They both stood staring back at each other blinking before Artie snorted. "Andy... I'm dirty and stink like horse shit. I am not pretty right now." They insisted stripping down the rest of the way standing in nothing but panties. "

"You don't see what I see," he whispered immediately, staring at them with nothing but soft tender affection and love.

Confused they looked at him, tilting their head a bit in surprise. He was quiet before he took off his shoes and smiled softly at them.

He leaned down closer cupping their cheek as he pressed his forehead to theirs. "I love you. And I'm not afraid to say it." Andrew whispered fondly, tracing their cheek softly.

"I love you too." They whispered back, hugging him not minding as his hands wandered lovingly.

"Do you want to clean up on your own or would you mind if I joined you?" He asked softly, making them smile.

"Tomorrow you can help me clean up." They laughed and pried themself away walking to the bathroom teasingly making the singer watch after them with a smile.

-_-_-_-

After their shower, Artie was curled up against Andrew, his arms looped around their frame, his nose buried in their hair phone in hand. "Do you mind if I take a picture?"

They raised a brow. "Go for it," they murmured cuddling backwards into him more, as he snapped the picture, his eyes glimmering as much as their own.

He smiled at the image, as Artie played with his hands. "My darling." He breathed happily kissing their hair. "I would like to meet your family before we announce it... if you're okay with it."

They hesitated, "I wouldn't mind you meeting my mother. My father... I would rather you not meet him."

He nodded slowly. "Don't get along with him?"

"He just... says things that aren't appropriate and its just alot of secondhand embarrassment for me." They sighed softly, ruffling their own hair.

He kissed their cheek. "Its okay. I understand." He whispered softly.

They nodded and rolled overwrapping their arms around his middle with a smile. "But I want you all to myself for now." They murmured, making his soft laugh fill their ears.

"You will have me all to yourself for a few days at the very least for now." He breathed softly eyes closing as he pulled them closer hands touching them softly. His touches were never wanting... more reassuring and gentle. Sweet and tender, with loving and tender brushes of adoration and appreciation. No hidden sexual desires, just the want and need to be close after so long apart.

It was strange how comfortable Artie felt, even months apart, they were happy to be held almost completely nude in his arms. At least that was until there was the noise of the door opening and heavy stomps. Artie knew those steps anywhere.

"Clover! Who owns the car parked im n my spot?" The voice called. And older voice. Their dad.

"Dad! You can't just come over and into my place!" Artie snapped flinching at their dead name making Andrew hold them closer and covered them with a protective noise rumbling from in his chest. It was easy to tell he wasn't immeidately impressed with their father at all.

"You didn't answer my question, who's this?" Their dad asked making himself at home tracking mud into their home.

Artemis was upset and shaking now.

"I'm Artemis's boyfriend, Andrew, and I don't think they want you here right now-"

"Why are you guys going to bone-?"

"Dad get the hell out you didn't even fucking knock get out!" Artie snapped.

The man turned his attention to Artie, "Don't you dare snap at me like that-"

"This is my house. Get out." Artie said defensively. "I don't even know why you're here- you ruined my clean floor- get out. Right. Now."

It took more urging but he left. As soon as the door slammed shut Artie shuddered closing their eyes starting to cry. Andrew pulled them closer. "So I understand... why you didn't want me to meet him." He joked lightly.

That made a small sob leave their lips before he shushed them and pulled them closer. "It's okay-" he promised.