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“Awh mann, that was great!” Pete sighed, collapsing on the bed of the hotel room with an “oomph”. Patrick, who himself was sprawled out on the couch, let out a tired yet delighted laugh. “Yep, great show…”
Fall Out Boy just had yet another successful performance, and everyone was quite exhausted after having to play for hours on end. All four members of the band were staying in two separate hotel rooms for the night, Pete and Patrick staying in one while Joe and Andy shared the other; each room had only one bed. They all decided this was best so there wouldn’t be much snoring at one time.
Pete was both grateful and nervous of this room assignment, as having to share a bed with someone he’d secretly been crushing on hard would cause so many problems.
Oh, Patrick… Pete stared hard at the other man, studying his soft pale skin, his ashy blond hair, how the folds of his clothes bent to his perfect physique, how his light pink lips moved up and down to form each syllable… and oh, those baby blues under his glasses… Pete could get lost in those eyes all day…
Patrick probably never knew all those songs were even written for him, every single verse written with the band’s singer in mind. How he and Pete would be better as lovers instead of friends… that he’s more than Pete ever bargained for in a person… Pete never deserved him. It was ironic, the singer singing songs made specifically for him; this epitome of a human being, this angel without wings, a–
“Pete… Pete, are you listening to me?!” Patrick was now sitting up on the couch with his arms crossed, an eyebrow raised as he waited for Pete to answer.
Pete shook his head, laughing as a slight blush spread across his cheeks. He attempted to cover them up by moving a hand up to wipe his mouth. “S-sorry, Pattycakes. I’m kinda tired…”
Patrick rolled his eyes, scoffing jokingly before repeating himself. “As I was saying, if you were paying attention, we have time to go out tonight. I kind of wanna explore this place before we leave, so… any chance you could come with me?” Patrick looked at Pete with slightly pleading eyes, paired with a hopeful smile.
Pete thought he’d never seen anything cuter, more pure than that smile, and it made his heart flutter in his chest. “Of course I will, lemme freshen up in the bathroom for a sec…” He replied eagerly as he stood up, walking into the bathroom and closing the door.
The bassist stood over the sink, smiling at himself as he stared at his reflection. You’re in for it now, Pete… He thought to himself, almost giddy with the thought of getting to spend time with Patrick, his love, his angel…
Pete quickly shook his head, turning on the faucet and splashing his face with the water that spilled from it. The coolness was quite a relief to his skin, which was hot from the excitement of the concert and slick with sweat. He dried it all off with a towel and gave himself one last look in the mirror before opening the door.
He was met with the sight of Patrick sitting on the bed, who apparently took his jacket off and was now dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans and his classic “I ♥ Bingo” hat. He turned to look at the bathroom door opening, smiling up at Pete as he stood. “Took you long enough.”
“I spent, like, five minutes in there…” Pete chuckled as he unlocked the door to the hotel room and shoved the key into his pocket. Patrick followed closely behind, the two of them now playfully bantering about Pete possibly having bathroom issues.
The two men ended up in a shopping plaza, hundreds of people surrounding them and milling about their day. Patrick continued to stay close to Pete and nervously clung onto his arm so that they wouldn’t be separated.
Of course this drove Pete crazy, made him just want to pull Patrick behind a wall and kiss those pink lips of his ever so softly, reassuring him he was okay and was never gonna be hurt again... He probably looked so stupid, with his face burning up and his heart pounding in his chest. Thankfully Patrick didn’t seem to notice, too preoccupied with the crowd around them.
Eventually the two men spotted an Outback Steakhouse, which Pete pointed at. “Wanna eat there, Trick?” Patrick followed the direction of his finger and nodded, and so the duo made their way over.
Once seated Pete watched Patrick–not unlike he’d always done before–studying how his body relaxed and his expression went from anxious to content. He especially paid attention to the worried frown on the other’s face that turned into a stupidly cute, shy smile; its magnificence was only increased tenfold by those bright, beautiful eyes that looked up at Pete.
It was a blessing that Patrick was so comfortable around him, because Pete would probably be devastated if he knew he wouldn’t be able to experience that feeling of euphoria, that happiness, or that bliss that he usually got whenever he got to spend time with or even stay close to Patrick. He was so entranced by this one man, it was ridiculous… maybe some sort of spell was cast on Pete to make him feel this way. Whatever, he wasn’t complaining.
Pete soon realized he’d been zoning out and admiring for probably way longer than he should have; Patrick had stayed awkwardly silent, waiting for him to say something. A waitress had also been standing at their table for a bit, waiting to take their orders.
Pete cleared his throat and threw a hasty “Oh, sorry!” at the waitress before briskly flipping through the menu and repeating the name of the first dish he spotted. Patrick ordered as well in a much calmer and slower state. The waitress nodded to each word and jotted the orders down in her notepad, leaving with a smile. “Your orders will be out soon, sirs,” she called out as she walked away.
Patrick had a small smirk on his face as he studied Pete, letting a pause occur before speaking. “You’re clearly hung up about something. Zoning out all day and everything. Spill?”
Before Pete could think of anything to reply with, the words he’d been rolling over in his mind suddenly came tumbling out:
“Patrick, have you ever been in a situation where you were, like, completely obsessed with someone… a-and you have absolutely no idea what to do about it?”
…well. So much for keeping it cool, Pete.
“That’s… one way to start a conversation.” Patrick was now looking at him quite strangely before barking out a loud laugh. “Girl trouble again, huh? Heard it a thousand times from you before, Petey…”
Pete laughed along with him, attempting to conceal the nervousness in his voice. God, was it hot in here? “Y-yeah, cliché of me, I know. Plus, it’s different this time… I wouldn’t mind taking advice from my best friend, y’know?”
“Huh, guess that’s true.” Patrick waited until his laughter died down before continuing to speak, now holding a more serious but still amused demeanor.
“I think… you should just tell her eventually. Soon as you can, in fact. No use in keeping it secret.” He shrugged, thanking the waitress who had just come over with their meals. He began cutting at his steak and eagerly biting into the meat. “Man, I’m starving…”
Pete also began eating his steak, nodding along to Patrick’s words. “Okay, but how do I do that? I can’t just tell… her like that.”
Patrick was looking down at his plate as he ate, cutting another piece off and stuffing it in his mouth. He only looked back up when he spoke to Pete, his words a bit muffled as he talked with his mouth full. Adorable. “Hmm… I know you probably wanna seduce her or something. You freak…” He muttered the last part under his breath affectionately, and Pete felt his stupid heart flutter once more at the teasing.
“Anyways, you gotta wait until you’re all alone–probably on your bed or something, because I do not wanna walk in on that–and while you’re talking, you slowly get closer and closer until you catch her off guard, then…” Patrick suddenly stabbed his fork into the steak for dramatic effect, chuckling when it made Pete jump. “Well, I’m sure you know.”
“Jesus, Patrick!” Pete exclaimed, shaking his head and laughing. “Okay, I get it… then what? What should I do next? Or what if-what if she doesn’t…”
Pete trailed off as he suddenly felt a pit form in his stomach. How had he never considered the possibility that Patrick didn’t love him back? Just the thought of that sent him spiraling. It was no secret that Pete had many a one-night stand; Patrick would probably be so disgusted, so revolted by the idea of being with him. He’d probably leave the band and never be seen again… oh god, what would he do without–
“Pete…” Pete was pulled out of his thoughts by a hand landing on his shoulder, the sudden contact making him jump. He hesitantly dragged his eyes up to Patrick, who was staring at him worriedly. Though there was something else in that look he didn’t recognize… probably just wishful thinking. After making sure Pete was listening, Patrick dropped his hand, then opened and closed his mouth for a few seconds before beginning to speak.
“Pete, look… there’s a high chance that girl is gonna like you. Other than the fact that you’re the frontman for Fall Out Boy, for fuck’s sake… you’re really pretty, and you’re really funny, and you’re really cute, a-and… uh.” Patrick paused from his sudden rambling, and there was a look on his face that suggested he was admitting something embarrassing. Before Pete could think about how ridiculously cute that was, Patrick quickly cleared his throat and continued, looking anywhere but at Pete. “Anyway. You’re really likeable, y’know. There’s no doubt that girl would fall for you.”
Pete stayed silent as he mulled over those words in his head. He gazed at Patrick once more, noticing the tentative but firm expression on his face. It was so laughably ironic that the person he was rooting for Pete to confess to was himself.
But if Patrick believed in him… maybe, just maybe he should too…
Pete smiled to himself. “Thanks, Pattycakes. You’re right… maybe I do have a chance.”
Almost immediately after the pair got back to the hotel room, Pete practically sprung onto the bed, letting out a small huff as he landed on his stomach. He turned around to lay on his back and look at Patrick, observing how he was slowly closing the door behind him and stared down at his shoes as he sat down on the edge of the bed.
“Trick? You alright?” Pete asked softly as he crawled over to sit next to the other man.
“Can I… can I say something?” Patrick’s eyes flickered up to meet Pete’s and held his gaze, asking for confirmation.
“Yeah, anything.” The taller of the two straightened his back, nodding slowly. He wanted so desperately to help Patrick, help him out of whatever shitty situation he was in right now, because it hurt so much to see him suffer. It wasn’t fair that such a pure soul had to endure any pain at all…
“So about what you said earlier. About liking someone you’re obsessed with… I’m kind of in the same situation. I kind of like someone too...” Patrick shifted nervously, staring down at his lap. “I-I know I gave you advice, but it’s obviously not gonna work with me…” He motioned to himself defeatedly.
Pete stared for a bit, trying to figure out what the hell that could mean, until the realization hit him like a truck. A fucking freight train, in fact.
Patrick thought he was ugly…?
The concept seemed almost absurd to Pete. Patrick was the most beautiful being ever conceived, he might as well be a gift from God himself; all of that was unseen by that very being? “Patrick, I–”
“D–don’t. Stop it. I don’t need you to tell me that I’m not, because I am! It’s the truth, don’t tell me I’m wrong…” Patrick interrupted harshly, his voice breaking. He glared at Pete with such contempt, yet with so much anguish; it caught the brunet off guard. His beautiful blue eyes were glassy, and those soft pink lips were trembling with distress. “Just look at me! I’m f-fat, and I’m ugly, and… I-I can’t sing! I don’t know why you think I can! I…I’ll never be good enough. Y-you’re so much better than me, Pete, I…”
But Pete wasn’t listening. It wasn’t important anyway. Why would he listen to something so wrong, almost blasphemous? While Patrick continued prattling on, hiccups beginning to interrupt his speech, Pete realized… this was his chance.
Taking a deep breath and preparing himself for whatever consequence was gonna happen, Pete got closer and closer, disregarding the fact that Patrick had stopped talking and was instead staring wide-eyed at him.
Closer…
Closer…
He only heard a soft protest of “Pete–” before he closed the distance, and oh… it was only heaven from there. Pete shut his eyes slowly, bringing his hands up to cup Patrick’s cheeks. The only thing on his mind was the sweet taste and feel of Patrick’s lips–he’d fantasized about this so many times, but he never imagined it would be like this. Hell, he’d never think he’d even get to this point.
Pete let himself become lost in the moment before pulling back, opening his eyes to the sight of Patrick continuing to stare at him dumbfounded. He wasn’t angry like Pete thought he would be: he seemed more sheepish, confused, still slightly sorrowful, yet… patient. A moment of silence passed between the two, and the only thing Pete could hear was his own heart beating in his chest; the tension could be cut with a knife.
Pete knew he should speak first, though he let the silence linger a little longer. He tried playing it cool, starting with removing Patrick’s glasses and hat and setting them beside him to stall for time. God, he shouldn’t have done that. Patrick looked even more gorgeous without anything covering him up, and it made Pete even more flustered.
He decided to let whatever nonsense was in his head spill out of his mouth, attempting to speak smoothly (but failing miserably). “Patrick. You’re… you’re perfect. The most beautiful human being I’ve ever had the privilege of even meeting. Not only that, you’re super funny. You always pick me up when I’m down… a-and, uh…”
He sighed and gazed longer at Patrick’s face, as if looking for more to say. Pete knew he had to say something more, explain why he decided to kiss him instead of any other thing he could’ve done. The taller took a deep breath, steeling himself as he confessed, “Patrick, the girl I was talking about earlier… she's not a girl. She’s you.”
Patrick’s eyes widened further, surprised, as if the answer wasn’t obvious from the moment Pete’s lips touched his. He opened his mouth as if about to speak, but no sound came out; Pete perceived this as an invitation to continue. “I-I’ve… felt like this for such a long time, Pattycakes… you’re the one I’m obsessed with. Not some girl. You. Do you know how long I’ve held that in…?
“So please,” Pete breathed shakily, “please don’t ever say anything like that about yourself. I don’t care if I sound selfish, ‘cause you’re perfect. Flawless. A gift from God, even. I… I don’t even care if you feel the same for me, just please–”
He was interrupted by a pair of lips crashing back into his, only registering what exactly was happening about five seconds later. He again relished in the taste and the feel of Patrick’s lips and how he’s kissing back this time, Patrick is kissing him oh god.
Patrick pulled back, staring at Pete for a few moments before a sob escaped his throat. He wrapped his arms around Pete, who felt his shirt becoming moist from Patrick’s tears; he immediately returned the action, rubbing the shorter’s back. Pete felt his own tears blur his vision, but he wouldn’t let them fall. Not now. Patrick was the one who needed help, not him.
“Pete… I-I do feel the same… I w-was talking about you too…” Patrick mumbled as his weeping was reduced to mere hiccups, when his tears dried in his eyes–his face was still wet. “I just… y-you know there’s so many people who w-want you. I didn’t think I’d be…”
Patrick pulled back to look up at Pete, trailing off. Pete had remained silent, continuing to embrace the blond tightly and occasionally planting soft, tender kisses onto the crown of his head. He let out a hum in acknowledgement to Patrick’s silence, blurting out, “Be… mine?”
It was a joke, an answer, and a question all at once. Pete immediately regretted saying it from the look Patrick was giving him, chuckling awkwardly as he felt his cheeks flare up. “S-sorry. This is all kinda…”
Patrick scoffed, a small smile spreading across his face that made Pete feel like kittens and Saturdays and 70 degree weather and butterflies–like Patrick’s smiles always were. “You’re ridiculous. I can’t believe it’s you,” he giggled, grinning wider. “Yes, yes, a million times yes. I’d… I’d be yours any day, Pete.”
I’d be yours any day. Those words rang throughout Pete’s head, leaving his state of mind in a euphoric bliss. God, Patrick might as well shoot him in the chest with an arrow straight from Cupid. He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, most of his fear leaving with it.
Pete reached up slowly to cup the side of Patrick’s face once again, his heart melting at how the shorter leaned into his touch. “You’re gonna kill me one day, Pattycakes. You have, like, some sort of magic cuteness power or something…”
This elicited an eye roll from Patrick. “Yeah, right. If I could choose a superpower, it would be mind control so I can get you to stop wearing all that stupid eyeliner.”
“Hey, eyeliner’s my whole brand! You can’t make me stop!” Pete protested, gently shoving him. Patrick let himself fall onto the bed and burst out in laughter. He quickly grabbed Pete’s shirt and pulled him down with him; the other man quickly reacted, letting out a huff before beginning to pepper kisses all over Patrick’s face.
“Stop it–ahaha! Get off me, asshole!” the shorter whined, still giggling hysterically. “Mm… you love it,” Pete purred, watching as Patrick’s face turned progressively more flushed.
Pete ceased his ministrations eventually to just stare down at the other, his hands beside his head to pin him down underneath. Patrick was gazing up at him through half-lidded eyes; whether it was from sleepiness or something else, Pete couldn’t tell.
“You’re so adorable.” The words left Pete’s lips like he was saying a prayer, reverence clear in his tone. “You’ve said that,” Patrick mumbled in reply, watching as Pete picked up his limp hand and brought it to his lips.
The brunet sighed, lowering himself to lay on top of the blond. “Well, of course. It’s true and you know it.” “Pff, whatever…”
Pete rolled his eyes and nuzzled his face into Patrick’s baby-smooth skin. He felt Patrick shiver slightly, then a pair of arms encircled him. It felt like a soft and fluffy blanket being wrapped around him, like nothing was gonna hurt him as long as he was here–here with his baby and nobody else.
A snore was soon heard from Patrick, breaking the silence. Pete chuckled, raising his head slightly to take a look at his sleeping face. Aww. It’s not that Patrick looked more cute, because he was always cute, but that he seemed so much more… calm, like he wasn’t worrying about anything at the moment.
Pete gazed a bit longer before dropping his head back down, pressing a gentle kiss to Patrick’s neck. “G’night, Pattycakes, you absolute sweetheart…” He closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep, comforted by the fact that Patrick was there and was always going to be there and that he was Pete’s now and everything was alright.
“Pete? Patrick? You there??” Andy basically banged on the door for what seemed like the thousandth time. Joe was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, sighing. “Damn it… if we don’t get out soon, we aren’t gonna get to check out the plaza near here. The hell are they doing anyway?”
Andy simply shrugged in response. “I dunno. Seems like they aren’t waking up soon, though.” He was about to start knocking again before Joe interjected. “Okay, that’s enough…” Before the other could protest, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a keycard, grinning mischievously.
“See, I plan ahead. You know we can’t trust anyone like Pete to wake up until four in the afternoon.” Joe tapped the card to the reader, and the door to the room opened with a click.
A scoff was heard from Andy as the pair stepped inside. “You’re just gonna break in like that? We can’t…” He trailed off as his eyes met the sight of Pete and Patrick cuddled together. Pete was sleeping deeply and completely wrapped around Patrick’s form; Patrick had woken up by now and seemed to be waiting for Pete to awaken as well. His head snapped to the drummer and guitarist, freezing in the position of his one hand playing with the bassist’s hair.
The three of them shared a long, long stare with each other, during which the room stayed awkwardly silent. Patrick was the first to speak, his cheeks glowing red as he spluttered out, “U-uh… you guys can’t come in…”
Andy chuckled awkwardly and was already beginning to back out of the room. “Y-yeah, we were just leaving. We can let you guys sleep in, right Joe– Joe!” he exclaimed, snatching the camera Joe was suddenly taking pictures with out of his hands. He grabbed the man by his arm and dragged him harshly out of the room. Joe had a huge smirk on his face, snickering as he attempted to resist Andy’s grip. “Hey, let go of me! I’m sorry, okay…”
The sounds of their ruckus were shut out as the door closed behind them. Patrick sighed, he would worry about all that later. His attention redirected towards Pete as he began to wake up from all the noise, those beautiful brown eyes slowly opening up to see him. Patrick’s stomach did about a thousand flips and a cartwheel.
“Hmm…? ‘S goin’ on?” Pete slurred as he let out a huge yawn, leaning forward to land a gentle peck on the other man’s lips. “Nothing, baby. You can go back to sleep,” Patrick chuckled tiredly as he kissed back. He carefully pulled the blankets further over both of them so that Pete would be fully comfortable.
“Mm… like it when you call me that…” Pete giggled. He snuggled closely to the other man, yawning again as he fell back into slumber. “Night, I lo- oh, fuck it. Love you.”
Patrick’s breath hitched, and he held it for a bit before letting it out in a sigh. “It’s morning, stupid. Love… love you too.” He smiled slightly and closed his eyes again, relishing in the cozy warmth of Pete surrounding him as he slowly drifted off to sleep as well.