"Thinking out loud."

[englandrocks]

Who: Paxton Carlyle and Trent Lamont
What: Non-conventional date
Where: Trent's cousins' place, NYC
When: After this

It had been a bit of a marathon work day for Paxton. He knew he wasn't on the same scale as being a trauma surgeon like Liam was, but if he was booked with a bit of a nasty arsehole photographer, it was a lot of hardwork to stand and get your picture taken for hours on bloody end. He was weary and achy all over, but he found that despite that, he was excited about seeing Trent again. He had been worrying about him, of course, but Pax found that when he tried to call Trent, it would go to voicemail. He didn't think much of it, assuming it was because Trent was sick and recovering. He was probably sleeping a lot, considering he had to have surgery to fix the problem that was making him feel so sick.

After about a week, he just assumed that perhaps Trent was cool with them just having a professional relationship, rather than a friendship. Paxton respected that. He didn't get upset or paranoid. Which is why it had been a lovely surprise when Trent sent him a text out of the blue - and to ask him on a date, at that! Paxton had nearly fallen off his chair when he read it. Then immediately blushed bashfully because he hadn't been asked on any sort of date in a long time, and it felt really good. He couldn't deny that he had already been admiring how hot Trent was, even ill.

The initial plan was to go to dinner sometime when Trent was feeling better. What he had been sick with made his stomach really upset and he hadn't been eating last Pax saw him. It hit him later in the day while he was daydreaming about bitchslapping the photographer that a date didn't have to be dinner or conventional, right?

He was shown to the room Trent was occupying until he could go back to his own place. Trent was in bed, and even if he did have a bit more colour in his cheeks to last time, he was still in his PJs and looking unwell. Paxton smiled when he came in carrying a basket. "Now, I had an epiphany. I thought that because you've been sick, you've probably not only been feeling under the weather, but also lonely and a bit down in the dumps. So, why do we have to wait on our date? I brought a nice cosy blanket for us, and some soup from a deli that was recommended to me, a hot water bottle for your stomach, and some massage oil. I thought I could give you a back rub because you've been stuck in bed, and then we could maybe watch a movie, or sit and talk if you're not up to having anything to eat?" The first thing he did was take the bouquet of white roses from the top of the basket and hand them to Trent. Some things could still be conventional date-like, right?

Comments

[photographically]

Trent had been discharged from hospital with doctor's orders to rest as much as he could, and preferably not overdo anything. He had a small list of things he could eat if he felt up to it, which were mostly things easy on his stomach and fresh rather than anything processed that needed to overwork his insides. He hadn't been eating a lot, but Lincoln's broth had already been on the go for Kip, so it killed two birds with one stone. Trent had barely seen Kip because he was staying on the other side of the generous apartment with Clint and Lincoln. It was more like two homes that were just connected with a few communal rooms. That was the purpose of them buying it, because Clint and Lincoln wanted their own space, as did Angela and Emily.

Trent hadn't wanted to impose, but Angela insisted he come stay with them until he was back on his feet. He didn't have to be alone while he wasn't feeling well. He was overjoyed by Paxton wanting to come visit him, but he didn't expect any of this. With the roses now in his hand, he just sort of stared at them in disbelief and then laughed, a hand carefully resting on his stomach where he'd had the surgery because it hurt to laugh too hard yet. "Oh my god, you're like an angel on earth, or something. You're way too kind. You didn't have to do this, but... this is seriously the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me."

[englandrocks]

Paxton put the basket on the bed by Trent. "Well, there's nothing worse than being sick and stuck in bed while you recover. I mean, I took a bit of a leap of faith here. I know that, and I was worried it might step on your toes, but I didn't want you feeling guilty that we couldn't go to dinner yet because you're still not well. But dates don't have to be by-the-book, right? I know that enough from family and friends. You make it what you want it to be. None of this is a given, though. If it's too much, or you're not interested, just let me know. Ball is in your court, okay? I just wanted to do something nice, because I know you've been through a lot, and it's all at the start of your big upheaval moving here to New York for your work."

He took the hot water bottle out and held it up. "Yes? No? What about a massage? Food? Are you up to eating anything? This soup is really mild. It's just a light chicken and veggie, with noodles. They said it's a big hit at this time of year with all the cold and flu bugs going around. If you want me to fill the hot water bottle up, just point me to where I can get the hot water, and I'll get some water for the flowers too. But before all that, how are you feeling?"

[photographically]

Trent could only smile at Paxton as he listened. "You're not stepping on my toes. This is all amazing. I've never had anyone do anything so, well, romantic for me. I'm not even just saying that. Mostly, I can't quite believe you want to considering how we met. I love it all. You're such a sweetheart." He knew that a lot of models had the reputation of being bitchy snobs. On the day of his first ever fashion shoot, with Paxton front and centre, Trent didn't make any assumptions about him at all. Or anyone in that room. All the wanted to do was prove himself, and get through it all without vomiting. He had noticed how gorgeous Paxton was in the flesh, and thinking that it was probably impossible to take a bad photo of him. But Paxton wasn't just beautiful on the outside.

He nodded. "The bathroom's just across the hall. I think maybe just wait on the food for a bit. Is that okay? I kind of want to be able to have a conversation with you without it ending in vomit." Paxton must be one of those true sweetheart friends that were worth their weight in gold. Trent was so happy to see him, and despite feeling miserable of late, Paxton's company had turned his mood right around. "I'm actually not feeling too bad now. The worst is over. Just under doctors orders to get plenty of rest and take it easy on my stomach. It's so nice to see you, though."

[englandrocks]

Paxton was quick getting the hot water bottle filled, and when he was out, he bumped into Angela, who got him a vase and gave him a kiss on the cheek of gratitude for saving Trent and being so sweet. He came back with the hot water bottle, and had the flowers arranged in the vase, placing them in the best spot for Trent to be able to see them. He then moved to the other side of the bed and got settled sitting beside Trent, handing him the hot water bottle for his stomach. "Don't worry. When you're feeling better, I promise we'll still have that conventional date. I thought you might be feeling a little down after what happened. Not having the whole successful start to your new life here and all."

He gave Trent a smile and patted his leg. "I've got your back if you're sick. I'm not a trained nurse, but my brother is. My BFF is a doctor. I think some of their TLC skills have rubbed off on me. Please don't feel bad or embarrassed. I know that's probably easier said than done, but no judgement here. I mean, if we were dating officially before this, I'd be doing exactly the same thing as I am now. We're just doing things a bit arse-about. I did want to kind of ask you about something, though..."