HE SAID YES

NYC NYE

The new scenery is overwhelming to say the least. Drew’s used to movement, to the hailing taxis and the incessant crowd of people reaching their point of destination from point a to point b but there’s seething different in the air. Something that Drew can’t really word, or maybe it’s just the bad air. Regardless, that’s the least of his problems as he’s following Wesley promptly– after all, he’s the master of visiting different places. When they’re promptly in the taxi cab, Drew’s not even sure if seat-belts are a requirement but he decides it’s better to be safe than sorry as he reaches for the seat-belt.

His eyes are immediately staring out the window once the car starts moving, the buildings and people zooming past them but it’s only moments before Drew’s turning to his finance with a smile on his face. God. He’ll never stop loving saying or even so much as thinking the word about Wes and what he is to him. His face slowly turns into a flirty grin before he’s shaking his head, pulling back enough to kiss his lips before he’s shaking his head at him. “No, no, no.” He states. “That look won’t convince me this time around, babe. Let’s get some pizza. The last thing I need is you getting grumpy over your hunger.”

It’s not long before the taxi comes to a halt, an extravagant hotel underway as the driver tells them they’ve reached their destination. Drew grins at the notion, glad to be able to step out of the car and regardless of the fact that he’s only going to be heading into the hotel, he’s excited for the moment they’re settled in before taking a stroll around the popular-spoken New York City. “Babe?” Drew says, turning to Wes as he steps out of the car. “Do you reckon we might run into a celebrity?” He’s partially kidding, partially but the thought of such a possibility does excite him whether he’d admit to it aloud or not.

Wes’ gathering their bags from the taxi driver when he hears Drew’s question. He always sort of thought that maybe Drew would end up being the celebrity figure. That happened to dj’s, didn’t it? Being with Drew for so long had its positive effects on Wesley’s outside knowledge of pop culture and social reality. Granted he would never be able to know as much as his fiance, but he was worlds better than when they started out. “I’m not sure,” Wes tips the driver, nodding in thanks. “I’m sure if we go looking for them we could. This city is pretty much a mining field of them, isn’t it? Well, music people right?” Wes remembers a specific unofficial music lesson where Drew had discussed how much of the music world stemmed from New York City and how the record labels had a majority of their headquarters there. He thinks that out of all the types of celebrities, Drew’s really talking about musicians. As they walk into the lobby, Wes stays close to the other male. “I’ll tell you that I’ll do my best to keep my eyes open for them, but I don’t think I’d be able to identify any of them if they told me who they were directly.” There’s a small laugh afterwards from the truth, turning his attention to the check in woman now in front of them.

Letting Drew handle all the check in stuff, Wes looks around and wonders just how much he spent for this trip. It wasn’t 5 star, but it definitely couldn’t be far off. He continues to think the same thing as they get to their room, seeing the view and becoming genuinely impressed. “I can’t believe that we’re here right now, this is insane.” Wes goes straight for the window once he sets their things down off to the side. “Do you think we can see the whole thing or do you already have a plan for the break down of it all?” Turning around he pulls Drew close to him. “Thank you again for all of this. You’ve got a way with plane tickets that amazes me.” There’s a kiss given, but Wes makes sure not to overdo it and get carried away, smacking Drew on the behind as a joke. “Thought we were gettin pizza, come on!” It takes Wes half a second to snag Drew’s beanie off his head and put it on his own, waiting by the door with a fake impatience.

NYC NYE

“Welcome to New York City,” Wes reads the sign above the door that leads out of the airport. He’s carrying both boys’ bags that they just collected from the carousals, ready to take on the massive city set out before them. It’s not as if he hadn’t been to the city before, but it was always for business and frankly, Wes hadn’t ever taken the time to be a tourist or enjoy the big apple and all that it offered. Thanks to Drew, he was going to be able to finally do that, and of all times of the year. There was magic in the air during New Years Eve, everyone knew that and even though it was ridiculously cheesy and overly romantic, Wes had always wanted to be there in Times Square when the clock struck 12, kissing whoever held his attention at the moment. Now though? Now he was going to be in that spot with not just anyone, but his fiance. He knew that Drew hadn’t been here before, but Wes wondered whether or not he wanted that same experience or if it was just a coincidence that he had booked during such a desirable timeframe.

Hailing a taxi, Wes set down his computer bag. It had taken all of his persuasion skills to let Drew allow him to bring his laptop, but he couldn’t part from it for this long of a time. What if something happened with the stocks? What if one of his hacker friends needed to reach him for a life and death situation. In the field that they were all in, it was very possible that at any moment they could be seized by the police and need a place to send all of their secure information so as not to carry any evidence. It hadn’t ever happened to Wes, but he had heard horror stories and he wasn’t about to take any chances. He had promised not to open the thing except for if a text demanded him to do so, seemed to be good enough for Drew.

“Ok, but are you as hungry as I am?” Wes lets the driver take their bags and set them in the trunk, opening the door for Drew and following in after him. “As soon as we set our stuff down at the hotel, we have to go get a slice of pizza or bagel or something, yeah? Take a walk around and see the city from the streets.” After the driver pulls out, Wes gives him the address of their hotel, quickly bringing his attention back to Drew. “Unless you can’t resist me and then we can just order room service.” The words are whispered close to Drew’s ear, Wes’ typical smirk present.

#nyc

Under the Mistletoe

Drew can count in one hand how many times he’s seen Wesley cry. Of course, the first time he had, Drew would never want to bring to light again, his attitude and demeanor back then something he was almost ashamed of. For being so stubborn, so nasty, everything Wesley had never deserved. And every time Drew thinks about those moments, he’s disgusted with himself because in all reality, he didn’t deserve Wesley. Didn’t deserve his kindness or warmth. Didn’t deserve to carry his heart in his hands. If anything, Drew would make these statements to Wesley, let him know that maybe he was making a mistake. Maybe asking Drew to marry him was a mistake. Maybe Drew was holding him back from someone worthy, someone who deserved his time and attention and love overall. His mind is a vile place the more he looks into it and he has to stop himself, force himself to think otherwise. To think that he’s changed, he’s fixed himself, he’s made himself worth all that Wesley deserves and more. He smiles despite it all, and all Drew can do is shake his head because no. Wesley had made him a better man.

He’s holding Wesley on for dear life, simply holding him as he’s crying and it’s then that Drew realizes just how broken and alone they were before meeting one another. They were never perfect, never pretended to be, but together they somehow made this work. Made all of the heartache and distress worth what it was now. Drew’s hand goes to the hairs on the back of Wesley’s head, lithe fingers running through the short strands before he hears Wesley’s words being spoken out. He exhales a smile through a breath as he looks downcast, still keeping Wesley in his arms. When did his mind know? “Probably when I stopped relying on alcohol to fill a void and found myself needing you.” he admits softly. The simple thought of how Drew used to go for days, consistently drinking and wasting away his life and how it all seemed to stop, no longer wanting his fix in a way that made him want something else, someone else. And that someone had evidently been Wesley in the grand scheme of things. “That or probably when you bought me a churro in seattle.” He grinned, pulling back to press a kiss to Wesley’s temple.

There was always that hint of humour that Drew had that kept Wesley smiling. He couldn’t help but laugh lightly at the memory of the two huddled in line in front of that food truck all those months ago. They may travel more and more through the years, but to Wes, that trip would always hold a special place in his heart. It was when they first said ‘I love you’, when they first slept together, when they first fell asleep on each other on a plane. Needless to say it was a vacation of firsts, and now he knows that Drew cherishes just as much as he does. There’s no doubt that their life together holds more firsts, more travels, more memories, but Seattle will always stick out.

Tears still stick to Wesley’s cheeks, causing him to wipe them off with he back of his hand childishly. The gentle nature of Drew’s kiss doesn’t go unnoticed, only adding to the comfort that Wes felt from his fiance’s closeness. That feeling was another security that helped in making his lifetime decision. Typically Wesley could be seen as a high strung workaholic, and yeah, he still worked his fingers to the bones, but with a single touch from Drew, his feet were that much more planted on the ground. “We’ll have churros at the wedding, don’t worry.” It’s banter at the moment, but Wes knows that if it made Drew smile, he’d make it happen no matter what. “I’ve sort of only just thought as far as tonight, but that seems like something easy to incorporate. For now though, do you want to go lay down and take a rest? I’m not sure how your Mum is with this sort of thing, but she might just gush over the plans first thing in the morning, so for now we can take a breather. I’ll carry you upstairs if you need.” As if he wasn’t just crying, a mischievous smirk makes its way to Wes’ face, standing up and yanking Drew up and over his shoulder. Making his way up the stairs, Wes can’t help but let out, “you’re going to have to wait for that fairytale sweep off your feet.”

Under the Mistletoe

Drew is intent on the words Wesley is sharing with him. Every word engraving itself into his mind. He genuinely cannot believe that it’s already been a year since he’d introduced his parents to Wesley and vice versa. He couldn’t help but be in awe over how fast time flew. Drew’s lost the need to drink any further, body angled to face Wesley as he brings up his knees, wrapping his arms around them before resting his chin on-top of his arms. Drew’s biting down on his bottom lip as Wesley shares part of him to Drew, a smile evidently following after as he sees the unusual bashfulness come from his boy–fiance. His fiance. Fuck, he still couldn’t wrap his mind around that.

Drew immediately wants to stop Wes, to tell him that he’s been the perfect fit regardless of their religions or traditions simply because of who he was. His parents never were those to force Drew’s future beau’s to hold a certain quality or factor them before being accepted. He knew he was one of the lucky ones in that aspect and he knew it long before Wesley, too. He doesn’t say anything, though, and instead keeps his mouth shut for the time being, letting Wesley get everything he needs of his chest right then and there. It’s the mere fact that he ends with wanting Drew happy before he’s reaching for Wesley’s cup, setting it next to his own as careful as can be.

When he turns back to Wes, Drew lacks hesitancy when he’s placing hands on either side of Wesley’s face, eye thumbing at Wesley’s under-eye before Drew smiles with an unspoken happiness he knows he doesn’t need to explain. “I love you for who you are and for who you’ve allowed me to be with you. I wouldn’t ask you to change any part of you if it wasn’t something you were comfortable with. Regardless of it all, I love you. My parents love you. The girls love you. That, in itself, makes me so happy, babe. I said it on that first day, didn’t I? You’re my meri jaan. My heart has known that longer than my mind has and look at where we are now. I’m going to be your husband!” he says, excitement in his eyes as they begin to form further more moisture. He’s been crying far too much in this day, fucking hell. “Nothing in the world has made me happier than you.” He assures, leaning forward, chest pressing against Wesley as he’s kissing him without a care in the world. He was on cloud nine and nothing could knock him down.

Maybe for Drew it was nice to hear that Wesley looked for acceptance of his family, but for Wesley it was the same when it came to him. As simple as that, Wesley just wanted acceptance for who he was. Deep in his heart, Wes knew that Drew did, but hearing him say it out loud never got old, especially when they were in the state that they were both currently in. “You don’t know how much that means to hear that. I’m not ever one to give myself pity but...it just means a lot.” It takes everything to hold back from any tears that were threatening to spill. “I’m so grateful to have you in my life and have saved me from myself. You might not acknowledge it or really know, but you make me a better man and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Never in his life was Wes a crier, but he couldn’t help it. As if everything he had felt for the day, for the week they were in Bradford, for the year that he had spent with Drew, finally came to the surface. He was so happy, so incredibly happy and utterly grateful that he had found Drew. Arms were wrapped around his fiance, his face titled into the man’s neck where he was able to shamelessly cry. He lets himself go for once in his life, only stopping briefly to repeat Drew’s own question. “When did your mind know?”

Under the Mistletoe

Drew hears the comment, the took you long enough and that genuinely makes Drew’s ears perk in question. He doesn’t have it in him to ask just yet so he waits until Wesley at his side, about to take a sip before the next comment has Drew really curious. “Wait, wait, wait.” Drew finally spoke out, moving the cup away from his lips and closer to his lap as he’s watching his mum hand a cup to Wes. “What do you lot mean he asked months ago?” It’s then that he turns to his father. “Baba!” He exclaims and that’s enough to make the clan laugh in amusement. “What?!” His father asks with laughter following. “I wasn’t going to spoil the surprise!” His dad explains, picking up Safaa who was rubbing at her tired eyes and setting her on his lap. “I’m surprised you guys actually didn’t spoil anything.” Drew lets out, blowing lightly on his hot chocolate before he’s taking a sip. By then, his father is standing up from the chair with Safaa in his arms, “That’s offensive.” His baba lets out before he’s excusing himself, Safaa already falling asleep in his arms.

Waliyha makes sure to come up to Wesley, a hug evident as she thanks him for everything from the presents to “getting this ugly one out of the house” which makes Drew pretend like he’s gonna swat her before he actually asks for a hug in return. It’s a little closer to ten at this point and it’s no surprise the girls are already winding down, having been up since early in the AM’s. Drew’s thankful for the fact that his father had set up the chimney early, the warmth already reaching his chilly fingers and sock covered toes. He takes another sip of the hot chocolate before he’s setting it on a coaster on the coffee table before his mum starts explaining how she’s going to get ready for bed, the dishes can wait for tomorrow, before she’s coming around the couch, congratulating them once more with hugs yet again, a soft spoken, “welcome to the family.” to Wes that Drew hears, making a smile appear on his face. With that, she wishes them a good night before she’s disappearing out of the room, leaving the newly engaged couple in the silence of the living room. Drew’s eyes go back down to the ring, an evident grin on his face before he’s shaking his head, turning to Wes. “When did you know?” He questioned, eyes focused on the stubble against Wesley’s jawline. “That you wanted to marry me?”

All that Wes hears is ‘welcome to the family’. That’s all that he can hear until Drew’s voice is bringing him out of the haze. “When?” He shifts in his seat so that the two are as smashed together as possible, while their cups are still in the upright position. “Well I guess last christmas, when we came here for the first time. Family means the world to you, I know that and if they didn’t accept me, then that was the end of everything. You probably would have made it sound a lot nicer than that, but I would have known the truth.” Wesley smiled lightly while taking the opportunity to sip at his drink. “I saw the way that you were with your sisters for the first time, how your parents were and the whole dynamic I guess. For me, having a family of my own is a huge priority in my life and I guess it was sort of a testing period for me as much as it was for you to see if I could honestly see a future with you. I remember as soon as I sat down at the dinner table and saw the way that everyone looked at me, at us, that it was a done deal.” Not usually a shy guy, Wesley turns his eyes down, hoping that his response was worthy enough of a good story or anything of the sort.

“I know that traditionally maybe I’m not the perfect fit. I don’t have a family to reciprocate for you and even if I did, they certainly don’t share the same cultural values. We don’t really talk about it either, but your religion sort of scared me too. Not the religion itself, just the worry that maybe I wouldn’t be right for you because of it, and I’ll seriously look into it if that’s a concern in the back of your head. I want you to know that I want our kids to live with the same cultural too, I’m not going to strip you of that or not raise them with the knowledge of where their Father came from. I can promise you that.” Finally Wes looked up at Drew, licking his lips quickly. “I’ll do anything to see you happy.”

Under the Mistletoe

He’s an ugly mess of laughter and tears when his boy–his fiance is helping place the ring onto his finger but Drew only caught staring at his face while he does that. He’s– this man, this man before him wanted to be with him for the rest of their lives. He wanted to start a family with him. He wanted a structure, a foundation, a life that revolved around the love that they held for one another. It’s more than Drew would’ve ever expected. It wasn’t like he believed it was too soon or not soon enough because the timing, the place, everything about it was done so thoughtfully and Drew couldn’t get over how that affected the state of his heart.

His cold hands are finding themselves against Wesley’s broad shoulders, gripping his fingers against him as he kisses Wesley with the taste of salt water pressed against his lips from the tears he had spilled moments ago. He wants to say something, be a shit and complain about how much of a dick Wesley was for making him cry, but he doesn’t even have the heart to do that just then, too taken by the way their lips part and his forehead leans against Wesley’s for a moment, the new-found heaviness of his ring finger being something he couldn’t help but run his thumb over. When the hug comes, Drew wastes no time in angling his head towards Wesley’s neck, pressing a tender kiss to the exposed skin before he’s snuggling into his boyfriend with his arms underneath the trench coat. “Love you forever and always.” Drew speaks softly, inhaling and exhaling feeling rubbing away any excess moisture against Wesley’s coat.

He sniffs softly before they part from the hug, his eyes immediately going to the soaked knee and while Drew wipes his face a final time, he smiles before he’s nodding his head in agreement. “Stop.” Drew has to find himself saying, turning to Wes as they walk back towards the family home, his left hand coming up as he examines the ring once more. “I love it, alright?” His hazel eyes turn back towards Wes. Stopping before the front door, Drew wastes no time in throwing his arms around Wesley’s neck, kissing him with a need so deep within him. He’d throw his legs around Wesley’s waist if he wasn’t in front of his parents place, a laugh at the thought parting their lips. “Been waiting for what?” Drew asks after Wes, unsure of himself while he watches the male fade up the stairs. “Wesley!” He calls out a second time but it’s futile. Once they’re inside the warmth of the home, he stops, fingers playing with the new ring, turning it and taking account how well it suited him. He was engaged. Drew was engaged with the man of his dreams. How was any of this real?

“Beti!” he’s startled out of his thoughts as the four family members immediately swarm him, eyes immediately going to the ring he’d been caught staring at. The praises and congratulations swarming from left to right. It’s no surprise that he starts crying again as his mother holds him, her reassuring voice in his ear, “He’s going to make you so happy, Sonshine. He loves you so much.” Even his father has moisture building within his eyes and when Drew hugs him, he laughs against his father when he’s hearing his own words. “This is s’posed to be a happy moment, Beti. Smile!” He states, pulling back and Drew having to wipe at his eyes. “I’m going to kill him for making me this goddamn emotional.” Drew finally states, an uproar of laughter filling the room before his mum is handing him a cup of hot chocolate, Drew prying off the beanie and setting it on a table as he waits for Wesley to come back down to join them.

As Wesley’s sifting through his bag, he can hear the commotion start downstairs. While he’s changing trousers, he wonders if it’s wrong of him to not care about that not being his blood family. As soon as the thought comes to his mind it leaves. Those people were going to be his in-laws and that almost made him as happy as the thought of waiting for Drew at the end of an aisle somewhere in the world. God, he didn’t even know how they were going to do the actual wedding, but that was something that they could talk about later, right now all that mattered was getting his body back to normal temperature and celebrating.

Wes follows the chatter into the dining room, trying to ignore the rush of nerves he get once they all stare at him. All at once he feels the girls attach themselves to his sides and the anxiety is instantly gone. Hugs are given out before Wesley makes his way over to the adults. First comes Drew’s Mother, who was in tears herself and Wes tries to think back to those films because, people were supposed to cry this much, right? She starts to go on about how beautiful the diamonds were and just how happy she was for the two of them, Drew’s Father waiting his turn. “Took you long enough, don’t you think?” Wes smiles shyly at the comment, shrugging and taking a seat next to Drew. Quickly the older woman goes to fetch Wesley his own warm cup. “Asked us for permission months ago, huh Wes?”

It was just always something that Wesley thought was the right thing to do, respectful. He knew that the Malik’s loved him, but allowing him to marry their son was something completely different. “I guess I just had to wait for the right moment and I knew it would be best if all of you were close, so the holiday’s just seemed like the right time.” Wes thanked Tricia as she brought him his cup, making sure that Drew wasn’t crying anymore.

Under the Mistletoe

For every step they take, there’s a crunch of the snow underneath their feet, filling in the gaps of silence as he sees his exhaled breath go up in waves of smoke. Regardless of the fact that he was born and raised in Bradford, it was a bit mad how he still hadn’t acclimated to the weather regardless of the years. The chilly air was always felt biting at his fingers, reddening his nose and chattering his teeth. It was more the reason for him to step closer into Wesley, wanting Wesley’s warmth to transfer onto him despite the lack of clothes that kept them apart. The mere fact that Wesley is taking that time to talk so highly of his family, of what he’s been brought into because of Drew, it’s enough to send a shiver down his spine not only from the cold but from the tone that Wesley carries his words with such honesty and love that Drew could only dream for before Wesley had come around. He smiles softly, having to gaze elsewhere because Drew’s not one to get sappy with emotions and he’s not about to start now. Instead, he squeezes Wesley’s hand in his own as they continue on their walk.

The silence is comforting, the crunch, crunch, crunch reminding Drew of younger times when he and his family would go outside after a snow day, build snowflakes, snow angels, have snowball fights. It’s those innocent, happy moments that these streets offer him in this weather and it makes Drew wrap his free hand around Wesley’s arm where his hand is linked to Drew’s, resting his chin against Wesley as they continue their chilly walk. It’s a bit mad to think that he’s now been with Wesley for over a year, learning that being without him was something that he wouldn’t ever be able to endure. That Wesley had coaxed Drew into letting someone love him and wouldn’t disappoint him in a way he’d dealt with in his past. Simply being side by side with him as Drew remembered the times he’d constantly told himself he’d never fall in love again, that it was a waste, that people were selfish and only wanted what was good for them. Yet, here he was, heart and soul bared to the man on his arm. He reflects on so much in such a short amount of time.

When Wesley is back to speaking once again, Drew shivers slightly as he pulls away from Wesley, the tone in Wesley’s voice causing Drew to focus even more so on every spoken breath. When Wesley is taking a deep breath, Drew’s eyes are intent on his boyfriend, unsure of where any of this was going. He’s found at a loss of words as everything seems to happen in slow motion, the words, the look of adoration mixed with nerves being set against Wesley’s facial features. He’s got both hands now held by Wesley as they’ve come to a complete stop, Drew furrowed his eyebrows because—“Wes.” He let out softly, listening to the words being spoken to him, constricting at Drew’s heart and a form of anxiety circulating his veins over the anticipation of the unknown. His mind immediately thinking up what Drew had done to elicit this from Wesley, the ever so present What the hell did you do? being asked to himself before.

It’s like deja vu in a sense, reminding him of the night Wesley had asked him if he’d be his boyfriend and now– “Wes?” he breathed out, unable to speak any further coherent thought in his mind as he watched Wesley get down on one knee with a box being pulled open, It was nearly immediate, as realization dawned on him that Drew’s eyes began watering as a hand immediately went to cover at his mouth. It didn’t take long before the tears trickled down the sides of his face, eyebrows furrowing as the declaration of love was being spoken. The promise that he made not only to him but to their future family, their future life. The promise of a forever that Drew could’ve only dreamt of. His sight was blurry and his heart felt tight again his chest, an unsteady breath with the emotions that ran through his veins at the declaration. Wesley wanted to marry him. Wesley wanted to marry him. “Yes.” he spoke through a cracked voice, eyes intent on Wesley’s brown orbs. Letting out a forced laugh as he nodded his head, forcing more tears to spill. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Wesley.”

Time slows down on the wintery sidewalk where the two are experiencing the most meaningful moment of their lives. Then again, maybe truly that was when they met, exchanged not so heartfelt words, but glances that meant more. Wesley was getting what he had always thought was impossible, never meant for him and honestly nothing that he went looking for in the first place. This perfect man who was stood before him fell into his lap by whatever higher power existed and now he got to keep and cherish him forever.

“Pretty sure I’m supposed to put this on now before I stand up, but I’ve just seen it in films, so I don’t know exactly...” Wes trails off in his nervous rambling, taking the ring out and fumbling as he remembers which finger he’s meant to slip the ring onto. Once its on, he’s admiring the way that the diamonds shine and the contradiction of black. Eyes go back to up Drew’s and he sees the tears, which causes him to immediately stand up and pocket the box. “Hey, it’s ok, I’m here and it’s all good, yeah?” His accent is gentle, making sure not to set Drew off anymore. Leaning forward, he connects their lips, hoping that it would calm the other. “Please no tears, just smiles.” Using the pads of his thumbs after they’ve pulled away, Wes wipes away the tears. He gives his fiance a hug, holding him tight and rubbing his back for more comfort. “I love you so much, this means the world to me. Thank you for wanting the same.”

Wesley stays glued to Drew for at least another minute, but the slight breeze is killing his soaked knee. “Come on, let’s go back inside so that we can have some tea and I can change.” He wipes away the newest set of tears, forcing himself to see these as happy and not the sad that his mind initially leans towards. Like before, Wes tugs Drew back towards the direction that they came, fingers holding on to the other’s with a death grip. “I know that it’s not the most traditional of rings, but I thought it fit well for you and honestly? Looking at it on you after all this time, it’s more than I could have ever asked for.” When they get back to the Malik household, Wesley stops them at the top step and kisses Drew with everything he has. With one hand on the doorknob, Wes turns to Drew one last time. “They’ve been waiting for this for months.” He tries his hardest for a charming wink before turning the handle and walking into a wall of warmth and all eyes their way. “I’m gonna go change my trousers real fast,” Wes whispers the words before leaving Drew be with his family to go upstairs to their luggage.

Under the Mistletoe

Wesley never fails to make Drew feel like he hasn’t fucked up. That every little effort he makes doesn’t go unappreciated. And it’s that mere fact that always squeezes against his chest because Wesley might be able to buy himself everything he would like, but yet he acts as if gifts given to him hold so much more value than they actually do. He can see the look of warmth as his parents smile among themselves before their eyes turn back to Wesley with joy. Wesley really is already apart of the family and it shows in the mannerism his family hold towards him. The blatant fact that they wanted Wesley around a second Christmas with Drew’s mum making what she realized had been Wesley’s favorite dish the first time around, in a much bigger batch. All of the small realizations of what a beautiful family Drew had found himself in makes his insides uncharacteristically flutter with a happiness he never knew he could have.

After the grateful hug he’s received from Wesley in terms of the tickets, Drew grins with a hand rubbing against his boyfriends back, chin resting at his shoulder before he softly laughs, a soft “I love you too. You’re welcome.” following. When they part and Wesley’s attention seems to go elsewhere, he’s helping point out the button Safaa needs to turn on the hover board, a laugh following as she lets out a whiny “Where?” before Waliyha is at her side, helping their little sister out. His attention turns back to Wesley as he begins speaking, an immediate nod to his head before he’s going along with Wesley’s light pull off the couch. “Yeah, okay.” he tells Wes before turning to his parents. “We’ll be right back, yeah?” He manages to his parents, watching them smile and nod in agreement as they cover up from head to toe. “Be safe!” he hears his mum call out as he steps out after Wesley, a hand instinctively wanting to thread with Wesley’s.

“Were you getting overwhelmed in there?” Drew asks with a smug smile as he looks over to Wesley, walking in sync with his boyfriend before he’s turning to look at the path before them. “Told you, no matter how many times you visit them, it doesn’t get any easier.” He teased, licking at his dry lips before his free hand is helping tug the beanie down further to cover at his ears. “Are you having a good time at least?” He asks, hazel eyes staring over once again to catch Wesley’s expression.

“Overwhelmed?” Wes tilts his head to the side just enough to be able to catch Drew’s eyes. “I think you’ve got the wrong guy. Ok yeah, maybe overwhelmed with happiness, but not with a negative emotion. God no.” Tucking his left hand into his jacket pocket, Wes felt the bitter cold of the Bradford night and tightened his grip on Drew’s hand, deciding then that this needed to go quickly before they froze to death. “I can’t believe you still say that after all this time. You see how much I enjoy myself, does that not count for something?” It’s a hint of humour that Wes needs to let out now that he feels the nerves really start to surface once again, this time worse than ever. “I’ve always wished for something that you have and now...I guess now I sort of feel like I have it in a way. They’ll never be blood, but it’s the next best thing and besides finding you, it was a piece that was needing to be filled.” It wasn’t really possible, but Wes did his best to walk even closer to his boyfriend, conscious of the fact that he didn’t want the other man to be able to feel the box burning a hole through the luxurious material.

They keep under the light posts that line Drew’s childhood streets, making sure to avoid any particularly thick patches of snow. He hadn’t noticed how hard his heart was beating before, but in the silence of the night it made itself known. Drew couldn’t hear it, could he? Couldn’t feel it, right? Every few houses were covered with a small amount of lights, giving Wes a distraction for the time being. It wasn’t as if he was having second guesses about anything, it was just that this was really about to happen. He didn’t think that this would ever happen in his life. Wesley was the self-made outcast, bitter at the world, and destined for a life as a government recluse. Drew came around and changed all of that. The single thought had a sudden wave of courage rush through him, Wes stopping them both in their tracks.

“I mean what I say about your family. They’re a gift to me and I-” Deep breath Wes. “I want that for my future, for my children, our...children.” Wes takes his hand out of his pocket and lets it join with his other- still laced with Drew’s - hoping to warm it up that much more. “Everything that you are and everything that you come with, I want that. You’re the most beautiful, authentic man that there is. I don’t just want it for now, I’m not that type anymore. I need you every day, for the rest of my life.” Shaky, but sturdy all the same, Wes pulled away from Drew just enough so that his hands were free to pull out the box and give him space to kneel down; snow and ripped jeans or not, he was getting down. “I know it’s cold and wet, but I will kneel here before you, in this spot and beg for as long as you need.” As if words were wishes, Wes began to feel the snow numb his exposed knees, the wetness having set in the second he hit the white powder. “I love you more than any other person could, I promise you that. I will take the rest of my days to prove that to you and to be the best Father that you could ever imagine. I could stay here and talk and talk about all the promises I want to make, but really, I just want you...and me.” One last deep breath and he was opening the box, “please make that happen for us. Will you marry me?” Looking up at Drew, he hoped that his eyes held enough conviction and would elicit the single word he had dreamed of.

#photos #wes' proposal outfit

sstyles

Under the Mistletoe

As the night slowly settles from one of excitement and high energies, after the food has completely been devoured as much as could be, it’s no surprise that they’re left to sit around the living room couch with the Christmas tree off to an edge of the room with presents under it. They might not traditionally celebrate it the way that many people do, but it was nice of Drew’s parents to allow a small tradition into their home especially now having a partner who was all about during these holiday seasons. But that definitely doesn’t mean that they’re in any way abiding to the exact rules of Christmas.

It’s not even 9 PM and they’re already opening gifts, the sound of wrapping paper being pulled apart followed by the mess that comes with it. He watches in delight when his sisters are pulling out Wesley’s gifts, the excitement evident when they’re immediately opening the box, asking their father to help set the board up. Drew’s tucked into Wesley on the couch as it’s all happening, laughing when his father mutters a playful “Wes just had to one-up us” causing Drew to grin up at his boyfriend before he’s placing a kiss to his jawline before looking back at the scene before him.

He has to eventually move back as Wesley starts to speak to him. It has Drew’s eyebrows raising in lack of knowledge over whats to come and while he says he hates the extent in which he gets spoiled for Wesley, it definitely never goes unappreciated. He chuckles softly along with his sisters snickering and mum and dad’s own laughter feet away but Drew’s too focused on Wesley, extending out his hands and reaching for the gift. After a few brief moments of unwrapping, he’s left staring at the original packaging, laughing to himself before he’s showing it off to his family. “God, Wes, you’re never gonna get him to shut up now.” Waliyha speaks out and it makes Saf giggle into her hands. “Hush it, you.” He tosses back with angry eyebrows before he’s looking back at the box, amusement in his eyes as he’s turning to Wes and tossing his arms around him for a hug. “Thank you, babe.” he mumbles into his neck before he’s letting go.

“We got you something, too.” Drew admits, getting up from his spot and thanking Safaa who had already taken hold of the 8 by 5 box wrapped in light blue with snowflakes sprinkling the decorative paper that Drew very well knew held two dinosaur egg candles that he’d seen Wesley eyeballing one too many times. Something the girls had agreed to get him while his mum and dad had just gotten him a nice jumper, despite the fact that Drew had warned her that Italy was much warmer than England. Drew’s holding off on his own gift, the envelope placed deep within the box that held two tickets for a trip to New York for New Years, something he hadn’t really discussed with Wes but had hoped Wesley would be willing to commit to.

Taking in the scene around him, Wesley couldn’t help but sink back into his seat on the sofa just that little bit more. It was comfort and the sound of home, even if his new house was thousands of miles away. To him, this was a new kind of home that would always be there for him, that much he was sure of. “Thank you very much.” Taking the box from the two girls, Wes pretended to shake it for a guessing game, going on to ripping off the paper and open the tapped up box. After having gutted the box of the tissue paper, he was met with the candles. “Seriously!?” He almost asks how they knew that he wanted these, but he held back because the man next to him had that all knowing smirk painted on his face that gave away the answer. “I’m- this is the best gift hands down, thank you.” It goes without saying that this is Wes’ only gift he received this season, but even if it wasn’t, the amount of appreciation and genuine joy would still have been the same. “As soon as we get home I’m going to light one. In fact we’ll set up a camera and have it record the whole thing and then I’ll speed it up later and send you the video, sound good?” Wesley’s still turning the boxes around in his hands, but he glances up for a moment to gage their reactions, going back to examining when he gets excited nods.

Just as he’s about to put the box down to the side, he’s met with a quick response: “there’s more!” Safaa’s words warrant a confused look, but Wesley fishes the rest of the paper out of the box and finds an envelope with his name written on it in his boyfriend’s handwriting. Looking over at Drew, Wes couldn’t help but reach over to give him a quick kiss to the cheek before peeling open his present. It’s almost as if he’s having dejavu from his birthday when he sees the plane tickets, eyes immediately scanning the words to see their destination. “New York? We’re going to New York?” And there’s excitement clear as day in his tone, but the “for New Years!?” sort of wins when it comes to enthusiasm. It doesn’t matter that they’re at his parents, Drew is receiving the largest hug of all time once Wes discards the paper back into the box. “Thank you, thank you so much. I’ve always wanted to go there and see the ball drop and experience the whole thing. I love you, thank you.”

He takes a few moments to let it all just sink in before his jacket comes into view, hanging on the coat rack near the door and it’s like he can see the small box through the material. When he looks back to the rest of the room, it seems like they’ve all busied themselves with trying to open the hover boards. Perfect. “Before we settle down for the night, do you maybe want to go for a walk? Get some fresh air since we’ve been in all day?” It’s all it takes for Drew’s Mother to whip her head back towards them, as if she knew that was the cue. “Promise it won’t be for long and you can wear my scarf if you need.” Wes is already getting up and pulling Drew with him, headed for the door where their boots and coats are waiting.

Under the Mistletoe

“Anyone up for desert?” The voice is ringing to their ears as Drew’s mum pushes her chair back, the sound of the legs of the chair scraping against the wooden floors. The girls are immediately making a commotion as they let out their excitement, also pushing their chairs back to help with their mum. Drew gets up as well, but only to start cleaning up the now empty plates, a grin on his face at the conversation his father is holding with his boyfriend. “Baba, that’s such shit.” He laughs, shaking his head as he reaches out for the plate before his father. “I fell off my bed, like, three times when I was a kid.” He explains to Wesley with a playful roll to his eyes. “He’s completely trying to make me look bad. I was not that in love with sleeping on the floor.”

Once he’s gathered all of that he can manage, he excuses himself out of the room, knowing well that he could leave his boyfriend and father in the same room without a problem to help set everything in the sink. Waliyha wastes no time in coming up to his side, big brown eyes looking up at him in question. “What?” he questions her, turning on the faucet to let the water run over the dishes. “What’d Wes get us for Christmas?” She asks with a grin on her face. All it takes is Drew to put a hand to her face, forcing her to look away as he shakes his head. “Nice try.” He comments, Waliyha groaning in annoyance before their mum is calling Waliyha to help take out the cheesecake. With light laughter, his mum is at his side and Drew’s laughter dies out as she looks up at him with an adoration that reminds Drew of how blessed he is being apart of this family.

“Oh, Andrew.” she begins, a hand cradling his cheek. “What, ma?” he questions, a smile on his face. “I’m just so proud of ya’.” She says softly and it causes Drew to furrow his eyebrow in confusion because what had he done worth being proud of recently? “Are you going to start crying?” Drew asks and that seems to ruin the moment, a hand swatting at his arm before Andrew is lightly tugging her in for a hug, rubbing at her back. “Love you, ma.” “Love you, Sonshine.” she returns before she’s letting go and nudging her head back towards the diner. “Go on before your father scares my favorite boy away.” Drew doesn’t need any explanation to know she’s talking about Wesley and it’s enough for him to get melodramatic. “I thought I was your favorite.” He states, before she’s swatting him out of the room, laughter following as he makes his way back towards the dining room. It doesn’t even take a second guess before Drew’s going up behind the chair Wesley is say at, arms going around Wes’ shoulders before he’s leaning down. “Mum’s trying to disown me for you.” He mutters, kissing his cheek before he’s letting go and finding his place in the chair next to him. “She’s not the only one.” he hears his father speak and that’s enough to get giggles from the girls before Drew’s left flabbergasted. “The disrespect.”

It’s nothing new for Wes to be welcomed with open arms the second that the two boys are walking up the driveway, but he stills let the warmth wash over him for as long as the feeling will allow him. It had been almost 4 months since the couple had seen the Malik’s and for Wes, that was 4 months too long. He was an adoptive son, or at least that was how it felt to him, and for sons to be away that long from their family, no, that was too much; he wonders how Drew makes it through.

As usual, the food during their stay was amazing, Wes definitely making it known to the head chef and her helpers. He always insisted that he put in some effort, but it was relentlessly met with a wave of the hand back towards Drew. On this special night, Wes was starting to feel the nerves build up and for once he was sort of glad that he was waved away. Even waiting for dessert with Drew’s father was seen to Wes as more time to relax and gather his bearings. Article after article advised to think positively and focus on your breathing, the latter being his best friend at the moment. Drew’s to blame for bringing him out of his peaceful headspace, however the nature of his identity brings back more of the calm.

Everyone seems to be all smiles as the family sits down for the last of the food, Wes interjecting when necessary and telling stories of his own, like that one time he mistook sour cream for cream cheese and delivered them to the next door neighbors for a ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ gift. It was the thought that counts, right? That exact statement was running through his head when he excused himself to go gather everyone’s gifts. Respectful as always, Wes went along with Drew’s parents first. “I tried to find the most authentic thing that I could considering we live in Italy and our prize possession is coffee.” By the smiles on their faces and the look of gratefulness, Wes knows that he didn’t fuck that one up. “And of course I didn’t forget you girls.” Pointing to the boxes stacked against the wall, Wes held his breath as the paper was ripped off and the hover boards revealed. Gasps were all that he needed to hear to get that satisfaction, but it was the last person waiting that Wes really only cared about. “You know that I told you I got you something that I have to give you back home, but I’m a bit weak when it comes to you.” That said, Wes sets a small box that holds the shower speaker he thought would be a fun gift and a larger bag carrying the backpack that just screamed Drew when he saw it.

Are you really asking me that?

I sure am

C’mon, you know I love you.