Sasquatch to the Moon

30: No, Rocket, You Weren't Tony Hawk

"Listen, Rocks, I'm a lot darker than I was, if that makes any sense, and everyone I've ever hung out around hasn't mentioned it, plus, everyone in Sweden has the same general type of skin tone. Plus, I do get a little darker in the summer. I'm not special."

I grumble under my breath in Czech, careful that he doesn't know what I'm saying: "Damnit, Håks, just because nobody noticed doesn't mean it's not there."

"Why are you staying here tonight?" He pulls back his sheets, letting me in.

"Uh, dunno, it's really cold tonight and I really liked sleeping with you that once, I don't know, I just miss it."

"What do you mean?" He asks, choosing the side that's facing the door. I wrap my toothpick limbs around his chest, positioning myself so I can play with his hair.

"It's comforting," I mumble, running my fingers through the top of his head. "I like it when you're right there. And lord knows I'm an absolute whore for cuddles."

He lets out a short burst of laughter, his smile lighting me up from inside out.

I nuzzle my nose into the top of his head, breathing in whatever magical vanilla shampoo he uses. "And you had a rough couple of hours. I'm not sure why the comment about a father broke you like that but I want to be here for you."

"Why?" he mumbles, threading his fingers through mine.

"Because I really care about you."

He lets out a long breath, his chest deflating against mine. "Why?" It comes out meekly, like he thinks he's being a bother with it.

"Because I kind of want to spend the rest of my life with you, even if we're just friends." His back stiffens, a clear look of panic on his face. "I like you, Håkon, a lot, and I'm going to love the absolute hell out of you when we get there. I know I've known you for only a couple of months total, but I want you to be there when my hair goes white."

He rolls over, shifting to get his position right, just staring at me, hands knotted up with mine. "I hate to ask again, but why me? You could have-"

I press a finger to his lips, then wrap my arms around his chest, nuzzling into his neck. "You gotta stop telling yourself you're not worthy of things, not worthy of other people's attention and care. You are, you're beyond worthy. Just accept it, okay?"

He mumbles something softly in Swedish, his wide and deep vowels resting gently against my hair.

"Why does Swedish get to be so pretty?" I mumble against his collarbone. "When I talk in Czech I sound like a pubescent fax machine."

The sharp gasp of laughter that bursts from his chest catches me mildly by surprise but I don't mind it at all. "Rocket... Rocket I- you say something so incredibly sweet and then you just have to add something like that. I'm... you're the single funniest person I've ever met."

"Thank you, where's my crown?" I squeeze him a little, trying to get any closer. "I'll wear it every day. Funniest person Håkon Rex has ever met. Maybe I'll get it on my helmet."

"Don't do that," he laughs lightly, rubbing his hand up and down my back. I'm starting to think my love language is touch, this is the most comfortable and happy I've felt in a couple days, wrapped up in his arms under the heavy covers, listening to him breathe.

"Mm, Håkon?" I mumble, curling up further into him, his heavy arms around me. "What do you think your job was in your past life?"

He takes a deep breath in, brushing his nose against my head, running his fingers through the back of my hair. "I've always liked painting for no apparent reason, maybe I was a painter."

I blush all the way up to the top of my head. That's adorable.

He lets out a small hum of comfort. "What about you?"

"I think I was Tony Hawk."

"Rocket, Tony Hawk is still alive." He brushes his fingers lightly over the back of my neck, his nails brushing my skin ever so lightly. "Any little interests?"

"Hm, maybe an archaeologist." I mumble. "We gotta sleep, game day tomorrow."

"Right," he yawns, pulling me into his chest. "Thanks for staying with me."

"No problem." 

***

so i'll hope you through the rising tide, 

that i'll be here and you can lay by my side,

you can rely on me you know.

lay by me - ruben

***

we're getting there boys, he's getting better slowly

-rabid