Not a Betrayal

It's Okay, We Will Be Fine

"This is good...If we ever move in together, I am giving up on cooking!!", Mason said gravely, finishing the lunch.

They were seated in the dining table on the outside lawn that connected to the living room. The lawn was, however, covered with a small tarp only covering the table area and it felt like they were out camping.

"What do you mean by 'if'? We are moving in together. And soon.", Russell said, getting up to take their plates back to the sink, "However, wherever we live, here or back in the country, you would get to eat food cooked by me only occasionally."

Mason looked up in confusion, and followed Russell to the kitchen. "Are you dumb? We have people who cook for us. Or rather who does not let us cook. You got to eat this because I asked the staff to leave. Is your brain not working because you are on a leave?", Russell asked, looking back at him.

"Sorry, I got a bit carried away, anyways let me do the dishes.", Mason said, embarrased, trying to change the subject, his ears getting hot again. It has been a constant issue since Russell entered his life. He had never felt his ears being hot or red. Russell really knew what to say, he thought.

"Okay, since I made the food. I like division of labour. It's proven effective.", Russell said, backing up.

Mason started washing them and asked, "So, if it's okay, what's the big plan? I mean, only if you are allowed to talk about it. I am curious."

"Talking about that, yes.", Russell said and came towards Mason. Mason felt Russell's hands wrapping around his waist, in a quick motion. "Aahhh...the final blow", Mason thought, his body shivering as soon as Russell hugged him from the back and gave a little squeeze, before resting his chin on Mason's shoulder. Russell placed a quick peck on Mason's neck and continued,

"Will you be okay if the whole country gets to know my face? Like I won't be your secret Macaron anymore. Everyone will know me..."

Mason stayed quiet for a while, rubbing the pan more than necessary. Then he said, "So you guys are going public?"

"Yep. And I don't want that to change anything between us. It's just, we will have to be a bit discreet. Although I will still accompany you on our shooting classes.", Russell said, tilting his head on Mason's shoulder, trying to see his expression.

Mason smiled and said, "You can leave out the shooting practice. I can get a trainer, you are paying the fees anyways."

"You sure know how to use a rich boyfriend.", Russell said, smiling back.

"Well, I am not always dumb.", Mason said with a knowing smile.

"Listen, I am not the one to bail out on family responsibilities. I can manage that well. The only issue is that what if your face comes up with me. That's why I am planning something, so that your work isn't affected.", Russell said, more to himself.

"You know what? My work has no issues. I am a librarian and game developer. What I do secretly doesn't matter. Only BK knows who I am. Remember, the headquarters do not know our faces, they refer to us with code numbers.", Mason said, turning back within Russell's arms to face him.

"Oohh...I didn't think of that, though. But honestly, you are not embarrassed to be known as the boyfriend of a mafia leader's son, right?", Russell asked, pouting, gripping the kitchen counter now, locking Mason in between his arms.

Mason smiled and put his arms around Russell's neck, water dripping from his hands, "You should be embarrassed about having a poor nobody like me as your boyfriend. Also, you kind of smell bad, please go take a shower."

"Whatever you say, this 'poor nobody' belongs to me. But will it be okay...?", Russell said, burying his face in Mason's shoulder.

Mason smiled, rubbed Russell's back and said, "It's okay, we will be fine."