This is my gift for @katatles-the-fish
ย ย I grumble. 'Back in a minute' sureย Logan. Because that totally translates into leaving me for an hour without telling me where you're going. On my birthdayย no less!ย Now I'm in the middle of a mall during the Christmas rush. At least two people have bumped into me, I have no clue where my boyfriend is, and I'm hungry. On my damn birthday to boot.
I sigh and step in line to pay for his Christmas gifts. There's at least seven people in front of me and another just stepped behind. That little shit better be glad I love him so much, these fuckers are expensive. Well, the new nose ring not so much but the other things..
I guess the universe decides to cut me a break, because the people in line ahead of me are done pretty quick. After I'm done paying, I step out of the store and into someone. They weren't paying attention, just texting and speed walking. I apologize and they ignore me. People.
With a roll of my eye, I check my pocket for my own phone. and. Nothing. My eyes shoot wide as Iย double check, pat-down. Until I come to the realization that when he pecked me on the cheek and gave me a hug... That little shit. Imma kill him. Might as well play his dumb game first though. He does these little treasure hunts all the time. I know how.
Grumbling even more under my breath, I storm towards the food court, using the floor plan maps set up periodically throughout the building. Sure I get a few stares for my angry demeanour, but I could honestly care less at the moment.
When I finally get there, I head straight for the Orange Julius. There's a small line of 2 or so peopleย so it doesn't take long for me to get my food and drink. Alright Lo, I'll bite. No promises I'll followย the rules.ย
Using this moment to plan my revenge, I take a bite of the pretzel I just purchased and spot my childhood friend. Damien is standing in on of those walkway booths performing a magic trick for a small audience. It's one I've seen a million times and can perform myself.ย
I snort at the memory of when Lo had first met the magician. We were eighteen, had been dating for a year and he was more nervous than when he'd met my mom. Kingsnake over there scared the shit out of him with magic and intimidation. I've only twiceย seen my nerd at a loss of words, that was one. Its a trick akin to a rabbit in a hat. Only, withย a snake. He catches my eye and I know that he'll come to me after the grand reveal. I simply watch as he finishes up, earning a modest applause from the audience. He makes his way over to me just as I'm finishing my food.ย
"I told him this was a bad idea,ย just so you know"ย
I nod and wipe my hands offย on my jeans.
"He's never been one to listen to anyone but me," I say, earning a small 'hmm' of agreement, "and that's just going to make this even funnier"
After I share my plan, I set on my quest with a stamp of approval from the trickster.
Roman I had to bypass completely, they were far too loud.
ย Patton was the only other one Iย acknowledged on my quest. Another of my oldest friends, he knew what I was going to do. I looked at him when I wasย passing, he put hisย cards down and nodded in understanding. He also gave his trademark double thumbs up of encouragement and a grin.
With a small smile and a wink in his direction, I keep walking. Iย reach the elevator to the intercom just as I finish off my drink, throwing it in the bin.ย
After a bit of explaining (and money) the nice lady gave me permission to use the microphone. With a quick thank-you, I lean over the mic, one finger-less-gloved hand on the handle, the other on my hip and smile.ย
"Would Jammimy, Huggins please come to the intercom. Once again, Jammimy Huggins to the intercom please"
The woman in the seat next to me is cracking up and I can faintly hear Roman and the rest laughing up a storm. Inside jokes are the best. I chuckle a bit myself before going to speak again.
"If that name didn't ring a bell, would Crofterslover1234 please come up?"ย
I can definitely hear them laughing now. I am having quite a lot of trouble containing my own to be honest. The woman next to me in practically on the floor. I squint, barley able to make out my boyfriend in the crowd below. His face is flushed bright red in embarrassment, contrasted by the soft grin on his face.ย
I say into the mic with a flirtatious smirk on my own face and a wink. He shakes his head in mock annoyance and starts to the elevator.
Leaning against the railing,ย I cross my arms and raise one brow upon the elevators ding. The lady decides to give us some privacy, giggling on her way out the door as Logan walks in. His smile is fading fast, face becoming serious as he trudges to me. I've already forgiven him, but I'd like to hear an apology first. He knows how my mind works better than I do sometimes, so he is fully aware of what is gonna happen next.ย
"Virgil, I-I'd like to apologize. That was a very poorly executed plan, and it made you incredibly uncomfortable. This mall is quite crowded, various stressers must have been in effect and.."ย
He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.ย
"God- I'm sorry sugar, I'm not very good at this. I thought it would be romantic but-."
He steps forward, taking my hand hesitantly. I uncross my arms and lean closer to him with a slight tilt to my head. He's usually so articulate.ย
"It only caused you worry.ย I thought it would be so perfect. A puzzle, for how we seem to fit so nicely together.-"ย he cups my face and I realize what's happening-"a treasure hunt for how much of a gem you are, and a X to mark the spot"
I'm in a sort of happy shock as he kneels.ย
"You make me happier than anything else, you help me to grow and become a better person. Even when we are at each others throats you make this life worth living."
He pulls a ring from his pocket. I don't care that it's cliche but I use my unoccupied hand to cover my mouth as tears begin to fall.
With the biggest smile on his face he asks, "Virgil, light of my life, would you do me the great honor of becoming my husband?"
My answer comes in the form of a frantic nod and, after the ring is on my finger, a tackle hug. We're both a laughing pile on the floor. Smothering each-other in kisses until we're tired. We just kind of lie there for a while in peaceful joy.ย
"This floor is really dirty Lo"
He chuckles and says, "Here, use me as a pillow"
After getting comfy, I sigh contentedly. He runs his fingers through my hair, soft as a breath. It's like heaven.
Of course, these kind of moments never last for long.
THUMP. There's Roman with a nerve jerking entrance as always.
Flash! Click! Patton's manning the camera, good to know
"What on earth are you two doing on such a filthy floor??"
Poor Roman sounds personally offended. Fortunately, Damien cuts them off pretty quick.
"Maybe it's because your dramatic kick to the elevator door scared the shit out of them too"
Me and my new fiance giggle a bit before standing up and greeting our friends. Logan goes for Roman first, lecturing them about the dangers of kicking a metal for down as he embraces him. I pull Damey and Pat in for a group hug, raving about what just happened. They both laugh and squeeze me tighter.ย
Damien pulls away first, probably to warn Logan against breaking my heart yet again. Giggling, I rest my head onย Patton's shoulder. He smiles and holds me in companionable glee.
Patton whispers into my ear as he gives me a bear hug. I smile and whisper back,
(If you were wondering this is the ring Logan used to propose)
