The Theory of Brewing

Part 2: Infusions...

The night air was laced with electric anticipation, and for once, I wasn't rolling my eyes at Raven's penchant for big gestures. This wasn't a pretentious dinner at a five-star restaurant or a flashy club appearance; no, Raven had surprised me with tickets to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024. It was my guilty pleasure, my ultimate escape—an intoxicating mix of fantasy and fashion I'd never admitted to anyone but my closest friends. And it had been six years since the last show, and now, they're back. I don't know what to expect, but it's gonna be good.

Raven knew. And he showed up at my door with a sly smile and those tickets, as if he'd read me better than I'd ever imagined.

"Really? The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. The excitement betrayed me with a flush across my cheeks.

"Don't look so suspicious. I have seen you walking and pointing to invisible cameras when no one is watching," he laughed, handing me one ticket. "I know it's your thing."

By the time we were seated, the pulsating lights and rhythmic beats coursed through the air. I couldn't help but grin ear to ear as iconic models strutted down the runway, their new and vintage wings, and the musical acts. LISA? Tyla? And the Cher? Come on! I gasped at the intricate details, the dazzling designs, the pure spectacle of it all, and how we can feel the woman-driven energy of it. And every time I glanced at Raven, he was watching me—charmed, it seemed, by my reactions.

During the intermission, he leaned closer, his voice soft yet amused. "You know you've been giddy the entire time?"

I pretended to scoff, but a genuine laugh bubbled out. "It's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Raven. The kind that dreams are made of. It's like a red-string for fashion and music."

He nodded seriously. "Then I'm glad I could give you one more dream."

It was the sort of line that should've made me cringe, but instead, it sent a warmth rushing through me. When the show resumed for the finale, we found ourselves standing, clapping, and cheering when Tyra Banks shows up and the rest of the models. Raven, surprisingly, was good company—a mix of sarcasm, genuine interest, and a touch of playful commentary that mirrored mine.

At the end of the night, as we stepped outside, the cool air hit us, but my heart still felt alight. "Thank you for this," I said, turning to him. It felt raw, the words more vulnerable than I'd intended.

He tilted his head, the smile shifting to something gentler. "Anytime."

And before I could second-guess myself, I kissed him—softly, quickly. It was enough to taste the promise of something different, something more. He pulled me closer, as if sealing a silent agreement.

That night wasn't just about glitzy wings and dazzling lights; it was the start of an infusion—our feelings blending, steeping, until neither of us could separate what had been from what was slowly becoming.

The night had already felt like a dream, but Raven wasn't done surprising me. After the show, he whisked me away to an intimate dinner at a cozy rooftop restaurant with a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The warm glow of candlelight cast golden hues over us, and for a moment, it felt as if we were suspended in a world of our own.

"Did you enjoy the show?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with genuine curiosity as he swirled the wine in his glass.

"Enjoy? That's an understatement," I said, laughing softly. "It was... everything."

"Good," he said, leaning forward. "You deserve 'everything.'"

The words were simple, but they carried weight. We talked about life, dreams, and the little absurdities we'd picked up over the years. For the first time in a long time, I let my guard down and let myself be just... Chan. No need to posture or deflect with clever wit. Raven listened, teased, and even shared a few vulnerable moments of his own. By the time dessert came—a decadent chocolate creation we both attacked with spoons—the city lights seemed to dance just for us.

Eventually, we found ourselves walking through Central Park, the chill of the evening air softened by the warmth between us. The park was quieter at this hour, with only a few scattered couples and streetlamps casting faint halos along the paths.

Raven stopped by a bench under a sprawling oak tree. "I had a great time tonight, you know," he said, his voice low but sure.

"Me too," I replied, meeting his gaze. There was a flicker of something vulnerable in his eyes, and it made my heart thrum faster.

"Chan," he began, then hesitated for a second, the slightest bit of nervousness crossing his usually confident demeanor. "Would you do me the honor of officially being mine? No games, no half-measures."

The seriousness of his tone made me pause. It wasn't the kind of question that demanded a sarcastic quip or deflection. Instead, I took a breath and nodded slowly. "I'd like that."

A smile broke across his face—a mix of relief and elation. He pulled me close, and as our lips met, the world around us melted away. His kiss was firm but gentle, a contrast that made every nerve in my body come alive. When we finally broke apart, the warmth between us was undeniable.

With a shared look, we moved hand in hand towards his nearby apartment, the air buzzing with anticipation.

Inside, everything blurred into sensation. The softness of the sheets beneath us, the warmth of his touch, the way our breaths mingled and our movements synchronized as if we'd done this a thousand times. His hands explored every inch of me with reverence and desire, and I felt like a work of art in his care.

In the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window, I traced the line of his jaw and whispered, "I guess this makes us official."

He chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that vibrated through me. "Definitely."

The rest of the night was a haze of passion and tenderness, with whispered words and shared promises filling the spaces between. In the quiet moments afterward, I lay beside him, feeling both exhilarated and at peace. It was the beginning of something real, something we'd both protect fiercely, no matter what lay ahead.  

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Song: "Bloom" - Troye Sivan