New Outfit and Heeled Boots to Match

Robin and Nashma's friendship blossomed over the following weeks, chatting during work hours and texting on the off ones. Nashma also continued to be a real help to Robin as he continued to practice with his makeup kit. He didn't know why he never tried makeup before but was glad he did because he was having a great time with it. When he finally got up the nerve to start asking Nashma's opinion on color and specific products, she didn't bat an eye. It wasn't long until Robin started venturing outside with subtle makeup on, though always making sure that John wasn't around when he did.

On one sunny afternoon, Robin decided to engage in that other new hobby of his, shopping. As he browsed through the racks, his mind drifted to what he was doing. He never cared much for fashion before but with his options recently opening up, he realized it must have been because he limited his selection to outfits that had been incredibly boring.

His attention was pulled back to the racks as his eyes were drawn to a flowy pair of pants. The fabric was light and airy, perfect for the warm weather.

"I wonder..." Robin mused to himself, running his fingers over the soft material before he searched for a top that might complement it. He eventually found a similarly loose top that he knew would be perfect. With both in hand, he just had to try them on.

Once inside the changing room, Robin slipped into the clothes, immediately loving how they felt against his skin. He twirled in front of the mirror, watching the fabric billow around him but something was missing. He remembered a pair of heeled boots he had seen earlier in the store.

"Why not?" he thought, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Robin didn't bother to change back into his jeans as he dashed out to grab the boots. Once he had the boots on, he saw how the heels added a new dimension to the outfit, making him feel tall and confident. He struck a few poses, giggling softly at his reflection.

"It looks so stinking cute," he whispered, surprised by how much he liked what he saw. However, as he continued to examine his reflection, he frowned as he noticed that the top seemed a bit loose in the chest area. "Hmm, I'll need to fill this out a bit more," he mused, his mind already considering possibilities.

Later that day, Robin arrived home, his shopping bags filled with his new purchases. He quickly washed off his makeup and changed into a relatively new pair of black leggings and his old green hoodie, knowing John would be home soon. He settled on the couch and looked to see if there was anything to watch.

As if on cue, he heard the front door open. "Hey, Robin! You home," John called out.

"Living room," Robin replied, raising a hand.

"I hope you didn't eat yet, I was thinking about making some spaghetti," John leaned over Robin from behind the couch, "Good day?"

"Mmm, spaghetti sounds good to me," Robin replied as he saw a new season of a show they enjoyed had been released, "And my day was pretty good, you?"

John hesitated, "Yeah, it was alright...so, uh, Kim from work asked me out today."

"Kim? Didn't you say she had a boyfriend?" Robin asked feeling weirdly annoyed.

"She said they broke up," John shrugged. "What do you think? It's a party and I don't really dig those."

Robin's first instinct was to tell him not to go, but he wasn't sure why he hated the idea so much. Kim seemed nice enough from what he heard John say before, though maybe a little selfish.

"I don't even know her, why am I being so judgy," Robin thought to himself.

Robin wanted John to get over his ex but didn't want to see John just get hurt again. He wished John was dating...someone else.

"Maybe I should cancel," John frowned. "I don't even know why she would ask someone like me."

With that comment, all the frustrations with how Lily had damaged John's confidence came rushing back, "What are you talking about? Someone like you? Where does that even come from? She asked you because you are incredible. You are the most genuinely kind person I've ever known, you're funny, she would be a moron not to see that."

"Robin-," John started to say but was cut off.

"I'm sorry, that was a lot," Robin took a breath, "You should go. The worst that could happen is that you two don't click."

John sat down on the couch and placed a hand on top of Robin's. Robin felt the warmth of John's fingers and a different warmth in his cheeks.

"That was sweet, thank you. I'm a lucky guy to have you," John told Robin.

There was something in that sentence that bounced around in Robin's head, something that made their brow furrow. They decided it wasn't important enough to dwell on and turned their attention back to John.

Robin patted John's hand with their own, "You can thank me by getting in the kitchen and making me some spaghetti."

After the pair ate, they hunkered down on the couch to watch their show. As the night wore on, Robin found themself growing sleepy. Their eyes fluttered closed and Robin unconsciously leaned into John's warmth, their head coming to rest on John's shoulder.

Sitting there, John found himself unable to move and unwilling to disturb Robin's sleep. Part of him wanted to put his arm around Robin, to pull them closer while they slept but he didn't want to overstep. Something about that gesture felt too...intimate. The sleeping Robin, however, made that choice for him. As Robin stirred, John moved his arm and Robin took that opportunity to readjust into a more comfortable position, snuggling into his thigh. With nowhere else to place his arm, he gently placed it along Robin's side, which Robin snatched into his arms as he drifted off once more. John could only sit there and watch Robin peacefully doze, their lips hanging slightly open as they slept until sleep took him as well.