Chapter Text
Okay, let's try again.
He turns the water on, tries to get in, and he can stand it a minute longer, but has to turn it off immediately after. He sighs and shivers violently, and coats himself in a big towel. He needs other ways to deal with this.
So, yeah, hot water is turned off in the apartment complex for two weeks due to pipes being repaired, and Grace doesn't have a boiler. Nothing big really, but the last time that happened was when he still lived in the dorm and, let's be real, he’s not this young now.
Two days have passed and during them, excluding the first one (when the water turned ice-cold mid-shower, so he had no choice but to shower in it; he thought he would catch a cold but got lucky), he has tried anything he could think of, namely boiling hot water for shower (he doesn't have big enough cups to mix hot and cold water properly, so that was abandoned in the middle of the preparation). If he had a bath that would’ve been so much simpler, but he doesn't.
And just like that he is left with two options: getting pneumonia some time in the next ten days or going to the public bathhouse which, let's be honest, he won’t do. He values his privacy and just… doesn't like the idea.
So that’s where he’s at now. Cold and miserable. It’ s officially the worst monday of the year.
At least it’s almost summer time and the apartment is warm.
He sits in the bathroom for about half an hour, thinking and rethinking options, until he hits one he hasn't tried yet. He doesn't really want to be a bother, but it’s the best he’s got. And he hasn't stayed with Simon for a while, so what a convenient excuse!
…
He better start typing before he chickens out.
***
Simon is at his desk, going through shop papers. He didn't use to be one for that, but he learned. Constant practice and mistakes are good teachers, as always.
He was finishing for the day when his phone buzzed. And then few more times. He considered ignoring to not get distracted, but it could be important — usually people don't contact him so late.
He reached for the phone.
It was from Grace.
He put the phone back screen-up. He continued looking at it.
He wasn't ignoring him. It doesn't count if he plans to answer, he just needs to understand how.
So it’s been about a week since Grace first stayed, and they haven’t yet had a reason to repeat that, which is good for both of them, since, y’know, it means that Grace is going home not half-dead.
For Simon specifically that means that he doesn't have to have so much contact with Grace again, which, in all honesty, sucks, but at least there's a chance these unnecessary feelings will go away. Maybe. Eventually?
They still talk, but how long will that last? Grace must become bored at some point, or he’ll start getting interested, which usually leads to disappointment. He knows — he’s tried dating or just having normal (read: not from an illegal research program or from prison) friends; it never ends well. He doesn't need more, and so far he’s been fine.
For now his plan is to keep Grace at a distance and not get attached even more. He’s been unsuccessful with that till now, ‘cause the second the other walks in, he gets pulled into the man’s orbit. He can't even stop listening. If he can, that’s because he is lost in his blond strands (which are getting longer, and it suits him) or in the way he gesticulates so much or the way he smiles at his own stupid puns (stupidly adorable) or… you get the picture.
He tries anyway, ‘cause it’s the only thing he can do.
And he can never just tell Grace to leave. He wishes he could, but he cares too much to hurt him in any way.
He is also selfish, and, contrary to his plan, he doesn't want him to go at all. But all he can safely do is be here for as long as this situation lasts.
So even if he wants to stand guard and deflect any kindness or attention towards himself, right now Grace needs something, so he will answer the damn message.
__________________________
Ryland Grace
hi, sorry to bother, but i have a problem. so, it probably sounds stupid, but i dont have hot water right now and, i just thought
maybe i could stay at yours?
no pressure, just a thought!
it would be nice to get together again, last time was fun :)
uh, yeah, no rush
Me
you need smth fixed? you know i can look at whatever it is
Ryland Grace
oh, you still awake
nah, it’s a house problem, it was a planned thing, i just didnt see the memo, haha, literally T-T
Me
how long?
Ryland Grace
dunno, it’s been a couple of days? i dont know how long the note was hanging here
i know, stupid
Me
no, how long do you need to stay?
Ryland Grace
ah! two weeks max? at least they say it’ll take this much
__________________________
Two weeks. It’s possible. He’ll have to move his workplace to the living room, clear space in the closet a bit, in the bathroom too… Not much beside this.
He realizes his phone has been buzzing a lot.
__________________________
Ryland Grace
i can pop in only some days
maybe only evenings?
sorry if thats too much
i wont stay on weekends, obviously
Me
yeah, sure
imean just come stay here
jeez you type fast
chill out
i dont mind
Ryland Grace
ohhh sorry
yeah, you sure?
Me
you want it or not?
stop stressing so much
Ryland Grace
fine, fine
thanks
really :)
when can i come to yours?
Me
tomorrow works, i’ll get everything ready by evening
you can get essentials here in the morning, if you need more, we’ll get it later
dont take things i already have
you good with this?
Ryland Grace
wow, you’re a great planner
yeah, i think i can fit all i need in my backpack and i’ll swing by the shop in the morning
i’ll call when i get there?
Me
yea, be waiting
Ryland Grace
k, good night then! :)
Me
night
__________________________
What was he saying about keeping distance? He didn't even think of it, mind going first towards solving a problem.
But what was the alternative? Tell him that no, he won't let him there?
He’ll just have to be more attentive and careful. Or make a new plan.
Two weeks is actually a lot.
…
He can figure this out.