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It was a miracle he could even get David out of bed.
David was always one to overreact to almost everything. It’s something he and his mother shared, and Patrick hated using the comparison, but she was the only other person he knew who could hide in a closet for three (three!) days and have everyone used to it. It was almost impressive.
Which is why it worried Patrick when David would get up early to go to the store, smile at everyone, lie straight through his teeth and say he was fine. Patrick hadn’t seen David cry since the rejection.
Now, though, they were hiking. Well, Patrick was. David complained that there was no internet connection, and he wouldn’t be able to post any of his hiking pictures. Patrick expected this, sure, but it was still a bit irritating.
”David? You said you wouldn’t complain,” Patrick reminded his boyfriend.
David smiled sheepishly, alerting Patrick that something was wrong. “I’m sorry. I guess I can just post these when I get back.”
Patrick turned around to look at his boyfriend. There were in a clearing now, not where Patrick wanted to take them, but it would do. “David, can you tell me what’s wrong. And don’t say you’re fine, because you’re not,” Patrick added when David opened his mouth to protest.
David took his backpack off and crossed his arms. Patrick wanted to hug him, but he knew he had to let David speak.
”I-I relapsed,” David said quietly.
Patrick’s brows furrowed. A knot grew in his stomach. “Relapsed?” He asked.
David stuttered. “I didn’t know what else to do, alright? I was so depressed, and then I just…” he trailed off as he rolled up his sleeves.
Patrick gasped in surprise. Angry red lines criss-crossed his arms like waves.
“I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t want to burden you.”
He was engulfed in Patrick’s arms before he could say another word.
“You will never be a burden to me, David. I don’t care what is happening in the store, or with Ray, or a business meeting. If you’re going to hurt yourself, please tell me. I ha-“ Patrick cut himself off to sniffle, “I hate seeing you in so much pain.”
David also cried. “I’m sorry.”
Patrick buried his face in David’s neck and felt his heartbeat, praying to every god he could think of to keep his lover safe. “Talk to someone. Hell, talk to Ted. I just want you to be happy.”
David shook his head. “All of my-all of my information is with my parents, and I can’t face them right now.”
Patrick nodded. “I can get it, or have Stevie get it. You don’t have to do this alone, David. We all love you.”
When David seemed to calm down, Patrick grabbed their bags. “Now let’s have a picnic, then we’ll see what Ted can do.”
^
Ted’s office wasn’t as crowded as usual. There was Doris, with a kitten she had named Mittens Jr., and the two men in the waiting room. Patrick had no idea what to do with himself, so he looked at the pamphlets about rescue dogs while David updated Stevie on the situation.
“What did you tell her?” Patrick asked.
David looked up, a bit caught off guard. “Not this, just that you got me out of bed. She’s happy.”
Just then, Patrick stepped out of his operation room with a contented Mittens. “Make sure you give her a bath every day,” he told the old woman. She thanked him and left with a little wave. “David?”
Patrick and David got up and walked with Ted into his office. “What’s the problem?”
David rolled up his sleeves. He wore a look of indifference; he would break otherwise.
Ted drew in a gasp. “O-oh…do you want me to clean it?”
David nodded. “Please?”
Ted’s face grew grim as he gestured for David to sit on the table. He got out a plethora of supplies and began to gently wipe down the cuts. “I have to ask, David. I think I know the answer, but where did these come from?”
“Me,” David whispered.
“I think I have a sheet you can fill out, if you want. It’s a test to determine how severe your depression is. I can get ahold of the hospital in Elmdale for evaluation.”
David shook his head. “I don’t think that’s necessary, Ted, but thank you.”
“David, they could help you. Me and Ted, as much as we want to, will never be able to give you the help you need. Please,” Patrick begged, “you don’t need to admit yourself, but try?”
As Ted started to wrap the cuts, David caved. “Fine,” he said. “I’ll go.”