(Dad/Dave)

[midnightVigilante]

Dave was a bit freaked out. He had just pulled into the Egberts little suburban neighborhood in Washington. It would freak him out no matter how many times he cam here. Everything was just too perfect. And all the house looked exactly the same. This neighborhood would be a good setting for a horror movie in his opinion.

He'd finally gotten his acceptance letter from Washington State University. He'd be paying student loans out the ass by the time he graduated, but it would be worth it. John was going out of state for college. He knew how much Dave wanted to get out of Texas and offered his best friend to use his room during the school year. The blonde had eagerly accepted.

Dave had nothing against Texas, he just didn't want to live there all his live. Especially not with Jeff. The older Strider didn't seem to care when he said he'd be gone most of the year.

He pulled into the driveway and parked. It would just be him and Robert Egbert aka Dad. And his crush for several years. Dave had never mentioned it to John. That would just be weird and a bit creepy. You don't tell your best friend you like his dad.

[solarOrigins]

Robert was in the kitchen when he heard Dave pull up. He smiled, taking the cake he was baking out of the oven. He had hoped he would have a little more time to decorate and write 'Welcome to Washington!' on it. The cake he had made and set out on John's bed which said 'Make yourself at home!' on it was still a thing that he had so it wasn't a total loss.

He wiped his hands on his simple apron as he made his way to the door to greet his new 'roommate'

[midnightVigilante]

Dave was still sitting in his car. Why was he so nervous? He'd know John and Rob for at least five or six years. He'd kept his feelings to himself that long. He could keep it like that for four years of college. Hopefully.

[solarOrigins]

Robert peered out the window, smiling at Dave's car. He opened the door and headed down the walk to the driveway.

[midnightVigilante]

Dave was about to step out of his car when he saw Robert making his way down the driveway. "Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit." He glanced at himself in his rearview mirror. Why did he care he much. He's Dave fucking Strider for fuck's sake. He always looked good. Plenty of people (girls and guys) would jump at the chance to be with him.

But Robert Egbert wasn't just anyone. He was his best friend's father. The man treated him like his second son. He was a gentleman. A gentleman with standards.

[solarOrigins]

Robert stopped far enough from the car that Dave would have plenty of room to get out to greet him.

[midnightVigilante]

Dave took a deep breathe before opening his door and getting out of his car. He kept his face blank as he approached Rob. "S'up man?"

[solarOrigins]

Robert smiled warmly. "Good afternoon David. Did you have a nice drive?" He held out a hand to shake. "Need any help unpacking?"

[midnightVigilante]

Dave nodded as he shook Rob's hand. He tried to hide his nervousness as he spoke. "Eh, it was okay. Boring mostly. I don't have that much. I can get it myself."

[solarOrigins]

"I put all of John's things in storage, so feel free to redecorate" Robert smiled, giving Dave's hand firm squeeze. "I just ask to clear any painting or modifications with me prior to the change"

[midnightVigilante]

Dave nodded as he took his hand back. "I think I'll keep things the way they are. Thanks though." He went to the trunk of his car and opened it. He only brought three suitcases and two duffle bags.

[solarOrigins]

"There's something waiting for you up in John's room too" Robert winked. "A welcoming gift, if you know what I mean"

[midnightVigilante]

Dave felt his face heating up. Now wasn't the time to think about that. Robert probably meant a cake or something. "Thanks. I bet it's great."

[solarOrigins]

"We'll go out for dinner tonight. Let me know when you're hungry" Robert stated warmly, letting go of Dave's hand. "And make yourself at home!"

[midnightVigilante]

It only took Dave about twenty minutes to get all his bags in and situate things the way he wanted them. He spent another fifteen minutes just sitting on John's bed. He'd visited during the summer before, but that was only for a few weeks. He was going to be here for a few months this time. He placed the cake on John 's desk before heading down to the kitchen.

[solarOrigins]

Robert was busy icing his cake, humming to himself with his sleeves rolled up.

[midnightVigilante]

Dave smirked as he started to tiptoe. Why not have some fun? He got behind Rob and wrapped his arms around the older man's waist. He placed his chin on his right shoulder and nuzzled his neck. "Whatcha doin?"

[solarOrigins]

"Finishing a cake" Robert replied, completely unphased by Dave's attempt at sneaking up on him. He was well used to it from John. "What are you doing?"

[midnightVigilante]

Dave didn't have a response. He didn't move though. Damn it, Rob was too smart.

[solarOrigins]

Robert chuckled. "I take it you're all done unpacking?" he asked, looking over his shoulder.

[midnightVigilante]

Dave kept his head on Rob's shoulder. He also kept his arms around the older man's waste. "Yep."

[solarOrigins]

"are you tired after your long drive? We can put off our special dinner until tomorrow if you need to sleep" Robert pressed.

[midnightVigilante]

Dave shook his head, still not moving from his spot. "I'm fine. I can make it til after dinner."

[solarOrigins]

"Then is something the matter?" Robert asked "Are you homesick already?"

[midnightVigilante]

Dave shook his head again, still not moving. "Nah. You're just really comfy."

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