𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙮 ✧ 𝙜𝙖𝙬𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣

𝟱𝟯

He gripped the flowers tightly, fingers starting to whiten gently due to the force. His hair was brushed to the side and his clothes were neat, however his legs trembled slightly as he walked to the door. Despite the knowledge that the outcome would be positive, his thoughts were still overshadowed with fears.

What if it was too soon?

For someone with such a confident exterior, personally and digitally, Awsten was very conscious. And one of the things that scared him most now was how Geoff would feel. He didnt want to pressure the other or make him uncomfortable, and he was afraid of losing one of the most important bonds he'd made before it could even develop further.

The sweet smell of the flowers gravitated upwards and he felt himself relax just a bit, the scent reminding him of the feeling of childish joy that he'd experienced in earlier years of his life. Lilies meant comfort to him. And roses meant love. He wanted to be able to give both to Geoff. To protect him and love him.

And yet again; the question rises. Is it too fast? Despite not knowing each other for so long, Awsten didn't think it was too soon. Plenty of life experiences had lead up to this moment, and one thing he had learnt is that if you love someone, you should tell them, because it is always better now than never. He didn't see a point in putting it off. Granted, if Geoff said he wanted to take things slower, he would agree without a doubt, but he wanted to make the move. Secure the spot. Because he knew how deeply he cared about Geoff. How much he loved Geoff. And maybe he's too young to really know what love means, but he's prepared to take the risk and assume he's right because a connection like the one he has with the short, fiesty brunette is something he'd never felt before. It feels stronger, more concrete.

So, he shuts that negative part of his brain off and instead focuses on the little cracks in the cement as he walks across the property and towards the opposite building. The sky had darkened in the time he was getting ready, and was now resembling the way it looked on the night they had first kissed. Stars lined the royal blue canvas and the moon hung low in a perfect crescent. The soft sound of chirping crickets repeated like the bassline of a calming indie song, and Awsten felt a smile tug at his lips.

The entry door was unlocked, and the elevator was already at the ground level making his trip to the eight floor fairly quick. He checked himself in the mirror a few times, just making sure everything was in order, and walked out without another glance. With a deep breath and an exhale he knocked three times, then let his arm hang loosely beside him, although the calmness disappeared again as his breath caught in his throat at the sight.

Geoff wasn't dressed in anything glamorous, quite the opposite really. His hair was knotted in some areas and a loose pair of pyjama pants matched with an oversized tshirt hung off his body. However, Awsten couldn't deny it was the cutest sight he'd ever seen. No matter what Geoff wore, he always managed to look breathtaking, and Awsten couldn't get enough.

He pulled himself out of his phase and stared at the shocked looking brunette. He realised that maybe he should say something, rather than confuse the other even more.

"Can I come in?" His throat felt scratchy and he swallowed as Geoff smiled and nodded, opening the door wider as an invitation. Awsten followed and gestured for Geoff to sit on the couch and then he sat beside him.

"I didn't want to make this too formal," He laughed nervously. "but I wanted to make it special. Because you- you mean a lot to me. And although we haven't known each other that long I care a lot about you. You've managed to make me feel hopeful, and loved, and safe. I never fail to just smile seeing your username in my DMs, and it feels surreal that I can just come over at any time and see your smile. You truly are extraordinary, and I really can't say I've ever met anyone like you. You're so fucking nice and caring and aware and I simply sometimes can't believe you're even real. I know I don't amount to much, but that's obvious now. I really hope we can grow and have a future together, Geoff. So that's why I'm asking, will you be my boyfriend?"

Geoff just sat there for a second, his lip trembling and eyes glossed over as he stared right into Awsten's eyes, and without warning, he quickly jumped up and wrapped his arms tightly around Awsten's neck, the bouquet of flowers falling out of his grip and onto the tiled floor.

"Y-yeah. Of course." Geoff whispered into Awsten's shoulder, small tears leaking out of his eyes. He'd never felt so strongly about someone, and he never would've thought that he'd ever meet anyone who'd feel this way about him. It felt like a dream, and if it was he wished it would never end.

"I promise you I'll try keep you safe and happy and make you feel loved. And most importantly, I will make you believe you are lovely, even if it's the last thing I do. Because you are, you truly are." And with those words hanging in the air, Awsten cupped Geoffs face and bring their lips together in a gentle kiss.

This was all he needed.

fin.