Work Text:
Bitty is having a bad week.
It’s not awful; he’s not injured or sick, nobody’s dying, there have been no catastrophic life events. But Bitty is having a bad week nonetheless despite the fact that it’s only Monday evening, and he has a feeling it’s going to continue for a little longer.
He’d slept through his alarm this morning and been too late to stop for his customary Starbucks or even to shower, so he’d felt gross and underprepared during his classes. He’s also way behind on a paper that he’d spent the whole of the previous weekend procrastinating on, and he’s got a test tomorrow that he really should’ve revised for a bit more.
But really, above everything, Bitty’s week is faced with a distinct lack of Jack Zimmermann. Jack is away this week, first visiting his parents and then on a roadie for a few days. Of course, he’s always on the other end of the phone if Bitty needs to call him, but it’s not the same when Jack can’t stay for a proper conversation, too busy being called away to do other things.
Bitty tries not to be bitter. But he hasn’t seen Jack since the week before last, and he misses his boyfriend greatly.
After quietly sulking around the Haus, Bitty has the miraculous realisation that if he’s already in a bad mood, he might as well continue it by getting some work done. He’s got that paper and his test right around the corner, plus his mid-terms are quickly looming.
So he grabs his laptop and books and heads into the living room to sit at the table, huffing to himself as he puts in his earbuds and tries to focus.
He remains undisturbed for a whopping twelve minutes which honestly, when it comes to writing a paper, is long enough. Bitty glances up as Holster and Ransom pile into the room, the sounds of their chatting loud enough to be heard over Bitty’s music. Bitty just pouts, stubbornly keeping his earphones in.
“Hey, Bits,” Ransom says, the two of them halting their conversation to shoot him matching looks of concern. “You’re… doing work?”
Bitty takes out one earphone to respond plainly, “Yes.”
Holster takes a quick glance around the room like he’s searching for some hooded figure who might be lurking in here blackmailing Bitty into actually doing something, before returning his attention to Bitty. “Willingly?”
“Yes.”
Holster and Ransom glance at each other, and Bitty practically sees the physical transformation from usual frat boys to Very Serious Mature Co-Captains.
“What’s wrong, Bits?” Ransom asks, pulling a chair over to sit beside Bitty as Holster climbs up and perches on top of the table. “You’re usually in the kitchen when you get stressed, I think this is a first.”
“I’m not stressed,” Bitty mumbles, giving in a little as he quietly aches for some comfort. “I’m just… grumpy.”
“Grumpy?” Ransom repeats, frowning. “But you’re never grumpy?”
“Who’s ass do we have to kick?” Holster chimes in.
Bitty smiles despite his mood. “Nobody’s, it’s fine. I’m just having a rough start to the week, I guess. It’s really nothing serious.”
Holster and Ransom still look torn, and Ransom asks, “What can we do to help?”
Bitty hums, considering his options for a moment. As much as he’d like to sulk by himself, Bitty is a people person above anything, and he’d quite like a cuddle or something to perk him up. Nothing will ever quite be enough to replicate the deep feeling of love, safety and serenity that he feels when nestled in Jack’s arms, but Bitty loves his Samwell boys and he likes being near them when he’s not in the best of moods. “Maybe I just need a hug?”
Holster slaps the table, making Bitty jump at the sound, before swinging his legs off the table. “Well fuck me, get in here, Bits! You know you only ever have to ask.”
Bitty laughs weakly, standing up so he can lean up to hug Holster. He shrieks when Holster swiftly grabs him and lifts him straight off the ground, his huge arms encircling Bitty as Bitty scrambles to hook his legs around Holster for stability.
Ransom’s arms suddenly appear around him too, and Bitty giggles as he feels Ransom rest his head against the back of his shoulder.
“This is a very cozy co-captain sandwich,” Bitty hums happily, his mood already thoroughly boosted as Holster and Ransom hold him tightly between their big, warm bodies.
“It’s part of our job description,” Holster says seriously. “We kick ass on the ice and we snuggle any member of our team when they need to be snuggled.”
“It’s a package deal,” Ransom adds.
“You boys are too much,” Bitty smiles, enjoying the hug for another moment before loosening his grip around Holster’s shoulders. He’s finally let go from the embrace and lowered to the floor. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank us, Bits,” Ransom says warmly. “We’re a team, yeah? We pick each other up when we’re down, metaphorically and physically.”
“Of course, but I think I’d throw my back out trying to lift you two,” Bitty jokes. “I feel better now, thanks, boys.”
“Anytime, Bits. Do you want us to leave you alone now or do you wanna come hang out? We’re starting a Mario Kart tournament.”
Bitty stares down at his laptop and papers for all of three seconds before he makes a decision, swiftly flipping the cover of his book closed and beaming. “Lord knows I’ll regret it when I take that test tomorrow, but sure. Bring it on.”
X
Tuesday morning is going well for Bitty, a surprising turn of events after the series of bad luck encounters yesterday, and his sour mood has all but dissipated. His test didn’t feel as disastrous as he thought it would, and he doesn’t have any afternoon classes today so he can spend all afternoon baking.
Bitty’s good day lasts all the way until after lunchtime when he’s on his way back to the Haus, coffee in hand. He’s busy texting Jack with his free hand, admittedly not paying much attention to where he’s looking, and he shrieks when a cyclist careers right in front of him.
“Fucking watch it, jackass!” the cyclist yells at him in passing, just as Bitty upends the entire contents of his coffee all over his coat.
Bitty just stands rooted to the spot for a long moment, mouth open, as he quickly begins to feel very uncomfortable in his damp coat. He stares up to the sky as if looking for divine assistance, muttering, “The Lord is testing me.”
He unbuttons his coat to stop his shirt from getting wet too, a deep frown gracing his features as he hurries back home.
By the time he makes it back to the Haus, he’s already yanking his coat off before he’s even got through the front door, planning to take it straight downstairs to put in the washing machine so it doesn’t stain.
He doesn’t make it that far. Instead, his body takes over from his mind as he tosses his coat onto the floor and stomps into the kitchen, a pout on his face that probably makes him look like a child but feeling too overwhelmed to fight it.
Nursey is sitting at the kitchen table, lost in work as he taps away on his laptop. He glances up absently to see who has just arrived, concern glossing over his handsome face as he immediately notices Bitty looking probably on the verge of tears. “Bits?”
“I need a hug,” is all that comes out of Bitty’s mouth, and he suddenly feels a desperate urge to be with his boyfriend.
“Aw, man,” Nursey says, wearing a sympathetic smile as he gets up and approaches Bitty, wrapping his arms around him. “C’mere, dude.”
Bitty clings to him tightly, eyes squeezed tightly closed as he tries his best to focus on how nice it feels to be hugged, and not how it’s just not quite the right person hugging him.
A second later, a voice can be heard from down the hall, accompanied by hurried footsteps as the voice gets quickly louder. “Did I just hear Bitty say he needs a hug?!”
Bitty chuckles wetly against Nursey’s shoulder as he senses Chowder barrelling into the room behind him, who doesn’t even wait to be given context before inviting himself into the hug too. Bitty awkwardly reaches behind him, patting Chowder somewhere on the waist. “Hey, Chowder.”
“I have no idea what’s going on but I’m here for you, Bitty,” Chowder responds earnestly. “We both are.”
“I know,” Bitty murmurs. “Some idiot on a bike yelled at me and made me spill my coffee all over myself. It was kinda my fault that it happened but still, I was not amused.”
“What a jerk!” Chowder defends passionately.
“Yeah, he probably wasn’t looking where he was going either,” Nursey adds smoothly, patting Bitty’s back. Bitty smiles weakly, adoring how sweet the frogs are as they comfort him.
“Nursey,” Bitty mumbles after a beat. “How do you always smell so good? Are you wearing cologne?”
“Chyeah,” Nursey says, carefully pulling away from the hug. “Just because I’m a hockey player doesn’t mean I can’t smell good. And it pisses Dex off, which is a bonus. He says it makes me seem conceited.”
“Oh, Lord,” Bitty smiles fondly, Nursey and Dex’s familiar bickering making him feel a little more settled and back to normal. “You two will find literally anything to argue about, huh?”
“Hey, it’s always him that starts it. He really needs to chill more.”
“So I’ve heard,” Bitty rolls his eyes, heading over to the counter with a happy sigh as he begins pulling out ingredients and utensils. “If anyone needs me, tell them I’ll be right here for the rest of the day baking my feelings. And if anyone has any special requests they should get them in now.”
“Ooh, can you do strawberry cream?” Chowder asks excitedly, perching himself on a breakfast stool. “Oh, or maybe kiwi lime? I’m feeling fruity!”
Bitty’s face gives way to a smile, looking fondly at his frogs. “Of course, Chowder, whatever you want. I could do blueberry too?”
Chowder gasps. “Oh my gosh, yeah! Is it bad if I say I don’t mind if you’re feeling grumpy again if it means we get tons of pie?”
Bitty just laughs and reaches for his apron, his favorite yellow one with frills, and ties it around his waist. “And Nursey, anything for you?”
“Oh, I’m chill. I’m cramming for my mid-term right now so I’m good with whatever Chowder wants.”
“Okay, sweetie. Let me know if you change your mind because Bitty’s kitchen is open for business.”
“Hey, Bits, is that your coat on the floor?” Chowder says, spotting the crumpled coat in the hallway. “Want me to go put it in the laundry for you?”
“You angel,” Bitty beams. “I’m very lucky to have you boys.”
X
It’s Wednesday now, and Bitty has set himself up in the library with the intention of doing at least a fraction of his paper before he gives in and goes home to continue adding to the vast assortment of pies he produced yesterday afternoon. He’s only had a couple of texts from Jack so far today since Jack is on the road and has horrible phone reception, and Bitty’s feeling bereft and lonely.
He almost jumps a mile when a takeout coffee cup appears from somewhere on his left and is placed directly onto his textbook, yanking out his earbuds and turning to see Lardo standing beside him. She is thoroughly unfazed by his surprise, lips tilting up to shoot him a small smile.
“Goodness, Lards, I nearly had a heart attack,” Bitty exclaims, quietly as to not disturb his studying neighbors, hand on his chest.
“Yeah, sorry not sorry,” Lardo answers, sliding into the spare seat and taking a sip of her own coffee. “I got you pumpkin spice. That’s your sickeningly sweet flavor of the month, right?”
“Right,” Bitty agrees, picking up his cup and sipping. He sighs happily, instantly lifted. “Mm, sweet, sweet caffeine. Thanks, Lards.”
Bitty does his best to return his attention back to his work, but he’s not stupid and he knows that Lardo had an ulterior motive for finding him here other than to bestow delicious sweet treats upon him. He’s aware he’s been quieter than usual today, and he hadn’t missed the looks Lardo had been shooting him during practice this morning.
“So,” Lardo starts after a few moments of companionable silence.
“You wanna know why I’m being quiet and emo today, don’t you?” Bitty says for her, not even trying to fight it. “You always know when something’s up.”
“Mhm. It’s good to know we can communicate without literally having to say a word,” Lardo says, casual as ever as she keeps sipping her drink. “So, what is up?”
“Nothing, really,” Bitty says honestly, picking his pen and scribbling out some of the nonsensical notes he made for his paper earlier. “Jack’s away and I’m having a grumpy week.”
“Fair enough. I did assume it was partly to do with those guys who laughed at you this morning when you epically knocked over about thirty trays at breakfast.”
Bitty scowls at the memory. “That did not help. Everyone’s a little clumsy in the morning, I don’t need asshats laughing at me for it.”
“You were channelling your inner Nursey,” Lardo smirks. “A manoeuvre even he would be proud of.”
Bitty snorts despite his mood. “Yeah, I’ll blame it on him. His klutz-ness is spreading.”
“Is there anything I can do for the grumpiness?”
“You’ve already done more than enough with this,” Bitty smiles, picking up his coffee and having another sip.
“Good to know you’re easily pleased,” Lardo says, glancing at her phone. “I actually just stopped by to say hi, I’ve gotta run. Got class. Sure you’re good, though?”
“Yeah, I promise. You go ahead; I don’t want you to be late.”
“Okay.” Lardo gets up, slinging her bag over her shoulder and picking up her cup. Bitty sighs to himself as he looks back up at his laptop, trying to get himself back into the right mindset, when he feels a slim arm wrapping around his shoulders and giving him a gentle squeeze.
Bitty smiles, reaching up to hold Lardo’s forearm. “Thanks, Lards.”
“Anytime,” she says, squeezing him for a few seconds before pulling away. “See ya later.”
She doesn’t stick around, heading off towards the exit. Bitty reaches for his coffee again, touched by the gesture and relieved that he has people here who hear him even when he doesn’t talk.
X
Later that evening, Bitty is spending time with Dex in the kitchen. For the last couple of months, he’s been teaching Dex some baking basics ever since Dex showed an interest, during one of those evenings when Betsy had predictably given up and Bitty had called Dex in a panic begging him to come fix her again.
Bitty has hardly heard from Jack at all today, and he sighs quietly to himself as he checks his phone again. He knows Jack is busy and he’s trying his hardest not to be annoying and needy since Jack always FaceTimes him as soon as he’s free, but Bitty still can’t help feeling a little pouty about it.
He’s snapped out of his thoughts when he sees how much flour Dex is adding to the mixture, quickly reaching over to tilt the bag and stop Dex from pouring so much. “No, no, baby, just a little at a time and then we can stir it in as we go.”
He blushes a little at the accidental pet name that slipped out, hoping Dex won’t mind too much. But Bitty is feeling needy for affection tonight, and his mother hen instincts always seem to get stronger whenever he’s in moods like this, especially around the frogs.
Dex doesn’t respond at first, shooting Bitty a quick look. He eventually says, “Pretty sure pet names are a fine for the jar.”
“Yeah, they are,” Bitty agrees, reaching for a whisk. “Are you gonna report me to Ransom and Holster?”
“No.” Dex goes quiet again, concentrating on his stirring for a moment. “Is everything… alright?”
Bitty’s chest immediately warms at the question, knowing that it takes a lot for Dex to reach out to anyone emotionally. Chowder is of course Bitty’s sweet summer child, but Bitty has a soft spot for Dex that has been growing and growing over the last year or so, especially since he started teaching Dex how to bake.
“I’m okay,” Bitty answers. “I’ve just been whining all week, and Jack hasn’t been on the phone much since he’s away.”
“Oh.” Dex keeps stirring, eyes trained downwards, and Bitty is sure that Dex is wrestling with himself the way he does when faced with a social situation he doesn’t know how to navigate. “Um, that must be tough. Sorry.”
“It’s okay, he’s back on Saturday,” Bitty smiles, not wanting Dex to feel like he has to offer anything. “Besides, I’ve got all my favorite boys here to keep me company all week, so I don’t have anything to complain about, do I?”
He needs to grab the milk from the fridge so he steps to the side, gently squeezing Dex’s arm. But before he can step away completely, he freezes in surprise when Dex’s arm comes up to wrap around his middle.
Dex hugs him exactly how Bitty expected he would; well-meaning but awkward and stiff, his body all straight lines and hard edges. But Bitty appreciates the sentiment very much, hugging Dex back tightly for just a few seconds until he can tell Dex is getting uncomfortable, stepping back with a grateful smile.
“Thanks, sweetie,” Bitty says, half joking as he tries his luck with another pet name.
The tips of Dex’s ears are starting to turn pink. “The first time was an accident, but any more than that will have to be reported to RH.”
Bitty laughs, heading to the fridge. “Please, they wouldn’t dare fine the person who feeds them so well.”
X
On Thursday, Bitty finds himself alone in the kitchen as he finishes prepping a pie; pecan as specially requested by one Derek Nurse after his so-called ‘catastrophic’ mid-term. As Bitty slides the pie into the oven to bake, his mind wanders to Shitty, feeling a pang in his chest as he thinks about his loud, affectionate, kind-hearted friend and wishing for that kind of warmth in this moment.
Bitty sets a timer for the pie and then reaches for his phone, not feeling nearly self-conscious enough this week to mind being needy.
Bitty: Shitty I miss you :(
Bitty: Lardo mentioned that you’re coming to the haus tomorrow to watch Jack’s game with us?
As he waits for Shitty’s reply, Bitty bustles around tidying up the kitchen and wiping down the countertops. He sighs wistfully as he glances at the time, noting that Jack will be on the coach with the Falcs right now.
Shitty’s reply doesn’t take long to come through, and Bitty smiles when he sees his name light up on the screen.
Shitty: Aww Bits, I miss you too!
Shitty: Fuck yeah I’ll be there
Bitty: Yay :) feels like forever since I’ve seen you </3
Shitty: It’s been like two weeks so yeah.. forever lmao
Shitty: you good bro?
Bitty smiles weakly at the question; trust Shitty to be able to sense when everything isn’t quite peachy with him. Shitty has always been instinctive in this way; it’s one of the reasons Bitty feels so comfortable around him.
Bitty: Yeah, I just think I’m gonna need a Shitty hug when you get here
Bitty: Not a shitty hug but a Shitty Hug
Shitty: Well prepare yourself for the motherfucker of all Shitty Hugs when I get there
Shitty: I’m already getting it locked and loaded
Bitty: Oh lord I’ll try to ready myself <3<3
The next evening, the Haus is ramping up to watch the Falcs game, most of the guys already milling around as Holster and Ransom hand out beers and nachos like the good co-captains that they are. Bitty is in the kitchen, stepping away from the hustle and bustle of it all for a moment as he sends Jack a few last minute texts. He isn’t sure if Jack will even get the chance to see them now before the game, but Bitty wants him to know how much he loves him, and how he and all the guys are always rooting for him.
The sudden sound of the front door slamming and then a loud, booming voice makes Bitty almost drop his phone, spinning with wide eyes to see a windswept Shitty Knight bursting into the room. Shitty’s eyes immediately lock on Bitty before he charges, shouting, “Incoming!”
Bitty laughs wildly as Shitty rushes over to him and throws his arms around him in an aggressively loving hug, the sheer force of it lifting Bitty clean off the ground. He holds on tightly, exclaiming, “I thought I prepared myself for the Shitty Hug but it wasn’t enough!”
“Nobody can ever fully prepare for the full-blown, breathtaking, motherfucking Shitty Hug,” Shitty answers, not loosening his grip for a second as he lowers Bitty to the floor again. “What can I say, I always deliver.”
“Thank you,” Bitty giggles, his eyes starting to water with emotion as he grips the back of Shitty’s jacket. “I needed one of these.”
He can’t see Shitty’s face as they continue to hug, but he can practically sense the little crease that forms between Shitty’s eyebrows. “I’m sure you’re probably fine but I’m just gonna ask again; you good, bro?”
“I’m good, bro,” Bitty answers honestly, nestling his face against Shitty’s shoulder. “I can’t say this to the other boys without being chirped like crazy but I’m having a crappy week and I just really miss my boyfriend and I need him to get his giant ass back here so he can hold me.”
“Aww, Bits,” Shitty murmurs, rubbing Bitty’s back. “It’s okay, I get it. I miss our boyfriend, too.”
“Please stop saying that,” Bitty laughs. “You know I’m already getting comments from people on Twitter asking me if I think Jack might be cheating on me with you.”
Shitty just laughs in response. “Do you wanna tell me about your crappy week?”
Bitty hums non-committedly, shrugging a little before launching into his riveting tales of all his moments of bad luck this week. Shitty starts to gently rock them as he talks, swaying them on the spot as he listens quietly.
“First on Monday I woke up late, so I didn’t have time to shower or get my Starbucks before my first class,” Bitty recounts. “And then on Tuesday I accidentally dropped my earphones outside and one of them isn’t working properly now. Plus I got distracted on the phone with my mother and I burned the crust of my pie, which I haven’t done in at least four years. Oh, and on Wednesday I was in the dining hall and I knocked over a stack of trays and some guys laughed at me. And then -”
He continues rambling, knowing he’s being melodramatic to whine about such small things but not minding a bit because he knows Shitty never judges him for anything. As he chatters away, Shitty carefully shuffles them over to the fridge, reaching in for a beer and popping the top off using the magnetic bottle opener they keep on the fridge door.
“Want one?” Shitty asks, gently interrupting Bitty’s spiel as Bitty hears him take a sip.
“No, thanks,” Bitty mumbles. “Sorry for being whiny, by the way. I’m sure you’ve had a crazy week with all your classes.”
“No way, brah, you can always be whiny with me. I just wish I could be around a little more often, but you know you can always call me, right?”
“Yeah,” Bitty replies. “I know.”
“And is the Shitty Hug helping a little?”
“Yeah, I do feel better now,” Bitty smiles. “Everything always feels really safe when you’re around.”
“Aww, Bits,” Shitty laughs, sounding genuinely touched. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me!”
“Yeah, well, you’re my favorite, mister,” Bitty says, pulling away just enough to shoot Shitty a little smile. “Apart from Jack. And don’t you dare tell any of the others I said that; I’ll deny it if you do.”
“Our little secret, I promise,” Shitty winks, giving Bitty a quick kiss on the temple.
Bitty smiles, sour mood dissipated as he drops his head back down on Shitty’s shoulder. “Like I said, I do feel better, but I’m just gonna cling to you like a koala for a little longer.”
“That’s what I’m here for, brah. Koala on me all you need.”
“Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
X
After what feels like a century, Saturday evening has finally arrived. A bunch of the team are all hanging out, eating and playing games, and Bitty is enjoying being with everyone but his brain is decidedly elsewhere. He checks his phone approximately every nine seconds, buzzing with excitement at knowing he’ll be back in his boyfriend’s arms very soon.
Jack hasn’t texted him yet though, so Bitty occupies himself by clearing some trash from the living room and heading to the kitchen to tidy up a little. He’s just wiping down the counter when the sound of the front door makes his head shoot up like a meerkat, holding his breath as he stares at the doorway.
His face breaks into a huge smile when finally, he locks eyes on his gorgeous, smiling, flushed from the wind boyfriend, heart fluttering as the two of them meet in the middle of the room and throw their arms around each other.
“Hi!” Bitty practically sings, relief flooding through him as he clings to Jack and enjoys the contact he’s been craving for the entire week. “Oh my God, I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” Jack murmurs, his voice low and rumbly and straight up delicious against the shell of Bitty’s ear. He pulls away just enough to press a kiss to Bitty’s lips, the two of them taking advantage of the empty room before the guys notice Jack is back and appear to ruin the moment. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Bitty repeats, giddy. “I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve seen you. I’m so proud of you for your game yesterday, that was a tough one but you fought so hard. Oh, and how were your parents, were they good? Did they like the mini-pies I sent you?”
“Yes, they loved them, Mom took a few home.” Jack leans in for another kiss. “How was your week?”
“Ugh,” Bitty rolls his eyes dramatically as he thinks back over the events of the week. “I’ve got so much to tell you, it’s been a very eventful week. Well, actually, nothing has really happened but I’ve still got loads to tell you; wait until you hear about what some of the lax bros did to me on Wednesday, and that was only the cherry on the cake.”
Jack chuckles, eyes fond as he listens. “Rough week, eh?”
“Yes, something was testing my patience this week, I don’t know what, but I know I was being tested. The team has been really sweet though while I’ve been being pouty, I even got a hug from Dex the other day! I think that means he’s reached his hug quota for the year so I’m probably not eligible for another for at least another six months, but still, it was adorable.”
“I’m glad they’ve all been here for you this week. They’re protective of you, especially the frogs. Did you talk to Shitty, too?”
“I did, he’s been looking after me since he got here last night. I love that boy to death, even when he’s waking me up at six in the morning for mimosas. He’s in the living room, I’m surprised his Jack radar hasn’t started going off yet.”
“Give him a minute,” Jack smiles, leaning in to capture Bitty’s lips in a sweet, lingering kiss. Bitty’s heart flutters, and he leans up on his tiptoes to wrap his arms around those glorious, broad shoulders and bring Jack closer, losing himself in the sweet warmth and safety of the embrace.
“Oh, fuck!”
Bitty and Jack both jump at the sudden cursing, their teeth almost knocking together. Shitty pays them no attention from where he’s appeared in the doorway, locking in on Jack and running over with a yell to pounce on Jack’s back.
Jack just laughs, managing to stay balanced as he pats Shitty’s forearm. “Hey, Shits.”
“Jacky! When did you sneak in?! Bits, were you hiding our boyfriend from me?”
“I absolutely was,” Bitty smiles, ignoring Shitty where he’s still on top of Jack in a clingy piggy back and cupping Jack’s face to give him another kiss. “Are you hungry, sweet pea?”
“Starving.”
“Me too!”
“Shitty, you just ate like an hour ago.”
“I’m a growing boy, Bits. I need my vitamins.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Bitty replies, rolling his eyes fondly as he steps away to take a look in the fridge so he can rustle something up for his hard-working boyfriend. “Shall I just let you two lovebirds catch up while I cook?”
“That’d be great, thanks, Bits.”
Jack chuckles, gently shaking Shitty off him and following Bitty over to the fridge where he wraps an arm around him and kisses his cheek. He mumbles, “I love you.”
Bitty positively glows, returning Jack’s sweet kiss. “I love you too, honey. I’m happy you’re here.”
“Man,” Shitty sighs at the two of them. “This would be sickening if it weren’t so fucking cute.”
“We know we are,” Bitty chirps. “Not even mad about it.”