#anniejoncs

It had taken him more time than he cared to admit, and it seemed pitifully small in comparison to the one he’d originally set his sights on, but he’d finally won something at those stupid carnival games. “Here,” he said, handing over the stuffed bear with an awkward smile. “I, uh- this is for you.” He hadn’t really known how to act since their new arrangement, but he was trying. “Is this okay?” he asked.  

There were certain days where nothing seemed to go right. First, he spilled coffee on himself on his way into the office. By noon, he realized he hadn’t plugged his phone in properly the night before, so his battery was drained and he didn’t have a backup cord to charge it. His entire afternoon was delayed thanks to a delivery scheduling mix-up, which led him to getting off late enough that he missed that last bus home. It was a manageable walk, and in the summer Elijah even preferred it, but by principle, the whole thing was a fucking disaster. 

It all culminated in him walking in the door over an hour later than usual. And normally, that wouldn’t be the kind of thing that bothered him, but after the events of Valentine’s Day, he couldn’t help but feel like his every move was being scrutinized. 

“I’m home,” he announced, shrugging off his coat and throwing it over the threadbare armchair. “Sorry, my phone died, and I didn’t have a charger.”