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Franco has no idea how it happened, how him and Paul started seeing something like proper Valentine’s Day-dates as a solid option for the two of them, but he is not complaining. Not at all.
It had been a bit of fun. Paul was was super pretty with those bright blue eyes, blond hair, and boyish smiles. He looked good without a shirt on, and Franco saw the attraction in his eyes long before they had exchanged even one word.
He was used to having two boxes for Paul. His best friend on the campus, and his hot fuck buddy. It was easy to have sex with him. Franco always felt wanted, and never worried about saying things aloud. They communicated, finding things that worked for them, and Paul is just as flexible as he is. Neither of them had a strong preference in bed. Sometimes Franco got a perfect princess treatment, just locking his ankles behind Paul’s hips, and letting the guy take care of him. Other times he got a change to fuck that perfect, perky ass.
They didn’t always have sex. Sometimes they played video games in their cozy nest of blankets and pillows, or watched movies. Franco rested his head on Paul’s chest, and there wasn’t a place where he would have rather been. Paul was eager to amuse him, when Franco came to see him with coloring books, and a set of new pens. They both like working out, using the campus gym, or going for a swim at the pool.
They shared a lot of trust. Paul knew all his insecurities and fears, and Franco didn’t worry about that fact turning against him.
He can’t imagine his life without Paul in it anymore. It’s like he would have always been there, with his gentle hands, terrible Spotify playlists, and hidden homesickness.
Now he had invited Franco to a rented cabin for the weekend. They had walked on the frozen lake holding hands – several couples had picked the same activity. Franco, who wasn’t the most experienced with winter activities had lingered on the solid ground, unsure of safety factors, but Paul had squeezed his hand gently. ”It’s completely safe. I promise.” He had let Paul pick him up, and lower Franco on the ice.
It had been lovely. Paul was glowing against the background of glittering snow, so handsome with his cool coloring, and the sun was actually warming Franco’s cheeks. Paul cupped his face, kissing him like anything more than the kitten light touch would have been too careless.
Now Paul has cooked for him. The tuna lasagna smells comforting and warm – amazing. On the table stands a small gift box next to a white teddy bear. Very typical Valentine’s Day elements for lovers.
They are both in button shirts and nice jeans. Franco had put on the cologne he knows Paul likes, and left a few buttons open, aware of the blue eyes tickling his skin. Paul pulls a chair out for him before taking his own seat. The conversation flows from one topic to another, Paul gossiping about the two guys in one of his classes, Kimi and Ollie having spent the whole semester throwing desperate heart eyes behind each other’s backs.
They have apple pie for the dessert. That Paul hadn’t made it himself, but bought two slices from the close family bakery, but it’s fresh and delicious. Franco opens his gift box, looking at a bracelet resting inside it. The chain has two small pendants in the shapes of Argentina and Estonia, and something is tightening in Franco’s throat.
”Are you my guy?” The question comes quickly and a little bluntly, Franco finding Paul’s rosy face. He is playing with one sleeve of his turquoise shirt, giving Franco only a nervous look.
Paul is putting himself out there. He is good at social games, his confidence never easy to shake, but now he is moving on thin ice, giving Franco an opportunity to hurt his heart.
”Your boyfriend you mean?” Franco’s voice may be steady, but his heart is galloping in his chest, the feeling nearly painful. He has never had a boyfriend.
”Yes, my boyfriend.”
”I’d love to be.” Paul gives him a fragile, shaky smile, and his eyes are very wide, and shiny. Franco is not going to say anything about that, he just saves the moment in his heart. Paul leans closer, kissing him softly on the lips, and staying, breathing the same air with Franco. He smells good, like something cold and expensive.
”How do we do this?”
”We have to figure it out together.”
Franco is excited to see what the future holds with his person.