#also taking subject sats in june oof

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - A Blah Week

May June 2023 Wk 1

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

La Pluie (Sat iQIYI) ep 6 of 10 - It’s so damn cute. Seme is still sus... but cute. I didn’t even mind the pratfall since they clearly both wanted to take advantage of it. These two are great kissers - like MaxTul level. I am PLEASED. Meanwhile, sides have a drunken MOMENT. 

Be My Favorite (Fri YouTube) ep 2 of 10? - I’m enjoying it which is fucking with my head, trash watch here! 

Luminous Solution (Sat Gaga) ep 2 of 6 - Dome has aged so pretty! Do we think the café owner doesn’t want him because he is happy in love? I’m enjoying the high school story arc a lot, and I wish we were just watching that and none of the others (Dome or no Dome). I finally figured it out the actor playing Mai is from Manner of Death.

The Promise (Weds YT & WeTV) ep 10fin - Soap opera brother relationship suddenly? Also more not communicating and more separation? Just bullshit. The best part of the ep was the interstitial cat. It feels like this show dragged on forever I am so glad it’s over and I intend never to think about it again. Full review below (although I pretty much just said it all.) 

Step By Step (Tues WeTV & Gaga) ep 7 of 10 - no ep this week, no idea why. It better not be because of the ZeeNew freakszoids or I am banhammering with a will. Our Skyy 2 (Bad Buddy & 1k*) eps 13-14 - skipped it this week as it concludes next week so I’ll binge all 4 at once.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Our Dining Table AKA Bokura no Shokutaku (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 9 of 10 - It’s just so good. I say it every week but it IS. Oh the running of the gays trope! Japan1 For us? How thoughtful. Awe, Yutaka’s confession in tiny was the best. SMILEY KISS! It took 3 BLs but Inukai Atsuhiro has finally actually kissed a boy. 

Star Struck (Korea iQIYI & Gaga) ep 5-6 of 8 - Oof this is such a hard show. Too much angst. It is a complicated story worth further analysis, but it’s too much for me and I don’t wanna dwell in it. Also, sweetie, you don’t get to cockblock the boy you rejected then invite him to sleep over, I don’t care how confused you are. Good for Hanjoon for standing up for himself, but holy shizz is this hard to watch. 

Vian the series (Vietnam YouTube ) - Cats are not caretakers. The neighbor is a cutie. Fun convo for a VBL - top/bottom & everything. Faen fatale showed up + a pratfall kiss and frankly I’m finding this show a bit dull now that the charm of the initial premise has worn off.

Naked Dinner AKA Zenra Meshi (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 8 of 12 - I never know what to say about this one. This was the dark separation doom episode. I was pretty blah over it. I’m just not engaged with this show. 

It’s Airing But ...

House of Stars (Thai Mon iQIYI) 12 eps - I bounced at ep 3. Will binge if told it is worth it at end.

Stay (Pinoy ????) 7 eps - It’s mostly in English and set in LA so I’m not bothering to hunt.

Let’s Eat Together AKA Aki wa Haru to Gohan wo Tabetai (Japan movie) cinema release means no inter distribution. Looks cozy: daily lives of college students and roommates who enjoy meals together, and a v codependent, adaptation of yaoi Let’s Eat Together Aki and Haru. I’ll keep an eye open for it but assume we can’t get it for now.

Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari no Hajimari no Asa (Japan Sun ????) ep 1 of 10 - NO ONE ASKED FOR THIS and no, I have no idea where to get it, why would I? (Say it with me everyone: Oh Japan, must you?*) 

Ended this week 

The Day I Loved You (Pinoy YouTube) ended. I have been reliably informed it’s better left a DNF.

My Story (Pinoy YouTube) ended. I bounced at ep 4. Someone tell me if I should bother with the rest?

Pure Vanilla (Singapore) - 10 min short on Gaga featuring a cafe, boss/employee, friends to lovers. It’s very sweet. Bit awkward acting. I love seeing real tats on my screen. I wish Singapore would give us a full proper BL. 7/10 RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS 

The Promise (Thai YouTube) - Although well acted this show dragged a too simple premise out into the ultimate manipulative miscommunication repeats of idiotic "why don’t you just TALK!?” Phu & Nan are childhood bffs through college (almost lovers) until Phu disappears. After looking/waiting for him, Nan gives up and self isolates, and the actual story takes place 10 years later. Phu’s “reason” and inability to say it out loud makes the whole show just frustrating, squandering good chemistry, and a stellar cast of multiple faen fatals (whose personalities would’ve made them better boyfriends). Seriously do not bother. What a damn waste of talent, time, and electronic bandwidth. Fatally flawed. 4/10 NOT RECOMMENDED 

Okay it ended a while ago but I finished it:

Make A Wish (Thai grey) - 6 part PNR (from Sammon - Manner of Death & Triage) about a doctor who can see the dead and strikes a bargain with a wish-granting irreverent tree angel - naturally they fall in love. Stars Fluke Natouch opposite not Ohm, but who cares bc Fluke has chemistry with everybody. Once again the Thai afterlife is incredibly bureaucratic but I enjoyed the premise and the unfolding of the story (it’s not predictable but still satisfying and with nice little twist). I like that the doctor is just gay af and has a fag hag bestie and everything. The cast is excellent but the comedic stylings are too overblown and tonally off. It had sad parts and did make me cry but is ultimately happy with a great sex scene, good smiley kisses, and all the agency. 8/10 RECOMMENDED 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Starting:

6/7 Love Tractor (Korea iQIYI) 8 eps - announced in 2022 from WATCHA (Semantic Error) I've been WAITING for this one. About a stressed-out law student who family obligations force into the countryside where a series of strange encounters and misunderstandings with his hunky young farmer neighbour. Will this be an extended version of Strongberry’s Some More? Or Korea’s take on Restart After Come Back Home? I'm chuffed. Country boy meets city boy is a very underused romance trope in BL.

6/9 Boys Love Omegaverse AKA The Boys Love sequel no one asked for (Japan movie) - everyone jockeyed to release the first ABO but it looks like Japan will take it. They do like to do all things BL FIRST. This seems to just be borrowing the branding of Boys Love, showing little resemblance to either original, since it's about 4 men in an idol group. (But could go very dark with that title. Boys Love is technically the first and one of the darkest BLs ever made.) Movie+Japan = no inter distribution.

Still Coming June 2023 

6/15 Tokyo in April AKA Shigatsu no Tokyo wa (Japan Gaga) 8 eps - Based on a yaoi, this is a reunion romance that takes place in an office. Japan does Our Dating Sim? Yes please.

6/22 About Us but Not About Us (Pinoy movie from 2022 on Prime) - A professor grieving the loss of his partner meets an ambitious literature student.

6/24 Why You (Khmer BL ????) - Billed as a horror romance, not sure if this is a movie or a series where it will air... nothing except that it exists.

6/24 Tie The Knot AKA Under the Same Sky (Pinoy movie on Prime) Trailer - I guess Prime is coming for our Pinoy BL? From OXIN Films (Rainbow Prince), announced for 2022 based on a true story, Briggs's family runs a bridal business but he has never had a chance to fall in love until he meets Shao, a groom to be.

6/25 Dinosaur Love (Thai iQIYI) Trailer 5 eps - from Ultimate Troop about a uni student, Rak, whose partner cheats on him with Rak's best friend. This gives bad boy hazer Dino an opportunity to hit on Rak at last. From The Yearbook people so I will not watch this as it airs. After Remember Me? Never again with them.

2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED)

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

From Make a Wish. 

Found my side dish. (Be My Favorite)

We asked this question literally the ENTIRE show. (The Promise) 

My point exactly! 

(last week)

Current Kpop earworm? BTOB on Killing Voice - honestly I’m ded, end this show, no one else can ever be this good. 

[thegreatestofheck]

Little Village pt.7＊Outer Banks＊

find the first six parts here!! 

word count - 4.6k  warnings - Swearing that’s pretty much it. synopsis -  June’s losing it, just a little bit. As she starts work again, she’s on the very edge of her rope. When JJ starts to distance himself, June finally explodes. tagging -  @apoguecalledjj @ijustreallylovethem @deathcompass @lolitstiana @ jxpiter-sxturn @parkerpetertingle @diverrdown ​, @ponyboys-sunsets​, @outerbanksbro, a/n - I’m sorry this took so long oof. Some more fluff in the this chapter, but also, get ready for the ANGST. Yay. 

                                                            ***

Sarah’s words refused to leave June’s head. 

Sure, it was entirely possible that June was closer to JJ than she was to Kie or Pope, but she’d known him for so much longer. She had been cleaning up his bruises, telling him to make his bed, chasing away his nightmares, and making him breakfast since she was barely old enough to take care of herself. 

She was the first person he ever confided in about his home life. She was the one person he always called when he needed to be picked up from school because his dad forgot him again. She was the one who made sure his grades were up and his homework was turned in. She went to the parent-teacher conferences and the mandatory school recitals and all the surfing competitions. It had always been her. 

So of course they were close. Just not that kind of close. 

Of course.

The only time June wasn’t constantly consumed by her conversation with Sarah was when she was with Eleanor. The more June reminded herself to breathe, the easier things got. She was still exhausted waking up every morning, still sleeping on the blow up mattress some nights when she just couldn’t stay away.

Her daughter was beautiful. Eleanor could barely smile and still she had the cutest dimples that June had ever seen. June was convinced that her baby had been kissed by the sun itself. With eyes a light hazel like the color of fall and brown curls already starting to grow on her head, June let herself daydream about the beauty that this baby girl was going to be. 

She let herself laugh about all the boys she would have to fight off from her daughter, let herself imagine that day when Eleanor finally met the one. June wondered it she would walk Eleanor down the isle herself, or if there was someone out there who would love June and Eleanor enough to be there for the both of them. 

June almost made herself cry thinking about it. All the things she would get to do with Eleanor that her own mother had never done. She couldn’t wait to hear her first word or see her walk, to send her off to school, to teach her how to surf. 

Pushing herself off of the blow up mattress on the floor, June took the risk of rousing her sleep baby to pluck Eleanor out of the crib and hold her close. Eleanor mewled like a small kitten, but never woke, resting her head against June’s shoulder instead.

“I will never leave you,” June whispered, rocking her baby back and forth. “You are mine and you always will be. Until the end of time.” 

                                                             ***

“How long before Little Pogue walks?” John B asked, cradling Eleanor in his arms. June walked around almost frantically, one hand holding her hair up in a high ponytail and the other pulling on one of her shoes. 

“I dunno, John,” she said. She hopped across the floor, reaching for her other shoe, passing JJ as she went. 

“Toast,” he said, holding the piece of bread in his hand. June took the bread in her mouth and mumbled a thank you. With both of her shoes on, June finished tying off her hair and pulled the toast from her mouth, chewing quickly. 

“Let’s go over the rules again,” June said. JJ groaned and rolled his eyes. 

“We’ve been over them a million times already!” 

“Yes, I know, but if either one of you slips up-” She waved her half eaten toast between her brother and JJ. “You lose all baby privileges. The both of you.” 

“Rule number one,” said John B in a baby voice as he made faces at Eleanor. “Don’t bring any alcohol or weed into the house.” 

“Right,” June confirmed. “JJ?”

“Rule number two, no strangers in the house while you’re gone,” JJ said begrudgingly. 

“Including?”

“Including hot chicks.” 

“Thank you.” June would be lying if she said there wasn’t another reason she didn’t want girls around the house, but she would keep that to herself. “Final rule, one of you has eyes on Eleanor at all times. You got me?” 

JJ pushed himself off the counter with a loose grin and walked over to John B and the baby. 

“She’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen in my life,” JJ mused in his joking tone. “How could I ever take my eyes off of her?” 

June rolled her eyes to cover the roll in her stomach. Now was no time for hormones. 

“My shift today is only a half shift,” she said as she picked her purse off the ground. “So I won’t be long. Don’t burn the house down while I’m gone, please.” 

“We won’t burn the house down, will we?” John B cooed to Eleanor. 

“No, no we won’t.” JJ said in the same tone. June laughed quietly to herself, walking toward the door. 

“Thank you guys, for doing this,” she said. It didn’t appear that either of the boys heard her as they continued talking back and forth to each other in their baby voices that they had almost perfected. 

June smiled as she left the house, only mildly prepared to actually return to work. 

                                                        ***

All three of them were asleep by the time June got back. JJ and John B lay passed out on the couch, while Eleanor was in the arms of Kie, who was lightly humming and dancing around the kitchen as she prepared a bottle of milk. 

“Hey,” June said, setting her bag down quietly. Kie spun around with a grin on her face. 

“Hi! How was work?” Kie asked. She moved back and forth, swaying the sleeping Eleanor in her arms. June smiled despite the exhaustion that weighed on her bones. 

“It was good. Same old, same old at the diner, you know.” She pushed herself into one of the chairs and let her tight muscles relax. 

“Anyone give you any trouble?” Kie had one hand on the microwave so she could open it before the timer hit zero and woke up everyone in the house. 

“Oh, you know. I think the ‘June Routledge got knocked up and had a baby’ jokes have all been spent at this point.” June had meant it as a joke, but by the way Kie’s smile dropped, she didn’t take it that way. 

“I swear, if I hear a single person saying anything bad about you or Eleanor-”

“Relax, Kie,” June laughed, leaning back in her chair. “I was teasing. Nobody said anything. Got a few stares, but that was about it. I’m just tired now, is all.”

“I can imagine.” Kie popped open the microwave. “Do you want me to feed her?” 

“I got it. Thank you.” 

Kie handed Eleanor and the bottle over to June before sliding into the chair next to her. 

“I see my oh so loyal guard dogs fell asleep on the job, huh?” June asked with a smile, nodding over to John B and JJ. Kie waved her hand and rolled her eyes ever so lightly. 

“Eleanor was running circles around them. They were so out of their depth, they had to call me.” June laughed right along with Kie. “They fell asleep almost as soon as I took her.” 

“Whimps.” 

“Good thing Sarah agreed to wait to have babies with your brother.” 

As June and Kie laughed, Eleanor made quiet sounds of protest at June moving too much. 

“Sorry,” June whispered. She turned back to Kie. “How was your day?” 

She and Kie made quiet conversation for a few minutes before they started laughing again, as they always did. But it wasn’t Eleanor who protested this time. Both JJ and John B rolled over on the couch, groaning in their sleep. 

June put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing. Their giggling died down after a few seconds, but their smiles lingered. 

“Sarah called me this morning,” Kie said finally, looking down at her hands. June’s heart plummeted. “She told me about Rafe.” 

June let out a breath, shifting her grip on Eleanor. 

“What...what are you thinking about it all?” June asked. Kie sighed. 

“I know it’s her brother, but after everything he did....” Her words fell and she glanced up at June, who understood completely. 

“We have to be there for her,” June told Kie, her jaw tightening. “She’s just trying to take care of her brother. If it was us, we’d probably do the same.” 

Kie let out another heavy breath. 

“You’re right. But it’ll be harder to convince the boys.” Both of them glanced back to John B and JJ, who still slept soundly. June wanted to change the subject. Talking about Rafe still made her uncomfortable, but there was something that she needed to ask her friend. 

“Do you think....” June cleared her throat. “Do you think I’m too close to JJ?” 

Kie seemed taken aback by her question. 

“I- Why would you think that?”

“Something Rafe said and something Sarah said and something Lukerman said.” June wanted to hide her face in her hands, but they were currently full. 

“Jue.” Kie reached out and put her hand over her friends. “What are you talking about?” 

June felt her chest contract and she scowled. Was this really the time to actually try to sort out her feelings? No, probably not. 

“It’s nothing,” June shook her head. Kie squeezed her hand and looked at her with the stern face that she had learned from June so well. It almost felt like she was looking in the mirror. 

“It’s not nothing. What’s wrong?” 

June heaved out a sigh and looked down at Eleanor. 

“Do you remember that fight JJ got in with Lukerman before Eleanor was born?”

“Yeah?”

“He said something about...about me and JJ.” June felt so strange talking about it out loud. These were thoughts she was supposed to be keeping to herself, not vocalizing. “And when I was at Sarah’s, Rafe asked if Eleanor was JJ’s, as if there was no one else on the island that could be her father. And then Sarah told me that she always thought me and JJ were close, closer than I am with you or Pope.” 

The more she spoke, the angrier June started to feel. Angry with these people for assuming her feelings? Maybe. Angry with herself for having these feelings? More likely. 

Kie just sat there and listened, never once moving her hand from June’s. 

“It feels like everyone knows something that I don’t know,” June said once she had forced herself to calm down. “Like they’re all looking at me and seeing someone else. And I just...I guess I just don’t know what to do.” 

Kie was silent for a few more moments, waiting to see if June was going to say anything else. But she had put a stopper on her tongue. She wasn’t going to risk saying something that could incriminate her further. 

“Why does it bother you so much that people think about you and JJ that way?” Kie asked, finally moving her hand away so she could lean back in her chair. 

“Because it’s not true? Because he’s my little brother’s best friend and I don’t want people to look at me and think of me as some kind of freak, like I’m praying on someone younger just because he’s there. Because I don’t want people to look at him and assume that he knocked me up. Because JJ and I are just friends. I mean, how did you feel when everyone assumed you liked my brother?” 

“It made me feel trapped,” Kie admitted. “Like I couldn’t confess my true feelings.”

“Exactly!” 

“So, what are your true feelings?”

“What?” June was taken aback. 

“You don’t like people assuming you and JJ are together because it makes it difficult to admit your true feelings. So, what are they?” 

June scoffed, side-eyeing her friend. She thought about saying it for a moment. But then she let out a quiet, half hearted laugh. 

“Is this what I always sound like?” she asked. Kie paused for a moment before taking June’s words as a desperate need to change the subject. Eventually, Kie smiled, even though it was strained. 

“Yeah, most of the time.” 

“God, that’s embarrassing.” 

“Hey, you got us through the worst of times, Jue. We tried to push you away and you wouldn’t let us. Never forget that we’re here for you now, too.” 

June felt herself give a real smile. 

“I know.” She looked over at JJ, who still slept on the couch. Her stomach flipped at the sight of his slightly parted lips and his tousled hair. She shook her head and looked back at Kie, who had one eyebrow partially raised. “JJ and I are friends. Nothing more.” 

Kie was disinclined to believe her. 

                                                            ***

As June’s shifts at the diner got longer and more frequent, she needed to find someone else who could watch Eleanor while she was working. Pope relayed this information to his mom, who called June the next minute offering her services. June didn’t want to accept, afraid of burdening the woman with a responsibility that wasn’t hers, but Mrs. Heyward would hear none of it. 

The first time that June brought Eleanor over to the Heyward abode, she realized that Mrs. Heyward wasn’t going to feel burdened by the baby at all. Just from the way the she smiled at Eleanor in her little carrier, never once taking her eyes off of her while she spoke to June, she knew that Mrs. Heyward was smitten. 

“You sure it’s not a problem?” June asked, setting the carrier down. Mrs. Heyward crouched down and pulled the wide awake Eleanor out of the buckles that kept her in. 

“This little ray of sunshine could never be a problem,” Mrs. Heyward beamed, bouncing Eleanor back and forth. The little girl laughed. June teared up at the prospect of not seeing her for an entire eight hours. She would miss every single one of those little laughs. Swallowing the thickness in her throat, June turned her gaze back to Mrs. Heyward. 

“Just wait until she starts crying. She’s quite the banshee,” June said with a laugh. 

“Ah, you got lungs on you girl?” Mrs. Heyward asked, poking Eleanor in her small nose, making her giggle again. “Just like your mama.” 

June grinned. 

“Thank you, Mrs. Heyward,” she said. 

“Of course, hon.” Mrs. Heyward made a face that told June that ‘it was nothing’. “Let me tell you something, my dear. Come, sit on the couch.” 

“I’ve really gotta go, Mrs. Heyward. I can’t-”

“Come sit with me on the couch for a minute. Just for a minute.” 

After all Mrs. Heyward was doing for her, June couldn’t deny her request. Once they were sitting on the couch, Mrs. Heyward put Eleanor on her legs and held her steady. 

“I was a working mother, too, you know,” she said, still fawning over Eleanor as she grinned. “When Pope was just a small little thing like Eleanor here, Mr. Heyward and I were both working. A high schooler named Tricia watched Pope for the first year or so before my husband got his business in a place where I didn’t have to work anymore.” 

June smiled. 

“Pope never told me.” 

“Ah, he doesn’t remember it at all.” Mrs. Heyward waved one hand dismissively. “But, I want you to know, being a working mother isn’t easy. You’re going to feel like you’re missing out on everything. I’m going to tell you right now, I’ll make sure you aren’t missing a damn thing. Don’t you worry your pretty little mind while you’re at work. You’re girl is in good hands.” 

June felt a weight lift off of her shoulders. Of course she trusted Mrs. Heyward. She wouldn’t be sitting on her couch right now if she didn’t. But hearing her words made it all the more better. 

“Thank you.” June leaned forward and put her arms around Mrs. Heyward’s shoulders, earning a deep laugh from the older woman. 

“Now, go on. Get to work, my dear.”

With a newfound energy and a smile, June stood and left the house. 

                                                           ***

They went on like this for weeks. June wasn’t any less exhausted. She had traded in eight hours with her daughter for eight hours working at a diner five days of the week. But she felt like life was sort of normalizing with her job. She had found a balance that worked for her and didn’t put too much pressure on anyone else. 

And she didn’t feel like she was missing anything with Eleanor. She was still young and there was still so much for June to witness and she was just excited to see it all. 

But things got tense between her and JJ. She wasn’t sure if it was her fault and she was obliviously acting strange or if she had done something to upset JJ and he was avoiding her. Either way, there was something going with him and he wouldn’t even let her get close enough to ask what was wrong. 

On one of her days off, after putting Eleanor down for her nap, she tapped quietly on the guest bedroom door where JJ had locked himself away. He didn’t answer when she knocked. She thought that maybe she should walk away and let it go, but she couldn’t. So she opened the door anyway. 

“Hey, J,” she said, leaning up against the door frame. 

“I’m doing homework, June.” He didn’t look up at her. June scowled and tilted her head to the side. 

“That’s new.” 

“Ha ha.” His voice was dry and humorless. June’s stomach dropped into a pit. 

“What’s going on with you?” 

“Nothing.” 

“It’s clearly something.” 

“It’s nothing. Can you leave? I have a test tomorrow.” 

Still, he didn’t look up at her. June tightened her jaw and held back a concerned sigh. 

“Okay. My room’s right down there if you want to talk. Door’s open.” 

“Yeah.” 

June took a step out of the room and shut the door behind her. There was a bitter taste in her mouth as she went back to her room. She wanted to lay down for a nap, but her thoughts plagued her, keeping her from sleep. 

Something was wrong with JJ and she was determined to find out what it was. 

The answer came sooner than she thought. 

The next day, after a long shift at work, she got a text from Mrs. Heyward saying that Pope and Kie had taken Eleanor back to the Chateau to play and put her to bed, so June wouldn’t have to come pick her up. 

It was a hard day. The diner packed and busy. June was almost relieved that Eleanor would already be in bed when she got home. Sometimes, putting that girl to sleep was like wrestling a bear. 

But the peaceful night that June was envisioning wasn’t what she got when she walked into the Chateau. As soon as she stepped into her home, she knew something was up. She could hear the sounds from JJ’s room before she even got to that side of the house. She had heard them enough times in her life to know exactly what was going on. 

This girl was louder than most. JJ was oddly quiet. A year ago, June would have let it go, walked out of the house, gone to get ice cream, hung out at the beach. But a fire lit underneath her and her face reddened with rage. Her stomach twisted and her heart tightened in her chest. Mouth running dry, she had the sudden feeling that she couldn’t breathe. 

This was her house. Her baby was just two doors down. That was her guest bedroom and her guest bed and her best goddamn friend. 

And no matter how hard June tried to convince herself to stand down, she found herself storming through the house, dropping her purse at the front door so she wouldn’t use it to strangle anyone. 

She shoved the bedroom door open and the girl shrieked, hiding under the sheets. 

“Get out,” June said, her voice uncharacteristically dark and low. JJ fell back onto the bed, his face a red and his hair a mess. The girl who shared the bed with him looked over at him for help, but he didn’t even glance at her. “Get the fuck out of my house!” 

June felt a twinge of pity for the girl as she scrambled out of bed in just her underwear, plucking her clothes off the floor as she went. She moved out of the way so the girl could slide past her, pulling a sweatshirt on over her head. With the girl gone, June turned all of her fury onto JJ. 

“What happened to no strangers in the house?” She asked, struggling to keep her voice from rising. JJ sat up nonchalantly, staring at the opposite wall. “I trusted you to keep your word, JJ!” 

“Relax, Jue,” he laughed as he stood and turned to look at her, wearing only his boxers. “John B’s in the nursery with Eleanor. Everything’s fine.” 

“You broke the rules.” 

“They were stupid fucking rules.” 

“This is my house and you are a guest here!” 

June could only imagine how she looked now; her hair still a mess from hours of working in a humid kitchen, her face red with anger, her body shaking from the adrenaline. She hated confrontation. She was terrible at it. Especially when it was JJ. 

“Damn.” JJ gave her a lopsided grin. “Someone’s panties are in a real twist.” 

June scoffed, narrowing her eyes at him. 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” She asked him, her voice almost breaking. “You’ve been off for weeks.” 

“Nothing’s wrong with me.” He crossed the room to stand closer to her. She could smell the sweat off of him and it made her nose scrunch. “But I think there’s something wrong with you.”

He reached his hand up to poke her nose but she swatted his hand away, still glaring at him. 

“Jealous, maybe?” He asked. 

June scoffed and straightened her back. 

“What do I have to be jealous of?” 

JJ nodded his head slowly, putting his hands on his hips. 

“Right, right. ‘Cause you and me, we’re just friends, right? Nothing more?” He said. June could hear the bitterness in his words. The cocky and arrogant front he put on when he was upset dropped and June was finally seeing a taste of his true feeling underneath. 

“What?” 

“I heard you talking to Kie the other night,” he said and June’s stomach dropped. her scowl softened and her heart rate slowed. 

“I wasn’t wrong,” she said, trying to regain some of that courage that her anger had given her as she crossed her arms. “We are just friends.” 

“Bullshit.” 

“It’s not bullshit.” 

“It’s bullshit and you know it!” He pointed a finger at her, his hands shaking. JJ never shook. He was always so sturdy, so strong like a rock that could not break. 

“I’m not having this conversation now,” June said and turned toward the door. But JJ got there first and shut it harshly before she could even reach for the doorknob. 

“Why not?” 

“Because.” 

“Give me a reason.” 

“You’re insufferable!” 

“And you’re a coward!” 

June pinched her eyebrows together, that anger beginning to smolder in her stomach once again. 

“Let me out, JJ.” 

“Just give me a reason. One good reason why you keep running away from me,” JJ said. There was something new in his eyes. Something she hadn’t seen in a long time. Desperation. 

“Don’t make me go there, JJ,” June said, shaking her head once before pressing her lips together. A strange and sudden feeling washed over her. It came with the urge to cry, but she couldn’t place what it was. 

“Why not? I’ll say it if you won’t.” He stepped forward and reached out to take her hands. Just as his fingers grazed across her skin, fuel for the flame within her, June snatched her hands back, holding them away from him. 

JJ heaved out a breath, his chest deflating. 

“Just say the word and I’ll let it go.” He took another step closer to her and then another until he was just a breath away, staring down at her. She shouldn’t let him get this close. It would just make it worse. “Say you don’t feel the same way and I’ll let you go.” 

June opened her mouth but found herself speechless. She could end this here and now. All she had to do was say she didn’t care for him like he wanted her to, that she only ever saw him as her little brother’s best friend. Or she could stop being a coward and own up to her feelings, the feelings she had been shoving away for so long. 

“I’m tired,” was all she managed, her eyes swarmmed with tears. “I’m so goddamn tired.” 

JJ looked like he was going to say something or move in closer, but then June heard a quiet cry from the other side of the house. She flicked her eyes toward the door before glancing at JJ quickly. She let out one breath before stepping around him and making an exit. He didn’t try to stop her. 

By the time she burst into the nursery, tears were falling from her lower lashes. John B was, in fact, in the nursery, sitting in the rocking chair that Mr. and Mrs. Carrera had given to June as a gift. His headphones were in and his eyes were on Eleanor as he smiled. 

“She’s crying,” June said crossly as she walked toward the crib and pulled Eleanor up into her arms. “You’re supposed to hold her when she cries.” 

John B popped out a headphone. 

“She was just asleep like 30 seconds ago so I thought if I made her laugh-”

“Doesn’t matter.” June kept her back to her brother as she cradled the crying baby to her chest. 

“You okay, Junebird?” He asked, standing and stepping toward her. The front door opened harshly and slammed shut again, making June jump and Eleanor cry even harder. 

“I’m fine,” June said, lowering her head so Eleanor’s face was nestled beneath her jaw. John B looked between JJ and June before he let out a sigh. 

“I shouldn’t have let him bring that girl in here.” 

“It’s fine.” 

“I just thought he seemed so off and that it might help. I thought if I stayed with El-”

“I said it’s fine, John.” 

The boy straightened his back, surprised at the harsh tone in June’s voice. He couldn’t remember the last time she had spoken to him like that. She was always so calm, so collected. What the hell had happened that made her fall apart so quickly? 

“I’ll just go then.” 

“Good idea.” 

John B didn’t say anything else as he headed toward the nursery door. He offered a small wave to the still crying Eleanor as he left, shutting the door behind him. Still scowling, he head toward the front of the house. He was convinced that JJ had something to do with his sister’s sudden change in disposition. He was about to have some choice words with his best friend. 

As soon as John B was gone, June fell back onto the mattress, her tears soaking through Eleanor’s onesie. She tried to muffle her cries by shoving the back of her hand into her mouth, but it wasn’t working. And it definitely wasn’t calming Eleanor down any more either. 

“Shh,” June whispered, her voice trembling. “Mommy didn’t mean to wake you. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” 

June held her a little tighter, rocking her back and forth until her quiet cries started to die down. 

“I’m sorry,” June whispered. “I’m so, so sorry.” 

[saedii-gilwraeth-simp]

Operation Arsinoe and Billy - one-shot

Hell yeah new fic time. This is just a quick one shot to act as a seperator from my previous fic to my next one but I love it nonetheless

Operation Arsilly Bilsinoe Arsinoe x Billy (Junoe)

Objective: Get our dumb chaotic bisexual professor friends together because their pining is fucking Jules you can’t write that fucking annoying.

January 17 - Jules

For someone currently getting a needle through her ear, Arsinoe is smiling. She had decided that despite being a professor of political science, a new set of earrings (her eighth) would be a good look to come back to the school year with. Jules just thought she was trying to impress someone.

Probably the “cute” law professor down the hall. Arsinoe and Billy were friends but it was Jules’ job as Arsinoe’s best friend to set them up, since they so obviously wouldn’t do it themselves.

But she couldn’t do it herself. She needed help. And what better help than someone who was close with both her subjects?

January 30 - Mirabella

When Jules Milone had told Mirabella Queen that they had to work together to get her sister and friend together, Mirabella had sighed. She knew that meddling with Arsinoe’s love life was never, ever a good idea and that Mirabella should respect her privacy. Alas, Jules did not seem to understand this concept.

So, Mirabella agreed to help, if only to keep Jules from completely enraging her sister with her lack of subtlety or tact.

February 2 - Jules

Arsinoe was up early the first day of the new university term, waking Jules with the sound of their dog returning with Arsinoe from her run. Jules’ kitten, Camden, climbed on her chest and pawed at Jules’ face until she opened her eyes.

Day one of the plan initiate.

Jules threw herself out of bed and super casually entered the kitchen where Arsinoe was sitting on the bench eating toast while scrolling through her phone. Arsinoe acknowledged her with a smile and went back to scrolling.

“So, back at school today? You happy to see your students?” Arsinoe shrugged and nodded, her face still stuffed with Vegemite toast. Jules turns away and feigns picking her nails. “Are you excited to see some members of staff, such as, oh I don’t know, Billy Chatworth,” Jules smiles at the slight choking sound Arsinoe makes behind her. Jules schools her face into concern and turns to face Arsinoe. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m good. And I guess it’ll be good to see some of my work friends.”

February 6 - Mirabella

She was spying on her sister. She probably shouldn’t have been but when she sets things up, like a coffee date between two unknowing participants, she wants to see the results.

She had texted Billy and Arsinoe separately to see if they wanted coffee and luckily, both professors had free time that Tuesday morning. So it was a little devious but if it meant she would beat Jules into getting them together faster, it would be worth it.

The two met in the cafe, as though they were surprised to see each other and sat for nearly an hour before they went their seperate ways. Mirabella smiled and went to drive away when a knock came from the passenger side. Mira jumped and turned her head to meet her sisters irritated eyes. Arsinoe didn’t do anything other than glare at her and then walked away. Message sent.

February 11 - Jules

She was lurking near Arsinoe’s classroom, texting Mirabella to tell her that her most recent attempt was underway. The bell went and bored university first years poured out of Arsinoe’s classroom. Jules watched down the hall as Billy left his classroom, coming straight down the hall. Blending into the freshman, Jules stuck her prosthetic leg out, effectively tripping Chatworth into Arsinoe’s doorframe. Jules quickly walked through the crowd but she didn’t miss Billy smile slightly and walk into Arsinoe’s classroom.

Jules watched and waited and Billy didn’t leave for another half hour. When the two exited the classroom, It was together, both chatting amiably, but Jules didn’t miss the way Billy’s usually flat hair was pushed back or that Arsinoe’s hair, which had been in a ponytail when she left the house that morning, now was down on her shoulders.

They walked away and Jules listened until their footsteps retreated. She left the alcove she was hiding in, only to be met with her best friend’s annoyed posture and face.

“First Mirabella and now you. Explain. Now,” Arsinoe doesn’t seem angry but she also didn’t seem happy. Jules showed no sign of faltering before she responded.

“I was just here looking at classes. Thought I might take a Poli-sci class. Recreationally, y’know,” she says casually. Arsinoe’s eyebrows pinch together before her face goes calm.

“You can sit in on my fourth year class if you want. And don’t think I don’t know that you’re lying to me. I’m going to figure it out,” Arsinoe says and then turns on her stilettos and stalks away.

February 14 - Mirabella

She gives Arsinoe chocolate. It was a talent she picked up in high school to forge handwriting (not that anyone needs to know why) and it was paying off because Arsinoe was receiving chocolate from Billy, or so she thought.

Jules and her were crouching behind a wall where the teacher’s pigeonholes were, watching Arsinoe approach her own to get her daily letters. Arsinoe smiles and pick up the box of chocolates. Jules and Mirabella smiled at each other.

“What are you two doing?” Mirabella and Jules jumped and stood, turning nervously to be met with none other than Billy Chatworth. He glances around them to see Arsinoe and frowns. “Why are you spying on Arsinoe? Are you struggling to speak with her?” He asks. Mirabella sighs internally. Why must Billy be so intuitive? Of course if he wasn’t, Arsinoe probably would even notice him, let alone be attracted to him.

“We were just…” She struggles to form an excuse.

“Mira, Jules, what are you two doing here?” Arsinoe’s voice joins the conversation. Mirabella and Jules wince and turn.

“Hey, Arsinoe,” Mirabella says, trying to come up with an excuse. She was good at forgery but a terrible lier. Arsinoe raises an eyebrow. She transfers her gaze to the man standing behind them.

“It seems the entire education faculty has left you gifts, Chatworth. You might want to get onto that before Pietyr notices,” Billy nods and rounds the three, entering the office. Arsinoe turns back to them.

“If your going to spy on me and forge a love letter, do it with more subtlety. Have a good day both of you. I’m sure you can find the exit of campus relatively easy. Goodbye,” she pushes between the two of them, walking off in the direction of her classroom.

June 19 - Jules

“We need to plan this better. Arsinoe’s figured us out every time and you could probably assume she knows what we’re up to,” Mirabella says. They sit at Mirabella’s kitchen counter, a notebook full of crossed out plans and ideas in front of them. Mirabella’s head leans on Jules’ shoulder in slight defeat.

“Maybe we just need to lock them in a room together,” Jules said. Mirabella pointed at the notebook. Oh right, they had tried that. They probably should have considered the fact that Arsinoe could pick locks at the time. “Maybe we should just give up. They don’t seem to be taking the bait. I mean, Arsinoe kicked me out this morning just so she could have a guy over without me having to share a wall with her. She seemed serious about him and I think I would have noticed if it had been Billy.”

“We can’t give up. Billy and Arsinoe are destined to be together,” Mirabella asserts.

“How do we know?”

“Can’t you tell just by looking at them,” Mirabella finds a photo of the two she had taken during a ‘recon mission’. They were an extremely cute pair, smiling at each other like they had just pulled off the worlds greatest prank.

“Ugh, fine. I say we try locking them in a room together again, but this time an electronic one, like the uni has,” Jules says, drawing the lock on the page, circling the places where pickable locks weren’t there.

“Let’s do it,” they locked eyes and Jules ignored the butterflies at seeing Mirabella’s smile. Now was not the time.

June 25 - Mirabella

They were sitting outside the door of the room she has shoved Arsinoe and Billy in, waiting. Jules was listening with her ear pressed against the door for signs of something. Mirabella was watching Jules’ mouth. She was thrown by her recent crush on her sister’s best friend, it had been a long time since she had liked anyone like that, not since she broke up with Bree last year. It was proving troublesome for their mission. She was trying to get two people to fall in love, not fall in love herself.

“Jules, what if they got out somehow?”

“They haven’t. They’re talking. I just can’t tell what they’re saying,” Jules leans against the door further.

“Jules,” Mirabella starts, making the brunette turn her head. “Did you maybe want to go for coffee after this?” Jules turned to her, watching her closely with her mismatched eyes as if trying to figure her out.

“To plan another move?” She asks, making Mirabella shake her head.

“No, just to talk. Kinda like… like a date,” Jules goes completely still and then her cheeks go bright red.

“I would like that, immensely- oof!” Jules grunted as her and Mirabella fell backward into the room. Billy and Arsinoe stood above them, smiling like a couple of little shits.

“I take offence that you thought I couldn’t hack this lock. But hey, success anyway,” Mirabella’s eyebrows furrowed.

“What are you talking about?”

“You and Jules obviously. All we had to do was string you along for a time long enough for you to have crushes on each other and then even longer for you to ask each on a date. You really tested our patience,” Arsinoe steps over them and they sit up.

“What are you talking about?” Jules asks. Arsinoe sends her a sharp smile.

“You think I didn’t know what you two were up to months ago? Please. So Billy and I hatched a plan to get you two together and we succeeded,” Mirabella frowned, looking at Billy, who shrugged.

“But… we were trying to get you two together,” Mirabella says, still evidently confused. Arsinoe smiles wider.

“Billy and I have been together since last December. We just didn’t get to talk much over the holidays because he was away. You two just assumed we weren’t, which is on you. Have a good coffee date,” she takes Billy’s hand and they walk down the hall together.

Mirabella look at Jules. Jules looks back at Mirabella. Sure, they got played, but all’s well that ends well.

[shiro-0197]

Omg that sounds so cute 😭😭😭 I do that sometimes too. Mostly little faces and hearts and the beats turn out horrific 😳 I'm glad you had the time to do so, love :D

awww thank you, I feel much better about it now. You're right, taking a rest is suitable. I was just so focused on other stuff I never got around to studying, but I will definitely do so next month 😅😚

oh I see!! Good luck with those, you're gonna do so amazingly well xx 💖💖💖 hmm they're not the same. So we start our school year in January, and we have a first quarter exam in march, then another midterm in June/July, then a second quarter exam in September, and our finals somewhere in November (and then we get a break from November to December, and resume on the 2nd of January), tho we have many week-long holidays in between, like after our midterms (two weeks) and after the quarter exams (one week each). That's before quarantine. Now, due to quarantine, we didn't have our finals because school was out, so the school postponed it to January, when school reopens xD it sucks because we didn't even have lessons for most of the topics which are supposed to come out, and self studying is rubbish, honestly. But I think I'll be okay if I put in the hours <3

awww 😭😭 that's okay maybe use a pillow to muffle it. Oh how I'd love to give you a headpat rn. I love headpats, do you like them too?

RIVER PHOENIX BESTEST BOY. I love his name so much too, ahdbsksj!! I mean... LOOK AT HIM?? PRECIOUS, BEAUTIFUL, ANGEL.

(He's not alive anymore tho... He passed away on Halloween's day 27 years ago. His story is such a sad one, actually. I have to hold back tears when u think about it)

I'm glad you liked them!! I don't share classical music recommendations with people, you're the special exception, but I'm so happy you like it. It's very soft and soothing, and river flows in you is my favourite thing to play on the piano 😣💖

KSBSKSHSKJ CUTE CUTE CUTE YOUR VIRTUAL DATE SOUNDS ADORABLE GOSH IM MELTING. 😭😭 Poor Kuro, I hope the store restocks some of that juice for him skdjsksk. It's nice that you have someone to spend time like that with. Life is so much more fun when you have someone with you to spend the boring days away. I'm so glad you have Kuro, the two of you sound so wonderful together.

ah yes!! Abigail made it. She's hoping to start a baked goods business in the future, so she practices a lot, and that's nice because whenever I go over the house smells really good. I loved seeing them all too. I nearly cried when I saw Hri (anime protagnist friend sjdjsks it's such a mouthful to type, so that's his nickname xD) because I'd missed him a lot, so I was really really happy. He sat on the floor and let me braid his hair and tie it up, since it's grown so long now!!

Really? I didn't know that but I'm so glad you think so. You make me so happy, I hope you know that.

AHHH yes I really did miss you more, bae 😭💖 didn't not think about you :) I'm glad, it's always so nice to rant with a best friend. I hope things with his family get better!! and oof 😭😭 I never knew that about phones, but it makes sense, extremes of temperature would definitely affect the battery life :( shame that it happened tho!!

I love you too, my wonderful Shiro. Thank you for existing, and always putting a smile on my face.

—miss i'll-braid-your-hair-someday-too-shiro 💖

Heheheh, yes, every time the sounds are like music composed from the cries of the sinful souls right from Hell. It's too fun to pass, though

I'm really glad, also thanks a lot!!!

Damn ... school system is so differnet everywhere. Even the school start, ours starts at first of September😭 It's usually 3 exams per term for each subject, and there are 4 terms. 2 of the exams are for the unit we had passed, and the 3rd exam is what I like to call the final exam, and its has questions of everything we had passed in the term. Or semester. idk how it's called anymore😩 I just know that they're not divided equally (one is two months, one is three, one is 3,5, the other one is 2,5 or something🤨) and it bothers me a lot. Could've done it a little more organized.... pain😞😞

Yeah, selfstudying is really hard... you just lose focus and it's difficult to understand something with all those weird words. For me, at least. With a study buddy i could at least brag that I'm ahead of them XDD I'm sure you can do it, though! Good luck<33

I like to give out headpats!! But, I guess, to have one from you would be lovely😭

Omg!!!! He looks so gorgeous??!? It's such a shame he died at such a young age:((( rest in peace, River Phoenix😖

Ohhh!! Am I, now? That's cute, I'm glad🥺 I'd love to listen to you playing it someday🥺

Hahah, I know right!! I've been thinking about how cute it sounded, tbh I wanted to draw that but really haven't been feeling up to it XD I'm also very happy to have him. It gets lonely around here :( I'm also very glad to have you! And your sweet messages. It's really a relief, knowing someone so wonderful cares about you. Makes me feel even more special, you know?

Ohh that sounds so good!! I wish her luck, I'm sure she'll succeed. That cookie looked gorgeous, bet it tasted great too😋😋 Also that's so sweet omg???? I'm glad you got to see him🥺🥺 and he let you braid his hair what a wonderful man😍🤭

You make me very happy too!!<33

You're making my heart dance rn wth😭😭💞 you're right, it's really nice to just ramble on about stuff with you♡♡ I really hope so as well, but I think it's really better to hope that they can move out. I wish I could help them fjnancially:(

Yeah phones are kinda annoying like that sometimes >:(( it sucks, but at least they do what they need to hehe

Thank you so much for everything, for everything you've told me, for everything you showed me and everything you wished me, you never fail to make my day better💕💕💞💓

[dariusrufus-blog]

Lucky Ones

Tagging: Camilo & Niko Location: NYC Pride Parade, Manhattan Time Frame: Sunday, June 25, 2017 General Notes: Nikolai and Camilo get to know each other more

Camilo was nervous. He didn’t want to ruin this event for Nikolai especially after being told how important it was for him. Truth of the matter was that Camilo feared there would be someone that would try to act up leaving him no choice but to lash out. He had been avoiding large crowds for that very reason. If this was going to be their first outing as whatever they were, Camilo didn’t want to show Nikolai a side of him he preferred remained hidden. He ran his hand through his hair one last time in front of the bathroom mirror of the event space before making his way towards where his future fiance had told him he’d be. After a few minutes of looking around, Camilo caught Niko but noticed he was working. A smile pulled at his lips as he watched and he quickly looked away, opting to assist a woman that was carrying some boxes. “Here.Let me help.” He followed her to where they needed to be stacked up and when he turned around, the blonde he had come here for was before his eyes. “Hey.” He chuckled slightly nervous and stuffed his hands into his jean pockets. “I made it. As promised. How can I help?”

Nikolai recognized that voice, turning on his heels just in time to see his fiance shuffling boxes around. He knew that his coworkers were following his gaze, their eyes moving between Camilo and the growing smile on the blonde’s face, but he couldn’t have cared less.;“ Hey.“ He echoed, voice easily giving away his excitement. The crowd was filing in around them, the sound system crackling to life.“ Absolutely nothing. I’m technically off the clock unless they page me in,“ ( He did a lot of the behind the scenes stuff; scheduling performers, making sure things got printed, creating ribbons, etc etc. ) “ So we’re free to have fun. – That’s okay, right? I mean, if you’d rather work I’m sure we could shove you in with the volunteers. “ He teased.

Camilo could feeleveryone’s gaze burning into them and it was almost laughable. Did they want a show? Camilo could do shows. “Hey.” he repeated himself and looked around as others went back to their designated assignments. A soft laugh escaped his lips and he leaned in to whisper into Nikolai’s ear, “I think we’re being watched. Just putting it out there. I have suspicions.” He pulled back with a smirk and then cleared his throat, sliding his hand into Nikolai’s and threading their fingers together.”Yes. That’s totally okay. Actually, I was hoping you’d be off the clock so you can show me around? This is actually my first Pride as embarrassing as it sounds. I just never got around to it and my friends in school were lame and I’m one of those people that can’t do events by myself. God, I’m just a winner aren’t I?” He laughed and looked over to his fiance. “I saw a couple of protesters out there. If they give you any trouble, you’ll let me know, right?” He wanted this event to run smoothly for Nikolai and his co-workers. Camilo didn’t have the patience nor the creativity to pull something like this off so he respected them for what they were doing. Those protesters needed to find somewhere else to spread their hate.

Nikolai’s heart stalled as Camilo leaned into him, so close that he could feel the boy’s breath on his skin. “O-Oh?” He asked, playing dumb. Most of his coworkers had already sat through the whole ‘I met my match and he’s adorable’ story at least two times. They were probably just amused and curious to see the face that their little Niko was apparently so fond of. Feeling Camilo’s hand in his, the taller boy couldn’t help but to give his future fiance a look that screamed ‘is this okay?’, because frankly, he wasn’t sure. His face felt warm, eyes purposely avoiding all of his friends and instead staying on Camilo. “That’s not embarrassing. A lot of people don’t get to go until their older or, ya know, confident enough and all that. .” Unconsciously, he gave the other’s hand a little squeeze as he spoke. The idea of protesters causing trouble and making everyone uncomfortably, frankly, made Nikolai feel the slightest bit sick. This was meant to be safe and fun.. and he couldn’t deal with that many people being awful at once. “Yeah.” He managed, before trying to swiftly change the topic. “Will do. – Let’s, uh, let’s do something yeah? Where do you want to start?”

Camilo couldn’t believe how adorable he found Nikolai to be. They had met once, talked on the phone a couple of times here and there and sent each other goofy texts and just like that, he found himself smiling more and looking forward to the next text message. Why everyone was so hell bent on making the worst out of this marriage situation was beyond him but for now, Camilo had nothing to complain about. A part of him–that pragmatic side of him–made him wonder if it was all too good to be true. For that, he had his mother to blame, always instilling doubt into him when things were too happy. She wasn’t awful or anything like that but she was afraid to dream unlike his dad and often Camilo found himself struggling between being one or the other. WIth Nikolai however, he was genuinely carefree and he enjoyed it too much to overthink it now. Catching the reaction on his fiance’s face, Camilo reassured him with a soft smile before giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “You have a way of making me feel less self conscious about things by the way. First complement of the day. There are probably more where that came from.” He nodded, taking note of the change in subject but keeping those protesters in mind just in case. “Um. Well…show me where the live music sets up. Can you get that close? Do you have like VIP backstage passes or something? Please stop me, I know I sound like a dork but I have no idea what I’m doing. Also…the floats. Show me the floats. Anything to get you to myself honestly. That’s all I want right now.”

Nikolai genuinely liked being around Camilo. Everyone at work simply said that it was because they were still in their ‘honeymoon’ phase, that the idea of being together was still so new and because they got along so swimmingly, the whole deal was just blown up. The younger hardly believed that this was a phase though, soon to blow over once reality settled in and soon they’d be just as bitter as everyone else involved with the law. But Niko refused to believe it. He refused to think that all of these happy feelings would just vanish at the drop of a hat come their wedding day. “Careful, too many of those and my ego will swell. “ He replied, easily returning the boy’s gentle smile. “Both of those can easily be arranged. My pass will get us in wherever you like- backstage included.” He did his best to play off the fact that he’d just said that he wanted to be alone with Nikolai, ignoring how nice that sounded to him as well. Just the two of them alone together. – The activist waved his friends goodbye and began to lead the way. Toward the source of all the noise and static were the mics were going through their final tests.

Camilo looked down at their joined hands and smiled to himself mostly. What was this feeling? It was too easy but he was thankful for it. All the concerns he had of Nikolai not liking him or thinking he was too distant or too strange melted away the moment they began talking the other night and since then, they haven’t been able to stop. Each conversation was a new topic on their upbringing, their lives, the things they enjoyed doing or just run of the mill, trivial things. If Camilo was being honest with himself,he’d say he was impressed by it all. “I’m gonna have to be careful then. Limit you to three compliments per day maybe.” He chuckled, following him towards the stage and listening to the other intently. He was in such awe of what he had learned about Nikolai’s occupation thus far. For Camilo, it was always easy to use his fists to get a point across but Niko was doing the opposite. Niko was doing a lot of good and he was using his words–something Camilo struggled with. “So…do they think I’m your boyfriend or are they aware that we’ve been matched?” He looked over his shoulder towards the waving friend and he waved too to help give off a good impression. These were Nikolai’s friend after all. That alone spoke volumes for how different they were. When they approached the stage, Camilo smiled as he looked everything over, choosing to sit at the edge and pull Niko gently towards him to sit beside him. He looked out to the closed street and sighed. “To think this will be crowded with people in no time.” He glanced over to Niko. “Ever get nervous? Is it ever too much? I know why you do it and I wish I had an ounce of your courage but does your heart beat so much it feels like it’s going to jump out of it’s chest?”

Nikolai couldn’t help but laugh sweetly when he glanced over to see Camilo waving as well. He was trying so hard to ensure that everyone liked him and Niko couldn’t help but find it adorable. “They know we’re matched.” He explained, “After all, my letter was delivered to the office instead of my apartment. So that all got to see my expression when it arrived. Granted, it was closed the entire time, but.” He shrugged. It made little difference. Just so long as Niko was happy ( and that happiness was genuine ) they’d support him. Even if the marriage was made by the government. The blonde let out a tiny ‘oof’ as he was tugged in the direction of the stage, then led to sit beside Camilo. He had to admit, it was a good spot to watch everyone from. – — For a moment, he sat quietly. Trying to think back to a time that he genuinely felt afraid and overwhelmed because of his job. “Sometimes me and a couple of the other younger activists in our company will be asked to speak in high schools.” He admitted, not daring to look back at Camilo. “They ask us to say our life stories and end it with ‘it gets better’. – Like, I get it. It gives them something to relate to. But.. I dunno. I always feel like my heart’s going to explode or someone too close to the situation is going to be listening or.. I dunno.” He took his fiance’s hand into his lap, playing with it absentmindedly. “So, yes- sometimes I feel that way. Like during those speeches or when there’s a lot of anger in a crowd. I’m not good with large amounts of protesters. But no, not at times like this. “

Camilo turned his attention back on Nikolai, listening to his explanation of what his friends knew about who he was. “Delivered to your office, huh? So you had quite the spectators. Poor you.” He chuckled, glad that he was alone and in the privacy of his apartment for his. Camilo pushed himself back so he was sitting more comfortably, taking in the silence and looking up at the sky. No signs of rain and he felt incredibly relieved that Nikolai would have good weather for this event. “If it’s worth anything? I think what you do is incredibly brave. I could never do it. I would just stand there, wide eyed and stammer for the majority of the discourse. And the fact that you care enough to try and make a difference is also amazing in itself. I could have used a public speaker like you or your group. Maybe it would have made a difference. Maybe I would have been less angry.” He slides an inch so that the gap is closed between them. His thumb manages to graze over Nikolai’s knuckles before he allows his hand to stay on the other’s lap. “I never understood why people think it’s okay to crash these events with their own agenda. Everything you do…all of this? It’s about love and they have no problem spreading that hate. It’s just…I’m sorry that happens.” He felt himself getting slightly riled up, thinking back at the small group of people protesting and spouting homophobic slurs. He can still hear them despite being far away. It was enough to make his blood boil but he didn’t want Nikolai seeing that side of him. Sure they were supposed to be getting married in just a few short weeks but it didn’t mean he didn’t have his reservations. Nikolai was pure. He was good–everything Camilo probably didn’t deserve and Nikolai needed Camilo to be the closest thing to that to make this work. “Show me the floats.” He murmured, biting his bottom lip and glancing towards Nikolai once more. This was so strange–feeling already so comfortable with him. It was like an ongoing first date and that fluttery feeling you get when it’s going amazingly well. Camilo had never been in a long term relationship mostly because he never found the right person and now being in this situation, it made him wonder how he got here and so quickly. He’d have to tell Tony about it later. He definitely liked Nikolai and playing with that feeling and what it meant for the two of them was something he intended to do. “I saw some over there. Really impressive work. I thought I’d see them up front before it gets packed out here.” Of course it meant walking closer to the protesters but Camilo’s protective side was already on full force.

Nikolai leaned into the boy as the space was closed between them, shoulders and knees brushing each other. If this were a normal date, he would have shyed away. Put some distance between them out of discomfort. – But that was just the thing. Even when they were this close, Niko didn’t feel pressured or out of place.. He just felt warm. “You’re just saying that,” He mused lightly, admiring the way the way their hands fit together just right. “But thank you.” It was hard to imagine Camilo being afraid of anything ( especially something as mundane as public speaking ) but he played along, because in some ways it did actually make him feel better about being a sheepish dork. “Some people just don’t like this.” He admitted, giving the boy’s hand a little squeeze before glancing his way. “They just don’t see it as love. They think they’re going to scare us straight.” The older boy probably wasn’t around it enough to realize that people like them were a common occurrence. They didn’t just show up at big events like pride, they were everywhere. Nothing really shocked him anymore. “Okay,” They replied, carefully slipping off he edge of stage and leading the way once again. The crowd had filled in so he kept his fiance close, careful not to get exasperated as they weaved between so many happy, bouncing people. Of course this was just the beginning of the crowd, but still a lot to walk through. Nikolai didn’t realize how close they were to protesters until he could hear them, their voices raised just above the music and commotion. “–Maybe we should go the other way.” He mumbled, “I’ll tell the others to call the cops and get them further off the ground or something..” Niko pretended like he couldn’t hear them, lightly tugging at Camilo’s hand to go the long way.

Camilo smirked at nothing in particular except for his thoughts. Had someone told him a week ago that he’d be out getting to know his fiance, he’d be in disbelief for sure. They were doing things out of order of course. First comes love then comes marriage, etc but he didn’t really mind this if it meant they’d end up in the right direction. If there was something Camilo enjoyed it was comfort and already he felt that with Nikolai whether it meant he viewed him as good friend and or a potential mate would soon be determined. Eight now seven weeks wasn’t exactly ideal but what choice did they have? Nikolai was being pushed into this too. He listed intently, giving Niko’s hand a gentle squeeze as well. “I know. I dealt with my fair share of bullies. It was rough growing up latino in such a strict and rigid household but I was pleasantly surprised at how accepting my parents were. I realized I liked boys when I was pretty young. I think I was 11. Anyway…I was afraid to talk to them about it but they were amazing. It wasn’t easy dealing with the opposite of that from people I met out in the world. As they made their way through the crowd, Camilo was met with a lot of acceptance. Tons of people smiled in their direction or made comments of how cute they were. One couple told them they made a nice pair and while typical Camilo would correct them, it was nice to hear so he kept to himself. When they stopped at the end of one path, Camilo glared at the protesters holding up their signs and starting trouble with the event guests. He was about to say something but Nikolai’s voice served as an anchor. The other was visibly upset and it bothered Camilo knowing these people were responsible for it. “Hey guys, just…don’t listen to them.” He spoke to the others surrounded them but the protesting continued even louder. The crowd was doing a good job at ignoring but it was Niko’s tone of voice dripping with concern and fear that really rattled Camilo. When he felt his hand being tugged, Camilo shook off the frustration and began following his fiance when he heard the derogatory terms thrown in their direction. It was clear as day and Camilo squeezed Niko’s hand to let him know he was going to let go for a minute. “What did you say?” he turned to face the only man who had the audacity to step up to him while the rest of his crew stepped away. Again, the man repeated the words and Camilo was ready to go when his guilt stopped him. He clenched his fists instead, shielding Niko by standing in front of him. “If you don’t leave now, the cops will be called and surely you don’t want to spend the night in jail.” He practically sneered and was ready to turn around when the protester shouted out to Niko referring him to him as the ‘blonde’, spewing the derogatory term at him this time and just like that, Camilo lost it, marching back towards the older man, curling his fingers around his collar and removing him from the scene. He hailed one of the cops that was working the parade over to where they were but not before grilling the man. “Apologize to him. Apologize to him and we’ll think about NOT pressing charges for a hate crime. Tell him you’re sorry. DO IT!” He had a few seconds before the cop approached them and Camilo put the protester down on his feet as he angrily apologized for his behavior. It wasn’t genuine and so Camilo let the officer know that this man had been bothering a peaceful event. “He insulted my boyf–fiance.” He corrected, surprised at his own damn self for saying that outright. “I was only removing a threat from the premises.” He felt oddly proud of himself for not escalating the issue in a violent way. Typical Camilo would be getting arrested as well. Once he was clear to go, he turned around to face Nikolai, horror stricken at his own behavior and he ran a hand through his hair. “Hey…I shouldn’t be here. I’m sorry. That was…pretty tame compared to what I usually get myself into and I can’t be exposing you to that. Not on your day. You planned this. It’s not fair to you.” The others around them were cheering Camilo on which only made him feel more sick about the whole thing. “I’m so sorry, Niko.”

Nikolai couldn’t help but feel as though this relationship (??) had the potential to work out. They’d only just met days ago, a few conversations serving as fillers, but already he was so comfortable and fond of the boy who now fit so perfectly by his side. It made him wonder why so many complained about the law. “Your parents must have really loved you.” He breathed, trying to picture in his mind what that would have felt like. To have a family who supported him no matter what. Inwardly, he wished he could met Camilo’s parents before they passed away. — — It all went downhill so quickly. Nikolai tried to tell the other to calm down, that it wasn’t anything he hadn’t gotten before and that he would be okay, but his voice was barely audible. Before he knew it Camilo’s hand was gone from his and he was standing in front of him. Protecting him from all of this. That hand squeeze meant that everything was fine, but he didn’t feel fine. His heart was racing as though he knew something bad was about to happen. And surely enough, it did. Niko made an attempt to reach out to Camilo, to stop him from approaching the man, but it was too late and his hands were already on him. The younger was absolutely stunned; glued in place while Camilo removed the man from the premises and toward one of the off-site cops. They were too far to eavesdrop on, just the sound of muffled raised voices among everyone else. Someone asked if he was alright but he barely noticed, removing himself from the crowd and more off to the side toward a building. Hey. Nikolai glanced up to find Camilo still in one piece and he’d never felt so relieved in his life. The man was a fighter, and yet, he had been so afraid for him. And it wasn’t like Niko could have done anything to help if he had gotten hurt.. He’d just stood there. Stupid and helpless. Everything his fiance was saying fell on deaf ears, tears starting to swell up as Niko reached out for him. There was so much he wanted to say but his mind was swimming, so he just wrapped his arms around his fiance’s neck and hid his face among the fabric of his shirt.

Camilo was stunned by Nikolai’s reaction. Not the tears. The tears were literally destroying him. It was the embrace. By now, anyone with half a mind would have left or argued with Camilo on his reaction. He knew he was in the wrong. Not completely, of course. The protester deserved to be apprehended but Camilo needed to learn to control that temper. He had gotten better after years of therapy but there was still a fire with him that once it’s ignited, he only sees red. Everyone has a tipping point in a given situation and today’s, Camilo’s was the insult directed at Nikolai. It was wild. When had he developed a sense of protection over the other man? They were just getting to know each other after all. His hands remained at his side for a brief moment before he raised one to settle against the back of Niko’s head. “C’mon…don’t cry. I’m sorry.” Instinctively, he kissed the top of the blonde’s head and rested his cheek against it. “I didn’t mean for it to get so bad so quickly. I couldn’t stand it when he said that stuff towards you. Are you alright?”

Nikolai didn’t mean to tear up so easily. The event just left him so overwhelmed and with a million different things filling his head that it just sort of happened regardless of if he wanted them to spill over. “Stop apologizing,” He mumbled against the other’s skin, grateful that he couldn’t see his face when such a gentle kiss was pressed to his head. There was no sobbing, no gross sniffling. He wasn’t upset- just stunned. And frankly, now embarrassed for clinging to the man so quickly. “M’not crying.” Niko lied, pulling back just the tiniest bit, his eyes looking over Camilo’s face as though searching for some kind of scratch for bruise. “I’m fine.. Are you though?? –I thought.. Shit, Camilo. That was dangerous. You could have gotten yourself hurt.”

Camilo suddenly felt foolish for the entire thing which was usually the case. It was a lot worse when he was younger. He was more reckless and with less guidance. One bar fight after the other with no remorse and often no recollection of what had occurred the night prior. “You’re not?” He asked with a soft smile and pulled away reluctantly. He knew he was about to be scrutinized and Camilo smiled again as Nikolai examined his face. “I’m fine. I told you what I do for a living. That guy didn’t stand a chance.” He knew he sounded cocky and perhaps he should learn to tone it down but as long as the adrenaline coursed through his veins, Camilo was on some other level. Still, he was learning to be calmer which he was glad for now that he had an actual relationship to nurture. Sort of. “I mean…I’m fine. I honestly just hate that kinda thing and I know that the world is full of people like that guy but God, it was instant. I saw red the moment he said something to you. I’m not allowing it. I’d never allow it.” He mumbled the last part, feeling very conflicted with how much he already cared. “Do you want me to go? I can go…I’m a menace to society.” He chuckled softly and sighed. “BUT…And I’m not trying to bribe you but I did bring my bike and maybe when this is all over, I can give you a ride back? I promise it’s better than the train.”

Nikolai almost didn’t want to let him go when he pulled away. “I know.” He breathed, “I know it’s what you do. But still. Getting hurt because of me isn’t worth it. I’d rather my feelings get hurt and you be safe than you go out and get a black eye, or cut or..” Nikolai sighed, folding his arms over his chest. He wasn’t used to this. Being protected and watched over. Like, sure, people at work would stick up for him if they were targeted at events and whatnot but that was different. They were doing it because it was their job and they were friends. But Camilo… He didn’t owe the boy a thing. “I’m just not used to this.” The words escaped his lips before he could stop them, “People going to such extremes just because someone called me-” He stopped short, not daring to repeat the word that made him inwardly cringe. Bad memories attached to such a phrase. “You’re not a menace. What I’m trying to say it– Thank you. For sticking up for me. I was scared to death, but still. You meant well.” It came out more like he was trying to convince himself, than Camilo. “Please. Don’t go. I’ll let you take me home, but stay. Just for a little bit longer.” Even if it was just the two of them pressed against this wall, he wanted to be with him. Just a few more minuets.

Camilo pressed his lips together as Nikolai spoke. It bothered him knowing that he never had any sort of protection. What about his family? People that were supposed to care after him? “Well, get used to it.” He grumbled almost childishly. “It was nothing. Really. I’d do it for… “ He stopped himself before he was caught in some blatant lie. Truth be told, Camilo wouldn’t do this for just anyone. There were few people that held his loyalty. Friends, family and most recently AJ but Camilo felt immediately drawn to Nikolai and it was more than just the attraction that made him want to do this for him but it wasn’t something he had a name for. It would be too soon to attach any sort of label to what he was feeling. He knew that. The pragmatic part of him was what kept him at bay sometimes. “You’re welcome, Nikolai. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you. And I’m doing it because I want to. I enjoy looking after the people that I care for so don’t take that away from me, deal? I’ll be more careful though. No black eyes. No cuts. Our future wedding photographer will hurt me.” He chuckled, the crowed turning away from them and now enjoying the band on the stage. “Okay. I’ll stay.” He wondered how much longer he had with Niko now. Was he officially off the clock or would he have to run back to help out with the event. “Are you done now? With work? Do you get to enjoy the rest of the afternoon?” He was asking almost selfishly and pressed closer against Niko when someone asked Camilo to let them through. A bashful smile pulled at the corner of his lips as his eyes flickered up to meet the blonde’s gaze. Striking blue eyes that Camilo hadn’t noticed the first time they met left him almost speechless. “Huh.” He then chuckled. “Is it cheesy if I tell you your eyes are beautiful? Yeah. That’s very cheesy. Super cheesy. Wow. i’m batting a thousand, huh?” He grinned and leaned in to kiss Niko’s cheek. “Thank you for inviting me, kjekk” He murmured against the other’s skin and pulled back only slightly before sliding his hand back into his fiance’s.

Nikolai smiled softly, allowing his arms to unfold and fall by his sides once again. Truth be told he wasn’t sure that being looked out for and protected by someone was something he could get used to. But he liked the sound of it. It made him feel less alone in the world. “— Deal.” He quietly agreed, chuckling at the mention of a wedding photographer. “Not just them, I’ll kick your butt too.” His voice was playful but deep down, he knew he’d be tempted to get after the boy if Camilo got hurt doing something as goofy as protecting the younger. “– Yup. If they needed me they would have said something by now. – I’m all yours until you get sick of me. “ He replied, trying to assist in letting the person slip past them though all he really did was press his back to the wall. They were so close, gaze locked on each other, that their really wasn’t anywhere else he could go. A beat passed and Nikolai was absolutely baffled, trying to figure out what Camilo was so interested by. He began to ask if something was wrong or on his face but was cut off by the other’s remark on his eyes. At first he didn’t know what to say; Parting his lips as though he knew, but no sound would come out. Instead he just stood there, blushing for what felt like the millionth time. ( Apparently he’d just have to get used to looking like a tomato in front of his husband-to-be since it was happening so often now. ) “Cheesy, yeah.” He managed, “But sweet. Unbelievably so. I-I, uh. Thank you.” The kiss was enough to make his stomach swarm with butterflies, turning this way and that. He felt like a child, learning how to date and behave all over again. Because this… this was all so new. And yet, he felt so unbelievably happy. “You missed.” He replied, a sheepish smile tugging the corner of his mouth upward. Fingers lacing together, Nikolai closed the space between them and gently pressed their lips together.

Camilo hadn’t dated someone in quite some time. It was mostly because of personal choice. Too busy or too many excuses to get on any sort of relationship track. This was nice and refreshing to him. The witty banter, the playful tone, the mindless flirtations…it all brought him back to why he enjoyed this part of embarking on something new with someone else. “All mine, huh? Those are some dangerous choice of words there. I might take advantage of that.” Already, the concerns her had coming into this were distant and the anger he felt towards the protester was mostly gone. “Just being honest.” And he was. He couldn’t imagine how it was possible that no one had ever told Nikolai that. As a matter of fact, Camilo was sure that he had heard that plenty of times before. As he was pulling away and as Nikolai spoke, he arched a brow in response to the blonde’s words. “Missed?” And before he could say anything further, his lips had been captured. Now kissing was something else that Camilo had missed and God, did he miss it. With his free hand, he cupped Nikolai’s face, pressing against him and completely forgetting for the time being where they were. Not like anyone would notice. The crowd seemed incredibly pleased with the entertainment anyway. It was like he had allowed himself to get lost in something that made him happy for once. He had lived a life that often times was too rigid and despite his desire to constantly go against the norm, he still found himself possessing his mother’s traits. For the first time in quite some time, Camilo allowed himself to relax and he tilted his head to deepen their kiss, closing his eyes as his thumb caressed Niko’s face. It was unconventional. Everything was backwards. It was supposed to be date first, kiss second, propose third, end up in marriage with kids but this was completely backwards and he couldn’t help but think that maybe that’s what made it exciting. He pulled away only slightly, making sure to remain close to his future husband and he brushed Niko’s hair to the side as a grin pulled at the corner of his lips. “Remind me never to miss again.”

Nikolai usually wasn’t this brave. In previous relationships he’d steal tiny kisses when he knew people weren’t particularly looking at them or put his arms around his date if the situation allowed. Never had he just pulled someone toward him and kissed them like a teenager in the middle of a crowded space ( PDA was never his shtick. Nor was he that daring. ) But with Camilo, he knew that if he didn’t kiss this boy he’d regret it for the rest of his life. Their eyes glued to each other, Niko’s mind floating- He couldn’t help but want to close the distance between them. To kiss him until they were both pink and out of breath. So that’s exactly what he’d done. – And imagine his delight when his fiance kissed him back !! The blonde smiled into the buss, his free hand ( the one that wasn’t holding his husband-to-be’s ) moved to the small of the male’s back. All the voices and music around them seemed to fade into the background. “I can do that,“ He breathed as they separated ever so slightly, pale blue eyes fluttering open to meet the other’s. Niko saw Camilo’s smile and couldn’t help but mimic it, expression splitting into a childish grin. “ –Stop that.” He chuckled, still somewhat out of breath. “Being cute and knowing what to say. It’s hard to compete.”

Camilo leaned in to press soft kisses along Niko’s jaw, grinning at his words and stopping to look up at him again. “I’m not the cute one here.” He muttered and snaked an arm around his waist. “No matter how hard I try, I’ll never be able to compete with you, Niko.” He pressed another kiss against his lips and another before letting out a soft chuckle. It truly tickled him how quickly he had grown to feel this into someone. Intimacy wasn’t something Camilo struggled with and he wasn’t going to fight against the instant attraction he felt towards Nikolai. It was as if he was getting to know someone after meeting them for the first time with the only difference being he supposed to wed Niko in about seven weeks. There was still a lot of nerves there and definitely a lot of questions. It had only been a week since they met and sure he felt a lot more comfortable now but Camilo had a lot to learn about his fiance. Fiance. Just thinking about the title filled him with a combination of emotions. He knew it was crazy. Years ago had someone told him this would be how he met the man he was going to marry, Camilo would have laughed and incredulously so. Aware that he really had no choice now, he was starting to care less about that part and focus more on getting to know Nikolai. “After the first act, do you want to find see if we can get dinner somewhere in the city? Or we can go back to my place?” A devilish grin pulled at his lips. “I can ‘throw down’ in the kitchen as promised and we can watch a movie or something. Up to you.”

Niko couldn’t believe that this boy was his. He’d heard all of the horror stories; people meeting their government assigned match and hating their guts, sleeping separate bedrooms, putting on fake smiles for their children.. There were so many things that could go wrong. And yet watching Camilo smile and kiss at him, he couldn’t help but feel like everything was okay. That maybe, just maybe, it didn’t bother him that the law had picked out his husband for him. “That’s such bull and you know it.” He replied, playfully rolling his eyes upward toward the sky. As much as he loved it, Niko wasn’t used to getting so much praise. Not on his eyes, his appearance, or anything else. It was borderline shocking to hear that someone (anyone) even thought these things. “I vote for the later,” Niko replied, eyes lighting up at the idea. Perhaps he was pushing it a bit, inviting himself over to his fiance’s house after their first date.(… Wasn’t that a bit cliche?) But the idea of watching Camilo cook and the two of them getting all cozy with a movie.. It was too perfect to pass up. He laughed at the mention of ‘throwing down’, leaning into his fiance’s touch with a coy smile. “– Sounds perfect.” A gentle kiss was pressed to his lips, grin ever present. “I did say I was yours until you got sick of me, didn’t I?”

Camilo chuckled and then bit his lip. He couldn’t help but think how he was one of the lucky ones. Nikolai was everything Camilo thought he’d never find in a partner mostly because of his own setbacks. “It’s not!” His grin widened despite being honest in that response. Niko was definitely the kinder, cuter, sweeter of the two of them but Camilo wasn’t about to disagree or fight his opinions. “The latter was what I was hoping for.” His smile remained as he began thinking about what he’d make him. Maybe something traditional and Colombian so that he could show off his skills. The truth was that Camilo was ecstatic to do this one thing for Niko Smiling onto his fiance’s kiss, Camilo pressed another kiss against the other’s lips and chuckled. “You did say that. And I don’t think I’ll be getting sick of you anytime soon by the way.” It was all so exciting to him; giving himself the chance to break out of his usual mold and letting himself have this one thing. Maybe this law wasn’t such a terrible thing after all. “Mine.” He smirked before claiming Niko’s lips once more, the vibrations of the music in the background thumping hard in his chest as he pulled him close one more time. He couldn’t get enough of the blonde and maybe it was because this was all new but he was enjoying himself too much to overthink it right now. He couldn’t think of a better way to spend Pride Sunday.

Niko could feel eyes on the back of his head, parade goers glancing at the close and cozy couple as they passed by. But still, he made no effort to detangle himself from his fiance. He was happy and… Well, not ‘in love’ but something was definitely there; A spark every time they touched or their lips brushed against each other. Some of his relationships prior (self-chosen ones of course) didn’t even get that kind of reaction. So this – It was something else. Camilo made him genuinely happy. “Good.” The boy smirked, fingers playing the hem of the other’s shirt. “Cause I’m not ready to let you go yet.” Texting was nice, but actually having him in his grasp, being able to hold and kiss him, was so much better. And he was just getting used to this feeling.. Selfish as it might be, he didn’t want to say goodbye. Not yet.— – ‘Mine’. Such a simple word, and yet it made his heart feel as though it skipped a beat. “All yours,” he mumbled between kisses, the phrase barely audibly above the commotion going on around them.

[season2ep3]

glass animals- toes