Chapter Text
Patroclus is used to all of the attention that Achilles receives. Whether from comments on his personal Instagram account—or more shamelessly on their college’s track team account—and the daily occurrences when he gets hit on in public.
The noise has died down compared to the beginning of their college career, when Achilles began posting about their relationship and practically clung to Patroclus wherever he was, but there are still moments that manage to leave a pit in Patroclus’ stomach even now.
He’s disappointed to say he’s shocked by how many people genuinely hit on others who are clearly in relationships.
However, what Patroclus isn’t used to is being hit on himself. Briseis loves to remind him that he is, in fact, good-looking and that everyone loves “the quiet guys who prefer to brood in solitude,” but he never really agreed or understood the appeal.
Especially on a day like today, a day in which Patroclus barely climbed out of bed on time for his first class and only splashed some water on his face. He knew that he would look half-dead until he got back to his dorm later in the afternoon, so he decided to take a break after his Shakespearean literature course on one of the many benches around campus.
He has only just reclined and tilted his head back with his eyes closed when he hears someone approaching him.
“Hey.”
Patroclus almost audibly groans, reluctantly opening his eyes to the sight of a guy from his lit class looking down at him. His shadow covers him from the sunlight, and he’s clutching onto his backpack strap as if his life depends on it.
He’s only just slightly more social than Patroclus himself, though, gaze always friendly, so he decides to at least attempt to humor him. “Patroclus, right?”
Patroclus tries to give him a genuine smile, but after the morning he’s had, he just wants to not socialize. “Yeah,” he eventually replies. “I’m sorry, but I never caught your name.”
“Automedon,” he shares easily. He can almost give Achilles a run for his money in the energy department. “It’s alright. I’m pretty sure everyone on campus knows you’re always preoccupied.”
Patroclus is sure there’s a double meaning hidden somewhere in that statement, but he’s too tired right now to care. “Did you need something?”
“Oh right,” Automedon shakes his head a bit. “I was wondering if you could help me out a bit with our lit course. Your writing technique is extremely good, so you were the first person who came to mind.”
“You want me to tutor you?” Patroclus asks. He hopes the answer is no, but–
“Yeah!” Automedon ignorantly replies. “I would really, really appreciate it.”
Patroclus curses his people–pleasing tendencies as his shoulders shrug against his will. “Sure.”
He hopes he hides the grimace that’s fighting its way onto his face as Automedon types his number into his phone. “I’ll text you!” Automedon begins walking away, still facing Patroclus. “You’re the best.”
Patroclus lets out the groan he had previously held back. What had he gotten himself into?
Patroclus is dozing off on Achilles’ shoulder, so relaxed that he can practically feel the way his breath is slowing down. His eyes are drifting closed, ready to take a nap on his boyfriend’s strong yet so soft chest, when dreadfully Achilles speaks up.
“Who’s Automedon?”
He puffs out air in response, unable to even move his mouth, begging Achilles to just let him take a nap. “Pat.”
Patroclus refuses to open his eyes again. “Wha–?”
“He just texted you.”
“I don’ care.” He hopes the annoyance in his voice is clear. Just drop it, the nap that’s on the verge of his consciousness pleads.
“Do you want to meet up right now?”
Patroclus realizes belatedly that Achilles is reading the message aloud, and in a very exaggerated way, he must add.
“Ugh, you suck,” Patroclus says sulkily, drowsiness leaving his slackened muscles. He opens his eyes enough to squint through them and sees his phone screen open in front of him, Achilles holding it up for him.
He grabs at it clumsily and types out a simple reply. “Can’t. Reschedule later?”
“Reschedule?” Achilles all but screeches.
“I agreed to tutor him, dumbass. He’s in my lit class,” Patroclus throws his phone to the ground in an uncoordinated swing, uncaring about the loud thud it makes. “I’m not going on any sexy escapades.” He throws his arms more fully around Achilles, squeezing him as hard as he can in reproach. “Not without you anyway.”
“Sorry,” he hears Achilles mutter after a quiet moment. As he should be. Why would Patroclus ever want anyone else?
Patroclus places a kiss on his collarbone, finally feeling his former relaxation return. “Jus’ don’t be stupid again.”
He hears Achilles huff out a laugh against the top of his head and plant a delicate kiss on his curls.
“Can’t help it. Not when it comes to you.”
When the study sessions eventually do begin, they do so with the unfortunate presence of his boyfriend. Not that Patroclus hates having Achilles around. It’s just–
“Keep your hands to yourself,” Achilles states icily, and Patroclus wants to smack him.
Automedon had simply reached for a pencil that was near Patroclus’ outstretched arm on the table, and now looks horrified at his supposed error.
“Achilles!”
Achilles sits in petulant silence for the rest of the session, properly reprimanded, and when Automedon eventually leaves, he ends his self-imposed silence.
“He has a crush on you.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Patroclus immediately responds, stuffing his textbook and novels back in his bag.
“Yes, he does,” Achilles snaps back. “It’s obvious. The way he looks at you…” He trails off angrily.
Patroclus raises his gaze and can’t help the snort that leaves him. Achilles’ arms are crossed against his chest, fists clenched, and his jaw holds so much tension, Patroclus is worried about his teeth.
He leans over, grabs his jaw hard enough to squish his cheeks together, and plants a kiss on his cheek. “You are so fucking stupid, love.”
“Hey!”
He feels Achilles' eyes pour over him as he stands. “How about you put that energy into showing me how much I belong to you, instead?”
(Patroclus receives the fucking of his life that night, and can happily confirm he has the best boyfriend ever.)