Closed starter: Enzo ( @innocentcurse ) Location: Cardinal Carnival and Fun Fair
To say that Dimi was confused would be an understatement. Ever since their day at the lake, just the two of them, his thoughts about Enzo had been even more muddled than they were before. No longer dormant was the crush had long harbored for his best friend (a crush Dimi hadn't been aware even still existed until recently), and now he found that the feelings he had for Enzo went even beyond that. It wasn't just the infatuation he'd felt when meeting Enzo as a photography student or the crush that had developed as he'd taken the man's classes (Dimi had definitely not been the only one in those classes to feel that way about their handsome professor, not even close). No, Dimi was slowly learning it was much more than that. That day on the lake had been eye-opening, not just because Dimi was realizing the depth of his own feelings but also because he was starting to get the impression that the way he felt might not be one-sided. Enzo had been so sweet to him that day, affectionate even in a way that went beyond their usual. And for his part, Dimi had been the same, both of them finding reasons to touch, the vibe definitely flirty, or at least that's how it had felt.
But that confused Dimi more than anything. Was he just seeing what he wanted to see? Or did Enzo maybe feel the same way? And how did Dimi himself even feel? That was something he was still figuring out, but Dimi had come to the conclusion that not only was this more than a crush, he might actually be in love with his best friend. Part of Dimi thought that was a terrible idea because what if acting on these feelings ruined their friendship? But even as he thought that, Dimi knew that wouldn't happen. The pair had gone through so much together and were so close that even if something romantic between them didn't work out, their friendship would remain as strong as ever. And if it did work out, well...Dimi would have the family he always wanted. However, he was aware that he already did in a way. Despite what did or didn't happen between Dimi and Enzo, they would always be best friends, and they would also love Ozma. That would never change.
These were among the myriad of thoughts running through Dimi's mind as he, Enzo, and Ozma walked through the carnival together. Ozma was between them, holding hands with both men, and Dimi was beaming as he looked between the two most important people in his life. This was utopia to him, he and Enzo and his daughter, the daughter that Dimi felt belonged to Enzo too. He'd been more of a parent to her than Ozma's mother had ever been, especially lately and in the last couple of years before she left. Looking at Enzo as Ozma smiled at him, Dimi thought, Yeah...I think might actually be in love with him. That thought was terrifying, but that fear wouldn't change the truth of it. So for now, Dimi just focused on the moment, on how perfect this felt despite everything happening in his personal life, not to mention the happenings in Cardinal Hill itself. "Ozzie, do you want a funnel cake?" Dimi asked, grinning at his daughter; he knew she would jump at the chance. The funnel cake stand was just ahead, and Ozma broke free and rushed there, Dimi and Enzo following. "There aren't a lot of constants in this world, but that girl's love of funnel cakes is one of them," Dimi stated, laughing and smiling at Enzo.
Standing there with Enzo, Dimi looked at the man, his smile changing but not fading. This moment felt perfect, the three of them together, and Dimi reached over and grabbed Enzo's hand, squeezing it. "I'm really glad we're here," he said, his hand lingering in Enzo's for a moment before he let go. "And I don't just mean here at the carnival. I mean like...this moment in time, the three of us together. It feels...like everything I've always wanted." Although his cheeks felt warm now, Dimi kept eye contact with Enzo, refusing to be embarrassed by something he felt deep in his soul.