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It was a well known fact that Lukey carried a pair of sunglasses with him wherever he went. Several in fact, when the occasion called for it. It was his favourite accessory, a must have really, and it showed.
Pangi had profited from that many a time. Wether it was just to look good during their date, wether there was an unexpectedly sunny day on one of their trips or when he picked Lukey up in his mom’s car from the train station. Lukey always had a spare set to offer to him.
So, when Lukey accidentally left behind his favourite pair of sunglasses after one of his visits to Pangi’s house, he knew that this might just be the opportunity he had been looking for. After all, Lukey had realised his feelings for his friend and fellow creator might not be entirely platonic months ago. But whenever he could have brought it up, he had chickened out and switched the subject. So maybe this was a sign. Maybe this was the universe telling him to man up and finally take that leap of faith.
Admittedly, the timing could have been better. It wasn’t until a month later that their schedules lined up and Lukey could put his plan into action. Not that he had much of one, far happier to wing it and see how it went.
It all started with innocent comments. Mentions how Lukey had left the sunglasses. How maybe Pangi should come deliver them in person. How nice it would be to get to see each other again so soon.
And Pangi fell for it hook, line and sinker, eagerly on board whenever Lukey brought up the idea. Before he knew it, Pangi’s flight confirmation was on his phone, three full days they’d have all to themselves, though they might do a stream or two, if things went according to plan. If not, nobody needed to know Pangi had been there at all.
So that was how Lukey found himself on the train to London, ready to pick Pangi up from the airport. At least, if things turned awkward, Pangi would be able to leave far easier this way. Not that Lukey was planning for that, but it still felt like a reality he should consider. Even if today didn’t work out, Lukey really wanted to remain friends with Pangi. Sure, it would be awkward at first, but Lukey was a firm believer that time and physical distance would allow them to find their way back into their usual dynamic.
Unfortunately, Lukey’s train ended up delayed and instead of meeting at the airport, Pangi took the train into town on his own. Somehow, despite the delay, Lukey still managed to make it to the station first.
While he waited for Pangi’s train to arrive, he found his gaze wandering towards a nearby flower stall again and again. Should he buy some flowers for Pangi? Or would that be too much too fast? He didn’t want to overwhelm the guy before their time together even started.
So Lukey remained empty handed as Pangi’s train finally arrived. He was thankfor for it a moment later when Pangi jumped out of the train the moment it stopped and into his arms seconds later. Being together was better than any physical gift could ever be anyways.
“Glad you finally made it”, Lukey commented, as if it wasn’t his delay that had derailed their original plan. “How was the journey?”
“Better now that you’re here”, Pangi grinned and Lukey giggled along, resolutely ignoring the butterflies in his stomach.
“Can’t deny that”, Lukey replied, still wearing an unreasonably big grin. “It’s still early, want me to show you around a little?”
“Yes, please. You promised me a tour of all the hidden gems ages ago”, Pangi reminded him eagerly.
“Not my fault, sir. Someone hasn’t been visiting like he said he would”, Lukey teased.
Pangi had the decency to look guilty for a split second before changing the topic. “Is there anywhere I can put my suitcase? I don’t wanna have to carry it all around the city.”
The luggage room was found easily enough and the next few hours Lukey spent showing Pangi around London. There were so many places to show – his old dorm, the university, places he’d been to for pr events and other crazy side quests.
Only when Pangi’s stomach started to rumble, did Lukey decide to end his tour. “Hungry?”, he observed with a teasing smile. “I know just the place!”
“Is it the infamous boat?”, Pangi guessed.
“It’s the boat!”, Lukey agreed excitedly. He’d wanted to take Pangi to the boat even before he had realised the full extent of his emotions. “Come on, we’re nearby!”
There was a new bouncer at the boat, one that didn’t know Lukey yet. Ever since moving to Brighton, he hadn’t been able to come here as often as he used to after all. Still, they got in without a hitch after briefly showing the contents of their backpacks.
They sat down at a table on deck with a good few over the Thames and the London skyline. Everything was bathed in the warm glow of the last sunlight of the day. Somehow they had timed everything perfectly and managed to catch the golden hour.
They decided to share a bunch of food, chips, nachos, some steak and veggies because Pangi was still trying to eat somewhat healthy. Lukey got a glass of wine and Pangi a cider. Lukey’s treat, after all Pangi had had the travel costs this time around.
Over the course of their meal, the conversation naturally shifted from the easy banter they’d kept up all day to a deeper, more meaningful talk.
“I’m very glad you managed to find the time to come visit”, Lukey mentioned once the food was mostly gone and he was sipping on his second glass of wine.
“It was a bit of a toss up for a while, I can’t lie. I’m glad it worked out though.” Pangi smiled at Lukey over the brim of his glass. For once, there was no mischief in his eyes, just genuine affection.
Lukey blinked, breaking the unintentionally long eye contact they had been holding. Now was the time. “Sem.”
“Lucas”, Pangi started at the same time. They looked at each other and broke out into quiet giggles. Lukey swore that Pangi sounded just as nervous as he felt.
“Sorry, go ahead”, Lukey offered, chickening out once more. Maybe some day he’d have the courage to confess his feelings. But today was not that day.
“Alright”, Pangi cleared his throat, shifting around in his seat nervously. Lukey could feel his leg bouncing under the table. He reached into his backpack and pulled something out of it. The next moment, Pangi was suddenly in front of Lukey, on one knee.
“Wh-what?”, Lukey stammered, confused and overwhelmed. Was this a joke, a bit? What was Pangi doing? A hush had fallen over the nearby tables, everybody watching the situation unfold in anticipatory silence.
“Lucas Osborn, Lukey Television”, Pangi declared dramatically, definitely loud enough for the whole deck to hear his words. “I have known you for over a year now and in that time you’ve become one of my closest friends. I love our late night talks, the hours spent in the editing vc and ragebaiting our friends with you. Will you, Lucas Osborn, accept these sunglasses as a sign of the special bond we share?”
“It would be my honour”, Lukey announced, matching the energy. It was hard to keep a straight face but somehow he managed. The entire situation was totally ridiculous. Those were literally his sunglasses for crying out loud.
Pangi stood up and Lukey followed suit, as the other guests clapped. Though Lukey could definitely hear some confused whispers in the crowd.
None of it mattered when he found himself face to face with Pangi. Clumsily, Pangi pushed the sunglasses onto his nose. They felt wonky, but at least Pangi hadn’t taken out his eyeball.
Emboldened by the moment – and by the fact he finally got his sunglasses back – Lukey, turned his face as Pangi came in for a hug. For a split second, their lips brushed against each others’, Pangi’s lips soft against his own.
Then Pangi pulled back, confusion written all over his face. He didn’t however let go of Lukey’s arms, so he took that as a good sign. Maybe he didn’t need to pretend it had been an accident.
Pushing his sunglasses up into his hair, Lukey went in for another kiss.