Dirk knew it was a lie the second it came out of Todd's mouth but decided to let it go, at least for that moment. He could wait until they were back at Todd's place before trying to dig any deeper.
However, he didn't get the chance after they got back because Todd went straight to the couch to lie down and Dirk wasn't about to interrupt his moment of peace. Though he suspected something more was going on then what Todd had told him he couldn't deny that the other man looked completely wiped out. So, instead he grabbed two glasses of water, leaving one by Todd on the coffee table, and made himself comfortable in the armchair.
When Todd stopped trying to fight the sleep that was claiming him Dirk used it to his advantage, taking the time to study Todd more carefully in the light of day. There was still something that was setting off all the alarms in his head but his thought clouds were still there, still obstructing the view every time he felt like he might be getting the full picture. He knew there was something that he should be worried about but it only made it worse that he had no clue what it was. When he became too frustrated trying to figure it out he decided he needed to focus on something else for a while, so getting up he made his way to the kitchen to start planning what he'd make for dinner.
When at last Todd woke up, hours later, Dirk was just finishing making what he had always wanted someone to make him when he was sick, homemade chicken noodle soup. He was pretty sure it tasted good, at least it did to him, he just hoped Todd liked it too.
When the other man made his way groggily into the kitchen to stand closely next to Dirk, he felt a pleasant tingle go up his spine. Todd was leaning slightly into him as he took a deep breath of the steam that was rising up, letting out an appreciative sound at what he smelt. Looking at Dirk with a goofy grin he noted, "You made chicken noodle soup."
Feeling a light blush starting to creep up the back of his neck, Dirk cleared his throat before confirming, "I did. Isn't that what one is supposed to do when someone they l…care about is sick?" Looking at the pot with a laser focus he added hesitantly, "You make them hot soup."
Thankful that Todd seemed oblivious to his awkwardness, the other man simply hummed in agreement before turning around to grab a couple bowls and spoons. They sat across from each other at Todd's tiny kitchen table as they ate, chatting about any light subject that popped into mind.
After dinner, and after Dirk had reluctantly allowed Todd to help with the dishes, they retreated back to the couch again in silence. Neither moved to turn on the television, but neither attempted to start a conversation either, instead choosing to simply sit there, taking in the presence of the other.
When Dirk could no longer hold back a rather big yawn hours later Todd seemed to come to a decision, announcing, "Right, okay, I think it's time for bed." Not knowing what was expected of him, Dirk stayed seated. Picking up on some level of discomfort, though wrongly interpreting the cause, Todd further went on, "You do still have your apartment." He looked sheepish as he said, "Farah covered your rent so it hasn't been touched really, at least not by anyone but Farah and me. I probably should have told you that last night." Dirk could clearly see a blush spreading across the shorter man's face as he added, "You can sleep there if you'd like, of course, but…" pausing to clear his throat, awkwardness coming off him in waves, he finished lamely, "If you just want a change of clothes you can always sleep here again."
He didn't know if it was just his hopeful mind playing tricks on him or if what he thought he was seeing, picking up on, was real, but he felt like Todd wanted him to stay, and seeing as that was all he wanted himself, he sent Todd a small smile as he told him, "I would rather not be alone, if you don't mind." Frowning slightly, he added, "Though I wouldn't mind a change of clothes. These ones aren't even mine." Pulling on his collar as if to prove a point he informed him, "I got these ones out of a charity drive bin."
A hoarse laugh burst out of Todd at the piece of information before he admitted, "I wasn't going to say anything, but I thought a V-neck wasn't exactly your style."
Grimacing, Todd confirmed, "No, it most certainly is not, though I should be happy I found something that was clean in the least."
For the first time since making it back home Todd smiled a true smile. It made Dirk's heart get that warm feeling again as he took it in. Smiling broadly back he said he'd just pop over and grab some clothes and that he'd only be a few minutes. True to his word he was walking back through the door minutes later, a duffle full of random things he might need besides just clothes.
By the time he was back Todd was already changed and finishing brushing his teeth. When he was finished he motioned Dirk toward the little room. Dirk made quick work of his nightly routine, finally starting to feel a little back to normal as he emerged clean and fresh. Todd was already in bed, under the covers, but was on the side closer to the wall. Dirk found his mind going in circles as he asked himself if that meant he was making room for him, or if he simply slept there, though he was fairly certain the configuration of the room would be different were that the case.
He was only pulled from his dizzying thoughts when Todd made a noise to get his attention before patting the bed next to him twice. It was clear enough to Dirk what he meant so he quickly padded over to the bed and climbed in, turning the last source of light off beside the bed.
For a few long moments they both laid there, silent, neither falling asleep. When Dirk could no longer deny what he had to do if either of them was going to get any decent amount of sleep he finally forced himself to speak. In a near whisper he told him, "That day they took me, at the dinner, I thought that things had finally changed, gotten better. I thought maybe, for once in my life, things were going to work out." He felt his emotions building up again, vaguely thinking about how this was exactly the kind of time The Rowdy 3 usually showed up, before pushing past to acknowledge, "Then that man showed up and forced me to go with him, ruining everything, like things always get ruined for me." Fighting against a frown, he did whisper, "I should have known something was coming the second I felt happy. The universe never lets me be happy."
Though Dirk couldn't see Todd's face, he could hear the answering frown in his voice as he asked, "But I thought the universe always provides? That's what you told me when we met, and then Lidia and Farah happened."
A harsh smile crossing his face Dirk corrected him, "It provides what is needed for the cases and to survive in order to do them, that doesn't mean it provides happiness. Far from it in fact, these cases have almost always only brought me trouble, pain and heartache." He didn't even bother to fight the tears he felt swelling in his eyes as he added to himself, "Always alone."
Todd heard him though because he was quickly correcting Dirk, telling him ardently, "Were alone, Dirk, were alone, but not anymore. You have me now, and Farah and Amanda." Dirk felt a hand slip into his as Todd whispered, "Never again, as long as I'm breathing, Dirk, never again."
Squeezing the hand in his, Dirk drew in some strength. After a few deep breaths he started to tell Todd everything that had happened after being taken. He told him about Blackwing, old and new. He told him about before, about Riggins, and about the new woman heading the project now. He told him about the things they did when he was younger and the things they had done to him over the past month. He revealed the horrors that had been inflicted on him until he could no longer speak through his tears. When he could no longer hold back choked sobs Todd pulled him closer, wrapping his arms tightly around him. Vaguely, Dirk could tell there were tears falling down Todd's face as well, he could feel them occasionally as they landed on his head, which was tucked under Todd's chin. It was as he was falling asleep, too exhausted to do anything else, that he felt it; a slight press of lips to his temple. The last thing he was aware of before sleep claimed him was Todd mumbling into his hair softly, "Never again."