Could this be real?

[PARKER JAMES]

He could not believe his luck. Earlier he was just wishing he could disappear but now he was standing outside his dorm with Fletcher. Their last meeting had taken a horrible twist and he was sure they would never speak again. Parker turned behind him and smiled at the person hovering behind him. "Here we are. My humble abode."

Parker jiggled the key in the lock while hitting the door with his fist. "Ugh. Sometimes this door gets stuck." He managed to open the door with a little more persistence. Fletcher followed closely behind as he entered his dorm and tossed the keys on the counter. The old memories were already flooding his mind. Parker closed his eyes tight and tried to shove them out.

What he didn't realize was it was already too late. The magic was already present in the room. The two of them were alone together in an intimate setting. This was the first time in months that they were alone and on decent terms. Parker instinctively made his way to the kitchen. He was such the little entertainer when people were over. Items were flying out of the fridge faster than you could see. This dish was something he was very comfortable making. They had it together the night that they... nevermind....

Parker pulled out a baking dish and started to thaw the chicken. He grabbed a medium sized bowl and started to chop vegetables for a salad. "I just want you to know that I really did miss you." His eyes were watering while he placed the ingredients into the salad. "I'm sorry things got so out of control." I never stopped wishing we would be together again. I feel like this is a dream. Parker bent over the oven and turned the heat up on the oven to preheat it. He made sure to rub up against Fletcher in the process.

Standing up he smiled and turned to face the other boy. He wrapped his arms around the other boy and pulled him in. What was he doing? Nothing had even been talked about. The past few months were catastrophic and they probably should discuss these things before anything else got out of hand. Parker noticed there was a fog rising within his mind. He swallowed hard and all he could feel was the racing of his heart. Without thinking he pulled Fletcher up against his body and kissed him passionately on the lips. Their bodies were pressed against the warming oven but he didn't care in the slightest.

I can't believe this is really happening. You need to use your clear judgment. We were just on the verge of killing each other last time our paths crossed.... He tried to pull himself away from this dangerous situation. Fletcher's body had a strong gravitational pull on him. He closed his eyes and melted away into the kiss. Parker's hands found their way down to the other boy's butt. He rested his hands in his pockets and gave a gentle yet teasing squeeze. Oh God! You are going to take this too far! As he pulled away he kissed Fletcher's neck and nibbled his ear playfully. This was one day they were not going to forget anytime soon.....

((Sorry it's short. haha. I was getting myself a little worked up while writing this. lol! I didn't want to take it too far. I figure I need your input too before I carry things too far. Have fun! Get carried away!!!))

[FLETCHER CROSS]

When he'd agreed to go have dinner with Parker, he didn't exactly picture his dorm. I mean, it wasn't like he hadn't been there before; his dorm was a few doors down, and he wasn't that innocent. Just...he was expecting something slower. He'd been jumping into relationships for the past couple of months, and so far, that had only screwed him over, and he'd been hoping for something less...intimidating. A nice date at a restaurant--not even a nice one--would have been perfectly fine by him. But...no. Now he was worried about every little gesture he made. Should he sit on the couch, or on the bed? Should he take off his sweatshirt, or just leave it on? He felt like an awkward teenager—well, granted, he was an awkward teenager. God. When had did eating dinner constitute as a soap opera? Not to mention the fact that it was so ridiculously…close. The bed was right there. He sort of felt obligated to strip and give Parker a lap dance, but he reassured himself that it wouldn’t get down to that.

At least, he hoped not.

The blonde followed the other boy into his dorm, blue eyes wandering curiously around and taking in all the familiar sights. The couch had moved a few feet to the left, and there were a couple more pictures, but other than that, it was the same dorm. They passed by the bedroom, and he leaned back a little to see through the slit of the open door. Slightly messed up sheets. Yup. Same old Parker. The edges of his lips curled into a small smile, and he turned back to face Parker—who, by this time, had made it into the kitchen. He followed hurriedly after, slowly getting back into the mindset of being in the apartment. Suddenly, as he stretched his arms out through the entryway to the kitchen, everything came back to him. The smell of chicken baking in the oven. The smell of Parker’s sheets at three in the morning. The stupid end table that he always tripped over when he tried to go to the bathroom at night. The counter that he’d teased Parker from, and the wall that he’d been pressed up against.

It was like he’d never left.

A small blush crossed his cheeks and he silently leaned backwards against the counter between the stove and the fridge. Parker was already next to him, throwing food on the counter like he hadn’t eaten in two months. He seemed…happy, though. Which was nice. Fletcher smiled wider and bit his bottom lip to keep it from going further (the only thing worse than standing there awkwardly was standing there awkwardly and grinning stupidly). Did this mean that they were finally back to normal? Well, maybe not normal. They had a kid, and there was still that whole Andrew drama lingering about. But…better. Definitely better than throwing trees around and calling each other whores.

I just want you to know that I really did miss you. I’m sorry things got so out of control. Fletcher shuffled awkwardly, watching as Parker went through the motions of preparing dinner. What’s he making? He scratched his neck, still unable to come up with an appropriate response. “I missed you too,” he replied, biting his tongue shortly after. “And…sorry I made it worse. I don’t think yelling at you made anything better.” He frowned for a moment, and then shook his head. No. He wouldn’t push the matter any further. Tonight was about celebrating the fact that they weren’t at each other’s throats anymore—well, no. It was about a lot more than that.

He’d filled a glass of water with the jug in the fridge and was sipping it quietly when Parker bent down to put the chicken in the oven. He felt Parker rub up against him, and snorted some of the water, quickly throwing his hand up to cover his now wet and pink-tinted face. Holy shit. How was it supposed to get more embarrassing? He hurriedly wiped the water from his face with the sleeve of his sweatshirt, blushing harder as Parker continued to rub—and then abruptly stopped and smiled at him. Suddenly, he found himself very thankful that his sweatshirt was long and baggy, and squirmed, looking down to inspect the damage from the water (and make sure that his sweatshirt covered his jeans).

Instinctively, he moved closer to the oven—but Parker was faster, and soon he felt the warm arms around his waist, wide eyes moving down in shock to look at them. His eyes jerked back up, mouth slightly open in confusion. What was going on? It wasn’t like he was getting raped, but…he thought they were supposed to talk. Or something of that nature. Not just fuck on the countertops like they always had. The only problem was that Parker had that stupid hold on him—the force that drew him closer, and made him want the kiss, and want more than that—the force that made him curl up just a bit closer when they slept together at night, and the force that made him wrap his arms around the other boy and stand as close as possible, however interrupting it was, when he was cooking. And when Parker’s lips hit his, the blush hit full force, he pushed himself closer, and gently rested his arms around the other boy’s neck. It felt like yesterday that he’d done the same thing…

Then, it happened a bit faster. Parker’s hands had moved to his butt, and he tensed for a moment. Did he really want it to go that far? No. Probably not—at least, not right then. But it felt so good, and he smelled so good, and he looked so good. Hell, he could practically feel Parker’s muscles against him as they moved around him and pulled him closer.

And, suddenly, it was over.

He fell forward a little, stumbling and catching himself before he completely fell onto the other boy’s chest. Wow. Really sexy, Fletcher. He was trying to think of something not-as-awkward-as-usual to say to clear the air, but again, Parker was quicker. His eyes widened a little bit, and leaned in when Parker kissed his neck. Fuck, he thought numbly, stretching a little more so that Parker could reach better (unfair height advantage). That feels so good. Maybe…just a little bit…?

Wait, no. He clenched his eyes shut, the red spreading over his cheeks again, and he loosened his grip on Parker’s neck. “Um…what happened to dinner?” He nodded over to the oven, turning his head away slightly so the other boy would stop attacking his neck. “I…uh. Do you need any help?—I don’t…think I can cook as well as you can…but I can probably cut things without hurting myself, right?”

Hopefully Parker wouldn't be too mad.

[PARKER JAMES]

The heat in his apartment was rising or maybe it was just the blood rushing to his pants. Parker could feel the memories flooding back to him. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that he was able to smell the chicken cooking now. They had chicken the first night that he could remember them establishing their relationship. He cringed to think about it. The wound was still far too deep. Despite his best efforts at staying distant he couldn't do it. His heart was exploding and he felt like someone should be announcing a mess on aisle 3.

Fletcher was taking the bait and falling into his body. This could really lead to some serious trouble if neither of them were careful enough. Parker took a deep breath and felt their bodies pressing together. There was not a single inch of the other boy that he could not feel. How he missed the feeling of Fletcher's body up against his. Every inch of him as they used to glide together underneath the sheets. He tensed as the memories were almost too much for him to handle. Their arousal was now impossible to disguise now that they were pressed up against one another.

Parker pulled away for a brief moment. He now noticed that Fletcher had gotten his clothes wet when he choked on his glass of water. What was that all about anyway? There was something beautiful and unique about the other boy. He always found his awkwardness intriguing and always wanted to get to know more about him. Unfortunately, they never spent a lot of time getting to know one another last time around. There would always be time to get to know one another better, right? They were going to be tied together for quite a few years, whether they liked it or not.

He pulled his hands out of Fletcher's pockets and ran them up his back. Parker felt a chill creep up his spine as he started to tug the other boys shirt off. All he wanted to do was to see (and maybe feel....) his body naked in front of him again. Too much time had passed since they last were this close and intimate. He grabbed Fletcher by the waist of his pants and switched the position. Parker was now looming over the other boy who was pressed up against the counter beside the oven. Fuck He just wanted to rip their clothes off and make love to him on the kitchen table.

Wait! What exactly was it that they were doing?! Were they trying to make this situation even more awkward than it was. Fletcher seemed to be holding back a bit. Parker was the one that seemed to have lost all form of self control. That probably was to be expected of Parker. He had been dying for the day he would be able to hold the first, and only, boy he loved in his arms again. Everything he had been through in the last year was well worth what he was getting to experience again right now. Parker pulled away and opened his eyes. He wanted to look at Fletcher. This moment had to be recorded to memory forever.

A grin crossed his lips as he spoke in a voice he hoped would make Fletcher melt. "Dinner won't be done for a little while. I thought we could save the small talk for after we work up an appetite." He had not felt this mischievous in quite a while. Parker had pretty much given up on having sex in the months since their split. After months of being alone he was pretty sure he could make this a night Fletcher would never forget. He slipped out of his own shirt and resumed kissing Fletcher all over. His lips were pressed on his chest as he slowly lowered his body to be level with the other boy's zipper. Parker glanced up with love and desire in his eyes and whispered with a smile.....

"I want to make love to you."

[FLETCHER CROSS]

Parker's hands slipped out of his jeans, and for a moment, he thought things were going to calm down, and his body relaxed a bit. Just as he had settled back into his comfort zone, the pink fading a little bit and the smile returning to his lips, he felt the other boy's hands snake up his back and pull the hem of his shirt up with it. What?! It took him a few seconds, but he realized that he was now shirtless, and Parker expected a hell of a lot more than a bit of rubbing against him and kissing between fixing dinner. Which made everything way more awkward again. The last time he'd had sex was--well, no, he supposed that time with Andrew counted, but it was really only to piss Parker off (who had been screwing Ezra and Charlotte in the kitchen).

It was then that he realized he was shirtless in front of Parker. It'd been a while since that'd been natural. For a moment, he just gaped at Parker; what was he supposed to do? Rip his shirt off? He'd never been that great with the whole seduction thing. For a moment, he closed his eyes to regain himself--and, perhaps, get a little of that confident "I'm so sexy, let me push Kaden into a fire" act. When he was a little more full of himself, he opened his eyes again, and found himself face to face with Parker. He flinched momentarily due to shock, but stood still. You can do this. Slowly, his hands moved up and clenched the counter behind him for balance, and he kept his gaze on Parker. He didn't think he'd get away with just dinner at this point.

His eyes trailed down to Parker's hands at his waist, but snapped right back up as he felt the other boy leaning over him. For a few seconds, all they did was stand there; Fletcher contemplated leaning forward and making use of his lips, or even pulling him closer a bit to stop the silence, but only watched quietly as Parker looked him over. I feel like a piece of meat. A very shirtless, very sexually-awkward piece of meat. He bit his lip, glancing over the boy in front of him, willing Parker to be done with his little recollection of old memories and just kiss him. It took about thirty seconds for Parker's eyes to meet his, and another five before the other boy moved.

Goddamn that voice. If there was one thing he absolutely loved (and hated) about the other, it was that he could say virtually anything in that tone and his pants would be off in two seconds. A shiver went down his spine, and he tried to cover it up by shifting his weight to the other leg. He was beyond being concerned about the blush on his cheeks; at this point, it wasn't going to go away, and Parker didn't seem to mind (if anything, it looked like it made him enjoy the moment even more). But...what was he supposed to say to that? "Th-that sounds...good..."

The kisses down his chest were surpisingly hot--or maybe it was just because his skin was hot?--and felt painfully like a trail of tiny burn marks. His eyes squeezed shut as Parker went lower and lower, anticipation building up as, finally, the other boy had reached his zipper. And...of course. It stopped. He opened one eye halfway, peeking curiously through his blush to see what Parker was doing. Watching him. Again. Though...differently, this time. His eyes sparkled with something that looked a hell of a lot more intimate than lust. I thought...you were done with me. Isn't that what Parker had said?--that he was going to make Fletcher's life a living hell. In all honesty, this was a bad start on the other boy's part. But it wasn't like he was complaining. If anything, he was jumping for joy on the inside. Suddenly, he froze. God. Why did he have to be so hot? Gathering all the courage he had, the blonde leaned over and tugged the other's chin a little higher. He hesitated, and then pressed his lips firmly against the other's, eyes closing for some seconds before he pulled away. "Screw me. Now." Eyes still clamped shut, he let his cheek rest againt Parker's as he waited. And god, he hoped Parker was into the bossy act, because otherwise he would never be able to pull sexual confidence off again (well, regardless of what Parker thought, his ego was looking pretty grim).

[PARKER JAMES]

His breathing became heavier with every passing moment. Parker could not remember being this needy since the last time they had been together. God, that had been nearly a year ago! Everything had went wrong since then. They were always fighting. He had to get Emma out from around the murders at the school. Andrew was in the way. Parker couldn't move on so he vowed to make Fletcher's life hell. Why couldn't the other boy see that this was exactly what he had wanted all along? The only reason things spiraled this out of control was because he loved him with every muscle in his body.

Speaking of muscles in his body, there was one muscle that was straining to break free. His lips curled into an expression an angel should never be capable of showing. Parker had become corrupted too much now to be considered a pure angel. He was pretty sure he had fallen after that after his last encounter with Fletcher but he couldn't know for sure. Fletcher placed a finger under his chin and lifted his gaze back up. Parker's heart raced while the other boy had his tongue inside his mouth. His heart melted as the heat from the passionate kiss was to much for him to take.

Parker moaned into Fletcher's mouth just before he broke away. His eyes grew wide as he heard the words from the other boy. Since when had he become so sexually demanding? Maybe it was something he had picked up from Andrew. The thought made him want to stop, but he decided it didn't matter. Wherever Fletcher got this new found dominance, he liked it. Parker grinned before he continued to fulfill the other boys every desire. "My pleasure." His voice was heavy with desire as he kissed Fletcher long and hard while sliding both of their pants off their bodies.

He grabbed hold of the other boy and bent him over the kitchen table. Parker reached an arm around Fletcher's waist to feel his arousal. Hmm, it feels bigger than I remember. Interesting... What he found made him happy. Fletcher was just as turned on and ready to go as he was. Their bodies were pressed up against one another. Parker slowly stroked the other boy while kissing his neck before whispering in his ear, "I'm going to make never want to leave again." He slowly teased his partner before gently inserting himself inside of him. Parker caught his breath in the moment of instant pleasure but quickly got carried away. They were caught somewhere in between fucking and making love. This could have the potential to be the best sex they have ever had together. A devilish grin passed his lips. If only they were up were up against the wall right now....

((I didn't want to take over too much. I wanted to make them go up against the wall and end on a couch. haha! Knock yourself out! ))

[FLETCHER CROSS]

BUT DRENCHED IN VANILLA TWILIGHT ;
I’LL SIT ON YOUR FRONT PORCH ALL NIGHT.

HE'D HEARD SOME GOOD MOANS in his life, but that was pretty much one of the highest ranking ones so far. He wasn’t too sure if it was because he hadn’t had sex in a while, or because he was having sex with Parker, but the logic behind it was the farthest thing in his mind at the moment. The moan made his cheeks burn—his legs weaken, and his center of balance falter a bit. He wanted that again. That moan. His eyes brightened for a moment as he considered his options, and as Parker’s lips contorted into a grin, his formed a tiny smirk. He would wait for now—let the other boy play for a bit. Suddenly, their lips met again, and he pressed up against the other boy, shifting only when his jeans needed to be pushed down further.

They spent a few more moments kissing, during which he noted how nicely he fit in Parker’s arms, and then abruptly moved to the kitchen table. He whined a little, reaching up in a desperate attempt for their lips to connect again, and faltered, flushing as he felt the other boy’s hand around him. Still, he pressed on, and within a few moments he got what he wanted; he’d crushed their lip together, grinding and biting back the moan that threatened to spill every few seconds. It was like everyone in the country knew that his neck was his spot, or whatever Andrew had called it. He leaned his chin against the other boy’s neck, and bit down, sucking gently to distract himself. I’m not giving in that easily.

Parker’s next words were his turning point. Time for a switch, he thought, sitting up and greedily pushing Parker back by his chest. They slammed against the wall, the fallen angel’s body breaking his fall, and he latched one of his legs around Parker’s waist as his fingers trailed through the other boy’s soft hair. Why is it that I always feel like a bad porno? He was still licking the bite marks on the other boy’s neck (possessive much?) when he felt himself being lifted, and it was his turn to be against the wall. Again. It was almost like god was interfering every time he tried to be sexually dominant (he didn’t quite see what life-changing good was coming from it yet).

He cried out weakly, lifting his other leg and wrapping it around the boy’s waist as he felt Parker enter his body. His cheeks were red from embarrassment and lust, and his muscles strained as his hands raked against Parker’s back to pull him closer. Uh. Why had he been so reluctant, again? At this point, he was feeling a little more than greedy; he wanted more of everything—more moaning, more skin against him, more kissing, more force, more feeling. Slowly, the thrusts became less erratic, and the panting died down. His head fell back against the wall, and he wearily closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them halfway again, he rolled his head to the side and his brows furrowed. Something smells good. He gave a ragged sigh, and looked back to Parker. “Is…um.” What were you supposed to say after sex like that? “Is dinner ready? I’m really hungry.” He flushed again, and leaned forward to peck the other boy on the cheek.

He liked having dinner at Parker’s.

OUTFIT.

[PARKER JAMES]

They had been going at it for what felt like hours. Parker's naked body was glistening with beads of sweat. He couldn't help himself around Fletcher. The other boy knew how to push his buttons and give him the workout of a lifetime. Words could not express his joy at the moment he was dominated by the other boy. Well, now this is a change. I could get used to this. He grinned and enjoyed every moment of his mate marking him with his teeth. Animal tendencies were coming out, which he liked.

Parker took his chance as his hormones surged. He grabbed Fletcher a little rougher than he had meant to. Slamming him up against the wall their bodies were grinding in sync. They made a perfect couple. He was never happier than in this moment. His whole body was quivering and he started to glow. Parker knew in this moment that they had to be made for each other. He could only wish that Fletcher was having a similar realization. Would he really be able to survive another heart break from his only love?

They moved from wall to the table. Fletcher pulled away before they got too carried away again. Parker frowned slightly in disappointment, but quickly regained composure. He couldn't be so selfish as to not consider the other boy's feelings. Taking a deep breath, he tried to force a smile as he could smell their dinner. "Uh, yeah... " Parker cleared his throat and began again, "Sorry. I really missed doing th- I mean, you..." Color was returning to his cheeks as the hormones drained from his body. There was always plenty of time for anything that may arise again later. If he had anything to say about it, Parker would be sure many things were going to rise again. Many, many, times....

Parker made his way over to the kitchen and removed the chicken, pasta, and broccoli from the oven. His sense of smell was temporarily heightened and dinner smelled fantastic! He considered eating it straight out of the dish, but he wanted to do things right. Walking over to the table, Parker set place settings for the two of them. He lit some candles and turned down the lights. This moment had to be a perfect moment that he would never forget. Fletcher had to see that the magic was still there between them. Dishing out the food, he made his way over to open a bottle of red wine. He poured each one glass and sat done only after everything on the table was situated just right. Everything must be perfect...

[FLETCHER CROSS]

...what?

Fletcher blinked, watching as the other boy got up and off of him. He tilted his head onto its side as Parker navigated around the dining room table, around the island, and up to the boiling pot of noodles on the stove. You missed...doing...me? He opened his mouth to say something, stunned, but then closed it again. No. He had probably meant that he missed him. As a person--not that he hadn't missed all the sex and love and stuff like that; that was really great, too. It just wasn't the most romantic thing to hear after that. I missed doing you. Ff. He might have well as said "that was nice, you have a tight ass". Which, he pushed out of his mind, was admittedly more of a Kaden thing (bitch).

He pushed himself off of the table, slipping a little as his feet hit the cold floor, and bent down onto all fours in an attempt to find his clothes. I knew I threw them here somewhere... he trailed off in thought, peering into the living room as he did so. His jeans, which didn't really matter at that point, were tossed to the side near the couch. He huffed and turned back around and, spotting his boxers draped over one of the plants in the corner, grabbed them. Relief washed over him and he tugged them on. Fifty seconds later, he bounded up again, brushing the hair out of his face and peeking over the island and into the kitchen.

Of course. His face flushed a light pink, and he decidedly looked down at the table-top. Parker was making the same thing that he'd made Fletcher those few months ago. It was almost like he'd gone back in time--before the baby drama, and the Andrew fiasco, and the fight in the forest. They were back to being in love (well, he didn't think that either of them had ever fully left that state of mind). Still, with everything that had come to pass over the course of his junior year, he didn't regret it. He had a beautiful child who--oh, right. Where the fuck was his beautiful child? Parker had mentioned that she was in Italy, and the last time he'd actually seen her was...well, damn. When she was born.

His heart sank a little bit, but he took a seat at the dining room table anyway. "Do you need any--" he offered, breaking off as the other boy came in, leaving a trail of plates, silverware, and candles. He rose his eyebrows, watching quietly as Parker manuevered his way around the dining room. Before he knew it, the room was dim, save the light from the burning candles, and he was sitting face to face with Parker. Fletcher stole a quick glance at the food, his lips curling into a small smile at the thought, and looked back up. "Do you plan these things, or are you just spontaneously romantic?" He had to give it to Parker--he'd never quite seen a setup prepared that quickly (or well, for that matter).

[PARKER JAMES]

An innocent smile crossed his lips. Fletcher seemed to be genuinely happy. This was all he could ever dream of. Parker was beginning to think the other boy realized how happy they once were. Maybe now would be the moment to reveal his christmas gift. Now was the chance to seal the deal. He had to be able to accomplish this. If he could not win his love back now, there would be no chance for them ever again. In this single moment there was magic filling the air.

Parker grinned as the other boy asked his question. "I would say it is a little of both. Now, if you will excuse me a moment. I am going to make this a night you will never forget." He jetted off into his small room and a lot of chaos was heard from the next room. Hours had been spent rehearsing for this final moment. Parker paced the floor of his bedroom as he ran through everything one last time. This was the final moment. It was now or never. He had to seal the deal, or move on once and for all. Gathering the packages, he slipped the smallest one into his pocket and returned.

He kissed Fletcher on the forehead and then lips before returning to his seat. On the table was now a delicately wrapped gift in silver and blue paper. A box of chocolates lay beside it. Parker smiled and nudged the gifts over in Fletcher's directions. "Merry Christmas, Fletcher." He sat anxiously awaiting the other boy to open the breaking-the-ice gift. Inside his jacket pocket, he fingered the most important gift of all. The gift his whole heart had been placed into. Smiling, he asked in a slightly agitated tone due to his nerves. "Well, aren't you going to open it?"

Every nerve in Parker's body was firing. His muscles were causing spasms, which were becoming increasingly uncomfortable. He bounced his right leg a mile a minute under the table. The knuckles of his fingers were turning white from being clenches too tight around his chair. Parker couldn't stand it anymore. He jumped up and walked over to Fletcher. He looked light a deer in headlights. Now or never... He repeated to himself. Kneeling, his hands were trembling as he reached into his pocket with one hand and holding Fletcher's in the other.

"Fletcher, I know that things have been difficult between us. We never really had a chance to have a real relationship without any complications. I have loved you from the moment I set eyes on you in that toga. I fell in love with you the first time we made love. We had a beautiful daughter that looks so much like you. No matter what we have been through, I have never stopped loving you. I think about you every minute of the day. I want to spend my life making you and Emma happy. I want to grow old in your arms. So, with that being said, [moments pause] Fletcher Cross, will you marry me?

Parker's stomach immediately started doing somersaults and he felt like he had to throw up. He was beginning to sweat, his heart raced, and he felt all the color leave his cheeks. Fletcher held his heart in his hands right now. Never in his life had he been so vulnerable in his life. He liked having all the control in everything he set out to accomplish. Right now, he had absolutely no control in what was about to happen next. Parker swallowed hard and barely formed the words that escaped his lips next.

"I also wanted to tell you my biggest surprise yet. Emma should be on her way back to visit as we speak. I was bringing her back, for you." Now, his heart felt like it had stopped completely. The room was silent except for the loud voice screaming in his head....

[FLETCHER CROSS]

A night he'd never forget? Who did Parker think he was, anyway? He was pretty sure that it couldn't get any better than this--than the little candles he'd lit, and the smell of dinner in the air, and the thick warmth that enveloped him in the dusk. He had to give it to Parker, he was pretty much the essence of romance; it was impossible not to remember a night like the one he had. Hell, it was impossible to forget any night he spent with Parker. The other boy was, seemingly, so much in love that he pushed himself to the edge (and perhaps a few feet over). Every night there was something new. Every night there was something magical. And every second longer that he stayed, he was impressed more and more and fell a little farther for the angel.

Still, Parker went off into a separate room, and Fletcher slid out of his seat for a few moments to slip his jeans and t-shirt on. He was just zipping up his hoodie, shuffling in his seat, when Parker came back and pecked him on the forehead. His blue eyes swiveled upwards, smiling softly as he kissed the other boy back, and watched sheepishly as a set of gifts were placed on the table before him. Shit. He hadn't gotten Parker anything, had he? Or...if he did, he didn't have it with him. "Thanks..." he trailed off, sliding the box of chocolates into his lap and smiling wider. "Merry Christmas to you, too. I don't--er...I don't really have anything with me right now. I'm sorry." He looked up again. "But I'll bring it over tomorrow?" He rocked the box of chocolates back and forth, sliding his fingers around the cover and popping one of them into his mouth. God, THAT is fucking tasty. He set them on the table again, made a quick gesture with his forehead towards the box, and added, "Try one?"

God. Well, someone was in a rush, huh? Fletcher turned a shade pinker and pulled the gift off of the table, unwrapping it curiously. Silver and blue. His favorites. Setting the wrapping paper aside, he flipped the book over so he could see the title. The Astronomer's Guide. Hm? He flipped it open, fumbling with a couple of pages, eyes glued to the words as the flipped by. Diagrams, roots, descriptions, drawings, maps. It was utterly...perfect. He flipped a few pages backwards, and then back to the index again. Thirty seconds passed, and he was buried in the book. When he surfaced again, he flipped it on the table so Parker could see, and began pointing out the stars as he talked. "That's Crux--the constellation, I mean--well, Crucis, I guess, but that just sounds a little pompous--oh! See that, Alpha 1? That's called Acrux. Apparently it's the thirteenth brightest star--" He paused, and flipped it around, frowning, and reread the paragraph next to it. "Oh, weird. I thought it was the twelfth. Well," he interjected, turning it around again, "That star in particular, along with gamma crucis, can be drawn to connect to the south celestial pole of Octans." He flipped a couple more pages and pointed to another constellation. "But the best part," he continued, leaning a bit further and sliding the book closer to Parker so he could see, "is that Alpha Crucis is best seen in May, at around nine p.m." His eyes swiveled upwards and he smiled. "Like, say, when you made me dinner."

He looked up a little bit and grinned. "That's--it's perfect. Thank you." A few seconds of shuffling under the wrapping paper, and he leaned across the table and pecked him on the cheek shyly. I wonder if it has the diameters? He peeked curiously back at the book, attempting not to show too much interest in it (no need to make Parker jealous anymore, right?) and then settled back into his seat. As he looked up, he noticed the bouncing under the table, and rose an eyebrow. "Um...are you okay?" Was he mad because he hadn't gotten a present for him?--well, with him. He bit the inside of his lip and squirmed a little bit more. "I really like it," he added, watching the other. "It's not--I mean, it's really...nice..." He trailed off as Parker got up and knelt down beside him. What's wrong with him? Suddenly, his hand was taken, and he shifted his position so that he faced Parker. "Are you sure you don't need anything?" However, he didn't get his answer; instead, a speech.

At first, he was just plain confused. It sounded more like a "I'm really glad you're here and not off slutting yourself like you usually do" type of speech. Instantly, he felt his cheeks heat a little bit, and he looked down at his lap. Maybe it was a guilt trip sort of thing? It sure as hell was working. He found himself thinking about all the shit he'd done to Parker in the past year or two. Whoring himself out to the boy, tearing him down, leaving him, and shooting him down for a second time. Not to mention the attempted murder with Kaden. In fact, the first few phrases were a little more hurtful than he had intended. But then, then he said love. He said love twice, and then three times. Slowly, he looked back up at him, smiling and remaining quiet. Yeah, he thought quietly, I love you too. Rolling his eyes at the mention of the toga (ohmygod, he hoped no one took pictures, or he was officially screwed), he held Parker's hand a little closer, squeezing it for comfort. Whatever he was trying to say, it was working. Yes, they had a beautiful daughter. His smile saddened a bit, but he brushed it away. He'd see Emma soon enough, right?

As soon as he began the last few sentences--about growing old, and making the two of them happy for the rest of their lives, the smile slowly deteriorated as he began to understand what was going on. No frown, no blank expression--just extreme nervousness, curiosity, fear--everything. He was caught up in the moment. Could he really be...? He felt a bit colder--he didn't think he was breathing, either, as if a single, tiny breath of air could ruin his chance of missing the end of the speech and the final moment that he'd been waiting for. It seemed like an eternity, but finally, Parker's hand moved from his pocket and up right in front of him, and the little black box opened to reveal the ring inside. His mouth hung open a little as he stared at it, shock seeping through his body. He hadn't expected this--hell, he hadn't expected it from anyone; it was if everyone had turned their back on him the past couple of months. And now...now...

Fletcher Cross, will you marry me?

His breath snagged, and he swore his heart skipped several beats. For a few moments, he simply hung there, dangling Parker's heart on a single, thin string. The both sat there, and as he regained his sense, he blinked a few times, shaking his head to remind him of what he was asked and locked eyes with the other boy. Did...would he marry Parker? Spend the rest of his life with him? Love him for the rest of his existence? Future Christmas mornings, graduations, sunsets, badly burnt pancakes, laughter, and snowstorms flashed across his eyes. Past experiences--being held, the chicken dinner, sitting on a bed covered with rose petals, laying in the dirt with Parker clutching to his broken body--surfaced. Did he love Parker? Oh, yes. God, yes. Was he willing to stay by his side? Forever, of course. Why did it feel so nerve-racking to just say yes, then? Maybe...fear. That he'd be dropped again. That Parker would realize his mistake, and take his daughter, love, and life away from him.

But he'd been afraid all of his life--of people, of grades, of his parents--heights, monsters in the closet, geckos. It was time for him to push past the fear and the regret and the sorrow. He knew he wanted Parker; Parker knew he wanted Parker; hell, pretty much everyone knew that. It was just...a little word that stood between the two of them now. The first word he'd learned, and the first word to start his new life. "Y--"

Alas, no such luck.

Parker cut him off again, his heart pumpking faster, and started talking about Emma. Again, his heart nearly stopped (what, second heart attack in thirty seconds?), and his eyes lit up again. "Emma's coming back?" He slid off of his chair, pushing it backwards as he kneeled across from Parker. Emma's coming back for ME? The blonde watched numbly for a few moments as it sunk in. Parker had gotten his daughter back for him--for him--and was now asking him to marry him. "I...I can't believe you..." He ran a few fingers through his hair, staring wide-eyed at the ground. He'd get to see his daughter again--the one person he'd been looking for for over a year. She'd be back in his arms, her cute, baby-blue eyes staring back up at him. It seemed impossible; a figment of his imagination, perhaps; Emma had turned into something more of a golden hope. And now she was coming back.

Amidst his revelation, he realized that Parker was still on one knee, still holding up the ring, and still waiting nervously for his response. His head snapped back to look at him, wide-eyed as his child had been, and he opened his mouth. Another pause, and he gathered his strength. "...yes," he finally breathed, moving the hand that held the ring aside so he could inch a little closer. When he was as near Parker as he could get, he pressed his lips against the other boy and wrapped his arms around his neck. He was pretty sure he was shaking...but what was the point anymore? Kaden could come barging in wearing a speedo and he'd still have enough courage left to flip him off.

And oh, it felt good. It felt really good.