Archive of Our Own

“Hey, dad?” A small, curious voice inquired, tugging the suit coat of said father. 

Said father was slumped over his desk, propping his heavy head on his left hand, writing hastily with a pen in his right. Probably the fifth pen he’s used just today. 

“Yes, dear?” The tug and delicate voice pulled him from his trance. Without hesitation, he turns around in his chair, looking over the back to look down at his daughter.

“It’s 6:30.”

A blank stare.

“Uh huh. It sure is.”

She sighed. “We were supposed to leave for the library five minutes ago, dad.”

Rodger’s face fell.

Whipping his head around to glance at his clock, it was 6:30. Their weekly trip to the library every Friday always started at 6:30, which meant they left the apartment for the short walk five minutes early on the dot. It was their thing when he had Toodles on the weekdays.

“You’re so right! I’m so sorry, I got carried away…”

“Again? Your memory is usually as sharp as a wheel,” Toodles remarked sarcastically.

Rodger sighed, shoulders slumping forward. The sarcasm she must’ve learned from her weekends with her mother must be getting to her. It was hard to keep up with a ten year old’s antics. 

“Go get your hat, I need to pack up some things. Won’t be long,” He promised, ruffling the hair on his daughter’s head. Her face lit up, and he finally relaxed. 

He glanced down at his desk, ink staining the papers of the case he was sifting through. Exploded and drained pens laid scattered across the old wood. Picking up and stacking the papers on the far side of his desk, Rodger decided he had organized enough. He pushed the chair in so as to not trip him again . The clumsy accident was burned into his brain, and Toodles never let him live it down. 

He scanned his room from the doorway, noticing the littered papers and documents on his bed and floor. He was getting too old for bending down this much, grunting as the joints in his back creaked as he gathered his cases in order. 

Once he was satisfied, he nodded at no one in particular and turned to leave. He glanced at his full-length mirror.

Why did he have this? He ran his ink-stained fingertips over the golden frame. He never really used it.

He locked eyes with himself. He was in one of his more casual suits, purple tie and cuffs being the only thing to bring color to his black jacket. His comfortable pants also sported purple cuffs at the ends.The bags under his eyes never left, unkempt dark hair covering his ears. 

He lifted a hand to feel the scarring over his left eye. Still no feeling. 

He really shouldn’t be surprised. It was years old by now. 

His remaining brown eye darkened as his gaze met with his glassy, blinded eye. 

Does he regret it?

No, he decides, for the umpteenth time. It was worth it. 

He tears his look away from the mirror, forcing air out of his nose and closing his door.

“Anything special you had in mind today, 8-ball?” Rodger asks his daughter, speed walking to keep up with his pace.

Her face lightens up at the familiar nickname. “Not today. Do I have to be the carrier this time?” She whined. 

Rodger huffed. “Yep. I did it last time.”

“But I’m so little! I can’t keep up!” Toodles cried, throwing her hands up into the air. Her long, loose jacket sleeves fell down her skinny arms.

“Just last night you said you were grown up enough to stay up past 10pm. That didn’t go so well for you, if you’ve forgotten,” Rodger grins smugly, fog emitting from his mouth from the cold weather as he leans down to force his face down next to hers.

Toodles crosses her arms, looking disgruntled. 

However, her small problems were quickly forgotten as she ran past her father to yank open the door, holding it for him.

Rodger raised his eyebrows at her.

“After you, good sir,” she giggled, sending a big smile his way.

Rodger huffed again. “Thank you, m’lady,” he responded, ducking his head towards her in a classy show of respect, and entered the local library, taking in the warmth of the heater overhead. 

Toodles let go of the door and ran in, taking off her hat as the heat blew in her face. 

Rodger does the first thing he always does when he enters the library, which is scan the counter for his friend that ran it, Brightney.

He was expecting to see her thin face, pink glasses resting on the bridge of her nose, her wry smile feeling like a warm embrace. 

He did not get what he was expecting.

What he saw was not Brightney.

It was a man, firstly. A thin, pale man, curly blond hair resting on his forehead, with golden earrings and a loose pink sweater covered in specks of gold. His bright, piercing blue eyes almost made Rodger believe that a bullet had been shot right through his head. He hadn’t looked up yet, leaning on the counter while fixated on something on his phone, sporting a blinding neon pink case.

Rodger was a simple man. A non-confrontational, unorganized, messy man. So the first thing he did was take his phone out of his coat pocket and send a furious text to Brightney.

“Where are you?? It’s Friday!”

He huffed in relief as he saw three dots, signifying the process of a response. 

“I’m so sorry!! Forgot to tell you I was spending the day with Connie, she’s been sick all week :(.”

He huffed again, this time in frustration.

Rodger only knew how to talk to Brightney. She had a mind almost as sharp as his. They could hold intellectual conversations, and it’d be on equal footing.

This… personified sparkle was not Brightney. 

If this mystery man wouldn’t pay him any mind, then Rodger would do him a favor and keep to himself.

“C’mon, honey, let’s get to the kid’s section,” Rodger muttered, low enough for only Toodles to hear.

“But you said I could look at the young adults section!” Toodles cried, blowing his cover.

“Yes, later,” he whispered, clenching his fists anxiously.

Toodles sighed, holding her head low as she moped and walked past the counter unknowingly. 

Rodger took one last glance at the bright man, just in time to catch him looking up from his phone and directly at him. 

His expression changed. His face, once featuring a bored look, had completely vanished. His pale skin shifted to a soft red, eyes widening. 

Without a word, he turned his back to Rodger and hastily moved into a back room behind the counter, whispering curses that were meant for himself, but heard clearly by Rodger.

Rodger slumped his shoulders. He was sincerely hoping this would be a one-time thing, fearing checkout later.

Toodles had clearly taken her job as carrier seriously. On her off weeks, she’d pick anywhere from three to six decently-sized books on speaking, murderous fantasy animals. He probably shouldn’t be allowing her to read them, but she knew a disturbing amount of cat anatomy, and he figured that was useful enough as an excuse to let her keep reading them. 

However, today, she had chosen only two thin graphic novels. Still depicting the same series, just in an alternate form. 

“That’s all?” Rodger asked, tilting his head.

Toodles nodded enthusiastically. “I’m all caught up on the regular books, so might as well move on to bonus content.”

Rodger smiled. “Proud of you, dear,” he said, patting her shoulder. 

Toodles lit up. It never failed to spark a warmth in his chest. His life has had ups and downs, but the greatest up he could’ve ever experienced was taking in such an excitable ball of energy as a daughter. 

“One more for you,” he continued, placing a very thick criminal book on top of Toodles’ small pile. She nearly fell forwards, barely catching herself. She coughed as dust flooded her senses. Not nearly as much as there used to be, though, Rodger noticed. 

“What is this? A bible?” She frowned.

Rodger bit back a laugh, covering a smile with his hand. “No, just something for work.”

Toodles just sighed, grunting as she struggled to carry the heavy load bestowed upon her. She managed to drag herself around the corner and up to the counter, where she shoved the books onto the glass surface, free from the clutches of entire layers of dust. She huffed, leaning on her knees to catch her breath.

“You’re evil,” she whispered.

Rodger smirked, rolling his eyes. “Guilty as charged.”

The playful banter was enough to lead Rodger to letting his guard down. The beginning of his downfall.

“‘S that all for you guys?” asked an unfamiliar voice.

Rodger focused his eyes on the man in front of him. The same sparkling man from before. No freaking out this time, though.

Rodger cleared his throat. “Yeah, uh, that’s all,” he muttered.

The awkward tension as Sparkle Man inserted the books into the system via computer was internally killing him. The once pleasant heat became overwhelming. 

“All good. Better get goin’, gettin’ dark outside,” Sparkle Man informed them, refusing to look Rodger in the eyes. 

Rodger looked at him awkwardly. “Yeah. That tends to happen when the day goes on.”

Sparkle Man let out a laugh. “Tough crowd, hm?”

Rodger just nodded his head, shoulders stiff. “Ready to go?” he murmured to Toodles.

“Mhm!” She nodded, grabbing her graphic novels. She shot him a look. “You’re carrying your bible.”

Rodger exhaled in amusement, tucking the book under his arm with ease. Not being built like a stick had its advantages.

Sparkle Man cleared his voice. “Have a good one,” he nodded, and fled into the back room behind the counter once more.

“Why’s he so anxious?” Toodles asked, staring up at Rodger.

“Good question. Beats me,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

Brightney was back the next week, much to Rodger’s approval. She could tell he was relieved too, from the way he sighed and slumped over, giving up on looking composed. 

“Is the sparkly guy new around here?” Rodger asked, leaning on the counter casually, while Toodles ran about in the various sections of the library. 

Brightney shook her head. “Not really, he’s been here for a few months. He just works Mondays to Thursdays and sometimes Sundays. He has a weird schedule, but he keeps the place in tip top shape, so I can’t really be bothered to argue.”

She’d be right in her statement. He’d become accustomed to a layer of dust on just about every surface he’d come across. Last week, the shelves were spotless, the tables nearly shining under the artificial light, and he wasn’t afraid to pull any books from the shelf in fear of dust assaulting his face. 

She smiled. “He is sparkly, though. He’s funny, you should get to know him. He balances you out well, Mr. Stoic.”

Rodger rolled his eyes. “His appearance assaults my eyes. He took one look at me and fled behind the counter. I probably scare him.”

Brightney’s smile fell a little, tilting her head in confusion. Rodger could read it on her face that something wasn’t adding up.

Then, she gasped.

A devilish grin spread across her face.

“What?”

“Heh. Nothing,” Brightney said all-too-cheerfully.

“I’m onto you,” Rodger muttered, voice dropping low.

“I know!” 

Rodger sighed. 

“Just so you know,” Brightney started, “he mentioned having to extend his hours to work with me on Fridays. I can make something happen.”

“I don’t believe that will be necessary,” Rodger shot back. “My circle satisfies me enough. His glitter is an offense to the human eye.”

Brightney snickered. “You think that at first, but it perfectly represents him. He’s all about the glitz and glamor.”

“And I seem like the type of person to entertain that?” Rodger sneered. 

Brightney shrugged. “You never know. You swore up and down for years you wouldn’t have any kids, and look where you are now.”

Rodger frowned. “That’s different. I didn’t have to raise her as a newborn, and she came from a bad situation. I couldn’t turn her away.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. But I think talking to someone who’s a little more cheerful than me will do you some good. You’re all doom and gloom all the time. It doesn’t suit you,” Brightney said, nudging Rodger with her shoulder. 

Rodger sighed. “I am plenty well-kept.”

Brightney shot him a wicked look. “Uh huh.”

“While we’re on the topic,” Rodger began, “What’s his name?”

Brightney grinned.

“Ask him that yourself, detective.”

As it was foretold, Sparkle Man was indeed there the very next Friday. 

“Hey, 8-ball, go check out the young adults section. I have Adulting to do,” Rodger urged his daughter across the hall. 

Toodles looked up at him and nodded her head vigorously, smiling widely.

“Please don’t break anything,” he added.

Toodles giggled. “No promises,” she said smugly.

Rodger sighed and shooed her away with his hands. She ran off, laughing to herself.

He glanced back at the counter, and loosened up when he realized he had not yet been noticed. He shuffled to the side to hide behind the wall next to the doorway, depending on his hearing to gauge what was happening. 

“Have you ever even read a book?” Brightney’s annoyed voice echoed through the empty hall.

“Well, duh. I went to college, dear,” Another voice replied. It was the same voice that belonged to Sparkle Man, but far less strained. Much more clear and strong. And loud.

“No, I mean, in your free time.”

“Eh. D’ya count magazines?”

“Those are mostly pictures.”

“With words!”

Brightney sighed. Sparkle Man giggled to himself.

“Why are you even working here if you don’t, y’know, read ?”

“Well, first of all, I do read, thank you so much. And also, debt is kicking my ass, I need a secure job while I figure out -” brief silence, “- all this, and it’s quiet. As much as I love being social and all, I need my me-time.” 

Brightney snickered. “You? Alone time? You could barely survive this place on your own without ten conversations a minute.”

‘That’s not true!” Sparkle Man barked.

“Oh, also, by the way,” he began.

“Hm?” Brightney responded.

“Your glasses are smudged.”

Another brief silence. 

“You’re welcome.”

Brightney sighed. 

“I don’t see anything.”

“What’re ya, blind? It’s right there!”

“It’s so small, it doesn’t matter. I don’t care as long as I can see.”

“I care! It’s so noticeable from the outside! Let me take care of it.”

A sigh. “If you say so.”

“Finally!”

Rodger exhaled. He certainly understood what Brightney meant by Sparkle Man being considered an “interesting character”, just through the way he spoke. 

He decided that was enough eavesdropping before it got weird. He last spotted Toodles just up the stairs in the young adults section, so that’s where he should go.

If only life were so simple. 

Rodger made his way towards the stairs, only to catch his foot under the very last one, and fall right on his face.

He groaned, sitting up and holding his throbbing head in his hands. 

But the accident itself wasn’t enough embarrassment, clearly, as fate would dictate. 

At first, it was a few snickers, someone clearly holding back their laughter. 

When Rodger looked up, Brightney was biting her lip to hold back, while Sparkle Man finally lost it. He nearly fell over the counter in laughter, loud and sharp, piercing the air (and Rodger’s ears). 

“For a self-proclaimed detective, you stumble over yourself quite often,” Brightney chuckled. 

“I will have you know I am plenty well-kept,” Rodger mumbled. 

“You said that before, and I’m not sure if I believe you,” Brightney admitted, a playful tone in her voice. 

Rodger rolled his eyes, standing up and swaying for a moment before gaining his balance. He begrudgingly made his way back down the stairs and towards the counter to stabilize himself after the alarming fall. Brightney handed him a plastic bottle of water as he leaned over the counter to help his dizziness. 

“Detective, hm? For what cases?” Sparkle Man inquired, resting his face on the palms of his hands and sending Rodger a sly smile.

“Confidential,” was all Rodger muttered in between sips of his water.

“Don’t mind His Lord Grumpiness, all of his work is confidential,” Brightney whispered to Sparkle Man, and Rodger shot her a mean glare. 

By the time Rodger gained full control of his mind, the sun had already mostly set, indicating the end of his weekly trip with Toodles.

He slammed the empty water bottle on the glass counter like a shot glass, announcing, “It’s getting late. Gotta head out and finish up my work.”

Brightney threw the water bottle out and waved to him, disappearing into a room behind the counter. He nodded in her direction.

“So. You’re here every week, then?” Sparkle Man asked, turning his hips to face Rodger.

“Mhm,” Rodger responded.

“Guess I’ll be seeing you again, then, mysterious detective.”

“Suppose so, sparkle boy.”

He snickered. “I like that. No outfit is complete without a bit of glimmer, after all,” he sighed.

Rodger huffed in acknowledgement. 

There was a small pause. Rodger’s eyes began to feel tired, and he stood up straight to collect his thoughts and his wild daughter.

“Hey, wait,” Sparkle Man pleaded.

Rodger tilted his head, stopping in his tracks.

“What’s your name?”

Another brief pause.

“Rodger. You?”

Sparkle Man glared at him, as if considering whether his name fit him. He sent Rodger a flashy smile. “Name’s Glisten, detective. Pleasure to meet ya.”

Rodger nodded his way and turned to wrangle in Toodles. He discovered she only wanted one book this time, which was unusual.

“Just one? Are you feeling ok?” Rodger asked, kneeling down to meet her eyes. 

Toodles nodded. “Yeah, just didn’t find many interesting things here. I take my reading time very seriously.”

Rodger chuckled. “Whatever you say, kiddo. Let’s get this checked out.”

Toodles smiled and bolted down the stairs, singular book tucked under her arm. Sparkle Ma - no, Glisten smiled upon seeing her running up to the counter.

“No bible today?” He jested, filling out the book for her. 

“Hopefully never again. Dad decided to be evil .” Toodles shot her father a glare. 

“I’m innocent, really,” he pretended to plead, raising his hands in the air and dragging out his words for the extra flair.

Glisten chuckled to himself. He filled out a strip of paper, but before he placed it in the book, he scratched down a string of numbers and shot Rodger a glance.

“The back is for your father,” Glisten leaned over to whisper to Toodles, handing her the book.

Toodles nodded at Glisten, a little confused, but just happy to receive the book. 

Rodger held the door open for his daughter, watching her scamper off before glancing one last time back at Glisten. He had his back turned to him, fixing his hair with shaky hands.

Rodger exhaled and let the door close behind him. 

Toodles let herself fall right onto the couch in their 2-bedroom apartment and cracked open the book. She handed her father the strip of paper that Glisten told her was for him.

Rodger took it and flipped it over. He scanned the numbers and felt a little confused for a second before he spotted loopy handwriting in the corner. 

“Text me sometime” .

Rodger’s eyes widened and he almost felt himself pale.

“What is it?” Toodles asked, propping herself up on her knees and leaning over the arm of the couch.

“Nothing!” Rodger shouted, a bit louder than he would’ve liked. He cleared his throat. “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”

“You sure? You’re turning red.”

Rodger’s jaw dropped.

“Yep. Never better, dear. Just give me a few minutes,” he sputtered, rushing off to his room and shutting his door (again, a little louder than usual). He threw the slip on his desk and dropped his head into his hands, sitting on the edge of his bed and threading his fingers through his messy hair.

He sat there in silence for a few intense moments, feeling alone in the dark. There’s no way he would actually consider contacting someone he just met.

Especially since that someone was a real life speck of sparkle. Loud, flamboyant, dramatic, perfectionist. The exact opposite of Rodger.

But he was able to keep up with his quick remarks, which Rodger appreciated. He liked indulging in petty banter.

Extra bonus, he didn’t look too bad himself. He moved and spoke with confidence, clearly appreciating the attention Rodger gave to him after much coaxing by Brightney.

Against his better judgement, he pulled out his phone and entered the number.

“Hey. It’s Rodger.”

As if Glisten were waiting on the other end, three dots appeared immediately. For a solid 7 minutes.

Rodger audibly gulped. What could possibly be taking so lo-

“Heyyy!!”

“...”

Rodger looked up in annoyance. An entire 7 minutes for one message. Maybe he really did scare him. 

“R u really a detective? Like, government certified?” 

“Yes. I went to college for it and got my degree. That’s certified enough to get hired.”

“Isn’t it easier to be just a lawyer or something? I get too queasy around blood to be a detective.”

“I don’t go to any crime scenes. Not what I was hired for. I mostly fill out paperwork and such.”

“Booooooriiiing.” Rodger huffed in amusement. He could practically hear Glisten’s voice through the screen. 

“Most people seem to think so. I enjoy it.” Rodger ended his message before he started getting too personal with someone he barely knew. Not a good idea to get all comfortable after knowing someone for only a week or so.

“Sitting in an office allllll day just writing? Have you ever seen the sun?”

“Yes. People need it to survive, of course I’ve seen the sun.”

“Brightney was right, you are all doom and gloom lol.”

“I am plenty well-kept.”

“Whatever you say, detective.”

Rodger threw his phone down on his bed next to him and stared at the ceiling. He should not be entertaining the idea of expanding his little social circle. He had everything he needed in Brightney and Tisha. He wasn’t sure why Brightney was so insistent on having Rodger get to know his opposite personality.

He sighed, forcing himself to stand up and drag his bruised body to his cramped bathroom, turning on the sink faucet and splashing water on his unusually warm face. He was used to being chilly in his lonesome during the night. 

While he dried his face, he looked up to lock eyes with himself in the mirror.

Toodles was right. He was bright red. 

He sighed, throwing the towel on the counter next to the sink and threw his body onto his bed. He felt confused, exhausted.

He glanced at his bright phone screen, temporarily blinding him in the dark. No new messages from anyone.

Rodger finally relaxed. He could barely keep his eyes open. He plugged in his phone next to his bed and laid in the lonesome shadows, drifting off into a dreamless sleep.

The following Monday, Rodger had just dropped Toodles off at school while the sun was still rising. Winter was such a dark season. At least it was coming to an end.

He made his way to his cubicle in his office building, letting his bag slide off of his shoulders onto his roller chair as he slid the marble door closed behind him to limit outside distraction. 

His new case had been started (by himself) a few years ago, after an… incident with a man named after a flower. The ichor case had him in a chokehold ever since he was able to get Toodles out of there.

People used as a sick experiment. It made Rodger’s skin crawl with dread. 

Dandy had been imprisoned almost a decade ago by now, but that experience would never leave him. It only drove his passion for securing his legacy as a great detective (once people knew his name, of course). 

He had just settled into his normal office routine when his phone buzzed. 

It was Glisten.

“Heyyyyy, I know it’s a Monday and all that, but I think Toodles is waaaaaay behind on returning her books to the library. Just wanted to let you know. Bring them in whenever, Brightney’s on my ass about it. Thanks so much :)”

Rodger sighed. This was not the first time this has happened. Toodles had a tendency to forget, almost like himself. He was always losing things when they lost importance and slipped his mind. 

“Thanks for letting me know, this isn’t the first time this has happened. I’ll come around tomorrow. Toodles would want to come with, but she has afterschool activities on Mondays.”

Rodger had assumed that would be the end of the conversation. He was satisfied with short, straight-to-the-point discussions that left him with a sense of closure. He turned his phone off, placed it face-down on his desk, and got back to work on his laptop. 

Clearly, someone had other plans. His phone buzzed again a minute later.

“I can tell. Brightney’s told me countless stories of forgetfulness, even from you. Aren’t you supposed to like, notice that stuff, detective?”

Rodger slid down further in his chair, thinking of a response. 

“Sometimes I have more important things to worry about. I still notice it eventually.”

“Doesn’t your job rely on you remembering things?”

Rodger could feel Glisten’s smug grin through the screen. 

“Yes. I remember what’s important.”

“Ouch, you hurt me, mystery man.”

Rodger snickered. 

“Your sparkles assault my eyes, glitter boy.”

“How dare you!!!”

That one drew a momentary, genuine laugh from Rodger.

“It’s essential to my look. It represents my flamboyant personality. ‘I’m plenty well-kept’, as you would say.”

“I have work to do. I’ll brace myself for your presence tomorrow.”

For once, there was a moment of no dots. Glisten was usually quick to respond. This time, it was evident he was hesitating to send his usual witty comeback.

The only thing that came through 5 minutes later was a simple “Kk, cya” .

Rodger let the door shut behind him, the wind slamming it closed. Rodger remained unphased, but he cracked a small smile at seeing Glisten jump and snap his head up to look at him with narrowed blue eyes.

“What an enthusiastic greeting,” Glisten mumbled, fixing his curls into place on his forehead and standing up straight.

Rodger snickered. He held the books close to his side. “I got the stuff,” he said darkly.

Glisten’s eyes widened. “What is this, a drug purchase?”

Rodger bit back a laugh. “You told me you have the money.”

Glisten smiled. “Aw, the grumpy guy is getting playful. Isn’t that cute,” he cooed.

Rodger’s face burned with an intense emotion he couldn’t pinpoint, eyes never leaving the sparkle in front of him as Glisten leaned over the counter, propping his face on the palms of his hands.

“Show me the goods and maybe you’ll get what you asked for,” he flicked his eyes over to the books. Totally not anywhere else.

Rodger looked behind his shoulder, left and right, then back at Glisten before finally placing the books on the counter. Glisten shot a playful look at Rodger.

“Exactly what I asked for. Don’t rat me out to the police, or you’ve got a big storm comin’,” Glisten whispered, checking in the books and placing them to the side. 

Glisten laughed, and Rodger felt warm. He didn’t think anything of it. He chuckled.

“You busy?” Glisten asked, leaning a bit closer to Rodger.

Rodger checked his watch. “Not for the rest of the day. I have my office job and usually work on my own projects, but I need a break.”

Glisten feigned a gasp. “You? Needing a break? The tireless detective? Since when?”

Rodger rolled his eyes. “It’s Toodles-enforced. She claims she can ‘see my every move’.”

“Creepy,” Glisten muttered. Rodger nodded his head in agreement.

“Sooooooo,” Glisten started, averting his eyes from Rodger. “You gonna stick around?”

Rodger shrugged. “Might as well. I can find something productive to do.”

“I thought you were taking a break.”

“This is my break.”

“Aw, little old me?” Glisten asked, motioning to himself.

“Eh.”

Glisten faked an offended gasp. “How dare you insult my presence!”

“I didn’t think I could if I tried. You sparkle too brightly for anyone to get a word out.”

Glisten rolled his eyes. “Har har.”

“Is there anything pressing that needs to be done?” Rodger asked, back leaning against the edge of the counter, elbows propped up on the glass. 

Glisten leaned in closer, brushing his arm against Rodger’s briefly before pulling back. “Not really. There isn’t a need for you to talk all fancy, though.”

“I grew up with a family who talked like that, unfortunately. Tragic, I know.”

“Woah, the mysterious dark man opening up to me? This is just a dark rom com novel,” Glisten commented.

Rodger rolled his eyes. “In your dreams, glitter boy.”

“If you call me that one more time, I’d have no choice but to fall hopelessly in love with you forever,” Glisten said dramatically, falling over the counter.

Rodger snickered.

Glisten picked himself back up and dusted off his shoulders. “Can’t let some dust let this perfect outfit go to waste.”

“You’re wearing nothing but a pink hoodie.”

“I know!! All of my good clothes need to be washed!! I look like a washed-up pirate!” Glisten cried.

“A little.”

Glisten shot him a killer look.

“You always looked all cleaned up and proper. How do you do it?” Glisten inquired.

“I do nothing. Sometimes I fall asleep in the same outfit. I wash them occasionally. Too many things to do, can’t waste time worrying about my finest fits.”

Glisten looked at Rodger like he had grown two extra heads. 

“How?? You always look perfect!” Glisten exclaimed without thinking.

The statement caught Rodger off guard, cringing as he felt himself burning in the face. 

“I mean- ahah, you manage to… keep yourself together more often than not. That can’t be natural.” Glisten was forcing a smile, clearly turning red.

“...I’m simply well-kept,” Rodger managed to sputter, clearing his voice and standing up straighter.

Glisten also straightened his posture. “Clearly.”

There was a long silence. The tension was palpable. 

Rodger glanced down at his watch, deciding it was time for him to make his grand exit out of this very awkward, warm situation.

Rodger cleared his throat. “Well, I’ve gotta go pick Toodles up from school.” 

Glisten nodded, turning away and fixing his hair again. “Tell her I said hi, and to remember her damn books next time.”

Rodger nodded, and left without another word.

Rodger was looking forward to leaving last week’s awkward interaction behind him and beginning on a clean slate. Toodles had more to look forward to every week. She would talk Glisten’s ears off about whatever she was reading or just her everyday mundane tasks. Part of her library visit was gathering books, and the other was just talking to Glisten.

Not much was changing.

“And then, he sticks his claws right in his guts and tears them all out!! Blood everywhere!” Toodles cried to Glisten with enthusiasm.

Glisten, on the other hand, looked a little scared, forcing a smile. “Oh! How… lovely!” 

Toodles glanced over at her father, who was zoning out intensely in his own mind, staring out the window. He was clearly tuning out her conversation. She looked back at Glisten with malice in her eyes.

Toodles leaned in and up, closer to Glisten. She motioned for him to lean in closer. He obliged without question.

“Have you been texting my dad outside of work?” She asked, an innocent smile plastered on her face.

She saw Glisten instantly stiffen, observing his reddening face. He briefly looked up at him, then down back at her. “...Nooooooooo?”

Toodles frowned. “I’m the daughter of an amazing detective, Mr. Glisten. You can’t fool me.”

Glisten looked away, exhaling loudly. “A little.”

Toodles giggled. “Y’know, if he seems dry, he’s just very awkward. He’s had the same friends for years and he never talks to anyone else, so don’t take it personally.”

Glisten nodded along, mentally taking notes.

Toodles rattled on. “His favorite color is purple, but he’s really weird about his shades. He never wears anything other than wolf shirts in the house. He’s always up really late, like, really late, it’s a little scary. And-”

“Hey, girl, calm down. I can ask these myself. That’s part of social interaction,” he interrupted.

Toodles deflated, and Glisten frowned. He briefly glanced up at Rodger, who was still somehow not paying them any mind. He motioned for her to lean in closer again.

“Thanks for the info. I’ll make sure to use it.”

His heart melted a little looking at her visibly brighten. This kid radiated such positive energy, it was nuclear. He wasn’t sure how someone as closed-off and dry as Rodger could have such a bubble of energy.

“If you’re wondering,” she started, “I’m not biological. I’m adopted.”

She must’ve sensed the lingering question on his tongue, because he instantly relaxed in understanding. “I was a little confused for a minute,” he admitted. 

Toodles nodded. “I’m just glad you don’t think it’s weird.”

“Why would I think it’s weird?” Glisten tilted his head to the side. “As far as I know, you’re his kid. I see a bit of you in him, and you’re clearly happy, so there’s no reason to get all up in arms about it.” 

“What does ‘up in arms’ mean?”

“Getting, like, mad at it. Or to make a big deal of it.”

“Oooooooooohhhh,” Toodles nodded vigorously. “Well, I’m happy you aren’t up in the arms about it,” she smiled brightly. Glisten chuckled and ruffled her hair affectionately. 

“Just don’t get too grumpy like him, he’s suuuuch a dry texter.”

“And you’re a very enthusiastic texter.” A familiar voice chimed in.

Glisten and Toodles exchanged a worried glance. Rodger chuckled.

“Get your things and wait at the corner, I’ll be there in a second.”

Toodles looked back at Glisten, and nodded. He shot her a grin, creating a brief moment of understanding.

“Good luck!” Toodles whispered, and trotted out the door.

Glisten stood up straighter and dusted off his shoulders, his golden dress shirt littered with dust from his previous hours working to clean. 

Rodger followed Toodles with watchful eyes until she had disappeared past the building. 

“Y’know, I am glad that at least someone wasn’t ‘up in arms’ about it,” Rodger muttered.

Glisten tilted his head, resting a hand on his hip. “What’s there to be mad about? There’s a lot of circumstances where someone can’t have kids, that’s so stupid.”

Rodger shrugged. “You’d be surprised how many times I’ve been asked if I was an uncle or a babysitter.”

Glisten gasped. Dramatic much, Rodger thought briefly. “That’s just rude to ask. Some people have no common sense,” he shook his head sadly.

Rodger looked down and sighed. 

“Well,” Glisten began, “I didn’t doubt for a second that she’s yours.”

Rodger picked his head up in confusion.

“She’s a lot like you, if you were into bloody, gorey animals,” Glisten laughed. “You both have a keen eye for reading people. You clearly taught her something well.”

Glisten could’ve sworn he saw a smile on Rodger’s face before it vanished. 

Rodger was at a loss for words for a moment, processing what was just told. There were clearly gears spinning in his head.

“... I appreciate that,” he mumbled, barely above a whisper. Only for Glisten to hear. “Thank you.”

Glisten nodded, smiling softly at Rodger. He could feel his face heating up, looking into his warm brown eye.

“You have a kid waiting for you outside.”

Rodger stiffened, muttering a quick curse before waving at Glisten and dashing out of the library, surprise and worry showing on his face.

Glisten immediately relaxed, slumping over the counter and burying his face in his hands.

“That was so incredibly embarrassing,” a voice said next to Glisten.

He snapped his head up to see Brightney, smiling down at him a little too cheerfully.

“I’m going to choose kindness today,” Glisten growled, gripping his hair.

Brightney laughed. “Don’t worry, you’re almost there.”

“Almost where?”

“Almost done with cracking the case,” Brightney elbowed him. 

“What??”

“When he said he appreciated it, he meant it.”

“Well, yeah, I figured as much.”

Brightney shrugged. “Good luck getting your man.”

Glisten’s eyes widened. “He’s not my-”

“Not yet,” Brightney interrupted, winking at Glisten. He glanced away, mumbling.

“Do you want him to be?”

Glisten looked back at her. “What?”

“Do you want him to be,” Brightney repeated.

“...I don’t know. He has a kid! If he didn’t have one that’d be a different story, and I wouldn’t want to replace her mother if she has one. I mean, I adore the kid, she’s a real gem to be around, of course. But…”

Brightney raised her eyebrow at him, expecting him to finish.

“...He’s kind. He listens. He just knows what I’m going to say before I say it, which is  pretty creepy, actually. But he has the sweetest kid, and he’s fun to talk to.”

Brightney’s expression didn’t change.

“...And I guess he’s pretty, too.” Glisten begrudgingly added.

Brightney finally looked satisfied. “So?” 

Glisten sighed. “Yeah, I guess I do want him to be.”

“Thought so,” Brightney stated, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“Dad?”

“Hm?”

“...Did you hear the entire conversation?”

“No.”

“Promise?”

“Of course, 8-ball.”

Toodles squinted up at her father suspiciously. Rodger was none the wiser, tucking her into bed and plugging in her nightlight. 

“I think it’d be cool if you guys were friends,” Toodles sighed.

Rodger thought for a moment, considering her words.

“Me too,” he agreed. “I’ll wake you up tomorrow.”

Toodles nodded. “G’night! Love you,” she said happily.

Rodger smiled back at her. “I love you too, kiddo.” He closed the door behind him, leaving it open a crack for enough light to pool in, just how Toodles likes it. 

He dragged himself onto the couch, leaning his head against the armrest and staring at the bare ceiling, questioning every major life choice he’s ever made.

Brightney had given him the look right as he left. The look.

The one look she gave him when she knew something about someone.

He wanted to get Glisten out of his head so, so badly. Yet, he had never encountered someone as genuine as him before. He spoke his mind with a confidence he wished he had himself. 

He saw Toodles as his . The only other people who saw Toodles as his was Brightney, Tisha, Connie, and…

Teagan.

Rodger felt empty, thinking of her. What first was drowned in sorrow and heartbreak left him feeling void of emotion. Only a twinge of guilt that Toodles would never have two parents at a time. She understood, but it still clearly hurt.

Glisten asked no invasive questions, never doubted anything. He wholeheartedly believed Rodger. 

It made him feel warm and gooey. He couldn’t pinpoint the emotions he felt. 

There was an unread message from a few minutes ago, he noticed, as he picked up his phone to distract himself from overthinking. Of course, it was from him .

“Did you and Toodles get home ok?”

Rodger sighed, face burning. “Yep. Why?”

“Wdym why? I wanted to make sure you guys were ok. Nighttime in a city is dangerous!”

“This is barely a city. It’s a suburban-city place.”

“Let me live out my dream of living in the big city in my riches!!!”

Rodger chuckled at his comments.

“I’m more worried about the kid than you, you grump.”

"You seemed pretty worried about me before.”

There was silence from the other end. For almost 2 minutes. Rodger started panicking internally. He probably said the wrong thing, again, and he ruined everything again and-

“Well, yeah, you’re a pretty fun regular, so. Gotta make sure you’re still alive and well for my entertainment.”

“Your entertainment? I overheard your conversation. That was incredibly entertaining to me.”

“WHAT.”

Rodger bit back a laugh as to not disturb his sleeping daughter in the other room. It was so hard to not laugh at his antics.

“WHAT???”

“You can read, no? I heard most of it. Bits and pieces. I am not awkward.”

There was no text as a reply. 

No text, because instead of being a normal person, Glisten called him. At almost 11pm . 

Glisten’s voice was sharp over the phone. “WHAT DID YOU HEAR??” he demanded.

Rodger smirked. “Just that my daughter thinks I’m awkward and told you my favorite color.”

There was a brief moment of silence before a relieved sigh came out of the other end. “That’s great. Wonderful, even. So happy for you.”

Rodger rolled his eyes in amusement. “I wonder what you were actually talking about, though.”

“Nothing!!” Glisten squeaked. “Nothing important.”

“Uh huh,” Rodger responded.

There was another moment of silence before Glisten cleared his throat. “What shade of purple?”

“Pardon?”

“What’s your favorite shade of purple?” 

Rodger looked up at the ceiling from where he laid in his bed, processing the question. It was a question he’d pondered himself for a while, so he had his answer ready.

“Dark. Not the neon one where it hurts your eyes. A dark, royal purple. One that oozes power and emits a regal aura.”

Glisten chuckled on the other end. “You’re quite the poet.”

“I was inspired,” Rodger offered.

“By what?” 

Rodger couldn’t answer for a moment. He had spent way too long describing Glisten in his head.

“Nothing,” he murmured. 

“Well, now I’m curious, detective,” Glisten began in a smooth, silky voice. “What’s got you inspired so late into the night?”

Rodger’s mind went blank. He could not handle this right now. His room became unbearably hot. 

“Thoughts.”

“What thoughts?” Rodger could hear his smug grin through the speaker.

“My brain thoughts that are for me and me only.”

There was a moment of silence before Glisten laughed, genuinely laughed at the stupid remark. It was loud and confident and shrill and Rodger could hear his heart pounding in his chest.

“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard you say, Rodger,” Glisten giggled. Hearing his own name come out of the man on the other end nearly made him faint.

Rodger was silent for a while, trying to calm down his racing mind. He nearly forgot about Glisten, waiting patiently.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?”

“I don’t have a cat,” Rodger replied flatly. 

“Do you know how oblivious you are, detective?” If Rodger heard himself referred to as a detective by this man one more time, he might just die.

“...No?” Rodger answered weakly.

“Figures. I mean, you’re the only government agent I know, but it’s kind of impressive.”

Rodger rolled his eyes. “Alright, fashion model.”

Glisten chuckled. “I wish. Soon enough.”

“Didn’t you already go to college?”

There was a pause from Glisten. “Yes. But it’s hard to just, get right into it, y’know?”

Rodger nodded. He mentally facepalmed himself, forgetting Glisten couldn’t see him. “Yeah.”

Glisten was silent again. “Will you promise not to tell anyone this?”

Rodger’s eyes widened. “Of course.”

Glisten sighed. “It’s been hard, trying to get into it after college. I had to work through all of my years because-” he cut himself off.

“Because?” Rodger urged him on.

“Well,” Glisten started, swallowing thickly, “I had a… weird situation with my parents. They didn’t, uh, support something I believed in, so I had to take care of everything myself.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

There was, yet again, more silence. 

“Sorry for venting to you out of nowhere,” Glisten said, “Modeling has just always been my dream and it was on topic and I figured-”

“Glisten,” Rodger interrupted, letting his name roll off of his tongue. It tasted sweet.

“It’s ok if you didn’t have the ideal college experience. A lot of people went through what you went through. It’s ok, and I don’t think of you any differently.”

There was some shuffling from Glisten’s end. He laughed weakly. “That’s the first time you’ve actually called me by my name.”

“Just so I could drive my point home. You can always talk to me if you need to, Shimmer.”

Glisten laughed a real laugh this time. It was much softer, smoother, quieter than before. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Rodger responded softly.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Rodger let his mind drift off to think of other things before Glisten interrupted his day(night?)dreaming. 

“Well, it’s late, I gotta skedaddle.”

Rodger chuckled. “Such a silly word.”

“Like your obliviousness,” Glisten jabbed back.

“Oh, ouch, you hurt me,” Rodger responded sarcastically. Glisten laughed softly, and Rodger felt as if he had just won the lottery. 

“By the way, if you’re free on Saturday, I’m doing nothing, if there’s anything you would want to do?”

Rodger thought for a moment. 

“If not, y’know, that’s fine too, was just wondering ‘cause, y’know, aha, I-”

“If you want to hang out, you can just say so, glitter boy.”

Rodger could hear the crickets chirping right outside of his window.

“It’s also supposed to rain heavily on Saturday.”

“Oh.”

More silence. 

“I have a whole bunch of movies here, Toodles likes to collect them. You can come over and I can make dinner. Sound good?”

“Yes!! Sure! Absolutely!” Glisten exclaimed, sounding panicked. “I will be there.”

“Good. Now go to bed.”

“Whatever you say, detective,” Glisten responded. Rodger could hear his smile through the phone, picture it in his mind. It drove him crazy. 

“Goodnight, Glisten.”

“‘Night, Rodger.”

Rodger hung up without uttering another word. He carefully plugged his phone in, turned off his bedside lamp, and groaned into his pillow. 

The week went by slower than usual. At least, that’s how it felt to Rodger. 

Glisten called him every day, which is something he wasn’t used to. He liked his quiet time alone when not on the job, but something just drew him to Glisten. He was easy to talk to. It made him feel less lonely.

He held the door open for Toodles to charge in, as usual, letting it shut behind him. The wind had lessened since winter had come to an end. 

Rodger didn’t hesitate to scan the room for Glisten, feeling relieved the instant he saw him brighten up as Toodles ran over to him. His golden curl settled on his forehead as he played with a pink bowtie around his neck, letting it fall sideways.

“That’s new,” Rodger looked down to the tie, reaching out and straightening it himself. He felt Glisten tense under his gentle touch.

“Well, aha, um, not really,” Glisten stuttered. Rodger raised his brow at the unfamiliar action. 

“I’ve had one just like this for years, but, y’know. When clothes get old, they just aren’t very wearable after a while. I had to get rid of the last one and it took me sooooo long to find a replacement. I’m so happy I found this one after mooooonths of searching,” Glisten whined, propping his elbows up on the glass of the table and resting his head on the palms of his gloved hands. 

“Sounds like the epitome of despair and suffering,” Rodger remarked.

“Oh, trust me, detective, it was,” Glisten responded. “The price to pay for being beautiful is a large one.”

Rodger huffed, rolling his eyes. “Whatever you say.”

He wouldn’t tell a single soul that his first immediate thought was you are the most beautiful human being I’ve ever seen in this or any other world in our known universe.

Glisten shrugged and smiled, looking away from Rodger in favor of Toodles, who was running from section to section and giggling to herself. 

Rodger’s heart nearly dropped into his stomach as he watched her trip and fall flat on her face.

Right as he was about to run over to her, Glisten leaped over the counter with grace Rodger didn’t know he had, eyes wide. 

Toodles sat up, holding her head, but barely looking fazed. Glisten crouched down beside her, worry painted on his face.

“Are you ok?? That was the worst fall I’ve seen in a while,” He said, intense look never wavering.

Toodles laughed. “I’m fine! I’ve been through much worse, trust me.”

Glisten’s shoulders relaxed in relief as he smiled at her. “You’re strong, kid, taking it like a champ. I would’ve been crying like a baby if I tripped over myself,” he said, offering a hand as he stood up to help Toodles up. She gratefully accepted the help, wobbling a little bit before regaining her balance.

“Just chill out a bit, yeah? I’m too broke to afford medical bills,” he joked, earning a laugh out of Toodles.

“No promises!” She grinned as she bolted off and out of view.

Glisten rolled his eyes, still smiling. Rodger took this opportunity to really observe him.

He wore black platformer boots, he noticed, probably making him taller than he appeared. He wore black jeans with a tight belt and sported white leg warmers with specks of pink and gold. His hands were covered by white fingerless gloves and topped off with a few golden bracelets. His golden short-sleeved dress shirt was put together nicely, and his bowtie was loose around his neck.

Rodger felt sick. With what, he wasn’t sure, but he had a weird feeling in his stomach and his head was spinning just looking at him.

“That fall reminded me of someone, actually,” Glisten commented, walking over to where Rodger stood frozen and leaning back against the counter, legs crossed. 

“Don’t bring that up,” Rodger sighed in defeat.

“Because the memory is so painful and traumatizing, I know. You’re a real champ pushing through it,” Glisten mocked him, resting his hand reassuringly on his closest shoulder. 

The touch was electric. The warmth ran through his body like a pulse, an electric current shocking his every nerve. It was the best he felt in months. 

Rodger rolled his eyes, desperately attempting to hide the smile he felt growing on his face. Looking into Glisten’s piercing blue eyes didn’t help. 

Glisten smirked. “Like what you see?” He leaned in a little closer into Rodger’s space.

Rodger looked away, eyes wide, face red. “Pfft, I wasn’t looking at you. I zoned out.”

“Uh huh,” Glisten muttered, narrowing his eyes at him. 

Rodger cleared his voice, itching to change the subject. “What’s your favorite Disney movie?”

Glisten smiled wider than ever.

“Beauty and the Beast!” He cried, almost immediately, as if waiting for that question his entire life. “The absolute epitome of fantastical romance, it’s been my favorite since I was a kid.”

Toodles poked her head around the corner, clearly listening in. “The Princess and the Frog is better!” 

Glisten whipped his head around, curls falling down into his eyes, feigning an offended gasp.

“How dare you! He’s literally a frog for most of the movie!”

“The Beast is an anthropomorphic animal for the entire movie!” Toodles shot back.

“At least he’s somewhat human!” Glisten shouted. 

Toodles rolled her eyes and ducked back into the room she was in, unfazed. 

Glisten shook his head in disappointment. “Your daughter has terrible taste.”

Rodger could barely form words. Glisten’s messy golden hair was almost covering his annoyed eyes, arms crossed across his chest and a pout on his face. 

He was so sure he would faint right then and there from the adorableness of it all, and his body reacted before his mind caught up with him. 

Glisten looked up and followed Rodger’s hand with his eyes as he brushed the fallen golden strands out of his eyes and tucked it behind his ear, which was turning a bright shade of red along with the rest of his face. 

Glisten just stared at him intensely, cat-like eyes following his every move. His mouth was slightly open in shock as Rodger finally caught up with what he did. 

“Thanks,” Glisten murmured quietly.

Rodger just nodded wordlessly, suddenly feeling very stiff.

“Hey hey! What’s happenin’ party people?” Brightney shouts, dramatically entering the store cluelessly. 

When she glanced at the people in front of her, looking beet red as if they had just seen a ghost, she couldn’t help but smirk.

“Having fun on your own?” She teased.

Rodger shrugged, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible. “You can call it that. Hey, which do you prefer more, Beauty and the Beast or Princess and the Frog?”

Brightney tilted her head, confused. “Beauty and the Bea-”

“SEE!!” Glisten cried, throwing his hands into the air. “It’s just the superior movie!!”

Rodger chuckled, and Glisten rolled his eyes. 

“I disagree,” offered a voice behind them.

Rodger and Glisten glanced at each other nervously before looking behind them to see Toodles standing, a frown on her face.

“Listen,” Glisten began, as if to prepare for an important speech, “I just don’t see how anyone could like a frog , even as a frog themself, because they’re still human and-” 

“And it’s a Disney movie,” Toodles interrupted. “It’s not real, and would never be real. I’d rather have a kind frog over a cold beast.”

Glisten sighed in defeat. “If you say so, kid.”

Toodles smiled and nodded triumphantly. 

“Well, since it’s not winter anymore, it’s lighter out for longer and we actually close soon,” Brightney mentioned. 

Rodger’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, wow, ok, so you’re just kicking us out.”

Glisten nodded in agreement. “What a hater.”

“You’re ganging up on me and I do not appreciate this!!” Brightney exclaimed. 

Glisten and Rodger exchanged a glance and sent each other a knowing smirk. 

“Get outta here!” She cried at Rodger, shooing Toodles and him out of the store. “Come back tomorrow if you wanna chat so badly.”

Toodles was already charging down the block without a thought in her head.

“Wait for me! Don’t go running where I can’t see you!” Rodger shouted, falling upon deaf ears.

Before chasing after her, he paused. He looked through the window and locked eyes with Glisten, who smiled and waved at him.

Rodger felt warm. He smiled and waved back, slowly and carefully. 

Without another word, he went to catch up with his daughter.

The apartment was completely empty while Rodger stared at the ceiling from the couch, completely lost in thought. It was late, the sun having set long ago. The moonlight shone through the living room window. He was snapped out of his trance when his phone buzzed in his hand. 

He picked up his head groggily and read the contact name. Glisten . 

His heart picked up in his chest.

“I know it’s suuuuper late but ngl I forgot to ask, what time is good for you? Should I bring anything? Any secret satanic rituals I need to perform?”

The last question brought out a chuckle from Rodger. 

“Any time past 4 should be good, I need to mentally prepare for your presence in my living space. You don’t have to bring anything, but I do like dark chocolate if you want dessert after. And yes, there are many rituals, I’ll teach you.”

“You should embrace my presence naturally!! Dark chocolate is also the worst chocolate, but I suppose I need to be a good guest or whatever. Excited for the rituals!!”

“Excuse me, dark chocolate has the best flavor. Milk is too plain and white chocolate isn’t even chocolate.”

“It’s wayyy too bitter!! Chocolate is supposed to be sweet and taste good!! White sucks though.”

“I like bitter.”

“You are bitter.”

“I aim to please.”

Rodger could feel Glisten rolling his eyes through the screen.

“Whatever, detective. Your horrid taste in chocolate can wait until tomorrow. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Rodger decided it was a good time to turn in for the night before his mind wandered too far from his control.

The minute his head hit the pillow, his dreams were filled with glitter and specks of pink and gold.

Saturday morning was incredibly slow. Maybe that was from Rodger’s increasing anxiety. 

He had never felt like this before. Not when he was first with… someone else.

Worried about making sure everything looked pristine, no mistakes present. Worried about what to say, how to act, when to breathe. It felt so new, so unfamiliar. He hadn’t felt this way since-

-No. There was no way he felt like that for Glisten. No possible way.

That’s just not how it worked for him.

Glisten was unlike anyone he ever met. He was loud, confident, funny. Sarcastic, but clearly cared. 

Rodger was the opposite of that. Stoic, quiet, cold. His sarcasm overtook common sense. They just wouldn’t work. 

And he didn’t feel like that about him anyway. 

He didn’t remember the last time he had someone over. He had always gone to everyone else, even though he kept everything neat and organized.

Well, he thought it was organized. Organized enough. 

Would Glisten think it was organized? What did his place look like? Did it sparkle like his personality, covered in posters and mirrors and glitter? Or was it bare and sad, like Rodger’s room?

Rodger found his mind wandering. He wanted to know everything about him. His morning and nightly routine, his favorite place to get coffee, if he even liked coffee. If he had pets or was allergic, his favorite everything. 

It was the perfect distractor, because by the time Rodger came to his senses, his doorbell rang.

He felt the color drain slowly from his face. Thank the lord above he was already dressed in a decent dress shirt and sweatpants, he was very slow with getting ready at all times.

He crept closer to the door, almost hesitating to turn the knob. He quickly fixed his hair to keep it from sticking out at various angles. 

The sight in front of him made him dizzy.

Glisten smiled upon seeing him almost immediately. He didn’t have one large curl resting on his forehead, but smaller, more natural curls that covered said forehead and shaped around his ears. He was wearing a regular shirt with an unzipped sweater hanging off of his shoulders and an almost identical pair of black jeans and the same belt from the last time Rodger saw him. Same boots, same leg warmers. 

“Hey!” Glisten chirped cheerfully. “You look like you just woke up.”

“I-” Rodger began, face flushing. Man, it got way warmer in the apartment.

“Chill out, I’m just joking, you look fine,” Glisten chuckled, stepping to the side and slipping past Rodger to allow himself in. 

Rodger closed the door hurriedly, groaning from embarrassment. 

“You have a nice little place,” Glisten offered. “Cozy. This seems like you.”

Rodger somehow felt even warmer, and he considered checking himself in case he was on fire. “Thanks,” he croaked out. 

Glisten giggled, trying to hide his smile behind his hand. “There’s no way you’re embarrassed over this, right? It’s ok to not be a neat freak.”

That made Rodger roll his eyes. “I’m far from that. I keep most things around here in order. Minus what Toodles moves.”

Glisten nodded, turning his head to really take in his sad little corner place. Rodger already had his many baskets and containers of old movies that mostly belonged to Toodles. He honestly didn’t really know where she got them from, but there had been no police visits yet, so he just let her do her own thing.

“She organizes them in order of favorites,” Rodger explained as Glisten started rummaging through the containers. “She probably did something with Beauty and the Beast though, because I can’t find it.”

Glisten sighed. “Guess we gotta get to work.”

Rodger straightened his posture, tilting his head in confusion. “You actually wanted to watch that?”

“Of course!!” Glisten exclaimed. “I meant it when I said it has been one of my favorite movies for my entire life, and I will not let anything stop me from watching it.”

Rodger scoffed. “I admire your determination.”

Glisten shot him a killer look, and Rodger suddenly no longer felt safe.

He walked up to him and grabbed Rodger by the shoulders, digging his fingers into his clothed skin. Rodger definitely did not feel safe. 

“Rodger,” Glisten growled under his breath with a seriousness that made him weak in the knees, “You are going to help me find this fuckass movie at any cost. Understand?”

Rodger nodded mindlessly, suddenly forgetting who he was, where he was and what year it was. 

Glisten smiled, releasing his death grip and letting the cheer return to his voice. “Great! Get looking.”

Rodger had a feeling it was going to be a very, very long night, heart still racing in his chest.

It had been 30 agonizing, long, back-breaking minutes of turning his apartment upside down to look for the dvd. Rodger was about to give up, before doing one last check in Toodles’ room and noticing an odd shape under her pillow.

Moving it to the side finally revealed that goddamned dvd that Rodger was dying to find. 

He grabbed it without a second thought, finding Glisten almost falling behind the tv to find some obscure hiding place.

“Hey, glitter boy,” Rodger said, waiting for Glisten to save himself from falling, feeling nervous whenever he saw him focus on him with his bright eyes. 

“Found it.” He dramatically revealed the case, and Glisten grinned more than Rodger ever saw him grin. 

“Finally!” Glisten cried, charging over to what Rodger assumed was for taking the case.

Instead, Glisten pushed the case to the side and wrapped his arms around Rodger’s neck and jumped in place like a kid, squealing endless “thank you’s” like he just found a lost puppy.

Glisten was warm. He felt welcoming, like coming home. All Rodger could do was laugh, standing in place while his face was ablaze, feeling a little awkward, but it was enough to ignore. 

Glisten snatched the dvd out of his hand and trotted over to slide it into the dvd player, shaking his hands in excitement. It was oddly endearing.

“Please, take a seat as you witness greatness,” Glisten boasted. 

“You say that like I’ve never seen it before,” Rodger smirked.

Glisten nodded his head. “When I’m done with you, you’ll see it in an entirely new light.”

Rodger took that statement in a very wrong way and felt his entire body burn. Glisten just laughed. 

Rodger rolled his eyes and curled in on himself at the arm of his relatively small couch, leaning on the armrest. Of course, with Glisten being Glisten, he decided the best spot was directly next to Rodger. 

Not even 10 minutes into the movie, Glisten was chattering about some sort of conspiracy theories about the movie that had never crossed Rodger’s mind. Little details that he missed, in the animation and dialogue.

Usually, he would hate this. He would tell anyone else to quiet down and just enjoy the movie.

But Glisten’s voice was soft and informational. It was warm and comforting. He knew so many things Rodger didn’t. 

So, Rodger listened. 

He ended up listening more to Glisten than to the movie. Without realizing, Glisten was almost leaning into him, shoulders brushing gently.

If it was anyone else, Rodger would’ve moved away, made an excuse, gone somewhere else.

But Glisten drew him in, in a way no one else had.

His touch was electric. His voice burned with a gentle passion, small sparks off of a giant flame. 

Halfway through the movie, Glisten was fully leaning into him, head on his shoulder and arm pressing up against his side. 

It felt natural. Right. Better than any contact had felt in years.

Rodger melted into the touch. He felt his walls come crashing down against him, when he glanced down and saw Glisten’s eyes closed, a small smile on his face, still listening to the movie based on brief laughs and comments.

They both had completely forgotten about dinner. Honestly, Rodger didn’t mind. He wasn’t very hungry anyway.

By the time the movie was almost over, all awkwardness and hesitation between them had completely been thrown out the window. Glisten’s head rested firmly on Rodger;s shoulder, legs resting across his lap, fully leaning into him. Rodger’s arm was across the back of the couch, leaning back so he wasn’t an uncomfortable pillow to lay on.

He forgot how long it had been since the last time he welcomed such casual touch. It felt nice. 

“Hey, movie’s over,” Rodger whispered, nudging Glisten awake.

Glisten’s eyes remained unopened, clinging closer to Rodger’s side. 

“Don’t care,” he mumbled in an exhausted voice.

Rodger sighed. “I assume I’m not allowed to move.”

A hum from Glisten confirmed his suspicions. To further prove his point, he wrapped his arms around Rodger’s waist in an iron grip, completely unbothered and unmoving.

Rodger almost choked. He was definitely on fire. His face burned and his body burned and his heart was running a marathon. 

Fortunately, it was the best he felt in years.

He looked down at Glisten to really observe him. He looked much more at peace when he was asleep, lines under his eyes gone. Rodger noticed a slight cluster of freckles under his eyes. 

Glisten was pretty. Of course he was, he acted like it. But Rodger felt different, looking at him this time.

Before, he felt unsure, anxious, confused, scared.

Now, he felt safe. Warm. 

Glisten was more than just pretty. He was breathtaking .

Rodger felt compelled to run his hand through his soft, curly golden hair, admire his icy blue eyes, trace constellations in his freckles.

He wanted to cup his cheek in his hand and kiss him so, so badly.

Rodger stared blankly at Glisten’s face.

Oh.

He might just be a little bit in love.

Rodger woke up in the morning to incredible neck and back pain. Pure suffering.

But there was a prevalent pressure pressing up against him. He was hesitant to look, but Glisten was still there.

He was out like a light. Sometime into the night, he managed to somehow climb completely into Rodger’s lap, face pressed against his neck and arms still around his waist.

Any other day, Rodger would panic or stress or something else, but he just relaxed.

It was the most loved he ever felt in his life, he thinks. 

He doesn’t move, in fear of waking Glisten up. He doesn’t even know when he’ll wake up. 

Rodger doesn’t mind. He holds Glisten by the waist and closes his eyes, dreaming of burning flames and a shrill laugh and a coy smile drawing him in.

The next time Rodger wakes up, Glisten is still there, but clearly waking up. 

He blinks up at Rodger groggily, sending him a lopsided smile that makes Rodger’s heart burst.

“Mornin’. Sorry I overstayed my welcome, had a long day and-” 

“It’s fine,” Rodger cuts him off. Glisten stays quiet, fidgeting with his hands. 

It’s peaceful. The morning sun filters in through the windows, shining on Glisten’s tired face. His freckles are more evident under the sunlight. 

“I like your freckles,” Rodger says absentmindedly. 

Glisten froze, turning red. “Oh. Thank you. I usually cover them up.”

Rodger tilted his head to look down at him. “How come?”

Glisten shrugged. “It’s the only place where I have them. It ruins my skin.”

Rodger guided Glisten to face him with a finger on his chin, narrowing his eyes to really look at him.

“I don’t think it ruins anything.”

Glisten’s eyes widened. He leans in a little closer.

“I think it looks very pretty on you.”

Glisten smiled a little, softly laughing at the compliment. “You’d be the first to say that.”

Rodger frowned. “Well, that’s disappointing. It’s true.”

Glisten rolled his eyes, sitting up straight and removing himself from Rodger’s lap.

Immediately, Rodger felt cold. It was not a welcomed feeling.

“I should get goin’. Don’t wanna take up space,” Glisten said.

“You aren’t taking up space,” Rodger responded softly. “You can stay if you aren’t busy.”

Glisten looked at Rodger. “Do you want me to stay?”

Rodger nodded, just a little. Glisten smiled and chuckled.

“If you didn’t wanna be alone, you can just say so, ya big grump,” Glisten informed him, reaching up to ruffle Rodger’s messy hair.

Rodger huffed and rolled his eyes. They did it so much to each other that it felt like their own secret language. 

“You’re cute when you do that,” Glisten grinned.

“Do what?”

“Roll your eyes and make that noise.”

Rodger scoffed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You just did it!”

“No I didn’t.”

“You’re impossible!” Glisten cried, throwing his hands into the air.

Rodger smirked and chuckled.

“You think it’s funny to play around with me?” Glisten hissed, grabbing the collar of Rodger’s very crumpled dress shirt.

Rodger shrugged. “A little.”

Glisten was fuming. It was funny. 

His eyes wandered downwards once, twice. 

Rodger tilted his head. “What?”

Glisten let go of him, wiping his hands on his shirt. “Nothing. You’re just annoying.”

“Am I annoying, or do I just get under your skin?” Rodger asked.

“Yes.”

Rodger laughed. A real, genuine laugh, not the muffled chuckles he was used to forcing out. It felt nice to annoy someone else for a change.

Glisten just rolled his eyes, trying to hide his growing smile. 

“You’re not very good at being annoyed,” Rodger commented.

“I’m good at everything, actually,” Glisten shot back.

“Ehhhh,” Rodger muttered, tilting his head side to side. 

Glisten scoffed. “Well, Toodles always makes little comments about how you never sleep at night. Maybe being a pillow will reset your schedule.”

“Perhaps,” Rodger responded. He knew he was right. He hadn’t had a proper good night’s sleep in a while. Feeling someone else there seemed to calm him more than any white noise could. 

Rodger let his gaze wander to Glisten, who was observing the picture frames on the kitchen counter. He felt a part of him die when he saw Glisten narrow his eyes at a particular picture with a certain someone.

“Who’s this?” Glisten asked, voice a little tense as he motioned to a picture of Rodger, Teagan and Toodles before… everything went down.

Rodger sighed. “That’s from a few years ago,” he began, suddenly feeling very tired.

Glisten looked at him, concern written on his face. Not suspicion, or betrayal, just worried about the shift in Rodger’s tone. 

“Um… I was married, once,” Rodger muttered.

Glisten tilted his head.

“It… didn’t work out. We didn’t work out. I think we were too similar, so we divorced. Toodles is at her house on the weekends.”

Glisten frowned. “Is it… a sore subject?”

Rodger shook his head. “Not anymore. I was just a little worried that you’d… see me differently.” 

Glisten smiled and chuckled. “I’m gettin’ flashbacks to a previous conversation we’ve already had.”

“What?”

“Well…” Glisten started, shifting closer to Rodger and taking his hands in his, “Someone told me that it’s ok to not have the ideal experiences everyone else has. Not everything works out, and you certainly aren’t the only one to go through a divorce. I don’t see you any differently.” 

“That person sounds smart,” Rodger mumbled, trying not to stare at Glisten holding his hands.

Glisten laughed. “It was you, idiot.”

Rodger looked up, face on fire. “Oh.”

Glisten giggled, releasing Rodger from his grip. 

Rodger’s heart was caught in his throat. He was so thankful that he could spend his time admiring the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen in his life. 

Glisten smiled. “I don’t think you’re zoning out.”

Rodger coughed, averting his gaze, suddenly feeling very nervous.

Glisten reached out impulsively, pushing stray strands of hair out of Rodger’s face and cupping his cheek.

Rodger inhaled sharply, brain completely shutting down. “What’re you-”

“You can pull away, if you want,” Glisten murmured, leaning in closer. 

Rodger shook his head slightly, not being able to think of the words to tell him that he’s been dreaming of this for so long . 

Finally, Glisten closed the gap between them.

The feeling was overwhelming. Glisten’s lips were warm, soft, welcoming. 

Rodger was as stiff as cardboard, and Glisten tilted his head when he pulled away much too soon.

“Are you ok?” He asked softly, looking a little worried.

Rodger nodded, completely speechless.

Glisten laughed, and it was the greatest sound Rodger ever heard. 

Rodger almost lunged forward, pulling Glisten in by the waist and kissing him hard .

Glisten almost immediately melted into it, leaning into Rodger and wrapping his arms around his neck. 

There were no fireworks or flashing lights behind his eyes, or angelic choruses singing into his ear. The only thing he felt was Glisten, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Rodger pushed Glisten back so he was leaning against the counter, pulling away and hiding his face in his neck, peppering soft kisses against the sensitive skin.

Glisten laughed softly, leaning back and pulling Rodger in closer. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that.”

Rodger looked up at Glisten, trying to think of what words to say after that eye-opening experience. 

All he could muster was a strained “me too,” staring longingly into Glisten’s eyes.

Glisten brushed his hand over Rodger’s scarred eye, noticing how he flinched slightly as he ran his fingers over the sensitive skin. Glisten pressed a small kiss over his eye, chuckling as Rodger embraced the touch he was missing for so long.

“Something on your mind?” Glisten asked.

Rodger threw all caution to the wind. “I like you.”

Glisten’s eyes widened. 

“Actually,” Rodger’s voice lowered, taking Glisten’s face into his hands and leaning forward, “I love you, glitter boy.”

Glisten gasped softly, making some small strained noise that Rodger’s heart melted upon hearing.

Rodger didn’t wait for an answer. He didn’t need an answer. He just pulled Glisten in closer again and pressed his lips to his without another word.

Glisten melted into the touch again, trailing his hands down Rodger’s shoulders and grabbing his waist to pull him in closer.

Rodger didn’t think they could get any closer. He’s basically on top of him, tilting his head to deepen the kiss and smiling when Glisten makes another small noise of satisfaction. 

Rodger pulled back, just enough for their lips to part but close enough for them to be brushing against each other. Glisten’s face was red, hair falling out of place, wide-eyed and breathing hard.

Rodger smiled, bringing up a hand to cup Glisten’s cheek and brush his thumb against his lips. He pressed a delicate kiss to his forehead, chuckling when Glisten inhaled sharply.

Rodger tilted his head smugly. “Something on your mind?”

Glisten swallowed thickly, not being able to form words. He was still breathing like he ran a marathon. 

“I love you too,” Glisten blurted out, averting his gaze from Rodger’s knowing look.

“I hope so,” Rodger muttered, before leaning in to press another gentle kiss to Glisten’s lips. Glisten finally relaxed, leaning his head into Rodger’s touch and gripping the waist of his shirt tighter.

Glisten pulled away, smiling wider than Rodger’s ever seen him smile.

“I love you,” Glisten whispered, only for him.

Rodger inhaled to respond, but Glisten cut him off.

“The first time I saw you, I didn’t think much of you, but god you were pretty,” he started, smiling when he noticed Rodger’s eyes widen in surprise. 

“And then I saw you with Toodles, and how you talked to Brightney, and how caring you were, and I didn’t know how I felt. I’ve never felt this way for anyone before.”

Rodger stayed silent, feeling his body burn. 

“But,” Glisten muttered, stealing a quick kiss from Rodger before continuing, “I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re the most dense detective I’ve ever known, considering you’re the only detective I know.”

Rodger felt his face light up, at a loss for words. 

So he didn’t speak.

He just pulled Glisten in for another kiss.

And another.

And another.

And another.

Sunday was a blur. Glisten hadn’t left until the late afternoon, showering Rodger in kisses and words of adoration that Rodger didn’t know how to handle. 

Rodger didn’t have a way with words. So he didn’t speak.

He held Glisten’s hand when he spoke. Leaned into his shoulder during the quiet moments. Traced stars in his freckles and pressed delicate kisses on his face.

He didn’t realize how much he missed being domestic with someone again. 

He woke up on Monday morning later than he usually awoke on a weekday. He only noticed something very wrong when he walked into his bathroom, wearing one of his old shirts with a wide v-neck.

His neck was littered with purple bruises, darker than he’d ever seen before.

“Shit,” he muttered at the mirror.

He made sure to pop the collar of his jacket before picking up Toodles from school.

“Dad!” She cried, running towards him with her arms outstretched. 

“Hey, 8-ball!” Rodger smiled, not hesitating to accept the hug from his daughter.

“How was your weekend?” He asked.

“It was good! I went to the mall on Saturday with some friends, but other than that I didn’t do much.”

“Good.”

There was silence as Toodles hopped into the car and Rodger began driving back to the apartment.

“You look well rested,” Toodles commented.

Rodger blushed, face burning. “Guess I just managed to catch up on my sleep.”

Toodles nodded, looking a little suspicious, but accepting the answer for now. Rodger sighed in relief.

Toodles grabbed her extra backpack before entering the apartment and narrowing her eyes at the Beauty and the Beast dvd laying out in plain sight.

“How’d you find it?” Toodles asked aggressively.

“Well, I noticed it was missing, so I went to find it and figured you hid it, so I checked your room,” Rodger responded. It technically wasn’t a lie. 

“Mhm.” 

Rodger just shrugged in response. 

“Oh, I forgot to mention,” Toodles began, averting her gaze from Rodger suspiciously.

“Yes?”

“Well,” Toodles muttered, pulling out a book from her bag, “I forgot to give this back to the library the other day, and Glisten definitely knows and is probably mad, so can we walk over real quick?”

Rodger had to hide his increasing excitement and nervousness. “Sure!” He squeaked out.

Toodles looked at him with suspicion again. She said nothing as she opened the front door and began walking downstairs. Rodger followed suit. 

The first thing Rodger looked for when he entered the library was, obviously, Glisten. 

And, of course, he was there, leaning over the counter, phone in hand, looking as gorgeous as ever.

“Glisten!! Glisten!!” Toodles cried, running up to the counter. 

Glisten looked confused for a moment. “Hey, kiddo, what’re you doing here?” He ruffled her hair affectionately regardless. 

“I forgot to return this book before I’m so sorry it won’t happen again please don’t kill me!!” Toodles blurted out.

Glisten smiled his enticing smile and laughed softly. “It’s ok, I know you by now, Toodles. You’re just as scatter-brained as your father,” he said, chuckling. 

She enthusiastically gave the book to Glisten and ran off into some other side room. Rodger had been tricked into an early library visit. He sighed, and his heart was caught in his throat when he saw Glisten look right at him.

“Hey,” Glisten said, straightening his posture.

Rodger walked towards the counter and leaned back, checking all directions before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “Hey to you too.”

Glisten giggled, looking away while his face reddened. 

“Was this just an excuse to come see me or…?” He asked. 

“Toodles genuinely forgot, as you can tell from her reaction.”

Glisten nodded in acknowledgement, leaning into Rodger’s side. The touch was a slow wave of warmth surrounding him. It was very comfortable.

The silence was reassuring. They didn’t need to fill in empty space to feel like they were spending productive time together. 

Rodger discreetly grabbed Glisten’s hand, rubbing his skin gently with his thumb. Glisten looked away, obviously embarrassed by the touch.

“What’s wrong?” Rodger inquired, a small but knowing smile on his face as he guided Glisten’s hand to his lips to press a kiss on his knuckles. 

“N-nothing,” Glisten laughed, his own stutter catching him off guard. 

“You’re cute when you’re all flustered,” Rodger commented, leaning in closer.

“I have n-no idea what you’re talking about,” Glisten muttered, rolling his eyes.

“I think you have an idea,” Rodger responded, releasing Glisten’s hand to cup his cheek and guide him closer. 

“You’re gonna have to show me then, detective,” Glisten said.

Rodger smiled. “I will.”

Rodger kissed him soft and slow, brushing his thumb against the freckles under Glisten’s eyes. He felt Glisten smile against his lips.

“Hey dad, I found something- oh.”

Rodger and Glisten pulled away faster than the speed of light, almost falling over in the process.

Toodles stared blankly at them. “I had a feeling, but I’m glad you guys got over your whole secret crush thing and finally bit the bullet.”

Glisten and Rodger exchanged a surprised look. 

“I’m not stupid. The first time we came here with Glisten here, he took one look at you and turned redder than the sun. That implies at least some kind of connection.”

Glisten scoffed and rolled his eyes. Toodles turned to Rodger.

“And when he first texted you, you were red too. You walked around with your phone in your hand all day. Normal people don’t do that.”

Rodger looked offended. “I am normal.”

Toodles squinted. “Ehhhh.”

She looked back at Glisten. “I have a copy of the Princess and the Frog and I know for a fact you and my dad probably already watched Beauty and the Beast, so on Friday we’re watching it together. Please don’t make out aggressively while I’m in the room, I’m still supposed to be considered as ‘innocent’.”

Glisten and Rodger looked at one another again, a little scared and a little impressed. Toodles turned around and left for another section.

Glisten laughed. “You had that kind of reaction over a text?”

Rodger blushed. “I didn’t know what to say. I am a little socially awkward.”

“Awww, it’s ok, big guy,” Glisten smiled in a mocking tone, throwing an arm around Rodger’s shoulders and tugging him in close. “It’s charming,” he added, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Rodger rolled his eyes. “Only to you, and you have questionable taste.”

Glisten feigned an offended gasp, shoving Rodger away playfully. “How dare you insult my taste! It is impeccable!”

Rodger shrugged. “I mean, you like me. That qualifies as questionable.”

Glisten frowned. He leaned in closer to Rodger. “How does that qualify?”

“I’m not that good looking. My face is kinda messed up. Just, questionable.”

“Well, you’re extremely incorrect there,” Glisten started, lifting his hand to brush at the scarred skin over his eye.

“I think you’re very pretty,” Glisten mumbled, smiling when he saw Rodger’s face redden. “Scars or not, you’re beautiful to me.”

Rodger rolled his eyes. “You’re just trying to flatter me.”

“It’s clearly working.”

Rodger huffed, eyes looking down at Glisten’s lips a little too long. 

Glisten guided Rodger into a soft kiss, tilting his head and smiling when he felt Rodger lean into his touch. 

Rodger broke it off. “Someone’s gonna see,” he muttered softly.

“Is that a problem, detective?” 

“Well,” Rodger started, “There’s people out there, and if the wrong person sees I don’t want to put anyone in danger, and-”

“Alright,” Glisten said, waving his hand in front of Rodger to cut him off. “I get your point.”

Glisten looked to both sides and motioned at Rodger to wait a second before entering one of the back rooms. He smiled mischievously when he looked back.

“What are you- Glisten, no!!” Rodger exclaimed. Glisten burst out laughing.

“Glisten, I am not sneaking behind the counter to make out with you at your JOB,” Rodger said harshly.

Glisten smiled. “But whyyyy,” he whined, clearly fake, as he wrapped his arms around Rodger’s neck, leaning in so his lips barely brushed Rodger’s. 

“Because,” Rodger started, looking distracted. “If someone sees-”

“They won’t.” Glisten released Rodger from his hold and guided him to the empty storage room, closing the door and slamming him against the concrete wall. 

Glisten grabbed the collar of his jacket and smashed their lips together aggressively, grinning as he felt Rodger’s hands settle on his waist. 

Rodger pulled back. “This is so stupid,” he breathed. 

Glisten giggled. “Only to you,” he whispered, before guiding his lips into a softer kiss. 

Rodger sighed, tilting his head and gripping Glisten’s dress shirt tighter. Glisten leaned forward to match Rodger’s height, hands lifting up to grab Rodger’s face and pull him in closer. He gasped as Rodger’s hands found their way under his shirt, sliding along his smooth skin. 

Glisten pulled away and kissed Rodger’s cheek, jaw and neck, biting gently as he made his way down, drawing out soft groans from Rodger. 

The fading bruises from when they last saw each other peppered along Rodger’s neck and collarbone had easily re-gained their color like magic from Glisten’s touch. 

Glisten smiled against Rodger’s skin with every noise he made, spending more time on every sensitive spot he could find. Rodger would just tighten his hold on Glisten’s hips. 

Glisten looked back up at Rodger, leaning in close so that their lips brushed together.

“I love you,” Glisten whispered, intending for only Rodger to hear.

Rodger was wide-eyed, red, and out of breath, but he managed to force out an “I love you too” before Glisten viciously kissed him again.

The rest of the week was the same. Toodles somehow convinced Rodger to visit the library every day at the same time, running off to entertain herself while Glisten somehow convinced Rodger to hide behind the counter and pass off his wild hair and bruised neck as “accidents.”

They were, in fact, not accidents.

By the time Friday rolled around, Rodger’s neck was covered in deep purple bruises and was sore to the touch. 

Glisten had already arrived, and was already in a heated argument with a 10-year-old about which Disney movie was better.

It was endearing. They tossed valid points and petty insults back and forth, almost getting into a wrestling match. 

Rodger smiled, against his better judgement. It felt like having a whole family again.

He took two water glasses from the counter and sat between the bickering people, placing one on the coffee table in front of him. He took a sip from his glass and put it down, pressing a kiss to Glisten’s cheek. 

It silenced him real quick.

“If you two could be normal people for the next hour and a half,” Rodger began, “politely shut up and start the movie.”

Toodles rolled her eyes and slouched down the couch, groaning like a toddler. Glisten scoffed and leaned into Rodger, head on his shoulder and taking a hand in his. 

Toodles was talking the entire time, going back and forth with Glisten until she fell asleep halfway through. Rodger rolled his eyes and got up to carry her into her room, tucking her into bed and plugging in her nightlight.

When Rodger came back, Glisten was beaming. “She still sleeps with a nightlight?”

It wasn’t a condescending question. He was sincere. 

Rodger nodded.

“That’s so cute,” Glisten commented. “I had a nightlight until I was 14. I was afraid of the dark then.”

Rodger raised a brow. Time to experiment.

He got up, and when Glisten got up to follow, he motioned for him to sit back down. Glisten looked up at him with a confused expression.

Rodger flicked the light switch down, letting the apartment fade into pitch blackness.

“Rodger,” a panicked voice called out, “What are you doing?”

Rodger bit back a laugh. “Just testing something.”

“Well, you can turn the light back on,” Glisten urged.

Rodger said nothing as he made his way back to the couch, sitting in the exact spot, feeling Glisten latch onto him the moment he was comfortable.

“I have a better idea,” Rodger mumbled, draping his arms around his neck and pulling Glisten in closer.

He seemed to understand the memo, and without hesitation, Glisten climbed into his lap and wrapped his arms around Rodger’s waist and kissed him softly.

Waves of warmth coated Rodger’s body, head spinning from emotions. Glisten tilted his head, which sent more sparks flying, heart beating hard in his chest.

Rodger pushed the hair out of Glisten’s face and cupped his cheek, brushing his thumb against his smooth skin, smiling as he felt Glisten lean against the touch.

Rodger pulled away, knowing smirk plastered on his face. “Still scared of the dark?”

Glisten scoffed, and Rodger could picture him rolling his sharp blue eyes. “I was never scared to begin with. Totally.”

Rodger laughed softly. “I’m not sure about that one.”

Glisten huffed. “Well,” he started, leaning in closer to Rodger’s space, “I don’t really mind it right now.”

Rodger chuckled, melting into another kiss as Glisten pulled him in again. 

They didn’t really sleep much that night.