Work Text:
Not much to do on the campaign bus, fifth hour on the road. Recycled air, fields blurring by the window. Leo’s asleep at the front.
Awake, Sam reads from a guidebook, delighted by every fact he finds. “Tennessee, the volunteer state,” he tells them, as they pass the Smokies. “Admitted 1796.”
Toby sighs. C.J. throws paper balls. Josh turns in his seat, watches Sam’s eyes flying across the page.
“Read it to me,” Josh says, that night in the hotel room. One shared bed.
I want to see you smile, he means.
I’m glad you came, unspoken, deeply felt.