Picture Us

Epilogue

Tam waited for Keefe to finish his ever-so-long hair routine; he was sat at Linh's apartment table waiting for him to come out. They were staying at her apartment temporarily while they worked on finding full-time jobs, her apartment had extra rooms which they stayed in. Linh was also in slow recovery, having gone miles of progress but still struggled with being independent.

Excitement hung in the air as he checked the time, 6:30pm, they were planning to officially begin their date at 7:00pm. He tapped his fingers nervously, for no reason at all. They had basically been on dates before, just the two of them hanging out, but today was different. This was their first outing together as an official couple, knowing their togetherness meant something else.

"You're taking a while, slowpoke" Tam called, feigning annoyance.

He heard Keefe sigh "yeah, yeah Tammy, I'm almost ready" he replied, his sarcasm needed work.

Tam stood up, brushing himself off, getting prepared to leave. They were walking to the restaurant, he still struggled with driving in cars since the accident, and Keefe had been a massive support in him getting better.

He fixed his bangs in the mirror as Keefe eventually emerged from the bathroom.

Tam chuckled "took you long enough, I was starting to think you had died in there."

Keefe rolled his eyes, smiling wide "I know you were just excited" he returned.

Tam laughed, navigating his way to Keefe's hand and interlocking fingers, planting a kiss on the cheek before dragging him towards the door.

Bidding farewell to Linh for the time being, who was their biggest support, was excitedly running after them, waving them away.

"Don't have too much fun while you're out!" she yelled after them, which the innuendo had Tam practically dive to an undercover bush in embarrassment.

They walked alongside one another, making playful banter along the way. Tam noticed Keefe struggling to stop grinning, knowing he clearly felt the same way.

Eventually arriving at their destination; a small ice cream parlour that sat along the stretch of a glistening ocean. They made their way inside, ordering their own ice cream with the intent of sharing.

They walked along the footpath next to the shore, their conversation flowing easily. Eventually, after finishing (and sharing) their ice cream, the sun had started to lower in the horizon.

Keefe was staring at the sunset for a moment before turning towards Tam "want to go sit on the sand and watch the sunset?"

Tam scoffed sarcastically, but genuinely enjoyed the idea "that's so basic, but sure" he laughed, taking Keefe's hand as they walked onto the sand. Keefe almost tripping over his own feet as they found a spot with a beautiful view.

Tam set down his jacket for them to sit on, they sat and watched the sky turn from purple to a deep orange, sitting in comfortable silence. Tam brought out his camera, taking a photo of Keefe in the sunset, the golden rays of the sun reflecting on his skin. Keefe turned towards him, smiling.

"Did you just take a photo?" He asked, putting on an annoyed expression

Tam smirked "Maybe, maybe not."

Tam caressed Keefe's hand, enjoying the other's company. Keefe brought out his phone and a pair of earbuds, offering him one to share as they sat together. He didn't quite realise when their silence was broken, but the conversation blended perfectly with the atmosphere, the glowing orange sky melting into the background as they immersed themselves in conversation once again.

Keefe rested his head on Tam, who absentmindedly played with his hair, not watching the time melt away, it was only when the bright sunset was replaced with the glittering twilight when Keefe jumped up, suddenly full of energy. Keefe pulled Tam up by the hands, running along the soft sand.

"Where are you planning to go?" Tam asked, his laughter full of joy.

Keefe stared blankly at Tam for a moment "wait was I supposed to have something planned?" he asked, clearly not needing an answer.

Leaving their shoes behind with Tam's jacket, they ran along the beach like a bunch of lovesick teens, giggling like idiots. Keefe dragged Tam by the hand towards the water.

"Wait what if it's cold?!" Tam protested, digging his feet into the sand.

Keefe laughed, "if it's cold, I'll warm you up" he replied playfully, winking

Tam couldn't help but burst out laughing "fine, fine you win" he sighed, pretending to reluctantly let Keefe being him to the water's edge.

He had to admit, the water was beautiful, it glistened in the bright moonlight, reflecting the starry pattern onto the rolling waves.

"Hey Keefe, Can I kiss you?" Tam asked, he didn't know why but he was nervous, they'd done it before, but it felt different this time.

Keefe turned towards Tam "hm? Yeah, of course"

Tam reached ever so slightly upwards, hand lingering on Keefe's cheek before closing the distance between them. Their lips met, unhurried, his fingers rested lightly against Keefe's cheek, feeling the heat of his face beneath his touch. It wasn't their first kiss, but something about it felt different.

They simply stood there for a minute, letting themselves take in the breathtaking scenery. Tam was taken out of his tranquil moment with a splash of cold water on his knees, looking towards the source of the water. It was Keefe, obviously, crouched down with his hands dipped halfway into the water. Tam flicked water back at him in retaliation, which sparked another chain of them running along the water splashing each other, the silence of the night broken with their affectionate laughter.

They collapsed back onto Tam's sandy jacket, still laughing amongst themselves about the dumbest of things. Tam looked at his phone, checking the time.

"Geez, it's already 10:00pm, we should start heading back" he stated, standing up once again, pulling Keefe up with him. He grabbed his jacket, dusting himself off and slipping on his shoes. 

Guys.... This is it.... this is the epilogue, Picture Us has officially ended....

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LUCKY FOR YOU THOUGH, THERE WILL BE A FEW MINI CHAPTERS ABOUT THEM TOGETHER RELEASED IN THE COMING WEEKS!!!