C.E.O x C.E.O

Ch. 29 - Not So Fucked

Despite the rough start, James still seems to be able to enjoy basking in the near noon sunlight. It's a windy day, their hoods and hats constantly needing to be tugged down to be kept intact. Dmitri had even cracked a stupid joke only James will humor, that he might just have to keep holding him so he won't be blown away. Autumn leaves fly past them, through the breeze. And puddles, lots of puddles. It did rain quite heavily last night, coincidentally after the ceremony had ended.

Regardless of these seasonal distractions, James still does find himself smiling beneath his mask. Dmitri could tell by the crinkling of his eyes. And that's all it takes to make him happy too.

Their titles had been forgotten. Their duties. Their reputation. That silly drama they've uncovered this morning. The harrowing things that happened getting them to where they are now. Just for today, they've decided to push all that aside. Instead, they think about each other. The comfortable heat of each other's hands when their palms are pressed together (though James generally has cold hands, not that Dmitri minds). The sun hiding behind the clouds. They think about finding an umbrella in the case of rain, as greying clouds hover above the city skyscrapers.

"Are you tired?" James asks as they walk over the bridge, at the recreational park they've come across.

"Hah! Yer askin' me?" Dmitri replies firmly. "Just tell me if you are, and I'll carry ya."

To that, James rolls his eyes, an amused sigh muffled by his mask. "We're trying to keep a low profile, my love."

"And yet you call me that in public."

And James scoffs, nudging him away from him. Dmitri has always loved messing with James. In this sense, it's no exception.

It does start slowly raining eventually. Dmitri is never really one to pay attention to the tiny details happening around him, but the occasional dewdrop circles appearing upon the small river they walk pass catches his attention quick. Thankfully, there is a conveniently placed umbrella-renting stall. This city typically rains a lot. It's not uncommon, and Dmitri is more than gratified of the old stallman that greeted them with a sweet smile.

The rain isn't heavy. It's a light pour. It's cozy even. The trickling sound of the rain tapping on their umbrella gives their walk just a little bit more ambience. Dmitri can't recall the last time he took time for himself like this. He'd normally spend his free days drinking or partying or things that'll inevitably bite him in the ass the next morning.

But this. This is so much better. Being with James is so much better.

They're by the bridge again. James has one hand rested on the railing, while another holds the umbrella above them. Figuring his hand would be tired by now, Dmitri slips over his lover's wrist and he takes the umbrella from him. The umbrella's much more secure now with Dmitri's taller figure holding it up. And now James gets to enjoy the view to the fullest, his free hand joining the other on the railing.

Although the view of the river from here is gorgeous, the trees of the boulevard and the skyscrapers reflecting off the surface of the water, Dmitri can only seem to focus on James, whose eyes soften at the sight. His eyes are usually so tense, brows always furrowed, frown always visible, but Dmitri can tell that's not present at this moment. This is who James really is; someone who's soft and thoughtful underneath a cold exterior.

The only other time he recalls ever seeing James so loosened like this was a little while ago, when he found him sitting alone in a storage room, looking down at the city from windowed walls, drunk and concupiscent. The night Dmitri's feelings for him manifested. The night they kissed for the first time.