Niko had been eyeing this one particular bunny in the pet shop two blocks from the dojo and Camilo had gotten the idea of buying it for him from the moment the other laid his eyes on the rabbit. He wanted to wait until they had more of an idea of where they’d be living but after narrowing it down to a few apartments and making sure they accepted pets, Camilo saw it as his green light to go ahead and purchase it. It was a fairly quick transaction and he picked up some food and a crate for the rabbit as well. Settling him down beside him onto the passenger seat of his car, Camilo couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Oh you’re cute, aren’t cha?” He couldn’t wait until Niko saw it and the other present he had on him as well. There was some meticulous planning that came with what was coming up next and Camilo was more than excited to show his fiance what he had in store.
They were going to discuss table arrangements and the possibility of inviting Nikolai’s family to the wedding. He knew it was a sore subject but also knew how much Niko missed his siblings. They had already made arrangements to get his aunt and uncle and some of her cousins to make it to the states on their tourist Visa. Despite the little time they had, everything was coming together.
Before they could even tackle any of that, Camilo just wanted to make Niko smile and what better way than with a bunny? “Alright buddy. We’re going to go surprise you dad now so...remember how we practiced in the pet store, okay?” Was it weird that he was talking to this animal? Probably. He was too smitten to even care. Leaving the food and crate in the car for now, Camilo rubbed the top of the bunny’s head before looping a blue ribbon around his neck and attaching the two silver bands onto it. He then placed the bunny into the giant box given to him by the pet store owner and made his way up the stairs to Niko’s place. He knocked on the door with a huge smile on his face and waited for the blonde to answer.
Camilo had been pacing in the wedding suite. He hadn’t seen Niko since the night before and he was officially starting to feel nervous. Tony had the rings and everyone was slowly filling the cherry blossoms area. Cam’s aunt, Margarita tried to calm him, reassuring him that everything looked like a dream. “Te ves muy guapo, Cami!” She smiled and walked up to him to fix his boutonniere. “Very handsome.” Cam could hear the slight sadness in her voice. They missed his parents very much. “Are you ready?”
Camilo took her hand and as Canon in D began playing, he felt the overwhelming tears fill the brim of his eyes. “Thank you for coming, Tia.” She nodded and kissed his cheek. “It’s showtime.” she whispered before taking the initial step so that Camilo could confidently take the second and as they walked down the aisle, Camilo smiled at the guests and at his groomsmen and flower girls, taking a deep breath when he saw Finn and mouthed the words “Thank you.” He knew Niko’s brother would make it. Now it was officially perfect.
Tagging: Camilo & Niko
Location: NYC Pride Parade, Manhattan
Time Frame: Sunday, June 25, 2017
General Notes: Nikolai and Camilo get to know each other more
Camilo was nervous. He didn’t want to ruin this event for Nikolai especially after being told how important it was for him. Truth of the matter was that Camilo feared there would be someone that would try to act up leaving him no choice but to lash out. He had been avoiding large crowds for that very reason. If this was going to be their first outing as whatever they were, Camilo didn’t want to show Nikolai a side of him he preferred remained hidden. He ran his hand through his hair one last time in front of the bathroom mirror of the event space before making his way towards where his future fiance had told him he’d be. After a few minutes of looking around, Camilo caught Niko but noticed he was working. A smile pulled at his lips as he watched and he quickly looked away, opting to assist a woman that was carrying some boxes. “Here.Let me help.” He followed her to where they needed to be stacked up and when he turned around, the blonde he had come here for was before his eyes. “Hey.” He chuckled slightly nervous and stuffed his hands into his jean pockets. “I made it. As promised. How can I help?”
Nikolai recognized that voice, turning on his heels just in time to see his fiance shuffling boxes around. He knew that his coworkers were following his gaze, their eyes moving between Camilo and the growing smile on the blonde’s face, but he couldn’t have cared less.;“ Hey.“ He echoed, voice easily giving away his excitement. The crowd was filing in around them, the sound system crackling to life.“ Absolutely nothing. I’m technically off the clock unless they page me in,“ ( He did a lot of the behind the scenes stuff; scheduling performers, making sure things got printed, creating ribbons, etc etc. ) “ So we’re free to have fun. – That’s okay, right? I mean, if you’d rather work I’m sure we could shove you in with the volunteers. “ He teased.
Camilo could feeleveryone’s gaze burning into them and it was almost laughable. Did they want a show? Camilo could do shows. “Hey.” he repeated himself and looked around as others went back to their designated assignments. A soft laugh escaped his lips and he leaned in to whisper into Nikolai’s ear, “I think we’re being watched. Just putting it out there. I have suspicions.” He pulled back with a smirk and then cleared his throat, sliding his hand into Nikolai’s and threading their fingers together.”Yes. That’s totally okay. Actually, I was hoping you’d be off the clock so you can show me around? This is actually my first Pride as embarrassing as it sounds. I just never got around to it and my friends in school were lame and I’m one of those people that can’t do events by myself. God, I’m just a winner aren’t I?” He laughed and looked over to his fiance. “I saw a couple of protesters out there. If they give you any trouble, you’ll let me know, right?” He wanted this event to run smoothly for Nikolai and his co-workers. Camilo didn’t have the patience nor the creativity to pull something like this off so he respected them for what they were doing. Those protesters needed to find somewhere else to spread their hate.
Nikolai’s heart stalled as Camilo leaned into him, so close that he could feel the boy’s breath on his skin. “O-Oh?” He asked, playing dumb. Most of his coworkers had already sat through the whole ‘I met my match and he’s adorable’ story at least two times. They were probably just amused and curious to see the face that their little Niko was apparently so fond of. Feeling Camilo’s hand in his, the taller boy couldn’t help but to give his future fiance a look that screamed ‘is this okay?’, because frankly, he wasn’t sure. His face felt warm, eyes purposely avoiding all of his friends and instead staying on Camilo. “That’s not embarrassing. A lot of people don’t get to go until their older or, ya know, confident enough and all that. .” Unconsciously, he gave the other’s hand a little squeeze as he spoke. The idea of protesters causing trouble and making everyone uncomfortably, frankly, made Nikolai feel the slightest bit sick. This was meant to be safe and fun.. and he couldn’t deal with that many people being awful at once. “Yeah.” He managed, before trying to swiftly change the topic. “Will do. – Let’s, uh, let’s do something yeah? Where do you want to start?”
Camilo couldn’t believe how adorable he found Nikolai to be. They had met once, talked on the phone a couple of times here and there and sent each other goofy texts and just like that, he found himself smiling more and looking forward to the next text message. Why everyone was so hell bent on making the worst out of this marriage situation was beyond him but for now, Camilo had nothing to complain about. A part of him–that pragmatic side of him–made him wonder if it was all too good to be true. For that, he had his mother to blame, always instilling doubt into him when things were too happy. She wasn’t awful or anything like that but she was afraid to dream unlike his dad and often Camilo found himself struggling between being one or the other. WIth Nikolai however, he was genuinely carefree and he enjoyed it too much to overthink it now. Catching the reaction on his fiance’s face, Camilo reassured him with a soft smile before giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “You have a way of making me feel less self conscious about things by the way. First complement of the day. There are probably more where that came from.” He nodded, taking note of the change in subject but keeping those protesters in mind just in case. “Um. Well…show me where the live music sets up. Can you get that close? Do you have like VIP backstage passes or something? Please stop me, I know I sound like a dork but I have no idea what I’m doing. Also…the floats. Show me the floats. Anything to get you to myself honestly. That’s all I want right now.”
Nikolai genuinely liked being around Camilo. Everyone at work simply said that it was because they were still in their ‘honeymoon’ phase, that the idea of being together was still so new and because they got along so swimmingly, the whole deal was just blown up. The younger hardly believed that this was a phase though, soon to blow over once reality settled in and soon they’d be just as bitter as everyone else involved with the law. But Niko refused to believe it. He refused to think that all of these happy feelings would just vanish at the drop of a hat come their wedding day. “Careful, too many of those and my ego will swell. “ He replied, easily returning the boy’s gentle smile. “Both of those can easily be arranged. My pass will get us in wherever you like- backstage included.” He did his best to play off the fact that he’d just said that he wanted to be alone with Nikolai, ignoring how nice that sounded to him as well. Just the two of them alone together. – The activist waved his friends goodbye and began to lead the way. Toward the source of all the noise and static were the mics were going through their final tests.
Camilo looked down at their joined hands and smiled to himself mostly. What was this feeling? It was too easy but he was thankful for it. All the concerns he had of Nikolai not liking him or thinking he was too distant or too strange melted away the moment they began talking the other night and since then, they haven’t been able to stop. Each conversation was a new topic on their upbringing, their lives, the things they enjoyed doing or just run of the mill, trivial things. If Camilo was being honest with himself,he’d say he was impressed by it all. “I’m gonna have to be careful then. Limit you to three compliments per day maybe.” He chuckled, following him towards the stage and listening to the other intently. He was in such awe of what he had learned about Nikolai’s occupation thus far. For Camilo, it was always easy to use his fists to get a point across but Niko was doing the opposite. Niko was doing a lot of good and he was using his words–something Camilo struggled with. “So…do they think I’m your boyfriend or are they aware that we’ve been matched?” He looked over his shoulder towards the waving friend and he waved too to help give off a good impression. These were Nikolai’s friend after all. That alone spoke volumes for how different they were. When they approached the stage, Camilo smiled as he looked everything over, choosing to sit at the edge and pull Niko gently towards him to sit beside him. He looked out to the closed street and sighed. “To think this will be crowded with people in no time.” He glanced over to Niko. “Ever get nervous? Is it ever too much? I know why you do it and I wish I had an ounce of your courage but does your heart beat so much it feels like it’s going to jump out of it’s chest?”
Nikolai couldn’t help but laugh sweetly when he glanced over to see Camilo waving as well. He was trying so hard to ensure that everyone liked him and Niko couldn’t help but find it adorable. “They know we’re matched.” He explained, “After all, my letter was delivered to the office instead of my apartment. So that all got to see my expression when it arrived. Granted, it was closed the entire time, but.” He shrugged. It made little difference. Just so long as Niko was happy ( and that happiness was genuine ) they’d support him. Even if the marriage was made by the government. The blonde let out a tiny ‘oof’ as he was tugged in the direction of the stage, then led to sit beside Camilo. He had to admit, it was a good spot to watch everyone from. – — For a moment, he sat quietly. Trying to think back to a time that he genuinely felt afraid and overwhelmed because of his job. “Sometimes me and a couple of the other younger activists in our company will be asked to speak in high schools.” He admitted, not daring to look back at Camilo. “They ask us to say our life stories and end it with ‘it gets better’. – Like, I get it. It gives them something to relate to. But.. I dunno. I always feel like my heart’s going to explode or someone too close to the situation is going to be listening or.. I dunno.” He took his fiance’s hand into his lap, playing with it absentmindedly. “So, yes- sometimes I feel that way. Like during those speeches or when there’s a lot of anger in a crowd. I’m not good with large amounts of protesters. But no, not at times like this. “
Camilo turned his attention back on Nikolai, listening to his explanation of what his friends knew about who he was. “Delivered to your office, huh? So you had quite the spectators. Poor you.” He chuckled, glad that he was alone and in the privacy of his apartment for his. Camilo pushed himself back so he was sitting more comfortably, taking in the silence and looking up at the sky. No signs of rain and he felt incredibly relieved that Nikolai would have good weather for this event. “If it’s worth anything? I think what you do is incredibly brave. I could never do it. I would just stand there, wide eyed and stammer for the majority of the discourse. And the fact that you care enough to try and make a difference is also amazing in itself. I could have used a public speaker like you or your group. Maybe it would have made a difference. Maybe I would have been less angry.” He slides an inch so that the gap is closed between them. His thumb manages to graze over Nikolai’s knuckles before he allows his hand to stay on the other’s lap. “I never understood why people think it’s okay to crash these events with their own agenda. Everything you do…all of this? It’s about love and they have no problem spreading that hate. It’s just…I’m sorry that happens.” He felt himself getting slightly riled up, thinking back at the small group of people protesting and spouting homophobic slurs. He can still hear them despite being far away. It was enough to make his blood boil but he didn’t want Nikolai seeing that side of him. Sure they were supposed to be getting married in just a few short weeks but it didn’t mean he didn’t have his reservations. Nikolai was pure. He was good–everything Camilo probably didn’t deserve and Nikolai needed Camilo to be the closest thing to that to make this work. “Show me the floats.” He murmured, biting his bottom lip and glancing towards Nikolai once more. This was so strange–feeling already so comfortable with him. It was like an ongoing first date and that fluttery feeling you get when it’s going amazingly well. Camilo had never been in a long term relationship mostly because he never found the right person and now being in this situation, it made him wonder how he got here and so quickly. He’d have to tell Tony about it later. He definitely liked Nikolai and playing with that feeling and what it meant for the two of them was something he intended to do. “I saw some over there. Really impressive work. I thought I’d see them up front before it gets packed out here.” Of course it meant walking closer to the protesters but Camilo’s protective side was already on full force.
Nikolai leaned into the boy as the space was closed between them, shoulders and knees brushing each other. If this were a normal date, he would have shyed away. Put some distance between them out of discomfort. – But that was just the thing. Even when they were this close, Niko didn’t feel pressured or out of place.. He just felt warm. “You’re just saying that,” He mused lightly, admiring the way the way their hands fit together just right. “But thank you.” It was hard to imagine Camilo being afraid of anything ( especially something as mundane as public speaking ) but he played along, because in some ways it did actually make him feel better about being a sheepish dork. “Some people just don’t like this.” He admitted, giving the boy’s hand a little squeeze before glancing his way. “They just don’t see it as love. They think they’re going to scare us straight.” The older boy probably wasn’t around it enough to realize that people like them were a common occurrence. They didn’t just show up at big events like pride, they were everywhere. Nothing really shocked him anymore. “Okay,” They replied, carefully slipping off he edge of stage and leading the way once again. The crowd had filled in so he kept his fiance close, careful not to get exasperated as they weaved between so many happy, bouncing people. Of course this was just the beginning of the crowd, but still a lot to walk through. Nikolai didn’t realize how close they were to protesters until he could hear them, their voices raised just above the music and commotion. “–Maybe we should go the other way.” He mumbled, “I’ll tell the others to call the cops and get them further off the ground or something..” Niko pretended like he couldn’t hear them, lightly tugging at Camilo’s hand to go the long way.
Camilo smirked at nothing in particular except for his thoughts. Had someone told him a week ago that he’d be out getting to know his fiance, he’d be in disbelief for sure. They were doing things out of order of course. First comes love then comes marriage, etc but he didn’t really mind this if it meant they’d end up in the right direction. If there was something Camilo enjoyed it was comfort and already he felt that with Nikolai whether it meant he viewed him as good friend and or a potential mate would soon be determined. Eight now seven weeks wasn’t exactly ideal but what choice did they have? Nikolai was being pushed into this too. He listed intently, giving Niko’s hand a gentle squeeze as well. “I know. I dealt with my fair share of bullies. It was rough growing up latino in such a strict and rigid household but I was pleasantly surprised at how accepting my parents were. I realized I liked boys when I was pretty young. I think I was 11. Anyway…I was afraid to talk to them about it but they were amazing. It wasn’t easy dealing with the opposite of that from people I met out in the world. As they made their way through the crowd, Camilo was met with a lot of acceptance. Tons of people smiled in their direction or made comments of how cute they were. One couple told them they made a nice pair and while typical Camilo would correct them, it was nice to hear so he kept to himself. When they stopped at the end of one path, Camilo glared at the protesters holding up their signs and starting trouble with the event guests. He was about to say something but Nikolai’s voice served as an anchor. The other was visibly upset and it bothered Camilo knowing these people were responsible for it. “Hey guys, just…don’t listen to them.” He spoke to the others surrounded them but the protesting continued even louder. The crowd was doing a good job at ignoring but it was Niko’s tone of voice dripping with concern and fear that really rattled Camilo. When he felt his hand being tugged, Camilo shook off the frustration and began following his fiance when he heard the derogatory terms thrown in their direction. It was clear as day and Camilo squeezed Niko’s hand to let him know he was going to let go for a minute. “What did you say?” he turned to face the only man who had the audacity to step up to him while the rest of his crew stepped away. Again, the man repeated the words and Camilo was ready to go when his guilt stopped him. He clenched his fists instead, shielding Niko by standing in front of him. “If you don’t leave now, the cops will be called and surely you don’t want to spend the night in jail.” He practically sneered and was ready to turn around when the protester shouted out to Niko referring him to him as the ‘blonde’, spewing the derogatory term at him this time and just like that, Camilo lost it, marching back towards the older man, curling his fingers around his collar and removing him from the scene. He hailed one of the cops that was working the parade over to where they were but not before grilling the man. “Apologize to him. Apologize to him and we’ll think about NOT pressing charges for a hate crime. Tell him you’re sorry. DO IT!” He had a few seconds before the cop approached them and Camilo put the protester down on his feet as he angrily apologized for his behavior. It wasn’t genuine and so Camilo let the officer know that this man had been bothering a peaceful event. “He insulted my boyf–fiance.” He corrected, surprised at his own damn self for saying that outright. “I was only removing a threat from the premises.” He felt oddly proud of himself for not escalating the issue in a violent way. Typical Camilo would be getting arrested as well. Once he was clear to go, he turned around to face Nikolai, horror stricken at his own behavior and he ran a hand through his hair. “Hey…I shouldn’t be here. I’m sorry. That was…pretty tame compared to what I usually get myself into and I can’t be exposing you to that. Not on your day. You planned this. It’s not fair to you.” The others around them were cheering Camilo on which only made him feel more sick about the whole thing. “I’m so sorry, Niko.”
Nikolai couldn’t help but feel as though this relationship (??) had the potential to work out. They’d only just met days ago, a few conversations serving as fillers, but already he was so comfortable and fond of the boy who now fit so perfectly by his side. It made him wonder why so many complained about the law. “Your parents must have really loved you.” He breathed, trying to picture in his mind what that would have felt like. To have a family who supported him no matter what. Inwardly, he wished he could met Camilo’s parents before they passed away. — — It all went downhill so quickly. Nikolai tried to tell the other to calm down, that it wasn’t anything he hadn’t gotten before and that he would be okay, but his voice was barely audible. Before he knew it Camilo’s hand was gone from his and he was standing in front of him. Protecting him from all of this. That hand squeeze meant that everything was fine, but he didn’t feel fine. His heart was racing as though he knew something bad was about to happen. And surely enough, it did. Niko made an attempt to reach out to Camilo, to stop him from approaching the man, but it was too late and his hands were already on him. The younger was absolutely stunned; glued in place while Camilo removed the man from the premises and toward one of the off-site cops. They were too far to eavesdrop on, just the sound of muffled raised voices among everyone else. Someone asked if he was alright but he barely noticed, removing himself from the crowd and more off to the side toward a building. Hey. Nikolai glanced up to find Camilo still in one piece and he’d never felt so relieved in his life. The man was a fighter, and yet, he had been so afraid for him. And it wasn’t like Niko could have done anything to help if he had gotten hurt.. He’d just stood there. Stupid and helpless. Everything his fiance was saying fell on deaf ears, tears starting to swell up as Niko reached out for him. There was so much he wanted to say but his mind was swimming, so he just wrapped his arms around his fiance’s neck and hid his face among the fabric of his shirt.
Camilo was stunned by Nikolai’s reaction. Not the tears. The tears were literally destroying him. It was the embrace. By now, anyone with half a mind would have left or argued with Camilo on his reaction. He knew he was in the wrong. Not completely, of course. The protester deserved to be apprehended but Camilo needed to learn to control that temper. He had gotten better after years of therapy but there was still a fire with him that once it’s ignited, he only sees red. Everyone has a tipping point in a given situation and today’s, Camilo’s was the insult directed at Nikolai. It was wild. When had he developed a sense of protection over the other man? They were just getting to know each other after all. His hands remained at his side for a brief moment before he raised one to settle against the back of Niko’s head. “C’mon…don’t cry. I’m sorry.” Instinctively, he kissed the top of the blonde’s head and rested his cheek against it. “I didn’t mean for it to get so bad so quickly. I couldn’t stand it when he said that stuff towards you. Are you alright?”
Nikolai didn’t mean to tear up so easily. The event just left him so overwhelmed and with a million different things filling his head that it just sort of happened regardless of if he wanted them to spill over. “Stop apologizing,” He mumbled against the other’s skin, grateful that he couldn’t see his face when such a gentle kiss was pressed to his head. There was no sobbing, no gross sniffling. He wasn’t upset- just stunned. And frankly, now embarrassed for clinging to the man so quickly. “M’not crying.” Niko lied, pulling back just the tiniest bit, his eyes looking over Camilo’s face as though searching for some kind of scratch for bruise. “I’m fine.. Are you though?? –I thought.. Shit, Camilo. That was dangerous. You could have gotten yourself hurt.”
Camilo suddenly felt foolish for the entire thing which was usually the case. It was a lot worse when he was younger. He was more reckless and with less guidance. One bar fight after the other with no remorse and often no recollection of what had occurred the night prior. “You’re not?” He asked with a soft smile and pulled away reluctantly. He knew he was about to be scrutinized and Camilo smiled again as Nikolai examined his face. “I’m fine. I told you what I do for a living. That guy didn’t stand a chance.” He knew he sounded cocky and perhaps he should learn to tone it down but as long as the adrenaline coursed through his veins, Camilo was on some other level. Still, he was learning to be calmer which he was glad for now that he had an actual relationship to nurture. Sort of. “I mean…I’m fine. I honestly just hate that kinda thing and I know that the world is full of people like that guy but God, it was instant. I saw red the moment he said something to you. I’m not allowing it. I’d never allow it.” He mumbled the last part, feeling very conflicted with how much he already cared. “Do you want me to go? I can go…I’m a menace to society.” He chuckled softly and sighed. “BUT…And I’m not trying to bribe you but I did bring my bike and maybe when this is all over, I can give you a ride back? I promise it’s better than the train.”
Nikolai almost didn’t want to let him go when he pulled away. “I know.” He breathed, “I know it’s what you do. But still. Getting hurt because of me isn’t worth it. I’d rather my feelings get hurt and you be safe than you go out and get a black eye, or cut or..” Nikolai sighed, folding his arms over his chest. He wasn’t used to this. Being protected and watched over. Like, sure, people at work would stick up for him if they were targeted at events and whatnot but that was different. They were doing it because it was their job and they were friends. But Camilo… He didn’t owe the boy a thing. “I’m just not used to this.” The words escaped his lips before he could stop them, “People going to such extremes just because someone called me-” He stopped short, not daring to repeat the word that made him inwardly cringe. Bad memories attached to such a phrase. “You’re not a menace. What I’m trying to say it– Thank you. For sticking up for me. I was scared to death, but still. You meant well.” It came out more like he was trying to convince himself, than Camilo. “Please. Don’t go. I’ll let you take me home, but stay. Just for a little bit longer.” Even if it was just the two of them pressed against this wall, he wanted to be with him. Just a few more minuets.
Camilo pressed his lips together as Nikolai spoke. It bothered him knowing that he never had any sort of protection. What about his family? People that were supposed to care after him? “Well, get used to it.” He grumbled almost childishly. “It was nothing. Really. I’d do it for… “ He stopped himself before he was caught in some blatant lie. Truth be told, Camilo wouldn’t do this for just anyone. There were few people that held his loyalty. Friends, family and most recently AJ but Camilo felt immediately drawn to Nikolai and it was more than just the attraction that made him want to do this for him but it wasn’t something he had a name for. It would be too soon to attach any sort of label to what he was feeling. He knew that. The pragmatic part of him was what kept him at bay sometimes. “You’re welcome, Nikolai. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you. And I’m doing it because I want to. I enjoy looking after the people that I care for so don’t take that away from me, deal? I’ll be more careful though. No black eyes. No cuts. Our future wedding photographer will hurt me.” He chuckled, the crowed turning away from them and now enjoying the band on the stage. “Okay. I’ll stay.” He wondered how much longer he had with Niko now. Was he officially off the clock or would he have to run back to help out with the event. “Are you done now? With work? Do you get to enjoy the rest of the afternoon?” He was asking almost selfishly and pressed closer against Niko when someone asked Camilo to let them through. A bashful smile pulled at the corner of his lips as his eyes flickered up to meet the blonde’s gaze. Striking blue eyes that Camilo hadn’t noticed the first time they met left him almost speechless. “Huh.” He then chuckled. “Is it cheesy if I tell you your eyes are beautiful? Yeah. That’s very cheesy. Super cheesy. Wow. i’m batting a thousand, huh?” He grinned and leaned in to kiss Niko’s cheek. “Thank you for inviting me, kjekk” He murmured against the other’s skin and pulled back only slightly before sliding his hand back into his fiance’s.
Nikolai smiled softly, allowing his arms to unfold and fall by his sides once again. Truth be told he wasn’t sure that being looked out for and protected by someone was something he could get used to. But he liked the sound of it. It made him feel less alone in the world. “— Deal.” He quietly agreed, chuckling at the mention of a wedding photographer. “Not just them, I’ll kick your butt too.” His voice was playful but deep down, he knew he’d be tempted to get after the boy if Camilo got hurt doing something as goofy as protecting the younger. “– Yup. If they needed me they would have said something by now. – I’m all yours until you get sick of me. “ He replied, trying to assist in letting the person slip past them though all he really did was press his back to the wall. They were so close, gaze locked on each other, that their really wasn’t anywhere else he could go. A beat passed and Nikolai was absolutely baffled, trying to figure out what Camilo was so interested by. He began to ask if something was wrong or on his face but was cut off by the other’s remark on his eyes. At first he didn’t know what to say; Parting his lips as though he knew, but no sound would come out. Instead he just stood there, blushing for what felt like the millionth time. ( Apparently he’d just have to get used to looking like a tomato in front of his husband-to-be since it was happening so often now. ) “Cheesy, yeah.” He managed, “But sweet. Unbelievably so. I-I, uh. Thank you.” The kiss was enough to make his stomach swarm with butterflies, turning this way and that. He felt like a child, learning how to date and behave all over again. Because this… this was all so new. And yet, he felt so unbelievably happy. “You missed.” He replied, a sheepish smile tugging the corner of his mouth upward. Fingers lacing together, Nikolai closed the space between them and gently pressed their lips together.
Camilo hadn’t dated someone in quite some time. It was mostly because of personal choice. Too busy or too many excuses to get on any sort of relationship track. This was nice and refreshing to him. The witty banter, the playful tone, the mindless flirtations…it all brought him back to why he enjoyed this part of embarking on something new with someone else. “All mine, huh? Those are some dangerous choice of words there. I might take advantage of that.” Already, the concerns her had coming into this were distant and the anger he felt towards the protester was mostly gone. “Just being honest.” And he was. He couldn’t imagine how it was possible that no one had ever told Nikolai that. As a matter of fact, Camilo was sure that he had heard that plenty of times before. As he was pulling away and as Nikolai spoke, he arched a brow in response to the blonde’s words. “Missed?” And before he could say anything further, his lips had been captured. Now kissing was something else that Camilo had missed and God, did he miss it. With his free hand, he cupped Nikolai’s face, pressing against him and completely forgetting for the time being where they were. Not like anyone would notice. The crowd seemed incredibly pleased with the entertainment anyway. It was like he had allowed himself to get lost in something that made him happy for once. He had lived a life that often times was too rigid and despite his desire to constantly go against the norm, he still found himself possessing his mother’s traits. For the first time in quite some time, Camilo allowed himself to relax and he tilted his head to deepen their kiss, closing his eyes as his thumb caressed Niko’s face. It was unconventional. Everything was backwards. It was supposed to be date first, kiss second, propose third, end up in marriage with kids but this was completely backwards and he couldn’t help but think that maybe that’s what made it exciting. He pulled away only slightly, making sure to remain close to his future husband and he brushed Niko’s hair to the side as a grin pulled at the corner of his lips. “Remind me never to miss again.”
Nikolai usually wasn’t this brave. In previous relationships he’d steal tiny kisses when he knew people weren’t particularly looking at them or put his arms around his date if the situation allowed. Never had he just pulled someone toward him and kissed them like a teenager in the middle of a crowded space ( PDA was never his shtick. Nor was he that daring. ) But with Camilo, he knew that if he didn’t kiss this boy he’d regret it for the rest of his life. Their eyes glued to each other, Niko’s mind floating- He couldn’t help but want to close the distance between them. To kiss him until they were both pink and out of breath. So that’s exactly what he’d done. – And imagine his delight when his fiance kissed him back !! The blonde smiled into the buss, his free hand ( the one that wasn’t holding his husband-to-be’s ) moved to the small of the male’s back. All the voices and music around them seemed to fade into the background. “I can do that,“ He breathed as they separated ever so slightly, pale blue eyes fluttering open to meet the other’s. Niko saw Camilo’s smile and couldn’t help but mimic it, expression splitting into a childish grin. “ –Stop that.” He chuckled, still somewhat out of breath. “Being cute and knowing what to say. It’s hard to compete.”
Camilo leaned in to press soft kisses along Niko’s jaw, grinning at his words and stopping to look up at him again. “I’m not the cute one here.” He muttered and snaked an arm around his waist. “No matter how hard I try, I’ll never be able to compete with you, Niko.” He pressed another kiss against his lips and another before letting out a soft chuckle. It truly tickled him how quickly he had grown to feel this into someone. Intimacy wasn’t something Camilo struggled with and he wasn’t going to fight against the instant attraction he felt towards Nikolai. It was as if he was getting to know someone after meeting them for the first time with the only difference being he supposed to wed Niko in about seven weeks. There was still a lot of nerves there and definitely a lot of questions. It had only been a week since they met and sure he felt a lot more comfortable now but Camilo had a lot to learn about his fiance. Fiance. Just thinking about the title filled him with a combination of emotions. He knew it was crazy. Years ago had someone told him this would be how he met the man he was going to marry, Camilo would have laughed and incredulously so. Aware that he really had no choice now, he was starting to care less about that part and focus more on getting to know Nikolai. “After the first act, do you want to find see if we can get dinner somewhere in the city? Or we can go back to my place?” A devilish grin pulled at his lips. “I can ‘throw down’ in the kitchen as promised and we can watch a movie or something. Up to you.”
Niko couldn’t believe that this boy was his. He’d heard all of the horror stories; people meeting their government assigned match and hating their guts, sleeping separate bedrooms, putting on fake smiles for their children.. There were so many things that could go wrong. And yet watching Camilo smile and kiss at him, he couldn’t help but feel like everything was okay. That maybe, just maybe, it didn’t bother him that the law had picked out his husband for him. “That’s such bull and you know it.” He replied, playfully rolling his eyes upward toward the sky. As much as he loved it, Niko wasn’t used to getting so much praise. Not on his eyes, his appearance, or anything else. It was borderline shocking to hear that someone (anyone) even thought these things. “I vote for the later,” Niko replied, eyes lighting up at the idea. Perhaps he was pushing it a bit, inviting himself over to his fiance’s house after their first date.(… Wasn’t that a bit cliche?) But the idea of watching Camilo cook and the two of them getting all cozy with a movie.. It was too perfect to pass up. He laughed at the mention of ‘throwing down’, leaning into his fiance’s touch with a coy smile. “– Sounds perfect.” A gentle kiss was pressed to his lips, grin ever present. “I did say I was yours until you got sick of me, didn’t I?”
Camilo chuckled and then bit his lip. He couldn’t help but think how he was one of the lucky ones. Nikolai was everything Camilo thought he’d never find in a partner mostly because of his own setbacks. “It’s not!” His grin widened despite being honest in that response. Niko was definitely the kinder, cuter, sweeter of the two of them but Camilo wasn’t about to disagree or fight his opinions. “The latter was what I was hoping for.” His smile remained as he began thinking about what he’d make him. Maybe something traditional and Colombian so that he could show off his skills. The truth was that Camilo was ecstatic to do this one thing for Niko Smiling onto his fiance’s kiss, Camilo pressed another kiss against the other’s lips and chuckled. “You did say that. And I don’t think I’ll be getting sick of you anytime soon by the way.” It was all so exciting to him; giving himself the chance to break out of his usual mold and letting himself have this one thing. Maybe this law wasn’t such a terrible thing after all. “Mine.” He smirked before claiming Niko’s lips once more, the vibrations of the music in the background thumping hard in his chest as he pulled him close one more time. He couldn’t get enough of the blonde and maybe it was because this was all new but he was enjoying himself too much to overthink it right now. He couldn’t think of a better way to spend Pride Sunday.
Niko could feel eyes on the back of his head, parade goers glancing at the close and cozy couple as they passed by. But still, he made no effort to detangle himself from his fiance. He was happy and… Well, not ‘in love’ but something was definitely there; A spark every time they touched or their lips brushed against each other. Some of his relationships prior (self-chosen ones of course) didn’t even get that kind of reaction. So this – It was something else. Camilo made him genuinely happy. “Good.” The boy smirked, fingers playing the hem of the other’s shirt. “Cause I’m not ready to let you go yet.” Texting was nice, but actually having him in his grasp, being able to hold and kiss him, was so much better. And he was just getting used to this feeling.. Selfish as it might be, he didn’t want to say goodbye. Not yet.— – ‘Mine’. Such a simple word, and yet it made his heart feel as though it skipped a beat. “All yours,” he mumbled between kisses, the phrase barely audibly above the commotion going on around them.
