Fic: Secret Longing
Title: Secret Longing
Author: clover71
Fandom: American Idol
Pairing: David Cook/ David Archuleta
Rating: PG
Description: Part of the Twelve Days of Christmas 2011 collection, see author's notes for more details.
Summary: David makes a wish so impossible that he doesn't expect it will come true, but it does.
Disclaimer:
1) Please note that this is purely fiction and none of the contents are real except for all or some of the characters used in this story.
2) Most characters used are real people but the details within do not purposely imply occurrences in real life; thus, anything here that concurs with real events may be completely coincidental.
3) This fiction is created based solely on the imagination of the author and for non-profitable purpose.
Author's Note(s):
- This is my gift fic for rajkumari905 who requested for a cookleta fic about 'When You Wish Upon A Star' and since I thought of the song, I took the title from its lyrics. I hope you like this, Pri.
- I'm not sure if what David did in this fic is allowed, not going to pretend I know about LDS mission. If it's not, then let's pretend it is and go 'la, la-la, la-la'.
- Not beta'ed, sorry for the mistakes
The cool, crisp air hits his face the moment he steps out of his apartment building. Mr. Kopecky from the pizzeria across the street waves at him in greeting. David raises his hand in a small wave before trudging down the cobblestone street, melting along with the people loitering around Týnská in this typically busy afternoon.
He pushes his earphones into his ears then takes off on a slow jog, letting the muscles on his legs get used to the increasing pace. He has just gotten off his shift at the hotel and thought that running may help him relax.
It's peak season and a lot of tourists have checked in early in the day. He's gotten very generous tips, mostly in U.S. dollars. What he didn't expect is for a girl, probably in her late teens, to come up to him and say, "You look familiar," and she stared at him for a full minute before her eyes slid down to his I.D. tag (where 'D.J.' is engraved). She shook her head and muttered, "Nah… you probably just look like him."
That incident sent him on edge, fearing that more American guests might recognize him somehow. But when no one seemed to give him a second look, he figured that the girl might have been thinking of someone else.
He stops in front of a café to catch his breath and steals a glance at his reflection on the front window. He looks different now - at least he thinks he does. His hair has grown a bit longer, which he can now gather into a ponytail just to keep it neat looking when he's at work. Besides, he's been away from the public eye for almost two years now and he's not sure if his fans still think of him. Everyone probably assumes he's still on a mission.
The thought sends a sharp pang in his chest.
Barely a year into his mission, he got distracted, loosing his focus entirely. He was in Belgium then, going around the neighborhood, the Book of Mormon in his hand, when he came across a couple - a gay couple - kissing and something inside him unfurled. He thought of him then, still thinks of him now.
He's not sure when exactly he decided that he was done pretending, done trying to hide who he really is. Shortly after, David found himself wandering inside a gay bar one night and then again ten days later, until he starts going there night after night after night, letting loose and feeling free for the first time in many months. He didn't really hook up with anyone, just kissed a couple of guys, even let one of them grope his jean-clad ass, but that was about it.
He wonders how his family would've reacted… or if they already know his secret. They've been dropping hints - probably - especially after he'd been spotted in a gay bar in New York. There wasn't really a discussion about it. His mom and dad never said anything straightforward. Come to think of it, he never even had the 'birds and the bees' talk with his parents so…
David reaches the Old Town Square and he aims to go around the block. He thinks about him again, wonders what Cook would say if he knew - knows what David had done. Cook is the most open-minded person he knows but David fears he might see disappointment in Cook's eyes if he ever sees Cook again.
After one last lap, he heads back to his apartment. He's got an hour before he needs to be at the jazz and blues club for his evening job. It's another desire he has succumbed to, one he realizes he cannot live without: music.
=0=
The club is almost full when David ambles on the small stage, flexing his fingers as he settles on the piano bench. There are small pieces of paper on the music rack - requests. Before he dives into them, he starts with something simple, something he himself composed.
He simply loves the feeling whenever his fingers glide across the ebony and ivory keys, loves the way bluesy tunes flow smoothly. His heart swells with pride when applause ripples across the small pub after he's done. He plays for two hours, shuffling through requests, and then leaves the club at nine, glad that no one's inviting him to stay. There are nights when men or women would offer to buy him a drink and he's still too dang polite to turn them down.
The night is colder now but he's glad snow hasn't started. They say snow sometimes come early in December, sometimes it doesn't fall until after Christmas. He's glad it hasn't but it looks rather cloudy, with only a lone star in sight.
David watches the star blinks like a single firefly across the dark blue sky, wonders if Cook is somewhere looking up at the same star. He scoffs, realizing it's a silly thought, but he can't help himself. He makes a wish: to see Cook without him having to return home because he's not ready for that, not sure if he'll ever be.
=0=
It's been a busy week at the hotel, tourists from all over the world arriving everyday. David has just gotten down from helping a family settle into a room when the front desk manager, Jozef, beckons him and another porter over, says, "David, Petr, we're expecting some musicians from America to arrive today for the festival," and starts rambling instructions that David already knows by heart.
He helps another family to their suite. The mother's quite talkative and speaks to David in Spanish when he told her he's quite fluent in the language. She introduces her kids, both girls and are somewhere between ages nine and twelve. They remind him of his sisters and David suddenly feels homesick.
It's when he steps into the elevator that he remembers what Jozef had said. Musicians from America, he muses. When the lift reaches the ground floor, his heartbeat races in panic. What if… what if…
"David! There you are." Jozef waves at him frantically, prompting David to dash across the lobby, his feet feel like they're made of lead. "Our American guests have arrived, see that they're well settled in their suites," Jozef instructs in Czech and David's so glad he has learned the basics.
"Okay," he says in English and his heart leaps up to his throat when his eyes land on a man's back. The dark brown hair and the posture look awfully familiar and when another man wearing a fedora joins him, David quickly realizes who they are and the urge to bolt toward the opposite side of the lobby surges through him.
David barely turns when someone says, "Archie?" and his whole body seizes. Omigoshomigoshomigosh. He knows that voice, has heard it too many times in his dreams.
Maybe… maybe if he doesn't turn around Cook will think he's someone else? But then Cook says, "Archie, is that you?" his voice dangerously close and Archie thinks his heart stops beating for a moment. Then he sighs in defeat and twists around to face the man who has been haunting his thoughts for the past two years.
"Oh my god, it is you!" Cook says and throws his arms around David without warning. David melts in Cook's embrace almost automatically and his arms move like they have a life of their own, curling around Cook's middle. Cook releases him, keeps him at arms length, his large hands framing David's shoulders. "Oh god, I don't believe this."
David barely gets a word out before Cook's band mates swarm around him, each of them patting him on his back, on his shoulder, asking him how he's been, what he's doing there and-
"Wait! Wait." David throws his hands up, asking everyone to stop talking, dang it. "Sorry, it's just…"
"It's okay, Arch. I know we are being kinda annoying," Cook says, rubbing the back of his neck.
"No. No, it's not that." David spies Jozef eyeing him with contempt. "Listen, guys, I'm still on shift and the hotel's kinda busy. Why don't I show you to your room then maybe we can talk later?" He says the last bit to Cook and is relieved when Cook lifts one corner of his mouth in a half smile and nods.
"How long until you get off from work?" Cook asks.
"About two hours. I get off at four."
David, although reluctantly, gives Cook his number, remembering how persistent Cook can be. Cook gives David his new one. Apparently Cook has changed it twice over the last two years. David doesn't tell Cook he knows because he has tried calling Cook several times.
=0=
David keeps his word and knocks at Cook's suite after he has changed out of his uniform and into a pair of jeans, a couple layers of shirts, a sweater and his warmest jacket.
"I need a hot cup of java or espresso," Cook blurts out as soon as he opens the door. "Is there a Starbucks around here?"
"I don't think I've seen one," David says. "But there's a café near my place and I need to drop off my things at home. I was thinking maybe I could show you around while we catch up?"
"Okay. We'll go there." Cook grabs his jacket, yelling, "I'm going out for a walk with Archie, guys!" and slides out of his room with a string of catcalls following him.
"So…" Cook says when they get off the elevator. "Do we need to take my car or do you have your own?"
"No need. We can just walk." David waves at a couple of girls at the front desk on their way out. "It's um… quite a long walk though but there's lots to see so you won't get, you know, tired. If you do though, maybe you can take a cab on your way back."
Cook's eyebrow arches. "Excuse me, Archuleta. But I ran for the L.A. marathon last year and have been running for the Race for Hope for four years in a row. I think you're underestimating me here."
David barks a laugh. "Sorry. I just thought… well, since you're over thirty…."
"Still thirty. I won't be adding another year until next week, thank you very much." Cook hooks an arm around David's neck and yanks him down in a headlock. David almost drops his backpack while giggling and begging Cook to release him.
"You haven't changed," David says with obvious fondness. He misses this, misses the comfort of Cook's company. "So you guys will play at the festival?"
"Yeah. I hear it's going to be crazy."
"I've seen a few and yes, it can go crazy." David leads Cook around the bend and Cook stops to gaze up at an old structure, admiration flickering on the surface of his eyes.
"Wow. I can live here," Cook says wistfully.
"I know, right? You haven't seen everything yet."
While strolling along Jakubská, David shows Cook some of the shops and art galleries and buildings with remarkable architectural designs like he's some tour guide. He loves seeing the look of awe unfold on Cook's face when his eyes sweep around the area.
"You're dad told me you dropped out from your mission last year," Cook says when they're crossing the tunnel leading to Týn.
David stops dead on his track, says, "They um… my mom and my dad, they don't know where I am," worry swirling in his belly.
"I know, Arch. They told me you send them emails occasionally just to let them know you're alright."
David eyes Cook warily and as if Cook can read his mind, Cook rolls his eyes and says, "Don't worry, man. I'm not gonna tell them you're here and I'll ask the guys not to tell a soul either or they'll have to answer to me."
"Thanks, Cook." David feels a little relieved. He trusts Cook to keep his word. Cook always does.
"So how long have you lived here?" Cook asks when they finally reach David's apartment.
"It will be eight months next week."
David watches Cook stride over to the window and slip his fingers between the blinds to peer outside. "I never would have expected to see you here, Arch. In Prague, of all places."
"I've been around. But this place feels more like home than anywhere else." David drops his bag on the couch and hoping to change the topic, asks, "Still want to go over to the café?"
Cook lifts both shoulders in a shrug. "Sure."
=0=
Cook insists that David should watch him perform at the festival, refuses to hear any excuse so that leaves David with no choice but to take the night off at the club.
The show sends David into a string of nostalgia, remembering how it feels to be on a stage. Those memories seem like they're part of another world now.
After Cook's set, they leave Old Town Square. David's eager to show Cook how Prague looks at night.
"It's so beautiful out here, Arch. I can understand why you want to stay here." There's a hint of sadness in Cook's voice and David can almost hear him pleading silently, begging David to go back with him
Cook and his band will be returning home tomorrow. David tries to ignore the trepidation gnawing at the back of his mind and basks in Cook's company instead.
David's not sure if keeping Cook close longer than necessary is a good idea. It might hurt more once Cook leaves. But David doesn't know when or if he'll ever see Cook again so he ignores the warnings whirring in his head and asks Cook if he wants to stay at his place for the night.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, Arch," Cook says and settles on the couch.
David feels the familiar longing burning hot in his chest. Unwilling to leave Cook's side, he grabs his sleeping bag and lays it on the floor. Cook laughs and says they're better off in the bedroom but um… David doesn't think that's a good idea either.
They stay up all night, singing any song that comes to mind. David feels a lot closer to home with Cook on his side. Half the time, David contemplates whether he should tell Cook how he feels, if he should let Cook know that he's one of the reasons David chose to lead a different life. But he's scared about what Cook might think - that Cook might resent him and David doesn't want to spoil the last few hours with Cook so he keeps it to himself.
=0=
David's working at the hotel when Cook leaves. He sees Cook off, hoping that the pain doesn't morph into an expression on his face.
"This isn't goodbye," Cook says and wraps his arms tightly around David. Something shifts between them, holding them together and David thinks he hears Cook whisper "I love you" but he could be imagining things.
The hotel seems a hundred times quieter without Cook around.
Weeks pass and months roll by. David slowly heals from his melancholy. Cook calls him everyday for a month but the phone calls and emails dwindle eventually. On his way home from the club, David lifts his head skyward and wonders if the stars will listen to him tonight. He makes a silent wish, leaving it to fate.
David startles awake the next morning when he hears insistent rapping on his door. Thinking it's the landlord, he scrambles out of his bed and doesn't bother peering through the peephole to check who it is, just yanks the door open. He gasps when he sees Cook leaning against the doorframe, looking weather-beaten and exhausted but still amazingly handsome as ever.
"Cook," David whispers, uncertain whether it's just a mirage or Cook's really there.
"So I was wondering if I could stay for the night," Cook says as if they've been talking for hours. "Maybe a week. Or a month. It all depends on how long you can stand having me around."
David huffs out a short laugh. "Like I have a choice," he says in jest and helps Cook bring his bags inside.
"Also." Cook crowds into David's personal space, his breath hot against David's face. "There's one other thing I've been meaning to do since I saw you four months ago."
David goes "huh?" because he doesn't have a clue what Cook's trying to say and he's about to ask when Cook swoops down suddenly and presses his lips against David's.
Too shocked to respond, David stills for about half a minute until Cook pulls away and asks, "Do you mind?"
David shakes his head even if he's not sure what Cook meant - what David should or shouldn't mind, but he thinks it's about the kiss and David's certain he doesn't mind that at all. Before all his thoughts become a jumbled mess, he closes his eyes and feels Cook's mouth close over his.
The kiss is so intoxicating that David thinks, Gosh, if he's going to have this for a month or maybe more, he certainly won't mind at all.
~ end ~
Author: clover71
Fandom: American Idol
Pairing: David Cook/ David Archuleta
Rating: PG
Description: Part of the Twelve Days of Christmas 2011 collection, see author's notes for more details.
Summary: David makes a wish so impossible that he doesn't expect it will come true, but it does.
Disclaimer:
1) Please note that this is purely fiction and none of the contents are real except for all or some of the characters used in this story.
2) Most characters used are real people but the details within do not purposely imply occurrences in real life; thus, anything here that concurs with real events may be completely coincidental.
3) This fiction is created based solely on the imagination of the author and for non-profitable purpose.
Author's Note(s):
- This is my gift fic for rajkumari905 who requested for a cookleta fic about 'When You Wish Upon A Star' and since I thought of the song, I took the title from its lyrics. I hope you like this, Pri.
- I'm not sure if what David did in this fic is allowed, not going to pretend I know about LDS mission. If it's not, then let's pretend it is and go 'la, la-la, la-la'.
- Not beta'ed, sorry for the mistakes
The cool, crisp air hits his face the moment he steps out of his apartment building. Mr. Kopecky from the pizzeria across the street waves at him in greeting. David raises his hand in a small wave before trudging down the cobblestone street, melting along with the people loitering around Týnská in this typically busy afternoon.
He pushes his earphones into his ears then takes off on a slow jog, letting the muscles on his legs get used to the increasing pace. He has just gotten off his shift at the hotel and thought that running may help him relax.
It's peak season and a lot of tourists have checked in early in the day. He's gotten very generous tips, mostly in U.S. dollars. What he didn't expect is for a girl, probably in her late teens, to come up to him and say, "You look familiar," and she stared at him for a full minute before her eyes slid down to his I.D. tag (where 'D.J.' is engraved). She shook her head and muttered, "Nah… you probably just look like him."
That incident sent him on edge, fearing that more American guests might recognize him somehow. But when no one seemed to give him a second look, he figured that the girl might have been thinking of someone else.
He stops in front of a café to catch his breath and steals a glance at his reflection on the front window. He looks different now - at least he thinks he does. His hair has grown a bit longer, which he can now gather into a ponytail just to keep it neat looking when he's at work. Besides, he's been away from the public eye for almost two years now and he's not sure if his fans still think of him. Everyone probably assumes he's still on a mission.
The thought sends a sharp pang in his chest.
Barely a year into his mission, he got distracted, loosing his focus entirely. He was in Belgium then, going around the neighborhood, the Book of Mormon in his hand, when he came across a couple - a gay couple - kissing and something inside him unfurled. He thought of him then, still thinks of him now.
He's not sure when exactly he decided that he was done pretending, done trying to hide who he really is. Shortly after, David found himself wandering inside a gay bar one night and then again ten days later, until he starts going there night after night after night, letting loose and feeling free for the first time in many months. He didn't really hook up with anyone, just kissed a couple of guys, even let one of them grope his jean-clad ass, but that was about it.
He wonders how his family would've reacted… or if they already know his secret. They've been dropping hints - probably - especially after he'd been spotted in a gay bar in New York. There wasn't really a discussion about it. His mom and dad never said anything straightforward. Come to think of it, he never even had the 'birds and the bees' talk with his parents so…
David reaches the Old Town Square and he aims to go around the block. He thinks about him again, wonders what Cook would say if he knew - knows what David had done. Cook is the most open-minded person he knows but David fears he might see disappointment in Cook's eyes if he ever sees Cook again.
After one last lap, he heads back to his apartment. He's got an hour before he needs to be at the jazz and blues club for his evening job. It's another desire he has succumbed to, one he realizes he cannot live without: music.
=0=
The club is almost full when David ambles on the small stage, flexing his fingers as he settles on the piano bench. There are small pieces of paper on the music rack - requests. Before he dives into them, he starts with something simple, something he himself composed.
He simply loves the feeling whenever his fingers glide across the ebony and ivory keys, loves the way bluesy tunes flow smoothly. His heart swells with pride when applause ripples across the small pub after he's done. He plays for two hours, shuffling through requests, and then leaves the club at nine, glad that no one's inviting him to stay. There are nights when men or women would offer to buy him a drink and he's still too dang polite to turn them down.
The night is colder now but he's glad snow hasn't started. They say snow sometimes come early in December, sometimes it doesn't fall until after Christmas. He's glad it hasn't but it looks rather cloudy, with only a lone star in sight.
David watches the star blinks like a single firefly across the dark blue sky, wonders if Cook is somewhere looking up at the same star. He scoffs, realizing it's a silly thought, but he can't help himself. He makes a wish: to see Cook without him having to return home because he's not ready for that, not sure if he'll ever be.
=0=
It's been a busy week at the hotel, tourists from all over the world arriving everyday. David has just gotten down from helping a family settle into a room when the front desk manager, Jozef, beckons him and another porter over, says, "David, Petr, we're expecting some musicians from America to arrive today for the festival," and starts rambling instructions that David already knows by heart.
He helps another family to their suite. The mother's quite talkative and speaks to David in Spanish when he told her he's quite fluent in the language. She introduces her kids, both girls and are somewhere between ages nine and twelve. They remind him of his sisters and David suddenly feels homesick.
It's when he steps into the elevator that he remembers what Jozef had said. Musicians from America, he muses. When the lift reaches the ground floor, his heartbeat races in panic. What if… what if…
"David! There you are." Jozef waves at him frantically, prompting David to dash across the lobby, his feet feel like they're made of lead. "Our American guests have arrived, see that they're well settled in their suites," Jozef instructs in Czech and David's so glad he has learned the basics.
"Okay," he says in English and his heart leaps up to his throat when his eyes land on a man's back. The dark brown hair and the posture look awfully familiar and when another man wearing a fedora joins him, David quickly realizes who they are and the urge to bolt toward the opposite side of the lobby surges through him.
David barely turns when someone says, "Archie?" and his whole body seizes. Omigoshomigoshomigosh. He knows that voice, has heard it too many times in his dreams.
Maybe… maybe if he doesn't turn around Cook will think he's someone else? But then Cook says, "Archie, is that you?" his voice dangerously close and Archie thinks his heart stops beating for a moment. Then he sighs in defeat and twists around to face the man who has been haunting his thoughts for the past two years.
"Oh my god, it is you!" Cook says and throws his arms around David without warning. David melts in Cook's embrace almost automatically and his arms move like they have a life of their own, curling around Cook's middle. Cook releases him, keeps him at arms length, his large hands framing David's shoulders. "Oh god, I don't believe this."
David barely gets a word out before Cook's band mates swarm around him, each of them patting him on his back, on his shoulder, asking him how he's been, what he's doing there and-
"Wait! Wait." David throws his hands up, asking everyone to stop talking, dang it. "Sorry, it's just…"
"It's okay, Arch. I know we are being kinda annoying," Cook says, rubbing the back of his neck.
"No. No, it's not that." David spies Jozef eyeing him with contempt. "Listen, guys, I'm still on shift and the hotel's kinda busy. Why don't I show you to your room then maybe we can talk later?" He says the last bit to Cook and is relieved when Cook lifts one corner of his mouth in a half smile and nods.
"How long until you get off from work?" Cook asks.
"About two hours. I get off at four."
David, although reluctantly, gives Cook his number, remembering how persistent Cook can be. Cook gives David his new one. Apparently Cook has changed it twice over the last two years. David doesn't tell Cook he knows because he has tried calling Cook several times.
=0=
David keeps his word and knocks at Cook's suite after he has changed out of his uniform and into a pair of jeans, a couple layers of shirts, a sweater and his warmest jacket.
"I need a hot cup of java or espresso," Cook blurts out as soon as he opens the door. "Is there a Starbucks around here?"
"I don't think I've seen one," David says. "But there's a café near my place and I need to drop off my things at home. I was thinking maybe I could show you around while we catch up?"
"Okay. We'll go there." Cook grabs his jacket, yelling, "I'm going out for a walk with Archie, guys!" and slides out of his room with a string of catcalls following him.
"So…" Cook says when they get off the elevator. "Do we need to take my car or do you have your own?"
"No need. We can just walk." David waves at a couple of girls at the front desk on their way out. "It's um… quite a long walk though but there's lots to see so you won't get, you know, tired. If you do though, maybe you can take a cab on your way back."
Cook's eyebrow arches. "Excuse me, Archuleta. But I ran for the L.A. marathon last year and have been running for the Race for Hope for four years in a row. I think you're underestimating me here."
David barks a laugh. "Sorry. I just thought… well, since you're over thirty…."
"Still thirty. I won't be adding another year until next week, thank you very much." Cook hooks an arm around David's neck and yanks him down in a headlock. David almost drops his backpack while giggling and begging Cook to release him.
"You haven't changed," David says with obvious fondness. He misses this, misses the comfort of Cook's company. "So you guys will play at the festival?"
"Yeah. I hear it's going to be crazy."
"I've seen a few and yes, it can go crazy." David leads Cook around the bend and Cook stops to gaze up at an old structure, admiration flickering on the surface of his eyes.
"Wow. I can live here," Cook says wistfully.
"I know, right? You haven't seen everything yet."
While strolling along Jakubská, David shows Cook some of the shops and art galleries and buildings with remarkable architectural designs like he's some tour guide. He loves seeing the look of awe unfold on Cook's face when his eyes sweep around the area.
"You're dad told me you dropped out from your mission last year," Cook says when they're crossing the tunnel leading to Týn.
David stops dead on his track, says, "They um… my mom and my dad, they don't know where I am," worry swirling in his belly.
"I know, Arch. They told me you send them emails occasionally just to let them know you're alright."
David eyes Cook warily and as if Cook can read his mind, Cook rolls his eyes and says, "Don't worry, man. I'm not gonna tell them you're here and I'll ask the guys not to tell a soul either or they'll have to answer to me."
"Thanks, Cook." David feels a little relieved. He trusts Cook to keep his word. Cook always does.
"So how long have you lived here?" Cook asks when they finally reach David's apartment.
"It will be eight months next week."
David watches Cook stride over to the window and slip his fingers between the blinds to peer outside. "I never would have expected to see you here, Arch. In Prague, of all places."
"I've been around. But this place feels more like home than anywhere else." David drops his bag on the couch and hoping to change the topic, asks, "Still want to go over to the café?"
Cook lifts both shoulders in a shrug. "Sure."
=0=
Cook insists that David should watch him perform at the festival, refuses to hear any excuse so that leaves David with no choice but to take the night off at the club.
The show sends David into a string of nostalgia, remembering how it feels to be on a stage. Those memories seem like they're part of another world now.
After Cook's set, they leave Old Town Square. David's eager to show Cook how Prague looks at night.
"It's so beautiful out here, Arch. I can understand why you want to stay here." There's a hint of sadness in Cook's voice and David can almost hear him pleading silently, begging David to go back with him
Cook and his band will be returning home tomorrow. David tries to ignore the trepidation gnawing at the back of his mind and basks in Cook's company instead.
David's not sure if keeping Cook close longer than necessary is a good idea. It might hurt more once Cook leaves. But David doesn't know when or if he'll ever see Cook again so he ignores the warnings whirring in his head and asks Cook if he wants to stay at his place for the night.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, Arch," Cook says and settles on the couch.
David feels the familiar longing burning hot in his chest. Unwilling to leave Cook's side, he grabs his sleeping bag and lays it on the floor. Cook laughs and says they're better off in the bedroom but um… David doesn't think that's a good idea either.
They stay up all night, singing any song that comes to mind. David feels a lot closer to home with Cook on his side. Half the time, David contemplates whether he should tell Cook how he feels, if he should let Cook know that he's one of the reasons David chose to lead a different life. But he's scared about what Cook might think - that Cook might resent him and David doesn't want to spoil the last few hours with Cook so he keeps it to himself.
=0=
David's working at the hotel when Cook leaves. He sees Cook off, hoping that the pain doesn't morph into an expression on his face.
"This isn't goodbye," Cook says and wraps his arms tightly around David. Something shifts between them, holding them together and David thinks he hears Cook whisper "I love you" but he could be imagining things.
The hotel seems a hundred times quieter without Cook around.
Weeks pass and months roll by. David slowly heals from his melancholy. Cook calls him everyday for a month but the phone calls and emails dwindle eventually. On his way home from the club, David lifts his head skyward and wonders if the stars will listen to him tonight. He makes a silent wish, leaving it to fate.
David startles awake the next morning when he hears insistent rapping on his door. Thinking it's the landlord, he scrambles out of his bed and doesn't bother peering through the peephole to check who it is, just yanks the door open. He gasps when he sees Cook leaning against the doorframe, looking weather-beaten and exhausted but still amazingly handsome as ever.
"Cook," David whispers, uncertain whether it's just a mirage or Cook's really there.
"So I was wondering if I could stay for the night," Cook says as if they've been talking for hours. "Maybe a week. Or a month. It all depends on how long you can stand having me around."
David huffs out a short laugh. "Like I have a choice," he says in jest and helps Cook bring his bags inside.
"Also." Cook crowds into David's personal space, his breath hot against David's face. "There's one other thing I've been meaning to do since I saw you four months ago."
David goes "huh?" because he doesn't have a clue what Cook's trying to say and he's about to ask when Cook swoops down suddenly and presses his lips against David's.
Too shocked to respond, David stills for about half a minute until Cook pulls away and asks, "Do you mind?"
David shakes his head even if he's not sure what Cook meant - what David should or shouldn't mind, but he thinks it's about the kiss and David's certain he doesn't mind that at all. Before all his thoughts become a jumbled mess, he closes his eyes and feels Cook's mouth close over his.
The kiss is so intoxicating that David thinks, Gosh, if he's going to have this for a month or maybe more, he certainly won't mind at all.
~ end ~