Chapter Text
It’s one of the first nights in their new cottage, where Patrick finds his newly-minted husband on the back porch. His rumpled hair is tilted up toward the sky, scanning the seemingly endless display of stars. Patrick follows his gaze to the moon directly overhead, basking the backyard with a dim glow. By the time his eyes reach the ground, David has noticed him with a guilty smile on his lips. Patrick doesn’t know exactly what gave him away, but guesses the culprit was David’s pajamas he stole. The long pant cuffs tend to drag against the floor, which also foiled the breakfast in bed he attempted yesterday morning.
“Enjoying the scenery?” Patrick asks, sitting next to him on the edge of the patio. David rolls his eyes, but welcomes his husband’s arm snaking across his waist.
“Well, it’s definitely an upgrade from the polluted New York City sky. Our cottage has a great view of Orion, so I really can’t complain”.
Patrick smiles, watching their legs dangling off the ledge. He could get used to the feeling of grass tickling his feet and having a backyard with his husband. “Huh. I’m more of a Perseus guy myself. I see the appeal though”.
While he tries to mask it, Patrick can detect a pleased David by the way his shoulders and face slowly relax, a smile easily coming to his features. “Of course, you know constellations. Do you have any other Boy Scout skills that could come in handy?”
Patrick huffs a small, amused laugh, letting his foot knock against David’s. “I didn’t earn all the badges, but I got pretty good at wood carving and knot tying”.
“I know those are supposed to be hot, sexy things”. David says into Patrick’s shoulder, “but your lisp from your mouth guard is kind of numbing the effect”.
He desperately wants to lose himself in the easy banter, the flirtatious back-and-forth that sparked his crush on his husband all those years ago. However, Patrick is observant, marking David’s fidgety knee and the way his finger traces the wood grain.
“Why the sudden need to find Orion?” He asks, hoping David picks up the bigger question.
Of course he does. “How did you know I was gone?”
“Boy Scout intuition. Also, the bed was cold”.
David gives a half-hearted laugh. When Patrick doesn’t reciprocate, he chooses to hold his hand instead. “When Alexis first started traveling abroad, I got worried a lot. She was in her teens and going on adventures with people twice her age, and I wanted to know she was safe every night.”
Patrick knows all about David’s relationship with his sister growing up. He tries not to resent Alexis too much; she is undoubtedly not the same person she was fifteen years ago. However, it’s difficult not to imagine a younger version of David, constantly anxious and alone.
“After one particularly scary escapade in Nairobi, we had a major fight. I was trying to protect her by calling her every night and telling my parents where she was going, but she thought I was taking away her freedom. We didn’t speak for weeks”.
Patrick places a hopefully comforting hand on David’s back, feeling slight relief when his husband lets out a grateful sigh. “When she finally started to return my calls, we came up with an agreement. I would call her every full moon, so she could let me know that she was okay”.
David’s face is unreadable, his neck craned up toward the sky once more. “How long did you make the calls to each other?”
“I think we stopped a couple months before we moved here? When we were all together-”, David’s voice cracks, which he dismisses with a quick head shake. “We didn’t need to check in with each other over the phone”.
Feeling his husband’s body go stiff next to him, Patrick places a small kiss on his shoulder. “Maybe you could start the tradition back up again? I am sure she misses you too-”
“Who says I miss her?” David says, pulling his legs protectively toward his chest, “I am proud of her. I don’t wish she was here. She should be in New York, where she belongs”.
Patrick nods, starting a soothing pattern with his hand on David’s back. “Sure, but you can be proud of her and still miss her. How about we call her tomorrow morning? We can see if she wants to FaceTime for a breakfast date”.
David huffs out a laugh, his eyes crinkling as he turns toward Patrick. “Maybe it’s for the best that she moved, because she can’t steal my bacon through your iPad”.
“While that may be true, you would still be able to hear her slurping her smoothie”.
His comment gets the intended effect, which is David’s scrunched-up nose and dramatic groan. “Can you at least give me the ability to mute her at any time over the course of the meal?”
“I think we can negotiate that”, Patrick says solemnly, but the false sincerity bleeds through his words and brings a smile to David’s face.
Patrick offers David his hand to pull him up, leading them both heading back inside through the screen door. As his husband slowly climbs up the stairs, Patrick takes one last look at the moon through their kitchen window. He has a perfect view of the front lawn, the place where David had taken off his blindfold, told him he wanted to stay, and kissed him. But, the memory slightly sours at the words Patrick knows he used.
“I promise I will make you so happy here”
He must be doing really well at that, if his husband left him in the middle of the night, anxious and hurting.
He knows they are just settling in their new home, eyes drifting to the lingering boxes still left to unpack. Moving away from family is always an adjustment, even for the Roses who historically are not the most affectionate toward each other. But, he needs to show David that he made the right choice. Staying here, building their store, being with him.
This year, he wants to make David so, so happy.
//
“I swear I saw this part in the box when we first opened it-”
Patrick finally looks up from where he’s sprawled on the kitchen floor, tension rolling off of him when greeted with David’s amused grin. From their mishap setting up the patio furniture to a paint can tipping over on their new carpet, it has been his husband who has soothed him with reassuring looks and warm hands on his shoulders. While he appreciates the gestures, Patrick was just hoping to get one job right today. Preferably food because home improvement really works up David’s appetite, among a multitude of other things.
One of his monochrome sneakers lightly taps Patrick’s back. “Honey, you’re good. Come here, before the dust does some irreversible damage on your jeans”.
He stands, wrapping his arms around David’s waist. From where his husband sits on the edge of the counter, David is even taller than he normally is. Patrick knows this doesn’t go unnoticed by the way David smiles down at him and gently lifts his chin. “We’ll find it somewhere. The pizza oven can have its little debut some other night”.
Patrick tries not to sulk and instead slides his hands down to rest on David’s thighs, his thumb rubbing in placating circles. “We finally unpacked the final box! We were looking forward to a celebratory dinner”.
It was Patrick’s idea to surprise David with the oven when they started to organize their kitchen, since his husband often laments that no takeout place can ever beat homemade pizza. It took a while to find a high quality model that both fit the dimensions of their counters and was in their price range, but the look of pure joy on David’s face when the package arrived was undoubtedly worth it.
Mock offended, David quickly pulls away. “I’m sorry, are you saying Schitt’s Creek Chinese takeout can’t be considered celebratory?”
“I never said that!” Patrick laughs, watching David grab his phone. “You can make any meal celebratory, even some badly freezer burnt mozzarella sticks”.
David looks up from where he’s punching in the number, eyes softening and cheeks becoming bright pink. His hair is curled from the heat and sweat thanks to the unforgiving summer, not that Patrick would ever complain. David looks relaxed, settled, beautiful in the window’s reflection of the setting sun. Perfect.
Patrick gives him a quick kiss before returning to his never ending search. “Can you order me the veggie fried rice with extra-“
“Wait, honey, I forgot. They’re closed Monday”, David says, and Patrick immediately flinches. His plans running smoothly really is out of the question now. However, his husband doesn’t look discouraged as he hops off the counter to sift through their takeout menu drawer, almost like he doesn’t remember that Patrick can’t seem to do anything right today.
“As long as I eat something tonight, I’ll survive. Maybe not the cafe though? Today’s Meatloaf Monday and I have heard way too many stories from my father about why we should steer clear”.
Patrick just faintly nods, hoping David can’t tell how disappointed he is in himself for failing at the simplest tasks, like making dinner in their new home. Or for getting in his head after his confident facade cracks and causes David to worry. Or for spiraling in the middle of the kitchen floor like he’s doing right now, which he can identify by the way his fingers keep fidgeting in his lap and his husband’s hand gently carding at the short hairs on this neck.
Patrick feels a pair of lips brush his shoulder, and lets himself deflate slightly, just enough to clear the fog in his head.
“Do you wanna talk about it?” David asks softly, and Patrick knows the mature, healthy answer. The one that leads them both to the couch where Patrick admits he’s feeling overwhelmed and David tells him that he doesn’t need to put all that pressure on himself.
Patrick lets his eyes close and tilts his head toward the ceiling, deciding to just start with the easiest, honest thing, “It’s been a really long day, and I was looking forward to being with you without getting stuck in my brain tonight”.
They both are silent for a few seconds, before David pulls him closer to rub his back in warm circles. “I know I don’t need to remind you how it’s impossible to be in control at all times, but you’re allowed to have off days. Moving has taken a toll on both of us, partially because Stevie refuses to lift anything more than five pounds”.
Patrick huffs out a laugh against David’s chest, which earns him a tight squeeze around his waist.
“But”, David continues, “mostly because it’s the biggest change in our lives since starting the store, so it is expected for there to be some hiccups here and there. We’ll get through them together, even if we can’t share a pizza to celebrate our last unpacked box”.
Patrick sighs into David’s t-shirt, feeling like he can take a deep breath for the first time in hours. “Thank you, David”.
David gives one of his signature half smiles, leaning in to kiss the crown of Patrick’s head.
“You know, I actually have a pretty good cure when you're feeling stuck in your brain”.
Intrigued, Patrick lets himself get pulled from the ground and led to the closest pantry.
“Your head can’t be the stickiest thing in the house if we’re working with peanut butter”, David says cheekily, revealing a loaf of bread and jelly jar behind the door.
He will never stop being surprised by David Rose. Patrick feels a wide grin overtaking his face as he turns toward his wonderful husband. He cannot help but tease, though. “I don’t remember pb+j ingredients being on the grocery list”.
David rolls his eyes, pulling out two plates and a knife. “While my practical husband doesn’t usually partake in food from a typical child’s palette, which don’t get me wrong I appreciate, just indulge me for one night”.
Not wasting another second, Patrick leans forward to kiss him sweetly. “Of course, I will. But, I will do most of the work because only I know the proper peanut butter and jelly proportions”.
Knowing just how to rile his husband up, he anticipates David’s look of shock. “Excuse me? You better be messing with me because I take sandwiches very seriously and-“
Patrick shakes his head and laughs, silencing him with another quick peck. “Also, that’s Helmut Lang. Are you sure you want to risk getting stains on designer wear?”
David huffs, but relinquishes control of the knife. “Fair point, but I will be watching you very closely”.
And he keeps his promise, snapping pictures of Patrick preparing their food with adorable focus and precision. David also makes sure to contribute by licking the knife clean and overseeing all of the plate presentation.
They end their night eating their pb+js at the table, hand in hand; a not so bad ending to a lovely day of chaos.
//
If someone told David five years ago that his thrilling Friday night plans would one day involve going to see a drive in movie with his husband in rural Ontario, he would have laughed in their face. Even if the film was a beloved romcom.
But here he is, packing a snack bag full of buttered popcorn, watching Patrick fold warm blankets into the car trunk, and he could not be happier. Or luckier.
That is, until Patrick takes a wrong turn on the way to Elm Glen.
“Um, honey, I think it’s in the other direction? And we need to get there early because Meg really shines in You Got Mail and will undoubtedly draw in a large crowd”.
Patrick keeps his eyes on the road, but reaches out to fondly touch David’s knee. “I won’t fight you there, but we just have to make a quick stop on the-“
“Wait”, David interrupts with a pained whine, “We only ever drive on Sycamore when we go to-“
The destination is confirmed when Patrick pulls into a driveway next to a lawn riddled with tacky, promotional signage.
Before David could argue, Patrick lays a small, reassuring kiss on his cheek. “Ray texted me today letting me know the wedding photos are finally finished. Everything is already paid for. All we’re doing is a simple pick up”.
David snorts. “Are you kidding? When was the last time we had a quick visit with Ray? One time, you dropped by to return some Tupperware you borrowed, and didn’t come home for four hours”.
“Five minutes, in and out. I promise”. His husband raises one skeptical eyebrow. “And if we’re there longer, you get my share of licorice”.
“Brave of you to think you even had a share in the first place”. David groans, but he's clearly suppressing a grin from his position halfway out of the car.
Ray opens the door immediately after the first knock. “Why, isn’t it my favorite couple? Come inside, I have to show you my new design for custom water bottles that just arrived this morning!”
Patrick is giddy at David’s look of pure horror. “That’s such a kind offer, Ray. But today, I think we just want to look at-“
“The photos, or course!” He yells already from the other room, his cheer unwavering. “I’ll grab your file now!”
Certain Ray is out of listening range, David slyly saddles up to Patrick, his arm securing its place along his husband’s back. Patrick has lovingly come to know it as his ‘gossiping stance’ after years of town barbecues and run-ins with catty customers. “So, I should be bracing myself for this, right?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be too worried, David. You saw the mousepad”.
Right on cue, Ray returns, allowing David to quickly pinch Patrick’s hip before following him to his office.
“I’ll just leave these with you while I grab a cheese board I made! Do you boys like gruyere?”
For Patrick, the conflicted exasperation of David’s expression makes this whole detour worth every second. “Will there be charcuterie involved as well?”
“Yes, of course!” Ray says, starting to ruffle through cabinets in the kitchen. “It’s so nice to have you back in the house, David. Not many people appreciate food the way we do. Especially food with high levels of cholesterol!”
David huffs, but the look of offense is softened by the blush he only gets when he’s feeling really pleased. Usually present, from Patrick’s experience, after a lot of compliments and back rubs.
“Let’s get this over with”, Patrick only half-kids, opening the computer and taking the disk from David.
“Why is Ray using a CD to store these photos? The last time I’ve seen one of these was drive-crying to Norah Jones in my-“
“David”, Patrick gasps, looking up from the screen.
It is very rare for David to have his husband’s face be so unreadable.
When David quickly shuffles to meet Patrick behind the computer, he’s greeted with the two of them wrapped up in each other on the makeshift dance floor at the Cafe. The moment is captured from their first dance, which David remembers fondly for the way Patrick brushed a curl behind his ear long after his pomade stopped doing its job, along with the warmth in Patrick’s laugh from the champagne and Steve blowing dramatic kisses in their direction. Though, it didn’t matter in the slightest because they were swaying in the corner lit with just a few twinkle lights, letting their rings glimmer in the lens of the camera.
In the next shot, they are impossibly closer. Patrick’s hand is snug in the small of David’s back, after David lets his head fall on his new husband’s shoulder. Both of their eyes are closed, just appreciating one moment of the night where they only belonged to each other.
Next to him, present Patrick’s nose is sniffling, so David reaches to hold his hand.
After a few more photos, they land on one from the last few minutes of the reception. They’re both sitting in chairs at the dinner table, feet intertwined. David has his hand proffered with a fork full of cake. However, Patrick clearly has other plans, planting a surprise kiss on David’s lips, full of love and frosting.
“Oh no, I see tears”, Ray says, his return snapping them out of the memory. “Do we not like what we see?”
David tries to interject, fighting through his warbled voice. “No,” He turns to Patrick and sees his eyes similarly misty. “They’re perfect”.
Ray shakes the cheese board, like he would be dancing a jig in its absence. “I’m so happy to hear that! But with a couple like you two, it makes my job very, very difficult to mess up”.
David gives Patrick’s hand a little squeeze.
“Wow, these wedding shoots always put me in a romantic mood”, Ray sighs affectionately, slowly and suspiciously making his way toward the living room. “I just might have to watch a romcom tonight”.
David's head whips up from the computer. “What did you have in mind?”
Knowing he’s caught his prey, Ray does a little shimmy from the couch. “I’m thinking of a Meg Ryan vehicle. Perhaps Sleepless in Seattle?”
“Patrick…?” This could very well be the most heart wrenching decision David has ever had to make, based solely on the pain projected on his face.
Patrick laughs, shocked and delighted he even has a choice in the matter. “Sure, David. They both have Tom Hanks, so I’m easy either way”.
Fifteen minutes later, they’ve settled into the movie and Patrick feels transported. He’s currently sitting on Ray’s surprisingly soft sofa, accompanied by the solid weight of his husband beside him, and can’t help but remember the first movie date they had in this exact same spot. Patrick had somehow got the courage that night to tentatively wrap his arm around David’s shoulder, and was delighted when David just simply leaned into the touch. Their thighs were touching under the blanket, and Patrick thought he wouldn’t be able to breathe.
Now, David is practically on top of Patrick’s space, back pressed against his chest with hair tickling his nose. Patrick looks up at Ray’s popcorn ceiling and he couldn’t be more grateful for this moment.
Their first night, he thought it wouldn’t last. He would wake up and it would be a dream, never actually wrapped up in David watching 27 Dresses. Never having the pleasure of dating the boy who rarely compromises on movie choices or blanket sharing or salty snacks. Never being able to watch David’s lips mouthing the emotional lines of the film, face beautifully lit by the television light.
But they somehow got to now, David reluctantly letting Patrick steal some of the licorice with hands warm from their hot chocolate mugs. He feels so thankful.
David softly nudges Patrick’s arm and nods toward the screen.
‘It was like coming home, only to no home I'd ever known. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew it. It was like magic’.
At that, David softly kisses Patrick’s shoulder and cuddles in closer.
Patrick knows he’s still young, but he’s pretty sure this moment is the closest to magic that he will ever get.
And he’s pretty happy about that.