J+C: DRABBLES

☆Shutdown In Public☆

[ Jake has a shutdown during a dinner date with his boyfriend Carrington ]

cw: shutdown, overstimulated, sensory overload

just a reminder this is a work of fiction and not meant to be taken seriously, thanks !

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Jake and Carrington went out on a couple's date tonight. However Jake was having a good time at first, but as the date progressed, - it was just starting to get overwhelming for Jake.

He was just quietly eating his food, not being talkative as much as he previously was. Just occasionally nodding to the things his boyfriend says.

Carrington was having a blast. He was enjoying the food, the conversation, and the date in general. He didn't notice how quiet Jake had become until he looked over at him.

He frowned, noticing his boyfriend's lack of participation."Hey, you okay?" he asked, putting down his fork. "You've been pretty quiet lately."

Jake just nodded and finished his food. He felt as if he couldn't speak due to the overstimulation he is recently feeling. He didn't like how crowded the restaurant is, and every little noise was not pleased in his ears.

Carrington continued to observe Jake's behavior, growing more concerned with each passing minute. He could tell that something was wrong, but he didn't know what it was.

He reached out and gently placed his hand on Jake's arm. "Babe, are you sure you're okay? You're not saying much and you look a little pale."

Jake got startled when his arm got touched. His brown eyes quickly looked up and then he looked back down at his food. He gave another nod.

Carrington's concern deepened as Jake got startled by his touch. He knew something was definitely wrong. He leaned in closer, his voice soft and gentle.

"Hey, look at me," he said, trying to get Jake to make eye contact with him. "I can tell something's bothering you. You don't have to pretend like everything's fine."

Jake looked up again and gave a smile before he picks up his drink and sips out of the straw. Then sets it back down.

Carrington's eyes softened as he saw the fake smile on Jake's face. He knew that Jake was trying to act like everything was okay, but he could see through it.

"Don't give me that fake smile," he said, his voice still gentle. "I can tell that you're not feeling well. What's going on, really?"

Jake sighed as he shrugged. He wasn't able to get the words out. He has shutdown completely and just was too overwhelmed to speak.

Carrington could see the distress in Jake's eyes and the way he was struggling to communicate. He knew that something was seriously wrong.

He moved his chair closer to Jake, putting his arm around his shoulders. "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. Just nod or shake your head, okay?"

Jake nodded again and looked down at his hands. They were shaking a bit. He rubs his knuckles together, softly humming. Subtlety stimming to calm himself.

Carrington noticed the shaking of Jake's hands and the subtle stimming. He gently took one of Jake's hands in his own, rubbing his thumb over the back of it in a soothing manner.

"You're okay," he whispered, trying to reassure him. "Just focus on my voice and your breathing, okay? We can leave if you want to."

Jake is tapping his thigh with his other hand, drumming his fingers as his leg bounces a bit. He nodded. His eyes looking towards the exit.