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“Oh, come on, Dave! I’m sure you look fine without them!” John teased.
Dave shook his head, reaching up to hold his sunglasses on his face when he saw John going to reach for them.
“No way, José! These puppies are staying on my face whether you like it or not.” Dave replied, letting go of his shades to grab John’s hands without thinking about.
He didn’t let go for a few seconds, his gaze locked on them, realizing just how soft and warm the other boy’s hands were. He couldn’t stop himself from brushing his thumbs over his skin, his heart fluttering. They felt perfect in his, like finding a missing puzzle piece and clicking it into place.
Dave’s face flashed when he realized what he was doing, quickly letting go of John’s hands and turning his head away.
He tried to speak, to defend himself, but he found himself tripping and stumbling over his own words. His face grew a deeper shade of red, his cheeks feeling like they were on fire. It didn’t take long before he gave up, shifting his gaze to his lap, not sure what to say next in this situation.
Dave was never sure how to handle his emotions, especially when it came to romantic feelings. He knew deep down how he felt about John, but it was taking him an unbearably long amount of time to accept it. It was obvious to those around him, but he had practically buried himself alive in denial.
John was silent for a moment before moving his hands again, his fingers curling around the arms of Dave’s sunglasses. He slowly removed them, locking eyes with Dave and being aware of doing so for the first time ever. His heart skipped a beat, his own face flushing.
“They’re red.”
Dave nodded.
His heart was practically beating out of his chest at that point, and he was sure his face was just as red as his eyes. A shaken breath escaped his lips, but he couldn’t seem to look away. He felt vulnerable, but it didn’t feel wrong when it came to John.
It felt safe.
John set the forgotten sunglasses to the side, hesitating for a moment before lifting his hand to rest it on Dave’s face, cupping his cheek in his palm. “You’re really pretty.”
Dave felt his chest tighten and stomach twist, but not in a way that was uncomfortable. It felt good. He leaned into John’s hand, their gazes still locked on the other’s eyes. “You are too.”
“Can I…”
Dave knew exactly what the other boy was trying to ask. Without even thinking about it, he nodded his head. “You can.”
John leaned in, gently pressing his lips to Dave’s, his eyes fluttering shut.
Dave closed his eyes as well, leaning into the kiss, realizing how badly he had been longing for this. For John’s touch, his kiss, his everything. It was as if he had been desperate for it and had no idea he was until this moment.
He was in love with John.
And it was mutual.