"Hey, Lance, it's Alessandro- uh, of course you know that already- y'know, since we've known each other for, like, fifteen years and all that. But, err, anyway- you look beautiful tonight. Not that you don't every night- or all the time, really- ah jeez, I'm really flubbing this, aren't I? I'm just trying to say that you look really nice! And I know this is our first date in a really long time- maybe that's why this is so nerve wracking- but that means things really are picking up between us, huh. And that's good- great, actually! And I- I just- oh boy- deep breaths... hoooh...

"Lance, I- what I'm trying to say is that I appreciate you being here for me and giving me a chance to try again with you. You've always told me I should be more open, and now I want to do just that by- by telling you- by telling you I love you!"

A clumsy declaration was followed by chirping from hidden crickets outside. A deep sigh interrupted the faint noise. "That was terrible. Way to go, me."

Alessandro looked at his frazzled features in a spotless mirror in the bedroom.

Styled curls were parted off center, shielding a portion of his forehead. A black satin button-up was tucked into a pair of dark jeans. Thin sleeves were rolled up to reveal slightly trembling arms. Comfortable pants led to a pair of simple black slip-on shoes. The outfit as a whole was leaning more toward a business casual type of style while not being too overly formal.

He could admit it was a flattering getup that made him look rather dashing.

If only his body would stop fucking shaking from nervous jitters.

It'd be supremely unattractive to be a sweaty mess while on an important date. Considering how the practice confession went though, things were probably going to be chaotic anyway. Fortunately, Lance was outside grabbing something from the garage; so he hadn't heard the clusterfuck of anxious rambling Alessandro subjected himself to.

He took a moment to breathe. Damp palms were dried along the fabric of his jeans. Uncomfortable pins and needles were literally shaken out of both arms. Some hops were used to get rid of sharp aches forming in both legs. Swarming bees continued to make colonies in his stomach and chest, but that was just something that'd have to lessen on its own.

It wasn't as if the date itself was the issue here. Neither was potentially confessing to Lance. Alessandro knew he was ready; he knew it was time for those unspoken feelings to finally be revealed. He just wanted to make sure he said the right things. He didn't want to flub, or stutter, or freeze up. There was a genuine want to come off as confident, certain, and completely honest.

Maybe he was psyching himself up too much and overthinking the entire scenario.

A moment wasn't given to further dwell on that, however, as the front door could be heard opening and closing. Shuffling feet made their way into the living room/kitchen area. It sounded like a box and bag were being set down on the counter.

"Lance-"

"Don't come out just yet!" Fast steps were taken into another room. "I'm getting something ready for you- so just give me one second!"

Kempt eyebrows rose in surprise.

With the date having been his idea, Alessandro made it his self proclaimed mission to get everything together for the evening. A wicker basket filled with prepped foods was already waiting in the refrigerator. The path leading to their destination had been cleaned earlier in the day, and a blanket had been set up for them. 

As far as he was concerned, everything was already taken care of. And since Lance didn't actually know where they were going, it was difficult to imagine what exactly he needed to get ready.

"Sorry about that, Andro- oh, you look nice." Lance offered a smile as he stopped in the doorway. He was clad in a light blue button-up with folded sleeves, gray jeans, and his sneakers. Long hair was pulled into a high ponytail. Wavy bangs framed his face, amplifying the radiant color of his eyes. Overall, he looked pretty attractive himself. "I'm done now."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. I just, well, since you got everything ready for our date, I thought I'd get you something to pay you back. Not just for today, but as a gift for helping me in all the ways you have since we met up again. I... wanted to do something unexpected for you."

Green eyes widened in shock. Alessandro smiled at the sentiment. "You've succeeded in surprising me."

"I'm glad- but let's not wait any longer! I think you're going to love it."

The two made their way toward the kitchen, hands clasped together. They parted as Lance stood beside a moderately sized box sitting on top of the counter. A plastic bag on the floor was partially hidden behind it. The familiar form of a canvas was leaning against one of multiple cupboards nearby, its front hidden.

Alessandro aimed to make a statement about his gifts. He paused though, when a quiet mewling came from the box in front of him. He perked up. A gentle nod of the head gave him the courage needed to look at his first gift.

He couldn't contain the wave of emotions that hit him once the box was opened.

A small kitten was sitting inside of it, the feline perched on top of a blanket. The creature appeared to be a black Bombay cat with a long tail and staggeringly beautiful orange eyes. They met a pair of green ones as the furry baby glanced up. Another meow was given in response.

"You- you got me a cat?"

"Technically I got us a cat, but yeah." Lance watched as the kitten was picked up with great care and hugged against a firm chest. "I know having another cat isn't going to replace our previous one. I just figured that you needed something to take care of now that Rain has moved on. Stephan was fostering this little lady for a bit after he found her on the street. He made sure she got all her shots and stuff before giving her to me. I've been keeping her in my studio since you don't really go in there. Some of her belongings were in the garage, so I had to run and get those really quick before you two met."

Alessandro didn't immediately answer.

He was overwhelmed at the fact that they had a new member of the family. It wasn't only because he missed the warmth that came with having a feline; but also because, just like Rain, this little kitty signified a certain connection in terms of their relationship. The kitten was a new, innocent, unexpected baby. The same could be said about a platonic companionship possibly moving to the next level.

It was the beginning of a fresh chapter in their lives.

"Does she have a name?" he asked, rubbing the spot between two pointed ears.

"Leila."

The soft kitten received a long, gentle kiss on the forehead. She purred in response to the loving gesture. "Leila... It's perfect."

Alessandro caressed his new pet before setting her down on the floor.

She walked into the living room, a long tail swishing behind her. One of the center couch cushions was conquered as she kneaded the spot. Getting comfortable, Leila settled on her side and closed her eyes. 

It seemed she was already comfortable with her new home.

Lance picked up the canvas leaning against a cupboard. He looked over certain details of the second gift with a proud smile. "Now this bad boy is something different. Remember how I told you I was going to put my studio to good use? Well, I've been making you a little something behind the scenes. It's kind of like a redo of the very first painting I ever gave you. Since my skills are a lot better now, I actually love this one a lot more. I hope you do too."

The contents of a handmade painting were revealed as it was flipped around. Instead of being more cartoonish and abstract like the original piece, this one was done in an impressive hyperrealist style.

A tenor saxophone was leaning on its stand next to multiple timpani drums. Hanging cymbals made an arch above a golden harp. Closer to the foreground, a pair of familiar sticks were resting on a shining xylophone. Its design was done so intricately, the wooden patterns made it seem like the instrument had texture. An instrumental arrangement came together in front of a dark green background.

"Lance- I-" Alessandro fumbled over his words. "This is amazing. You didn't have to go through so much trouble just for me."

"I wanted to. I know how much the original one meant to you. Now you have another one to be proud of."

The painting was grabbed and placed onto another counter top. As soon as Lance's arms were free, he was pulled into a tight hug. A fat, chaste kiss was planted onto his cheek.

He openly blushed at the sudden yet pleasant display of affection. "Come on, big guy. I'm dying to see what you have planned for us tonight."

Alessandro released the hug with a bashful nod. The basket was taken out of the refrigerator and was held in one hand. A second appendage took hold of a smaller presented one.

Both men gave quick goodbyes to Rain and Leila. Lance was led outside, closing the door behind them. They were greeted by chirping birds and dancing leaves. It smelled like chlorine and flowers. A vibrant sun was just beginning to set.

The two walked side by side up a hidden path which branched off of the Bale residence. Tall trees stood triumphantly around them. Sunlight came in spotty patches through the spaces and breaks of grouped leaves, bathing tree bark in warm rays of gold. A squirrel was caught scuttering around with some acorns filling its cheeks. Clear water from a small stream weaved around pale rocks before continuing its path underground.

A serene trek through nature only lasted about ten minutes. When they broke through the treeline again, a captivating view of glowing buildings surrounded by a dense forest could be seen in the distance. A few feet from a short cliff was a plaid blanket in the middle of a grassy field.

"You planned a picnic for us?" Lance asked with a quiet laugh. "That's so sweet."

"Made everything myself too." They walked over and sat down together, the basket being placed in front of them. "I have water, juice, and wine coolers in here if you want at any point."

"I'm good with anything. What's on the menu for tonight though?"

"Just some simple stuff. Salami, turkey, and provolone sandwiches with spicy brown mustard and pickles; deviled eggs; mozzarella and tomato skewers; and some tuna salad with a little bit of seasoning. There's strawberries and some watermelon in here for dessert too."

"You're making me hungry just thinking about it."

Alessandro chuckled. "Well, don't be shy. We've got plenty to go around."

Two of each dinner item was passed over on a stack of paper plates. A strawberry flavored wine cooler was given as well. Lance bit into one of his sandwiches with a satisfied hum. He did a little happy dance by shimmying his shoulders and moving his head from side to side. It was an adorable gesture used to shed light on his delighted mood.

Alessandro didn't take as much food for himself, but he still let out his own joyful sounds when he started eating too. The food was still cold and was refreshing in conjunction with a pleasant summer breeze.

*

Once dinner was finished, used plates were stacked onto each other and moved to an uninhabited corner on the blanket. Both dessert items were pulled out, cut up fruit sitting inside of matching glass containers. A sweet scent made them lick their lips in excitement.

Lance was asked to come a little closer. Scooching both pairs of discarded shoes to the side, he shimmied forward until only a few inches separated both men. Bluish gray eyes watched a bundle of strawberries with clear interest. Concrete attention stayed rooted onto the fruit when a single one was picked up.

Out of reflex, Lance opened his mouth. He leaned forward to take the strawberry as it was guided toward him. Childlike excitement morphed into shock, however, when Alessandro took the fruit and plopped half of it into his own mouth.

Before any noises of protest could be made, Lance's cheeks were cupped with a single hand. He was pulled in, silent permission being granted for him to take the other half.

The gesture was only obliged after a long, playful kiss was stolen.

"You're blushing," Alessandro noted with a smug grin.

"It's the alcohol."

"Sure it is."

He chuckled when pink cheeks turned completely red.

They continued to eat dessert together, hands taking turns reaching into cold and somewhat sticky containers. More attempts were made at feeding one another, whether it be sharing food through gentle kisses or guiding snacks into open mouths with juice stained fingers. The latter was sometimes met with light nibbles. Surprised laughter was always given in return.

Jokes and fruits and happiness were shared as the sun continued to set. Vibrant yellow and orange lights from the city continued to get brighter with each minute closer to nighttime. Unseen cicadas began singing alongside crickets. Rustling leaves picked up in volume once a refreshing breeze shifted to chillier wind.

Lance scooted closer to his partner alongside an unexpected temperature dip. An arm wrapped around his shoulders, the connected hand settling against his head and gently caressing it. Two pairs of eyes looked out toward the scenic view of a far away, bustling city.

Budding nervousness didn't leave Alessandro for a moment.

Swarming colonies of bees became even more hyperactive in his gut when a smaller frame snuggled against him. A soft sigh made his hairs stand up. It felt like his thumping heart was playing jump rope.

A sense of shyness grew even more when his free hand was grazed by careful fingers. They intertwined with his own and made him swallow.

Maybe now was as good a time as any to say what he needed to.

"Lance-"

"Andro-"

They paused, looking at each other. Surprise melted into quiet laughter. "You go first."

Lance gave a quiet thanks. He began fiddling with a strand of hair hanging above his shoulder. Bluish gray eyes looked off to the side before coming forward again. "I wanted to ask you something. If you're uncomfortable with giving me an answer, you don't have to. But I would like to know."

"...Know what exactly..?"

A bout of silence hung around them. For a moment, all that could be heard were gentle sounds of nature.

"Andro..." The two separated, giving them an opportunity to see each other clearly. "...Are you in love with me?"

Alessandro felt his mouth dry up. His throat did the same. A deep breath was taken before he answered.

"Yes, I am."

Lance nodded in understanding. He glanced off to the side again, hiding his face. When it was gently pulled back to its previous position, tears could be seen building in his eyes.

"I think I'm in love with you too."

Green eyes began flooding with tears as well. "You are..? Since- since when?"

"I don't think I ever actually stopped. I just never realized it until I actually sat down to think things over." Lance sniffled, a short exhale escaping him. "For so long, I was held down by this encompassing anger toward you over a dumbass misunderstanding. Even though part of me wanted to hate you, I never actually did. I was hurt and upset, but I never actually stopped caring about you. I guess that was why it was so easy to restart things after we talked our issues out- y'know, that first time I came over.

"I may not have wanted to admit it out loud, but I wanted to fix the mess that became of us. I wanted to move past the craziness that became of our last relationship- I wanted to focus on something new because I didn't want a repeat of what happened before. I... kind of wanted a chance to let things go- but I didn't really know how to go about it. And then, all of a sudden, you came and apologized and just- it felt like things were falling into place.

"I didn't know what you wanted out of our friendship. I didn't think you'd want to love me again after I went and broke your heart too. But... you surprised me. Because you still cared- maybe even more so than you did when we were younger. That gave me some silent hope that... things could work. Even if I was afraid to openly admit it. But- at the same time- for so long, you were trapped by your fears. You didn't want to be open or make a move in terms of romance.

"That's why I wanted to focus on things happening one day at a time. It was less stressful that way. It was easier to think about whatever we were when I wasn't concerned about down the line. And it gave me a chance to enjoy being with you again before shit hit the fan. That's what I was afraid of, anyway."

"...Is that why you never got into another relationship after we broke up? Like, I know Donovan was a convenience thing, but I could tell you never actually loved him. You went out of your way to keep him from being someone that important to you."

"Whether we ended on bad terms or not, nobody could compare to you, Andro. Nobody. " Lance took his bottom lip between his teeth for a second before letting it go. "Since we broke up, my heart's been encased in ice. Spending time with you again- and just being in your life again- it helped to thaw it out. To thaw me out. You broke down my walls faster than I thought you would, and it caused all of that- all of these warm emotions to just come rushing back.

"I feel like I have a pair of wings that've been shackled down for a long time. But now, I'm free. And instead of being weighed down by the hurt and mistakes- I'm slowly learning how to fly again.

"I know we aren't perfect. I know that I still have a lot of misplaced feelings to sort through and get rid of. Things are still a little jumbled on my end. But I'm certain of one thing, Andro. And that's you.

"...I love you."

Alessandro wiped a fallen tear away. He looked down at their joined hands.

Everything he'd thought about saying in terms of his confession seemed unnecessary now. He could go on and on and on about random things—random reasons as to why he felt the way he did—but it wouldn't really do anything for him. He'd spent months inadvertently revealing just how important Lance's presence really was; even if that level of appreciation wasn't completely spoken into existence. 

Instead of explaining the reasoning behind specific feelings out loud, perhaps it was better to show him.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment." Alessandro's voice cracked as he cupped Lance's cheeks again. "I love you so much."

Every hidden emotion that was left dormant until that point was pushed through a shared kiss. Confessions of complete adoration and want and need were breathed in from every sharp exhale. Clumsy hands raked through hair of differing textures. Fast kisses brought about breathless moans and pants. Two trembling bodies pulled each other closer and closer until they melded into one being.

It may have been full of mending cracks, but Alessandro and Lance were finally being given the last few pieces to complete one of the most painful stories of their lives.

Now, together, they could begin planning a better, happier tale.