1. Zhenya’s no poet at the best of times, but the baker had eyes like starlight and soft, soft hands and a soft, soft smile that Zhenya had no doubt can bring ships home. Sasha would call Zhenya a lovesick fool, but Zhenya’s always been a sucker for things like this.
2. “Oh, I—“ Sidney fidgets with his apron as he fusses about the shop, trying to close up. “I’ve never been on a date.”
“Why not?”
“It just never happened,” Sidney shrugs.
“Have you ever been in love?”
Sidney looks a little sad as he wets his lips. “Who hasn’t?” he asks.
3. Family skate comes quicker than expected. Zhenya hadn’t expected Sidney to show up, even though he’d hoped a thousand times.
“Who’s the guy with the cookies?” Tanger asks as he skates by with Alex in his arms. “Over there.”
Zhenya makes his way over to Sidney so fast that he’s surprised he doesn’t trip on the way over and embarrass himself in front of the rookies, who are already embarrassing enough, trying their best to impress their girlfriends.
“Hi,” Sidney laughs quietly. “I hope you don’t mind. It was a little last minute. I—I had Taylor take over the shop for me.”
“Sid,” Zhenya says, taking the container from Sidney’s hands and setting it aside. He then takes Sidney hands in his and marvels at how solid and warm they feel. “I’m so happy.”
He knows the rookies are peering at them, their curiosity radiating off them like question marks poking Zhenya’s back especially as Zhenya leans in and pecks Sidney’s blushing cheeks. But he could care less if Sidney keeps looking at him that way, like he can’t believe Zhenya is real.
4. “Now you’ve been on date. Many dates,” Zhenya says into Sidney’s skin, pulling him closer by the waist and relishing in their combined warmth under the shared blanket. “Lots more to go.”
Sidney snuggles in, and Zhenya gets a whiff of Sidney’s shampoo and a faint hint of cologne. “Hey, Zhenya,” Sidney says, voice muffled and far away. “Have you ever been in love?”
“Yeah.” Zhenya kisses his forehead. “Right now.”
Sidney sighs, like a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders, then comfortably tucks himself under Zhenya’s chin like he’s always belonged there.
5. Zhenya’s still no poet at the best of times, and neither is Sidney, but Sidney had cried during Zhenya’s little speech about ships out in the sea finding each other, and also as Zhenya slid the engagement ring on him. Sasha would probably still call him a fool, but Zhenya would rather call it love.
