Carry On Countdown Day 28
Genre: fluff, mild angst(?)
It’s far too cold for me to be out here, but Simon insisted we see the snow as soon as he noticed the frost on his bedroom window. He’s just standing staring up at the flakes lazily floating down.
He was so excited his coat isn’t even zipped. There’s specks of white in his lashes and melting on his tongue. Yes, he’s sticking his tongue out in attempt to catch as many snowflakes as possible. It’s ridiculous. The way my dead heart melts at the sight is ridiculous.
I’m just staring at him. Standing a little behind, wrapped in my heavy black coat and scarf and hat and gloves; I’m still cold. But I think I’d freeze for him.
Watching your boyfriend watch it snow on the sidewalk outside his flat might be boring to most, but it’s lovely. It’s nice when you have time to waste watching snow fall. He’s been through a lot, too much; he deserves to rest for a while.
After California and the second Watford disaster, life for the past few months has felt like an epilogue. We’ve circled back to Snow’s London flat.
It sounds dull, but, I never expected to get an epilogue. My story was supposed to end after Watford. I’m still wrapping my head around living past my teens, and living those years with Snow.
Our story hasn’t ended yet. We’re still pretty bad at all this, but I think now, with Simon back in therapy and both of us making an effort to communicate, we’re getting better.
I step closer to his side and ask to hold his hand. Because I want to. He takes my gloved hand and I can feel his warmth through the layers of cloth between us.
I give him a look, asking if this is okay. I had so much shame around asking for things I wanted or asking Snow what he wanted. I used to think if we really loved each other we wouldn’t have to ask; we’d just know what to do. I’ve learned that’s now how people work. That isn’t how this relationship works.
I let him know I’m fine by squeezing his hand. I’ve never been good with words. My therapist tells me neglect in childhood can affect someone’s language development and that I should be kind to myself for needing time. She also said I can use nonverbal cues when I feel like talking is too much. It’s taken time and effort, but Baz is starting to learn what I mean when I squeeze his hand or poke his side or hum after he does something.
I’m trying to learn to give Baz what he wants. I want to give him everything, the whole universe, but I’m so scared of giving him myself. I know he’d never push me, but he deserves all he wants and more. And I want things too. That’s new for me, the strong desire for romance.
I rest my head on Baz’s shoulder and hum. He kisses the top of my head, his lips almost as cold as the air. I love being close to him. Though we haven’t had sex yet. I blush at just the thought of it. We’ve come close. We’ve done so many things close to sex without me freaking out like the first time but, I have to work on myself some more before I’ll be ready.
I never had to try this much with Aggie. But I think that’s because neither of us cared too much. It’s not easy with Baz. It’s working though. We are working together, and that matters more than it being easy.
I’ve never loved anyone like I love Baz.