Chapter Text
Newt held up the book in his hand once more. "You're sure your mum's gonna like this?"
Thomas glanced over at it, momentarily stopping to search through the bookshelf in front of him. "Oh God, yes. It's perfect for school; she loves to play games with the kids where they can actually learn something. Together with your painting, it's the perfect gift, honey." He nodded encouragingly while speaking, and the blonde grabbed a copy of the primary school teachers' handbook. The blonde was invited to the Edisons' for Christmas, and he wanted to be able to give Thomas' parents something they would really like; after all, they had included him from day one, and all he'd ever done was drag their son to San Francisco.
Newt stepped over to where Thomas was standing, in the bookstore's Teenage Fiction section. "Great, then I'll get it." He put his free arm around the older boy's waist. "Need any help?"
"Yes, please." Thomas leaned his head against Newt's. "I need something really nice for Brenda. I think she's still not over the fact that we left without saying goodbye."
The younger boy nodded. "How about this, then?" he asked, pointing at a beautiful special edition of a fantasy trilogy he knew Brenda loved. "I'll give you half the money; Brenda is my friend, too."
Thomas smiled. "Deal." He grabbed the box, huffing slightly when he was surprised by how heavy it was. "That was easy. But speaking of shared friends - do you have anything for Teresa?"
"I do, I got her a scarf from a vintage shop the other day. She'll adore it."
The older boy nodded. "Great. I'd say we're done, then, right?" He looked at the books the two of them were carrying. "Then let's pay and go home, it's my turn to cook!"
They paid for the books and left, their brought-along tote bag full with purchases. Afterwards Newt and Thomas got on the bus together that would take them home; the blonde preferred taking the bus, whereas Thomas loved walking through the endless streets of San Francisco (when he wasn't exactly carrying a bag full of books). Granted, Newt was still a bit insecure about this city being so big, but he was sure it would subside. After all, they'd only been living here for two months.
Living with Thomas was amazing. Newt had soon learned that his boyfriend had several little flaws, such as never bothering to pick up clothes off the floor or dragging out the washing-up until someone else did it, but he simply took them as parts of who Thomas was. And apart from those tiny things that made him mad on his bad days and roll his eyes and mutter a loving "Silly Tommy" on his better ones, Thomas was everything he could have wished for, reliable and caring and easy to be around. Once they had worked out some kind of a sex schedule (which was basically "not all day every day"), studying in the same room together was possible, too. And studying was great, because this new school was incredible. They had so many different creative classes, both boys were absolutely content with their schedule, and even though Thomas missed running in a team from time to time, he went on daily runs, sometimes joined by a friend from school, sometimes by Newt (whose foot had healed perfectly well), and thus the compromise was perfect. Their fellow students were very nice, and the two boys even had a photography class together; it was everything they could have wished for.
"What makes you so quiet?" Thomas asked, coaxing Newt out of his thoughts. "You've been staring out of the window for minutes now."
The blonde turned to face his boyfriend. "I was just thinking how very lucky we are."
The brunette's face turned soft, and he smiled at Newt. "We are. Truly."
They got off at the bus stop a few minutes later and walked the short way to Beth's and Rachel's house. Despite the early evening darkness, there were no lights on; their aunts were both still at work. Newt already thought of them as his own aunts, too; they were supportive and fun and always had an open ear for their problems. Both he and Thomas worked at a cinema a few hours a week, and they paid their share of the household money. Thomas' parents sent money every month as well to make sure they had everything they needed, but neither of the boys felt like quitting their job. Also, Newt enjoyed working; he liked being in contact with people, even though some were rude and annoying, but the co-workers were easy-going and they made fun of grumpy customers together. It was also great how everyone - at school, at work or just in public - seemed okay with the fact that the two of them were a couple. Sure, there were some homophobes, but still - Newt didn't feel as if his love life was of interest to anyone, and he thought less and less about it. He was truly happy.
Entering the house and hanging up their coats, Thomas immediately made for the kitchen to start making dinner while Newt went upstairs to put their purchases away. Checking his phone, he saw that he had a new text from his mum.
"The 27th works fine. I'll be there. Thanks for agreeing to this."
Despite the uneasy feeling in his stomach, Newt felt relieved. He knew it was a risk, agreeing to talk to his mother, because chances were that he'd get hurt again. But still. He'd battled long enough with himself, and she was, after all, his mother. Also, Thomas would be there, which would make everything better.
His father hadn't been in touch throughout the time he'd been away.
But his mother had texted him for weeks now, and that meant something. So Anne had suggested inviting her for coffee, and Newt was curious how that would go.
The blonde ran back downstairs to set the table. Thomas was making a sauce to go with the pasta cooking on the stove, and Newt hugged him from behind, surprising him.
"I love you", he whispered, kissing the older boy's ear.
"I love you too", Thomas answered, turning around to face his boyfriend, and they shared a kiss, one of the many they gave each other every day, because they wanted to, because they could, because nobody disrespected them for it.
Newt blinked a few times, unable to tear his eyes from a ruffle-haired Thomas. "You know, you still have the prettiest eyes on the playground", he said, remembering their first meeting that had happened less than half a year ago but felt light years away; he couldn't imagine a life without Thomas anymore.
The older boy understood the reference immediately. "I actually still don't know what to say to that, Newt." He blushed a bit, just like he had in the twilight on the Isaac's garden bench.
"Well, Tommy", Newt grinned, "I could just kiss you, like I did back then."
The brunette batted his eyelashes in mock-innocence. "You could."
And so he did.
THE END