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When Abed woke up he found himself alone. He had started to wonder why Troy hadn't woken him up. He quickly dismissed the thought as he exited their room to find Troy, he was watching the rain falling just outside their window. Troy hadn't seemed to notice Abed approaching; he smiled to himself before he focused on the rain again. Abed rubbed the sleep from his left eye with the sleeve of his pajamas, the sleeve of the pajamas that matched Troy's. The movement caught Troy's attention, turning around to face him with a small smile.
"Abed! I was wondering when you were gonna wake up.." Troy said, his voice was sweet. It always seemed to be its sweetest when he was speaking to Abed. "Why didn't you wake me?" Abed added, sitting next to Troy and looking out at the grey sky.
"You needed the sleep," Troy replied as if it were obvious. "So, what are we gonna do today? you wanna stay inside..? It's kinda gloomy out there."
"Yep! How about we make a blanket fort?" Abed asked, turning his attention back to Troy. The slight sparkle of hope in Abed's eyes was enough to make Troy smile again, "Sure. I promise not to make too many secret tunnels this time." he replied in a playful whisper.
The two did their handshake before heading off to different areas of their apartment to gather blankets.
The blankets were all set up around their apartment with a few secret tunnels and fairy lights that Troy 'thought were a nice touch.' In reality, he knew that Abed enjoyed small and dim lighting over big and bright ones. They both did. Abed decided he needed his lava lamp next to the two seats they made out of pillows in front of the tv. As he was turning it on, Troy crawled out of a secret tunnel that led from their room to the kitchen. Abed smiled to himself, feeling satisfied with their fort. He reached for the remote as Troy got comfortable next to him, "Inspector Spacetime?" Abed asked, already knowing the answer. "yeah! bet we could get through the whole series if we stay up all night." Troy said while placing a bowl of popcorn between them.
Abed smiled and played the first episode, excited for a cozy day in with his best friend. Abed's smile was contagious and Troy's goofy grin widened. He was always satisfied when his favorite person was happy. Troy didn't mind what they watched, as long as he got to spend time with Abed like this. Inspector Spacetime was Troy's favorite too, but because he loved hearing the behind-the-scenes facts that Abed always shared.
As the episode played on, Troy and Abed shared the bowl of popcorn, enjoying the show together in their cozy, safe bubble while the outside world continued to exist in its own way.
Abed had noticed that Troy wasn't around as much that week. Maybe since he picked up a new class. He had missed him, but wouldn't say anything about it. It was probably stupid. He instead tried to think about how fun the day would be and how excited he was for it, "You're the best, Troy." Abed spoke suddenly while keeping his eyes on the tv. He wanted to show Troy that he was happy to spend today alone with him but didn't want to say anything that might be weird for Troy.
Troy was surprised by this, not having expected it at all. His gaze shifted from the tv back to Abed, his slightly shocked expression softening when Abed met his gaze. "No, Abed, you are... really." Troy replied softly. He meant it. Even if it were a simple sentence, Troy spoke it sincerely. He took every chance to tell Abed how much he meant to him. Abed was Troy's everything and he wanted nothing more than to show Abed just how special he was.
Before Abed could reply, Troy spoke again; "Hey, you know what would make today even more awesome?" He began, his face lighting up, "A pillow fight!" he exclaimed while grabbing a pillow and standing. Abed quickly grabbed his own pillow and stood to swing at Troy's arm.
Troy and Abed fought wildly like two little boys for at least 5 minutes, smiling and laughing the whole time. They both were having the time of their lives. Troy loved to do things like this, it allowed him to feel like a child again, Abed wanted nothing more than to go along with everything Troy did. The feeling was mutual.
As they started to get a bit tired, Troy landed a perfect swing on Abed's side and they both collapsed onto the ground, giggling and gasping for air. When Troy sat up to catch his breath and say "I won!" all Abed could focus on was how pretty Troy looked with his cheeks flushed like that. He always thought that Troy was pretty, especially when he would wear purple.
"This time," Abed replied quietly. He was too caught up in the moment to realize he had been staring up at Troy, while still lying there and using his elbows to prop him up. It was too out of character for Abed, he needed to pull himself together before Troy noticed.
They studied each other's features for a moment before Troy was speaking again, "Pillow fights are always the most fun with you." he said before his lips curved into a small smile once again. Troy thought everything was more fun when he did it with Abed.
Abed felt his chest tighten at that and he looked away. Troy had always said nice things to him but he never got used to it. Abed was still trying to accept that someone could like him for all that he is. That someone would look past his weirdness and maybe even love it. Troy noticed Abed's reaction and immediately felt bad, knowing how Abed's mind works.
"Hey." Troy's voice caught Abed's attention and their eyes met again. Troy reached down, motioning for Abed to grab his hand. When he did, Troy pulled him up and into a hug. Usually, the action would bother Abed, but it was Troy. Troy was safe. Troy always squeezed him just the right amount. Troy's hugs were the most comforting thing to Abed, and it always felt like a reward. It felt better than being wrapped up in a weighted blanket.
"You're amazing Abed. You're such an amazing friend. you know that?" Troy speaks quietly, resting his cheek against Abed's neck. Abed gave into the hug, wrapping his arms around Troy's middle, ''You're the most important person in my life, Troy." he finally replied, resting his chin on Troy's shoulder. Abed's hugs were the most sincere and loving hugs Troy had ever received, they fit together perfectly, he thought. Troy felt himself getting emotional over their embrace. He felt comfortable with Abed, always, so he let it wash over him completely. "Abed.. do you know how much that means to me?" Troy asked. He knew it probably wasn't a sentence worth getting emotional over, but it was him and Abed. Abed never lied to him. To anyone. He knew he could always trust Abed's words. And what Abed said meant a lot to him. Troy felt tears fill his eyes, but reminded himself not to feel embarrassed. Not to worry, because being in touch with your emotions is good. He repeated the fact in his head but it only made him feel more sensitive. He didn't care as much as he normally would, because he knew that Abed would never judge him. Damn, Abed was too good to be real.
Abed didn't reply. Troy felt Abed relax against him, so he relaxed too.
Abed knew that Troy was sensitive, if he were honest, it was one of his favorite things about Troy. He didn't think his words would affect Troy like this though, he wanted to show Troy his love that day. He remained silent, squeezing the man in his arms a little tighter.
Troy held Abed as tight as he could and neither of them said anything, wanting to let the moment speak for itself. Troy hadn't noticed he'd been crying until then. He was experiencing the purest love he had ever felt, and he was incredibly grateful that he had found someone like Abed who loved him as much as he loved them. Someone that returned his love in full. Troy wanted to tell Abed how much he meant to him but couldn't get the words out.
Troy was crying quietly into Abed's shoulder, trying to be silent. The way Abed held him made him feel safe enough to do so. It made all his embarrassment fade away.
Abed could feel Troy shaking and could hear his soft, quiet tears. He held Troy tighter than he ever had before, wanting to make sure he felt loved and cared for. He rocked him gently back and forth, trying to soothe him. Troy appreciated the gesture, it was sweet. He hiccuped before he spoke. If Abed thought that was cute, no one had to know. "Abed, I just want you to know something. No matter what happens, or where the future takes us, you will always, always..." Troy separated them to look at Abed when he said, "Be the most important person in the world to me.'' his voice was gentle and sweet like honey. Abed loved when he used that tone. They went back to hugging, both already missing each other's warmth.
Troy's words melted Abed's heart. Abed felt tears filling his own eyes, he had realized after that just how intimate the moment was. He rarely cried, he hated crying. The situation was new to him, as were his emotions.
Troy was pouring his heart out to him and he couldn't speak. Abed hated speaking while he cried, Troy knew that, but he didn't mind. At that moment, the two of them were as close as they ever had been. Troy held Abed close, never wanting to let go. He was optimistic that it was a moment that would be forever engrained in his mind. He hoped that more moments like this were to come.
Abed sighed, moving his hand up to gently caress the skin on Troy's neck for a second before moving into his hair. He didn't want Troy's head to hurt from crying like it sometimes did. It was funny, Abed was very picky with the textures he liked to feel. Troy's hair ended up being his favorite texture.
Troy's breath caught when he felt Abed's fingers in his hair. Abed rocking him and playing with his hair felt so loving and tender. No one else had ever shown him such gentle love.
'Love.'
"Abed.. I love you." Troy said, his voice coming out so quiet that he feared Abed might not have heard it.
Everything went quiet. Abed's thoughts were all discarded once he heard those words come from Troy.
Troy knew that Abed heard him when he felt Abed's fingers stop messing with his hair, when he heard Abed's breath catch. He didn't have time to worry that he might've said too much and made Abed uncomfortable, because Abed was breathing again. Abed hadn't kept messing with Troy's hair though. Instead, Abed was the one to break the hug and look at Troy. They were still very close, only inches apart. "I love you too Troy. More than anything, I.." Abed trailed off and looked over to his lava lamp, focusing on the blobs while he searched for the words. He wanted nothing more than to tell Troy how he really loved him. He wanted to tell Troy he was so pretty, even when he cried. He didn't know how to explain it, he couldn't use a movie scene for this. Friends didn't lie, Abed couldn't keep anything from the person most important to him for long.
"You are so important to me, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you.." Abed looked back to Troy, who was already looking at him, the love almost clear in his eyes. "And I really do love you, so much... but differently than you think." The words were building up in his chest then, he couldn't look at Troy when he said it. Abed looked down at his hands as he began to mess with his sleeves. He squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to shake the feeling of everything closing in on him. He took a shaky breath and opened his mouth to speak again but closed it when he felt Troy hold his hands. "Me too. I mean... I love you that way too. you don't have to say it. I know it might be hard.. to put into words."
Abed blinked. A wave of confusing emotions hit him all at once. Troy understood him so well. Troy loved him the same? No, he had to be confused. He would've picked up on it if Troy loved him the same.
Troy felt like he had been holding his breath after he said that. His heart was beating so fast. He hoped he hadn't read everything wrong. He hoped he hadn't just ruined the moment.. and he really hoped he didn't just ruin their friendship. He would never forgive himself if he did that.
"um... Abed?" Troy tilted his head to meet Abed's line of sight. "Yes..?" Abed's reply was quiet, all he could focus on were Troy's dark brown eyes.
"What's on your mind..?" Troy asked, the nervousness was very visible to Abed after he spoke. "You." The words had slipped without Abed giving them a second thought. He wanted to say something more but shut himself up when Troy smiled down at their hands and leaned forward slightly to rest his head against Abed's chest. They swayed back and forth for a minute. The movement gave Troy an idea. He quickly looked up at Abed, his expression light and hopeful, that goofy grin returning. Abed found himself smiling along with Troy. "What?" "We should dance...!" Troy said, trying not to sound too excited.
"There's no music," Abed replied, furrowing his brows slightly, but finally moved his fingers so that they were properly holding hands. Troy just smiled more at that, "Pfft.. we don't need music."
Abed silently agreed with a smile and they started to sway again. Troy moved his arms up to rest them on Abed's shoulders while Abed's found their place on Troy's hips. The small gap in their height seemed perfect to Abed.
Abed couldn't figure out which trope it felt most like, but he loved dancing with him regardless, so it didn't matter. Troy was happy to dance with him, he had always wondered what dancing with Abed could be like. Sure, they'd dance for something silly sometimes, but never together, never like a scene from a cheesy romantic film.
"I like you." Abed whispered. It was simple. He figured it didn't matter at that point, but he also just wanted to make sure that Troy knew what he meant.
Troy smiled and touched his forehead to Abed's. It was a new smile that Abed had never seen before. It was so genuine and happy, it made Abed feel warm.
"I like you too." Troy whispered back, closing his eyes and relaxing completely.
"Cool." Abed said quietly. He closed his eyes as well and relaxed into the whole swaying motion they had going on. Troy noticed immediately that Abed had only said 'cool' only once, he didn't know if it was good or bad. Troy scrunched his face, opening one eye slightly to take a peek at Abed, who seemed content. "Cool, cool, cool." Troy finished for him. Abed smiled. And maybe blushed a little bit.
They danced like that for a while, inching closer while listening to the rain hit the window. A lot was left unsaid, but they didn't need to talk about it. They both understood that they loved each other the same and that was all that mattered. They could have that conversation another time.
While they were dancing, Abed had whispered to Troy, telling him that he was a 'beautiful flower' and that he 'loved to watch him grow,' a quote from one of Troy's favorite adventure time episodes. Troy hid his face in his hands. He didn't think Abed knew how much he adored that line.
The two ended the night cuddled up with pillows and blankets, watching adventure time.
If anyone were to ask Troy what true happiness felt like, he would say it felt like dancing.
Abed forever loved the sound of rain after that day.