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Charles could never have stomached the funeral without Gerald, couldn’t have survived the grief without him holding his hand (even if was only metaphorically.)
It was five months on now, Gerald and Muffy were deep into wedding preparations while Gerald was throwing everything at the bi election. This did mean the time he had to himself was rather limited, however after party meetings, debates or simply when he could get out of the house he always made time to see Charles. Cups of tea, late night drinks, the occasional tears and as Charles felt more up to it, some delicious blowjobs.
“So, how’s the wedding plans coming along?” Charles asked one night, Scotch in hand and Gerald’s legs draped across his lap.
“Oh very well actually, Muffy’s working on the small matter of bridesmaids and the societal repercussions of who’s the maid of honour” he replied, making light of the situation
“There’s nothing like a wedding to cause ructions I suppose” Charles chuckled in reply.
“On that very note, can I ask you something?”
“You can always ask me anything dear, you know that” Charles replied, his thumb gently caressing his pinstripe clad thigh
“I know, it’s just rather important”
“Well out with it then”
Gerald inhaled deeply, making sure he was looking Charles right in the eye,
“Will you be my best man?”
Charles laughed incredulously, “My dear you can’t be serious”
“I’m more serious than I’ve ever been about anything”
“But what about your friends from university, from work?”
“I mean it Charles, if I can’t stand opposite you on my wedding day then I can at least have you by my side, holding my hand”
It broke Charles a little to think he’d never marry the man he loved, never be able to declare it publicly instead he’d watch on as he married someone else. Yet it was still one of the nicest offers he’d ever received.
“Ok then, it would be an honour”
“Thank you darling, you’ve no idea how much it means” Gerald beamed and leant in to kiss him, his hand brushing delicately against the older man’s cheek. Charles’ hands reached for Gerald’s waist and pulled him in so he was sat fully in his lap.
“I love you”
“And I love you, nothing will ever change that”
“I do wish I was marrying you, you know”
“I know dear, I know but best not to focus on what we can’t have instead think about what we have got”
“And we’ve got each other haven’t we”
“Always,” Charles was enjoying the closeness of Gerald physically; his warmth, his weight in his lap, emotionally; never had he been so in tune with someone. “Oh my lord, I get to organise your stag do” he exclaimed.
Gerald’s simply grinned, threw his head back and laughed that beautiful laugh.