@feilien ┊ SMALL PLOTTED CANON VERSE STARTER.
Their non-invitations were becoming common place. It was something of a secret language between them, one they had to speak fluently if they wanted to see each other. Zane didn't necessarily have to pretend he wasn't going out of his way to see Matt when he could. In fact, he'd made a predictable habit of it — every other week or so. He did, however, have to understand the nuances of when Matt's words contradicted his actions. Or, when certain off-handed details were an invitation.
Matt had mentioned he had a dog ( Bao. Of course Matt would name his dog after one of his favorite foods ) and that he took him on long walks through Golden Gate Park. That was a place Zane hadn't been to since he'd escaped the city ... and, as the familiar sights came into view, that aching homesickness twinged in his chest yet again. Nonetheless, he'd traded his usual visit to the college for an evening at the park ... he'd let Matt know of course, albeit vaguely. After all, Matt wasn't supposed to anticipate, let alone look forward to Zane's visits, was he?
He had to wander around to find him, but ... eventually, Zane spotted him and his heart gave a little leap in his chest at the sight of him. Embarrassing. He was stopped, letting Bao sniff through the grass with intention ( the dog was fluffy and white, so the name did suit him, Zane thought fondly ) ... and, was he imagining the way Matt cast his eyes around, as if looking for something? Or someone? He approached Matt with a casual ease, coming up beside him. ❝Fancy seeing you here,❞ Zane said, his tone light and a little surprised, as if their crossing paths here truly was a coincidence. It wasn't, and they both knew it. His gaze drifted to Bao, then back to Matt. ❝This is Bao, I take it? ❞


















