Jahnnie Drabbles 4Âœ¿ ☆Processing Issues☆

[ Jake needs extra processing time ]

cw: dissociative behavior / sensory overload

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The couple are done with their evening dinner. Jake is sipping down his drink once he finishes eating his evening meal with his boyfriend across from him at a restaurant.

Johnnie was also done with his food, but he wasn’t in a hurry to finish. He had a big appetite and he enjoyed taking his time to eat. He leaned back in his chair and watched Jake finish his drink, a smile on his face.

“That was good, wasn’t it Jake?” He said, patting his stomach. “Huh?” Jake said as he put his glass down once he finished drinking.

Johnnie chuckled and repeated himself, a hint of amusement in his voice.”I said, that was good, wasn’t it? The food, I mean.”

“Oh yeah” Jake agreed, taking out his wallet so he could pay the waitress when she walked over.

Johnnie watched as Jake took out his wallet, a feeling of fondness in his chest. He reached into his own pocket and pulled out his wallet as well, ready to pay his share.

The two split the bill and paid for their shared meals. Then they got up. They held hands. Lastly walking out of the restaurant hand-and-hand.

As they walked out of the restaurant, Johnnie squeezed Jake’s hand, feeling content and happy.

He looked at his boyfriend with a warm smile, enjoying the simple pleasure of holding his hand in public.”Where to now?” He asked, swinging their hands playfully.

“What?” Jake asked as he was swaying his hands with Johnnie. A smile on his face.

Johnnie chuckled at Jake’s confusion and swung their hands again, a bit more exaggerated this time.”I mean, we’re done with dinner. Do you want to do something else or just go home?”

Jake hums. “Home” He replied, since downtown looked a bit crowded this evening and he didn’t want to be overwhelmed.

Johnnie nodded in agreement, understanding Jake’s preference for a quieter evening.

“Home it is then. I could use some time to relax after that delicious meal.”He squeezed Jake’s hand again, giving him a reassuring smile.

The two reached Jake’s car. Jake opened the door for Johnnie. “Here you go honey”

Johnnie smiled at the gesture and climbed into the car, feeling a little flustered by Jake’s chivalry. He buckled his seatbelt and waited for Jake to get in as well.

“Thanks, babe.” He said, giving Jake a grateful smile.

“Huh?” Jake said as he got inside the drivers seat and shuts the door.

Johnnie raised an eyebrow at Jake’s reaction, wondering why he was confused again.

“I said ‘thanks, babe’.” He repeated, looking at Jake with a mix of amusement and concern.

“Oh, you’re welcome baby” Jake replied as he is starting the car. “Sorry my brain is just super foggy today”

Johnnie chuckled and reached over to pat Jake’s knee.”It’s okay, babe. I know you had a long day. I’m just glad we can go home and relax together.”

Jake is talking about his day as he is driving. “Yeah, this morning i woke up a bit accidentally after my alarm clock and it wasn’t good. I woke up at 10 instead of 8 and that kinda threw me off a bit. But we had a party last night so that’s probably why. Then i had to – uhhh- go do something I don’t remember – earlier today and then i took you out for dinner and it was good. I liked the sweets there. My favorite was the cinnamon rolls.”

Johnnie listened attentively as Jake talked about his day, nodding and humming in response.

He loved hearing about his boyfriend’s day, even the little things.”Yeah, I remember you telling me about the cinnamon rolls. You had two of them, right?”

“Two, yep” Jake nodded as he makes a turn with the wheel. His eyes locked on the road.

Johnnie smiled at the memory of Jake enjoying his cinnamon rolls. He loved seeing him happy and content.

“You really have a sweet tooth, don’t you?” He teased, poking Jake’s arm playfully.

Jake nodded. “Mhm,” As he is driving down the road. They’re a few blocks away from home.

Johnnie chuckled and leaned back in his seat, enjoying the ride. He watched the scenery pass by as they drove, the streetlights casting a warm glow on the pavement.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to keep spoiling you with sweets then.” He said, a playful tone in his voice.

They arrived home. Jake got out of the car. His boyfriend following him inside.

Johnnie followed Jake into the house, feeling a sense of relief as they finally arrived home. He let out a content sigh and closed the door behind them.

“Finally, home sweet home.” He said, stretching his arms and yawning.

“Yep” Jake replied. He was quieter than usual as he sits down next to Johnnie.

Johnnie noticed Jake’s quiet demeanor and turned to look at him, a hint of concern in his eyes.”You okay, babe? You’re being awfully quiet.”

“Huh?” Jake replied, looking over at Johnnie.

Johnnie raised an eyebrow, slightly amused by Jake’s response.”You’re asking ‘huh’ again. I asked if you were okay. You seem quieter than usual.”

“Huh? Oh- yeah, just tired. Sorry.” Jake replied as he laid his head onto Johnnie’s lap.

Johnnie smiled softly and ran his fingers through Jake’s hair, enjoying the feeling of having him close*

“It’s okay, babe. I understand. It’s been a long day for you. You can rest your head on my lap if you want.”

“Okay” Jake replied as he remained put. His head on Johnnie’s lap. He sighed in relaxation.

Johnnie continued to stroke Jake’s hair, feeling a sense of comfort in the quiet moment. He looked down at his boyfriend, admiring his peaceful expression.

“You know, you look really cute when you’re relaxed like this.” He said, a hint of affection in his voice.

“When I’m like what?” Jake asked as he is rubbing Johnnie’s thigh. He looked relaxed and peaceful.

Johnnie chuckled at Jake’s question, his hand still gently running through his hair.
“When you’re all relaxed and peaceful like this.”

Jake’s mind was a bit foggy, but he was trying his best to process what Johnnie was saying. He continued to rub Johnnie’s thigh, his movements a bit slower than usual.
“Oh, I guess I just feel relaxed around you.” He said, his voice soft and a little slurred.

Johnnie smiled warmly at Jake’s response, his heart melting at how cute and sleepy he sounded.

“I’m glad I can make you feel that way, babe. You know I feel the same way when I’m with you. You make me feel safe and comfortable.”He continued to run his fingers through Jake’s hair, his touch gentle and soothing.

“Huh?” Jake said as he looked up at Johnnie. He kinda felt bad for asking so many questions, but he just wasn’t processing things clearly today.

Johnnie chuckled again, finding Jake’s confusion endearing. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“It’s okay, babe. I don’t mind repeating myself. I just said that you make me feel safe and comfortable too. And I’m glad we can relax together like this.”

“Oh, yeah i always feel safe around you” Jake replied nodding. He is fidgeting with his fingers before he asked, “Can you get that?” Pointing to his squish fidget toy.

Johnnie nodded and reached over to grab the squish fidget toy. He handed it to Jake with a smile.”Here you go, babe. You want to play with it?”

“Do i- Yeah” Jake replied, nodding. He is squishing the fidget toy, watching it with amazed eyes.

Johnnie chuckled at Jake’s amazed expression as he watched the fidget toy. He found it adorable how fascinated he was with such a simple object. “Do you like it?”

Jake continued to play with the fidget toy, his mind still a bit foggy. He struggled to keep up with the conversation and was finding it hard to focus on anything other than the toy in his hands.

Jake tried to speak but his words came out in a jumbled mess.
“Mmm… Yeah… I like it… it’s… squishy…”

Johnnie noticed Jake’s struggle to speak and immediately became concerned. He placed a gentle hand on Jake’s shoulder, trying to get his attention.

“Babe, are you okay? You’re not making much sense right now. Can you look at me for a second?”

“Huh?” Jake asked as he was still fixated on the fidget toy in his hands.

Johnnie gently took the fidget toy from Jake’s hands and set it aside. He then cupped Jake’s face in his hands, forcing him to look up at him.”Hey, look at me. I need you to focus, okay? Can you do that for me?”

“Huh- Oh” Jake looked up once he realized the fidget object was removed from his hands. He locked eyes with Johnnie for a moment before shifting his gaze.

Johnnie gently held Jake’s face, his eyes filled with concern. He spoke in a soft and gentle tone, trying to get through to him.

“Hey, it’s okay Jake. Just focus on me, okay? Take a deep breath and try to relax. Can you do that for me, babe?”

“What?” Jake laughed a bit, “Sorry. What did you say?”

Johnnie smiled slightly, amused by Jake’s confusion but still concerned.”I said take a deep breath and relax, babe. You seem a bit out of it right now. Is everything okay? Are you feeling alright?”

“Uh-huh,” Jake nodded. “I think, yes.” He nodded again. As he looked away and takes a deep breath.

Johnnie watched as Jake took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving his face. He waited for a moment before speaking again, his voice gentle and reassuring.

“Good, that’s good. Just keep breathing and try to relax, okay Jake? You’re worrying me a bit, babe. Are you sure you’re alright? You seem a bit distracted.”

“Huh?” Jake repeated as he is processing Johnnie’s words. “Oh! Uh- yeah, i think so”

Johnnie sighed softly, a mix of frustration and concern on his face. He took Jake’s hands in his own and held them tightly.

“Jake, -Babe, you keep saying ‘huh’ and repeating things. I think you might be having trouble processing things right now. Is it possible that you’re having trouble concentrating or focusing?”

“I think,” Jake mumbled. “I don’t know-” he replied as he rubbed his tatted arm. “I’m sorry i keep repeating things.”

Johnnie’s expression softened as he saw Jake rubbing his arm. He reached out and gently took his hand, stopping him from doing so.

“Hey, hey, Jake, don’t apologize. It’s okay, babe. I’m not mad at you. I just want to make sure you’re alright. Do you want to talk about what’s going on? Maybe we can figure out what’s causing this trouble with your concentration.”

Jake nodded, his mind still feeling foggy and disoriented. He struggled to find the right words to express what he was feeling.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,”Jake said, his voice a bit shaky. “I just feel… foggy. Like I can’t focus on anything. It’s like my mind is slowing down and everything is just a blur.”

Johnnie listened attentively as Jake tried to explain how he was feeling. He could see the frustration and confusion on his face and it made his heart ache.

“It sounds like you’re having trouble processing information,” he said gently. “Like your brain is overloaded and can’t keep up. Do you feel tired or overwhelmed at all? Or maybe like you have a headache or something?”

“Huh- Oh. Uh,” Jake shakes his head. “A bit of a headache. It started i think at the restaurant. It wasn’t as bad this morning. I think it could also be because of hangover. Maybe. But the restaurant was crowded. It was loud. I heard people talking, and the lights were bright, and- the clattering of the dishes..” His voice was getting more slurry.

Johnnie nodded sympathetically as Jake spoke, trying to piece together what might be causing his symptoms. He gently rubbed his thumb over the back of Jake’s hand, trying to offer some comfort.

“Okay, so it sounds like you’re experiencing sensory overload. The restaurant environment was probably overwhelming for you, with all the noise and stimulation. That can definitely make it harder to focus and process things, Jake. And the hangover is probably not helping either.”

“What Johnnie?” Jake asked, looking at his boyfriend. “Oh, yeah that’s probably it.”

Johnnie chuckled softly, amused by Jake’s confused expression. He smiled at him warmly and squeezed his hand gently.
“I was saying that you’re experiencing sensory overload. Do you think you can try that for me, babe? Just take a few deep breaths and try to clear your mind.”

“I think so,” Jake replied. He closes his eyes. Taking a few deep breaths before he reopened his eyes. “I need a painkiller, Tylenol. I have a headache.”

Johnnie nodded understandingly, happy to see that Jake was making an effort to calm down and take care of himself.

“Good job, Jakey. Deep breaths are always helpful. And I think Tylenol would be a good idea for your headache. Do you want me to go get some for you? Or do you want to come with me to the pharmacy?”

“Wait- what?! We don’t have any at home?” Jake asked. Looking up at Johnnie. “No, because i dont want you to go alone but you’ll have to Uber there. But i would drive you but i just am so tired today..”

Johnnie chuckled softly at Jake’s response, finding his concern endearing. He reached out and ruffled his hair affectionately.

“Don’t worry, babe. I can Uber to the pharmacy and get some Tylenol for you. You just stay here and rest, okay? I’ll be back soon.”

“No, no, i wanna go with you. In the uber.” Jake replied, getting up and grabbing Johnnie’s hand.

Johnnie smiled and let Jake take his hand, touched by his insistence on coming with him. He nodded and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

“Alright, babe. We can go together in the Uber. But are you sure you’re feeling up to it Jake? You don’t have to push yourself if you’re not feeling well.” “Huh?” Jake asked again.

Johnnie chuckled and rolled his eyes playfully.”I asked if you’re sure you’re feeling up to going to the pharmacy with me. You’re repeating yourself again, babe.”

“Oh. Sorry. Yeah, i wanna go” Jake replied, watching as Johnnie is taking his phone out for an Uber.

Johnnie ordered an Uber and waited for the notification that it was on its way. He put his phone back in his pocket and turned to Jake, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

“Okay, the Uber will be here soon. Just try to relax until then, okay? We’ll get you some Tylenol and hopefully that will help with your headache, Jake.”

The uber arrived and the two got inside. They get driven and dropped off at the pharmacy.

Johnnie and Jake arrived at the pharmacy and got out of the Uber. Johnnie held the door open for Jake and walked beside him as they entered the pharmacy.

“Alright, let’s find the Tylenol and get out of here as soon as possible. Do you remember what brand you usually take?”

“They’re just in the red bottle and extra strength” Jake replied. Rubbing his head as they walked in. He squints his eyes. “It’s bright here..”

Johnnie noticed Jake squinting and frowned in concern. He gently took his hand and led him further into the pharmacy, keeping an eye on him to make sure he was okay.

“I know, babe. It’s a bit overwhelming in here. But we’ll get the Tylenol and get out as soon as we can. Just hang in there, okay Jake?”

“What?” Jake asked as they’re heading towards the pain reliever section.

Johnnie stopped walking and turned to face Jake, realizing that he hadn’t been paying attention.

“I said we’re heading towards the pain reliever section. We need to find the red bottle of extra strength Tylenol. Do you see it anywhere Jake?”

“Uhh, here” Jake said. Walking a bit down and taking it off the shelf.

Johnnie followed Jake and smiled as he picked up the bottle of Tylenol.”Great job, babe. Now let’s get out of here and get you some water to take these with. Do you want to go to the self-checkout or do you want me to pay for it?”

“Self-check out.” Jake replied, not wanting to deal with anybody right now. He is quickly walking towards the self-checkout station.

Johnnie nodded and followed Jake to the self-checkout station. He watched as Jake scanned the Tylenol and paid for it,

still keeping an eye on him to make sure he was okay.”You’re in a hurry, huh? Can’t wait to get out of here and take those pills?”

“Yes, its just too much going on today” Jake replied. “I woke up late and everything is just-EH!!?” He freaked out a bit as he finished paying.

Johnnie jumped slightly at Jake’s sudden exclamation, surprised by his reaction.
“Woah, babe, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Its just too much today,” Jake repeated as he puts the bottle of Tylenol into the plastic bag. He also bought himself an outrageous bar, hopefully to calm him down.

Johnnie nodded sympathetically, understanding that Jake was feeling overwhelmed. He watched as Jake put the Tylenol and the outrageous bar into the bag, hoping that it would help him feel better.

“I know, babe. I’m sorry today has been so stressful for you. But we’re almost done here, and then we can go home and relax, okay Jake? Just take a deep breath and try to stay calm.”

Jake takes a breath but it was shaky. “Let’s get out of here, its too bright.” As he walked out with Johnnie. They sit at the curb. It was dark out.

Johnnie followed Jake out of the pharmacy and sat down on the curb next to him. He put an arm around his shoulders, trying to comfort him as he took in the darkness around them.

“Yeah, it’s definitely darker out here. How’s your headache feeling now? Are you feeling any better Jake?”

“Uhh, kinda. Need the med.” Jake takes the Tylenol out of the bag. He opened it and takes a few pills.

Johnnie watched as Jake took the Tylenol, hoping that it would help alleviate his headache.”Take as many as you need, babe. I’m sure it’ll kick in soon and start to feel better. Just give it a few minutes, okay?”

“Huh? Oh okay” Jake replied. “Get an Uber so we can go home.”

Johnnie nodded and took out his phone to order another Uber. He made sure to request a car with tinted windows, knowing that the brightness from other cars might make Jake’s headache worse.”

I’ve ordered Uber, Jake. It should be here soon. Do you want to just wait here until it arrives, or do you want to go sit somewhere else in the meantime?”

“Sitting here on the curb is fine.” Jake replied, taking out the outrageous bar. Putting the Tylenol back in the plastic bag. He opened the candy and calmly ate his safe food.

Johnnie smiled softly as he watched Jake eat the outrageous bar. He was glad that he had found something that seemed to be calming him down.

Jake was zoning off and eating the candy bar. Waiting for the uber to arrive.

Johnnie sat quietly next to Jake, watching him zone out and eat his candy bar. He could tell that the sensory overload was taking a toll on him, and he was just happy to be there for him and provide whatever comfort he could.

After a few minutes, the Uber arrived and pulled up in front of them.

Jake gets up. He finished the bar and puts the wrapper in the plastic bag. They enter the backseats of the uber.

Johnnie followed Jake into the backseat of the Uber and buckled his seatbelt. He looked over at Jake and noticed that he seemed a bit more relaxed now that they were in the car.”How are you feeling now, babe? Tylenol is starting to kick in yet?”

“Huh?” Jake asked as the car is starting to move. He turned his head to look at Johnnie with a curious gaze.

Johnnie chuckled and repeated his question, realizing that Jake hadn’t heard him the first time.

“I asked how you’re feeling now that we’re in the car. Is the Tylenol helping at all with your headache, Jake?”

“Oh, yes Johnnie.” Jake replied. “It’s starting” He nodded as he laid his head onto his boyfriend’s shoulder.

Johnnie smiled and wrapped his arm around Jake, pulling him closer as he rested his head on his shoulder. He gently stroked his hair, trying to provide as much comfort as possible.

“Good. I’m glad it’s helping. Just relax and try to get some rest on the way home, okay Jake? We’ll be there soon.”

Jake falls asleep with his head on Johnnie’s shoulder. They’re being driven home. It was a quiet drive.

Johnnie watched as Jake drifted off to sleep, feeling a sense of relief that he was finally getting some rest. He continued to hold him close and stroke his hair, keeping an eye on him to make sure he was comfortable.

The driver glanced back at them through the rearview mirror and smiled, seeing how peaceful they looked together.

They arrived at home. Jake grunts softly once the car has made a halt. He opened up his eyes.

Johnnie gently shook Jake’s shoulder, waking him up.

“Hey, we’re home. Time to wake up, babe.”
He unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the car door, getting out of the car and waiting for Jake to do the same.

“Huh? Oh. Thank you” Jake sleepily mumbled as he exits the car and they go back inside of the house.

Johnnie smiled and took Jake’s hand, leading him inside the house. Once they were inside, he guided him to the couch and sat him down.

“You can go back to sleep if you want, Jakey. I’ll make you some tea and get you a glass of water. You must be exhausted after today.”

“I’ll be in my room yeah.” Jake nodded as he kissed Johnnie’s head and went upstairs.

Johnnie smiled and returned the kiss, watching as Jake headed upstairs to his room.

“Alright, babe. I’ll bring you the tea and water in a bit. Get some rest.”He then headed to the kitchen to make the tea and grab a glass of water for Jake.

Jake is in his room. Dim sensory lights on and bundled up in his weighted blanket.

Johnnie carefully made his way up the stairs, carrying the tea and water in his hands.

He quietly opened the door to Jake’s room and peeked inside, seeing him bundled up in his weighted blanket.

He walked over to the bed and set the tea and water down on the nightstand.

“Hey Jakey, honey, I brought you some tea and water. Are you feeling any better now that you’re in your room?”

“Huh? Yeah” Jake nodded as he sits up. He drinks the liquids down and then laid back down so he can rest. It was a long day.

Johnnie smiled as he watched Jake drink the tea and water. He was glad that he was taking care of himself and getting some rest.

“Good. You need to rest and take it easy for a bit. You’ve had a long day. I’ll leave you alone now, okay? Just call me if you need anything.”

“No wait, Stay” Jake said, lightly he grabbed Johnnie’s wrist.

Johnnie was surprised when Jake grabbed his wrist and asked him to stay. He turned back around to face him, a small smile on his face.”You want me to stay with you? Are you sure?”

“Mhm, please baby” Jake replied.

Johnnie’s smile widened at Jake’s request. He couldn’t say no to him, especially when he was feeling vulnerable like this.

“Of course, babe. I’ll stay with you.”
He sat down on the bed next to Jake and gently stroked his hair.

Jake falls asleep. He really needed sleep. The party last night was a lot, – and he didn’t get very much sleep. Then he did all what he did today and then the restaurant was a bit overstimulating, but he wanted to do something nice for Johnnie and that’s why he did it.

Johnnie stayed by Jake’s side as he fell asleep, continuing to stroke his hair and watch over him. He knew that the party last night and the overstimulating environment at the restaurant had taken a toll on him, and he was glad that he was finally getting some rest.

He gently kissed Jake’s forehead and whispered softly:”Sleep well, babe. I’m here with you.”

Johnnie stayed with Jake for a while longer, making sure he was comfortable and safe. He watched as his breathing slowed and he slept peacefully, feeling a sense of relief that he was finally getting the rest he needed.

Johnnie laid down next to Jake and cuddled him, closing his eyes and falling asleep with his boyfriend.

Happy he was there for him when he needed him most.

The end
4,260 words