#sodacule

Hello gays, today I bring you sodacule thoughts. Tomorrow? The same     I like to imagine Darnold and Tommy started dating in black mesa, pre ResCas. They had mutual feelings for each other, and Tommy eventually advanced and asked Darnold out, and their relationship just grew from there. They're a really great couple, and frequently spend days off and vacations together (Tommy may or may not be using his connections to his dad to get Darnold some more vacations days).       There's one day that a new guy in the physics department gets hired, and Tommy goes to get acquainted with him since he works in HR. (Tommy USED to be a biologist, but being immortal and creating a functionally indestructible dog draws some eyes, so G-Man has him transferred somewhere else.) He introduces himself as Gordon, and Tommy can only think, "wow, he's kinda cute." His thoughts never really go past this for the time being, but he wouldn't mind running into him again sometime soon. Darnold eventually meets Gordon at some point as well, and he has roughly the same reaction as Tommy. They never interact that much, but GOD every time they do see him they both grow fonder of him. Tommy and Darnold were both very comfortable with having a poly relationship, but it was a matter of not knowing Gordon all that well, and not knowing what he thought of them both in return. Feelings were eventually put on the back-burner, as Tommy and Darnold were perfectly happy with each other, but the thought of getting to know Gordon better and potentially him reciprocating their feelings was always there.        Cut to mid hlvrai events, Tommy keeps hopelessly falling further for Gordon.  He's adorably dorky and cute, and Tommy can't help but just want to look after him. There's a few moments where Gordon throws him off (ie. the "He's only like, 5" comment), but otherwise Tommy's still fully interested in him. It also seems Gordon is getting closer with Tommy as well. He can't tell if it's the stress getting to him, or the radioactive compounds they've been near, but god. Tommy's his type, and he's incredibly kind to him (Gordon crumbles when he gets any praise or positivity cuz this bitch has such low self esteem). Gordon tries to flirt with him, but the attempts usually don't land, or Tommy's just like "haha thanks Mr. freeman!" as he has an internal Gay Breakdown™️.  It doesn't help that Tommy was the only one there for him when his arm got cut off either, he gave him all of the help and comfort he could possibly give, and then some.    When it comes to the part where they meet Darnold, Tommy's excited to see his boyfriend again, and they just embrace n kiss a lil when first reaching the potions lab (Tommy knew Darnold was alive and well after the ResCas, being an unfathomable alien/eldritch being has its perks). Gordon's thrown off by this because he didn't know they were dating. He never saw them together during work, mostly because his department wasn't close to either of theirs Even if he did catch Darnold and Tommy in the same room, he just never picked up the fact they were a couple. Gordon feels terrible for trying to flirt with Tommy. He thinks all of the times Tommy either didn't pick up on his flirt attempts, or him slightly brushing them off were now out of discomfort, rather then Gay Distress™️. Gordon considers that hey, Darnold is also pretty attractive, but he just doesn't know if he fucked up or not with Tommy so he just Represses All Feelings and goes about the rest of their adventure.    Post Hlvrai events they all meet up again and become good friends. I like to think Gordon and Darnold reconnect when they meet at the same therapist's office. their sessions happen roughly at the same time, but Darnold gets out 15 minutes earlier then Gordon. Gordon waits for Darnold and they walk out with each other and go out to lunch and chat about things. Tommy will occasionally tag along if he's in the area (or even if he isn't he can teleport if he so desires.) They eventually make these outings a weekly thing, regardless if they have a therapist appointment to meet up after.        Darnold and Tommy eventually starts inviting Gordon over to their home. It's a really cozy place an half an hour out from the main town they live in. It's a foresty area with a lot of running space for Sunkist to enjoy, and is a generally quiet area they both enjoy. They tend to their own garden together, and Tommy has pet chickens he takes care of (you are NOT immune to pet chicken propaganda). Darnold can cook exceptionally well, and remembers what Gordon likes, so when he comes over he can cook his favorite meals. Darnold, Tommy, and Gordon  all hit it off really well, and they all just. fall into this kinda really close friends-borderline dating thing. Gordon's just NOT realizing all the signs Darnold and Tommy are giving off to him, as he still thinks he might've fucked it up with Tommy. He wishes so desperately to get with these two, but he just can't pick up the signs they're giving to him. Tommy and Darnold eventually get fed up with trying their flirting attempts, and one day literally ask "hey we both like you a lot. you literally live with us a lot join our polycule officially" and Gordon's so fucking happy. Thank u for reading, you are not immune to sodacule.