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“Hey, ‘dubs? Are we almost there? I really don't like having this blindfold on…” Etho sounded uneasy, but still trusting of his boyfriend.
“Pulling up right now. You can take it off now if ya wanted.” Etho could hear the brightest smile coming from Bdubs, even if he couldn't see it just yet.
Slowly, Etho pulled the blindfold over his head, making his hair slightly frizzy. His eyes adjusted to the brightness before quickly landing on a beautifully blue lake. A couple of boats sat atop the water, a few more people on the shore playing in the sand and sun tanning. Even one person was far out on a paddle board, having what Etho could easily assume was the time of their life.
“I brought your old fishing stuff, and even rented a boat for the day! I mean, you'll need to drive it because I don't know how, but still!” Etho couldn't take his eyes off of the lake, he really missed this feeling.
Etho hadn't gone fishing in years, since before he moved out of Canada and to Michigan. He had talked about how much he missed it, but he never realized Bdubs paid attention.
Etho finally responded, but his eyes never left the glittering water. “It's beautiful. Oh my days, Bdubs I could kiss you.” A phrase Etho used maybe a little too often, not like Bdubs minded.
“I mean, I wouldn't stop you.” Bdubs' eyes traced Etho's face as it turned towards him.
“Then maybe I will,” Etho tried to say flirtatiously, but the giddy grin on his face just made Bdubs find him adorable. He leaned forward, giving Bdubs a warm kiss, but it didn't last long as he couldn't stop himself from smiling. “I hope you know I love you.”
“I could never forget it.”
Etho quickly undid his seatbelt before rushing to the bed of Bdubs' truck, looking for his fishing gear. Bdubs followed soon after.
Etho lifted the tarp covering the bed, revealing his gear beneath. As he pulled out his pole, he noticed Bdubs had even remembered to buy some bait. He turned to thank him, but noticed he had already left for a small shack, likely getting the keys to the boat.
Etho quickly grabbed the rest of his stuff before making his way to Bdubs by the dock. The sun may have been glaring in his eyes, but he could still see Bdubs' bright smile as he stood there holding a set of keys and two bright orange life jackets.
“Do I really need to wear that?” Etho asked as he approached his boyfriend.
“I mean, it's technically not required, but I'm making you wear one,” Bdubs responded as he handed one over, already putting his own on.
Etho gave a fake sigh. “Okay fine, but only because you want me to.” His smile returned quickly, despite the uncomfortable vest.
Etho took the keys out of Bdubs' hand, too excited to wait any longer. He checked the keychain for the number of the boat Bdubs had gotten. They were all the same so it didn't really matter, but Bdubs specifically asked for number twelve.
It was their special number. Their first proper date together was on December twelfth two thousand twelve, three perfect twelves. Now, whenever either of them can, they'll pick twelve, no matter the context.
Etho confidently stepped into the boat, enjoying the way he could feel the water move with his added weight. He held out his hand, helping Bdubs in as well. Etho couldn't help but notice Bdubs' shaky legs as he stepped in. “You alright?”
“Y-yeah I'll be fine.” Bdubs quickly sat down, gripping tightly to the seat to hold himself still.
Etho decided not to question it, knowing if something was really wrong, Bdubs would tell him. He made his way down to the driver’s chair and began steering the boat away from the dock. Etho was honestly surprised he was still pretty good at driving considering how long it had been.
The fresh water splashed up from the side of the boat as it moved atop the lake. Each drop that landed on Ethos skin just made him sparkle in the sun even more than before. He looked over to see Bdubs shining just the same under the sun, covered in little sparkles from the water.
Bdubs' eyes were shut tight, causing Etho to realize he should probably slow down. He made his way to the empty side of the lake before Bdubs felt calm enough to open his eyes again.
The boat rocked back and forth slowly. Comfortingly. Etho looked at Bdubs with the most loving eyes as he noticed him slowly loosen his grip on the chair. “God, you look gorgeous in the sun.” Etho couldn't help but stare at the way Bdubs’ skin glowed like honey.
Bdubs' face quickly flushed over before trying to cover it with his hands, finally fully letting go of his seat. “Etho,” Bdubs groaned despite quietly loving the compliments his boyfriend always gave him.
“Yes darling?” Etho batted his eyes, trying to look more innocent.
Bdubs lightly kicked Etho’s ankle. “Just start fishing already.” A smile returned to Bdubs' face as he watched Etho stand up and prepare his pole.
The motions came as a habit to Etho as he easily got back into the groove of his favorite pastime of his past.
Bdubs eventually stood up before slowly walking closer to Etho so he could sit next to him. He leaned his head against Etho's shoulder. He didn't say anything, he just let his eyes rest and the heat from the summer sun engulf his body.
They sat in silence, letting the boat rock them. After a little while, Etho noticed Bdubs had fallen asleep while resting on him. “Thanks for bringing me here, I seriously do love you,” Etho whispered quietly enough to hopefully not disturb Bdubs' sleep.
A very out of it Bdubs gave a warm grumble as a response. Etho was used to the sentiment, whenever he tried talking to Bdubs when the man was too tired to think, he would get a four syllable response in grumbles. Etho translated it to ‘I love you too' years ago.
Etho lowered his head to the side, letting it rest atop of Bdubs'. Etho would spend the rest of his days just like this if he could.