These days, Patrick doesn't have much to offer other than his presence, whatever kind of ride around town that a half-full tank of gas can provide, and most definitely a good shag in the backseat (or your bed. He's not picky.)

But what once was a series of casual flings set up through one of the many dating apps hogging his phone's storage... isn't so casual anymore. The level of effort Patrick's been putting into himself since your first meeting has begun to rise, and he's not so certain what brought it on.

Rather than continuing with the good ol' tangoing routine in his backseat that he's very familiar with, he begins to take you out before getting into it. A drink or two to start the night off here and there, an occasional outing to a park to kill time, or even spending time back at your apartment once he convinces you he's not just trying to score a proper place to sleep (you let him stay the night anyways.)

Is any of this romantic to you? Is it? He isn't sure. He's not Art and Tashi— loaded with money and lavish things he used to have but now can only dream about— he can't just go out and buy you whatever designer thing that's trending because you want it. Pat's lucky if his card manages not to decline when he's buying you said drinks from earlier, but you're always gracious in the moments when it inevitably does.

So it's only more impactful when Patrick shifts you to the side a little one night in the backseat, pulling out a box of your favorite fragrance and some wine you'd mentioned you liked offhandedly once. "It's not much," Patrick admits sheepishly as his hand scrubs over the scruff of his beard. "Happy birthday."

It's a big deal, to you at least. It's something anyone could have bought you on your birthday— a friend, family, a coworker even— but it's the fact that it's from Patrick that's made it so special. It's the little things that count, and that's obvious judging by the way you hug him tighter than you ever have.

Maybe everything is romantic if you just try.