Saturday // Peterick Oneshots

73. Magic Touch

Felt like writing another cuddly, purely fluff one-shot because they're fun and simple and good for my soul. Can be FUTCT or IOH era.

Patrick's side is easily Pete's favorite place to be. Whenever they're watching movies on the bus, he loves curling up next to Patrick, slinging at arm over his waist, resting his head on Patrick's shoulder, and letting the rest of the world melt away. Patrick is so warm and soft, and feeling the rise and fall of his chest under Pete's arm never fails to calm him down after an intense show.

He never has to ask, either. Patrick leaves room for him on the couch and lets Pete invade his space like it's not a big deal. Pete's especially glad about that, because asking for affection makes him anxious.

Sometimes, Patrick will hold onto Pete like he's worried Pete will slip away. It's sweet, and Pete can't help loving it, but it worries him, too. Patrick's not a clingy person. On those nights, he wants to ask if Patrick's okay, but he's too scared to.

Pete is about to fall asleep on Patrick when the credits for Terminator start to roll. He stirs and sits up, but Patrick's arm is resting on his back and it doesn't move. Pete lifts his head to see that Patrick's eyes are closed.

"Hey," Pete whispers, shaking Patrick gently.

Patrick hums. His arm tightens around Pete.

"Ready to go to bed?"

Patrick is silent for a moment. "Do you think we could stay like this a little longer?" he asks quietly.

Pete's heart melts. "Yeah, of course," he whispers. He settles against Patrick's side again. Patrick, sleepy, makes a happy noise. Pete thinks for a moment, then decides that if there's a time to ask about this, it's now. "Why though?"

Patrick breathes, deep inhales and exhales that lull Pete into a soft state of content. He closes his eyes and considers dropping the subject.

"I just like it."

Pete forced his eyes open again. "Like what?"

"Hugging. Cuddling. That stuff."

Pete blinks. "Patrick Stump is a cuddler? For real?"

"Yes. Is that so weird?" Patrick says defensively.

Pete shakes his head. "No. I just didn't realize you liked it that much."

"So you thought I was just putting up with you invading my space?"

"Basically."

They go silent. Pete shifts until his head is over Patrick's heart and revels in the steady beat. Patrick starts playing with Pete's hair, and Pete almost succumbs to sleep. He doesn't, though.

Pete sits up. "Come on, we'll be comfier in the bunks." Patrick makes an unhappy noise. "We can keep cuddling," Pete promises. "But it's warmer and we can stretch out a little more in the bunks."

Patrick stumbles into the bus bathroom and changes into his pajamas, while Pete just shucks off his jeans and exchanges them for sweatpants. He leaves on his t-shirt and climbs into his bunk. Patrick comes out of the bathroom and yawns, stretching. He throws his clothes into the corner of the bus.

"C'mere," Pete says. "Lay down with your back to me."

Patrick pauses. "Are you. Are you going to spoon me?"

"If that's okay." Pete pats the mattress next to him. "Climb in, Tricky."

Pete almost misses the way Patrick grins, soft and sleepy, before he climbs into the bunk. He lays down and closes the bunk curtain, shifting back towards Pete. Pete wraps an arm around Patrick and pulls him until he's flush to his chest, curling his legs until they're slotted against Patrick's. He buries his face in the nape of Patrick's neck and places his hand over Patrick's heart.

"Okay?" Pete asks. Patrick's tense, and his heart is beating hard under Pete's hand.

Patrick takes a deep breath. "Yeah."

Little by little, Patrick relaxes. His heartbeat slows. Pete leans into Patrick, letting his weight shift and hold Patrick in place.

"It's nice, right?" Pete whispers, stroking Patrick's chest with his thumb. "I love being the little spoon sometimes. Feels so safe and warm..." He trails off as sleep begins to tug at him again. "I want to make you feel that way," he adds.

Patrick shifts the slightest bit closer. "I do," he says with a sigh.

Pete smiles. "Good." He presses a kiss to Patrick's neck.

Patrick's hand comes up to touch Pete's. "Good night," Patrick whispers.

"Good night, Trick."