The evening breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine as Earth and Mix strolled along the riverside promenade. Three months had passed since that quiet night of recovery and passion, and their relationship had settled into something steady, warm, and wonderfully real.
Mix still carried that same clumsy, chaotic energy and also the adorable look that had first stolen Earth's heart. Tonight was no exception. He was animatedly telling a story about a disastrous coffee run at the office earlier that day, arms waving for emphasis, when his foot caught on a perfectly flat paving stone.
"Whoa-!" Mix stumbled forward.
Earth's arm was already there, sliding securely around Mix's waist and pulling him flush against his side before he could even lose balance. "Careful, my love," Earth murmured, voice low and fond, lips brushing against Mix's temple.
Mix straightened up with a sheepish laugh, cheeks already tinged pink. "The ground hates me. I swear it moves when I'm not looking."
Earth chuckled, not removing his arm. Even though the path was wide, smooth, and completely hazard-free, his hand stayed possessively at Mix's waist, thumb absently stroking the sliver of skin where Mix's shirt had ridden up. "I know. That's why I'm here."
They continued walking like that-Earth's arm a constant, protective loop around him. Mix had long since stopped protesting. He secretly loved it. The way Earth watched over him, attentive to every little thing, made him feel cherished in a way he'd never known before.
They stopped at a quiet bench overlooking the water. As soon as they sat, Earth tugged Mix closer, until the smaller man was practically in his lap. The conversation flowed easily-work, weekend plans, the new series they were both obsessed with-but Earth's hand never behaved for long.
It started innocently enough: fingers brushing Mix's side. Then the touch grew bolder, slipping under the hem of his shirt to caress warm skin. A moment later, Earth's palm slid lower, cupping Mix's ass with clear, deliberate intent.
"Earth!" Mix hissed, eyes widening as heat flooded his face. He shot his boyfriend a scandalized look-the one that was half-embarrassed, half-exasperated, and entirely adorable.
Earth only smirked, giving a playful squeeze. "What? It's dark. No one's looking."
"You're impossible," Mix muttered, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned into Earth's chest, hiding his burning cheeks against his shoulder. The soft laugh that rumbled through Earth made Mix's heart flutter.
"You're still so easy to fluster," Earth whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of Mix's head. "Three months in and you still blush like it's our first date. I love it. I love you like this-clumsy, sweet, mine."
Mix peeked up at him, eyes shining with affection despite the embarrassment. "I love you too... even when you can't keep your hands to yourself for five minutes."
Earth grinned, unrepentant, and leaned down to capture Mix's lips in a slow, deep kiss. When they finally parted, he rested his forehead against Mix's.
"Ready to go home?" he asked, voice husky with promise.
Mix nodded, biting his lip. "Yeah... but you have to behave until we get there."
Earth's only answer was another purposeful squeeze and a wicked little smile that told Mix exactly how much "behaving" he could expect on the way back.
As they stood up, Earth's arm returned to its favorite place around Mix's waist-protective, attentive, and just a little possessive. Mix leaned into the hold, heart full, already knowing that no matter how many flat roads or surprise stumbles life threw at him, Earth would always be right there to catch him.
And he wouldn't have it any other way.
