“Popcorn?” “Check.” “Comfy pyjama?” “I doubt it will turn into a sleepover but I’ll wear a comfortable outfit, so check.” “Condoms?” “Melissa!” He hit her arm and she let out a laugh. “You always have to be prepared.” “He’s thirty-three, he’s not into gay hookup culture. Which, to be honest, I’m really glad about.” Pete grabbed a pack of peanuts and showed them to his best friend. “No, he could have allergies.” “You’re right.” He frowned and threw them into one of the dark corners of his room. Melissa watched the pack vanish inside a pile of dirty clothes and shuddered. “Hey Pete, are you going to clean this place before Derek comes over?” “Hm?” He looked around and shrugged. “We’re staying at his place.” She nodded her head. “Right. I wonder why.” Pete picked up a dirty sock and aimed at her. “Careful with your words. This is my home.” “It’s garbage. Literally. There’s garbage everywhere.” She sighed. “When are you and Derek supposed to meet?” “In half an hour.” “Good, you’re leaving now. I’ll clean your place.” She grabbed Pete by his sleeve and dragged him towards the door. “Wait Mel, my keys.” Melissa tossed him the keys and the various snacks. Then she examined Pete’s outfit. “You can ask him for clothes.” Then she slammed the door shut. Pete stared at it in shock. Did he just get thrown out of his own room?

He shook his head in disbelief and knocked at Derek’s door. He didn’t need to wait long before his future boyfriend opened the door, even if it was just ajar. “Can I come in?” “Did I get the time wrong?” “No, Melissa threw me out of my place to clean. I’m a bit embarrassed to say that but I don’t think she’ll let me back in so I figured I could come over already. Is it a bad time?” Derek closed the door a little more and whispered a quick wait. There were shuffling noises in the background before Derek let Pete in. The bathroom door was wide open and the mirrors were hazed over. “You just took a shower?” “Yes.” Derek had thrown on a shirt and a pair of black dress pants. It was a weird combination but Pete loved it nonetheless. “I’m sorry to disturb you. And a bit sad that I’m too late for the show.” Derek frowned at Pete. He didn’t appreciate this type of humor that much. “I’ll wait here,” Pete then said and moved to sit on the sofa. “You can take your time. I’m half an hour early anyways.” Derek hesitated. “Do you want a glass of wine?” “Red?” He gave him a firm nod. Pete was used to shots and cocktails on dates (hookups). He’d never been offered wine before. “Yeah, I’d love a glass.”

“I initially planned to cook for us but since you’re already here we can order Pizza.” “Or we cook together.” Pete swirled the glass in his hand and shrugged. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a home cooked meal.” Derek looked like he wanted to make a comment but he quickly decided not to. Pete could imagine what he would say. “No wonder, in that dirty kitchen of yours I wouldn’t want to cook either.”  Pete put his glass down and joined Derek at the counter. “What did you plan for us?” He stood behind Derek and awkwardly kept his hands by his waist. He wondered if Derek would mind if he hugged him. Should he try? Derek was thankfully as tall as Pete so if he tiptoed he could put his chin on Derek’s shoulder. “Dumplings with different fillings. In case you’re vegetarian or vegan.” Derek explained what he had bought and how to make the dumplings but Pete couldn’t concentrate. He saw his body before him and his heart beat faster. Do it. A tiny voice in his head urged and after a few moments Pete gave in. He inched closer and hugged Derek from behind. His body tensed and he cleared his throat. Not good.

“Peter?” “Y-yeah?” Derek turned around and slowly unwrapped Pete’s hands from his body. “I’d prefer it if you ask me before deciding to touch me.” “Sorry.” Pete stuttered and played with his fingers. “Can I hug you?” He then asked quietly and looked up at Derek. “I’d really like to hug you. I’m sorry for not asking before.” Derek hesitated and finally shook his head. “Let’s order Pizza.”