Chapter Text
Cyrus dreamt that he was surrounded by chocolate-chocolate-chip muffins and hordes of shirtless TJs ready to feed him them.
“Open wide, muffin,” the closest one said, and Cyrus was so ready to taste that chocolatey goodness until the blaring of an alarm clock woke him up.
“Sorry, Cy,” TJ mumbled, reaching over to turn off his alarm and then turning around to grin at the brunet.
“Is it seriously Monday morning already?” Cyrus said, clinging to TJ’s chest.
“’Fraid so, time to get up.”
“Nooo,” Cyrus whined, “Call in sick. Stay in bed with me.”
“As much as I’d love that, I gotta work. I’m not leaving the kids to some second-rate substitute.”
“You and your competitiveness,” Cyrus said, giggling when TJ leaned down to kiss his forehead.
“I’ll get the coffee ready.”
“Okay,” Cyrus said into his pillow. TJ didn’t usually drink the stuff, but he always managed to get some ready for Cyrus who always swore to wake up at the same time as his boyfriend. He had to make sure TJ got the lunch Cyrus had prepared the night before. After groaning into his pillow for another five minutes he got up, padding into the kitchen where TJ had started to make eggs and coffee.
“Here you go, muffin,” TJ said, passing him a plate of eggs with a chocolate-chocolate-chip muffin and some coffee.
The sight of the muffin instantly made Cyrus think of his dream that he’d been rudely awakened from. Curse modern alarm clocks and society’s penchant with routine.
“So I’ll be a little late coming home. I’m meeting up with Marty after school.”
“Great, I’m actually meeting up with Buffy, Jonah, and Andi later.”
“All right, I’m gonna shower,” TJ said, waggling his eyebrows.
Cyrus finished his eggs and was half-way through his muffin, but he knew an invitation when he got one. They showered together taking turns shampooing each other’s hair, Cyrus giggling when TJ moaned at the way he massaged TJ’s scalp.
When they were both dressed TJ had his gym bag and was half way out the door when Cyrus rushed out with his lunch.
“Teej, don’t forget your food.”
“Thanks, muffin,” TJ said pecking him on the lips. “I’m off. Have a good day with your patients and with the GHC. Love you.”
“Love you too. Tell the kids I say ‘hi.’”
When TJ shut the door Cyrus waited a whole minute listening to his boyfriend’s footsteps down the stairs before running back to the kitchen. He switched on his phone, face timing his friends before squealing.
“Oh, my, god, guys, I’m so excited for this afternoon!”
“Me too. It’s gonna be docious magocious,” Jonah said next to Andi who laughed.
“We’re gonna find the perfect ring, Cy” Buffy said in a separate window.
*
Cyrus met his friends at a nearby diner. Even though it wasn’t like The Spoon they ordered some baby taters, called “tater tots” there, and chatted. Since their Middle School years, The GHC had separated to live in different cities in the same state, but they were still within thirty minutes driving distance except for Buffy who lived a little farther out. Cyrus had decided to bring them all together after he’d told Buffy about his first time having anal sex with TJ. He’d felt so happy having found someone who not only wanted to know him as a person but wanted to get to know him for his Judaism and all his quirks. He’d gone on for so long that Buffy had just said, “Slow down, you sound like you want to marry him.” And that’s when it had hit him. He’d made the joke when they were younger and continued dating in High School, staying away from it in College and only bringing it up again when TJ’s gaze on him lingered for longer than usual.
“Do you think TJ suspects anything?” Jonah asked while Cyrus finished his latest rendition of Tater Theatre depicting Rotateo and Julieater.
“Bravo. A brilliant performance,” Andi announced, clapping.
“Thank you, thank you,” Cyrus said, finishing off the remaining taters. “I hope he doesn’t. I want it to be a surprise.”
“He probably doesn’t. This is TJ Kippen and Cyrus we’re talking about. It took them forever to realize they’d been flirting with each other,” Buffy said.
Cyrus opened his mouth, realizing that his best friend was right. Even though he prided himself on being able to read people, it still had come as a huge shock when TJ confessed to him on the swings. That moment still made his heart pound.
“Well, should we get going?” Jonah said, asking for the check.
They all agreed, paying for their meal and heading out of the diner to their next destination.
“So when are you going to pop the question?” Andi asked, her hands twined with Jonah’s. The two of them walked to Cyrus’ left while Buffy was at his right.
“During our anniversary! TJ has the whole trip planned out. We’re going to go back to Shadyside and revisit old memories. He says we’re going to make new ones too, but he wouldn’t say what. I tried asking him a hundred questions, but he wouldn’t relent.”
“Did you try your baby penguin eyes?” Buffy asked.
“Yeah.”
“Wow,” Jonah said, “Doesn’t that usually work?”
Cyrus groaned. “Usually…but now he just kisses me, so I’m all distracted and, ugh. It’s so frustrating not knowing.”
Buffy and Andi exchanged a look.
“So, you have any idea what ring you want to get?” Jonah asked.
“Absolutely no idea,” Cyrus said just as they arrived at the Jeweler’s. The store front had a huge sign with a bright diamond refracting light and creating a rainbow around it. The store’s motto was “Jewelry for everyone and for every occasion” and was written in red letters underneath the diamond. Cyrus had chosen it after spending hours looking for a store that would sell rings for a LGBTQIA+ wedding.
“Well, Cyrus, it’s your lucky day because I happen to be an expert at finding the best ring,” Andi said, opening the door and ushering them in.
As soon as they entered Cyrus was immediately overwhelmed. There were literally rings of all shapes and sizes. Andi went to the bargain bins combing through several rings that she showed Cyrus.
“Is that seriously a ring,” Buffy said, picking up a small stone embedded into a basketball hoop shaped band.
“What about this one. It’s docious,” Jonah said, picking up a ring with a baby gnome’s face on it.
“Jonah, no!” Andi said, grabbing the ring and looking like she wanted to kill it with fire.
“Guys, none of these are the one. It has to be perfect,” Cyrus said, after looking through a dozen other rings.
Andi let out a sigh. “And I don’t think you’d like the yin-yang symbol. What about the Star of David?”
Cyrus shook his head. “My Rabbi agreed to marry us, but I wanted it to be a nontraditional ceremony.”
Andi bit her lip. “Right, well, I don’t think any of these work.”
Right before Cyrus was about to give up all hope one of the store workers came up to them. He was dressed in a black suit with a rainbow tie clipped to his black button-down. He was pale with blue eyes and blonde hair with purple, blue, and black highlights swooped neatly to the left.
“Excuse me,” the worker said, “Do you need some help?”
Cyrus didn’t want to hurt his friend’s feelings, but luckily Andi spoke up, “Yes. I mean, the ring is for him not us.”
“Ah,” the worker said, turning to Cyrus,” And who is it for? What’s the occasion?”
“It’s for my boyfriend. I’m going to propose.”
The worker’s eyes lit up. “Excellent. Walk with me and tell me about your boyfriend.”
Cyrus could totally do that. He loved talking about TJ. “Well, he’s really handsome, but when he’s excited he acts like a little Corgi with the cutest bubble butt. And sometimes he’s grumpy, but he’s always nice to me and we met in Middle School where he helped me come out to my parents and with my physical issue. I mean with sports and gym class. And even though we don’t share the same interests he always listens to me and likes it when I do tater theatre. He’s like the kindest person ever. I love him.”
The worker, whose nametag read “Todd,” hummed, “And his star sign?” Todd asked.
“Libra,” Cyrus said proudly when they got up to the glass cases where Todd went to look through some rings.
“His name and yours sir?”
“TJ, and I’m Cyrus.”
“Well, Cyrus,” Todd said, grinning. “Normally we recommend getting a diamond, but I find that so cliché. There are so many stones to choose from that can convey love and commitment.”
That seemed to make sense or at least Cyrus thought so. He wanted to surprise TJ with something that represented their relationship.
“And your star sign, Cyrus?”
“Pisces.”
“The fish and the scales,” Todd said, picking out several rings that he showed to Cyrus and his friends. “For a Libra we have a Cabochon Opal with a gold band.”
“Oh, wow, it matches TJ’s eyes,” Cyrus said in awe, holding the band in his hand. The stone itself was white in color but mixed in with little green and orange hues like coral beneath the sea. He could imagine his future husband wearing it.
“Cyrus, it’s beautiful,” Andi said, meeting her friend’s eyes.
“It’s the one,” they both whispered before squealing in delight while Jonah smiled and Buffy rolled her eyes.
Todd laughed. “Are you sure you don’t want to look at the others? This Jade one or perhaps this Aquamarine if you want to give yourself to your partner?"
They all looked good, but he was so set on this ring.
“I want this one. Teej’ll look so good. It’s beautiful just like him.”
“I’m sure he’ll love it,” Todd said, “Let me check the price.” He went over to a computer on the counter with the ring in hand.
“Cyrus, dude, that ring is totally docious,” Jonah said, high-fiving the brunet.
“It’s much better than a basketball,” Buffy said.
The four of them talked some more, going over how Cyrus would actually propose and figuring out when they could be there to help when Todd returned.
“Here’s the price,” he said, turning his computer to show the aforementioned ring with the price underneath.
Cyrus felt his mouth drop.
His friends all looked at him for a minute while Todd went back to clicking and typing on his computer.
“That’s a lot of zeros,” Jonah said, whispering into Andi’s ear.
“Cyrus,” Buffy started, resting her hand on Cyrus’ shoulder. “We can pitch in. How much more will you need?”
“No, it’s okay. I’ve been making a lot more since my practice started. I can afford it.”
“Really?” Andi asked.
“Okay, maybe if I could borrow a couple hundred dollars.”
“Sure,” Buffy said, already taking out a credit card, “Put it on this.”
Cyrus stood there stunned while Todd ran the card. All of his friends were beaming at him.
“W-What, you’re buying the ring? You can’t do that. I mean you can, but you don’t have to.”
“Cy,” Andi said, “We want to. We’re all pitching in, and you can’t stop us. We’re so proud of you and TJ.”
Cyrus rubbed at his eyes, Buffy being the first one to go up and hug him followed by the rest of them. “I love you guys.”
“Here you go, Cyrus,” Todd said, putting the ring in a red velvet box and handing it to Cyrus while Buffy signed off on it. “I hope you have a beautiful ceremony and that he says ‘yes.’”
“Me too. Thanks, Todd,” Cyrus said, giving the worker a hug.
*
After finishing teaching for the day and drilling his after school boys and girls basketball team, TJ rushed to a nearby diner to meet up with Marty. Ever since TJ became a part of the GHC he’d only heard of Marty from Buffy and only on occasion. When Marty came back into the picture they’d had an estranged relationship, Marty still thinking of TJ as the bully Basketball Captain who only paid attention to himself and didn’t think girls could play. But after TJ told Marty about how he apologized to Buffy followed by Marty getting jealous and TJ having to tell the other sports guy that “no” he didn’t have a crush on Buffy they’d reconciled and become best friends.
TJ was the first to sit down at their booth with Marty arriving five minutes later.
“TJ, what’s up?” Marty said, going in for a high-five and then a quick hug.
“Hey, thanks for coming,” TJ said as they settled back into their booth.
“No, problem, man, what did you want to talk about? How are things?”
“Good, perfect actually,” TJ said, running his fingers through his hair. It was a habit that Cyrus said was one of his “nervous ticks.”
“That’s great,” Marty said, “Actually, when you called me to come down Buffy said she was going to meet up with Cyrus.”
That was another thing TJ had done, helping Marty win over Buffy. He’d gotten some help from Cyrus and the rest of the GHC, but he was especially proud of that joint rap they’d written with Marty confessing his feelings.
“Really? Must be a coincidence.”
“Maybe, all I know is I’m surprising her with a fancy dinner after.”
TJ chuckled. “Speaking of surprises.”
Marty raised his brow about to ask what he meant by that when their waitress came by. They told her their order while Marty stared at him expectantly.
“I want to propose to Cyrus,” TJ said, immediately feeling himself brighten up.
“Wow, that’s awesome. Congratulations, man,” Marty said, patting TJ on the back.
“I want to get him the perfect ring. I was wondering if you could come with me?”
“I’m honored. I can’t say I’ll be much help. I’m still working up the guts to propose to Buffy.”
“Then, it’ll be a test run for you.”
“True that.”
The two of them talked some more, Marty talking about his track and field career while TJ shared a bit about his job as a gym teacher and after school coach. Then, TJ said they should head over to the Jeweler’s before it closed.
“Now?”
“No time better than the present,” TJ said, dragging the athlete with him.
Luckily, they arrived at the Jeweler’s an hour before it was about to close. A man in a black suit with a rainbow tie and blonde hair with purple, blue, and black highlights greeted them.
“Hello, gentleman, how may I help you today?”
“Hey,” TJ said, “I’m looking for a ring for my boyfriend. I’m going to propose.”
“I’m here to help, umm…Todd,” Marty said, reading the worker’s nametag.
Todd beamed at the two of them. “Excellent. Come this way and tell me about the lucky man.”
TJ laughed, running his fingers through his hair as he thought about where to start. “Well, he’s really cute and handsome. He loves dinosaurs and talking about all these random facts. He’s a psychiatrist and the best one. He really helped me with my dyscalculia and becoming a better person. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night just watching him sleep and thinking about the first time I helped him get a muffin from the school cafeteria in Middle school. I love him. He’s my Underdog.”
“Wow, TJ, I didn’t know you were such a sap,” Marty said, laughing when TJ elbowed him.
TJ didn’t need another person teasing him about that. He really was only that way with Cyrus and kids.
“That’s lovely. And what’s his star sign?”
TJ laughed. “Pisces.”
“And yours.”
“Libra.”
Todd hummed while looking through a series of rings. TJ was about to ask what star signs had to do with choosing a ring when Todd brought over the most beautiful ring with the bluest stone at the center. It immediately calmed and centered him the way Cyrus did whenever he looked at him or held his hand.
“For Pisces we have two options: this sky blue aquamarine stone embedded in a black band or this purple amethyst on a silver band.”
The second band reminded TJ of how Cyrus smelled like lavender and coconut. He was torn.
“They’re both perfect,” TJ whispered, comparing the two.
“If it helps,” Todd said, “Aquamarine is meant to represent bravery while Amethyst suggests refinery.”
Bravery. It was the one quality that TJ thought of when he was with Cyrus. The one thing that defined their relationship besides their loyalty and devotion.
“Dude,” Marty said, “The aquamarine would look amazing.”
“Yeah, I want this one,” TJ said, cradling the black band with the aquamarine.
“Excellent,” Todd said, going over to confirm the price on his computer.
Marty looked at some more rings and some bracelets, teasing TJ about which would look the best on him. They were both making jokes about these matching bracelets with tennis and basket balls on them when Todd returned with the price.
TJ bit his lip. It was a bit much, but Cyrus was worth it.
“Hey,” Marty said, “Do you need help with it?”
TJ shook his head. He’d started working at a young age, refusing to rely on anyone else to help him and his family.
“I got it.”
Marty shook his head, adding his card to TJ’s. “Put half on this.”
TJ felt his brows furrow. “Marty, it’s fine. I got it.”
“Hey, consider it an early wedding present. Please, TJ, you know I owe you with Buffy.”
The other guy couldn’t stop reminding him, but he relented.
“Fine, but it’s an early present, and I was going to tell you later, but you can be the best man.”
Marty jumped at that, hugging TJ while Todd ran their cards. “Dude, that’s awesome. So I get to plan your Bachelor party and everything?”
“Yes,” TJ said, laughing as he signed the receipt.
“Score,” Marty said, hugging TJ again as the two of them left the shop.
*
Cyrus kept checking his pocket for the ring every couple minutes. After they’d gotten the ring he talked to Andi, Buffy, and Jonah about the plan. His friends had managed to take the time off. Andi was a designer while Jonah wrote music and performed. Buffy was currently in training for an upcoming Basketball match, but her coach still let her take the time off. Buffy was going to snap pictures of TJ and Cyrus as they visited each place in Shadyside that held a special memory for them. Andi and Jonah were going to gather a series of mementos kind of like the time capsule they did for when Buffy was about to move away only they were going to put them all into a huge picnic basket. They even decided to exchange code names, reluctantly on Andi and Buffy’s end while Jonah just smiled along. Cyrus was currently pacing his and TJ’s living room having meticulously packed everything into his two suitcases for the week. TJ came in from their bedroom wheeling in a carry-on duffel, laughing when he saw Cyrus’ luggage.
“Underdog, we’re only visiting for a week. We’re aren’t moving back home.”
Cyrus felt his cheeks heat. “You have to be prepared. You think it’s a little much?” He made sure to pack a little bit of everything including some food, his and TJ’s favorite books and games along with clothing to fit any occasion since a certain boyfriend still hadn’t told him about all of their activities.
TJ went up and hugged him. “It’s never a little much with you, Muffin.”
“You sure? Maybe I should just bring the one suitcase. But the other one has the games. What’ll we do if we get bored?”
TJ waggled his eyebrows. “I could think of a few things.”
“Teej! We’re not even married yet,” Cyrus said, shutting up immediately as he checked his pocket for the hundredth time that morning. Andi and Buffy had made him swear not to give himself away no matter how much he had wanted to. That took a series of pinkie swears.
“Yeah, not yet,” TJ agreed if not a bit cryptically.
Cyrus was about to say something but then he checked the time. “Oh, we should go. We gotta get to the airport at least two hours before.”
TJ nodded, taking his and Cyrus’ bags, grunting as he picked up the first of Cyrus’.
“Don’t worry it’s exactly fifty pounds,” Cyrus said as they opted to take the elevator instead of the stairs.
“Good thing I still weight lift with the kids,” TJ muttered as Cyrus kissed him on the cheek.
“Thanks, Teej!”