“Don’t think we can behave ourselves?” he asked, keeping his tone light but not looking up again. Emerson’s stomach twisted uneasily, unable to place why it felt like everything was different. Maybe if he’d been able to talk to the other more while he was gone it would seem fine now but it didn’t. He pushed down all the emotions that were bubbling up, forcing himself to look at Josh and smile again instead. “That sounds like a pretty good arrangement as well,” he agreed.
“When have we ever?” He prompted. Josh could feel a shift in the room, figuring it was best if he dipped out. He wasn’t ready to evaluate his feeling or anything right now and honestly didn’t have the time. With the last bite of his Chinese food swallowed down, he chased it with a gulp of water before pushing himself off the counter he was leaning against. “I’ve gotta get back to work, but we can catch up more later?”
"First time for everything, right?" he said half-heartedly. Emerson fought to keep the frown off his face as Josh announced he had to be going, barely managing, and nodded instead. "Yeah, that sounds great," he said, sliding down off the counter to walk him to the door. "Have a good afternoon at the store," Emerson said, stopping at the door and looking up to meet Josh's eye. He only hoped that he was masking his disappointment well enough that Josh couldn't see it or feel bad about it.
