Posts by machi.

Atticus’s heart melted at the pouty face he was greeted with. Oh, God, that was precious. His features softened an incredible amount and he paused only to admire the large, wide eyes and poked out lower lip. “I don’t think i’ve seen you make a sweeter face than what you just did...,” he murmured when he pulled away from the kiss. Seriously. Roman was an attractive young man but that face? Roman could have anything and everything he wanted if he were to use that to his advantage. Atticus reached up with a dripping hand to brush Roman’s temple. Everything he did just made Atticus melt, he couldn’t help it. He replaced arm back around the young man and was quiet while he enjoyed the peaceful silence between them. “I’m only teasing you because I love you. But i’ll stop if you want me too.” Atticus gave an apologetic smile as the quiet was broken between the two of them. “[b]I know you didn’t ask for it... but...” He thought of how nice Roman felt against him, how small and easily he tucked himself against him with every hug. Atticus could have lifted him with a single arm. “I told you that you’re perfect, love.” He gave him a kiss of reassurance. “Everything about you is perfect, Roman.”

Atticus grinned when he pulled the giggle from the man in his arms. “I know it wasn’t nice but I did succeed in making you hold onto me tighter, didn’t I?” He tightened his hold on Roman while he made his way back into the safety of the shallow end once more. Atticus closed his eyes when Roman rested his hand against his own. He leaned his back against the side of the pool and sighed. The plan had been to teach Roman to swim but he was more than content just holding him in the comfortable warmth of the sun. Atticus leaned into the gentle touch on his cheek, nuzzling into his small hand with a smile. “You should have ventured into one of my clubs and broke something years ago,” Atticus mumbled half to himself. He knew without a doubt that he would have loved Roman even then, before he really knew his sexual preference. “I don’t know what I would do without you now, I really dont.” Opening his eyes, Atticus leaned in and kissed Roman’s cheek. He hadn’t been one to grow attached easily, except to Lucy, but Roman has changed that too. Atticus was as attached to him as any one person could be.

Atticus couldn’t argue with logic. Roman could poke that lip out and widen his eyes as big as saucers and that was it. He’d get exactly what he wanted. “I’m okay with that,” he added with a laugh. Atticus usually didn’t cave to things like the puppy dog face but Roman’s was... different. Cuter. ”I don’t mind you picking on me. It doesn’t bother me any,” Atticus went on to assure him. There weren’t many things that got under his skin and anything Roman did, regardless of what it was, wouldn’t either. “Again, that is another thing you don’t have to thank me for..,” though as it was said, he knew it was useless. Roman was the type to apologize and that was okay with him. Atticus didn’t mind complimenting the young man on anything, especially not his physical appearance. Roman was attractive- though he had made it clear that wasn’t all he liked. The giggle was a reassuring sound and Atticus was tempted to give one of his own but he would settle with a smile.

Roman’s legs around his waist was a pleasant surprise and Atticus shifted his hold down to the backs of his legs where they went around him. “I suppose I should thank that jerk, shouldn’t I?,” he murmured. Truth was, if it hadn’t been for the man’s taunting words, or whatever had transpired- Atticus had never really gotten the details- he wouldn’t be where he was now so really he could have thanked him. He looked back to Roman and made his way from the side of the pool to sit down on the white steps that led the way down into the water. “Yeah... I’m glad you didn’t find something else to... get your fix on that night.” That was the best way he was able to put it without it coming out wrong. Atticus was even more relieved that he had been present that night. If he hadn’t, he would have missed out on ordering Roman to be one of his employees until he had paid the damages off. Atticus hadn’t given them a single thought since that night and didn’t plan on giving any more now. He shifted his weight on the steps now that he was seated and brought his arms back around Roman’s slim waist. “I could sit here all day, too...”, Atticus mumbled.

”If that’s what you want, then yes.” Atticus had no problem delivering those. He brushed Roman’s black hair aside and pressed a kiss right in the middle of his forehead, just as soft as he had the first time. That pout broke down every wall and hard place he had in him, literally, even his bones were probably more like jelly now. All Roman had to do now was give him that look and he would bow down. Atticus smiled and almost shook his head at the quiet, stammered word that left the younger man’s lips next. Roman was hesitant and cautious, he could see that and it didn’t bother him- given what he had been told, Atticus hadn’t expected him to let every guard down. But he merely smiled and left a kiss or two right where Roman liked before pressing one to his temple. He could feel the soft, barely there thud of his pulse beneath the thin skin. Atticus rested there, his lips pressed to Roman’s head and inhaled a deep breath. For a split second, he had seen what look like fear in those hazel eyes but it had vanished just as quickly. That was good, right?

Roman’s laugh made him pull away and smile again. That was true. Security had told him that the guy was using slurs of some sort but he hadn’t put two and two together until he had met Roman in that back room. “That guy is a regular. He’ll be back and I bet he would love to see me sporting you around on my arm. Let him think he attacked the owners partner and watch the horror spread across his face.” Was that a petty move? Atticus smirked. Of course it was. He watched Roman’s small fingers trek up his arm until he finally rested down. “The damages,?” he repeated softly. The man shook his head. “Don’t worry about that.” Forcing Roman to work for him had been a hotheaded move and while it was one he was glad he’d made now, he wasn’t concerned about Roman paying for anything. “You’ve given me so much more than what I would have gotten for you fixing what was damaged. You don’t owe me anything.” Atticus kissed his head where it laid on his shoulder then added with a soft chuckle, “Except for maybe... a few kisses.”

Atticus tipped his head a bit at the nice, tingling kissed that Roman left along his neck. He hummed a little at the nip that Roman left in that sensitive little spot. “Look at you... trying to make me cry with how sweet you are,” he purred when he finally glanced at him. “I could say the same for myself, though. I haven’t been this happy in... a long time.”

”I love you, baby,” Atticus repeated back in a soft voice. Another pet name rolled off of his tongue. Baby was nice but in his own opinion, it didn’t sound as good as sweetheart or darling or...anything, really. But nothing sinners sweeter coming between his lips than Roman’s ken name did. Atticus cleared his throat and pulled himself back to reality. “I love you, Roman.” He felt like he couldn’t say it enough now the first awkward time that morning had passed. Atticus traced a circle along the small of the younger man’s back in the cool water. He couldn’t get enough of telling Roman he loved him and he couldn’t get enough of Roman and again, the man found himself leaning to leave the thousandth kiss on the pale skin of Roman’s forehead. Atticus lingered there, his eyes closing and shutting out the light though still allowing the warmth of the sun on his lids. There was nothing that could have made this moment more perfect than it was right then.

“Boy, the look on his face when he sees he assaulted and hurled slurs at my boyfriend...,” Atticus chuckled, the words tumbling out without too much thought. “Maybe you should do something just to make him see. I’ll be sure to make eye contact and give him the death look I gave you that night. Wouldn’t that be the cherry on top of the cake?” He could definitely get behind that, or under Roman, if he chose to do so. However it played out, he was there for it. For a second, he worried that Roman was going to protest and insist on paying for everything and Atticus relaxed into a smile when he didn’t and it went into a quiet giggle at the line of kisses dotted along his cheeks and like if his jaw. “Thats all I need.” Any money for damages Roman had owed him it his club was now water under the bridge and it was the least of his concerns. “No money, no tears... You don’t even have to work for me anymore if you don’t want too,” Atticus added in a quiet tone, his finger still tracing along Roman’s back. “All is need is you.” And with any luck, Atticus would keep him this way. Though, and he wouldn’t admit it out loud, he did enjoy seeing Roman moving about the office.

“You’re going to make me cry sooner or later, love,” Atticus went on with a smile. “Relax. What I mean by that is you’re so sweet, so loving to me and it’s... emotional, I guess.” That was the easiest he could explain it without breaking down into a mess of loving tears.

ohhh i like this! i could do a bxb pairing with you c:

”Did I not tell you? I’m so sweet, i’ll rot your teeth out.” Atticus smiled a little but it fell as soon as he felt the soft shiver they passed through Roman. He stopped, dropping his hands to their previous loose resting place around the younger man’s waist. Too much too soon. It was hard not to touch Roman, at least like this. But he let it go, deciding it best not to dwell on it or bring it up. Atticus already knew why Roman had shivered. “I love doing that,” he replied quietly. He shifted on the steps so they were closer to the side and he could lean into it rather than have his back pressed against the hard plastic. Atticus relaxed then, briefly resting his head against Romans and closing his eyes. Roman’s reaction hadn’t really out a damper on the mood- Atticus was just as content now as he had been he put his hands on Roman, though he had enjoyed the few moments he had been able to do it. He also reminded himself again of what the racer had said to him earlier and the evening before.

“Did I say bo-boyfriend?” Atticus’s dark eyes darted back and forth, all confidence running down into the blue water of the pool. Shit. Choosing his words carefully was something that seemed to have slipped his mood for a minute. And the first thing it chose to let out? The B word! “It was just an expression.” That was a lie. While it had more or less been an accident, Atticus had known on some level what he was saying but he would play dumb for Roman’s sake. Atticus couldnt rub his back without him shivering. A boyfriend label was out of the question so soon. “I think if you just sat there, he’d start mouthing off just because he felt like it. Then he’d stand up to do something and I would pop up right there.” Atticus made a notion as if to punch someone in the throat and grinned. “Jessica has been doing this for over a year, since she graduated, really. She’s never behind. But I know she enjoys having you around, especially when the two of you gossip about me.” He lifted a brow but only went on. “That will be a choice for you to make, though.” But Atticus did enjoy his company in his office and on his desk.

Atticus smiled at the quick kiss and leaned into Roman, resting his head atop of his shoulder. “Because you know i’m a needy, massive baby, right?” He liked to be held and cuddled just like the most feminine of men but again, it was walled up behind the bricks.

you could, if that’s okay! c: it’ll give me a moment to work on a lil form

”You’ll get better one day,” Atticus agreed quietly and brushed his finger in a lined pattern. He would have to do his best not to let it get to him. Atticus was a patient man, he really was, but he also knew he easily frustrated he could get. But one good thing about his being the type of man he was, Atticus would never force Roman to do anything he wasn’t comfortable with or ready for. “And until then, I can wait. I am perfectly happy just... holding you and kissing you.” Atticus kissed his head to strengthen his words. Roman had been so confident since their first meeting. He drilled with confidence in the office, when he was at the computer, even when he was cooking waffles. Seeing this soft, damaged side of Roman hurt him but saying so might have been worse. Why would someone want to hurt this man? Atticus wondered.

Atticus’s eyes darted away again and he thought over what he had said. “I did know what I was saying. It slipped out but I knew...,” he finally murmured after a moments pause. Boyfriend had slipped out naturally when talking about Roman and it hadn’t felt wrong or too soon. It just felt right. Good. “I think... that was my way of asking you without actually asking you...,” he added in a nervous, hushed tone. Atticus looked back, his teeth biting onto the soft flesh of his inner cheek. Atticus did want to have Roman as his boyfriend, regardless of the other man’s insecurities and worries. He wanted him. The giggle made him feel better and Atticus smiled. “You can take his knees out and I can hit him as he’s falling. That’s couples teamwork.” Atticus let his hand go limp and watched Roman, a smile on his lips as he kissed his palm and knuckles. That felt nice. “Youll distract me there and when you’re not there,” he replied with a smile. “Id hate not seeing you. You could bring me lunch one day or... Just visit...” The office was different now they Roman was there and Atticus actually enjoyed coming in now. “Just keep me company.” But even if he didn’t, Atticus knew- or hoped- that he would be coming home to house that had Roman waiting for him.

Atticus settled against Roman and leaned his head into his shoulder when his arms were around him. “And I would love that.” He had no objections to being the little spoon, especially not when Roman’s tiny body was holding him. “And i’ll hold you, kiss you whenever you want me too. Or just play in your hair, I know you like that,” Atticus added.

personally, i like realistic faceclaims, it’s easier to picture them (: but i can work with whatever! i’m still tossing my form together, it’s just taking me a little longer than usual because i’ve been sick <3

”I am a patient man,” Atticus assured with a smile. “I won’t push you or press you on any of it until you’re ready.” Boy, that soft, sensitive side just kept getting better and better. Atticus would string someone up by their ears if they didn’t do what he needed fast enough and Roman was an exception. He was the only exception, really. The shy smile on the younger man’s face was adorable. “You don’t need to worry about keeping me waiting, Roman. I will wait on you for as long as you need me too.” That was a promise. Roman had him wrapped all the way around every one of his fingers and toes and Atticus couldn’t have been happier. He would wait forever if he had too. “So don’t worry yourself with that.” Atticus knew it may have bothered him at some point, if all he was allowed to do was kiss Roman, but he was a big boy and knew he could hold out. Again, he would do anything for Roman. Atticus had no spine when it came to the man, he realized with a soft laugh and spared a glance at him.

“If you are comfortable with it, love,” Atticus corrected quietly. “Only if you are okay with it.” He was more than willing to put a label on them. He wanted everyone to know the name of the only man who had been able to catch his eye and his heart in three short days. There would be no one else, they needed to know. Atticus pressed a kiss to Roman’s shoulder. Of course we will. The ultimate power couple[/b].” Really. With his position in the city- and his not so savory side job as a vigilante- and Roman just being Roman with his racing and excitable attitude, not to mention his pickpocketing ways that made Atticus grin, they would be unstoppable. “Thank you. Yours are small.” Roman’s pale hands were dwarfed next to his own and that pulled another smile from him. Everything about Roman was just precious. The kiss caught him off guard but he did give a hum of appreciation. “Thats perfect...,” he sighed. “I can’t wait to have you here permanently so I can come home to this every day.” Having Roman in the office was great but having him home was better.

Roman’s skin was warm against his cheek and Atticus enjoyed it by closing his eyes. “I can tell you like it,” he replied in a whisper. He had noticed the way Roman was putty under his hands in his hair and he liked it. Anything he could do to help Roman relax and feel good, he would do it. “But I like it too. Your hair is soft and thick.” Plus, it smelled wonderful.

”It doesn’t sound cheesy.” Meeting Roman years ago would have saved him- both of them, really- from years of hardships and trouble, Roman especially. Atticus probably wouldn’t have gotten involved with what he was now if he’d had Roman to come home too and keep him steady. Granted, he would have the power and money he did but returning to a loving home and man who adored him would have made him happier than any amount of money or influence would have. “I’d give anything to have met you five, six years ago. Even two years. There is no telling where we would be right now.” It may have just been a small, shabby house they turned into their home and not this lavish pool but somehow, that sounded even better. “I know what you mean.” Atticus took a moment to study Roman, really admire the face that was now etched permanently into his mind. The question made him laugh and a rush of heat hit him. “I was... I was thinking about his i’m nothing but a big softy with you. No spine whatsoever. You know? You could hit me with your bike and I would apologize to you...,” Atticus chuckled softly.

“Then you’re my boyfriend. So I can show you off around town now, right?,” the man teased and gave Roman a gentle squeeze where he held him. “I can take you out on cute date, my parents will love you... And you can run to me after every race.” Atticus had his side job, if that’s what it was, but he would shove all of that aside if Roman needed him or just wanted him home for awhile. Now, Roman came before all of that. “I haven’t been in an actual relationship since... It’s been awhile but i’ll do my best to make you happy.” Atticus looked to their hand again then back up as he was given a slight nudge. “That is a fact,” he laughed. “Coming home to my houseboy just makes you sound like my... my housekeeper. It’s weird. Boyfriend is much better. And you’ll be here in no time, probably crowding the house with throw pillows, if that’s your thing.” Atticus was teasing and he grinned but even if Roman did want little pillows everywhere, well that would be just fine too.

Atticus nodded. “I really do.” Reaching up, he brushed his fingertips just through the top and smiled. It was thick and it was soft. “But it’s your hair. You can do whatever you’d like with it because i’ll love you either way. Hair or no hair.” But he did love the black mass that sat atop Roman’s head. Atticus finally lifted his own head and smiled. The combination of the sun’s warmth and calmness of the pool made him drowsy, though he hadn’t even done much. He stifled a yawn and shifted under the weight of Roman in his lap. “I know I said i’d teach you to swim- and I will if you’d still like me too- but i’m content just like this. But we are in danger of me falling asleep because i’m just so comfortable with you.” Atticus kissed Roman’s collarbone and looked up at him. A nap under the gazebo on the soft cushions sounded nice but they hadn’t even been awake long.

”And I would never hurt you either.” Hearing Roman’s other pet name brought the faintest blush to his cheeks that was able to appear. Atticus closed his eyes at the quick kiss and soon peeled them open again. Taken care of? No ones taken care of me since I was... eighteen, maybe. Most of that was a blur and even though it had only been six or so years ago, he still couldn’t recall most of it. He didn’t particularly want too. “It seems like you’ll be taking care of me a lot then, don’t you think?,” the man mused with a loving look in his dark eyes. “I don’t think i’m anything but soft around you but i’m okay with that. But... I think you deserve to be taken care of more than I do.” Atticus had done well for himself and never lived paycheck to paycheck, something he was incredibly proud of. Roman, on the other hand? He had said so himself he didn’t have any to spare the night they had met in the club. If anyone deserved a break, it was him. “And you will be from now on.” It would be easier when Roman lived with him.

”Show me off?” He laughed at the thought of Roman dragging him around to the other racers, including the faded redhead- whose name he couldn’t recall- just to show them he was Roman’s boyfriend. “I can live with that. As long as you can live with accompanying me to the boring get togethers i’ll have to attend every now and then.” Though aside from that, Atticus would take Roman anywhere. It wouldn’t take much effort to really show him off because, well, look at him. Atticus raked his eyes over his boyfriend- boy, that sounded nice- and nodded. Yeah, Roman didn’t even need to try to get all eyes on him. “Then you can have all the throw pillows you want as long as we can throw them off the bed and I can hold you at night.” Toss that into the mix and things would be perfect. They damn near were already. “And anything else you want. You strike me as a plant guy. Am I right? I like succulents but i’m not much of a gardener.” Atticus was rambling now but they were usually the thoughts he kept bottled up because there was no one to tell them to.

“That would be nice...” It would just be longer, thicker strands he could run his fingers through while trying to catch a stray tangle that may have been there. So far, Atticus hadn’t caught one. At Roman’s agreeing to skipping the lesson, he sighed. Sitting here was just perfect. “I like this too, though, if we start to get pruny and wrinkly, we can get out and relax in the sun for a bit. Take advantage of the heat before it gets too hot. Or too cold, you never know with this weather.” Atticus shrugged as he pressed another quick kiss to the same spot. Even here on his chest, the skin was soft. Just as it was on his cheeks and shoulders and lips. Just as perfect, too. “I hope it’s okay,” Atticus added after the second kiss, a cautious tone to his voice.

so this is my form i usually use for collin- i’ll update it to fit this thread as we go but this is the gist of him! just ignore all of the high school stuff and such 😂

Atticus smiled a little. “Thats fine with me, too.” Typically, he would take care of himself, he had been doing it for years but he would succumb to Roman without a struggle. Sitting back for once and being pampered by someone who actually cared for him seemed nice. How could he pass that up? “You can be a brat all you want. You’ve already gotten all of my attention, love.” Roman hadn’t lost even an ounce of it since he had first walked into the office and Atticus doubted he would. “I promise, however you choose to act, ill still love you.” He gave the dark haired man another loving squeeze. Atticus looked up with a surprised expression in his brown eyes. Had something come across to make Roman think he would stop him? “Of course you will, Roman,” Atticus replied quickly. “I would never stop you from doing that. That’s a part of you that I want to be apart of, even if it is just me waiting for you at the finish line.” Atticus closed his eyes as Roman came to closer to him though he soon opened them.

Stud? That was a new term for his description. “Well... I guess I can’t argue with logic,” Atticus finally replied with a smug grin that deepened the dimples in his cheeks. He was a nice looking man, sure, Atticus had looked in the mirror a time or two. But, as he looked at Roman, he already knew all eyes at those boring get-together’s wouldn’t be on him. They would be locked on the man with the jet black hair. “I would love to have you there. At least then it would be bearable.” Atticus usually kept to himself aside from idle chatter and the occasional speech he would give about whatever the function was for. Having Roman there would finally let those people see a genuine smile on Atticus’s face. “I know she would love that. She usually steals my socks, I told you that, but maybe she’ll be interested in those long enough for me to look for her stash. I have so many socks that are missing their mate and I just know that kitten has hoarded them somewhere.” But he shrugged at his little rant and drifted back to the subject of pillows and plants. “Cuddling is perfect. I’m tired of sleeping alone and I don’t think succulents require much care... It might even be hard for us to kill one.” Who knew?

Roman’s groan on the weather made Atticus tremble with a quick laugh. “Come on. You can’t tell me you’ve never smelled the coming rain in the breeze, can you? Or the unusual quiet of the birds before a bad storm? This is baby stuff, Roman, we learn this before we can walk.” Atticus grinned. “Oh, how about the way the clouds roll and curl up before snow falls?” Even if the house he had knows. But the man only gave Roman that teasing half-smile. “Then i’ll continue to play in it.” Something about the thick locks just fascinated Atticus, he didn’t know why. Maybe because the only thing that his hands had played in that was furry was Lucy, and that was usually when he was chasing her or rubbing her head before bed. Of course, Roman’s hair was better than that. “My hair is thick like yours but if you try to run your hand through it, you get caught in all the tangled i swear are naturally there.”

”I used to workout...” Atticus’s reply was mumbled but sweet. He knew he had told Roman that, at one point or another, but didn’t recall exactly when. It had been weeks since the last time he had lifted a weight and he did need to go back. Where he stood in life more or less required for him to be in too physical condition. Just in case. The returned squeeze pulled a soft sigh from him. If Roman liked him like this, he would need to keep himself up. “Maybe i’ll head back to the gym for old times sake. You know, I need to have a little muscle if someone tries to flirt with you at a race. I’m not afraid to hit someone.” He grinned as he said so but let it slip into a soft smile when Roman’s murmur came to him. “I’ll be there no matter what. Just for you.” Like the first time, places like that weren’t exactly his style, but Atticus knew it was a part of the younger man and therefore it became a part of him as well. Besides, he might grow to like it just because of Roman.

The little kisses into his dimple made him laugh quietly. “Sure, sure. I’ll give you that. But you really need to look into a mirror.” Roman was good at dishing out compliments, that much was true, but he hadn’t said a single thing about himself. Atticus knew he wasn’t conceited but he certainly wasn’t someone who needed to walk around with a brow paper sack around their head. “Because you’re gorgeous. Pretty. Whichever you like more.” Both words brought a quick kiss to Roman's cheek. The change in conversation had him shrugging. “I usually wear a suit just because it’s me. Some people dress extravagantly- unnecessary as well- but some don’t. I wouldnt make you, though. You could wear whatever you want. I’ll have my arm around you either way.” Atticus smiled at him. Roman could show up in a crop top- something he would adore- and he would be just as thrilled to show the man off had he worn a suit of his own. “I look forward to my birthday this year,” he went on with a chuckle. It would be better seeing as he wouldn’t be alone. “We can pick one up. The worst the little plant could do was die, right?” Though if he did kill it, considering it couldn’t speak for itself and say what it needed, Atticus knew he would feel bad.

“Oh, of course, i’m sorry...,” he apologized quickly. Atticus would need to keep it in the very top of his mind that the two of them had grown up in two vastly different places. “I shouldn’t have... yeah...” He let the subject drop and the man cleared a lump of nerves from his throat. Of course Roman had had more important things to worry about. Atticus had always known where his next meal was coming from and where he would put his head at night. If he had been in the others shoes, the weather wouldn’t have been on his list of top ten things to learn. “They are thick,” Atticus finally sighed when Roman closed his eyes. Worries now gone, he was able to relax as he had been. “Ive thought of just chopping all of them off but I couldn’t rock the buzz cut. I’d rather have this mess on my head than no hair at all.” Shirt wouldn’t look good on him, he knew without having to cut it.

/ohhh okay, okay, i get it now. i probably would have taken a year off too, if it had been me. but i wouldn’t call the program competitive, you just need a lot to actually get in. and i’ve got a ways to go, unfortunately. i’ve got a couple semesters of college under my belt but not enough for a associates degree right now. when i graduated high school, i didn’t have any intentions of going to college so i was a couple of years out before I even though of going to medical school or anything. but on the bright side, i did apply at the college where i can finish my core courses before nursing school. as long as i get shit done, i should be able to apply for the nursing program next fall and when i do, i’ll hang out in the OR until an ICU position comes open . plus, i love the OR so much. like today, one of our surgeons brought an emergency in and it was an laparotomy exploratory (just opening someone up and searching through the abdomen till they find the problem ) and i walked by on my way to a room and he had the persons intestines out and they literally looked like inflated balloons used to make balloon animals. it was really cool

Emily couldn’t fight off another giggle at the other girl’s words. “The diabetes...” Something about the way it was worded was funny and she glanced at Nox. “Thats a sweet drink for a guy who maybe, oh I don’t know, had a little sugar in his tank?” She shot a smirk in his direction and stepped the side while Bella tipped the one who had taken their order. Now that they were out of the confines of the classroom and out in the open, the set of twins appeared just as normal as anyone else she and Collin would have encountered on campus. Bella was fun with a bite to her words and Nox... Well, he was just Nox. She didn’t have a word for him yet. Emily was still smiling when Bella’s brother suddenly shifted, his expression hardened and turned to Collin’s direction. For a moment, she feared his tongue would start flapping again but was mildly surprised when something of a question came out. It wasn’t very nice but it was really mean either. Emily listened with interest.

Collin stiffened at the question that came in his direction. It could have come from anyone else in the small cafe and he would have turned with a smile and a ready explanation of exactly what the topping was but this was Nox. For all Collin knew, the dark haired guy would someone use this to his advantage and be a dick when his sister wasn’t around. But he wouldn’t ignore him either since it was just a question. “Its hard to explain. But it’s a like a sprinkle of brown sugar on top. Kind of sweet with a slight fruity, cherry taste. It’s made from the skin of the coffee fruit or berry. That’s what I read online. I don’t know for sure but it’s good. Looks like brown sugar, really.” Collin did have a more in depth explanation of exactly what it was but he didn’t much care for Nox and assumed his small, jock mind wouldn’t be able to comprehend it. Maybe a but judgemental on his part but could he be blamed? Collin gave Nox an equally uninterested look and raised one dark brow at him before his name was called. Thank God. Turning, he took his drink with a polite thanks and followed Bella and Emily.

Collin watched Nox curiously. The guy didn’t give him a good vibe, he probably never would, but seeing a smile on his usually hard features was different. But he remained silent as the other guy popped the lid from his coffee and scooped a glob of whipped cream out on it. He looked away when Nox’s finger slipped into his mouth. He moved until he was a little closer to the girls. Just like it was said everywhere, Collin as a gay, felt safer near the girls. Plus, Bella and Emily could both kick some ass if they worked together. He knew that. Collin was sipping the first of the sweet iced coffee through the straw when Emily replied. “Collin and I both are going for biology majors. We haven’t worked out what we’ll do when we get them but that’s what we’re heading towards right now.” At his friends words, Collin gave Bella and quick nod and smile to show he agreed with what Emily was saying. “Philosophy sounds interesting though I don’t think it’s something I could do myself...,” Collin finally added with a cautious smile. Bella was nice and Nox was bearable for the moment, there was no reason for him to stand here with a cold, stoic expression on his face. Plus, Emily was here and he had iced coffee. What could be better than that? He was sipping through the straw again then.

”I guess some of them can be pretty stupid...” Typically, he wouldn’t have made such ill spoke comments on his colleagues but he could let it slide just this once. Raelen appreciated the attempt to make him feel better. He allowed himself to give a forced smile and hugged his son back, careful of the tank and the strap that was around him “I’m just glad he let me be apart of his team though,” Raelen went on. Steering the conversation away from the cancer itself was enough to make him feel a little better. “I kind of suggested it and we just rolled with it. But i’ll tell you... sitting on the other side while someone else administers that’s drugs is... different, i guess.” Raelen gave Collin the same smile as he was slapped hard on the shoulder. For some reason, it made him feel better, too. He looked over the top of the counter to where Krista had taken Tommy to go play. He always saw it as a good thing that his youngest son was too young to understand anything going on, aside from the fact that Alex and Jake just weren’t feeling well.

“But, how are things at the ward?” A change of conversation was needed before he got lost in his feelings again. “Collin, are you having any trouble with any of the nurses? We don’t need another Lola giving you shit.” He chuckled softly and moved to the fridge to grab himself a coke. He also took the time to smell what Krista had on the stove. He couldn’t see what it was but he knew it would pair well with the salad Alex was helping with and the steaks he would soon throw on the grill. “I also got the results of your latest test back, too, Collin,” he added. Raelen had planned to tell him that he was almost cancer free on Monday when they were all back but this seemed just as good a time as any. After all, Raelen was the kids doctor, he could talk about the cancer and what was held in the files whenever he chose too. The doctor glanced at Alex and smiled as he tugged on the silver pull tab then pushed down, popping the coke open with a hiss. He leant into the counter and glanced in the direction of where the hall where Jake was.

In the kitchen, Collin had braced himself on the counter, his finger running over the cool edge that led into the silver sink. He was breathing hard and he was hot, despite the cool apartment. You shouldn’t have lost your temper Collin scolded himself. Getting into the good graces of these people was shattered as of right then and he knew it but what was he supposed to do? Let that man feed his boyfriend of shit about he had only been let back into his life on his wife’s insistence? Absolutely not. His fathers anger was showing itself. Collin swallowed and stiffened as he heard footsteps on the floor behind him. He waited for the harsh words or someone to hit him for speaking but only the woman’s kind voice came to him. “Are you okay, Collin?” He shifted and was greeted with a pair of kind eyes just like Alexander’s though these were older, with fine laugh lines around the edges. Mary rested her hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry...,” Collin said softly and stared into the sink. “I shouldn’t have said what I said, I shouldn’t have said anything.” Alexander’s mother only shook her head and pulled him into a surprising hug.

“You want me to sit here and lie and tell you I welcomed you back with open arms?” Edward sipped from his glass of water for a moment, watching his son. “I can’t do that. I don’t agree with what you’re doing. It’s wrong. A man and a man...” He trailed off and shook his head, again drinking from the water. Edward had heard what Collin said and he would admit that they had... shaken him, but he wouldn’t let Alexander have the satisfaction of knowing. “I’m glad that you’re happy. I just don’t understand why it can’t be with a woman. I didn’t raise you this way and I-...” A sharp slap to his face cut him off and Edward looked over, shocked to see his wife standing with her arm around Collin. “Edward, I will not tolerate this anymore.” She let go of Collin, who moved to stand behind Alexander’s chair so he could rest his hands on his shoulders, then turned back to her husband. “You’re going to stop this. You always told me all you ever wanted was for our son to be happy and he has that. Why isn’t that enough for you?” Collin avoided any gaze and kissed the top of his Alexander’s head.

”Yes, really.” Collin had felt the same when Alex had been walking down the aisle. The nausea had knotted his stomach up, reminding him of the way he had felt the first time he had seen his husband. “I liked you the first moment I saw you, you really have no idea.” Alex was right in saying he was worried about Collin changing his mind and not wanting to be with him. There had been many times in the past year when he had considered calling it quits and trying to move on just because of what was happening, but now he was glad he hadn’t. If they could make it through that, they could make it through anything. “Trust me. You are the only man who will turn my head any more. I could never even think of being with someone else or changing the way I feel about you. It’s literally impossible.”

He squeezed the hand he held and smiled when his cheek was kissed. There really was no one else for him, Collin was sure of that now. And at that moment, he didn’t give a damn what his father would have thought of them.

In the drugstore, Collin was walking up and down the aisles. The first one he had gone down hadn’t had what he wanted, it had been lip balm. Collin had plenty of that. He kept on, holding tight to Alex’s hand, until he finally found the aisle he needed, four to the right of the original. “Theres some journals,” he said and pointed to a few. They were different sizes and ruled paper. Some had paper covers while others were bound in fake leather. “I’m not sure which one you would want,” he said and took a step aside to let Alex look. “You check these out, i’ll go find the cream.” Collin dropped his hand and trekked around the store again, easily finding the aisle they had the cream. He found it situated below the first aid supplies. Collin grabbed a small box that held the tube and carried it back to where Alex was. “Got it” he said and held it up. Collin could find things but he would be at a losss when it came to actually giving the money to the cashier. He hadn’t actually understood the change in currency.

”I appreciate it.” Now he would have a reason to drag himself out of his bed and get dressed. There would be kittens waiting for his affection and how could he pass that up for a few extra minutes of sleep or general laziness? Collin looked up with a surprised smile at his professors admittance that he liked to see him happy. I guess I do look miserable when someone first meets me he thought with an amused expression. His thoughts were drowned out by Alexander asking about his arm. “Huh?,” Collin said at first, slicking confused until he followed the man’s eyes to his arm. “Oh that. Sometimes I forget it’s there. But yeah, it’s all the way from the top of my shoulder to where my fingers start. I want to extend it and finish it onto my chest.” Collin took the neckline of his shirt and pulled it, leaning slightly to then side so Alexander could seen where the ink met his smooth skin. “You like it?” He was pleasantly surprised because his father had really let him have it when he had found out. “Thanks...” Collin didn’t know why, but it made him smile.

“Thank you, again...”, Collin said quietly. It was nice knowing there was another person out there that didn’t automatically assume the worst out of him. “I can be nice if someone gives me the chance.” He picked at the sleeve of his shirt that had fallen back down and glanced at Alexander again, the smile returning to his face at the tongue that was stuck out at him. “I understand. Some people just don’t like them.” He could respect that and besides, it wasn’t often he watched something that could make him laugh so this would be a really nice change. Collin shifted again while his professor searched the movies. His legs still kept themselves folded but he moved his top half so he rested down towards the center cushion, his head propped on his arm. It was more comfortable than having his neck stretched backwards. “This one looks good...,” Collin mused as the movie began playing. A comfortable feeling settled over him and he knew that before the movie ended and the credits rolled, he would probably be asleep.