his way towards the sink, mouth dropping open to stay something but it catches in his throat. he’s afraid. afraid he won’t be able to leave his mark here in providence. which is stupid because, isn’t the plan to hopefully move here when he graduates? if they were to get to that conversation, that is.
words are being said, he knows this because he is acutely aware of jack always. and yet he can’t really make sense of them. his face hidden from the raven-haired man thanks to having his back towards him, shoulders up in a slight defense mechanism.
it’s the moment of silence that follows what he assumes is a question that finally gets bitty to turn towards jack. ❝ hmmm?❞ the look on the other man’s face is not reassuring and that’s the only thing needed to realize what was asked. ❝ oh, i’m fine sweetpea !!❞ a laugh titter out, forced and he gulps to bring moisture to his throat. ❝ i’m sorry, i just —— my mind just isn’t... here, i guess.❞