𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮 ☀︎︎ 𝗮.𝗲 𝘅 𝗷.𝗺

☀︎︎31☀︎︎

"where to next, alex?"

they stepped outside onto the bustling streets of london.

"lets explore. i wanna find a place for just the two of us, james."
"that sounds lovely. lets set off this way and see where it takes us-"
"hold my hand?"

alex looked up at him, a slight hint of coyness in his eyes. it wasnt long before his fingers were intertwined with james', who was desperately trying to remain deadpan. he just couldnt help his loss of breath as he delicately took his hand in his own.

the pair continued with their adventure.

"have you ever been in love?"

it was a simple question and still, it invoked such a shocking emotion in the larger man that he had to stop and think for a moment.

"i like to think i have. theres certainly people who i have very strong feelings for, but i guess love is hard to explain. its small, secret kisses. its a big, romantic gesture. its anything you want it to be, as long as its with the right person."
"youre very poetic, james. i like the way you talk about stuff."
"thank you, alex. i like talking to you about stuff."

alex asked many more questions while they walked, but that one stuck with james. had he really ever had feelings for someone? more than a basic 'crush'? has there ever been one person that he couldnt ever really forget?

"over there! its perfect!"

a small clearing in a thick, wooded area. he ran over to it and sat himself down on a small milk crate obviously left by the adventurers before the two.

"we could decorate with fairy lights and blankets and cushions and it would be so cute! what do you think? james?"

he couldnt help it. alex was sunflower fields in july, a comforting summer breeze, sunkissed skin. he was the caress one lover shares to their partner, the memory of your childhood home. alex was difficult to put into words. instead, he was a collection of things james had experienced throughout his life. his best moments, his highlights. alex was all of them and more.

and alex thought exactly the same about james. james was groggy mornings in late november, the first song you listened to on repeat, simple touches. he was the longing you felt on the loneliest nights, the sky just before dawn. it was enough to help alex become infatuated with him.

"sorry, yeah. that would be great. id love to help you decorate."
"you didnt really have a choice, but im glad you said yes. i like spending time with you."
"me too, alex."