“Letting it go,” Rick said. “Not pushing.”
Allen didn’t like how that sounded. “I’m not trying to do anything. I’m just here if you want to talk.”
Rick nodded. “Thanks for not pushing.”
Allen shifted on the couch so he was facing him more. “Can I ask one thing?”
“What is it?”
“If something’s stressing you out,” Allen said, “you don’t have to do the whole ‘I’m fine’ thing with me.”
Rick almost smiled, but didn’t quite manage it. “You don’t know me that well.”
“No,” Allen said. “But I know that habit.”
Rick leaned back and stared at the ceiling for a second, then looked at Allen again. “I’ll try.”
Allen smiled and nodded. “Okay.”
They talked for a while after that, but they kept it light. Allen told him about a show he’d been watching, and Rick mentioneda movie he’d seen years ago and hated. Allen told him about a place near his apartment that served great breakfast.
Rick didn’t say much, but he asked questions back, and it helped. He seemed more present once the conversation had begun.
Allen yawned and covered his mouth. “Sorry.”
Rick’s gaze softened slightly. “Tired?”
“Yeah.”
Rick stood and held out a hand. Allen took it and let Rick lead him down the hall. Inside Rick’s bedroom, Allen paused and looked. The bed dominated the room, with a built-in closet and a table next to it.
Rick glanced back. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Allen said. “I just… I don’t want to assume anything.”
Rick’s gaze held his. “We can sleep.”
Allen blinked. “Just sleep?”
“Just sleep,” Rick said. “Unless you want more.”
Allen stared at the bed, then looked at Rick. “Sleep is good, but not just yet.”
Rick nodded. “Okay. We can do whatever you want.”
They stripped, and Allen got into bed. Rick got in beside him and turned to face him. After a minute, Rick shifted closer and put an arm around Allen’s waist.
“This is nice,” Allen said quietly.
“Yeah,” Rick said.
Allen hesitated. “Are you still thinking about it?”
Rick didn’t answer straight away. “A little.”
“Okay,” Allen said.
Rick’s hand tightened slightly, then relaxed. “Thanks.”
