{ @paytonssimons }
He’s had enough of his self induced loneliness or, rather, missing the physical presence of his best friend has momentarily overwhelmed the desire to shut himself up in his and Izzy’s room and never leave. They’d been in contact, of course. Payton’s been on the receiving end of a large number of anxious text messages recounting his day with a melancholic hollowness that she’s so obviously noticed. She’s asked him round to her place a few times and each time he’s said no. His rejections are fueled by a number of different emotions: guilt, insecurity, sadness, fear. He’s determined not to show up at her place a shivering mess of a thing and wants to make sure she only sees him in the best of lights. It’s a ridiculous worry -- they’ve both seen each other at their worst and held tightly to each other all the way through but now he’s more cautious. Everything seems more fragile with ghosts of the past haunting every corner. Every aspect of his world so far has changed in some way -- the apartment complex he calls his home, his relationship with Isaac, his view on the progress he’s been making since the very start. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise if he somehow messes things up with Payton now too.
Still, he misses her terribly. Maybe the constant aching in his chest or the ferocious pangs lower in his stomach will lessen with her around. A few texts and he’s traveling down the single floor that separates them, rapping quietly at her door. He’s very nearly brought Mittens with him for emotional support but figures Izzy will need all three kitten cuddles as they assist him in the job hunting quest. He takes a deep breath as he rocks back on his heels, staring pointedly down at the floor until his friend answers.