Work Text:
Out of any day to get sick, of course it’s just his luck that William catches a cold on Halloween.
He really has to be the biggest moron on earth, because, if he’s being entirely honest with himself, it was 100% avoidable. If Bill had decided to actually wear a coat instead of his usual denim jacket under the October rain last week, he’d probably be at Pete’s Halloween party right now, like every year.
Well, he doesn’t mind not going so much, actually. William hasn’t exactly thought of an elaborate costume or anything, he was just planning on wearing the angel wings from his sister’s costume from last year. But at least, even if he had shown up to Pete’s in a half assed, shitty costume, he’d be doing something, something better than lying in his bed, sulking, rethinking all his life choices, entirely alone.
Or… not alone, actually…
The door to William’s bedroom opens with a small, drawn-out creak, and in walks Gabe, holding a mug of what Bill can only assume to be tea.
"Your sister told me to tell you she’s heading out soon, so it’ll just be us at home."
Bill props himself up on his elbows, so he can properly face Gabe… Gabe, who didn’t hesitate even a second before dropping all his plans when he heard Bill wouldn’t make it to the party, Gabe, who doesn’t even look a tad bit bothered by how irritating Bill knows he must be, all sick and sluggish and sniffling. Gabe’s just too nice to him, and if Bill doesn’t mind missing out on the party, he definitely feels selfish for keeping Gabe all for himself and away from the world when he should be out being a regular 18-year-old on Halloween.
"You really don’t have to stay, y’know… I’m sure I’ll be fine on my own."
Gabe was so excited about this party, he’s been looking forward to it for weeks, he always does, he never misses an opportunity to dance and wear a stupid costume. You really can’t blame Bill for feeling at least a little guilty.
Gabe shoots him a look and sits on the edge of the bed.
"Shut up and drink your tea." He grins, there’s no real malice behind the words. Bill sits up and grabs the mug from Gabe’s hands, but not without protesting.
“I mean it. It’s not too late, you can still go to Pete’s. Don’t skip out on a good time for my sake.”
"This is a good time." Gabe leans over and grabs Bill’s laptop from his bedside table, "What movie do you wanna watch?" He barely acknowledges Bill, pouting and curled up tightly in his warm blankets, holding onto his cup of tea. Instead, he seems entirely preoccupied with pulling up some illegal streaming site that hopefully won’t fill Bill’s laptop with viruses.
Bill stares at Gabe a little incredulously. He scoffs, “Can’t imagine staying home and playing nurse for your boyfriend on Halloween of all days can be much fun… what if I get you sick?”
“Then we’ll be sick together." He finally turns to face Bill, resting a hand on his knee through the blanket. "So, what do you wanna watch?" He repeats, the question coming out quiet, barely above a whisper, and Bill can’t help it, he really should be trying to get Gabe to go and enjoy his evening, but he smiles despite himself, because God.
“You’re really not leaving, huh?” Bill hopes it comes out as sarcastically as he intends it, but he’s pretty sure the love-struck look on his face he can never quite shake off betrays him.
“Nope”, Gabe answers smugly, popping the ‘p’ in nope. He turns back around to face the laptop again, “but I might, if you don’t answer my question soon. So? Movie?”
Bill pretends to think it over for a moment, even though he’s pretty sure Gabe already knows the answer.
“How about Corpse Bride?”
Next thing he knows, Gabe is lying beside him in his crammed twin-sized bed, his chest comfortably pressed against Bill’s back, his hand gently resting on his waist, sleepy eyes focused on the movie, even though they’ve both watched it countless times.
Gabe’s soft breathing tickles William’s neck, and he can’t help but think it’s awfully grounding. He hates to admit it, but he’s glad Gabe stays.
The night is cold, and he’s missing a party that’s probably gonna be the talk of the school for weeks, and God knows he feels like shit, but curled up in Gabe's arms, it’s a little less shitty. So fuck it, let others throw all the messy, loud parties in the world, Bill is happy right where he is.