Speak Loudly.

Chapter 21

Date: August 20th, 2003
Shane: Age 20
Joey: Age 19
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{Shane's Pov}

It seemed like, just like that, things were starting to look better again.

Joey could walk on his own again. We did regular check ups, though we had no chance for therapy, to make sure Joey was not getting any infections or illness that could, unbelievably and terribly horribly, kill him.

But he was no longer puking in his sleep and he started to look a little but healthier.

This made me smile. Because Joey's my world.

Joey: Shaney, I don't even know why you want me to go to this thing with you, you know I don't even like sports.

Joey teased, putting on a soccer jersey that read "Team Graceffa!"

Ever since we moved out, I joined an adults soccer team to play on when Joey was out on treatments or getting medicine or wanting to be alone, which was understandable.

But we ended up turning the team into one that could make money for all the medications Joey still need to take, and our new team name was "Team Graceffa!" With Joey as out mascot who sat on the player bench with us.

Shane: Come on, Joesph. Don't you want to see a little sunshine?

Joey walked over to me from across the room, wrapping his arms around my neck.

Joey: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.

Joey sung, rocking us back from toe to toe. I rolled my eyes and kissed his forehead.

Shane: You're such a cornball. Let's go.

But there was more to this game than just playing soccer and having Joey watched. I let Joey walk out the door ahead of me, and I quickly grabbed the small box from my underwear drawer and tucked it deep into my sock.

Joey would have no idea all of this was a setup.

***

{Joeys Pov}

We made it to the soccer field, and Shane smiled at me from the drivers seat and kissed my cheek. We got out of the car with Shane carrying his bag and water jug, and we were greeted by all the teammates and they cheered as they saw me.

Daniel: Joey! Glad you could make it bud!

Daniel patted me on the back and I smiled at him as they all ran onto the field. Alex and two other men sat next to me on the bench as the others started the game, after the whistle blew.

Joey: Go Shane!

I screamed as Shane seemed to be way too easily passed the ball from the other team. He was always better at this stuff than me anyways.

He dribbled around two defenders making a quick move, and I watched in horror as one defender shoved Shane hard into the ground, and Shane rolled to his back, groaning.

The referees blew the whistle, and one of the linesmen hustled to go grab something by his chair.

Joey: Shane! Oh my god!

I screamed as I ran as fast as I could, which was surprisingly very although I was panting hard, over to Shane. He was lying in a curled up ball on the ground. I kneeled down to him and wiped the hair from his eyes.

Joey: Shoot Shane! Are you okay? Are you hurt??

Shane just groaned and started reaching down his sock.

Joey: Did you pull a muscle!?

Shane shook his head and looked up at me, opening his big blue eyes. He slowly got up on one knee, kneeling in front of me.

When he opened his hand, a small box sat in his hand. He opened it, and a shiny golden ring sat in it, engraved to 'my beloved husband'.

I put my face over my hand in surprise and joyfulness.

He grabbed my left hand in his free one.

Shane: Joey, you make me the happiest man in the world. Will you marry me?

I sobbed tears of happiness and let out a choked "yes" as I nodded my head frantically. The whole crowd that came to watch cheered, and the line man handed me a rose.

I wrapped my arms around Shane's neck and kissed him. He smiled and kissed me back.

Shane: I love you.

Joey: I love you too. You had me scared for a second, I thought you were hurt.

Shane just chuckled and shook his head.

Joey: Don't you have a game to play?

I looked around at all the soccer players and they just laughed and shook their heads as well.

John: It was a set up. Now let's go out to eat, I'm starving.

Shane stood up and helped me up with him, me still wiping off tears from my cheeks.

Shane wrapped his arm around my waist and grabbed his stuff as all the people crowded around us and told us on and on about how cute we were. I had never felt so supported except in California.

***

We got to the restaurant, which was a very expensive Italian place I had never been to before. They sure did give us strange looks as a group of soccer players walked in with me crying.

They escorted us to our seats and took all of our orders. When our food got out I managed to eat more than half of mine.

Shane: It's so good to see you getting healthy again. Joey, I love you.

He told me, with a bit of spaghetti sauce on the corner of his lip.

I laughed and pointed at the spot on my chin, showing him where to wipe on his own.

Shane: Get it for me?

Shane puckered his lips and I laughed, throwing my head back.

Joey: No! That's gross Shane. Get your own crusty spaghetti sauce off your chin.

And I squealed as he kissed me anyways, and he laughed about that too.

Shane: I did it out of love.

Shane explained to me as if he had taught me some kind of a lesson.

Joey: Mhmm, I'm sure.

Shane dramatically threw his hands up in the air, pretending to be upset.

Shane: And now he doesn't think I love him!

I giggled as I grabbed Shane's hands in mine, bringing them down and getting Shane to look at me.

Joey: No, no, no. I believe you. I love you too.

I told him as I kissed him this time.

Shane looked at me once he pulled back and stood up, his wine glass in his hand. Everyone stopped talking and looked at him.

Shane: I would like to make a toast-

Shane said sarcastically and everyone laughed. His face turned into a serious grin, and his voice went normal.

Shane: To the most amazing guy I know,

I blushed and looked down at the ring on my finger.

Shane: Daniel!

Shane said and Daniel stood up and took a few bows and everyone laughed. I rolled my eyes and Shane playfully nudged me.

Shane: Nah just kidding Daniel sit your ass down this one's for Joey.

Everyone laughed again and raised their wine glasses to me, and drank.

Shane sat back down beside me and pulled me close and kissed my temple.

Shane: I love you, Mr.Graceffa.

I smiled.

Joey: And I love you, Mr.Graceffa.

{A/N: OMG sorry it's short but fiancées 💁}