Disclaimer: Not mine
Notes: Spoilers for 'Trip Takes a Stand'
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"Do you think Eric is really lonely?"Trip jumped up, wrench clattering to the floor. He'd been so absorbed in his work he'd forgotten the rest of the world existed... especially an uncharacteristically worried looking Wes.
Speaking of Wes, he was doing his best to smile as he picked up the wrench. "I mean that's what you said, and it kinda surprised me, since I've known Eric since prep school and I didn't think he could even do lonely--"
So that's what this was about. "I also said he hides it." It was Trip's turn to try to smile as Wes handed him back the tool. "And you have to admit, he does a pretty good job at it."
Wes seemed to relax a little, resting a hand on Trip's work table. "Yeah, I know. But..."
"But what?"
"But why didn't he just tell me?" The pain/confusion was coming so strongly of off Wes now that Trip could feel it without trying. "I would have done something about it, I still could if he'd just--"
"Wes." Trip cut him off. "People aren't like destinies." He put the wrench away and rested his now free hand on Wes's arm. "No matter how much we want to, we can't change them."
"So... what should I do then?"
Trip gave the arm what he hoped was a reassuring squeeze. "You be there for him. That way, if he does decide he's done with being alone, he knows that he turn to you."
Wes smiled for real this time. "Okay." He then made his way for the door, but not before glance at Trip one last time. "Thanks, Trip."
"I do what I can." Trip returned to his work. All Wes could do now was hope that Eric would realize that he didn't have to be alone anymore... and all Trip could do was hope that one day Wes would realize that what he felt for Eric was much, much more than concern for a friend... and then maybe Wes wouldn't have to hide his loneliness anymore, either.