𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙮 ✧ 𝙜𝙖𝙬𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣

𝟰𝟴

Geoff stares at himself in the mirror. His head is a mess full of insecurities and his stomach is a cage full of fluttering butterflies. He can't decide whether his fear or excitement is dominating at the moment. He gently brushes his hair to the side and, deciding he doesn't like it, moves it back to where it was before.

Before he can continue having a mental breakdown, the doorbell rings. He sighs heavily and opens the door. On the other side, Awsten is leaning against the frame, tall and lean, and smiling.

"You look beautiful." He breathes, and pulls out a singular rose wrapped in a pink silk ribbon. With two actions Geoff's worries are beginning to melt away and he smiles.

"T-thank you." He stutters out, blushing. Awsten grins and extends his hand. The brunette shily places his palm in Awstens larger one, and leaves the rose on the table. He shuts the door, not bothering to lock it. "So, where are we going?"

"Surprise. You'll see soon enough." Awsten smiles and leads Geoff out of the complex and down the road. They cross and then walk down the canal, hands still intertwined. The sun is just beginning to set, making the sky a perfect mix of yellows and pinks - a combination that both boys find comforting. They pass numerous cafe's, stores, parks and billboards, until Awsten changes their direction. They make their way through the winding streets of the towns centre, and Geoff can tell that they're nearing the beach.

"How do you know the way?" Geoff wonders. "You've only been here for like,, a week."

"I came and practised."

"Of course you did." Geoff giggles, making Awsten smile. They near a large statue and the taller leads them along the path, until they reach a restaurant right by the beach. There's cute little tables outside, decorated nicely with candles and flowers and accompanied by an amazing view of the setting sun. Awsten pulls a chair out and let's the other sit, then takes a seat himself.

"This is so pretty, thank you so much." The brunette smiles widely, staring at everything in awe.

"No need to thank me. Just seeing you happy makes everything worth it."

"God, shut up." Geoff blushes and buries his face in his hands. "I just clocked that we're on a date oh my God."

"Wh- you didnt know we were-"

"No, no! I mean like, it just sunk in. Holy fucking shit."

"Language." Awsten teased. Geoff just rolls his eyes and grabs a menu.

***

As the pinks and yellows turned into blues and purples, the boys had finished their meals and were now walking along the beach. Geoff had his shoes off, his legs covered in sand and seawater. Awstens arm was now wrapped around Geoff's waist, and every now and then he'd turn his head and whisper something in the others ear that would make him blush wildly; visible even under the limited light.

"You ready to go home?" Awsten asked, looking back at the road, now lit up by street lights.

"Yeah, I think so." Geoff nodded in reply. He stepped in the water to wash the sand off and then slipped his shoes back on. They quickly made their way to the steps and directed themselves towards the main road. Hands clasped back together, they walked home.