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Today was the big day.
The day. The one he’d been planning for months.
Things had to be perfect. He wouldn’t accept anything less.
Alejandro got up at the crack of dawn, making a cup of coffee to prepare for what laid ahead. He had to get himself ready, and triple check everything. Perfection took time.
That was the easy part of the morning.
Walking up Noah was more difficult. He slept like a rock, refusing to wake up earlier than 8 on weekends. He didn’t work late, he just claimed that he needed his beauty sleep. It didn’t help that when he woke up he was groggy for an hour after.
Alejandro hoped to skip that stage of Noah with an adequately placed cup of coffee and a breakfast bar to speed things up.
He knew Noah like the back of his hand, it was easy to appease him if he tried.
They’d been living together for around a year, a brilliant year by his standards. Every second of living with him was amazing well…most moments.
Their personalities meant that arguments typically turned into a full evening event of petty researching and oral arguments for both sides. They’d once spent a good half hour arguing about whether or not they could drink milk that was a day past the expiration date. Alejandro claimed that they should throw it away to be safe while Noah argued vehemently that it was fine and he wanted cereal.
He enjoyed their spats, they never got ugly because they both knew most of the topics were stupid. It was hard to think of a downside to living with Noah. He wanted to keep it up, forever if possible.
That was the whole purpose of the day circled in red on the calendar— his personal calendar.
Everything would go perfectly, seeing as he had everything to do with it.
He waited eagerly for Noah to wake up, hovering over him, casting a shadow. That must have caught his attention as he shifted, cracking his eyes open. He was sprawled out on the bed, hugging a pillow.
“Alejandro?” He muttered, sitting up in bed.
“Buenos díos,” Alejandro said happily.
“I made you coffee, and brought you breakfast,” Alejandro said proudly.
Noah eyed him strangely.
“Wow..thanks, what’s the occasion?” Noah questioned.
“Nothing amor, I simply want to get an early start to the day, I have a lot planned for today,” Alejandro said happily.
Noah raised an eyebrow but accepted the coffee Alejandro offered.
“Alright, give me a couple minutes, I have to get dressed,” Noah said, sliding the covers off of him.
Alejandro considered the wake up call a success.
“I will be waiting by the door, I have a couple stops planned today followed by a lovely balcony table at a restaurant to complete the evening,” Alejandro said.
“What are you, a tour guide?” Noah asked, slightly amused.
Alejandro smiled. “Today I will be, this is a day about you,” Alejandro said.
Noah’s playful smile dropped into something that said he was intrigued. “Alright, I’ll bite,” he said as he stood up. He took a sip of his coffee as he turned his head, walking down the hall.
“I’ll be waiting,” Alejandro said, failing to hide his glee as he watched Noah walk away. So far everything was perfect. He simply had to continue on his track and the day would be a success. He could admit that his stomach tightened at the thought of what the night would bring. He was excited but, he was also extremely worried.
He’d never done anything like this before, he’d never felt like this for anyone before.
It was new but exciting.
He had to do this, he couldn’t wait any longer.
This day would decide the future, he hoped it would end how he wanted.
_____________________
Noah didn’t take long to get ready. Once he presented himself Alejandro managed to drag him down the stairs of their apartment building with minimal complaining.
The first stop on his list, pulled up on his phone just in case, was a small shop a couple kilometers from their apartment.
Noah wasn’t a big fan of walking, he complained, so Alejandro had already prepared a cab to wait outside for them.
“What’s with today?” Noah asked as they got in. Alejandro could only provide a cheeky smile.
“Nothing, you’ll see,” Alejandro said vaguely. He was good at keeping secrets, extremely good in fact. He knew most of his own families secrets, like José’s real middle name and his mother’s secret recipes for Thanksgiving.
The cab pulled up quickly, Alejandro darting out to open the door for Noah.
“After you,” he said, turning to face the building at the same time that Noah saw it.
“Oh..I forgot this place was here,” Noah said as Alejandro shut the door behind him. It was a small shop located near the street. A small sign hung over top with the image of a book.
“You used to go here all the time I figured we could revisit it, as our first stop,” Alejandro said. He walked up, reaching for the handle, when he noticed a sign plastered on the door.
‘Sorry, closed for renovations’.
“¿Que?” Alejandro questioned, pulling his hand away in annoyance.
“This isn’t right, it was open yesterday,” Alejandro rationalized.
Alejandro peered into the window to confirm what the sign said. The glass was foggy but, it was clear that no one was there.
“Looks closed,” Noah confirmed.
“No this must be the wrong place, this shouldn’t be..I can’t believe.…”Alejandro sighed in frustration, unable to finish his sentence.
“Hey take a breath, it’s fine let’s just go somewhere else,”Noah said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“It’s not fine..let’s just go to the next item on the list..that can’t be closed,” Alejandro said confidentially..
“Alright,” Noah shrugged. “What’s the rush anyways? We have all day,” Noah asked.
“I just have a lot of stops, that is all,” Alejandro said. He reached into his pocket, fingers brushing up against a box placed carefully in his pocket. He still had the whole day to get through and already things were messing up. He would have to do things better.
“What’s the occasion?” Noah joked. Alejandro didn’t share his relaxed demeanor.
“You know I remember this place, it’s been a while but this is the place we first met isn’t it?” Noah asked.
He peered into the windows, pointing at something in the back. It was a secluded corner with a chair and a lightbulb hanging— it was currently off.
“Yeah I was sitting back there, and you..”Noah thought for a moment.
“I had come in to find a gift for my mother, I ended up leaving with a series of fantasy novels you recommended,” Alejandro said.
“I panicked and recommended books to you..you looked like you had no clue what you were doing,” Noah said.
“Well I was intimidated by the serious book reader in the corner with the cute glasses,” Alejandro said.
“I hate those glasses,” Noah muttered.
“But you have the most beautiful eyes,” Alejandro said.
“Sure..says the guy with the nicest shade of green eyes,” Noah said with a content smile.
“I did enjoy the series if it’s any consolation..so did my mamá, she still reads it,” Alejandro said.
Noah raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know that,” Noah said.
“Yes I told her what happened and she asked to meet you for more recommendations,” Alejandro said sheepishly.
“So you got set up by your mother?” Noah asked.
“I went back on my own accord, and I was lucky that you were there,” Alejandro said.
“How did you ever get the confidence to ask me out?” Noah’s asked jokingly. He was fighting back a laugh.
“It sucks that this place is closed,” Noah said.
“Yeah..”Alejandro said.
“Well where to next?” Noah asked.
Alejandro smiled fondly. “Another of your favorite places,” Alejandro said.
_____________________
The park wasn’t far from the book shop, a mere ten minute walk. Even Noah couldn’t complain much.
Noah spent most of the walk recounting the latest book in the series he was reading. Alejandro listened intently, slightly intrigued. He always knew the best titles, it was almost uncanny when he recommended something he was exactly in the mood for.
Alejandro took them on the scenic route, if you could call it that in a big city. The park wasn’t large but it was big enough that if you walked far enough you wouldn’t be able to see the street.
Alejandro was headed towards the center of the green area, a place with a couple large play strictures and benches. It was also home to something else, the reason they were there.
“Where are we going now?” Noah asked as they walked along the concrete path
“It’s a surprise amor,” Alejandro said.
“You know I can see most of the park already right..” Noah said with a smug smile.
“Let me have this,” Alejandro said.
“Fine fine,” Noah said, raising his hands up.
They kept walking until Alejandro arrived at the benches. They were mostly deserted with a couple people sitting down across from each other.
The park itself wasn’t much different than the many others that dotted the city but, it had a certain feature that made it special to both of them.
It contained various tables with chess boards painted onto them, with pieces laid in a small box on the side. It was a pay to play system, the park only charging 25 ¢ to play as long as you could want. Alejandro had a couple quarters bouncing around in his pocket just in case.
They’d visited the park often back when they first started dating, both trying to beat the other at chess. They were close, games ending in a stalemate on most days. They could spend hours there. They didn’t go much anymore but, Alejandro never forgot it.
It had been a while but he figured the park hadn’t changed much in a decade. Nothing would go wrong this time.
“Oh, this park!” Noah said. His eyes lit up. He walked ahead, finding a table fully in the shade of the cover.
“I can’t believe this is still here,” Noah said as he took a seat. The tables looked raggedy, the board hard to see but still visible. It was doable.
“You came outside just to get beaten at chess?” Noah asked with a sly smile.
“Bold of you to assume you will win,” Alejandro said.
He grabbed a quarter from his pocket, putting it in the machine. The box popped open quickly, revealing pieces that were not related to chess.
Alejandro stared at them, feeling his eye twitch.
“¿Cuál es el significado de esto?” Alejandro said with malice. He sighed, taking a seat on the bench feeling defeated again. Maybe the cards weren’t aligned, maybe he should try again another day. Who cared about perfect plans, a perfect day.
“Checkers huh..I’m pretty good at that too,” Noah said. He grabbed them from the box, setting them up on the table.
“You scared I’ll beat you?” Noah asked when he didn’t respond.
“Of course not, it’s child’s play,” Alejandro said.
“Perhaps we should up the stakes then, to really make things interesting?” Noah asked.
“What do you propose?” Alejandro asked.
“First to win five games, loser has to—“Noah looked around the park.
He smiled. “Take a ride down the slide over there,” Noah said as a matter of fact.
Alejandro looked up to see a fully covered slide, a bright yellow color. Alejandro hated slides. There was no way he would fit let alone go down it.
“That is unfair, you could fit easily while I will have a harder time,” Alejandro said.
Noah shrugged. “Don’t lose then.”
“Fine you have a deal mi amor,” Alejandro said. He set himself on the bench, arms placed carefully on the table. Noah would regret making a bet with him.
“You know I wonder why they changed it,” Noah pondered as he finished setting up his own side.
“To mess with me,” Alejandro wanted to say. He only shrugged.
“I suppose no one other than us used it,” Alejandro said.
“We probably kept them in business,” Noah said.
“I suppose so, all my winning was costly,” he said confidentially.
“Right, your winning,” Noah smirked.
Alejandro loved it when Noah smiled. The room lit up, and he melted into the ground. He stared at him for a moment, taking in the sight as he worked.
“Do I have something on my face?” Noah asked after a moment.
“No, your smile is simply radiant,” Alejandro said sweetly.
Noah didn’t respond with a sarcastic remark, he just turned red, continuing his work.
“Thanks,” Noah said as he finished setting up.
“Now get ready because flattery won’t help you when you’re fighting kids to go down the slide,” Noah said gleefully.
He was devious.
It was why Alejandro had fallen in love with him.
_____________________
They played for hours. It felt like minutes, Alejandro moving a piece and Noah following over and over again. The matches stacked up until it was 4-4. Noah edged him out on the next game, barely.
He conceded and agreed to go down the slide as he was harassed by kids of various ages asking him questions about his actions. Noah’s smile was worth it as he got to the top, cursing in Spanish under his breath.
It was a well earned slide go. Alejandro had let him win anyways (he had in fact tried his hardest).
Noah couldn’t stop laughing as Alejandro guided him to their next stop. He groaned as he walked, neck aching from his struggle to escape the slide.
His next stop was closer to his final destination, a building that towered above the others.
It was built ages ago, the stone structure showing as much from the chips on its exterior. It was behind a giant stair case that always had flocks of birds perched on the railing.
There were also people gathered on the steps, some resting while others were looking at maps confused. It wasn’t the buildings busiest day but there was a sizable amount of foot traffic when they arrived around mid afternoon. The sun was still in the sky so as far as Alejandro was concerned they had time.
He presented the building in a grand fashion once they arrived, waiting for Noah to look up from the ground. It wasn’t far from the park but Alejandro had suggested another taxi. Noah declined saying that he didn’t mind walking after seeing Alejandro go down the slide.
“Where are we now?” Noah asked, looking up.
He scanned the area, looking for any type of signage that identified their location.
The building was rather bland aside from the words written in the top.
Noah finally looked, seeing it clear as day.
“The museum of natural sciences,” he said, it dawning on him as he read it.
“Oh.”
Noah smiled.
“I forgot how inconspicuous this building looked,” Noah said.
“I know it is rather poor design, it looks like a court house,” Alejandro said.
“Yeah or a tax collectors office,” Noah continued.
“Well shall we?” Alejandro asked, extending his hand out for Noah to take.
Noah obliged.
“You spoil me,” he said dramatically.
“I know what you like, that is all..perhaps we can see your favorite exhibit first?” Alejandro offered. It was the Egyptian area of the building, filled with ancient stone tablets and mummies. Noah studied hieroglyphics for fun on occasion and came every once in a while in an attempt to decode each tablet. He claimed it was funner than looking it up which Alejandro agreed. Watching his mind work was a wonder, it amazed Alejandro how fast he absorbed information.
Alejandro walked at a brisk pace to match Noah’s enthusiasm, up the stairs towards the building.
It had multiple entrances, including one main set of doors that they were currently headed towards.
Noah pushed the door open, allowing berth for Alejandro to follow.
He grabbed a flyer, as he always did, and made his way straight towards the exhibit he always did.
The museum was free but Alejandro always put a twenty in the donation jar for the time they spent there. Sometimes it was hours and sometimes they would even stay until closing.
It had been a little while since they last visited but, the memory was still fresh in his brain. It had to have been no more than a month ago, or it could have been a year, it was hard to say. They simply got busy and what time they did get was spent doing other things. Alejandro understood but, he figured it was time they make space for them, and them alone.
Alejandro was startled when Noah nearly ran into him.
“Where are you going? I thought we were headed to the Egyptian exhibit?” Alejandro asked.
“I changed my mind, let’s save it for later,” Noah said quickly. He didn’t meet Alejandro’s eyes, he looked around, like he was thinking.
“What’s wrong?” Alejandro asked. He could read him quite easily, especially when he was making things up on the spot.
“Nothing I just figured we haven’t been here in a while and we should see other stuff first, I’m sure there’s plenty of interesting things we haven’t seen in a while,” Noah justified.
Alejandro didn’t buy it.
He moved passed Noah, walking towards the Egyptian exhibit.
His suspicions were confirmed when he saw a sign that read ‘Closed for a private viewing’
Of course.
Everything seemed to be telling him that he shouldn’t follow through. If he couldn’t plan a perfect day then he definitely wouldn’t get the proposal right, and that had to be perfect.
Alejandro shrunk, reading the sign over and over in his head like a broken record.
“Hey it’s fine I don’t really care that much we can always come back, “ Noah justified. Alejandro could tell he was just trying to make him feel better.
It was a wonder that it was working.
“You’re right, perhaps it will open before we leave, maybe we could visit a dinosaur skeleton or two?” Alejandro offered with a renewed pep in his step.
He could do this. His job was to make sure Noah had a good time, he couldn’t spend time sulking about what could have been. He still had dinner. That couldn’t go wrong.
He really needed to learn to stop jinxing himself.
_____________________
They stayed at the museum until it close promptly at 6:30 p.m..
The exhibit never opened, Alejandro noticed the sign on his way out but didn’t let it linger in his mind.
Noah had fun, that was all that mattered. Alejandro had nearly forgotten how fun museum trips were, they both enjoyed looking around at the various exhibits and commenting on facts they both knew from books or documentaries. Alejandro never knew as much as Noah but, he came close. He wasn’t the trivia one of their duo.
The whole trip was worth it when Alejandro saw Noah happy. That was the true purpose of the day, to reminisce while also posing a big question.
One that he hoped would lead to more memories like the ones they had already created.
“Hey thanks for this..you planned a good day,” Noah said as they walked.
“Lucky for you amor it’s not over yet, I reserved us a seat—“ Alejandro took a step and stood in front of a fancy restaurant they were passing by
“At this fine establishment, to conclude our day,” Alejandro said, a wide smile on his face.
“You remembered?” Noah questioned. He did, very well in fact.
They were walking by months ago, back when the place first opened, when Noah commented on the place offhandedly. Alejandro had taken a menu from a wall out front and they read it as they walked.
“Everything on here feels fancy just because,” Noah had commented.
Alejandro agreed with him until he continued.
“But I would come for the pie, look at how rich it looks,” Noah had said as he pointed to a man eating a slice on the patio.
Alejandro agreed and that was that. The conversation stuck in his head after that, unable to escape until he took Noah to the place in question. It was a risk but, he wanted somewhere formal to propose, and what better than a newish restaurant with one thing his boyfriend claimed to have wanted to try.
Maybe he was sabotaging the day for himself.
“I figured you could try the pie you expressed interest in, and maybe something else seeing as I did reserve us seating for two,” he said.
“Romantic,” Noah said with a small smile.
“It’s a talent,” Alejandro said with as much humility as he could muster.
“So you’re saying you remember that and not the list of groceries when I sent you downstairs to the store yesterday?” Noah asked as they walked in.
“I only remember things that are actually important, I remembered most of the things,” Alejandro said with a triumphant smile.
“That list was important, you forgot bread!” he said with a look of disbelief. Alejandro only chuckled. Noah couldn’t tell but it was a nervous laugh.
“Reservation for two,” Alejandro said.
“Of course, right this way,” the hostess said, holding a tablet as she guided them through a crowded restaurant. Alejandro was thankful that he made reservations when he did, or else he would have messed again. It was yet another thing to add to the pile, a pile that he wanted to burn away until the day was perfect again.
“Wow, busy today huh?” Noah commented as they walked.
“Yes, always,” she said with a blank face similar to Noah’s. She weaved around the restaurant, passing tables and decorum until she arrived at a small corner booth. It was stuck between a wall and another booth, the only escape being a small window that was slightly smudged.
“I apologize but we had to change your seating choice last minute due to system complications, we will compensate you for desert as repayment,” the women said almost robotically. Alejandro almost expected it. The booth wasn’t that bad. Who cared that he had booked the second floor balcony view months in advance for the night, it didn’t matter.
Alejandro sighed, stepping aside to let Noah walk in first.
He obliged, taking a seat next to the window. It displayed the moon, vaguely.
“I apologize..I tried to get a nicer seat,” Alejandro said.
“Hey we’re in and they’ve got a full menu, just enjoy the day that you planned,” Noah comforted.
Alejandro frowned, understanding the words yet still feeling defeated. Maybe he should give up and try again later. There was always later.
He wasn’t sure how much longer he wanted to wait.
Alejandro felt Noah grab his hand under the table, squeezing it tight.
“This day has been perfect, I enjoyed spending time with you, and it’s not over yet,” Noah said.
“It was also super romantic, watching you go down that slide with those kids hitting you from behind,” Noah chided.
Alejandro felt himself turn red.
“I do not want t talk about that,” he said bitterly.
Noah couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’ll keep bringing it up then,” Noah said smugly as he grabbed the menu that was already sitting at their table.
“Now help me decide what to order because I have no idea what half these dishes even mean,” he deadpanned.
Alejandro smiled.
“I would be happy to oblige,” he said.
He did what Noah said, he let himself relax, he let himself enjoy things as they happened because it wasn’t time yet and he could put off all his stress and anxiety about things until the end when it really mattered.
For the most part it worked, even if the closer that dinner got to over the worse he felt, his face growing pale and his hands clammy.
He could do this, he had to do this. He rehearsed it in his head and he wouldn’t mess it up.
He wouldn’t mess it up because he knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted Noah, he wanted to spend time with him, he wanted to be there for him, he wanted to love him and nobody else. Who cared what happened because he loved him.
All he had to do was tell him that.
He waited still, he waited until they were both done eating and their plates were cleared, until they were finally alone.
Noah was raving about the pie they’d just ate when Alejandro found the courage to finally ask.
“Noah..”he began when Noah finished talking.
“This is difficult but I have something I would like to ask you..perhaps I should have earlier but I could never get it right,” Alejandro said.
Noah only looked confused.
Alejandro swallowed hard. He reached down into his pockets, pulling out a velvet box that had sat there the entire day.
He opened his mouth to speak.
That was when the power went out.
The whole entire blocks power went out. Alejandro’s vision went dark, only lit by the moonlight.
Alejandro pulled the box out of his pocket, gripping it tightly in his hand.
“Mierda,” he muttered.
He was so close. He had the resolve. Why were things still going wrong?
“Noah are you there?” Alejandro asked.
“Yeah..guess it’s a good thing we have a window seat…” he said.
His voice trailed off.
Alejandro shook his head, he didn’t want to give up but he just felt so defeated. It was like everything was giving him a sign that he shouldn’t do this. That it wasn’t time yet. Maybe he should start listening, he was ruining their day.
“Alejandro?” Noah called.
“Alejandro!” He called again.
Alejandro looked around for his voice.
“Yes?” Alejandro asked.
“Look,” Noah said. He pointed his arm up, at the moon just out the window. The glass was clearer, maybe due to Noah, so he was able to see the moon clearly.
It wasn’t its normal white color, it was a striking orange that made Alejandro pause.
“It’s a lunar eclipse,” Noah said, watching it with awe.
“I didn’t even notice—“ he began.
“They only happen once or twice a year and we get to see it, how lucky is that,” he said, pulling his body closer to the window.
Alejandro stared at the moon, looking with wide eyes.
“You know a lunar eclipse is caused by the moon reflecting the suns rays—“ Noah began, pausing when he squinted, seeing Alejandro through the darkness. He was kneeling, holding the box up.
“What are you doing?”Noah asked suspiciously.
“Look mi amor..there has been a reason for this entire day,” he began with new found resilience.
He could do this, he had to do this.
“I wanted to make this a special day for you, because you deserve it…”
“Spending time with you makes me happy, even when everything kept going wrong you managed to save it without even trying, I just..” Alejandro felt his voice waver.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“That is why I brought you here, why I did all this..I simply have a question for you,” Alejandro said.
He held up the ring he’d borrowed from his mother towards the light of the moon, the rock that shouldn’t shine so bright.
“Noah, will you do the honor of marrying me?” Alejandro asked, voice strong but feelings all twisted up. What if he said no? What if he said yes? Both would change things drastically, the change scared him yet he needed it.
Noah didn’t respond immediately, he stared for a moment as the ring glowed red.
Then he choked out a response. Alejandro realized that he was crying silently, a couple tears running down his face, happy tears.
“Yes,” he said softly.
“Yes!” he said louder.
He stood up from his booth, running around to embrace Alejandro in an all encompassing hug.
“I knew you had a plan, you aren’t subtle,” Noah said knowingly. He didn’t care in the slightest.
He leaned down and gave Alejandro a ginger kiss, in the middle of a pitch black restaurant. Alejandro heard a couple people applaud at the confession. It still felt like they were in their own little bubble apart from everybody.
Noah pulled back. Alejandro used the opportunity to slip the ring he got around Noah’s finger, securing the agreement.
“I can’t believe that was all a ploy,” he said. “I can’t believe you would put in this much effort for me,” Noah said.
“I love you,” Alejandro said to confirm the fact for Noah.
“You deserved this, and more, I enjoyed just being with you,” he said.
Noah nodded his head slowly, unable to hide his smile.
“I enjoyed hanging out with you too, you make a good partner,” Noah said. He attempted to subtly wipe his eyes with a napkin to no avail.
Alejandro also tried to do the same, catching his eyes watering. He just felt so happy.
It worked, somehow.
He said yes.
The rest of his worries melted away because he had Noah and that was all that mattered.
Alejandro smiled as wide as he could, feeling so overwhelmingly happy that he couldn’t contain himself.
Of course engagement was its own set of difficulties but, they would deal with it, together.
Like they always did.
“Hey you want to leave cash and go watch the eclipse on that hill in the park?” Noah offered. He held up a note that Alejandro quickly declined.
“Of course, as long as I pay,” he said smugly.
Noah shrugged. “I can live with that,” he said. Alejandro was practically giddy.
Alejandro slammed the note on the table, along with change.
They had a hill to get to, and Alejandro couldn’t wait.