Cloud

I MET JOHNATHAN FRAKE$ AND BRENT $PINER AND DAVlD TENNANT AND JlM CUMMlNGS AND I AM DEAD-

*ahem* I went to con yesterday and omgomgomgomgomgomg-

Guys.

GUYS.

THEYRE SO FREAKING NICE😭

I went to see Brənt first, his line was surprisingly short, but I fumbled the bag, but he was so sweet, he told me it was OK and that I didn't fumble anything. And I took a breath and started telling him about how an amazing actor he was and he funny and cool he was, which he laughed, and thanked me, and told me it was all true. And I got to tell him about my Stär Trək journey and how even though TŅG wasn't my favorite, Dat@ was the best part, and he of course agreed and we laughed and I told him how I was sad that he had to die, and he was like "noo, he had to die so he could come back" and I was dying inside. Then we took our picture and we said our goodbyes and I'm like crying inside because I just met freaking Brənt Sp¡ner, that really happened.

And then I went into J0hnathan Fr@kes' line, his was a bit longer than Brənt's and the whole time, I'm like 'don't think about the Will hicfics you've written, don't think about the hicfics you've written' but it helped that I started talking with some of the fellow Trekk¡es in line. But I was next and it was time for him to take a break, so I turn back to talk to the pair I was talking with. This man. THIS MAN. Fr@kes pats my elbow and personally tells me 'I'll be back in ten' and I'm just frozen, jaw dropped, Johnathan freaking Fr@kes just gave me a half hug as he departed. My soul left my body. I'm like "I'm never washing this jacket again." I probably will, just...not for a while- Anyway, he gets back, but I don't notice cuz my back is again towards the table, so this man. This man says "batter up!" and as I'm going up to pick out what I want signed, he's singing baseball songs. I got ready to pay, but they only took cash, so I had to go to the ATM. Thankfully they held my spot and had a separate line for people with the same problem. But finally get to meet this guy. And let me tell you, he's quite the conversationalist. He was like "I'm not just gonna sign this, I'm gonna make you work for it" I laughed and gave him my name, he repeated it and said he loved that name, one of his favorites, and then he asked me what color to make it and then he tested the colors I asked before signing. And then after he finished signing, he asked me why I thought Academy was getting canceled and we both started venting about it about people calling it "woke" and I'm like "you get my pain, you get it" and then he smiled and we took our picture. When we posed, he asked if it was alright to put his hand on my shoulder, and I'm like "...ok, gentleman." But I nodded and said yes and we took our pic. Then I told him I would see him on the cruise, and he excitedly pointed to me and said he'd see me on the cruise. That moment is engraved in my brain for eternity.

Then the friend I went to con with wanted to meet Jim Cumming$ cuz their childhood and I got something for mom cuz she loves P00h. We met some nice queer friends (I was trying to figure it out mentally, but it was confirmed and I'm like hehehe, I do have a gaydar-) anyway, we got to meet him, and I got something signed for my mom cuz I wanted to get her something to cheer her up. As he signed for P00h and T¡gger, he did the voices for both of them and told us to stay sweet as honey and the whole interaction was really sweet🥺

And then after a snack intermission, it was time for the photo op of the century. Dav¡d Tenn@nt, absolute sweetheart. In front of us was this lady in a motorized scooter and he helped her out and guided her to the photo spot. And then it was our turn, my brain completely shut off and the only thing I could do was say hi and ask for a hug and I got to freaking hug Dav¡d Tenn@nt😭 and then we did a group hug and then took our picture and then legit almost cried my eyes out cuz I met the actor of my favorite Doctor from Doctor Wh0, one of the shows of my teenagehood...yes I was a SuperwhoIock fan and Doctor Wh0 was my favorite of the 3. Until CapaIdi came and...that's a whole different story.

TeIemachus slowly fluttered his eyes open, his senses quickly getting overwhelmed by the scent of breakfast being cooked. He groaned as he slowly sat up with a yawn and a stretch. Rubbing his eyes with his fist, he removed the covers from his body, instantly shivering from the cold February air.

Quickly, he grabbed his fuzzy purple house coat, wrapping it around himself. He headed to the bathroom, taking care of his business, before going to investigate what was going on in the kitchen.

“Dori?” His voice rasped as it normally did in the mornings.

The person in question startled and turned around, trying to hide the stove from view.

“Telly! My love! What…what are you doing up? So early?” Dorian squeaked, visibly holding up a spatula, but hid it behind their back once they realized.

TeIemachus couldn't help but giggle slightly at the sight, petting Copper's head when she'd trotted over to him. 

“I just woke up,” TeIemachus shrugged, brushing his hair back, “what're you up to?”

“I was gonna surprise you,” Dorian slumped and pouted.

“Oh, sorry,” TeIemachus smiled sheepishly. He walked over, hugging them, “you're cooking? Without burning the apartment down?”

“Shut up,” Dorian gently nudged him teasingly, kissing his cheek, “good morning, sunshine.”

“Morning, blue,” TeIemachus smiled and softly kissed their lips. “Sorry for kinda ruining your surprise.”

“Hey, don't worry about it,” Dorian smirked and pecked his lips, “breakfast isn't the only surprise I have in store for you.”

“Oh?” TeIemachus raised an eyebrow, stroking their arm, “well, what else do you have in store for me?”

“Well, that would really ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?” Dorian booped TeIemachus’ nose.

“Mmm, I guess you're right,” TeI shrugged, then sniffed softly, “oh, might wanna check on that breakfast-”

Dorian's face fell, “shit!” They turned to flip over the pancake just in time.

TeIemachus sat down at the breakfast bar, using his phone as a means for distraction so he didn't distract his partner again. Dorian placed the plate of red velvet pancakes that were somewhat heart shaped. They were decorated with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Only then did it seem to register in TeIemachus’ mind.

“Happy Valentine's Day!” He shouted.

Dorian chuckled, “there you go, sweetie.” They wrapped their arms around him, “Happy Valentine's Day to you too.”

Tel leaned into their hug with a smile. How could he not realize it was one of his favorite holidays ever since he started dating Dorian.

Every year, they would alternate planning dates for each other, and this year was Dorian's turn. TeIemachus loved spoiling Dorian, but also enjoyed being spoiled by Dorian. And judging by the smug grin on Dorian's face while they were eating off their own plate, TeIemachus could tell this year was bound to be a great celebration.

Usually, Dorian didn't bother with Valentine's Day. They'd always thought it was another way to get people separated from their money. It was too commercialized and there was always too much pressure to perform. They always felt bad for the people who were grieving lost loved ones or the single people out there. To an extent, he still did feel bad for them. But since dating TeIemachus, he'd seen Valentine's Day in a new light. There wasn't much pressure to please because whatever they planned, TeIemachus enjoyed it. It didn't have to be a big extravagant thing.

However, this year was different.

Once breakfast was done, Dorian and TeIemachus went up to get dressed for the day. Dorian picked out a cute pink outfit. Black top with a black cardigan over it, long pink pleated skirt, a pink choker, and a pink beret. (Ever since that trip to the mall for Riddy's birthday years ago, they'd made sure to buy plenty of skirts and dresses since they were comfortable in them.) TeIemachus wore a red outfit. He was layered with a white tee shirt, gray zipped-up jacket, and a red zip-up hoodie that remained unzipped. He threw on some black jeans and styled his hair in the mirror, putting the top half in a ponytail. He put on his piercings and sat on the bed, waiting for Dorian to finish.

“You go ahead, Telly, I'll be right there,” Dorian assured him as they went through their jewelry box to search for the perfect gauge earrings to pick.

“Oh, I don't mind waiting,” TeIemachus shrugged and swung his legs back and forth innocently.

“Copper needs to be fed,” Dorian said, turning to his boyfriend, “you mind going down and feeding her?”

TeIemachus gasped dramatically, instantly standing up, “are you trying to starve our baby?”

“No, that's why I told you,” Dorian smirked.

TeIemachus shook his head and hurried out the door. Dorian sighed in relief before pulling out the black ring box that was hidden in their underwear drawer. They opened it up and smiled at the beautiful silver ring with a diamond in the middle. On the inside, it said ‘♡ for forever -D’ in fancy lettering. It was engraved by none other than their guncle Otto, who had freaked out about the news. They both kind of squealed over the idea of a proposal. Smiling at the memory, they quickly hid the box in the inner pocket of their cardigan.

Looking into the mirror, they took a breath, “you've got this, Dorian.”

They nodded to themself before heading to the kitchen. They smiled at witnessing TeIemachus giving Copper some much deserved tummy rubs after she'd eaten her second breakfast.

“Hey,” Dorian greeted with a wave.

“Oh, hey!” TeIemachus beamed, “you look amazing.”

Dorian blushed and smirked, “only second to you, Tel.”

TeIemachus stood up and walked over to Dorian, “careful, I might just ruin your makeup with words like that.”

“What? Mess up this lipstick? It's smear-proof,” Dorian smirked and kissed TeIemachus's lips to prove it, “see?”

“I do,” Tel grabbed them by the collar of their cardigan, “but just to make sure.”

He kissed Dorian again, gently guiding them to the counter, wrapping his arms around their waist.

Before the two of them could get too distracted, Dorian's alarm rang, meaning it was time to go so they wouldn't be late.

Their first stop was a spa treatment. Mani-pedis and a deep tissue massage kept them both relaxed and refreshed. While TeIemachus had chosen a clear nail polish for his nails, Dorian went for a pink and red alternating pattern.

Next was lunch at TeIemachus’ favorite restaurant: Gyros n’ More. Tel enjoyed himself a delicious gyro while Dorian just ordered a salad, saving their appetite for the dinner they had planned.

After a lovely lunch, Dorian and TeIemachus went back to the apartment, leashed up Copper, and together, they all took a walk around the park near the apartment. TeIemachus had his arm looped into Dorian's as he rested his head on their shoulder. Dorian held onto the leash as Copper happily trotted along, smelling new smells as she styled her cute little sweater.

And then it was time for dinner. Dorian had taken TeIemachus to a fancy Chinese restaurant that had some famous chef's name written all over it. They got to their table and sat across from each other in a smaller booth. Everything was going according to plan and Tel didn't suspect a thing.

They ordered their food, Dorian getting a Sichuan Boiled Fish and TeIemachus getting classic chicken tenders. Dorian playfully teased him for it, making them both laugh.

Their food arrived rather quickly despite it being crazy busy due to the holiday.

TeIemachus and Dorian traded food to taste, however TeIemachus was unprepared for how spicy Dorian's meal was.

“Oh, Telly, I'm so sorry,” Dorian frowned and handed him some of their water.

TeIemachus coughed and took the water, gulping it down with tearful eyes. The water didn't stop the burning in his throat.

“It's so huck! hot!” TeIemachus cried as he fanned himself, holding his tongue out. “How can you hulp! eat that?”

Dorian took a little more than a second to respond to the question, “uh, I dunno, guess I'm just used to the heat. You, um…you okay?”

TeIemachus whimpered as he wiped his tear-filled eyes, “yeah, yeah, total-hlk!-ly…huck!-uh, feels like I'm dy-hingk! dying from fire hup!-augh!”

Dorian felt blood flowing to their cheeks as well as other places when they'd noticed TeIemachus’ continued hiccups. It had been months since his last hiccup. It had been a single, so not a full blown case. Still, they were shocked at this revelation.

As TeIemachus started to choke, hiccups firing off after every cough, Dorian shook his head free of distractions and called the waiter over. They requested some milk or ice cream to help alleviate the heat.

“Telly?” Dorian's voice cracked, so they cleared it, “you doing okay? The, um, the waiter's going to get you some ice cream or milk or something to help.”

TeIemachus nodded, his head jolting back with another hiccup. “Goo-ulk!-good. That was s-hip!-so ho-ock!-uh, hot hup'k! It ga--gave me the hic-HICK!-uh, hiccups.”

Dorian's eyes widened at their boyfriend's smirk. TeIemachus knew exactly what he was doing. The waiter returned with a dish of vanilla ice cream. TeIemachus thanked him before quickly scooping the cold treat into his mouth and letting it sit on his tongue.

Dorian observed the now muffled hiccups that were making Tel jump in his seat. They bit the bottom of their lip as their leg bounced.

He squeaked though when they felt TeIemachus grab their leg, take his sandal off, and put his foot right against his stomach. The next couple of jolts sent pulses of pleasure through them and Dorian had to hold back their vocal chords.

TeIemachus smiled, despite still feeling the heat, “m-mk!-might as well-hickulk! take advantage w--while we can hngkolp!”

TeIemachus scooped up some more ice cream and placed it into his mouth, relishing the coldness hitting his tongue.

Dorian was quite speechless as every word he tried to say caught in his throat in helpless whimpers.

TeIemachus’ hiccups remained, even after the dinner was over and the two of them were enjoying one last walk around the park. Dorian held onto Tel's hand as they walked, observing the way he'd started muffling his hiccups and looking around if one accidentally slipped out. 

“Gosh, you're adorable like this,” Dorian whispered and kissed his cheek.

TeIemachus blushed, “shut hmk'mm! up.”

“Hehe, what? No more teasing?” Dorian smirked, but seeing TeIemachus’ tired expression gave them all the answer they needed. “Ah, they've overstayed their welcome.”

TeIemachus nodded, the action interrupted by a hard “holk!” that made him wince and rub at his chest. Dorian gently moved to rub his stomach, trying to ease the pain. TeIemachus smiled slightly in appreciation, “tha–anks, hun.”

“Of course,” Dorian kissed his forehead.

“M'sorry hulmpk! these aren't fu-uck!-fun anym-hup!-uh, anymore heekolp!” TeIemachus frowned, now covering his mouth.

“Don't you worry your pretty little head about that,” Dorian shook his head.

As they continued walking, Dorian noted they were getting closer to The Spot. TeIemachus' hiccups still hadn't let up. Dorian was getting anxious about what they'd set out to do. What if TeIemachus thought it was too soon? What if he said no? What if he broke up with them because of this? What if-

“HUP!HUCK!HICKUH!”

TeIemachus's eyes widened in shock as he turned to Dorian. “Dori-hick!?”

“So-HAUK!-gmmp!-ugh, scu-ickup!-scuse m-hm'mp!hmp!HIMPK!-gee--eez,” Dorian patted their own chest at the quicker than usual onslaught.

It was the nerves, of course it was. They were surprised the hiccups hadn't started earlier.

“Did you just hup! give yourse--elf h-hiccups through shee-heegulk!-sheer wil-hlk!-uh, willpower?” TeIemachus raised an eyebrow.

“Di-hick!HIUP!-didn't wan-HICK'ul!-want you hup!KUP! feeling a-HAULP!-gah, alone. hick!-ah-HIP!HU'UCK!HICK!-fu--ck!” Dorian couldn't even joke around with these. Usually, they found the spontaneity of their hiccups to be fun. But now that they'd arrived at The Spot, he needed to get rid of them so he could say words.

The Spot was at a gazebo lit up with fairy lights with a pond nearby. The crickets could be heard harmonizing their chirps. Fireflies lit up the pond as well.

At his next “HIGGOLP!-HUCK'L!HIMPK!-ugh,” Dorian requested a break to sit for a while. TeIemachus of course accepted and they both took a seat, hiccups popping out of both of them, Dorian's faster than TeIemachus’, but neither of them were racing.

Dorian offered TeIemachus to feel their hiccups. They were in a private enough area and if any stragglers walked over, a chest or tummy rub to “ease discomfort” was normal enough.

They were stronger than usual, TeIemachus noticed. Every rise of their chest was sharp and sounded like it knocked the wind out of them. He started rubbing their chest.

“You n-ngk!-need to cur-huerk!-cure these,” TeIemachus said.

“No HOUP!HUG'K!ulk!-mm que-HIUP!-mph-hm'MULK!-uh,” Dorian abandoned whatever they were going to say and held their breath.

TeIemachus watched curiously, muffling his own hiccups in the process. His foot was steadily tapping on the wooden floor of the gazebo. He watched as the hiccups continued, muffled, but still loud and strong. TeIemachus furrowed his brows in confusion. Holding their breath always cured Dorian.

Dorian looked just as concerned when they exhaled with a huff when he couldn't hold it anymore. Not even a second later, another cluster hit them and Dorian dragged a hand down his face.

“This is hup'k! not how I hickup!hickULP!-uh want--ted this to--o go HULP!UP!HU'UP!…HEEK!-ugh!” Dorian slumped, immediately jolting straight up with another strong hiccup.

“Aw, hon-nk!,” TeIemachus frowned and pulled them in closer to comfort them, “I'm still-ilk! having a goo-hoolk!-good time with y--ou, hic-kulp!-s or not.”

Dorian huffed, then hiccupped, then groaned in frustration, “I don't hup!HUP!-grmp!-ugh, want t--nglk!ULP!-uff, to have hauk!hulp'k!IP!HICKOLP!-ughhhh-holp!-hh the hiccups right n--gmp!-now.”

“Well that's a fir-hulgk!-first,” TeIemachus stroked their hair, “I wonder why hold--ing your breath didn't work-uck!”

“Nerves,” Dorian bit their lip and looked away from TeIemachus's eyes.

“You're nerv-uck!-nervous?” TeIemachus caressed his cheek and guided their face to look at his. “Dori, it's ok--kay, it's ju-ulk!-just you and hickulk! me.”

“I-huck!hup!HIUP!-I kn-hngk!-know, jus-s'hippup!-just HOLP!-” they sighed, their dual-colored eyes looking into TeIemachus's worried brown ones.

It was now or never, Dorian decided and pulled out the ring box from the hidden pocket in their cardigan. TeIemachus spotted the ring box and his eyes widened. He covered his mouth with both hands and started trembling as his eyes watered.

“Dorian…”

“I, um hickup! had this hip!HU'UH!-uh, all-hu'gulk! planned out HULP! You see-heek!ULP!, we're b--by the wa-hauk!UP!hi'auk!-uh-hip!-the water,” Dorian took an interrupted breath before continuing, “I was hickup!ULP! go-hing to use my hmmk! powers to spe--spell hickulk!HOLP! out ‘will h'kcup!hilp!HOLP!-ugh, will you hoolk! marry me?’ us-ing! the wa--aulk!-” they swallowed as that particular one almost choked them, “water, but I can't hic'KUP!HUUUP!-uhhh, use my pow-w'hip!hick!houp!-powers while I'm hiccup-ULP!-ing like this, so-hock!holp!…I guess hip'KUH!huck!HU’UH!-”

TeIemachus interrupted them with a sniffling nod and a kiss on their lips. Dorian's eyes widened with so much joy before they closed. He kissed him back, placing a hand in his hair. They pulled him in closer, their breaths synchronizing. Dorian smiled into the kiss, gently pulling away, “is that a yes?”

TeIemachus sniffled and nodded his head, giggling, “yes, obviously yes! I would love to marry you! I love you so much!”

“I love you so much too,” Dorian smiled widely and hugged TeIemachus close.

TeIemachus hugged them back, happy tears still flowing down his face. Dorian's eyes were quick to follow.

After they released their hug, Dorian opened the ring box, showing TeIemachus the ring and the engraving on the inside. TeIemachus couldn't stop smiling as Dorian put it on his finger.

He squealed, “it's the perfect fit. And it's beautiful, Dori, I love it, I love you.”

TeIemachus cupped their face and pulled them in for another soft kiss. Dorian kissed back, smiling happily.

They were getting married! This was becoming real!

“I promised guncle Otto a pic,” Dorian sniffled and wiped a tear–but not his eyeliner, that was waterproof.

TeIemachus chuckled wetly, “gosh, I know I look a mess. How are you still so perfect?”

Dorian giggled and pulled out his phone, “you still look perfect to…me, wait…”

Their eyebrows furrowed a bit and TeIemachus caught on, “oh my gosh…our hiccups…they're gone!”

“Which means I can do…this!” 

With a little effort and concentration, he used the water from the nearby pond and spelled out the words ‘Will you marry me?’ Dorian smiled at TeIemachus, who smiled back.

“That's incredible, Dorian,” TeIemachus rested his head on their shoulder, arms wrapped around their arm. “The answer's still yes, by the way.”

“I know,” Dorian chuckled and kissed his forehead. “Now, I know the perfect backdrop for our- oh, wait…meh, it's guncles Otto and Atticus, they can handle it. I trust them.”

“And if they can't, we could always say we edited the pic to had water-like words,” TeIemachus suggested.

Dorian chuckled and nodded, kissing his cheek. The two of them posed, TeIemachus making sure the ring was in the frame. They took two selfies, first without the water and the other with the water spelling out ‘HE SAID YES!’

After sending the latter selfie to their extended found family, Dorian and TeIemachus started to head home.

“Y'know,” TeIemachus spoke up and Dorian hummed in acknowledgement, “both of us h-hiccupping at the same time like that was kinda fun. I didn't even mind mine staying that long after you started, to be honest because you were hiccupping with me.”

“Yeah, I agree,” Dorian nodded, “maybe we could try it again sometime, maybe without the hiccups caused by nervousness. Those…kinda sucked.” They cringed.

“Aw, I understand,” TeIemachus squeezed their hand, “when you couldn't cure them, that right there worried me.”

“Ah, no need to worry about that. I'm sure if they were caused by any other thing, I'm sure I could've cured them.” Dorian reassured him.

“Nonetheless, you're definitely getting some chest and tummy massages when we get home,” TeIemachus smiled.

“Ah, a man after my own heart,” Dorian dramatically placed a hand on their chest, “true love is real!”

TeIemachus chuckled and stopped walking, taking Dorian's other hand so he was holding both hands. He leaned down and kissed Dorian's lips again, meaningful and passionate. Dorian kissed him right back, their thumb feeling the ring on TeIemachus's finger.

They knew from this day forward, they would be by each other's sides.