Work Text:
8:35 a.m.
Stellis Cafe:
The soft hum of conversation filled the Stellis café as Marius lounged in the corner booth, his phone lying forgotten on the table. He glanced out the window at the clear morning sky, unable to suppress the smirk tugging at his lips.
It had been about a year since he and Artem had started dating, and yet, every moment together still felt new, like something worth savoring.
He checked his watch. Artem was never late, but Marius had arrived early on purpose, relishing the anticipation. There was something about watching the older man walk in—before the sharp focus of his lawyer-turned-lover melted into something softer, something just for him.
The door chimed, and there he was. Artem, as poised and composed as always, entered the café, his eyes scanning the room before they landed on Marius. The faintest hint of warmth softened his expression, and Marius couldn't help the grin that spread across his face.
“Wing”
“Early again, I see.” Atem says, his lips curving slightly as he slid into the seat across from him.
“Thought I’d surprise you. You know, order your coffee and breakfast before you have the chance to protest.”
“You really do enjoy spoiling me, don’t you?”
“Only because you let me,” Marius teased.
“Speaking of which—" He gestured to the waiter, who arrived promptly, setting down a spread of dishes from the menu. There was more than enough for two, a variety of plates scattered across the table.
Artem raised an eyebrow, eyeing the assortment in front of him. “Are we having a feast, darling? I’m only one man.”
Marius picked up a fork, twirling it between his fingers with a carefree shrug. “I didn’t know what you’d want. And I figured you’d skip lunch again with that busy schedule of yours.”
The attorney’s gaze softened “You know me too well,” he admitted quietly, reaching for a piece of toast. “But this is a bit much, even for me.”
“Indulge for a bit, Wing. You deserve it”
“I always deserve it,” he replied with a teasing lift of his brow, but there was no hiding the faint blush that dusted his cheeks.
The younger grins, “Don’t act like you don’t love it. I want to make sure my Wing gets taken care of before he starts his day”
“You—”
Artem cleared his throat, eyes flickering briefly down to the table as if the scattered plates were suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. Clearly fighting the growing warmth rising in his ears. Marius noticed it instantly, his grin only widening as he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, utterly pleased with himself.
“Cat got your tongue, Wing ?”
The attorney took a deliberate sip of his coffee, setting the cup down with a soft clink before turning his gaze to his boyfriend.
“As always, I find myself at a loss for words at your expense”
“You know, for someone who’s always so articulate in the courtroom, you sure do struggle when it comes to handling me”
The older man chuckled, slightly shaking his head. “What are your plans for the day, darling?” he asked, more so to deflect the rising heat in his cheeks.
“I have a couple of stakeholder meetings to attend to,” Marius replied, pouting slightly. “They’re back-to-back, unfortunately, so I can’t even sneak into your building to see you.”
“That is rather unfortunate,” Artem said, his lips twitching slightly at the sight of the younger man's disappointment. “Alas, I do have to be in court most of the day anyway, so we’d just miss each other.”
Marius sighed dramatically, his expression shifting from disappointment to a hopeful glimmer. “Speaking of places, can you make time for me tonight?”
Artem’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sudden earnestness in the artist’s voice.
“Of course, darling. You know I’ll always make time for you,”
“Great! I was hoping you’d say that,”
There was something in the way the younger one spoke, a playful secret just beneath the surface, but he didn’t elaborate, letting the attorney’s curiosity simmer.
“Is it something special?”
“Maybe,” Marius teased, a coy smile gracing his lips. “But you’ll just have to wait and see.”
2:55 p.m.
Themis Law Firm: Artem’s Office
Artem and Rosa had just returned from a trial, the afternoon's intensity beginning to settle as they resumed their work in his office. He was primarily focused on a case document for the upcoming trial, but a thought had been lingering in his mind since this morning—the past six months, if he were being precise.
He rubbed a finger against his chin, resting his elbow on the desk, his gaze drifting to a small velvet red box tucked neatly away in the drawer. His hand instinctively reached up to massage his temple, and in the process, he loosened his tie, as if that would somehow ease the weight of his thoughts.
The quiet rustle of papers filled the office, occasionally broken by Artem’s sighs. Rosa looked up from her stack of documents, her expression shifting to one of concern.
"You sound troubled, Mr. Wing"
Artem straightened up almost defensively, hastily returning to his paperwork. “I’m quite alright,” he insisted, his voice a touch too firm to be convincing.
Another beat of silence followed, and the ace attorney let out another sigh, betraying his composure.
“Alright,” the brunette said again, setting the document aside. “Are you okay, Artem?” Dropping her role as a colleague for a moment
"It's of no concern," he smiled, attempting to sound nonchalant. "Let's finish this for the next trial"
Rosa gave him a knowing look but went back to her own documents. After a moment, Artem sighed again, breaking the quiet.
"It’s just that—" he starts again
Rosa paused, stifling the slight twitch of her lips as she set her documents aside and looked up at the young attorney. Far too accustomed to her boss’s patterns, she could already guess where this was headed. Whenever Artem hesitated like this, it usually involved something personal—most often, his love life.
She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms, her expression patient yet amused.
"Go on," she prompted, though she had a feeling she knew exactly what was coming.
The older man sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly struggling to find the right words. His usual confidence in the courtroom seemed to falter when it came to these more delicate matters.
"Rosa," he began, his voice quieter now, fighting the blush that crept up in his cheeks;
"What’s it like... being married?"
His friend gasped, her eyes widening in surprise before a grin spread across her face. Practically squealing, she leaned forward in her chair.
"Are you asking me about marriage, Artem?"
He chuckled, albeit nervously, and threw the document he'd been pretending to focus on down on his desk. With a small, defeated gesture, he spread his arms slightly, as if surrendering to the inevitable.
"I suppose I am."
"Oh my god!" she whispered excitedly, "are you seriously thinking about proposing to Marius?"
Artem's blush deepened as he took the small red velvet box from his desk, nervously fiddling with it between his fingers before placing it gently in front of Rosa.
"I’ve had the ring since a year ago," he admitted quietly, as if finally voicing a secret he had been carrying for far too long.
"A year?" she gasped, "You've had this ring for that long and didn't tell anyone?"
"Well, I didn’t want to rush into anything. I wanted to be sure it felt right, rationally speaking. I mean”
Rosa's eyes softened as she leaned forward; "Artem, this isn't about rationality. It's about love and knowing when you're ready to take that leap. Luke and I had our doubts, but once we decided to commit, everything fell into place."
"What’s it like, then? Being married?"
"It's beautiful," she replied "It's a partnership, really. You grow together, support each other, and it's just... nice to have that person by your side through everything. He’s my bestfriend and I’m so lucky I get to wake up everyday next to him"
Artem felt a warmth spread through his chest as he recalled the times he and Marius had woken up next to each other in the mornings. The way Marius would run to his side whenever he needed him, always supporting and spoiling him with little surprises. The memories danced in his mind, filling him with a sense of warmth and content.
"What made you think about this so much today?"
The question pulled the young attorney back from his thoughts, his gaze dropping to the ring box as he toyed with it nervously.
“I’m not sure"
he replied, a smile creeping onto his face. "Something about today—something about it feeling like any other day with him. I realized I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my life like this with him.”
“That sounds beautiful, Artem. I fully support you”
Artem set the box on the table again, his eyes lifting to meet his friend’s.
“What if I haven’t thought through every possible outcome? I mean it’s Marius. I want everything perfectly assessed” he says brows furrowing in anxiety
“Artem, you’re one of the most thoughtful and thorough people I know. If anyone’s thought through every possibility, it’s you. But sometimes, love isn’t about having every answer or knowing exactly what’s going to happen. It’s about trust.”
He sighed, his fingers still fidgeting with the edges of the ring box, as if the weight of the decision was contained within it.
"Artem," she called out gently, "Marius is so deeply in love with you. He’d run the ocean if he could for you."
The attorney’s grip on the box tightened slightly as he took in her words. The image of Marius, always there for him, always caring in his own unique, playful way, flashed in his mind. The countless times his lover had gone out of his way to show his affection—whether through a surprise visit at work or dropping everything to check on him—suddenly felt even more significant.
"I know," he admitted quietly "That’s part of why I want this to be perfect. He deserves it."
“It will be perfect, Artem, because it's coming from you. And Marius? He doesn’t need grand gestures. He just needs you.”
Artem let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, the tension in his shoulders slowly easing as Rosa’s words began to sink in. Maybe she was right. Maybe it wasn’t about being perfect. Maybe it was about trusting the love he and Marius had built over time, and letting that guide them.
With a small nod, he smiled. "I think... I think you’re right. It’s time."
Just then, the door to Artem’s office swung open, and Celestine peeked her head in. Her eyes immediately landed on the small red velvet box sitting on the desk. With a dramatic gasp, she stepped fully into the room, her face lighting up in surprise.
"Oh my! Artem!" she exclaimed,“Is that what I think it is?”
Artem’s blush, which had only just started to fade, deepened again as Celestine’s gaze darted between him, Rosa, and the box. The brunette covered her mouth, trying not to laugh;
"Celestine..." the young ace attorney said, attempting to regain his composure, "Must you always barge in without prior notice?"
The taller lady ignored him, gleefully leaning over the desk to get a better look at the ring.
“Are you thinking of proposing to Marius?”
Rosa chuckled, unable to contain her excitement. “He’s had the ring for a year now, can you believe it?”
“A year!?” Celestine threw her hands up in disbelief, her voice echoing in the room.
“Artem, that just won’t do! What were you waiting for? An engraved invitation?”
The lawyer cleared his throat, trying to regain some sense of control over the situation, but the truth was, it had been haunting him for months now. The ring weighed heavily in his pocket, just as the thought of when weighed heavily on his mind. It felt even heavier now that it was out in the open.
“I just… didn’t know when the right time was.”
“You’re talking about Marius here. That boy has been smitten with you for years! If he found out you even had a ring in the first place, he’d be jumping for joy, walking on the moon, and god knows what else!”
Artem chuckled at the thought of Marius, warmth blooming in his chest.
“Which is why,” he began, his voice steady, “I’m planning to propose tonight.”
The room erupted in excitement before he could even finish his sentence.
“Oh my!” Both Rosa and Celestine squealed in unison, jumping from their seats with such enthusiasm that Artem instinctively raised a hand to cover one ear.
“We’ll help you! Consider us your official proposal planning committee,” The brunette declared, practically vibrating with excitement.
Celestine clapped her hands together, already looking like she was mentally designing the entire evening.
“Yes! We’ll make it perfect, Artem. Trust us.”
The attorney allowed himself a small smile.
“Very well,”
He said, the slightest hint of amusement in his voice.
“However, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. We still have a case to finish, and I’d like to keep my career intact before you two whisk me off to plan a proposal.”
The two ladies exchanged glances, then nodded, though neither of them could hide their glee.
“Fine,” Celestine said, straightening up with a mock-serious expression.
“But the second we’re done here, we’re diving into proposal mode!”
–
3:20 pm
Pax Group Headquarters:
Marius had been swamped with back-to-back stakeholder and board meetings, but at last, he found a moment of peace in his office. On his marble desk, a small paper bag sat beside a red velvet box. He stared at it, lost in thought, weighing the significance of what lay inside.
“Mr. Von Hagen,” Vincent, his assistant, broke the silence as he stepped into the room.
“Ah, Vincent! Perfect timing,” Marius replied, waving him in.
“What do you think?” He gestured toward the ring box. “Should I have picked a more expensive jewelry store?” Worry creased his brow.
“Mr. Von Hagen, I assure you, a ring of that caliber, one you personally customized a year ago for Mr. Wing, is far better than any off-the-shelf piece,” his assistant replied with calm assurance.
The young CEO took a deep breath, allowing the tension in his shoulders to ease slightly.
“What about the 99 roses in each color? Have you arranged everything for tonight?”
“It’s all set, sir. The florist will deliver them right before dinner,” Vincent confirmed, straightening a few papers on the desk.
“What?” Marius exclaimed, worry seeping through once more. “No, Vincent, that won’t do. What if it doesn’t get delivered in time? Call the florist and have it delivered four hours–no, five hours prior.”
The assistant stared at his master for a few seconds. It was rare to see the man, usually so carefree and laid-back, in such a flustered state. He had only ever seen him like this when it involved Mr. Wing’s presence.
Vincent smiled. “It will be alright, sir. I set everything up three weeks ago.”
Marius snapped his fingers. “And the fireworks?”
“The fireworks are already set. They were especially delivered from France,”
The young artist ran a hand through his hair, pacing slightly. “Going back to the flowers—I read somewhere that it’s best to surround your lover with red roses instead of pink or white when it comes to proposing….It conveys a deeper passion.”
Vincent smiled knowingly. “If I may be so bold, sir—relax.”
Marius stopped in his tracks, looking at his assistant; “Of course,” he said, taking a deep breath. “You’re right.”
Vincent internally chuckled at his master’s fussing. “I’m sure Mr. Wing would be delighted with your efforts,” he said, attempting to lighten the mood.
“On that accord, I do have Luke Pearce in the lobby waiting for you.”
“Splendid! bring him in”
A moment later, Luke walked into Marius’ office, his trademark grin plastered on his face.
“Marius Von Hagen! To what do I owe the pleasure? It’s not every day you summon me like this.”
“Luke Pearce,” Marius greeted, gesturing for him to sit while leaning back against his desk. “I could use your insights today.
“My insights? That’s unusual. You usually go against everything I say.”
The artist chuckled shaking his head; “Unfortunately, you’re the only married man I know.”
Luke stroked his chin, leaning back in the chair with a playful smile. “Well, now I’m really interested. What’s on your mind?”
“Marriage”
The younger answers almost nonchalantly despite the nerves he has been feeling since this morning.
He casually tossed the velvet box to Luke, who caught it with ease. As he opened it, his eyes widened in realization.
“Oh my God! You’re proposing to Artem?” His grin widened, and he leaned forward. “This is huge!”
Marius felt the familiar heat of a blush creep up his neck. Rubbing the back of his neck, he nodded.
“Say... Sherlock” he says quieter “Indulge me for a bit. How’d you propose to Rosa?”
The young detective leaned back, laughing.
“Ah, you want to hear that story? Alright. I arranged a whole treasure hunt for Rosa.”
“A treasure hunt?”
“Yep. I left clues all over the city—places that were important to us. She’d find a note or a small gift at each stop, and the final clue led her to our favorite spot overlooking the harbor. And there I was, waiting, down on one knee with the ring in hand.”
The artist playfully rolled his eyes. “God, you two are a match made in investigating.”
“She’s my Watson,” he said with a fond smile.
“Fair enough. But, Luke, tell me—what’s it really like being married? Does it change things?” he asks, running a hand through his hair, anxiety creeping in once again.
His friend’s expression softened as he leaned forward, considering the question. “You know, in some ways, it does. There’s this added sense of... certainty, I guess. Like no matter what happens, you’ve got someone who’s always in your corner. That kind of stability, it’s comforting.”
“But does it change your relationship?”
Luke thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Not really. Rosa and I were partners before we were married, and that hasn’t changed. If anything, marriage just deepened what we already had. There are days when it’s tough, sure, but at the end of the day, it’s worth it. There’s no one else I’d want to go through life with.” he looks at his friend once more;
“Do you feel that way with Artem?”
Marius smiled, the corners of his lips curving up slowly as he thought about it.
“Every day,” he said, his voice softer now. “I mean, we’re different, but… with him, everything feels balanced. He grounds me."
"There you have it, King."
—-
5:12 p.m.
Themis Law Firm: Artem’s Office
Artem was meticulously organizing his papers and packing up for the day when a knock echoed through the quiet room. He looked up to see Rosa entering with a bright smile that instantly brightened the space.
"Artem!" she called out, her energy infectious. "Celestine left early to get the flowers and balloons ready."
Artem returned her smile, a warm feeling settling in his chest. "Thank you, Rosa." He reached into his pocket, retrieving the keys to his apartment and handing them over to her. "You can set everything up at my place. Marius has planned for dinner, so we won’t be home until late. You have enough time to get it all done."
"Copy that, Artem!"
"I appreciate your help," he said, watching her as she turned to leave, the door swinging shut behind her.
Once alone, Artem puts the small box in his pocket and let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. The evening was finally here, and the anticipation gnawed at him.
Outside the office, Rosa pulled out her phone, eager to share the news.
"Luke!" she exclaimed as soon as he picked up.
"Sweetheart," Luke replied
"I have something to tell you," they both said in unison.
"Wait, what—" Luke paused, caught off guard.
"You go first," Rosa encouraged, her voice brimming with excitement.
"No, you," Luke insisted.
"Okay, on three," Rosa said, barely containing her laughter.
"One...
Two...
Three..."
"Artem's proposing tonight!"
"Marius is proposing tonight!"
"Wait! What?" they say in unison once more—
The realization hit them both like a jolt.
"No, oh my god. Luke," Rosa said, panic creeping into her voice. "Where is Luke proposing to Artem?"
"I think I heard Vincent say he reserved a yacht for them."
"That means it's going to happen before they get to Artem's apartment!" Rosa exclaimed, her mind racing. "He can't ruin Artem's proposal! He's been planning this for a year!"
"Well, so has Marius!" Luke countered, equally distressed.
"But Luke, think about it! Marius is always the one pulling the surprises. I really think Artem should be the one to do this!"
"Sweetheart," Luke sighed, trying to keep his voice steady. "Marius has a really elaborate plan for him. We can’t ruin his surprise either!"
Rosa fell silent for a moment, the weight of their predicament settling heavily between them.
"What do we do?"
"We need to make sure they don’t cross paths tonight"
—-
6:30 PM
Pax Group Headquarters
Marius was finishing up packing his documents when he took one last glance at the ring nestled in its box. He felt a thrill of excitement as he carefully slipped it into his inner jacket pocket before dialing Artem’s number.
“Wing,” he greeted, a smile spreading across his face.
“Darling,” Artem’s voice came through though there was a hint of uncertainty “I hope you’re wrapping up for the day.”
“Almost done,” the younger replied, unable to hide the excitement in his tone. “Just finished reviewing the last of the contracts and I’m ready to see you.”
“Me too. I do hope tonight makes you feel as special as you are.”
Marius stopped what he was doing, his hand brushing against the ring box tucked in his jacket pocket.
“Trust me, tonight will be the start of something incredible. Just focus on having a good time with me, alright?”
“Is that an order?” the attorney teases
“A given, Wing,” Marius teased back. “I’ll see you soon, yeah?”
“See you soon, Darling.”
After the call, Marius excitedly rushed out of his office, anticipation coursing through him. However, he was abruptly halted by none other than Vyn Richter, who stood blocking his path.
“Marius,” Vyn said, his expression unreadable.
The younger scowls, “Vyn.” he greets and glances at his wristwatch and then back at the psychologist.
“You seem to be out of place. What are you doing here?”
Vyn sighed, recalling the phone call he had earlier with both Rosa and Luke;
“Trust me, I would like to know that too. However, here I am.”
“Well, can you step aside? As much as I'd like to stand here twiddling with my thumbs, I'd really like to see my boyfriend.”
“I’m afraid you can’t do that,” his friend said, a slight smirk forming on his lips.
“Ha?”
“You know, Marius, how is your father doing?” Vyn says, with an expression of a concerned friend
Marius furrowed his brows ; “Of all the days, Vyn, you decide to test my patience? Should I bring you english tea while we discuss my father’s business strategies?”
“Well, if you’re offering.”
“Trust me, I’ll save the English tea for someone who deserves it—like my boyfriend, who’s about to become my fiancé if I can just get through tonight without any more interruptions” He tried to squeeze past Vyn, but the psychologist remained firmly in his way.
“Oh, is that what’s happening tonight?” he asked, feigning innocence.
“Vyn, step aside! You’re blocking my exit”
“My, aren’t you in a hurry?” his friend remarked, raising an eyebrow as he crossed his arms, clearly enjoying the moment.
“Yes, I am! I have a proposal to get to!”
Vyn took one last look at his friend, weighing his options. As much as he’d liked to help Rosa and Luke orchestrate Artem’s proposal first, he knew how much this meant to Marius. With a resigned sigh, he finally stepped aside.
“Fine, go ahead.”
—
7:12 pm
Business District
Marius rushed to his car, desperately hoping that traffic wouldn’t ruin his carefully laid plans. He quickly plugged the Law Firm’s address into the GPS, only to see a sea of red lights on the map.
“Of course,” he muttered under his breath, slumping back into his seat. He took a deep breath and dialed Artem’s number.
“Wing, it’s me,” he said when Artem picked up, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Darling, is everything okay?”
“Not really. I’m stuck in traffic, and it might take a while to get to you. I wanted tonight to be special, you know?” Marius ran a hand through his hair, his anxiety rising.
Artem smiles from the other end of the line, his own proposal in mind.
“It will be” he says
“I want you fully present tonight, Wing,” Marius said, trying to calm himself. “So, just hang tight. I’ll get there.”
“And I to you,” the lawyer replied, his tone reassuring.
After hanging up, Marius glanced at the GPS again and sighed heavily. The screen was still a sea of red.
“This isn’t happening,” he groaned. “Not tonight.”
He navigated through the gridlocked traffic, tapping his fingers nervously on the steering wheel. With each passing moment, his heart raced faster. He attempted to occupy his mind, replaying his proposal in his head, each detail meticulously planned. But the more he thought about it, the more anxious he became.
Stellis Road
9:18 pm
Eventually, they finally got into the car together, but the flow of traffic remained just as sluggish. Marius was tapping nervously on the steering wheel, while Artem fidgeted in his seat, tapping his legs in a rhythmic pattern.
“How was work today?” Marius asked, desperately trying to fill the silence. He could feel the tension radiating from Artem.
“Busy, as usual,” Artem replied, forcing a smile. “You know how it goes in the firm. Cases piling up, clients demanding attention... But I’m just glad to be done for the day.”
“Right. Busy. Any interesting cases?” the younger pressed, trying to distract them both from the weight of the moment.
“Nothing that would top the excitement of tonight,” Artem said, glancing sideways at Marius, though it was clear he was just as nervous as Marius.
“Excitement, right… ha!” Marius said, forcing a laugh that felt more like a nervous gasp. His heart raced with both anxiety and anticipation, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him as he stole a glance at Artem, who was mirroring his tension with a soft smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
When the traffic slightly moved, Marius spotted a side road and quickly decided to take it, steering them away from the congestion. The path was dimly lit, the shadows stretching eerily around them.
“Are you sure this is the right way?” Artem asked, glancing nervously at the GPS, which seemed to be recalculating for the third time in five minutes.
“Of course! I know this shortcut like the back of my hand,” Marius replied, though his voice held an edge of uncertainty. He tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, the sound echoing their mounting stress.
“It'll get us to dinner faster.”
“This doesn’t look like a shortcut; it looks like we’re lost.”
“I’ll find another way. I just need to focus,” the artist insisted,
determination lacing his tone, but deep down, panic gnawed at him. The thought of the perfect proposal slipping away with each passing minute made his stomach churn.
“You know, we could just call it a night if it’s too much trouble,” Artem suggested, is tone calm despite the situation, his own proposal still right on track in the back of his mind.
“Let’s just head to my place; I’ll cook for us”
“No! I mean… I want tonight to be special. I’ve planned this for weeks,” Marius insisted, urgency spilling over. He couldn’t bear the thought of giving up, not when everything he had dreamed of was so close.
Artem looked at him with soft concern;
“I appreciate that, but—”
“But nothing!” Marius interrupted, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. “You deserve a night to remember. I just need to get us there.”
“I don’t want you to stress yourself out over this,” the attorney replied, his voice steady but his eyes reflecting the tension in Marius’s demeanor.
“What if we just enjoy the ride, wherever it takes us?”
“No, I need this to go right, Gege . You mean too much to me for this to go wrong. I’ve envisioned tonight for so long.”
He glanced over at Artem, who was watching him with that patient smile, the one that always made Marius feel a little less burdened.
“Okay, but if we don’t make it in time, we can still celebrate at my place, right?” Artem suggested, trying to diffuse the tension. “Just being together is what matters.”
Marius bit his lip, his resolve wavering for a moment. “You’re right. It’s just… I’ve pictured this night so perfectly, and I want everything to be just right.”
The GPS chimed again, showing their route recalibrating. Marius rolled his eyes, frustration bubbling back to the surface.
“Great, just great,” he muttered under his breath.
Artem placed a hand on the artist’s thigh grounding him;
“Breathe, Marius. We’ll find our way. Just look at it this way—any adventure we have will make the story even better.”
Marius smiled weakly, feeling the warmth of Artem’s touch seep into his worries. “Okay, okay. Just—let’s get back on track.”
But as they drove deeper into the winding path, the trees casting long shadows over the road, a sudden bump made the car lurch violently. Marius’s heart dropped as he heard the sickening sound of metal scraping against something.
“Not now!” he groaned, pulling the car over and stopping abruptly.
“What happened?” Artem asked, concern etched on his face.
“I think we hit something,” Marius said, his voice tight with panic. “Let me check.”
“Stay in the car,” Artem insisted, stepping out and following him.
Marius peered under the hood, the engine sputtering ominously. “Of course, it’s the tire!” he cursed, frustration building.
“Just perfect!”
“Marius!”
Marius kicked the tire in frustration, the sound echoing in the quiet night. “I can’t believe this! I wanted everything to go smoothly!” He slammed the trunk shut, grabbing the spare tire and heading to the side of the car that needed fixing.
“Darling,” Artem called out, his voice laced with concern as he approached Marius
“What’s wrong?”
“I just wanted tonight to be perfect! Is that too much to ask?” Marius replied, his voice tinged with exasperation as he knelt next to the flat tire, staring at it as if willing it to repair itself.
“Let me help,” Artem said gently, moving to join him on the ground. “We can do this together.”
With both of them now on one knee, they worked side by side in the dim light, the glow of the moon casting a soft sheen on their faces. The silence around them deepened, and the world felt suspended in this shared moment.
“Gege, you need to loosen the bolts more,” Marius instructed softly
“Where, here?” Artem asked, peering closely at the tire, his brow furrowed in concentration.
The artist reached over and placed his hand over the older man’s, guiding it with gentle precision.
“No, a little more to the left. Just like that.” His fingers brushed against Artem’s, a small spark of connection igniting between them amidst the frustration. Artem fought back a blush, feeling heat creep up his cheeks.
As they worked together, the tension in the air transformed, becoming a shared rhythm of nerves and anticipation. Each twist of the wrench brought them closer, not just to fixing the tire but to understanding the weight of the moment.
“Out of all the nights” Marius chuckled nervously, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. “It’s like the universe has a vendetta against my perfect plans.” He looked up at Artem, seeking solace in his gaze.
The attorney smiled, lancing up from his task, “Maybe it’s just a reminder that life is unpredictable. It’s okay not to have everything go perfectly.”
“Easier said than done,” Marius sighed, but the corners of his mouth lifted at Artem’s words. He glanced at the city lights in the distance, twinkling like stars against the dark canvas of night. “Still, it would have been nice to have one night where nothing went wrong.”
As if on cue, both of them looked at each other, their eyes locking in a moment of understanding. They both knew why the other was so stressed—their hopes and dreams for this night hung delicately in the balance, a fragile thread woven through the tension.
They paused, breaths hitching as they realized what was about to happen. In perfect synchrony, they reached into their pockets, each producing a small ring box without the other knowing.
Artem’s heart raced as he glanced at Marius, who looked equally taken aback. They were both on one knee, the significance of their positions crashing over them like waves.
“Marius…” Artem began, but the words caught in his throat, the enormity of the moment overwhelming him.
Marius grabbed his heart, breathless, “Wing…”
In that heartbeat, the world around them faded away. They both opened their boxes, revealing matching rings that glinted in the moonlight. The realization settled in—their dreams and intentions laid bare.
“I can’t believe this,” Marius whispered, his eyes widening in disbelief. “You were going to propose?”
Artem nodded, his expression a mix of surprise and warmth. “I was. I thought tonight would be the perfect moment, despite everything.” He chuckled nervously, the tension shifting into something lighter. “I guess the universe has a funny way of testing us.”
With their hearts racing, they shared a laugh, the sound echoing softly in the stillness around them. The shared humor broke the weight of anticipation, drawing them even closer together.
“Marius Von Hagen,” Artem began, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside him, “you make my mundane days feel brighter, and you make my brighter days even more extraordinary. I can’t imagine my life without you.” he says slipping the ring in the younger’s finger.
“Wing,” Marius teased, a playful smirk tugging at his lips, despite the tremble in his hands. “I won’t let you propose until I say my piece.”
He took a deep breath, looking deep into the attorney’s eyes. “I am head over heels in love with you. Artem Wing,you are my home, and I could watch you fly as high as you can. I don’t mind waiting for you every day as long as you fly back home to me.”
With trembling fingers, Marius slipped the ring onto Artem’s finger, a perfect fit that sparkled in the moonlight. In that same moment, Artem did the same, placing Marius’s ring gently on his finger.
“Will you marry me?” they both said in unison, their voices overlapping in a harmonious echo that hung in the air like a spell.
“I do,” they declared, their voices filled with joy, sealing their promises with a kiss under the twinkling stars of Stellis. As their lips met, the world around them melted away, leaving only the warmth of their love and the gentle rustle of the night breeze. The stars bore witness to their vows, shining brighter than ever, illuminating the beautiful bond they had just solidified.
END
Artem’s Apartment:
10:30 pm
Luke paced nervously, glancing at the clock on the wall. “Where are they?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
“It sure is taking them a long time,” Rosa added, tapping her fingers against the table, her own nerves evident. She glanced at Celeste, who sat with her phone in hand, scrolling absentmindedly.
“I should call Vyn,” Rosa said, her brow furrowed. “He might know where they are.”
As Rosa dialed, Celeste looked up, her curiosity piqued. “Do you think something went wrong?
Just then, the phone rang, and Vyn picked up, his tone teasing. “Rosa! Are you worried?
Rosa shifted in her seat, twirling a strand of hair around her finger as she pressed the phone closer to her ear. “Did you manage to stall Marius?” she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of amusement and concern.
On the other end of the line, Vyn chuckled softly, the sound smooth and reassuring. “I did my part, don’t worry,” he replied. “Though knowing Marius, I doubt anything could truly ‘stall’ him when he’s determined.”
Rosa sighed, glancing at Luke, who had paused his pacing to listen. “It’s not like Artem to be late for something like this,” she murmured. “Do you think they’re okay?”
Celeste put her phone down, finally looking up from her scrolling. “It’s probably fine. Maybe they’re caught up in traffic or—” she stopped, smirking slightly. “Knowing them, they might be making tonight extra memorable.”
Luke raised an eyebrow. “Memorable? I just hope they didn’t run into any trouble.”
Yacht:
10:51
Vincent stood near the edge of the boat, checking his watch again. He had meticulously planned every detail of this night and was now beginning to wonder if something had delayed the two men.
Tapping his foot impatiently, he gazed out over the water, his mind wandering.
“Whatever they’re up to, it better be worth the wait,”