Work Text:
Patrick jogged through the sunny streets of the island, pale brown hair billowing in the spring breeze. Island living had been treating him well. He had a luxurious new house, along with a diverse closet of clothes and a community that adored him. He should be happy.
Why wasn’t he?
He picked up speed, zooming past Mocha, who had attempted to stop him for a conversation. He gave a wink instead, shooting a finger gun at the bear as he passed. Jogging let him work off anxiety. Sweating was a form of medication.
Still, the heaviness in his stomach grew, mind racing over his recent decisions. Why had he rejected Angie? She was the island’s it girl, the first resident that then welcomed everyone else. There wasn’t a person in town that didn’t know and admire her. She fit his entire aesthetic.
It felt wrong. And that unnerved Patrick. He was suave, laid back, and admired. Cool people didn’t feel scared or nervous.
Absentmindedly, he took a left towards the theme park. Its large Ferris wheel loomed over the rest of the island, decorating it like Patrick decorated himself with fashionable clothing.
He skidded to a sudden stop, pausing to stare. Very unlike himself.
Hand-in-hand, Dr. Winters and Hugh Morris came from the park, chatting away. Patrick noticed how Hugh Morris lit up, his stride long and joyful.
The heaviness in Patrick’s stomach was deciding if its supernova was going to collapse into a neutron star or a black hole. If Patrick had to decide, he was leaning towards black hole. He almost didn’t even notice Angie and Jess dejectedly slipping past.
Somehow, they only made him feel worse.
Pushing off the pavement, Patrick ran harder, not listening to the screaming in his legs and lungs until he finally collapsed at home.
That night, Patrick tossed in his sleep, clutching the sheets as he dreamt.
He was on the Ferris wheel, sitting next to Hugh Morris. Their hands rested near each other on the seat, brushing the other's hand until it became a dance. Patrick could feel his ears redden, his cool facade dropping in an instant. He glanced over shyly, watching through his bangs as Hugh Morris leaned in.
They were interrupted. From under the seats, Angie, Dr. Winters, and Jess crawled out, fingers digging into the metal floor and cracking like gremlins as they reached for Hugh Morris.
“I love you.” Dr. Winters rubbed her cheek along his knee.
”Please go out with me.” Angie ripped Hugh Morris’ hand from Patrick.
Hugh Morris paused and the entire room hung on his words, “I love all of you.” He turned to Patrick. His face was no longer human, elongated and sunken as he stared down at Patrick with a disgusted gaze.
“Except you.”
Patrick woke with a start, sweat dripping from his chin. He rubbed his face, trying to shake off the dream. He had to go for another jog.
It was late. The island was quiet at this time of night. Lights were out in all the houses. It actually gave him some relief.
Some time to think.
It was chilly, but luckily his sweater kept him warm, along with the jogging. As he neared one of the shores, he admired the ocean, stopping his jog to step down towards the beach.
Patrick had never been a sand person. It got in his hair and clothes and made a mess. It made him look awful.
Unlike Patrick, Hugh Morris actually didn’t care what people thought of him. It wasn’t a facade of false confidence at all. The way he dressed, his interests, and his kindness were all so entirely him.
Sometimes Patrick wondered if he even knew his own personality. Who was he, if he wasn’t the island’s dream boy?
No, it was more than that. Something deeper. Hugh Morris made him feel excited and scared in ways he’d never felt before.
Patrick sunk down into the sand, not caring if got into his nice sweater or dirtied his pants. There was no one around to see this time of night anyway. The tide rolled in, stopping a few feet in front of him as he admired the quiet scenery. Patrick had come here to start a new life, so why was he still living the old one?
”I see you’re a night owl too.”
Patrick nearly jumped out of his skin, hand coming up instinctively to fix his appearance, only to see that Hugh Morris was behind him. He cleared his throat, hand running down his neck.
”I wasn’t expecting to see anyone else out here.”
Hugh Morris smiled, walking through the sand closer. “I like the beach at night. Very peaceful.” He plopped down next to Patrick and the two sat in silence for a while, watching the water.
Patrick turned his head, looking at him for a long moment. The moonlight shined on his rich violet hair, his lanky legs pulled towards his body as he stared into the abyss. “Why did you come to this island?”
Hugh Morris blinked before looking at Patrick. “Why?” He looked back at the water. “I was never one to turn down an adventure.”
”Why this adventure then?”
He tilted his head to the side, pondering, “I was looking for peace. What’s more peaceful than a remote island?” He gestured towards the ocean. “Than this?”
It was peaceful.
”Did you think you’d find love when you got here?”
“After all my adventures Patrick, if I’ve learned one thing, it’s this.” Hugh Morris leaned in, as if he was telling a secret. “Love is peace.”
Patrick wanted peace. He wanted peace so much sometimes he felt as if he might explode from it all.
”Do you think I’ll find it?”
Hugh Morris smiled, reaching over to gently pat Patrick’s shoulder. “First, you gotta find it within yourself.”
The two continued to watch the tide roll in and out. The sand stuck to his clothes and there were bags under his eyes and his hair was messy from bed and he was gay.
And he was okay with that.