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“Are you sure you have everything?” Jake asked James.
“Yes,” James answered, buckling his seat belt.
“Then we're off,” Jake exclaimed, as he slammed on the gas pedal.
The two were off on a trip. They're day was busy, because today they celebrated their 4 year anniversary. They've had a whole routine planned. They would go to the petting zoo to see animals. Then go to the movies and watch one together. And finally, they end the day off with a late night picnic under the stars.
Today was extra special to James because he had been planning to propose to Jake. He's been thinking about it for a while, and he wants to be with Jake for the rest of his life. He's never met anyone who's ever made him feel as good as Jake made him. Jake was his rock, his carrier, and his soulmate. He can't see a life without him, and these four years have proved just how much he values Jake as a human being.
Jake has recently been in the wedding planning business, and it's been a success for him so far. James is happy for him, but it honestly has him a bit worried. Maybe Jake planning their own wedding would be too pressuring? It's kinda like him just working for free, right? He wouldn't want to do that to Jake. But he can't just not marry the man that's kept him down to earth. Jake deserves to be happy, and he wants to be the one that makes him happy.
—
Arriving at the petting zoo, the two happily exited the car. They held hands as they entered the zoo. They looked around at all of the beautiful animals. The pigs, the goats, the deer, etc.
James took multiple pictures along the way. Some of the animals; the seals, the parrots, the chimpanzees. But most of the pictures were of Jake. He wanted to capture Jake’s experience of the place. The way his eyes glistened at the sight of the meerkats. The joy his face radiated holding a bunny in his hands. The sudden fear of having a snake on his shoulder. The confusion of the genuine sight of a capybara.
None of it was for clout. None of it was to post to social media. He didn't even have the idea to show his friends in mind. He just wanted to see Jake. He wanted to capture these for Jake. He wanted Jake to see himself the way he sees him.
After having fun with the animals for about an hour, the two decided it was time to leave to see a movie. Walking out of the zoo, they saw an ice cream stand nearby. Jake practically begged to get some ice cream, and James wanted some to, so they went to get it.
They got their usual ice cream orders; James with a cookies-and-cream cone, and Jake with a strawberry ice cream cup. Except, James bought Jake two cups, since it's a special day, and Jake's a special guy. Jake played off the flattery, and the two sat down to eat.
“Are you sure you don't want two as well?” Jake asked as they ate their dessert. “I could go back and buy another.”
“No need, my love,” James responded. “No ice cream is as sweet as seeing your smile.” He caressed his hand on Jake's face.
“Oh, James..,” Jake was swooned and smitten by this comment.
James pulled him in close and whispered in his ear. “And no ice cream tastes as good as you, either.”
Jake felt his entire body blush as he pushed James away, embarrassed. “James,” he shouted, shocked. James laughed at this response. Four years, and he's still acting like he did when they were one month in. At least he can say Jake has been his true self since day 1.
—
Jake left to go to the bathroom before the two got on the road to head to the movie. This gave James enough time to check on the gifts he planned on giving Jake during the picnic.
He looked in the trunk, and saw it all. The giant teddy bear. The heart shaped box of chocolates. The flower bouquet of all of the flowers he isn't allergic to. The photobook of all of their great moments together. And a suitcase. And in that suitcase was the ring he planned on using to propose to Jake. Nothing was broken, everything was there, and things were perfect.
He closed the trunk and got back in the car before Jake returned. When Jake entered the car, he picked up his second ice cream cup, and the two were on the road in seconds.
—
“What movie are we going to see?” Jake asked.
“Anything you want, darling,” James responded. “As long as it's under…” He checks his watch. “...4 hours. We need to get to the park in time for the fireworks.”
“Of course,” Jake said. “I know exactly what movie we're gonna watch.”
—
Arriving at the movie theater, James and Jake exited their car, holding hands as they entered the building. Despite the bright lights, the place still seemed dim, as movie theaters do. They could faintly hear the playing movies in theater rooms nearby. The lobby was packed, clearly many people were waiting to see their movie. Of course, everyone chose today of all days to go to the theater.
Approaching the counter, James ordered their tickets, snacks, and drinks. Jake looked through the screenings, trying to find his movie of choice. “Where is it..,” he mumbled to himself. “Aha!” He finally found it, pointing at it when James asked.
“Wicked?” James asked. “You mean that movie with the green witch?”
“I've seen the trailers, it seems like a fun watch,” Jake insists. “Can we?”
“Of course,” James responded. Jake was practically jumping with joy, which only made James happier seeing how happy Jake was.
—
Once the movie was over, the two, as well as every stranger around them, left the theater room sobbing their eyes out.
“Beautiful… just beautiful,” Jake said between sobs.
“She just had a dream,” James spat out through tears.
The two walked out of the theater in their remorse to their car, and got their composure during the ride to their final destination.
—
The two were back in their good mood once they reached the park. Exiting the car, Jake went to the bathroom to get ready, while James prepared the picnic for the two. This was the perfect opportunity for James to get out his gifts to Jake. He set everything up in a neat manner, and awaited Jake's arrival.
Jake returned from the bathroom in complete awe as he saw everything. The beautiful silk blanket. All of Jake's favorite snacks. The box of chocolates. The bouquet. The giant teddy bear. Everything.
“What is this, Valentine's Day?” Jake jokingly asked.
“Every day is Valentine's Day with you,” James replied. He patted on the ground next to him, prompting Jake to sit there.
James grabbed the photo book and handed it to Jake. Jake opened it, and was absolutely stunned. All of the pictures from the day they first got together, to just last week. Birthdays, sick days, work days, anniversaries, major events in their lives, he got it all. These weren't just selfies either, but candids too.
“All of our memories together,” James said. “And I can't wait to make more with you.” Jake hugs him tight, completely taken back by this amazing gift.
Soon enough, the fireworks begin. The two watched in awe, holding hands and sitting close. The lights reflected off of them in a flattering way, coincidentally color coded to their outfits. They stared at the fireworks, then each other, then back at the fireworks lovingly.
—
“Can you believe it's been 4 years?” Jake asks James. “4 amazing years with you.”
“Time flies by when you're with your true love,” James responded.
“I wonder what will be next for our journey together,” Jake questions.
This was his chance. The tension thickens, and a moment of silence follows before James eventually says. “I think I might have an idea.”
“Interesting,” Jake says flirtatiously, standing up with James. “Care to share?”
“Well..,” in that very moment, James dropped on one knee, reached in his pocket, and pulled out the ring.
Jake was not expecting this. Shocked doesn't even begin to describe how he feels. Grateful is also an understatement.
James’s speech was one beyond belief. He let everything out. How Jake made him feel worth something. How it was never a dull moment with Jake. How he can't imagine a life without Jake. And he was ready to take the next step with Jake, that is if Jake is ready as well.
Jake told himself he wouldn't cry when the day came, but he couldn't hold back the tears. All he could think about was all the times he cried himself to sleep, thinking he'd end up dying alone, and now here he is, getting engaged to the love of his life. He resisted the urge to just scream “yes” at James mid speech, and once James finished, he didn't hesitate to hug him the tightest he's ever hugged anyone. The two shared a long, passionate kiss, initiating their official engagement.
—
The drive home was a soft one. Everything felt like they were in place. The gas tank was full, there was no traffic, and they got home safe. Jake peacefully slept in the passenger seat throughout the ride. Guess he was tired out from a long day of fun.
Arriving at their house, James walked out of the driver seat and to the passenger seat. He opened the door and gently woke up Jake. He helped the bluenette out of the car, and carried him bridal style into the house.
Closing the door behind him, James took Jake to their bedroom and softly landed him into the bed. He gave him a soft kiss on the forehead. “Sweet dreams, fiance,” he whispered. God, he loved being able to call him that now. The next step is husband.
After putting everything away, he laid in bed next to Jake. He gave him one last, loving gaze. Nothing. There's absolutely nothing in the world he'd trade for his love. He couldn't be more happy to be with the love of his life. They have many decades ahead of them, but James knows they're going to be okay.