Chapter Text
Dwight yawns and rolls over in bed, reaching out a feeling around for Jake only to come up cold. He cracks an eye open to see the empty side of the bed, confirming that Jake had indeed left him to sleep by himself. Figures.
He sits up, stretching and listening to his joints crack loudly over the sounds of birds and a distantly revving chainsaw. He slides out of bed and makes his way to the carved wooden dresser. He digs through the drawers until he finds Jake's favorite blue flannel and pulls it on, buttoning it and rolling the sleeves up before making his way to the kitchen. Jake had left a few peaches on the counter for him, and a little note on the white board.
'Dead tree in path. Went to clear it. Be back by 3. P.s Took Oil'
He bites into a peach and checks his watch, seeing that it was only around 12. As much as he liked laying around Jake's cabin on his weekends, he was up here to see his boyfriend so he should at least go find him. Dwight finished his breakfast, tossing the pits out the window before pulling on his jeans and a pair of hiking boots. He's about to exit out the back door when a polite, yet firm knock comes from the front. He pauses, then makes his way across the room to the door and opens it. He can't help a smile breaking onto his face.
"Mr. Ojomo?" The man smiles and Dwight glances past him, smiling wavering at the sight of Evan behind Mr. Ojomo. Dark eyes staring daggers into him, "W-what brings you here?"
"I could ask you the same, friend. Is Mr. Park around?"
Dwight opens the door more, feeling more comfortable in the presence of Mr. Ojomo, even with Evan around, "He's on one of the trails. A tree fell down and he's clearing it out."
On cue a chainsaw revs up, and Evan turns to look in that direction. The two tall men share a look and Evan walks down the porch and around the house. No doubt heading to Jake.
"It is good that you are here, two birds you see." Mr. Ojomo says as he takes a cream colored envelope from a file organizer he was holding and holds it out to Dwight. He takes it, flipping it over to see his name on the front in fancy black cursive.
"What's this?" He asks curiously, wondering if it was rude to open right in front of the man. He glances up to see a barely contained grin on Mr. Ojomo's face.
"A wedding invitation!"
Dwight can't hold back a gasp of excitement, "For you and-"
"Evan yes." He watches Mr. Ojomo tug on the sleeve of his coveralls almost bashfully bashfully, "It will be a small occasion next month so we wanted to hand deliver the invitations to our guests."
He flips the envelope in his hand and feels a rush of worry, "Oh, you didn't have to...I-I mean it's...we aren't!" Dwight flounders at the unrelenting polite smile of Mr. Ojomo.
He wasn't well versed on the social foibles of going to the man who saved his life, but also almost killed him, wedding. Especially when the spouse was the theoretical river powering the towns rumour mill for the past three decades. Dwight had spent most of the years following his untimely almost death sending Mr. Ojomo christmas cards, offering jim free pizza,, and dutifully avoiding the scrap yard like the plague.
"It is no issue, Mr. Fairfield. You have been a good friend all these years, you are always welcome where I tread."
Dwight smiles and opens the door, gesturing for Mr. Ojomo to follow him. He sets the envelope on the table and makes his way to the backdoor, "Should we find your Fiance. "
Mr. Ojomo laughs and follows him out the backdoor as Dwight makes his way toward the pathway leading to the beach. He assumed that's where all the racket was coming from.
"How are things with you and Mr. Park? Good I hope."
Dwight perks up, always happy to talk about Jake to anyone that wasn't Quentin, "Oh, things are going great! I have a vacation planned next month and I'm going to be here for a week or so!"
Mr. Ojomo hums in agreement, letting silence lapse before speaking again, "Have you moved in yet?"
A blush rises to Dwight's cheeks and he stutters awkwardly, "W-well no I still uh work in town and have my apartment! I just come over when I can."
As much as he'd like to move in with Jake they had only been dating for a year or so. Sure he might as well be moved in with the guy considering how much he was over, but that was a step he wasn't ready for yet. Not until he got Jake some wifi. Mr. Ojomo laughs knowingly and he pats Dwight's shoulder reassuringly.
"No rush, no rush. Me and Evan have been together for many years now. The wedding will be on our anniversary."
"Oh that's great! Are you going to have the wedding in town?" Dwight asks, feeling a slight twinge of anxiety at the proximity to the day of his accident.
"Oh no, the town is so..." Mr. Ojomo waves his hands vaguely, "As you know. We will be having it on Evan's estate."
A small peek at the MacMillan estate was hard to pass up. Not that he was a real gossip, but he wanted to fill Quentin in on the details. Although one problem did stick out in his mind.
"I don't know if you know but Jake isn't very fond of...the uh bridge." He says, hoping this doesn't spoil anything for Mr. Ojomo. Dwight had only seen the bridge a few times he had missed the turn to Jake's place. It was creepy but...haunted? Apparently.
"Ah yes. I am aware. I will be talking to Mr. Park about it." Mr. Ojomo says in a weirdly foreboding way.
On cue, they crest a small hill and Dwight catches sight of Jake and Evan. Oil perks up and runs over to him. Dwight pars his head and whispers Watch. He would feel more comfortable knowing Oil was on duty. Jake looked very small next to the larger man, but then again he probably looked just a tiny compared to Mr. Ojomo. Jake glances back and raises his free hand in greeting, chainsaw hanging loosely in his other hand. Dwight really loved when Jake wore his band tank tops, his arms looked better and better every day as spring continues and he works outdoors more and more.
"Morning!" Dwight calls, noticing a familiar cream colored envelope in Evan's hand, "You get the news?"
Jake nods, setting the chainsaw next to the partially disassemble tree and wiping his gloves on his pants, "Yeah."
Mr. Ojomo exchanges another look with Evan and gestures for Jake to come with him. The two walk a few feet away and Mr. Ojomo leans down to speak to Jake in more hushed tones. Leaving Dwight pseudo alone with Evan. Something he had managed to avoid whenever the man stopped by Jake's place. He smiles at Evan nervously, and the man stares back. Oil sits in between them.
"C-congratulations! O-on the wedding!" He gulps, trying not to sound like a nervous wreck, "I'm very happy for you two!"
Evan nods, "Thanks." He says gruffly.
Dwight immediately shuts up and looks at the ground, avoiding Evan or Mr. Ojomo. He whispers Orbit to Oil, and the dog starts trotting around him. It feels like the two talk far too long for the two to finally come back, Jake looking oddly at ease.
"We must be going. Lots of things to mail. Good day Mr. Park, Mr. Fairfield." Mr. Ojomo says before taking Evans hand. Evan passes the envelop to Jake and nods before turning and leaving down the path, Jake immediately passes the envelope to Dwight. He waits until they disappear over the crest before releasing Oil and speaking.
"Why is Evan so fucking creepy." Dwight says with a shudder. Jake rolls his eyes and puts the goggles around his neck on, along with his earmuffs.
"Beats me. Must be the guilt of killing hundreds."
"That mining collapse was an accident." Jake repkies
"Oh sure, sure." Deoght scoffs, stepping away from Jake as he picks up the chainsaw, turning back to the tree trunk.
"That's my shirt, by the way."
Dwight looks down at the shirt in mock shock, "Oh is it?"
Jake spares a glance at him, and Dwight grins, "Should I take it off?"
In response, Jake revs the chainsaw. Dwight laughs and jogs off covering his ears and making his way to Jake's jeep parked a few feet away. He jumps in the driver's seat and watches Jake work, mostly admiring the man's biceps in the afternoon sun. He was really lucky.
---
Jake stops jeep a few feet from the bridge. Coldwind Bridge as it was known on google maps. The only crossing for Coldwind Creek that wasn't two hours out of the way, and the only way into the MacMillan estate. The haunted bridge. He gets out of his jeep, shoving his keys in his hiking jacket before grabbing his white candle and walking up towards the creaking wooden monalith.
"Phillip?" Jake calls, squinting into the darkness of the covered bridge. From the dimness he watches the tall dark man emerge with a large bowl in one hand, the other covered in white.
"Hello Mr. Park! Thank you for coming out. I know you do not like it here."
Jake nodded, deciding it was safe to walk closer to the bridge with Phillip around. Stopping a few feet from the wooden boards, a cold wind blows and the wooden monstrosity creaks and moans. Phillip glances around too, seemingly just as creeped out. Jake never admitted to being superstitious or believing in ghosts, but he always trusted his instincts and it told him this place was no good.
"Is this going to work?" Jake asks, eyeing the bowl in Philip's hand. He had told him last week that he was going to suppress the spirits haunting the bridge so he could cross without worry, but now that he was here he wasn't so sure. He wished he had brought Dwight with him or Oil. For emotional support.
"It will. Come with me." Philip says before turning and vanishing into the darkness of the covered bridge.
Jake takes a moment to light the candle with a lighter, taking a deep breath before stepping onto the wooden boards. They scream in protest as he follows Phillip into the belly of the beast. The tall man stops about halfway through, he watches Phillip approach the wall in between the windows and dip his fingers into the bowl before painting a white symbol onto the ancient wood.
"These are symbols are to keep the spirits calm. Many haunt this bridge." Philip says softly as he paints. Jake can't quite place his tone, regretful maybe?
"Are they...evil spirits?" Jake asks, looking at the dry leaves scattered in the corners of the tunnel and clutching his candle tighter.
"Only one. The others are innocents, may they find rest one day." Philip replies, a deep sadness in his voice. He steps away from the wall, and stares at the symbol before walking to the opposite wall to repeat the process, "You are wise not to cross this bridge in your years, Mr. Park."
Jake shivers at the warning. Usually people brushed off his warnings about the bridge, which made sense the thing had only been around for fifty or so years. But he had a bad feeling about the thing ever since he moved in. There was a darkness here, it made him want to hold his breath until it passed. He had a feeling it never would however. Death is not an escape for many.
"You were born here in this country, yes?" Phillip asks, moving to the next space between the windows. Jake follows dutifully behind.
"Yeah. My mom was born in Taiwan, my dad is a second generation Korean-American."
Philip nods in interest, "Were you born in this town?"
"No. I choose to live here."
"Do you like it here?"
Jake tilts his head. He didn't hate the town, being here sparked his deep love of the outdoors and pushed him to leave his family for good. And he had met Dwight here, that was a plus. The town had a way of making itself crucial to him, and he would hate to leave his way of life as it was now.
"I do."
Phillip pauses in his painting. White viscous liquid dripping off his hand and onto the floor. Surly not paint, but a mixture of ashes and water. Wind howls through the window and Jake shivers again, feeling something unnatural in the air.
"There is something dark here. Or there was. It has left us, years ago perhaps. But it lingers, like the smell of smoke and burning cinders. You feel it?"
Something prickles on the back of Jake's neck, trailing down to his birthmark. A sense of deep, deep unrested settling as an icy pool in his bones. There had been something in these woods, he knew it in his soul.
"I do..."
Phillip nods and pulls away from the wall, moving to the other side to continue his work. Jake follows silently behind as Phillip paints, staring at the strongly familar symbols and feeling an almost imperceptible weight lift. He watches the man work, hand steady in the flickering candle light creating simple shapes on the wood. No doubt ones that hold powerful meanings that he will never understand. Phillip paints the last symbol on the wall and backs out of the bridge. Jake quickly follows and turns to look into the tunnel. It was still creepy, but looked much less haunted.
"This will be good for the wedding, yes?" Phillip asks, tilting his head curiously.
"Yeah, it will be. Thank you."
The man smiles, and the wind blows softly. Clouds cover the sky and drench the two in shadow, causing Jake's heartbeat to spike momentarily. He looks up at Phillip, unable to discern the look on his marred face.
"You should return home, Mr. Park."
Jake holds the candle out to Phillip and the man takes it. With that he returns to his jeep and starts it, pulling a tight K turn and driving down the road home. Phillip stands at the mouth of the bridge unmoving until he vanishes around a bend.
---
"Come on dude, you would love to see the MacMillan estate!"
Quentin lets out a powerful groan sinks to the floor. Dwight nudges him with his shoe.
"I don't wanna go to the wedding of the two local murder's! I just want to bake pizza." The teen whines miserably.
"Only Evan is a murderer probably. Mr. Ojomo has done nothing wrong and you should totally be my plus one."
Quentin glares at Dwight and flips him off from the floor, "Oh Mr. Ojomo totally killed a guy. How do you explain how Azaroz went missing and he miraculously inherited Wreckers?"
"Uhh." Dwight flounders weakly.
All I'm sayin' is someone died."
"That guy was a huge dick anyway. He probably ran off to avoid prosecution for shoddy service." Dwight holds out his hand and Quentin takes it to allow him to pull the other up. Quentin rises and sighs, trudging to the ovens to pull out and box some breadsticks.
"Besides, you think the owner's gonna both of us off on a friday night? On the first day of spring break? You're only getting out of pizza duty because you've been in this pit for ten years." Quentin lectures, causing Dwight to smile, "And you threatened to quit."
"Sooo, no wedding? Not even free MacMillan eggs will tempt you?" Dwight tries for one last time.
"I'd rather die than come under MacMillan's egg spell."
Dwight rolls his eyes and looks at the time, seeing he was five minutes from freedom. He starts making more brwdsticks and wonders who he was going to bring from his plus one, Jake was thinking about inviting his pen pal who lived two towns over to come but he said she would only come if she could bring a friend. Dwight figures he can give his plus one to Jake's, friends friend. That would bring four normal sized humans to the wedding and make him feel a lot better about being on a large estate. Mr. Ojomo said he could bring his dog too as long as he dressed nice.
"If I don't call you after the wedding, I'm probably dead."
"Probably?" Quentin snorts, "You're absolutely gonna be dead."
---
Jake hears Dwight's car pull into his now full front yard and quickly runs to the door, pressing himself against the wall. He listens to Dwight close his door, no doubt investigating Claudette's rental car before walking up to the porch, Oil'sclaws clacking on the wood. The knob twists and the door creaks open.
"Boo!" Jake yells, jumping in front of Dwight and causing the man to yelp. He drops the bundle of clothing he was holding and jumps a step back, stumbling slightly and almost tumbling off the porch. Jake grabs the front of Dwight's shirt and pulls him forward, saving him from cracking his skull open. Oil growls at him in annoyance.
"Jake!! You dick!" Dwight whines, barely able to hide a smile. Jake releases his collar and helps Dwight collect the clothing he was carrying. Standing and smiling at him.
"Who's car is that?"
"Claudette and Meg's."
Dwight perks up, peeking around Jake and peering into the house, "Ooh are they here? Can I finally meet your penpal."
Jake holds the door open and Dwight walks in, throwing the bundle of clothing over the couch. Jake eyes it suspiciously, but figures it's just Dwight's suit for the wedding tomorrow.
"They're out at the lake right now. Wanted to give them some free time to...hang out." Jake says, returning to the kitchen to finish up making dinner. Dwight lets out a knowing 'ooh' and pours himself a glass of lemonade.
"They staying here tonight?"
"No, she got a hotel."
Dwight peeks over his shoulder and steals a carrot out of the pan before Jake can slap his hand away.
"What's cookin' good lookin'?" Dwight asks through a mouthful of carrot.
"Fish, green beans, couple other vegetables. Claudette's a vegetarian." Jake explains, flipping the fish in the pan, "She put my garden through the ringer."
Dwight snorts through his glass and Jake can hear him jump onto the island to watch him cook. He enjoys the comfortable silence between them, he flips the fish one last time and covers it before turning the Dwight. He walks over to him, sliding between his legs and looking up at him with a slight smile, he catches a playful glint in Dwight's eyes as the man leans down and kisses him.
He tastes the slight bitterness of lemonade on Dwight's lips. He stands on his tip toes, deepening the kiss as Dwight runs his fingers through his hair. He feels Dwight's knees press against his side and he rests his hands on the man's thighs, squeezing gently. Oil barks just before he hears the creak of the door, and pulls back to look behind him.
"I really hope thats your boyfriend." Meg says, water dripping off her braids and onto the floor. He sees Claudette peek around the other girls bicep with a sly grin.
Dwight starts stuttering nervously and Jake pulled away, turning to face the girls at his backdoor and rescue his boyfriend from embarrassment.
"This is Dwight. Dwight that's Meg, and behind her is Claudette. That'sDwight's dog." He's surprised at the calmness in his own tone.
Dwight slides off the island, brushing awkwardly against his back. He can practically see the man playing with his fingers in shyness.
"H-hello!" Dwight says, sounding ever so cute.
Jake returns to the food, pulling the vegetables out of the oven and placing a serving on four plates he had set out before turning the burner off a doling fish onto all the plates as well while Dwight gets acquainted with the two girls. He barely has enough cutlery for all of them, an issue he never thought he would come across. He steps aside and lets the others grab their plates and choose between his limited drink options before shooing everyone outside to eat on the porch. He sits on the railing while Meg and Claudette take the swing, Dwight leans against the railing next to him.
Mostly he listens to them talk, joining in with a few comments when needed or asked. He just enjoys the minimal company, feeling oddly at home. He couldn't explain the feeling of deja vu that settled over there little group. Part of him was listening for the crackle of a fire, or the sight of fog rolling in. Instead it was the call of birds, the hum of conversation, and the gentle flashing of fireflies amongst the trees. Dwight nudges him, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"You still with us?"
"Yeah...sorry."
---
Dwight curses and checks over the clothing he brought one last time, once again coming up empty. He huffs and makes his way to the living room, passing Jake and looking under the couch.
"Have you seen my bow tie? I could have sworn I brought it..."
"Haven't seen it." Jake shoots back almost immediately.
He turns to look at Jake and narrows his eyes. The man was leaning against the island, eating a bowl of leftovers from last night and staring at him.
"What?"
"You are not wearing that to the wedding."
Jake looks down at his grey button up flannel in exaggerated surprise, not even tucked in or anything, "What's wrong with it?" He asks through a mouthful of vegetables.
"It's a flannel. I've seen you wear that thing into the mud pit."
The man shrugs and finishes off the bowl, setting it into the sink. While his back is turned, Dwight marches over to Jake. Grabbing his arm and dragging him into his room. Jake gives a little resistance but follows dutifully as Dwight sits him on the bed. If he was going to be stuck in his three piece suit Jake wasn't allowed to be comfortable. He starts unbuttoning Jake's flannel, and the man raises his eyebrows.
"I don't look that good do I?" Jake asks playfully, Dwight narrows his eyes and pushes the flannel halfway off his shoulder. Jake pulls it the rest of the way off with a sigh.
He expected Jake to pull something like this, but he was hoping he had more decency than ruining Evan and Phillips wedding photos. If he had to dress his dog up Jake had to be dressed up.. He pulls the button up shirt out from under his pile of clothes and drops it in Jake's lap.
"Put it on." Dwight orders.
Jake lifts up the shirt and raises his eyebrows. Dwight stares down at him sternly until the man reluctantly puts the shirt on, and just before Jake buttons the first he stops.
"Are you going to make me wear a tie?"
Before Jake can run Dwight sits on his lap and forces the squirming man down. He feels Jake kick his legs and Dwight grips the mans wrist attempting to pin him to the bed. He knows damn well Jake is letting him win as he pushes his hands against the bed, face hovering a few inches above Jake who had an obnoxious smirk on his face. Dwight presses a quick kiss to Jake's lips and starts buttoning up the shirt, and the man lays docile on the bed observing.
"This shirt smells like depression." Jake comments dryly as Dwight pulls the tie out of his pocket and starts tying it around Jake's neck.
"I wore it in college."
"That explains it."
Dwight finishes tying the knot and sits back on Jake's lap. With a huff the other sits, looking up at Dwight with an annoyed expression. He raises his hand to fix Jake's hair, but it's immediately slapped away.
"I'm wearing your shirt and tie, leave my hair be."
He climbs off Jakes lap and the man stands up. He looked utterly miserable, just like he should. Jake crosses his arms uncomfortably, and Dwight starts tucking the shirt into his pants.
"Where's your suit jacket?" Jake asks curiously as Dwight not so subtly pats his ass while tucking the tail of the shirt in.
"Hmm? I lost it a long time ago. It still looks fine like this." Dwight pulls away and checks his watch, they had to get going soon, "You ready?"
"Guess so." Jake replies, grabbing a wrapped gift off the desk and sighing deeply, "Let's bounce."
---
Jake is happy for Evan and Phillip, he really is. He just hates any formal occasion. He glances around at the venue, having lost sight of Dwight despite there being less than ten people here, and him having a big fucking dog. He casually skirts around a hulking man in a suit talking to short lady. He avoids their smiles and beelines towards the gazebo, spotting Meg looking bored by the gift table. He stands next to her, and she gives him a half smile.
"What's with these guests? Half of them are over six feet tall."
"You should see the guys getting married."
"Oh god, how tall are they." Meg asks in a powerfully flat tone.
"An inch shorter than the doctor over there."
"Jesus Christ." Meg sighs, then nudge his arm, "Your boyfriend's coming."
He looks over to see Dwight and Claudette coming their way, "Your girlfriend with him."
"She's not my girlfriend." Meg snaps, "...yet."
Jake snorts and covers his mouth, composing himself by the time the two get within earshot.
"Hey time to take our seats! Vows start soon." Claudette says cheerfully, she seemed rather excited to be here. That was good, he did ask her to drive eight hours. Although he did pay for their hotel.
He takes a seat at the chair with his name card, located next to Dwight and at the end of the isle. Beside Dwight was Claudette and Meg. Oil settles between Dwight's legs. At the other side of the isle was the older black man and Max. His wedding would probably be signing court papers and done with.
He shifts uncomfortably and the music starts. Only mildly surprised when Phillip come out wearing very nice black robes and standing at the makeshift altar, the music playing was definitely not the bridal march but a cute little piano number. Evan walks out in a white tailor suit and meets Phillip at the altar.
It's cute. It's real cute.
Jake's mind wanders off as the two read their vows, he's careful to keep a neutral expression on as he wonders when they're going to get food, and where Evan's chickens were. He settled in his seat and crosses his arms, feeling a jostle in the pen picket of his borrowed shirt. Curiously he reaches into the pocket only to pull out a twenty dollar bill. He nudges Dwight's shoulder and the man looks over curiously. Jake holds up the bill and Dwight frowns.
'Was that in my pocket?' Dwight mouths.
Jake nods and Dwight hides a grin behind his hand, turning back to the altar to watch the ceremony. Jake tucks the twenty into his pocket and tries to focus on the vows. They were very sweet, he was truly touched. Finally the two kiss and a cheer rises from the crowd, Jake claps dutifully and rises with the rest of the crowd.
The dinner seems to fly by and before he knows it everyones gathered around Phillip and Evan, waiting for the bouquet toss. He watches Evan turn around and toss the flowers over his shoulder. Jake follows the arc, and feels dread in his heart.
---
Dwight looks up from releasing Oils's Orbit only to be smacked in the face with a bundle of flowers. He manages to catch them in his arms as his glasses slide off onto the grass. He ignores the cheers as he dives for his glasses, retrieving them from the ground and trying to put them back on. He catches sight of a blurry Jake hiding his face behind his hands.
Oh god he caught the bouquet.
A blush rises to his cheek and he awkwardly tries to pass the bundle to Claudette who shoos him away. Going as far as to shove him towards Jake. Dwight smiles bashfully and holds the flowers out.
"Sorry I uh, didn't mean too."
Jake takes the flowers, and his lips twitch into a small smile, "I'll forgive you this time."
He watches Jake set the flowers on their table and turn back to him, "You wanna join me for the second dance?"
"Sure thing!" Dwight smiles and takes a side to watch Phillip and Evan take their first dance.
The first few jazzy notes of Frank Sinatra's The Best Is Yet To Come start playing as the two slowly dance around the large patio of the MacMillan mansion. He notices the shorter woman, apparently named Sally, shed a few tears. It's very sweet, he reaches out and takes Jake's giving it a gentle squeeze. He leans his head on Jake's shoulder, and takes a minute to enjoy this moment.
---
Jake had only looked away for a few minutes, just long enough to go to the bathroom, look for chickens and loosen the tie. By the time he returned to the party Dwight had managed to get utterly shit faced. Oil was still on guard near him but the man was stumbling around slurring his speech.
Meg had shed her suit jacket and was now in a similar outfit as Dwight's semi three piece and snickering at the man making a fool of himself in front of the guests.
"Dude had one drink and he's white girl wasted." Meg comments, pointing her phone at Dwight from across the porch. Claudette elbows her and shakes her head.
"He's a lightweight." Jake mutters as he makes towards his idiot boyfriend.
Dwight was grinning like an idiot, his face was bright red and the first few buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned as he tries to arm wrestle Evan. To Evan's credit he was letting Dwight win a little bit. Although the pizza idiot was breaking a sweat and Evan wasn't even flexing. He walks up behind Dwight and shakes his head, Evan smiles ever so slightly and easily pushes Dwight's hand to the table.
"Shit...you're pretty good." Dwight slurs, stumbling away from the table and into Jake's chest. He catches Dwight's shoulders to steady him as he apologises.
"Don't tease him. He's a lightweight." Jake says to Evan. The man waves a dismissive hand and wanders off to talk to Max. Dwight turns to smile at Jake, politely brushing his hands away, and backing up.
"Sorry sir I have a boyfriend." Dwight slurs, trying to stumble away from Jake.
With a sigh, Jake follows Dwight resting a hand on his shoulder, "I am your boyfriend."
Dwight squints at him over his glasses, glancing down then up, "Noooo you're not Jake. He doesn't wear fancy clothing!" The man giggles and stumbles a bit.
"I'm wearing this because of the wedding. You put me in this." Jake replies dryly.
"Noooo. Jake would never! You look like a-a mormon! He wears like...flannels and tank tops He's sooo ripped they look great on him. Here I have a picture." Dwight leans on his shoulder as he digs his phone out of his pocket. Trying and failing to unlock it a few times before finally getting to the photo album. In that time Jake leads him to a table and sits him down.
"Isn't he cute!" Dwight coos as he holds his phone up to Jake. He looks down at a photo of himself chopping wood taken from the porch. It was kind of flattering, "I love him so much!"
Jake feels a blush rise to his cheeks as Claudette trots over drink in hand, "What's up Dwight? ``I brought you some water."
He watches Dwight drink the water and feels relieved, sitting across from him at the table to make sure he doesn't wander off and make a fool of himself. Mostly the man just rambles incoherently about how much he loves his boyfriend. It's very sweet, Jake can't help but blush as he listens to Dwight talk. Every now and then he looks out to the dance floor to watch Meg and Claudette dance. Claudette looked very pretty in her dark blue dress, Meg seemed to like it too.
Eventually Mr. Carter starts helping pack up the DJ equipment, signaling to the small group the party was over. Dwight was still out of it enough, and Jake slings his arm over his shoulder. He drags Dwight over to Phillip and Evan saying their goodbyes to Lisa and Max.
"Thank you for having us." Jake says to the couple on his way to his jeep, the two girls and a dog on his heels.
"Of course! Thank you for joining us on this occasion. Make sure he gets home safe." Phillip says, looking at Dwight half asleep on his shoulder.
"I will. Can say the same to you."
Even gives a half smile and Jake drags Dwight away and towards the jeep parked in the driveway. Only getting a few steps out before lifting Dwight into a fireman's carry instead of dragging him and ruining his shoes. Meg snorts at the sight, and Jake flips her off.
"He gonna be ok?" Claudette asks as Dwight lets out some minor protests and squirms.
"Should be. Probably hungover tomorrow."
Jake opens the passenger door and sets him inside, buckling the man in and turning to Claudette.
"Thank you for coming. I really appreciate you two keeping us company."
Claudette smiles and forces Jake into a hug, patting his back reassuringly. Jake pats her back.
"Thank you inviting us, Jake. It was good to finally meet you." She says, and he feels a rush of fondness for his long time pen pal.
"Yeah I can say the same. You two stay safe." He says, pulling away from the hug.
"Sure thing!" Meg chimes in, sliding into the front seat of the rental. Claudette gives him one last pat on the shoulder before getting in the passenger side, "Don't let Dwight die he's a riot."
Jake watches the two pull out and drive down the long driveway before getting into his jeep and starting it up. Dwight was dead asleep, barely even moved when the engine growls. Jake drives down the long driveway, eerily similar to his fathers, and looks forward to getting to bed.
"Jake?" Dwight's sleepy voice pipes up from the passenger seat. Jake glances over to see him slightly conscious.
"Yeah?"
Dwight gives him the dumbest smile, "I love you!" He coos before almost instantly falling asleep.
"I love you too." Jake says to the sleeping figure. He means it more than anything.