Work Text:
“Nigel, what’s your ideal date?”
Nigel's head swivels to glance over at Adam, who had been sitting somewhat rigidly on the park bench up until now. The sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of purple and orange, casting a serene glow over the park. Nigel had known almost instantly that Adam was bothered by something, so it had only been a matter of time before he fessed up to what was plaguing him.
Nigel had always been quite good at reading Adam like that; since the day he laid eyes on him, he was insistent on learning every singular trait that came with the doe-eyed beauty. He was completely and utterly head over heels for the boy, quirks and all.
As of now, both teens were sitting in Adam’s favorite park awaiting the raccoons to present themselves, as they did every other night. However, Nigel had taken note of the stiffness in Adam’s shoulders once he met with him outside his house, and even how his fingers tapped rhythms into his thighs. Nigel didn’t want to pester him on the details, so he had been waiting up until now for Adam to fess up what was wrong.
“Uhm. . . I don’t fucking know, darling. Why?” Nigel takes a puff of his cigarette, blowing the smoke in the opposite direction of Adam.
“You should stop smoking.” Adam replies instead, his eyes settling on Nigel’s hand with the cigarette. Often Adam deflected topics like that, but Nigel had learned to go along with Adam’s different trains of thought; eventually they would return right back to the beginning.
“Tch.” Nigel can’t help the half-hearted scoff that comes out of him. “You also said I shouldn’t date you, but that didn’t fucking stop me, did it?”
“I actually said it wouldn’t be a good idea because we are two entirely different people. . ." Adam trails off, as if contemplating saying something else, only to say it anyway. ". . .And my dad thinks you’re a gangster.”
Nigel lets out a loud laugh at that; he was glad that he had reassured Adam to let him know his every thought. He was sick and tired of people berating Adam for saying his mind; Nigel loved Adam's blunt comments, they were fucking hilarious. “Your dad changed his tune pretty fucking quickly once I made him those cookies.” Nigel puts his hands up in surrender, his lips curving into a cheeky grin.
“Yeah,” Adam goes silent for a moment once again, and resumes staring off at the bushes for the raccoons. “. . . He likes the way you are generous with the chocolate. He told me to tell you that.”
Finally, Nigel caves and stubs out his cigarette, tossing it away and scooting closer to Adam. Once they are knee-to-knee, Nigel slides an arm around Adam’s shoulder and gives him a small kiss on his cheek. “You’re thinking. . .” Nigel notes.
“Technically, we are always thinking.”
“You’re a real fucking comedian.” Nigel retorts, now giving Adam trailing kisses onto his jaw, and then onto his neck where he knows he is ticklish.
“Nigel-!” Adam startles, his eyes lighting up a little and a small grin spreading across his features. Once Adam sees the mischievous smile on Nigel's face, his own smile fades and he notices Nigel's attempt to make him smile. “You’re very annoying.” Adam mumbles, his voice going shy.
“I know. . . but it’s why you love me." Nigel grins, now pulling Adam close again and running his fingers along Adam's arm. "What are you thinking about, gorgeous?”
Adam takes a moment to think and gather his thoughts, before he eventually breaks his silence. “I overheard people in my math class talking about Valentine’s Day. I was curious what your ideal date would be, or if you wanted to be my Valentine. But now I’ve told you, so the surprise is ruined.” Adam’s lips downturn, and his eyes scatter along Nigel’s face.
“Oh.” Nigel pauses, only to laugh. “Well, to answer your first question, my ideal date would be anywhere with you. Whether it’s sitting in this park staring at a bush for hours, or watching space documentaries. I’d do fucking anything. To answer your other question, I would fucking love to be your Valentine, gorgeous.” Nigel takes a hold of Adam’s hand and uses it as leverage to pull him closer into a kiss.
Adam makes a noise of surprise, only to melt into the kiss. “Technically,” Adam speaks against Nigel’s lips, “your ideal date isn’t just anywhere. If I took you to a hungry lion enclosure, you wouldn’t enjoy it-”
“Alright, smarty-fucking-pants.” Nigel mumbles, teasingly pinching Adam’s side and nuzzling his face back into Adam’s neck. “What I’m saying is that I have faith that you will do something really fucking nice, so I am happy with whatever because I know the idea came from that smart little brain of yours.”
With that, Adam hums contemplatively, soaking up all of the affection as he does. “. . .Okay then.”
“What’s yours?” Nigel pulls his face away from Adam’s neck, curious to know his boyfriend’s response. “Ideal date, like.”
“Oh,” Adam blinks hard, his lips parting as the cogs turn in his brain. “Well, my answer is not as good as yours, because I would have said that stargazing is my ideal date. But being with you is also an ideal date.”
With that, Nigel breaks out into a goofy grin at the reply. “Well aren’t you the sweetest?” He peppers kisses all over Adam’s face, which earns him a giggle. “We stargaze all the time though, sweetness. What else would you like to do?”
“Uhm. . . I’m not sure, to be honest.” Adam’s eyes wander off into the near distance as he thinks, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth.
Nigel gently catches Adam's lip with his thumb, stopping the worrying motion. “Well. . . how about I surprise you?” Nigel suggests with a soft smile. “I will do something really special for you- for us. How does that sound?”
Adam takes a moment to reflect on that, head tilting whilst he lets out a small contemplative sound. “Uhmmm. . . well, okay. I don’t see why not. You know me quite well, I think.”
Nigel leans in, pressing a soft kiss to Adam's forehead. "It's a plan then. Just wait and see."
As they sit in comfortable silence, the first raccoon timidly emerges from the bushes, followed by another, and then a few more. Adam's face lights up in glee as he observes them, and Nigel can't help but feel a warm swell of affection. He tightens his arm around Adam, pulling him closer as they enjoy the simple pleasure of each other's company and the curious antics of the raccoons.
At that moment, with the night sky slowly filling with stars above and the gentle rustle of the park around them, Nigel knew that any date with Adam would be perfect, as long as they were together.
Whoever told Nigel that any date with Adam would be perfect was full of fucking horse shit.
Technically , that person was Nigel, so he is the one full of horse shit; he most certainly feels like it, as he's knelt on the gravel beside Adam and trying to make soothing sounds in an attempt to calm him down.
They had arrived at the fun fair just an hour ago, Nigel was confident that the vibrant atmosphere and thrilling rides would be a fun and memorable Valentine’s date. However, it quickly became evident that the chaos and sensory overload were too much for Adam to handle.
The bright flashing lights, the deafening roar of the rides, and the constant stream of people jostling around them had sent Adam into a state of distress. Nigel had an idea that the fair would have been slightly more crowded due to the fact that it was Valentine’s Day, but he hadn’t realized how much it would have affected Adam.
Nigel had noticed Adam's stiffening posture and the way his fingers started to tap out more frantic rhythms on his thighs, but by the time he realized the extent of Adam's discomfort, it was too late. Adam had retreated into himself, his breathing erratic and his eyes wide with panic.
“I bet I could fucking win this prize for you, whaddya say, baby?” Nigel turns over his shoulder to look at Adam. The first sign should have been how Adam went deathly quiet when they arrived, reduced to silent nods and barely any words. The second sign should have been how Adam made distressed noises each time a ride would roar, or a person would nudge into him by accident - but Nigel hadn’t taken notice of it because of his own excitement.
“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Nigel murmurs, his voice low and gentle as he rubs Adam’s back in soothing circles. “What do you need?”
That must have been the last straw for Adam, because soon after he somewhat collapses to the ground and balled himself up, beginning to panic.
“Fuck-” Nigel’s heart drops, and he crouches beside Adam mindlessly, attention entirely on him. “Adam? Are you okay, baby? Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. We’ll get out of here, I promise. Just focus on my voice, okay?”
Adam’s breaths come in short, rapid gasps, and he clutches at Nigel’s jacket, his knuckles white. “Too much,” he manages to choke out, his voice strained. “I-It’s too much.”
“I know, sweetness, I know. I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.” Nigel feels a wave of guilt crash over him. He should have known better than to bring Adam to such an overwhelming place. “We’re leaving now, alright? We’ll go somewhere quiet. But you’ll need to stand up so we can get out. Do you think you can do that?”
After a moment of processing the words, Adam nods stiffly and offers his hands out to Nigel.
Carefully, Nigel helps Adam to his feet, keeping an arm securely around his waist. He guides him through the bustling crowd, shielding him as best as he can from the jostling bodies and the cacophony of sounds. Every so often, he murmurs reassurances, telling Adam they’re almost there, that he’s doing great, that Nigel’s got him.
For each step that Nigel takes, he is internally chastising himself for being the world’s largest dumbass, especially on Valentine’s Day of all fucking days. In what world would Adam have enjoyed this shit hole?
Once the pair are away from the fair and the noise begins to fade, Nigel spots a small park nearby. It’s quieter here, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves and the distant hum of traffic. He leads Adam through the front gate and toward a bench, sitting him down and crouching in front of him to maintain eye contact.
Over time, Adam’s breathing slowly steadies, and he leans into Nigel’s touch as Nigel continues to rub his back. “I’m so sorry,” Adam whispers, his voice trembling.
“ No ,” Nigel interjects. “Shut the fuck up, kindly. Don’t be sorry,” Nigel’s voice is firm, and he shakes his head. “ I’m the one who’s sorry. I should have thought about how it would affect you. I just wanted to do something fun, but I was a dumbass . I am completely fucking ashamed.”
Adam gives a small, shaky laugh. “Well, it was memorable, I guess.”
Nigel smiles softly, relief flooding through him as he sees a hint of humor in Adam’s eyes. “Yeah, memorable. Let’s go with that.” He chuckles as he sits beside Adam, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close. “Next time, you get to choose the date, okay?”
Adam leans into Nigel, resting his head on his shoulder. “Okay. But for now, can we just sit here for a while?”
“Of course,” Nigel murmurs, pressing a kiss to Adam’s temple. “We can sit here as long as you want. We’ve got the whole night ahead of us.”
“Unless my dad wants me home early.”
“Okay, Cinderella. . .” Nigel teases, taking Adam’s hand and pressing feather-light kisses to his knuckles.
They sit in silence for a while, the quiet park providing a stark contrast to the chaos of the fun fair. Nigel feels Adam gradually relax against him, his breathing evening out. The stars begin to twinkle above them, and Nigel can’t help but think that, despite the rough start, this moment right here is perfect.
After a while, Adam shifts slightly, looking up at Nigel with a thoughtful expression. “You know, I think my ideal date was better. We are sitting here now and we’ve had more fun than any other date.”
Nigel nods, a smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, yeah. You’re the expert, I’m the dumbass. Maybe we can find a way to make all of our dates like this. . . quiet, nice, just us two.”
Adam smiles back, his eyes reflecting the light of the stars above. “I’d like that.”
Nigel feels a warmth spreading through his chest, a feeling of deep affection and contentment. He lifts a hand to gently cup Adam’s cheek, his thumb brushing softly over his skin. When he is staring at Adam like this, he cannot help but still feel a sense of guilt from earlier.
“I really am sorry, Adam,” he says quietly, his voice sincere. “I never want to make you uncomfortable. Ever .”
“I know,” Adam replies, leaning into Nigel’s touch. “And I appreciate that. I’m just glad we’re here together now.”
Nigel’s heart swells at Adam’s words, and he can’t resist the urge to close the small distance between them. He presses a tender kiss to Adam’s lips, the touch light and gentle at first. Adam responds almost immediately, his hand coming up to rest on Nigel’s shoulder, fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket.
The kiss deepens slowly, naturally, as if they’re both savoring the moment. Nigel tilts his head slightly, his other hand moving to Adam’s waist, pulling him closer. Adam’s lips are soft and warm against his, and Nigel feels a shiver of pleasure run down his spine.
Adam parts his lips slightly, allowing Nigel to explore further. The kiss becomes more passionate, yet still filled with the same tenderness. Nigel’s tongue brushes against Adam’s, and he feels Adam sigh softly into his mouth, the sound sending a thrill through him. He runs his fingers through Adam’s hair, marveling at how perfect this feels after all of the guilt and hurt from earlier.
They pull apart briefly, both of them breathless and smiling. Adam’s cheeks are flushed, his eyes sparkling with affection and something more. Nigel presses his forehead against Adam’s, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.
“You’re amazing,” Nigel whispers, his voice filled with awe. “You make everything fucking better just by being here.”
Adam’s smile widens, and he leans in for another kiss, this one softer but no less meaningful. They lose themselves in each other, the world around them fading away as they focus on the sensation of their lips moving together, the warmth of their bodies pressed close.
Eventually, they pull apart again, resting their foreheads together and simply enjoying the closeness. Nigel’s fingers trace gentle patterns on Adam’s back, and Adam’s hand stays on Nigel’s shoulder, grounding them both.
“We should probably head back soon,” Nigel murmurs, though he makes no move to get up. “But I don’t even know if I fucking want to.”
Adam nods in agreement, his eyes drifting up to the stars above them. “Me neither. Let’s stay a little longer.”
So they sit there, wrapped in each other’s arms, sharing soft kisses and whispered words under the starlit sky.
Not such a bad Valentine’s Date, in the end.
Twenty years later, Nigel stood in their cozy living room, staring into space as he attempted to think of ideas. Nineteen Valentine’s Days ago, Nigel and Adam had only recently begun their relationship. Since then, they had grown so much stronger, and remained together ever since.
Considering it was their twentieth year together, Nigel wanted this particular upcoming Valentine’s Day to be special . Upon finding no inspiration by standing in the middle of the room and doing nothing, Nigel ventures into their storage room. When they first moved here, the couple had agreed to use this room for all of their belongings that they ( mostly Adam) were too reluctant to get rid of.
Because of this, Nigel had quite the selection of memories to ponder on; the many plushies Nigel had bought Adam in the beginning of their relationship, the receipts of restaurants they went to, print-out photos of them in museums, and then. . .
Nigel’s breath catches in his throat when he sees it: a small, weathered ticket. The edges were frayed, and the ink had faded, but the memories it held were as vivid as ever. He can feel a smile spreading across his face as he recalls that chaotic first Valentine’s date at the fun fair. Despite the rocky start, it had been a defining moment in their relationship, a testament to their love and understanding of each other.
Instantly, Nigel knew that this was going to be the inspiration for his next Valentine’s date. It was so obvious , and he mentally slapped himself for not thinking about it sooner.
Nigel glanced at the time on his phone, noting that Adam would be home soon from his job as an astrophysicist. He knew that he had to begin planning, and quickly .
Over the years, Adam had flourished , his brilliance and quirks embraced and celebrated by those around him. Their life together had been a journey of love, patience, and growth. Nigel had practically become Adam’s personal chef, finding joy in creating sensory-friendly meals and environments that catered to Adam’s needs, especially after that one fateful night. Nothing made him happier, truly. He was a changed man - a man in love .
Nigel stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his shirt and running a hand through his hair. In comparison to his youth, Nigel had aged like fine wine, which truly showed when he put effort into his appearance like today.
For the occasion, he had chosen his favorite dark blue button-down and a pair of well-fitted jeans; he wanted to look his best for Adam, and for their special day. The anticipation bubbled within him as he waited for Adam to come back from his afternoon shift at work. Today was special— Valentine's Day — and Nigel had planned something extraordinary .
The sound of the front door opening pulled Nigel from his thoughts. Adam's familiar footsteps echoed through the hallway, and moments later, Adam entered the living room. His eyes lit up when he saw Nigel. “Hi,” Adam greeted, leaning in for a quick kiss. “You look handsome.”
Nigel grinned, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of Adam. “Thank you. You look absolutely fucking delicious , as per usual,” he replied, admiring Adam in his work attire and making Adam blush and chuckle.
“These are just my work clothes, Nige. . .”
“You make them look sexy,” Nigel teases, pretending to purr at Adam, which earns him another laugh. “I have something for you.”
Adam’s eyes sparkle with curiosity, his laughter dying down. “I have something for you too,” he said, holding up a neatly wrapped gift. They exchanged presents, and Nigel felt a wave of excitement as he carefully unwrapped his gift first.
Inside, he found a beautifully crafted photo album. As he opened it, he saw it was filled with photos of their journey together— each page meticulously arranged with snapshots of their most cherished memories. There were pictures from their travels, candid moments at home, and even a few of their first dates. Nigel's eyes misted over as he flipped through the pages, touched by the heartfelt gift.
“Adam,” Nigel breathes out. “This is fucking incredible .” His voice thick with emotion as he pages through the book a second time. “Thank you so much.”
Adam smiles shyly. “I wanted to give you something that shows everything we’ve been through together.”
Nigel leaned in, giving Adam a tender kiss. “It’s perfect ,” he murmured. “Now, it’s your turn.” He gestures to the small envelope in Adam’s hand.
Adam opens it to reveal the old ticket from the fun fair, now slightly worn but still intact. His eyes widened in recognition. “The fun fair,” he said softly, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. “Our first Valentine’s date.”
Nigel nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. I want to take you back there,” Nigel raises his hands to stop any protest Adam may have before he voices it. “But this time, I promise it’ll be different. I rented out the fair, and it’s all set up to be sensory-friendly, just for you.”
Adam’s eyes widened, and his mouth formed into an ‘o’ shape. “ Really . . .?” Adam breathes out, only to happily stim with his hands and pull Nigel into a hug. “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. You always know how to make things special, Nigel.”
“Anything for my beautiful husband. . .” Nigel muses.
Later that evening, they arrived at the fun fair. The organizers had implemented sensory-friendly hours, with reduced noise, softer lighting, and quieter rides. Nigel had planned every detail, ensuring Adam would feel comfortable and relaxed.
They strolled through the fairgrounds hand in hand, the atmosphere a stark contrast to the overwhelming chaos of two decades ago. Adam’s eyes sparkled with childlike wonder as he took in the sights and sounds. Nigel watched him with a fond smile, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction at seeing Adam so at ease.
“Wanna try the Ferris wheel?” Nigel suggested, pointing to the gently rotating ride adorned with twinkling lights.
Adam nodded, a genuine smile on his face. “I’d love that.”
They climbed into the Ferris wheel car, and as it ascended, they were treated to a breathtaking view of the fair below and the starry sky above. Adam leaned against Nigel, his head resting on his shoulder. “This is perfect ,” he murmured, his fingers dancing a happy rhythm against Nigel’s leg.
Nigel kissed the top of Adam’s head. “I’m glad you think so. I wanted tonight to be special for us.”
“It already is,” Adam replied, his voice filled with contentment.
The rest of the ferris wheel ride is spent in comfortable silence, the couple taking in the sight of the stars above them, just like their first Valentine’s together.
As they descended, Nigel pulled out a small, wrapped box from his pocket. “I have something else for you.”
Adam’s eyes widened in surprise. “Something else ?” Adam echoes, a cheeky grin crossing his face as he unwrapped the box to reveal a delicate silver necklace with a star pendant. “Oh wow . . . it’s beautiful,” he whispered, touched by the thoughtful gift.
“I wanted you to have something that reminds you of us and our journey,” Nigel explained, gently taking it from Adam’s fingers and fastening it around Adam’s neck. From behind, he leans close to murmur in Adam’s ear. “You’ve always been my guiding star, Adam.”
Adam’s eyes filled with tears, and he pulled Nigel into a deep, heartfelt kiss. Their lips moved together with a familiarity and passion that had only grown stronger over the years. The kiss was tender and lingering, a silent reaffirmation of their love and commitment to each other.
They spent the rest of the evening exploring the fair, sharing laughter and sweet moments. Nigel won a plush raccoon at one of the game stalls, a playful nod to their early dates spent watching raccoons in the park. Adam’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he accepted the toy, hugging it close.
They enjoyed various attractions— playing games, riding the carousel, and sharing cotton candy. The atmosphere was filled with joy, and they both felt a renewed sense of connection and love.
As the night drew to a close, they found a quiet spot away from the fair’s activity, sitting together on a bench. The stars shone brightly above them, and Adam looked up, his gaze thoughtful. “You know, I never imagined our life would be this wonderful,” he said softly. “Thank you for always understanding and loving me.”
Nigel took Adam’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “I should be thanking you . You’ve made my life more fucking meaningful than I ever thought fucking possible.”
Adam smirks a bit at that, his head finally turning to look at Nigel fondly. For a few moments, they just stare at one another in the moonlight and smile; it was not long after that they shared another kiss, this one slow and deep, filled with the mature, unwavering love they had built over two decades. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their perfect moment.
Nigel deepened the kiss, his hands moving to cradle Adam's face, feeling the softness of his skin beneath his fingers. Adam responded with equal fervor, his arms wrapping around Nigel’s neck, pulling him closer. Their kisses were unhurried, savoring the connection between them, each touch and caress a testament to their enduring bond.
They pulled apart briefly, their foreheads resting together as they caught their breath. Nigel's thumb traced gentle circles on Adam’s cheek. “I love you, Adam,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
“I love you too, Nigel,” Adam replied, his eyes shining with love and gratitude.
They kissed again, deeper this time, their lips moving in perfect harmony. The intensity of their feelings surged, and they lost themselves in each other. Nigel's hands roamed down Adam’s back, pulling him even closer, while Adam’s fingers tangled in Nigel’s hair, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.
As they finally broke apart, they rested in each other’s arms, content and happy.
“I think I just got deja vu.” Nigel comments, which earns a surprised laugh from Adam.
“I like this date better. No offence. You kiss better too.” Adam mumbles, a teasing glint in his eye.
“You little shit . . . you think you’re a fucking smartass after all these years- I haven’t forgotten your weak spots, asshole-” And with that, Nigel tickles Adam’s sides and nuzzles his face into the sensitive part of Adam’s neck, just like he used to all of those years ago.