Of Flowers and Fire

Chapter 23

Diego came into the shop at 11:30, looking absolutely wrecked and startling Sawyer enough that he flinched. He entered the room loudly, running into the doorframe and accidentally bumping into the premade bouquet display. He apologized profusely and - once again - loudly, and then went into his office and closed the door behind him. Sawyer was staring at the door, eyebrows poised high on his forehead. He turned his attention back to the customer he was talking to and offered an apologetic smile, "Will you excuse me for just a moment?" The woman agreed and stepped aside to look at some potted plants.

Sawyer opened the office door and slipped inside. He crossed the floor in quick strides and, when he got to him, rubbed Diego's back between his shoulders. Diego had his head resting on his arms on the desk, still wearing his jacket that was slightly damp from the June shower. Sawyer's fingers brushed through Diego's hair. Diego leaned into his touch but didn't lift his head.

"What's going on, honey?" Sawyer asked softly.

"I just didn't sleep well," Diego lied, voice wavering and then tapering off when he knew the excuse had fallen flat.

"Diego, talk to me," Sawyer murmured.

"Don't worry about it," Diego said, voice gruff.

"Diego?"

"Hey," Diego looked up at Sawyer for the first time, softly, and said, "I'm okay. You can go back to work." Sawyer gave him a concerned look and reached for him, fingers grazing his cheek. Diego closed his eyes and sighed.

"I love you," Sawyer said quietly.

"I love you too," Diego replied quickly. A hesitant smile lifted to his face and he nodded once, "Go ahead." Sawyer made a sympathetic face and ruffled Diego's hair.

When he came back to the shop, the woman was waiting by the counter. She smiled warmly. "Is he okay?" She asked.

Sawyer glanced over his shoulder, "I'm sure he'll be all right." She nodded. Sawyer took her order - a special arrangement she wanted for her daughter's graduation - and told her it would be ready within the week. After she had gone, Sawyer decided to close up shop and finish up some projects.

It was six o'clock before Diego came out of his office, and snuck up on Sawyer in the shop, wrapping his arms around Sawyer's chest and tucking his nose in the crook of his neck. Sawyer reached a hand back - using the other to hold up some flowers - and stroked Diego's jaw. Diego sighed contentedly. "You okay?" Sawyer murmured, taking his hand back and twisting ribbon into the arrangement. Diego leaned on the edge of Sawyer's workbench, not even putting half of his weight on it.

Diego crossed his arms and watched Sawyer work. He always moved around the workshop with more confidence than anywhere else Diego had ever seen him. He was maneuvering his way around roses and daffodils, frowning slightly, which was odd. "I'm okay," Diego said squeezing Sawyer's shoulder.

Sawyer glanced up at him and gave him a small smile. "You're sure?"

Diego thought about it for a second. "Yeah," he said finally, "I'm sure. I'm okay."

"Good," Sawyer said. He took a beat and then looked back up at Diego. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Diego shook his head, "Not right now."

Sawyer said, "Okay, well let me finish this up and we can make dinner." Diego gave him a funny look. "What?"

"You aren't going to press me about it?" Diego asked.

Sawyer furrowed his eyebrows and removed his glasses, pushing them into his hair. "No? You were expecting me to?"

"Well," Diego stopped, blanching, and said, "uh, no."