Best + Bitter = Better

Thirty Three days after

The next day was kind of awkward between the two. Gracie left to go back home and Awsten apologised profusely about not doing much while they were together. She said it was okay because, while he was dealing with his shit, she'd met up with friends who lived in the area. This brought some relief, but it was still emotional for Awsten. He missed his sister so much and now she was gone again.

He opted not to tell Mark that Gracie had gone, instead staying in Geoff's house for at least the night.

Jawn, Geoff and Awsten sit watching a film. They're all kind of flopped on one another. The sofa is large enough for all of them to fit, but there are some overlaps. Geoff's feet are lying on Jawn's lap and Awsten's head is in his lap and they've created a comfy aura, no matter how tense it was earlier. It's a horror film - Jawn's pick. If Geoff chose, it would for sure be a marvel or something funny because he knows how much Awsten hates horror. He just can't deal with it. It's half way through the film and Awsten's finger tips are digging into Geoff's thigh (not painfully, but enough to make a presence).

"How long left?" Awsten whispers as a lady on the screen is cornered by a psychopath. He is gripping Geoff like a life line.

Geoff looks at the clock on the wall and says, "About half an hour, you gonna be okay?" Geoff whispers back, carding his fingers through Awsten's hair.

Awsten turns his head away and covers his ears as the lady is stabbed and screams. He lets out a whimper, so Geoff pulls him into his arms - offering protection. He presses his lips to Awsten's forehead.

Last night, Geoff made a rule for himself: don't act couple-y with Awsten until he breaks up with Mark. The only issue being that Awsten is too fucking adorable and he made the rule while he was sleeping in a bed without Awsten anywhere near him. But rules are meant to be broken, apparently.

So, they're lying across each other and Awsten is terrified. The climax is building and building and the music is getting louder and louder and then Geoff's phone rings. Awsten jumps up, screaming. He falls on Geoff's lap and clings onto him while shaking. Geoff grabs his phone and answers it while holding Awsten close.

"Hello?" Geoff asks, not knowing who it is because he didn't read the caller ID.

"Geoff! Come home! Don't you normally come back like a week before Christmas?" Geoff's sister's voice flows through the speaker, into his ear.

His eyes widen. Fuck Christmas seemed so far away, but now it's a week away and he hasn't gotten anything.

"Oh um yeah... I'll be home soon, I just have to—" He stalls a little while he thinks of an excuse. "I have to finish this essay." He cringes at himself, but his sister is blind to his lie.

"Okay! Just make sure you come home soon, I miss you!" She laughs, he smiles.

"Okay, see you soon. I love you, too." He laughs and hangs up.

He looks back into reality and sees Awsten looking at him with a sort of hurt expression, Jawn with a questioning one and the TV paused.

"I have to come home for Christmas, I don't have any presents for anybody." Geoff tells them. He stands up, holding Awsten and then places him on the sofa in his place.

Awsten pouts at him, "Where are you going?" He asks in response to Geoff grabbing his jacket and keys.

"I'm going shopping." He states. Awsten can see the confused 'man panic' on his face.

"Want me to come with you?" Awsten offers. Partially to offer help and partially to get away from the horror film.

Geoff looks at him and analyses the situation. If Awsten comes, he'll have to get his present another time. If he doesn't come, then he'll have to buy presents on his own without any idea of what to get people.