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He knew he was in trouble; he was already over an hour late to dinner and Piers hadn’t attempted to call him or text him once. He knew damn well that meant Piers was pissed and he didn’t blame him, he didn’t communicate his lateness either so whatever he was about to get when he walked into the restaurant he deserved.
The restaurant itself wasn’t impressive by any means. It was small, and served mediocre food but it was quiet, affordable and they adored the two owners dearly. They had met them one night when they were walking around and got caught into a nasty thunderstorm and were brought into the establishment by an elderly woman, threatening them to get out of the wet cold and get some warmth and brought them some miso soup without any warning.
The pair has stayed for a few hours, even after the rain had died down and was replaced by the dark night sky. They had gotten into conversation with the woman, who quickly mentioned that she already knew who the two men were after seeing them on the news after a certain outbreak had been neutralized in her hometown.
When they finally decided it was time to go home, the woman refused to let them pay for the soup and drinks and asked them to come visit when they had time. It was a simple request, but a request they took seriously and visited on a weekly basis for the little date nights.
Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and stepped inside. The restaurant had a couple of guests chatting and eating, but he quickly noticed the figure sitting at their usual table sipping on some wine.
“You just gonna stand there or what?”
“Sorry!”
“What you apologizing for now?” Piers asked, not making eye contact with the older man and taking another sip of the wine. “You seem to be apologizing a lot lately”
That statement wasn’t even remotely untrue and Chris knew it. He had been coming home late daily for the last 2 weeks, almost not even spending more than an hour with his husband a night before they would drift off to sleep.
“Guess I should be thankful you even showed up this time.” The younger man huffed, finally looking over the older man.
“I deserve that.” Chris whispered, more to himself than to the man sitting in front of him.
“Maybe, but I’m just happy you’re here… I was wondering if you would even show up tonight.” Piers stated, giving his lover a small smile.
They both knew damn well that even when Piers was disappointed with his husband, he couldn’t stay mad at him for long. Not when he knew why he was being so absent lately.
“I am here and I’m sorry I’m late, I was finishing some paperwork and didn’t notice the time until it was already too late.”
“A text would’ve been nice to get once you realized you would be late.”
“I didn’t even think about it, I just ran out the minute I finished. Probably broke a couple of laws getting here.” He chuckled, giving Piers a toothy smile.
“You’re lucky you’re cute even at your old age.” Piers smiled, reaching over the table to grab his man’s hand into his own.
“I’m not that old yet.” He huffed, trying to ignore the fact that his hair had started to become more salt than pepper.
“53 in this life? It’s pretty impressive, thank God you still act like you’re in your thirties.”
Chris blushed at the comment, he knew what Piers was alluding to. After the events in Lanshiang and finally getting the now 41-year-old man into his home, they decided to explore a relationship they would have once refused to acknowledge. It took a while for Chris to allow the younger man to explore their romantical escapades, but once the foundation of love and trust was established, Chris had finally let go and allowed himself to be free with his feelings and that meant allowing the younger man to take the lead and explore a side of him he never knew.
The next months were filled with experiments and firsts, discovering what they enjoyed and how they enjoyed it. It didn’t take long for their sexual relationship to become a prominent aspect in their lives, especially when the younger man had the stamina and sex drive of a 20-year-old in heat. But there weren’t any complaints coming out of the older man whatsoever, it made him feel like he was young once more and he wouldn’t change a thing.
“Stop flirting with me, I’m already your husband”
“Can’t help it when you’re still as gorgeous as the first day we met.”
“Okay I think that’s enough wine for you mister.” He chuckled, snatching the glass away from him and taking a sip out of it quickly.
“Oh stop it’s only my first glass.”
“Damn I married a lightweight, how do you manage when you go out with Claire and Jill?”
“Oh, I don’t manage at all, they keep feeding me more until I’m a blubbering mess and calling you to come to my rescue and sweep me away.” He laughed, remembering the amount of “girl nights” the two women had insisted on him joining so they could all talk nonsense about their partners.
“I know I just got here but how about we get outta here and go home? I’m in need of some of my husband’s cuddles; it’s been far too long my love.” Chris pleaded.
“I already ordered some food for takeout, figured if you did show up, we wouldn’t be here for long.” Piers chuckled. “I’ll go see Mrs. Chang and get the food and pay.”
Chris watched as his lover, his best friend, the absolute love of his life walked away towards the elderly woman smiling at her with the brightest smile. Even after weeks of neglect from his own husband Piers always knew what he needed and was always 3 steps ahead of him.
He didn’t know how he managed to get the younger man to fall in love with him, but one thing was for sure. He wasn’t going to waste any more time thinking about the what if’s, he was going to make sure that his husband knew that he was his priority, and maybe, just maybe, the thought of retirement was finally something that actually seemed enjoyable and meaningful. If retirement meant he could finally just live a life filled with love, and enjoy moments that he once believed he wasn’t meant for? Then perhaps the email that had been sitting in his drafts would finally be sent, and as he looked down at his phone in hand, swiping through the apps quickly, he clicked on the app and watched as the once drafted email was finally sent away and disappeared.
“Everything alright baby?”
“Everything is perfect… Let’s get outta here.” He whispered, standing from his seat and pressing his lips onto his husbands in a quick kiss, gripping the younger man’s hand in his own.
Yeah, this was going to be the best years of his life.