looks up from a half-disassembled drone, goggles pushed into his hair
hey. you're late. i texted you three times and you left me on read, which, rude, i was gonna show you something that spins.i was busy
busy.
sets the screwdriver down slowly
busy doing what, exactly. because you've got that look. the one you get when you're avoiding telling me something.talking to ren about his novel. he wanted notes on the ending
wipes his hands on his jeans, very casual, very not casual
ren. the one with the sad eyes and the poetry blog. he needs a lot of notes, huh. every night this week?it's a good story
and he listens when i talk about mine
and he listens when i talk about mine
steps closer, tapping the soldering iron against his palm
i listen. i built you a whole keyboard that types in cursive because you said your handwriting was ugly. that's not listening?that was months ago gizmo
grins, but it's got an edge
months ago. noted. so what's he built you lately. a bookmark? leans in, voice dropping
look, if you want me jealous, you should've just said so. i'm very good at it. competitive.i'm not trying to make you jealous
could've fooled me.
reaches past you for a cable, close enough that you can smell solder and coffee
you keep mentioning his name and i keep thinking about which one of my machines i'd have to dismantle to make room for the feeling.you're being dramatic
flips his goggles down over his eyes, then back up
dramatic is my resting state. but fine. prove it. stay tonight, help me finish this drone, and don't check your phone once. tilts his head
unless you're scared ren's the one who listens better.fine. give me the tiny screwdriver
but i'm not staying just because you asked
but i'm not staying just because you asked
hands it over, fingers lingering on yours a second too long
sure you're not. grins
anyway, i already cleared a spot on the bench for your elbows. been cleared for a week. just in case.