sixhours

The bar has filled since they arrived. It's packed now. Full of people; friends and couples, dressed as they pleased, being themselves freely, proud of who they are, ready to enjoy the night, get loose, and sing. This all fills the place with a magnetic energy, a sense of aliveness that thrums, and Frankie can't ignore, he’s imbued in it.

He's sitting with Will at one of the tables in the middle of the bar, still fascinated by the people and the place, the dark walls adorned with band posters, the music filling the space, the disco balls swirling and creating kaleidoscopic dancing rays, and the colourful decorations, the hundreds of rainbow flags sprinkling the walls, ceiling and tables, lighting the place, making everyone feel welcomed and accepted, treasured.

"They are having a blast," Will mutters, smirking, nudging his beer bottle forward, signalling the rest of the gang on the stage, dancing together as they sing.

Frankie gazes at them, endeared by their behaviour, the joy brimming in their expressions as the realisation sinks in. He'd been so focused on his surroundings that his brain hadn't paid attention to the song they had chosen. Taylor Swift's Love Story. It's no longer a nameless sound, but a known piece, one he has a hunch Ben had brought forward, for he has heard him sing it at home enough times to learn some of the lyrics.

Santi's a bit apart from the other three. He's fumbling, trying his best, so concentrated on keeping up with the rhythm of the song that he doesn't notice how out of tune he is. The girls and Ben, though, are a whole different story. They are living the music, eyes closed, beaming faces, arms thrown over each other's shoulders, not needing to look at the screen to remember the song's lyrics, yelling more than singing, with such enthusiasm that the people at the bar are applauding and singing along with them.

“You know…” Will starts, “I was worried when you and Benny told us about your relationship. The selfish part of me feared what would happen to all of us if you two didn't make it. But also-" he sighs, taking a second to gather his thoughts, anxiously tapping his fingers against the table. "You two fit so perfectly. It feels like you are meant to be together. I was terrified of what a break-up could do to either of you,” he confesses, leaving Frankie stunned. He had been so happy for them from the first moment that Frankie hadn't realized he'd harboured such concerns.

"Not anymore?" Frankie asks as his feelings swell and tears gather around his eyes.

“No. If anyone can make it, it's you two. I've never seen a more well-adjusted couple in my life, apart from my parents." Will's admission soothes Frankie, as much as he's ready to fight for his relationship with Ben, their family's acceptance and support means the world to him.

"You and Hanna have something really good going on too," Frankie manages to say, swallowing the wave of emotion Will’s admission has caused.

"I hope so. I want to propose to her," Will sheepishly confesses.

"What! That's big, man! Congratulations!" Frankie clasps Will's shoulder, overjoyed for his brother.  

"Thank you, Fish,” he says, clasping Frankie’s shoulder back. “I might need some help picking up the ring."

"I'll be there," Frankie promises.  

"The thing is, I'm thrilled for you and Benny. And I really want you to know that,” he squeezes his hold on Frankie’s shoulder, wanting Frankie to believe him, before looking back at the stage. “Although, fuck man,” Will chuckles, staring at his brother. “I really hope you’re aware of the doofus you’re going to marry, because he’s on fire right now.” 

Frankie looks forward, in time with Ben, unashamedly pointing at Frankie and yelling his name, making sure everyone knows to whom he’s singing, getting more energetic and keyed up as the bar's hoots of approval get louder and louder.

"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone 

I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run 

You'll be the prince, and I'll be the princess 

It's a love story, baby, just say yes"

“Yeah,” he agrees with Will, staring at Ben as he sings for him, and a blush, deep enough to be seen under the bar's lighting, covers his cheeks.

"This love is difficult, but it's real 

Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess 

It's a love story, baby, just say yes."

Frankie shakes his head in disbelief, gazing at his man, mesmerized and bashful at his performance, as the song reaches its final peak. He will never get tired of watching him, of falling for him over and over again.

Frankie can't stop his lips from curling, sketching a soft besotted smile on his face, aware of how he’s completely and absolutely doomed, smitten beyond salvation, happy to be so, thrilled. It's a smile Frankie doesn't need to hide, doesn't want to; certain that he's reciprocated with the same fervour, in love in a way he had always thought was a myth.

"Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone 

I love you, and that's all I really know."

Frankie's hand moves instinctively, crossing his index and middle fingers over his heart. It's a coded sign. A silent "I love you" that he and Ben share when the emotion is too big and overwhelming to say the words out loud. Ben returns the gesture instantly, keeping his palm covering his heart, making Frankie shiver with his voice, deep and baritone, undeniably male, and the intensity in his eyes.

"It's a love story, baby, just say yes."

Frankie doesn't need to think. He will always say yes to Ben, desirous of every new day, bad and good and ordinary, with him.

Part IV: A Good Morning