The Storm Comes Before The Rainbow

•25•

Prepare yourself.
The next few chapters are a emotional rollercoaster.

Shit hits the metaphorical fan, my loves :)

Patrick stares at the note on the coffee table, just to the left of his feet. He feels nauseous looking at it. Pete notices him but before he can open his mouth, Patrick leans forward and grabs the note, throwing it onto the counter. Patrick flops right back against Pete with a huff.

"Feel better?" Pete asks, a hidden playfulness in his voice.

"Sure." Patrick frowns.

The door opens just before Pete can open his mouth. Pete's annoyed this is the second time it's happened. Brendon and Ryan walk right in and shuffles to the note. They say nothing to the couple.

"Can...we...help...you?" Pete stutters out.

"Andy and Joe are back." Ryan mumbles.

"And that means your here...why?" Patrick stands.

"We're just gathering some leads." Brendon shrugs, heading to Pete's laptop and opening it.

"Sure, Brendon." Pete says sarcastically. "You can use my laptop."

"I know." Brendon mutters before plopping in Patrick's spot on the couch.

Pete cocks his head. Ryan plops down between the two, causing Pete to squish against the side. He sighs and stands.

"Guys, you can't just take control of the house." Patrick crosses his arms.

"We've got a good idea, shut up." Ryan clings to Brendon's side

Patrick groans.

"Want to go see Andy and Joe? Fill them in?" Pete offers to Patrick.

"Wait, we need one of you to stay." Brendon frowns.

Patrick groans again. Pete, who is visibly annoyed, opens his mouth but Patrick stops him. "I'll stay."

"You sure? I don't want you alone, this guy-" Pete shakes his head.

"I'm with Bren and Ry."

Pete looks uneasy.

"In fact," Patrick begins. "I'm uneasy about you going."

"I won't walk and Andy and Joe don't live too far." Pete shakes his head. "This person knows where we live..."

Patrick reaches up to cup Pete's face in his hands. "I'll be okay. You trust me right? You trust them too? They'll stay with me."

Pete removes the hands from his face but holds them in his own. Patrick's hands are warm and soft. "You guys are staying here with Patrick." Pete says, more of a demand than a question.

"Yeah, he'll be okay." Ryan says, not fully paying attention.

Pete's still uneasy as he turns to Patrick.

"You better fucking call me when you get there and when you leave." Patrick smirks and leans close to Pete's face.

"Of course." Pete smiles, leaning forward to close the gap.

Pete absolutely lives for each of Patrick's kisses. Short or long , neat or sloppy, he loves each one.

"I love you so much, petit chou."Pete smiles.

"I love you so much more, ours idiot." Patrick gives Pete another peck.

"Tu me manques déjà."

Patrick laughs. "No more French, my brain hurts."

"Bye." Pete reluctantly releases Patrick and heads to the door.