[... wait, shit. did he answer wrong? was he supposed to be coy or less agreeable to make the both of them more comfortable? like maybe they should stick to the usual, expected line of dating events and work their way to this point? there’s a moment of panic there, like Dave thinks maybe he’s read the room wrong or something, maybe he should try to back up there.]

[but that doesn’t feel right, either. Ryuji wouldn’t have asked if he didn’t want to stay here, he’s pretty fucking sure of it. and following the “appropriate” steps to date someone, to build up a relationship by the books perfectly ... that sounds an awful lot like playing a game. like living one of those goddamn romance novels. input experience, output corresponding level of boyfriend, right?]

[Dave is so, so sick of games ruling his life.]

It’s fine, dude. I mean, if it is with you. [and he means that for a lot of things, too. he knows Ryuji meant it when he asked, but he can’t help but confirm again, a little bit awkward. maybe a lot awkward.]

[he reaches over and takes the smartwatch.]

It’s ... not a big deal. I mean. Yeah, it is, in about a million different fucking ways, honestly, but. I dunno. Doing shit our own way’s kinda been our thing since day one.

[god, that probably doesn’t make any goddamn sense. but Dave isn’t really talking to his current task of fetching some extra bedding.]