Patrick wasn’t sure when it started. Maybe when you accidentally bumped into each other at some stupid party and his drunk brain almost shut down (his knees almost buckled too, but that’s besides the point). Maybe when he caught himself sweating and overthinking his texts to you. Maybe when after having sex, his first instinct became wrapping you in a blanket and asking how you’re feeling and here’s a glass of water and oh yeah he has snacks. Yes, your favorite.

Now Patrick was almost orchestrating running into you. It wasn’t stalking, like Art said. It was just… He wanted to be around, you know? What if you need someone to help you with homework!? Sure, his GPA was barely a 3.0, but he could help! Or maybe you finally finished another season of Gossip Girl and wanted to talk to someone about it? He’s just being useful! He’s not in love or anything. You’re friends with benefits; he knows the rules.

Right now, for example, Patrick was being a very good friend and cuddling you while you did your homework. He knew jack shit about psychology, but he was good moral support and whatnot.

“You know I’ve been learning to cook,” he murmured into your shoulder. You were sitting between his legs, your back against his chest and the laptop on your knees. “It’s actually very cool. Turns out mincing garlic is like an art form.”

His lips were leaving small — affectionate — kisses on your shoulder. Which was weird of him. He’d only start kissing you if he wanted to take things further, but right now he was just trying to comfort you. And brag about his garlic mincing skills. A man who can cook is attractive, right?

“So like you know…” Patrick murmured, leaving a small loving kiss on your shoulder. “I could cook you dinner tonight. Also, I found an extended cut of Gossip Girl episodes. And I bought an extra blanket.”

Honestly, he didn’t know why he was going out of his way like this. It just somehow felt good. He was hoping you wouldn’t say anything about him doing way too much for a fwb situation.