Lucien didn't answer right away.
The question didn't just sit in the room. It settled. Like dust in sunlight, like something invisible but impossible to ignore. It stretched across the apartment, slipping between the flowers, the taped photos, the uneven edges of carefully cut letters on the window. It tangled itself in the dim glow of the lamps, in the faint city noise leaking through the glass, in the quiet, almost fragile space between them.
Even the air felt heavier.
Lucien could hear his own heartbeat.
Too loud.
Too present.
He looked at Adrián.
But this time, he didn't just glance at him.
He studied him.
The slight stiffness in his posture, like he was trying to look casual and failing miserably. The way his fingers twitched every few seconds, like they didn't know what to do without something to hold onto. The way his eyes stayed locked on Lucien, but there was something underneath that gaze.
Not fear.
Not exactly.
But close enough.
Hope, maybe.
Hope with edges.
Lucien swallowed.
His throat felt dry.
His chest… tight, but not painful. Just full. Like something had been building there for days and didn't quite know how to come out yet.
—Adrián…
His voice came out softer than he expected.
Rough around the edges.
He took a step forward.
The floor didn't creak, but it felt like it should have.
Then another.
Slow.
Measured.
Like moving too fast might break the moment into pieces they wouldn't be able to put back together.
—I told you… I needed time.
Adrián nodded immediately.
Too fast.
Like he had been waiting for that exact sentence.
—I know. I know, I just— I didn't mean to pressure you, I just thought maybe—
—I'm not done.
Lucien didn't raise his voice.
But it still stopped him.
Cleanly.
Like a hand placed gently on his chest.
Adrián closed his mouth.
The silence returned.
But this time, it wasn't sharp.
It was… softer.
Looser.
Lucien exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his hair, fingers catching slightly before falling back into place. His gaze drifted around the apartment again, taking everything in with more attention now.
The flowers.
Too many.
Definitely too many.
The balloons that hovered slightly uneven near the ceiling.
The photos.
God, the photos.
Some of them were blurry. Some were clearly taken when he wasn't paying attention. One of them—he narrowed his eyes slightly—was from the library.
He didn't even know that one existed.
And the letters on the window.
Slightly crooked.
Very Adrián.
Something in his chest twisted.
Warm.
Embarrassing.
Too much.
—You're an idiot.
Adrián blinked.
—…What?
Lucien rolled his eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. Just… familiarity.
—Who does all this?
He gestured vaguely around them, his hand moving through the air like he didn't even know where to begin.
—Who decorates their entire apartment like some kind of… desperate romantic cliché?
Adrián opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Then tried again.
—Okay, first of all—
Lucien didn't even let him finish.
—You literally faked being sick.
He raised an eyebrow.
—That's low.
—Okay, first of all—Adrián started again, more defensive now, grabbing onto the argument like it was safer than whatever else was happening— I didn't fake it that bad—
—You said you had a fever.
—I could've had one.
—You didn't.
—You don't know that.
Lucien just stared at him.
Blank.
Unimpressed.
Adrián held the look for exactly two seconds before his shoulders dropped slightly.
—…Okay, yeah, I didn't.
A small pause.
And then—
Lucien laughed.
It wasn't loud.
Wasn't exaggerated.
But it was real.
Soft and sudden, like it slipped out before he could stop it.
And just like that—
Something shifted.
The tension didn't disappear.
But it… loosened.
Like a knot finally giving in.
Adrián let out a breath, quiet but noticeable, like his lungs had been waiting for permission to work properly again.
Lucien shook his head slightly, stepping closer.
Once.
Then again.
Until the space between them felt… almost nonexistent.
—You're unbelievable.
—You came.
Lucien paused.
That wasn't what he expected.
Adrián's voice had changed.
Quieter.
Stripped of teasing.
—You came anyway.
Lucien looked at him.
Really looked.
Something about that landed deeper than it should have.
He glanced down for a second, then back up, his expression shifting just slightly.
—You said you were sick.
—Still came.
Lucien huffed under his breath, like he was annoyed, but there was something in his eyes that betrayed him completely.
Something warm.
Something new.
—Don't make it sound like that means anything.
—It does.
—It doesn't.
—It does.
Lucien exhaled sharply, fighting a smile that was already there.
—You're so annoying.
—And yet—
Adrián tilted his head just slightly.
—You're still here.
Silence.
But this time…
It wasn't heavy.
It wasn't suffocating.
It was… steady.
Lucien looked at him.
At the way he stood there, trying not to look like he was waiting for everything at once.
At everything he had already risked.
At the fact that he hadn't taken anything back.
Not the kiss.
Not the confession.
Not the way he was looking at him right now.
And for the first time in days—
Lucien felt… calm.
No noise in his head.
No spiraling thoughts.
Just something clear.
Simple.
He stepped closer.
Close enough that Adrián stopped moving entirely.
Like even breathing might ruin it.
—You said something before.
Lucien's voice dropped slightly.
—That if I felt uncomfortable… I could just stop talking to you.
Adrián's expression shifted.
Less hopeful.
More careful.
—Yeah.
Lucien tilted his head just slightly, his gaze steady.
—That was stupid.
—Wow, okay, I'm getting attacked today—
—I'm serious.
That stopped him again.
Completely.
Lucien didn't look away.
Didn't soften it.
—You don't get to decide that for me.
A pause.
—You don't get to just… walk out of my life like that because you're scared I might reject you.
Adrián's lips parted slightly.
But nothing came out.
—That's not how this works.
Lucien's voice softened just a little.
—Not with me.
Something in Adrián's expression cracked.
Not broken.
Just… open.
—So no—I'm not going anywhere.
A heartbeat.
Another.
Lucien exhaled slowly.
—And… I did think about it.
Adrián's eyes flickered.
—About… us.
The word lingered.
Fragile.
Unfamiliar.
But not unwelcome.
Lucien's lips curved slightly.
Barely there.
—A lot, actually.
—And?
It came out almost like a whisper.
Like he didn't want to scare the answer away.
Lucien looked at him.
Long.
Steady.
Then—
—You're still an idiot.
Adrián let out a quiet groan, dragging a hand down his face.
—This is not sounding promising—
—But—
Lucien cut in, just enough.
And this time—
He didn't hesitate.
—I don't want you to stop.
Silence.
Adrián blinked.
—…What?
Lucien's cheeks flushed faintly, but he didn't step back.
Didn't break eye contact.
—All of this.
He gestured between them, slower now.
—You. Me. Whatever this is.
His voice softened.
—I don't want it to stop.
Adrián stared at him like his brain needed a second to catch up.
—So…?
Lucien rolled his eyes, but there was something unmistakably gentle in the gesture now.
—So yes.
The word landed quietly.
But it echoed.
—Yes… you can be my boyfriend.
For a second—
Nothing moved.
Adrián didn't blink.
Didn't breathe.
Like the world had paused just to make sure he heard it right.
Then—
—Wait.
He blinked.
—Wait, actually?
Lucien frowned slightly.
—No, I said it for fun—
—No, no, don't do that, don't take it back—
Lucien huffed, but the smile was there now. Fully.
—Yes, Adrián.
A beat.
—Idiot.
And that—
That broke everything open.
Adrián laughed under his breath, stepping forward like gravity had finally decided to work again.
His hand reached for Lucien's wrist first.
Careful.
Slow.
Like he was still asking.
Lucien didn't pull away.
Didn't even hesitate.
So Adrián stepped closer.
And closer.
Until there was no space left to question anything.
—Boyfriend, huh?
Lucien raised a brow.
—Don't make it weird.
—I'm absolutely going to make it weird.
—Adrián—
—but like, in a good way—
Lucien grabbed his sleeve, pulling him just slightly closer, his fingers tightening just enough.
—Shut up.
And this time—
Adrián did.
No teasing.
No comeback.
Just quiet.
Because Lucien was right there.
Close.
Warm.
Real.
And smiling in a way that felt… different.
Softer.
Like something had settled into place.
And maybe—
Just maybe—
This time…
Neither of them was going anywhere.
Lucien didn't pull away.
But he didn't move closer either.
He just… stayed there.
Close enough to feel Adrián's breath, to notice the slight warmth coming off his skin, to hear the faint, uneven rhythm of his breathing. His fingers were still curled lightly in Adrián's sleeve, like he hadn't even realized he never let go.
Adrián swallowed.
For once—
No teasing.
No quick remarks.
No smug little smile.
Just something quieter.
Careful.
—Hey…
His voice came out lower than usual.
Softer.
Like he was stepping into something fragile.
Lucien's gaze lifted slightly, meeting his, a flicker of curiosity and something unreadable passing through his eyes.
Adrián hesitated.
Not because he didn't want to.
But because he did.
Too much.
And for the first time, that made him cautious.
—Can I… ask you something?
Lucien blinked, a little thrown off by the tone.
But he nodded.
Slow.
—Yeah.
Adrián exhaled through his nose, his hand hovering near Lucien's waist like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to touch him again yet.
Then, just barely—
He leaned in a little closer.
Not enough to close the distance.
Just enough to make the question feel real.
—Can I… kiss you?
He said it slowly.
Each word deliberate.
Measured.
Like he was giving Lucien time to stop him at any second.
Like he wanted him to, if he needed to.
Lucien's breath caught.
Just for a second.
His eyes flickered down.
Then back up.
Adrián didn't move.
Didn't rush.
Didn't assume.
He just stayed there.
Waiting.
And for once—
Lucien was the one holding all the control.
The room felt smaller.
Quieter.
Like everything else had stepped outside and shut the door behind them.
Lucien swallowed, his grip on Adrián's sleeve tightening just a little.
—You're… asking now?
There was a hint of something in his voice.
Not annoyance.
Not really.
Something softer.
Almost shy.
Adrián huffed a quiet breath, the corner of his lips lifting just slightly.
—Yeah.
A small pause.
—Thought I'd try something new.
Lucien rolled his eyes.
But he didn't step back.
Didn't let go.
—You're unbelievable
—i like you
Adrián murmured, just a little close.
Lucien exhaled, shaking his head like he was trying to hide the way his lips were starting to curve.
—Shut up.
But there was no bite to it.
Not anymore.
A beat passed.
Then another.
Lucien's voice came quieter this time.
Barely above a whisper.
—…You can.
That was all Adrián needed.
He didn't rush.
Didn't crash into him like before.
This time—
He moved slowly.
One hand finally settling at Lucien's waist, gentle but steady, like he had permission now… but still didn't want to take too much.
He tilted his head slightly.
Paused—
Just a breath away.
Giving him one last chance.
Lucien didn't move.
Didn't hesitate.
So Adrián closed the distance.
Soft.
Careful.
Like he was learning him for the first time.
And maybe—
He was
He kissed him like something precious.
Not rushed.
Not careless.
But slow… and impossibly gentle.
The kind of kiss that didn't try to take, only to feel.
Adrián's lips moved softly against Lucien's, warm and careful, like he was still asking even now, like every second of it depended on whether Lucien wanted to stay there.
And Lucien did.
He didn't pull away.
Didn't freeze.
Instead, he melted into it—just slightly—his fingers tightening in Adrián's shirt as if grounding himself in something real, something that had finally stopped being just a thought and turned into this.
This moment.
This them.
Adrián's hand rested at his waist, light at first, almost hesitant… but as the seconds passed, his grip grew steadier. Not firm, not demanding—just certain. Like he was allowing himself, little by little, to believe this was real too.
That Lucien wasn't going anywhere.
That he didn't have to hold back anymore.
The kiss stayed soft.
Sweet.
Almost quiet.
Like a promise spoken without words.
Lucien exhaled softly against his lips, his shoulders relaxing, the tension he'd been carrying for days slipping away without him even noticing. His free hand hovered for a second—unsure—before finally resting against Adrián's chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath his palm.
Alive.
Close.
His.
Adrián pulled back just a fraction, barely enough to breathe, his forehead almost brushing Lucien's, their noses still close, breaths mixing.
For a second, neither of them spoke.
Because anything they could say would feel smaller than what just happened.
Adrián let out a quiet breath, a faint, almost disbelieving smile tugging at his lips.
—So…
His voice came out softer than usual.
—This means I don't have to pretend anymore, right?
Lucien rolled his eyes, but there was no hiding the warmth in his expression now.
—You were terrible at pretending anyway.
A small pause.
Then, quieter—
—…Idiot.
But this time, it sounded a lot like mine.
Adrián huffed a quiet laugh, his thumb brushing absentmindedly against Lucien's side, still not quite ready to let go.
—Good.
Another pause.
Then, softer—
—Because I really like you.
Lucien didn't answer right away.
He just looked at him.
Close.
Steady.
And instead of saying it—
He leaned in first this time.
Just enough to press a small, lingering kiss against his lips again
Adrián pulled away just enough to look at him.
For a second, he just stared—like he was trying to memorize every detail. The way Lucien's lips were still slightly parted, the faint flush on his cheeks, the softness in his eyes that hadn't been there before.
And then something in him snapped.
Not in a bad way.
In a holy shit this is real way.
He let out a quiet, breathless laugh, running a hand through his already messy hair, pacing a step back like he suddenly had too much energy in his body and nowhere to put it.
—Lucien is my boyfriend.
He said it under his breath at first.
Then again.
—Lucien is my boyfriend.
A little louder.
He looked at him again, eyes wide, almost disbelieving, like he expected this to disappear if he blinked too long.
—Lucien is—my boyfriend.
By the third time, he was half smiling, half in shock, pacing in a small circle like his brain was buffering.
Lucien just stood there, watching him with a mix of disbelief and secondhand embarrassment creeping up his spine.
—You're insane.
Adrián pointed at him immediately, like that only proved his point.
—No, you don't get it.
He stepped closer again, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret that could shake the universe.
—You're my boyfriend.
Lucien rolled his eyes, but the corner of his lips betrayed him.
—Yes, Adrián. That's how this works.
Adrián shook his head, still smiling like an idiot, then suddenly reached out and grabbed a small strand of Lucien's hair between his fingers, gently tugging it.
—Ow—Lucien frowned slightly, swatting his hand—What was that for?
Adrián looked at him, completely serious for once.
—Just checking.
—Checking what?
A pause.
Then, softer—
—That I'm not dreaming.
Lucien blinked.
The teasing response died on his tongue.
For a second, the world felt… quiet again.
Then he sighed, stepping closer, grabbing the front of Adrián's shirt and pulling him down just enough to press a quick kiss to his lips.
—Still not a dream.
He murmured against him.
Adrián froze for half a second.
Then smiled again.
But this time—
softer.
_________________________________________
The next morning felt… different.
Not loud. Not chaotic.
Just soft.
Adrián woke up earlier than usual, the sunlight barely slipping through the curtains of his apartment. For a moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling, a slow smile spreading across his face as everything from the night before came rushing back.
—Lucien is my boyfriend.
He whispered it again, half into his pillow, like he still couldn't believe it.
Then he suddenly sat up.
There was no way—no way—he was showing up empty-handed.
He dragged himself out of bed, hair completely messy, still half asleep, and went straight to the kitchen. The process wasn't exactly graceful. He burned the first batch of toast. Almost dropped a plate. Stared at the coffee maker like it had personally offended him.
But he tried.
Carefully.
Because it was for him.
By the time he finished, the tray looked… decent enough. Toast, eggs, fruit, and coffee. Nothing fancy, but it felt meaningful in a way Adrián couldn't quite explain.
He grabbed the tray, took a deep breath, and headed out.
Up the stairs.
To Lucien's apartment.
He didn't knock.
Of course he didn't.
He had a key.
The door opened quietly, and the apartment was still. Calm. Wrapped in that early-morning silence that made everything feel slower.
Adrián stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him, balancing the tray carefully before walking toward Lucien's room.
And there he was.
Still asleep.
Blankets slightly tangled, hair falling over his face, breathing slow and even.
Adrián stopped at the doorway.
For a moment… he didn't move.
Just watched him.
Like if he got too close, the moment might break.
Something warm settled in his chest. Not excitement this time. Not nerves.
Something softer.
He walked in quietly, setting the tray down on the bedside table without making a sound, then sat on the edge of the bed.
Still watching him.
A few seconds passed.
Maybe more.
Then, gently, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from Lucien's face.
Leaning just a little closer, voice low, almost a whisper—
—Good morning, boyfriend.
Lucien stirred slightly, brows knitting for a second before his eyes slowly opened, still heavy with sleep.
He blinked.
Once.
Twice.
And then focused on him.
There was a pause.
Like his brain was catching up.
Then—
—…Adrián?
His voice was rough, quiet.
Adrián smiled, softer than usual.
—Yeah.
A small tilt of his head.
—Still your boyfriend.
Lucien stared at him for a second longer…
then reached out, grabbing his wrist lazily and pulling him down just enough to rest his forehead against his.
Eyes half closed again.
—You're annoying.
He murmured.
But he didn't let go.
Not even a little.
Adrián didn't wait for a response this time.
Before Lucien could even finish blinking awake, he leaned in—quick, precise—and stole a kiss.
Soft. Brief.
But intentional.
Lucien froze, the surprise catching him right in the middle of a breath.
—…Adrián—
But Adrián was already pulling away, like it was nothing, like it hadn't just shifted the entire atmosphere of the room.
He stood up smoothly and walked toward the tray, completely unfazed.
—Stay there.
Lucien narrowed his eyes slightly, still processing, still feeling the ghost of that kiss lingering on his lips.
—You're unbelievable.
Adrián ignored that.
He picked up the plate, adjusted it like it actually mattered, and walked back with that same calm confidence, like he hadn't just committed emotional theft twice in under a minute.
He sat on the edge of the bed and handed it to him.
—Eat.
Lucien took the plate, still watching him.
—You just kissed me and robbed me.
Adrián shrugged lightly.
—Balanced.
A small pause.
Then he leaned in just a little again, closer this time, voice softer—but firm in that way that didn't leave room for argument.
—That's breakfast.
Lucien blinked.
Adrián held his gaze, a faint smile forming, eyes warm, certain.
—Why?
He tilted his head slightly, like the answer was obvious.
—Because you're my boyfriend.
Lucien opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Adrián didn't let him interrupt this time.
—And I told you already.
His hand came up, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Lucien's face, fingers lingering just a second too long.
—You are my boyfriend.
A pause.
His thumb traced lightly against Lucien's temple, softer now, quieter—
—You're still my boyfriend.
And then, almost under his breath, but steady—
—You'll always be my boyfriend.
Lucien stared at him for a long second.
Then looked down at the plate.
Then back at him.
A slow exhale.
—You're insane.
Adrián smiled.
Not teasing.
Not mocking.
Just… happy.
—Yeah.
A beat.
—Insane for you...