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Silence didn't always have to mean something… but now, it was terrifying.
Tony and his actual partner until then, his name was Michael or something, were in a room by themselves and none of them talked in a normal speaking tone for about ten minutes. When Mike had given the sign that he wanted to talk to Tony in particular, their other guests knew something suspicious was happening — Tony was usually the rational one, so everything was even stranger, at least.
In the living room, first floor, Victor and Jaime pondered all what they were really talking about. The possibilities were multiple, from revealing some kind of sexually transmitted infection to changing his identity and living in Nicaragua because he was a fugitive from the police accused of several crimes.
Everything was possible and this was a perfect fuel for their imagination.
Going against everything expected, a noise came in. Although it sounded so close to an animal suffering, it was more like a roar of despair coming from the middle of a forest which would make you break into a thousand pieces because of fear. The situation became even worse by being conducted by a cry of agony, incoherent screams and everything bad it could come. It was horrible.
The friends in the room could only look at each other, not understanding what was actually happening — they couldn't tell who screamed, the motive behind it or any context at all. The noise caused by a strong door slamming was enough to end any noise in the second floor guarantee that everything was going worse than expected.
The spectators of this thriller watched the doors without knowing what to do or where they should go. Everything was uncertain, very unstable and they were afraid that one false step could make things even worse and destroy everything. It felt like a game of minesweeper, but more emotional and with only one chance.
— I think you really should see Tony… — Victor always had a natural talent for saying what it was needed at any given moment — Besides knowing him better, he definitely needs you there.
He knows like nobody else that Tony and Jaime were friends since the early highschool days, besides knowing the deep bond they had without needing words. Everything Vic knew about these friends led him to believing they could go even further, but none of them could see it like he did.
Hesitant, Jaime opens the door and comes across his so-called “friend” crying between long sighs while sitting with his back to the door. Once he softly closed the door, he came in gentle steps and sat next to him. Jaime couldn't handle seeing him crying like that and his heart ached everything Tony cried sad tears. Nonetheless, none of the times he cried before were like this.
When Tony finally realized that he wasn't alone anymore, his only reaction was quickly turning around and hugging Jaime (without even confirming that it was really him) while crying even more. Even though he was really selective of who he was comfortable with, the certainty that he was in his safe place began to take hold. It was Jaime, it was his arms, there was no harm.
— Shhh, hush, I’m right here… — his light calloused fingers, due his time dedicated to playing bass, were running through Tony's neck and hair in an attempt to comfort him.
— I-I… I w-was… — his naturally low voice didn't stop him from stuttering and messing up his vocabulary.
— You don't need to talk about it right away if you don't want to, ok? — it was really comfortable to see how they kept whispering for different reasons, but around the same purpose of comfort.
Tony didn't really like to talk loud all the time and he really couldn't raise his voice tone to be easily comprehensible; sometimes he could even go muted if he needed to. By the other hand, Jaime just wanted to keep him comfortable in the space they were creating for themselves.
Whispers, in that moment, were the bridge connecting them two.
— M-Mike, h-he… — Tony’s breath was unstable and his body no longer had much strength, but he kept trying to make a coherent phrase — I-I really c-c-can’t, but-
— Calm down, take your time… — the fingers kept running on his hair, making Tony yawn once or twice while thinking about what to do.
Nevertheless, no word could accurately translate what was being shown.
Both Tony's arms were marked by multiple red and purple colored spots and their sizes were close to hand marks. There were also two big marks rounding his neck, which almost weren't noticed due to his shoulder length hair. But if the situation wasn't alarming enough, there was a long mark next to his right eye and a swollen lip.
Michael was aggressive and took out his anger on an innocent.
— Oh, Tones… — Jaime’s strong arms evolved him against his own body, wishing that he could erase all the pain.
— H-he c-could have done e-even worse… H-he is a-a-angry, I don't want this anymore, i-it’s all my f-fault… — his voice dragged slowly more than he could wish, like someone was breaking down his personal walls, while tears made a wet spot in the t-shirt Jaime used.
Wet spots in his t-shirt weren't as urgent as what was happening right in front of his eyes. An aggressor was in the house and it was close to getting even worse. Jaime couldn't stop getting vigilant at all times, a wrong step taken could make a worse explosion. His mind was in a hush, while his heart was sensitive.
— Hey, Tony, slow down… You're not the one to blame… You are the victim in this story… I promise he will never hurt you again, alright?
Searching to keep a comforting position, Jaime comes back and leans on the very back of the bed, seeing that Tony was practically lying down on him. Jaime really knew that he needed it and was down to make anything that could help him… Even if he was laying down too close to him while receiving some good cafunés.
— I-I wish that he was as sweet as you, Himes… I wish that it was you with me instead of him all along. — totally caught by surprise and mixed feelings, he couldn't tell if it was really Tony confessing his feelings or something else.
What Vic had said before, what Tony said now, all his bottled-for-years feelings… These were the ingredients to feed the hope that he had of being the perfect guy to Tony Perry, the one who was always on his side and called “mi amor”. Nobody was like Tony Perry and that's the reason that made Jaime wait for so long. And knowing it could be reciprocal? It was the perfect gasoline to his fire.
But, being a decent and respectful human being, nothing would be made in such a vulnerable moment.
Once he felt his beloved “friend” was finally sleeping, Jaime took a deep breath while feeling his chest much lighter than before. He knows his heart is acting like a hyperactive kid with sugar on their blood every time he sweeps away a piece of hair from his beautiful face. Even though he wanted to place a kiss on Tony's forehead so badly, he was really unsure if that was the right thing to do.
— Oh, so you're still there… — Vic opens the door quite slowly, not giving much attention to what's in front of him, but everything in his expression changes when he finally looks at where his friend is — Wait a minute, big dog!
— You really can be a jock sometimes, y’know it? — even that rolled his eyes while smiling proudly, even the smallest of the possibilities where everything goes right for the lovebirds made his heart go over the planets. Hopefully, Tony won't feel this in his sleep.
— Yeah, yeah, whatever… — Vic’s laugh was, definitely, one of the most contagious you could ever come across — But, hey… Is everything good now? Did he tell you what happened?
— He didn't tell me with words and I didn't want to force him, but it seems worse than we could imagine.
— I talked to Mike and he didn't say much, it's a shame this happened to Tony. — Fuentes’ voice was somewhere between feeling sorry at a dear friend and angry at the one he, someday, called a brother. Brotherhood was a spectrum, the space on a Venn’s diagram between partnership and betrayal.
— Is he still here?
— He’s already gone and even wants to change his identity. I told him to not try any contact with Tony… But somehow, we got to guess the Nicaragua thing right.
— I should play the lottery soon, y’know, just to keep the luck around… — despite the situation as a whole, Jaime's ability to just keep things a little lighter was… incredible and unmatched — But for real, I can't even imagine what is going on Tony’s mind… I just- I just wanted to do something more to help.
— I’m more than sure that anything you do will work just fine… — now leaning on the door, Vic just knew things would be hella different from now on — But hey, I was thinking about calling a couple of friends to hang out here… Maybe they could cheer him up once he’s awake?
— Seems nice, but now… He really needs a good rest.
— Don't stress, I will make some calls and texts to get this “party” started… Jaime?
— What?
— Everything will be just fine.
°.• ☆ •.°
One or two hours later, the living room was quite full of friends and people that Vic just knew that could help somehow. No one was worried about waking Tony up now, they all agreed to let everything happen naturally instead of forcing him to interact.
The music coming downstairs, which wasn't too loud, was enough to keep Jaime awake. He hasn't even taken a nap since the moment he entered the bedroom, but his body was more relaxed. All the time, he was watching Tony sleep and he felt better that way instead of joining him in a peaceful sleep.
And while he followed the yellow bricks of his thoughts, the weight on top of him got lighter. He is awake.
— Mhmm… Jaime? — even though he didn't change his position, Tony tried to scratch his eyes while keeping composure, but it was hard keeping it all cool in the strong arms of the guy he always had something. It was cute, if you asked.
— Good morning, sleeping beauty… — even without looking at him, Tony could already tell that Jaime was smiling while calling him names and being sort of funny. Not only Jaime being a smiling guy, even with hard and sad moments, but Tony has memorized every inch of it. Again, it was cute. They're really in love.
— I didn't bother you, did I? Like, I really slept a lot and-
— Hey, you really needed that… You never bother and I like helping you. — Jaime knew, even without looking directly, that his face was more relaxed and even smiling with the same smile that guided through hard times. He really knew Tony better than everyone.
— I-I… That music downstairs? What is that for?
— Vic called some people to chat, he thought it could cheer you up… But I promise there are not too many people, ok?
— Well, that's a very Vic-y thing to do, if you asked me. — the tired laugh that escaped from his mouth and hit Jaime's arm, that was a sign that healing was quite starting — He’s a great guy and I love all my friends. I just… hope to deal with all that in the best way.
— You will. I mean, you had some worst moments before and you passed through them with grace… It won't be different this time. — Tony was trying to get himself up, but he didn't have enough strength to do that — Come on, lemme see how you look now. — once Jaime got him all settled up, he started his own meticulous examination.
The fingerprints on his arms dissipated and the lip wasn't so swollen anymore. The marks on his neck, one for each side, were kinda faded but still there somehow. However, the one right next to his right eye was quite alive and that made Jaime concerned. But in general, things were mostly fine.
— Well, I mean… You made such progress by just sleeping, I'm so glad… — even though all worries and pain wouldn't disappear in a second, he could still breathe a sigh of relief — Do you feel ready to go down? In an earlier round? And going down swinging, sugar?
— I-I guess so? — the laugh of Tony once he got the reference was absolutely priceless — I mean, everything will be easier as long as you are there with me…
Tony was getting more and more obvious with his intentions, that was easy to see. He was never the type of person to give up so easily on anything that made him interested and focused. Somewhere deep inside, he knew that he was capable of love; even though the aggressive beast that attacked him earlier made it look doubtful, no one could take it away from him. He deserved all the love in the world.
Jaime, on the other hand, was looking more and more clueless. Do you know that feeling you get when you get closer and closer to what you've always dreamed of? And you don't know what to do because you never imagined you'd get there? It was definitely it. He really wished for the moment he could love Tony the way he always wanted, but never thought this day would come.
But hey, there were signs there. At least the poor man could say it was more than his head playing tricks.
— You said that I made some progress in general, but…
— But what?
— There are any parts missing? I mean, I just- I don't want anyone asking me what happened or something…
— Oh, that's super reasonable… Well, your hair kinda hides the marks on your neck, even if they're halfway done. The one on your face it's still there… — worried, Jaime is still analyzing the best thing to do for the face mark to go away. And, of course, he took this as an opportunity to look at Tony some more.
— So… There's anything we can do to get better, doctor? — Tony usually cracks little jokes in quite painful moments to make it somehow easier. The joke itself wasn't that funny, but it was a sign of mental progress.
— Well… — Jaime let out a chuckle at this tiny joke while noticing how protective of Tony he could be — I can check the medical supplies in the private bathroom and see what I can do.
— No! — and after seconds of this impulsive response, Tony felt a thunder of regret in him — I mean, you’ve already made so much-
— And I don't mind doing some more. It's for whom I love, right? So it’s worth doing.
Tony usually doesn't get himself flustered, even in the past “relationship” — which, from now on, he would prefer to be erased from his memory. However, things were way different with Jaime. He allowed a softer version to exist, didn't mind getting ruby red near him, wanted to stay in his strong arms as long as possible and… things were just safer.
So when Jaime was cleaning him up, making a bandage on his bruised face, applying ointment to his neck marks, doing all of that while being the most gentle and delicate he could ever be… This was a primal example of what true love looks like. Even further, is an example of how people should be treated.
— And now, this… To get more comfortable, y’know? — Jaime made a quick trip to his closet and changed his hoodie calmly, since the one Tony was wearing was kind of stained. Sadly.
After some more chatting and encouraging words, they make their way downstairs and face the actual… party? It looked more of a “get well soon” party than a “let's get wasted until the sunrise” party, but the intention it's what mattered the most after all.
With a 360 look, it was safe to say everything was fine. Laughter, chatting, songs, some drinks coming to all, even some booze being smoked outside. Nothing too far than usual. Except for Kellin looking lost in his train of thought, normal but not common.
— Tony! Do you feel better now? — Loniel, one of the newest friends to the crew, stops himself from laughing and possibly choking on his drink.
— Yeah, Vic said that you were feeling sick… Everything alright now? — even though Tay Jardine knew Tony and Jaime, she wasn't much closer to them than she is with Vic and Kellin, so she didn't go further in her question.
— Getting better, but thanks… I-I appreciate your concern… — Tony was feeling anesthetized for being in his first crowded room in a while and his nervous system wasn't strong enough for it, but everything was going to be fine with Jaime by his side.
Together, they found a more hidden spot to be as close as they were before. Everyone there knew they were there, it was no big secret, but all of them were instructed by Vic to keep it simple. Everything to avoid a breakdown.
Outside, once the smokers were all away, Vic and Kellin were trying to unravel and talk about what happened earlier. Not for the gossiping, Vic wasn't that kind of talker, but there were a lot of mixed feelings inside him and talking to Kellin made everything easier.
— So you talked to Mike? How did that go?
— At first, I was… trying to keep composure. I didn't intend to make a scene, because all the things he did couldn't be undone, but… I almost got in a physical fight with him.
— I'm glad nothing happened-
— I punched him in the face, though. — what sounded as a confession of doing something bad, Kellin saw as some progress from Vic's part.
— Well, you're breaking generational curses and I'm proud of you for it… How did the conversation go?
— He basically admitted to making a lot of shit and expected me to be on his side. Cheating, lying, beating… You name it and he probably did it.
— Wait, he cheated on Tony? — Kellin was definitely shocked once he heard it; not for the thought of him cheating, but for it being true. He never really got along with Vic’s brother from the very start, but never knew a reasonable motive to give when asked “Why don't you talk with your brother in law?”. Well, now he has a motive.
— And that was the first thing on the list… Not only did he cheat, but did it multiple times. Even on the bed they used to share.
Everything on Vic signed that he was under a pile of anger. His posture was stiff, face filled with disgust, talking through his teeth. If Kellin really wanted him to calm down, even for a couple of minutes, it was gonna take him some time and patience.
— I'm not going further on the list because… it's too much, both for me and you. — his voice was somewhere between angry and tired — And if all this wasn't enough, he blamed Tony for what happened and beated the shit out of him. Fuck, I don't know if I'm furious or sad for Tony…
— Hey, let's slow down a bit… Taking deep breaths like I teached you, alright? — Kellin takes two slow steps and takes Vic for a tight hug, letting him smell his perfume to help on his nerves — You are disgusted and angry, I get it, I'm too. But you need to relax or just try to… Remember, Tony's here and we made this reunion to help him.
Vic didn't know what made him so attached to Kellin. Maybe it was, in fact, love at first sight and he had to admit it. Their relationship was so special and so of its own; it has the same partnership and trust that you could find in a friendship, but carried the love and intimacy only lovers could have.
Vic was very lucky to have crossed Kellin’s way.
— That's a new perfume, I see… — Vic was careful when deep breathing and inhaling his perfume, which was working as some aromatherapy on him.
— Did you like it? I wanted something different while keeping it sweet, so I chose vanilla this time…
— Everything smells good in your body, cariño… — even though Kellin knew Vic has mexican heritage just like Tony and Jaime, he always reacted the same way when he spoke Spanish: speechless and attracted.
After spending quite some time laced in a hug, they both decided to reach out for proper breathing. In spite of that, they still wanted to be close to each other and it's safe to assume one of them has psychical touch as a love language. So, they decided to do a side hug.
— Tomorrow we could go out to an abandoned place and break stuff while listening to nu-metal, if you feel like this could help you… — Kellin loved when Vic caressed his body in whichever part of his body, it makes him feel so much loved, and Vic’s back rubs just hitted right.
— You're the best in the whole world, do you know it?
°.• ☆ •.°
Once the party was officially over and everybody was safe in their houses, the big four were making some clean ups and getting ready for some rest through the night. Tony was left with the easiest room to be dealt with because he still wasn’t in the best conditions, but wanted to help no matter what. Heavy cleaning didn’t cure a thing, but the feeling of being useful could do something good for once.
Despite a playlist on Spotify being used to keep everyone motivated and get everything done, you could easily hear Vic and Kellin doing a marvelous duet of the songs while getting the rooms ready for the couples — although nothing between Tony and Jaime was really official at the moment, it was undeniable they will get togheter at any given point. The physical proximity they got today was something nobody had seen before. No matter who saw them together, Tony was even on Jaime’s lap, all cozy and immersed in the world they built for each other.
One floor being all singing while the other was comfortably quiet is a contrast to live for.
Once both the kitchen and living room were finished, Jaime and Tony met each other on the sofa, lying side by side, no one speaking a single thing when the meeting occurred. It seemed they were both trying to get used to being close after some time apart, even if it wasn’t for an eternity or something.
— C’mere, let me see how everything is now… — Jaime picked up Tony and put him close to himself to check on him again, as close as they got in the first examination.
The neck was way better than before, no redness or any signal to get worried about, which was perfect. The face was starting to heal just now, with the mark going slightly faded than the bright color it was before, so everything should be more than fine by tomorrow morning. In a week or so, nobody could even tell what happened to him.
— I think you healed me so well, it just went faster than ever. — usually, Tony thinks at least three times before speaking anything to anyone, so randomly saying words while giving a temporary confident smile was really new to him; it was just a relapse showing how a flirty Tony would act — Wait, no! N-no, I- I mean- Uh, I-
— You mean what? — the way Jaime smiled with confidence at him changed any course or meaning a word could have —- What do you mean, Tony boy? Huh? Whatcha mean, then?
— Shut up! — Tony's face was really getting to a ruby red tone, darker than a sunburn, that showed Jaime he was going the right way. It wasn't usual to see him all shy, floating like a feather, so bubbly and smiling almost childish, so Jaime took the opportunity to enjoy the view while he could. Anyone could get in awe while watching him like that. Marvelous sight, Jaime thought to himself.
— Oh, did I get you all flustered, chiquito? — one thing about Jaime Preciado is that the man was the master of doing impulsive shit and (sometimes) getting something so smoothly good out of what he did; it wasn’t always though, so be careful.
But, as expected, Jaime didn’t have a clue about the mess he made in Tony’s system. His heart raced like no other creature could, words absent, eyes big and shiny — no one has ever made him feel like this with so much ease. But what about the earlier version, always dropping a hint that he wanted Jaime more than ever? Well, it was still here, but hidden by a thin blanket; you can see it, but not so clearly.
— What- What did you call me?
— Little boy… — when someone gave something between a cocky and a flirtatious smile, Vic called it “flirtalicious” (do not get confused with the Fergie song). It could easily be mistaken with some jock trying to get things his way, but it was actually seductive somehow and Jaime happened to master this type of smile. That guy is poison.
— A-Are you saying that- I’m your little boy? — Tony couldn’t believe what his ears just catched, so his voice failed in the middle of the process of checking if was really it. Did Jaime really call him that from nowhere? For no reason at all?
— Hmm, yeah? Except I didn’t use the possessive pronoun before. — again, the “flirtalicious” smile. Tony had never felt so exposed like this before, caught right on camera when assuming that he was Jaime’s little boy (not that he wasn’t, though) — But when I say “mi chiquito lindo”... Then I’m saying that you are, literally, “my pretty little boy”.
Tony couldn’t blame himself for the way he was feeling; smiling big, all shy and flustered, like he was the most expensive shit in the world. A secret fact of his is that he isn’t the most accepting one when the subject is getting praise. He knew he could play guitar very well or do any of his hobbies quite alright, it wasn’t a big deal. But being praised, in whatever way you could imagine, was the hardest ever.
Not only that, but Spanish was actually one of his soft spots. Whenever it was him talking Spanish or consuming media in that language, it made him think of home. His brief childhood in Tijuana, visiting both his grandparents, vacations with the whole family. Golden sunsets to purple and black nights. The laughter, the joy, the warmth.
Jaime felt like home to Tony. Safe, warm, perfect to him.
— Ah, muñequito, no actúes como si nunca te elogiaran…
— J-Jaime? Ahm- What’s up… I mean… W-What happened to you?
— What? It was the names?
— No! Well, kind of… I mean, you never talked to me in Spanish ever, and started doing it by calling me names… — while his brain was trying to process what really caught him by surprise, his eyes got lost in both the background and Jaime’s facial features — I’m not complaining or being a Karen! It's just-
— I get it, Tony boy. — now, all the flirting traits were replaced with genuine will of being understanding — It’s a new thing that you didn’t expect coming from me, but you know you like it, it’s all new and gets in a soft spot in you. We have all the time in the world to sort this out, little by little… By the way, did you know what I just said to you?
— Ahm, I guess? But my Spanish is kinda old, so I’m not sure…
— “Ah, little doll, don’t act like you’ve never been praised”. — Tony’s heart raced some more, and that time, it was louder than it could ever be.
The physical distance between them was getting smaller every second they looked at each other’s eyes. Two stars slowly colliding with the sky rooting for them as they go. Their first kiss just happened, same velocity as the light travels for and between us. Yet, despite both hearts running together, the kiss was calm and very passionate.
They kissed once, twice and then, three times. For the charm.
— Can we kiss more on the bed? — Jaime accepted the whispered proposal in the blink of an eye while hearing Vic and Kellin's footsteps getting closer.
°.• ☆ •.°
— You got so red and shy when I talked with you in Spanish… It doesn’t look like you’re literally Mexican.
When the thought was shared, Jaime had just gotten out of the shower and was still a little wet when he started to get dressed, even his hair was kind of stuck in his forehead and soaking. Since the boyfriends, Vic and Kellin, already got a room for themselves, they figured out the other room was for them. It's a sign.
— What do you mean I don't look Mexican? — since Tony already went to shower and was all dressed up with shorts and a bigger t-shirt than his usual ones, he was sorting pillows and a blanket so they can spend the night.
— Since you asked… First of all, you're pale as a ghost. — he held back a laugh as he finally put on his shorts and walked out of the bathroom. Tony forgot Jaime slept shirtless most of the time. Was he working out even more? Fuck…
— I'm not so pale! Well, at least, not like Kellin is… That, I could never. — a soft chuckle escaped Tony's lips while he sat comfortably on bed, softer like a breeze. That's the Tony Jaime liked to see.
— I can hear you, Tony! — Kellin didn't want to intrude on their conversation, but he still had to defend himself.
— And you are paler than a ghost! — Jaime laughed while turning off the bathroom lights and lying down next to Tony.
It has been a while since their first kisses happened and the atmosphere between them was better than ever. Both couldn't believe this really happened, since only them and the creatures in heaven could tell how long they waited for this to happen. It's their living dream.
— You were talking about how I was shy and red when you talked in Spanish… — even if he tried hard enough, Tony wouldn't forget about this so soon — And you know what? I really, really was… but I wasn't embarrassed! Simply because… it's different now, Hime.
— Interesting… But how different could it be?
— I only talked in all Spanish until I moved to the US and I went to highschool, it was all family… — Jaime was paying attention to Tony's little story like rent was due, making sure he felt safe enough to share about his personal life — But now, with the things you called me and the way you make me feel… It's something more than I ever experienced.
— It definitely is. — both his eyes and his smile shined so beautifully that Tony felt like he was falling in love even faster — Y’know, since you're talking about that… I think it's time.
— Time to…?
— Tell you how I feel… Well, at least warn you.
— Okay, you can… You can do it. I believe in you. — the smile on Tony's face was warm enough to get you tricked into talking for hours while feeling safe.
— W-Well, uhm… It's hard to believe that I'm finally telling you how I feel when I had to keep most things hidden for years… Not that I didn't trust anybody, no way, I just… — Jaime avoided looking directly in his eyes and blinked faster, otherwise he would start crying — It's like my final wish was finally fulfilled and now, I can live peacefully… My golden ticket to happiness is finally with me and I will never let it go.
Tony was paying attention to every word he said with his eyes filled with water. He knew that Jaime could be a guy with deep feelings and always reflective, but never imagined he felt like this near to him. Seeing him in such a vulnerable moment, sharing his thoughts, comfortable enough to even start this talk… Money couldn't buy any of these things.
Out of all people, Tony never thought he was lucky enough to be loved by Jaime.
— I… I really want to be the one who is always with you, always taking care, laughing, calling you “mi amor” and… just be the perfect guy to you. I really love you, more than I ever loved someone.
— You already are. Trust me. — a sudden wave of joy crashed and took Tony as a whole. — I-I… I…
— Take your time…
— I love you.
There are no more weights on both of these lovers’ shoulders and now, they are on the same page. What everyone around them were seeing all along, they could only see now. Kind of stupid, you could say it, but you never know until it happens to you.
While a not-so-embarrassing type of silence runned the room, Jaime gives the “can you please say it again?” look... and Tony did it.
— I love you, uhm… mi amor? Hopefully I said that right…
— Yes! — nothing in this world could buy the excitement Jaime had when Tony talked in Spanish with him for the first time — You really killed it, cariño…
— Damn, how many pet names in Spanish do you know?
— Enough to keep you blushing, dear… — Jaime quickly stole a kiss from Tony before turning off the bedroom light, now only moonlight sweetly glimmering on them. Tony didn't have a quick answer to give him, but he definitely likes it.
— Ahm, Jaime… We, we-
— I know what you're thinking… — he took Tony by the hand and intertwined their hands — We don't have to rush anything if you don't want to. The pace you go is the pace I go as well… Anything for your comfort.
— T-Thank you, Hime. I love you, I really do, I just… — he took a deep breath, trying not to get too emotional — I need some time to recover from these things. I want to call you my boyfriend more than ever, but… as broken as I am?
— I love you and accept you however you are, no matter how broken you are or how many scars you have… — Jaime picks up and places a soft kiss on Tony’s hand, after only holding it for so long — I am here to help you in your healing process as much as I can.
— Y-You’re perfect… — with his crooked voice, he slowly kisses Jaime's cheek and lays down delicately on his chest.
The sound of the leaves being swoon by the wind, the chill weather, night turning almost pitch black. That was a sure beginning to the calmest nights Tony ever went through.
— Y'know that even if we don't say a thing… Vic and Kellin will keep gossiping between them, right? — again Jaime was giving more cafunés to Tony, since he seemed to like it very much.
— That's a thing for the future Tony and Jaime to deal with, love… — with a sloppy kiss on his collar bone, Tony quickly fell asleep.
— Buenas noches, mi amor… — Jaime finally gives him a kiss on his forehead and closes his eyes to finally get some proper sleep.
Silence didn't always have to mean something… but now, it was comforting.