Black and White

33- Nico

To say I was scared was an understatement. My hands were shaking, my breath was shaking, everything was shaking!! I felt like screaming into a pillow and then inhaling so deep that my lungs stopped working. But I didn't, because he was here. And we were in a public place. 

Will casually flipped through the shirts on the rack in front of us, the fluorescent lights turning his hair a pale yellow instead of its usual bright color.  He hummed contently, lips pursed a little and closing his eyes as I watched him remember the words to the song playing all too faintly over the radio. He was going to be mine soon. I hoped. I really hoped. Or.. was it too soon? Was I moving too fast? Did I want this yet? Will turned towards me, eyes shining. "I'm all set here. Do you wanna get some ice cream?" 

"Sure," I smiled. "We can get ice cream." He took my hand and thank god thank god thank god that I managed to keep my cool, because all I could imagine was that hand with my ring on. I was so wrapped up in my own head that I didn't even realize when Will stopped in front of me, and I collided into his back. "Ah, sorry." He didn't respond. Instead, he kept staring in front of him, subconsciously pulling his lips into a snarl. "Will? Babe what's wrong-"

"It's him." I glanced in front of us at Will's words, my eyes accidentally meeting those of a cropped blonde. "It's him," I whispered. "What is Jason doing here?" It was a stupid question. This was a mall, and he lived nearby. He had every right to be here, yet all I could think about was how I thought- I was so sure- that I'd never see him again. "He's coming over here, oh gosh, what do we do? Quick. Gimme your ring." My heart rate spiked at Will's words. My ring??! How did he know? Then I realized he was talking about the one already on my middle finger.  Panicking, I just gave him my whole hand, letting him slip the ring off and replace it onto my ring finger, twisting it so the plain silver band was in the back, and the skull engraved on the front faced my palm. Clever. Then, he intertwined our fingers, bringing them up to his chest and tugging me closer. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jason stop. He watched us, probably thinking we hadn't seen him yet. "I'm so glad you're mine." Will murmured. "Louder, Will." I hissed through a smile. He smiled back and kissed me deeply, pulling back to say a little too loudly, "Wedding's over, darlin'. You're mine forever now." 

Even though his words were fake, I felt my face heat up. Yeah, I did want this. I knew for sure now.  A slow smile spread across my face as I watched Jason slowly back up. I cupped Will's cheek. "I wouldn't want it any other way." The icy blue-eyed boy started backing up faster, bumping into a chair before turning and speed walking away. 

Will let me go, still holding my hand. "Wow, he bought it. He really thought we were married!!" I laughed nervously. "You're a good actor, beautiful." I blushed harder, chuckling. "Shut up, you dork." 

"You can fix your ring now, by the way." 

I knew, but I didn't want to. I liked this look. Reluctantly, I switched the ring back onto my middle finger and turned it around. "So, Sunshine. Ice cream?" He chuckled at the nickname. "Yeah."

•   •   •

I think my heart was beating out of my chest now. It was almost time, and I was driving- not a good idea. The box felt like a brick in my pocket. Will slept soundly in the seat next to me, and I thanked God that he wasn't awake to ask me what was wrong. 

"Will," I whispered, pulling into the driveway. "Will, baby. Wake up. We're home." He stirred, eyes fluttering as I shook him gently. "Okay, baby. That's okay." I got out of the car and walked over to his side, opening the door and picking him up bridal style. "I got you." I'd recently discovered that he wasn't as heavy as I thought, and definitely wanted to take advantage of that. I slammed the door with my foot, adjusting his weight in my arms and heading towards the backyard. He opened his eyes a little, squinting at me. "The door's over there." 

"I know, babe. I just have something else planned. Is that okay?" I asked gently. His sleepy eyes were turning me to mush. "Mm." Approval. I let him close his eyes again, (actually perfect for this plan,) and opened the gate to the backyard, laying him down on a cushion covered bench. The dark of the night provided a perfect cover for me. He snuggled a little deeper into the pillows before I turned around and flipped a switch behind the bench, illuminating the space. He opened his eyes and immediately sat up. 

"Nico? What is this?" I swallowed nervously. Mrs. Solace and I had worked all night to set it up. The rosebushes and jasmine vines provided a perfect spot for me to pop the question. I had scattered petals across the ground, laying out blankets and a basket of food, and strung fairy lights through the branches. Soft pink light shone onto his face as one light was covered with a flower petal. He took in the scene before him while I took in his face, and then I pulled out the box. My heart hammered in my chest. 

"Babe... Will.  You know I'm in love with you. That I'm so head over heels for you that I can't even function without you. I don't think I'd be able to live without you. Those few months when I thought you'd left me, I... you know, I walked to the school every day in hopes of maybe seeing you. I tried to forget, but I couldn't let myself. You're the light of my life. I had to come back. And I'm so so glad I did because I felt so empty without you. So... stay with me? For the rest of our lives?" I shrugged, getting down on one knee and opening the box. The gleam on the ring reflected into his eyes as I watched them turn glossy with tears. Oh, phew, I think I'm doing something right. "Make me the luckiest guy on the face of the planet, please, and marry me?" Will was frozen for a second, and my heart stopped. Then, he bit his lip and cleared his throat, choking back a sob. "I-" he sniffed. "I don't have to put it on myself, do I?" He was smiling now, eyes brimming with tears.  I let a few slip myself, laughing, and slid the ring onto his hand. "Oh my god, Nico. Oh, oh my god. I'm so happy. I can't even tell you, I'm so happy that I have you." He sobbed into my shoulder. I knew that even though his arms were wrapped around me, he was staring at the shiny new toy on his hand, and the thought made me feel a little smug. "I love you." I murmured into his hair, and he cried a little harder, pulling us both down to the ground. "I love you too. I love you so much."