wil?

It wasn’t supposed to rain today: the sky had been clear the whole day, which is why the two of you decided to walk home from the venue through the burial grounds. But maybe it wasn’t bad luck after all, because here you are, standing next to each other, watching the clouds weep over the graves.

”Ya say that shit every time we hang out,” Mary huffs humorously, crossing his arms over their chest, glancing at you. You look tired, but… genuinely happy, maybe even relaxed. Fuck, it makes Mary’s chest feel all tight and fuzzy, and before he realises, he’s shifting just a little closer to you, causing your shoulders to brush.

”Doesn’t make it any less true,” you point out, mirroring his smile. ”I mean it. This was… really nice.”

”Yeah, I had fun too.”

Silence falls after Mary’s admission, giving space for the sound of rain and this unspoken tension that’s been simmering between you two for weeks now. It’s always lurking behind unsaid words and creeping into the eye contact you hold for a few seconds too long. It’s present in every touch, every text message and even in the little presents that you two exchange – a game of give and take that has formed between you over time. Whether it be trinkets, food or even this concert that you took him to, there’s always an underlying meaning behind the gesture. And, speaking of trinkets:

Mary shifts awkwardly and stuffs his hands into his pockets, and that’s when they feel something under their fingertips. Oh, right: the little gift they forgot to give you before the concert. The little something to give you in return for the gig.

”Shit, I almost forgot. Here,” he breaks the silence and digs the item out of his pocket, holding it out to you. Your interest is immediately piqued. What could it be? You take it from Mary, and it’s a –

”What the fuck, Mare.”

”I dunno. Reminded me of you. I thought it was cool,” they shrug.

You don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It’s a little red Dala horse, except that it’s quite obviously broken: it’s missing a head.

Now, you didn’t expect much from Mary, but this is just ridiculous. So much so that it’s tough to even get upset. Like, come on, now they’re just taking the piss.

”You gave me a broken Dala horse,” you state with a deadpan look, and Mary notices the opportunity for a little bantering which he can’t turn down. His face turns smug in a way that makes your heart flutter for the 100th time today.

”It’s a headless Dala horse,” Mary points out, ”Big difference.”

Your expression is baffled, and yet a chuckle escapes you as you squeal: ”You literally gave me trash in exchange for taking you with me to a concert!”

”Hey, another man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Now which one are you gonna be?”

Then he tilts his head, staring at you from head to toe in an expecting manner. ”Now, what do I get?”

Oh, he is unbelievable.

”I just took your greedy, impatient ass to a gig. Isn’t that enough?” you gasp, feigning offense, but Mary just shakes their head, taking a step closer. There’s a playful glimmer in their eyes, but there’s something else too. Something heavier, deeper.

”I think there’s something you could give me in return.” And just like that, Mary leans in suddenly, taking you completely by surprise.

Ohmygod ohmygod! Abort! Abort!

Before you even fully realise what’s happening, you jerk your head back to dodge this out-of-the-blue kiss attempt and just stare at him with wide eyes. Mary follows you first, but soon retreats as it dawns on him that you’re actually not on board with this. In fact, they might’ve just fucked up.

”Whoa, fuck… sorry,” Mary stops in his tracks, running a hand through his black hair as he takes a step back.

His reaction makes you snap out of your shock: ”No, wait, I didn’t mean it like that!” you stammer, trying to save the situation from turning awkward – or at least more awkward than it already is.

”Certainly seemed like it.”

”It was a misunderstanding, I-”

He watches you groan and raise your hands to cover your face as it turns red, and despite the initial disappointment, he can’t help but soften at the sight of you getting flustered. You take a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself for the worst as you decide to admit to one of your biggest secrets: ”Okay, uh, look. I haven’t… kissed anyone before. I don’t exactly know how to.”

You take a peak from behind your fingers, only to see a smile widening on Mary’s face. And to your horror, the bastard laughs. Whether it’s out of surprise or amusement, you don’t quite know, but it certainly makes your ears burn and your shoulders tense up.

”That’s what this is about?” Mary smirks, their smile turning more teasing, ”Kelgris… come on now. Ya know I’d love to be your first.”

You almost can’t believe it: he sounds almost smug, and it’s exactly the opposite reaction you were prepared for. They’re not judging you, but instead he seems almost… excited.

Not fully convinced yet, you ask with suspicion: ”You really don’t mind?”

Mary scoffs. ”Fuck no, I just wanna kiss ya. I don’t care ’bout experience. Besides,” they flash you a crooked grin, leaning a tad bit closer again, and this time you don’t retreat. His eyes drop to your lips for a brief moment before looking into your eyes again, their voice dropping lower.

”I can teach ya all about it.”

Mary’s so close that you can feel their breath on your lips, and you can practically hear your own heartbeat from how hard its beating. You’re so nervous, yes, but… you want this with Mary. Simple as that. Taking a shaky inhale, you bite your lip.

”You wanna come over tonight, then?”

Maybe tonight you’ll both give and get.

The hesitant but playful suggestion causes Mary’s grin to widen, and instead of going for your lips this time, they kiss your nose quickly. ”Självklart kommer jag,” they murmur before grabbing your hand and tugging you out of the safety of the linden tree, right back into the embrace of the warm spring rain.