I wrote a bit explaining what I like about this relationship so much, but then I realized I could summarize it better with a short scene conveying what I feel like they give each other.
Picture this with me:
Clinton and Elliot at a diner. Elliot is allergic to, let's say, carrots. Their orders show up and Elliot's got shredded carrot all through it, despite not being on the menu. He starts picking it out of his order. Clinton says just ask them to change it. Elliot says he doesn't want to be a bother. Clinton flags down the waitress.
"Hey, excuse me, my boyfriend's allergic to carrots. He was trying not to be a bother-"
"Oh, no bother at all. Sorry about that." The waitress takes it with a smile. "Nice top," The waitress whispers as she leaves.
Elliot's face disappears into his hands and he goes bright red as he realizes she did not mean his shirt. Clinton eats a fry with an amused smile, pushes his plate to the middle of the table so they can share until she gets back.
The chef gets mad. "He's paying for it." The waitress comes back to tell them, but they've both heard the shout from the kitchen. Clinton is firm, and sees that Elliot is now worrying about this becoming A Thing.
"The carrot wasn't on the menu."
"Clinton, it's fine."
"No, you're being reasonable. I'm not letting someone bully you into thinking sending an order back is wrong."
"It's fine. He's right. It's not fair to ask him to do more work just because I'm allergic, I'll-"
Clinton's already out of his seat. He slides into the kitchen. The angry chef is frying with a skillet.
"Hey listen, I'm trying to help my boyfriend be less shy and stand up for himself. I'd really appreciate it if-"
Chef, sotto voce; "$20 right now and I'll work with you. Only offer."
Clinton looks at the chef, pauses. Sighs. Pulls a $20 from his wallet. "Fine, whatever, just, I'm telling him it's because we asked nicely. Alright?"
Chef, nodding, takes the $20. "I'll make it quick. Because you asked so nicely."
Clinton, muttering, as he walks out of the kitchen. "Asshole." It's just loud enough for the waitress to hear as she passes.
Clinton goes back. The new order is out quick, the waitress smiling as she delivers it but frowning when she turns away. Dinner is very nice. The conversation is lovely.
The bill arrives. Elliot's order is listed twice on the receipt. He notices it when he reads it to leave a big tip for the waitress being so nice - she's the one that put his on the bill twice, to hint at what's happened. Elliot rises from the table.
Clinton follows close behind.
"There's been a mistake." Elliot says simply.
"I took the carrots out, I don't know what more you want from me."
"I would like you to give Clinton his money back. So we can split the bill fairly"
The chef turns, raises his eyebrow. "No."
"Elliot, I-"
Elliot turns to Clinton, smiles like a big labrador retriever. "I know. It's fine."
The chef folds his arms, hot skillet next to him in easy reach. "You don't scare me."
"I could, if I wanted to." Elliot frowns. "But we're just going to go home."
The chef nods, smirks up at him, blinks, realizes. "And the rest of the bill?"
"My boyfriend has already paid for our meals. Thank you."
Elliot starts to leave with Clinton after him. They pause at the door as Clinton whispers something. Clinton goes back in and gives the waitress a $20 tip and a grateful smile. Then they walk back out again.
I'm enjoying this ship a lot. My favourite romances always answer the question; "What do these two people give each other that they can't get from their platonic relationships?" Clinton has someone to reward his character growth and encourage it. A lot of that character growth was learning to be assertive without being a callous asshole. Elliot's got someone to reassure him, and someone who can be confident and assertive in a way he appreciates and will want to emulate.
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Topic: WCDT July 12th - July 16th (4566-4570) (Read 15001 times)