Robert who loves Flambae’s place.
Loves it a lot, actually. It’s not particularly tied to the endless amount of resources Flambae is adamant he has free range to.
It’s not really the size, either. Robert grew in big empty houses before. This one is the perfect equilibrium.
It’s the family photos all over the walls. The pictures of Flambae and his father working on cars, smudged with oil and grease, the sun beaming on them.
It’s his niece’s recital schedule, her dental appointments carefully written down in bullet points. It’s the drawings of ‘mica man’ in that adorably messy style, covering the fridge.
It’s the dorky flame magnets on his refrigerator, spelling out ridiculous self-affirmations in janky places.
It’s the slippers for the team. Coop’s are the fluffiest. His are the warmest.
It’s the materials and fabrics and sketches all over. Some for outfits. Some of Beef. Robert steals those.
It’s not that they’re dating. They insist they’re not.
It’s just that Flambae has different coffee brands on hand, just in case Robert doesn’t leave.
It’s just that Robert never had to mention liking sweets, and there’s a fresh pack of Twinkie’s everytime he’s there.
It’s just that there’s an extra tube of toothpaste in Flambae’s bathroom, next to pretty, absurdly priced colognes.
It’s just that sometimes, he says ‘I can’t wait to go home’ and immediately thinks of Chad.
And sometimes, he doesn’t leave immediately.
Sometimes, he stays long enough that he experiences Chad waking up.
“Bob-Bob,” there’s something sweet about his voice, raspy and thick with sleep still. About that heaviness in his eyelashes, downcast and long and blinking slow.
About the frizz of his hair, which tickled Robert all night when Flambae held him. He didn’t move once. “Where’s the dumpling.”
“Chewing your shoes or planning world domination. Hopefully it’s the shoes. “
And he watches the way Chad rolls his eyes.
Watches that slow tug of his lips, melting in something warmer. Something that makes Robert full and hungry and fulfilled at the same time.
“Eat something before you leave.”
“Do I have to leave at all?”
“…Don’t ask stupid shit. Sit down.”
Robert holds him from behind the whole time. Neither of them mention it.