Chapter Text
They sit together in amber sunday light, tired from the day. A hike was a fitting idea for both of them, but by the end of the day all they wanted to do was lay down and relax. The closest option to this was sitting on the couch with their own light tasks, and if you asked Simon, he’d say he’s right where he wants to be (at least for now).
Originally they settled for their usual activities, but since then Grace managed to shift from a book to half-napping to the book again. As for Simon, he, too, has been trying to read (kinda), but occasional huffs of annoyance from the other and his back-and-forth in activities kinda threw him out of focus by now. Not to mention that reading all these manuals was the least interesting thing right now.
So, suffice to say, he wasn't paying attention to it. And why, when he could steal glances at Grace. Grace, who is sitting in sunrays that highlight his blonde hair, with a relaxed posture, but a small frown on his face. Grace, whose thin-knit sweater is showing his shoulder and, when he moves the book just a bit further from himself, a collarbone. Who huffs a sigh again and throws his head back, exposing his neck. How many kisses could he put on those without overlapping? And what pretty little noises would Grace make at him…
Nope. Not going there. Fuck, he hopes he’s not noticeably blushing.
…
The thing is… they seem to have settled in a stable pace. It’s been two weeks. They meet, talk, Grace stays overnight often now, and they have figured out their daily routines to accommodate for it. In short, everything is good. So it should be fine if he asks Grace out now.
Um, what’s that? Oh, yes, he’s been thinking about it for a while.
It sounds simple: they fit each other way too well, they’ve become pretty close. Oh, and of course, the main reason: he’s very much in love with the man. So, it’s worth risking the rejection. He wouldn't say so two weeks ago, but now there’s a slight change in other’s behaviour. It just feels somewhat different. Like he became less cautious around him? As in, not watching his expressions anymore and not subduing them when they happen, apologising less, leaving things where he feels comfortable, not where Simon told him all those weeks ago.
He also noticed that Grace is now more generous with touches. As in, not just occasionally brushing hands, shoulder bumps, but a hand on Simon’s shoulder (or elbow, if they're walking in a crowd), or standing so close near each other that their arms and shoulders are in constant contact, or the way they’re situated right now, even, with legs nearly intertwined. How when they sit side by side it’s only directly near each other. Sometimes when they sat like that Grace’s arm shifted into his space, elbow resting in Simon’s lap, and when Grace noticed (and he usually did), he just smiled one of those sweet happy smiles, and they continued sitting.
He chooses to think that is a sign of some sort. Of course he can’t know for sure. He’ll understand if he was right about it only when he asks his question.
Unfortunately all that reasoning doesn't make it less frightening. And there are still dreadful questions Grace will have to ask him about his past. He just hopes he’ll be merciful in his reaction to the answers. He is putting a lot on that bet.
That’s why he’s not asking today. It’s mostly procrastination. But realistically, he needs to pick a place and words for this, and right now he just wants to rest. And boy, do his eyes rest on the view in front of him.
“The view” looks back at him. Shit, he was staring. “The view” speaks apologetically, oblivious to Simon’s inner turmoils. “Sorry if i’m distracting you,” well, maybe not in the way he thinks, but he’s correct, ”maybe dinner? I’m just not in the mood for–” he shakes the book in the air, “–this today.”
Simon collects himself and thinks. “Could do. It’s not like I love reading these damn manuals.” He closes the laptop to accentuate what he said. “Let’s see what I can make. Any requests?”
“Nah, I’d love anything,” he says, as they both head to the kitchen.
***
A week later they sit outside the shop on a bench. It’s Simon’s break time, and Grace joined him as usual. What's worth noticing about this particular day is that he brought his own thing — some nice looking sandwich that was definitely not of his making. He said earlier that he saw it on the way here and bought it on a whim. It’s good to see him care for himself instead of forgetting or ignoring it.
“...But if you want to get the really good stuff, I know a place. It’s a cafe, and it’s small, mostly students go there –telling you that from experience– and the owner might have remembered me from the times when my coffee orders were more… Rocky says ‘deadly’, but I prefer ‘unique’.” Simon thinks he can imagine, judging by Grace’s current habits, and it makes him chuckle. Grace seems to notice, and smiles in response. “Anyway, they have some nice light lunch options, and boy, was it a long time since I visited.” He sighs wistfully, but not with any real sadness on his face.
That has to be it. The chance. The opening Simon has been waiting for.
Because, honestly, it has gotten ridiculous how he kept finding excuses to not ask him out. He had to stop stalling. If it continued any longer, he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t just abandon the idea entirely. Or maybe he’d just eventually and spontaneously combusted with all the restlessness he’s got in him.
So, “We could go out?” He was met with a quizzical expression. Yeah, need to elaborate. “There. That place. Like a dinner..?” Yeah, genius, as if he needed any more synonyms of a “date”. Jeez, he was really doing it. The fear has just caught up to him. He pushed it down, afraid of missing the answer more than of the rejection.
...There was no rejection, though, at least not initially. Only that pretty shade of red spreading over Grace's cheeks and ears, along with a surprised smile. “Oh, that’s nice.” It is? Wait, is that a yes?? “I mean, yes, that sounds awesome! Um, when can we… maybe tomorrow..? I am free and you… wait, it’s wednesday, will it be–”
Simon thought the calm-at-first reaction was suspicious, but he returned to his natural rambling-when-worried self, which was the expected reaction. He wasn’t misunderstood. Most likely. Simon wasn’t entirely sure about it, but he couldn’t formulate why. Oh yes, Grace was still rambling. Deal with that first.
“Breathe, Ry,” he said, a bit exasperated. He continued when the other stopped talking. “Tomorrow is good.” The phrase put him visibly at ease. His own thoughts were still recovering from the ask, so he opted to let his mouth run. “I wasn’t planning anything anyway. Actually.. was going to suggest watching something from the list, but this is better.” It’s a half-lie, he was going to ask him on that date few days ago, but couldn’t make himself do it.
“Hm, we could do both?” At that Simon looked at him. Really looked.
It was still weird how easily Grace has accepted the question, and even stranger, that he accepted the invitation itself. Well, the last part wasn’t impossible, there were the signs. But Simon had expected more fuss from him. Though he did get shy? And was behaving like normal. Was it too much like normal?
He was trying to find anything wrong with this, anything that would indicate that it’s a trick or not real or just a lie. It happened too easily. It should’ve been…
Should’ve been more difficult? Why?
It’s just a date. Not a world-ending catastrophe. For most people it’s easy. So maybe for Grace it is too. And besides, it falls into a theme of Grace making Simon’s life more manageable.
He doesn’t have to be suspicious about everything. Sometimes – very rarely – good things just happen. And Grace was one of them. And he’s been learning that Grace-adjacent things tend to be like that too: just good, no conditions.
“Hey, Earth to Simon? You okay here? Do I have something on my face?”
The sound startles him a little, like the person in front of him was a painting to look at, but not talk with. In short, he was staring again. “Sorry, just got caught in thoughts.” He looks away, breathes in, then out. It’s fine.
“Ah, okay, I was thinking that I smeared sauce or found a new way to embarrass myself.”
“What? No, you’re fine. I’m just… not used to things being so easy.”
Grace’s eyes became more serious, and he looked like he understood. Maybe not. Or not exactly. It’s okay.
“Anyway, don't worry, it’s not important. Just glad we’re getting out like this..”
“Yeah, me too. It’s been a while.” A beat. “So, I was saying, maybe movies after dinner?”
Yeah, if it goes well. Grace is too optimistic. Is it bad though? “Could do.”
“Nice, I actually had an addition to our list…”
…And so the conversation turned to regular things, and, when there was nothing more to add, a mutually accepted silence.
Now Simon had time to process what has just happened.
He was happy. Obviously, he was going on a date. With Grace. It was kinda insane. Till recently it was only in the realm of his dreams. And just like that, by a whim of the universe, he managed to ask him out. He felt incredible. Still anxious, but it was equal with excitement.
He was doing something. He felt alive. He wanted this to work out so badly.
Then the end of the break came, and it was time to go back inside. Except that Grace was stopped by a phone call. Simon stopped too, holding the door open.
“Huh…” Grace looked at the screen, and answered quickly. “Adrian? What’s going on?”
Simon felt a pang of guilt listening in, but he really could hear only one side, and besides, he wanted to know if everything was alright. Also, if this was private, Grace would not be taking the call on the street.
“No, I’m not today… Ow, please tell Rocky to stop screaming… No, man, I’m not kidnapped. I’m at the shop…” He briefly looked towards Simon, sorry and exasperated, and then turned away. “Yeah, y– you what? No wait I can come to you instead– where are you staying by the– Ria? Adrian?” He looked at the phone one last time, and this time there were certain signs of defeat. He stood motionless for a few seconds before going back inside, now typing something.
Simon understood nothing. “What was that about?”
Without looking at him, Grace went to his usual chair and plopped on it, throwing his head back. “The siege.” And after a second, “You’ll see.”
Well, isn’t that ominous.
***
The bell rang, and Simon looked towards the entrance. He was expecting to see people, but saw only one. The other was a blur of motion directed at, what he thought for a second, him. He braces for impact by habit.
The blur changed direction though, and it was too late to react when he understood it was directed at Grace–
–who has apparently stood up, likely as he saw these two. And, oh. He’s not being attacked. But the blur-person is lifting him up.. in a hug? So at least the situation doesn't have to get hostile. Simon stands down and looks better at the newly appeared duo.
It becomes more apparent that they are together as the calmer one follows the blur to the register, clearly also focused on Grace, but additionally looking around. The person smiles at Simon apologetically, and he nods slightly. Grace did warn him. So they are likely the friends… was it Rocky and Adrian?.. They are surely something.
The one with Grace has wild hair, some gray, some hazel, dark sunglasses, tattoos on open arms wherever he can see, and he’s shorter than Grace, but obviously not less strong. Sturdy is a better description. While he is animated and chaotic, the other (taller) one has a grounding aura, as if all the movements around them have been calculated months in advance, and they are just watching everything go according to the plan. With the abstract-shaped jewelry, a colorful but tasteful makeup and almost iridescently-colored hair (whoever did it deserves serious praise) they look ethereal. The contrast between the two strangers is immediately obvious, but so is the way they suit each other.
(He also has a feeling he’s seen the second one somewhere. Maybe a stupid deja vu, or maybe his memory is being stubborn.)
And so he keeps watching Grace being manhandled (but soon put on the ground, although more ruffled and confused, but not unhappy), watching the friends(?)’ interaction, learning, assessing the situation. In case of something he is still the shop owner and has all the authority to shove unwanted visitors out. But only if Grace gave him a reason.
After having hugged and shared warm smiles with both of them, Grace speaks, “How– how did you even know what shop to look in?? I texted you the location, but it wasn't delivered…”
The shorter person interrupts rapidly, like he expected that line, by putting his arm over Grace’s shoulders. “My phone died. You shoulda texted Ria too. But they had your location still. It doesn’t matter, we’re here already.” That sounded like a breach of confidentiality to Simon, but the person doesn't look guilty in the slightest. Grace had a reaction, though.
“You– Adrian!” He turned to the other one, looking betrayed. So that’s Adrian.
“I know, sorry. But we didn't even know it was still active till now. Apparently you never stopped sharing it. We wouldn’t use it otherwise.” Something about this person makes Simon trust them a little more than a regular stranger. ‘Cause of the way they spoke or carried themselves, maybe? Or that they did sound apologetic.
Grace too seems to be somewhat soothed by that answer. “Alright, but you could’ve asked me instead of barging in like that,” he pointedly looks at the blur-person, Rocky(?), then back, “scaring us and causing a scene. By the way,” he looks to Simon, “sorry about that.” Then he puts on a dramatic expression, “Maybe we should’ve evacuated entirely while we had a chance…”
Rocky looked personally offended by this, and immediately lets Grace know that. His arms fly in the air, and Grace, being in very close proximity to them, has to look. “And that’s exactly why we had to find you first! We came all the way here only to find an empty flat and then the surprise was ruined! And now you want to hide this mystery-new-friend, with whom you’re very conveniently–”
“Rocky.” Adrian had a warning edge in their voice, but they didn't have to speak loudly to be heard. Rocky stopped. “I don't think this is the first impression we want to leave.” They turned their head to Simon, “I’m Adrian. And this is James…”
“Yeah, hi there.” He waved his more-free hand.”But you can call me Rocky. Everybody does.” They seem to. Well, then he’ll opt for that too. But he can’t help but wonder how the nickname came to exist.
“Or that, yes. We’re old friends of Grace.”
He looked at them accordingly when they spoke. “Nice to meet you. Simon.” He didn't have to add that he’s with Grace too. He didn't have to prove his worth to them or something. Honestly, he wasn't obligated to tell them anything else at all. But if it was just a friendly conversation… he could try to be less of an ass. “I happen to know Grace too. For some time now.” Also, he doesn't know if they two will be friends after this (or more) (or less). Better leave that can of worms for later.
The next five seconds are just them three looking at each other, evaluating, deciding, perhaps, if they can be trusted. Then all turn to Grace, because he finally speaks, but with a delayed realisation, “So, wait, you are here!”
It is, of course, obvious. To everyone. Simon feels that now he’s not the only one to look exasperatedly at him, waiting for elaboration. With triple the pressure, Grace continues quickly. “Uh, I mean, here! In San Francisco. No, that’s not the– when did you know you were coming??” He sounded kinda confused by the end of that.
Rocky answers like it was a universally known fact, “A while ago. C’mon, keep up — it was supposed to be a surprise. I still will argue it was successful.” He talks with his hands, but unlike before, right now it doesn't seem to register to Grace, who’s still looking like he’s solving something.
“You would, love, we know,” Adrian supplies. Oh. They’re together together. Aaand it’s proved by the lovesick look they’re given. Rocky was almost hanging on Grace, but now he leaned on him even more. That can’t be comfortable. For both.
(Actually, yeah. It can’t. But they seem to not notice that. And honestly, both look fine. With close proximity too. Simon wonders if it’s that normal for people, to just hug whenever. Or be this relaxed around friends. Or maybe it’s a Grace-Rocky thing. Or just Grace. Will it be fine if he does that? Shit, stop being so distracted. It’s like he’s the one and only thing in your life. Get a grip, for fuck’s sake.)
Grace continues, “Well I’m glad for you, and really, thanks for stopping by, but I mean… how long are you staying? And where?” He looked to Adrian. Simon was getting a feeling that they were the most responsible one out of at least three of them.
“Don’t worry, we found a hotel not far from here. But we’re only staying half a week.”
“Only that much? Why?”
“That’s all the time we have before the next trip.”
“Wait what? Where?”
“Italy,” Rocky pipes up, smiling, probably happy with both the upcoming trip and the reaction to the reveal, “but it was rescheduled, and we had to go now, so believe me, I’m also not happy about it. At least we have this much time.”
“Yeah, I get it. Good for you, by the way. Still, what a bummer.”
“Hey, even so, we made plans…” He meaningfully looked at Grace as he gestured between himself and Adrian.
“Oh..?” He was intrigued now.
“...And that means we have all that time together! You really could believe we’d just sit in a hotel? Really, the plan was to go right away, but…” He looked at Simon weirdly. Simon raised a brow. ”We wouldn’t want to steal you from your friend.” Another weird enunciation. The hell does he mean by it?
But they wouldn’t be interrupting anything, they were just hanging out. If they really have only that much time…
At the same time as Simon says, “It’s fine, we weren’t doing–”, Grace almost exclaims, “No, it’s not that, we’re–”. Both shut up at the same time. Grace, with the speed at which he always thinks and speaks, is the first to continue, “I mean, you are totally fine to steal– uhh– take me with you. I’m supposed to go back soon anyway.”
They didn’t have anything planned, that was true. “Better this way. It’s getting late, there’ll be more people… you know it.” Didn’t mean he didn’t look forward to this evening together, but he’ll manage. And he saw how bright Grace was around these people. He was sure he’d have a better time this way.
“Yeah, right… So,” he looked away, to Rocky, “you wanted to go, what, now? Like, right now..?”
“Sure, why not! Unless you need something? We can get to your place… yes, you’ll need pj’s and stuff, you’re staying overnight. No protests.”
Grace lets out an amused chuckle, “Oh, so it’s a real kidnapping. You have a van too?”
“Just a car,” Adrian corrected with a smile.
“Oh. Of course. Um, I’ll meet you there, then just… put my stuff away? Promise not to ditch you, hah.”
“You couldn’t if you wanted to. Jay, you got the key? Could you start the car for us?” He nodded and went out first, and they followed, but stopped before the doorframe, waiting. To secure Grace or to help carry things, he wasn’t certain.
Grace was apparently waiting for everyone to leave, but seeing that wasn’t happening, sighed defeated, and walked to collect his things, as promised. As he was heading out, he turned to Simon, “By the way, about tomorrow. You still wanna go? I still can make time with all this...”
It would be convenient for Grace to say he can’t go now, if he hadn't actually wanted to in the first place. He had more important things to do, and of course they could reschedule, or just cancel. But it was him who was confirming the date and giving an out to Simon. Not that he’d take it now, when he finally asked. But Grace didn’t know that. He was just being his usual kind self.
“Of course. Did we decide on the time?”
“Uhhh no?.. Can you text me later? I’m free all day… oh wait… no, I’ll make sure I’m free in the evening tomorrow, that should work?”
“Sure, I’ll do it later. But for now I think after six, not earlier. Unless you want grocery shopping be a part of…” Adrian was still there, and for some reason he wasn’t comfortable calling it a date around other people. “...it.”
“I mean… not the worst idea.” Grace opened his mouth to say something else, but a sound from the street reminded that he’s got people waiting for him. “Yeah, sure. And sorry we had to cut it short today. And for the ruckus…”
“Nah, I get it. It’s fine. Have a good time out there.”
“Thanks. Okay, bye!” Grace nodded in response, and his smile was the last thing his gaze landed on.
And now he stood in an empty shop. God, that was a whirlwind. The silence he was left in is palpable and uncomfortable. Like a ringing in his ears. It was a rare moment when he actually wanted to interact even with a random customer to not feel the pressure.
At the same time he had a lot of new information. It would be helpful to process all that while he had time.
He went to the new-old radio to turn it on. That should make things a bit easier to deal with.