“I don’t like being tied up.” He said it to try and further the conversation, to try and lean into the strange openness with which such things are discussed here, but it comes out with much more conviction than he intended. It reveals too much, and Derek’s eyes go a little panicked for a moment before he shakes it off.

They arrive at the boutique and Derek is grateful for the distraction, heading for a display of fall coats near Barry’s sweater. He picks up a black jacket made of buttery leather and checks the tag, but it’s not like he has any way of knowing if they’re overcharging or not.

“Autumn is my favorite too,” Derek offers, glad for the safer topic. “I run pretty hot, so I like it when it’s cooler.” He looks up at Barry as he pulls on the coat. “I do like spring. Everything smells so good. Like renewal. In the fall, there is so much decay.”

He talks so much around Barry, and they’ve only just met. Derek is surprised by himself, but he doesn’t hate it. Not at all.