Work Text:
The sounds of waves crashing and wind blowing could be heard. The heat from the glowing sun and hot sand is comforting.
The couple walk hand in hand, occasionally stopping to inspect shells, rocks, and other articles that could be found along the shore. Paper brought his boyfriend OJ out to the beach not to swim (for obvious reasons), but to relax and take a breather from the hotel.
"Hey babe, look at those pretty rocks!" OJ exclaimed before getting on his knees to dig through the sand. He always did enjoy the simple things in life.
While Paper invited OJ to spend time together, he also had something else on his mind. Paper had been thinking for a while about this, even getting the approval from OJ's parents, that he wants to marry OJ. He's going to propose. On the beach. Today.
To say that Paper was nervous would be the understatement of the century. No matter how many times he practiced in the mirror, or how much encouragement he got from Pickle, he was still worried.
He didn't know how OJ would react or if he was even ready or not. He didn't know if he would even want marriage.
Paper smiled at his boyfriend. "Yeah hun, those rocks look real pretty," he said as he got on his knees too.
OJ was right, the rocks looked beautiful. Some were a cream color with swirls of white, and others were more dark and turquoise with specks of color. One rock that caught Paper's eye was a dark orange and looked like honey. Actually, it wasn't just a rock, it was a piece of amber.
Paper picked up the gemstone and examined it carefully, the sunlight reflecting in the gorgeous gem. It calmed Paper, its beauty almost hypnotizing.
"OJ," Paper said as he caressed OJ's cheek so he would be facing him. He held the piece of amber next to OJ's eyes. OJ had a peculiar look, wondering what Paper was doing. Paper giggled at this. "Your eyes… they're beautiful, like amber." Paper always thought OJ's eyes were breathtaking, they were hazel with an orange hue.
OJ smiled and turned to hide his blushing face. "Babe…" Paper laughed, "What? They are!" Despite them dating for a couple years now, OJ was never quite used to the lovey dovey compliments.
Paper loved getting OJ flustered. He loved how embarrassed he gets from the tiniest bit of affection. He loved showering OJ with compliments and endearment, because he deserved all of it. He loved… well he loved OJ.
"Hey, OJ…" OJ turned towards him. "Yeah?" Oh man, he's actually doing this. He's actually gonna pop the question. Paper took a breath and grabbed OJ's hands. "I love you, I love you so much," he started. "You've always been there for me OJ. You're always there to support me, n-no matter the circumstances." Paper's grip on OJ's hands tightened, almost as if it didn't, OJ would drift away.
"I just… God I love you so much. I love how compassionate you are. I love your confidence, not only in yourself but in others and what you do. I'll always love you, OJ." Paper noticed OJ's face, he was stunned. His cheeks were dusted pink, mouth agape, eyes filled with wonder and admiration.
Paper could feel his heart race a hundred miles an hour. He didn't think he'd ever been this nervous before.
"OJ, could I ask you something?" OJ blinked and cleared his throat. "Of course. Anything." Paper reached in his pocket and pulled out a tiny, shiny object. OJ gasped.
The ring was nothing too extravagant, but to OJ it was beautiful. It was a silver band with an amber gemstone on top. When Paper first saw it, it immediately reminded him of OJ, the man always did have an obsession with the color orange.
"Will you marry me?" Paper barely had enough time to even ask the question before he was essentially tackled by OJ. "Yes! Yes! A million times yes!"
The two shared laughter and kisses as the sun set.
—
Paper held OJ as the latter slept peacefully. He pulled his fiance closer and kissed the top of his head. Paper rubbed circles on OJ's back. He loved this. He loved snuggling with OJ. There was nothing that could stress them when they were together.
Paper yawned. Just as sleep was about to consume him, he got a text.
Paper slightly groaned as he reached over to his nightstand. He never got a text this late at night, so he guessed it could've been important.
It was from Pickle.
"Im guessing it went well???"
He then sent "😏"
Paper chuckled at Pickle's support.
"You bet your dill ass it did"