How gentlemanly! He needn’t worry too much about Simon’s drinking – he didn’t drive so he would’ve gotten a rideshare home if a better option hadn’t presented itself. Though, it was pretty much the fact that Simon was drinking that made him open to said better option. He didn’t often, but when he did it numbed that hateful voice in his head.

And so, Simon felt himself press closer to John’s side, comfortable there despite the cooler night air. He made himself comfortable in John’s car, peering out ahead of him as they drove to the hotel John knew. Looking out the sides always made Simon feel a little nauseated, so he opted for the safer choice. Once they arrived, Simon was only subtly shy about looping his arm around John’s.

His new companion did all the talking and made all the arrangements, which was fine with him. It wasn’t until they were in the room John booked that some of that shyness melted away again.

“This is a nice place. Nice view,” he added as he pulled the drapes closed. They weren’t really here to enjoy the view, after all.