#katt-vee

“Oh, come on ya little bitch, it’s not that bad.” Michael stated, moving back in his chair.

Valentine’s Day was a day away and the Rooster Teeth office was decked out in red and pink. Heart streamers lined the walls and funny cards were being passed out (what it seemed to be) every hour. Everyone who had someone was either with them, texting them, or on the phone with said special someone.

He hated it all.

Well, hate was a strong word. He was happy that most of his close friends and co-workers had a significant other to spend Valentine’s Day with. And the decorations weren’t too bad. He knew the real problem wasn’t the cards, the decorations, or the stupid love songs.

Gavin has been alone on Valentine’s Day for as long as he can remember, and this year won’t be any different.

He’s in love with his best friend, Michael, after all.

“It’s so pointless, Michael!” Gavin ran a hand through his messy hair.

“How, how is it pointless?! It’s the one day out of the year where couples are allowed to be fuckin’ gross with each other. Let ‘em have it.” He rolled his eyes. There wasn’t a point in arguing. Michael wasn’t wrong.

He never is.

“It just is! All these stupid teddy bears and roses that’ll die in a week. There’s no point to any of it! Just go about your days loving him or her, that’s it! Why does love even GET a special holiday?!” Michael frowned at the Brit.

“Just because you’re so damn bitter about being alone doesn’t mean you should go rain on everyone else’s parade. I’m not with anybody and you don’t see me pouting around the office.” He snapped, removing his glasses to rub his eyes. Gavin sighed.

“I...I know...But it really eats knobs!”

“I know dude, but it’s one year. It won’t kill you to be a little fuckin’ civil.”  Michael started to turn his chair back to his desk to finish up his Rage Quit.

“It hasn’t.”

“What?” He shot Gavin a questionable glance. Gavin’s eyes darted to the ground.

“I’ve never...really...had a Valentine.”

“Really?!” Michael was shocked. He couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t see how Gavin Free never once had a Valentine. He’s got the perfect looks, the perfect smile, the perfect laugh, the perfect sense of humor, the perfect everything....

But that was all just Michael’s opinion.

“Shut up, Michael. I don’t want to hear about how many girls you banged on Valentine’s Day. Just drop it. We have videos to finish editing anyways.” Gavin went to slip his green headphones back on to focus purely on his video and forget the whole thing.

“Gav?”

“What.”

“You’ll find a valentine. Don’t give up, alright?” His voice was hushed, a very foreign tone to the man known as Mr. Rage Quit. Gavin’s eyes widened slightly, and he felt his face become hot.

“Mhm...” He mumbled, quickly turning to his screen. Michael did the same, pulling down his blue beanie a bit. He cursed under his breath at all the people who ever rejected Gavin on Valentine’s Day. Michael wasn’t going to let this happen again to his boy.

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“Hey, happy Valentine’s Day ya prick!” Ray slapped Gavin playfully on the back, earning a small smile from the fellow lad.

“Cheers Ray.” He stated, trying to get as upbeat as Ray.

“Woah dude, who pooped in your cereal this morning?”

“Ah, no one. Just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, that’s all.” Ray shrugged and wandered out of the room, calling out Joel’s name in a strange sing-song voice.

“Even Ray has a bloody valentine!” Gavin plopped down onto his chair and lowered his head to the desk, feeling a headache creeping up on him. “I should have just called in sick...” He thought to himself.

“Ayyyyy my one and only boy!” A very familiar voice broke the uncomfortable silence Gavin was sitting in. He lifted his head from the desk to see Michael holding a small bouquet of roses. Gavin’s heart sunk at the sight, but he threw a smile on his face anyways.

“Who got you the roses?!” He asked, his voice shooting up a little higher than normal. Gavin coughed awkwardly to try to hide it.

“Oh, these? They’re not for me.” Michael lifted the roses to hide the smile that was creeping up onto his face.

“Who’s are they then?” Gavin asked, feeling a bit relieved.

“Yours.” Michael placed the flowers on his desk and turned away, nervously scratching the back of his neck.

“Wh-No! You’re lying. Don’t be a minge pot, Mi-cool!” Gavin whined, nudging the flowers away.

“I’m not you asshole! Just take them, you know you want to anyways.” Michael said. Gavin turned to the flowers and stared at them. They were a dark red, with every petal looking as if someone were to pick the perfect ones for each flower.

“Who did this?”

“I don’t know. Gus gave ‘em to me saying that the person didn’t want you to find out just yet.”

Geoff slipped through the office door, immediately noticing the roses.

“Ooooh, Gavvy’s got a little secret admirer!” He teased, kicking the Brit’s chair. Gavin huffed and turned red as the roses. Michael smiled, seeing Gavin’s eyes light up every time he took a glance at the flowers.

“Well...I’ll figure it out! I got to know!” A smile grew on his face as he jumped up from his chair.

“Michael, stay on the lookout for anything suspicious!” He called, darting out the door to heaven knows where. Michael walked over to his own seat and sat down, placing his backpack on the ground. He looked over to the flowers that sat on Gavin’s desk and smiled brightly.

“Idiot...” He mumbled to himself, forgetting that he wasn’t alone.

“You two are in love with each other it’s gross. Just bang already!” Geoff said, plugging in his microphone wire. Michael snapped his head back to the older man.

“Shut the fuck up, I didn’t do shit for him. Someone got him flowers, I’m happy. That’s all.”

“Michael Jones, you are the worst liar in the world.” Michael groaned in response to Geoff’s sass.

“Let’s just put it this way, Geoffrey. There’s way more to come his way. He’s going to have the best damn Valentine’s Day in the whole fuckin’ world.” Michael turned on his computer and went straight back to work, with nothing but Gavin on his mind.

Michael wasn’t kidding. For the next few hours, gifts appeared on Gavin’s desk. From more roses, to heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, teddy bears holding stupidly cheesy sayings, and even cards with little blurbs of affection written on the inside. All of the items were signed with the same signature: YLLB.

“I don’t get it, Geoff. No one in this office has the initials Y L L B.” Gavin said, setting down a small brown teddy bear on his desk. Geoff walked over to the younger man and his gifts, and picked up a box of chocolates.

“I don’t know man, maybe it’s just a bunch of fangirls from around Austin. Either way, free fuckin’ stuff.” He placed the box on top of the others and walked out of the room. Gavin leaned back in his chair and picked up one of the cards. He studied it for a moment, looking over the penmanship.

“Why does this look so familiar to me...” He mumbled to himself.

“Gavin! Get your scrawny ass out here! You have another gift!” Geoff called into the office where Gavin was. He jumped up from his chair and placed the card back down.

“What is it now?!” He replied. Gavin walked into the main entrance to where Geoff’s voice came from.

“Holy...”

A large light brown teddy bear sat in front of him. It had to be at least 3 feet tall, as it was taller than the front desk. Another box of chocolates sat in its arms, with a red bow tied around its neck.

“I don’t think this is the work of the fans, Gav.” Jack said to the man. But Gavin just stood there, shocked. He’s never had this much affection given to him on Valentine’s Day, why the sudden change?

“Hey uh...Have any of you seen Michael?” Gavin asked the few that stood there. Maybe he knew who it was.

“Nah, I haven’t seen him since lunch, actually.” Ryan replied. Everyone else nodded their heads in agreement. The group finally started to scatter back to their jobs, all except Geoff.

“Dude, there’s a note on the bear, did you not notice it yet?” Geoff said, pointing to the teddy. Gavin glanced at Geoff and walked over, kneeling down to it. A small piece of paper hung off the ribbon, and Gavin untied it to get to the letter. He opened it up carefully, and read aloud.

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Geoff will take you to me

Where (I hope) your dreams come true.

-YLLB

Gavin stared at the note for a minute, re-reading the same four lines over and over.

“You heard the letter. Let’s go Gavino.” Geoff pulled a blindfold out from his back pocket.

“What if you’re just leading me to get murdered? How do I know that this isn’t just a big prank?” Gavin couldn’t help but still be skeptical. His friends were known to pull pranks all the time, but if this was all the work of a couple of his friends...Well, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever forgive them.

“Shut the fuck up and put this on. Besides, if I wanted to kill you I would have done it long ago.” He smiled at Gavin and tossed him the blindfold. Gavin let out a small chuckle and put it on. Geoff walked over to the lad and placed his hands on his shoulders and started to lead him out the door, playfully bumping him into the door first, of course.

“Hey! Watch where you’re leading me! That hurt my nose!” “Yeah, wouldn’t want to damage that schnoz more.” Gavin huffed but continued to walk to Geoff’s car, with the aid of his boss.

“Okay, we’ve been in this car for what seems like forever, Geoff! Where are you taking me ya pleb face?!” Gavin fidgeted in his chair a bit, desperately wanting to rip off the blindfold to see where his current location was.

“Relax! We’re here anyways. You only need to keep that on for another few minutes. I just have to lead you to the room your little lovebird is in.” Geoff responded. He parked the car and quickly got out, heading over to Gavin’s side.

“Alright, go slow so you don’t bust your face.” Geoff placed his hands on Gavin’s shoulders again, and lead him to the entrance of the building.

“Can you at least tell me what kind of building we are in?” Gavin pleaded.

“Apartment. Now shut up and step into the elevator.” Gavin nodded slightly and moved into the elevator, placing one hand on the small railing and the other on Geoff’s arm. He heard the elevator ding as it rose up a few floors, and the sounds of Geoff clicking away on his iPhone made Gavin suddenly grow nervous. Who was this person? A friend, a crazy fan, a complete stranger? Was it even someone? And where the hell was Michael? He isn’t the type of person to just leave and not say a word. Gavin could feel his head start to spin. Maybe this was all Michael’s dirty trick. Just to get Gavin’s hopes up to crush them into the dirt. But Michael wasn’t that mean...Right?

“Alright, we’re here. Open the door but keep that blindfold on.”

“Geoff, I’m nervous.” He whispered, slowly raising a hand to the doorknob.

“Don’t be. I’m sure it’s not an axe murderer.”

“You are full of sarcasm today, Geoffrey.” Gavin turned the door handle slightly, feeling it open up.

“I’m always full of sass when it comes to your stupidity. Now, I’m going to lead you in, You can take your blindfold off but you have to keep your eyes on the ground. Do not move them at all. If you do, your butthole gets kicked in.” Geoff moved Gavin into the apartment room, and slowly removed his blindfold. Gavin rubbed his eyes to adjust them again, but kept looking down.

“What the-” Gavin stopped walking and stared intently at the ground. Red and pink rose petals were scattered on the ground.

“Go on. I’ll be out in the hall.” Geoff slowly closed the door behind him.

“Who are you?” Gavin thought he’d be able to tell by where he was, but the apartment was too dim for him to really see. Plus, he was only allowed to look at the ground anyways. He slowly followed the rose petal trail, keeping his eyes on it. The trail suddenly stopped at the end of what appeared to be the living room. Gavin stopped with it, a puzzled look growing across his face.

“You can look up now, Gav.”

Gavin slowly rose his head up to see Michael standing there. He gasped and covered his mouth with his hands, trying to contain his emotions. He was decked out in a nice black suit, but still had his blue beanie on. Michael extended his shaking arms a little to hand Gavin the final bouquet of roses. Gavin slowly took them, unable to comprehend anything that was happening. A note sat upon the top of them, and Gavin read it aloud.

Will you be my Valentine?

-YLLB

“I can’t believe...This was all..” Gavin just stared at Michael, feeling tears creep up into his eyes. Michael stepped forward and slowly took one of Gavin’s hands.

“Yeah. All me. As soon as you told me you’ve never had a valentine...Well...here I am. The most cliche asshole on the planet.” Michael turned away slightly, trying to hide his reddening face.

“You did all of this...For me?” He looked at their intertwined hands. His heart was beating faster than his brain could comprehend, but it was a good thing.

“Mhm...Fuckin’ bought out half of CVS. I’m glad you stayed so skeptical, I was already nervous that you’d figure out the signature.”

“What does that even mean, Y L L B?” Gavin asked. Michael let out a nervous laugh.

“Your Lovely Little Boy.” Gavin smiled brightly at Michael, his face turning a bright shade of pink. He set the flowers down gently on the small side table, and wrapped his arms around Michael.

“You donut! I had no idea you-”

“I have. For a long time. Seems that this stupid ass holiday was the perfect opportunity to tell you...” He squeezed the Brit back tightly, feeling his own nerves drain out of him.

“Mi-cool you are such a cheeky little bastard! Gavin stated in a shrill voice, still clinging onto his boy.

“I know what I am, asshole! Now you didn’t even answer my question!” He pulled away a bit so he could look at Gavin. Gavin stared at him for a moment, but his response clicked quickly.

“Of course I’ll be your valentine! How can I say no to my lovely little boy?” He gushed out, blushing even more. Michael couldn’t hide his emotions any longer. He cupped Gavin’s face with one hand and wrapped his arm around the man’s tiny waist with the other.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Gavvy.” He leaned in and connected his lips to Gavin’s. Gavin’s eyes shot open, but soon relaxed to the kiss. He gently placed his hands on Michael’s chest, feeling his quickening heartbeat match up with his own. Michael’s lips tasted like mint and a hint of chocolate, which was the perfect combination for a kiss on this holiday.

Soon enough, the duo pulled away from each other, still staying wrapped up close.

“That was the best gift out of all of them, Michael..” Gavin mumbled. Michael smiled and kissed Gavin’s cheek.

“Then I hope you don’t mind another one.” His voice was hushed, which gave Gavin goosebumps.

“I won’t ever mind.” Michael smiled and leaned in again, squeezing Gavin just a little bit tighter this time.

The air is stained with the scent of whiskey mixed with the feeling of home. Gavin’s arms were draped around Geoff’s torso as they both started to stir from their deep slumber. Gavin inhaled happily as Geoff brought him closer so he could peck the other’s forehead; the atmosphere was warm and comfortable which meant neither party wanted to get up and go to work. Gavin stirred under Geoff’s grasp as he tried to wake Geoff up in a way that did the job but didn’t make him cranky.

“Get up you donut, we’ll be late!” Gavin said, his voice was laced protest as he threw the covers off of his body and whipped the sleep from his eyes.

Geoff yawned loudly, the words 'I'm going, shithead' escaped from his lips playfully. Geoff wiped his eyes so he would open them, but the man always looked like he was stuck in a limbo of tried and drowsy. What can you do? Genetics deals you a hand of cards and you either deal with what's dealt to you or fold your game.

Birds chirped outside and the only thing Geoff could think was 'Shut up.'

Breakfast was the usual. Orange juice and slightly burnt toast while Gavin tried his damnedest to make scrambled eggs that weren't runny. (And failing.) Morning was nothing special, Geoff drove and Gavin tried not to fall asleep in the rocking car.

But work was something special. There was a sense of family the second you walked into the room, the familiar scent of everyone mixed into the air that was remebeicent of the smell of coffee in the morning. It was a nice smell. Different.  Kinda tickled your nose a little.

Gavin sat down at his desk and Geoff took his seat, they worked separately and only talked to conference on lets play ideas. Bright and early the teasing starts, Ray being the first to chime up above the silence of editing to ask everyone what they’re doing for valentine's day.

Valentines?

Huh.

Skipped Geoff’s mind to be honest, must be the beer.

“Yeah I dunno Ray, Gavin you wanna do something?” “Nah.”

And then the conversation was over with them.

Jack, on the other hand, had a flashy day planned out. He saved up some extra cash and reserved a place for him and Cati at a big flashy restaurant. Top floor, Cati would wear the dress Jack loved so much and Jack would dress to impress; Cati would look out into the stars and get a little lost while Jack got lost in her eyes and when they got home there would be an array of flowers waiting for her on their doorstep and it would be perfect.

Ryan’s going to repair his wife’s old stuffed animal. It was the first gift he ever bought her and it was the only thing that made his wife perfectly upset, the stitching started to come undone and the fur started to darken. Ryan spent weeks trying to find a person who could restore it back to almost perfect. So he’d make his wife dinner and let her open the box, hoping that a spark of joy will course through her veins.

Michael's taking Lindsey to a pet store to give her what she’s always wanted. A pet goldfish. (To quote Michael: “Yeah I’m not dealing with a cat, she won’t let me get a dog, but I’ll totally settle for a fish, or maybe a bunny. I’ll buy whatever.”)

And Ray was going to go home and have a nice long chat with his right hand.

Gavin’s eyelids started getting heavy and he could feel his eyeballs start to dry up as he blinked. He rubbed his eyes to try and make them tear a bit but it didn’t work. Staring at a screen for three hours really started to take it’s toll on Gavin and the Brit was far too sober to deal with his body right now. He got up for bevs and he heard Geoff’s chair back up too. “I’ll get you something.” “You don’t know how I like it,” Geoff mumbled as he walked through the door.

The clinking of glass was muffled over the yelling of various voices, laughter echoed in the office while Geoff’s sleepy gaze never left Gavin’s body.

“What?” he said stupidly, his hands filled with alcohol as he made eye contact with his lover.

“You really don’t wanna do anything for valentines day?” “It’s not that I don’t, it’s just, we don’t have to.” Geoff nodded in understanding, “But like, if I wanted to do something would you be up for it?” “Why do anything? It’s just a dumb day.”

“Whatever you say, buddy.”

They mixed their drinks so Gavin’s was a mix of sweet with a slightly tart aftertaste and Geoff had death in a glass, a liquid fire that burned down his throat but left him feeling satisfied at the end of it.

Geoff didn’t want to do nothing for valentines day though, maybe he wasn’t going to whisk Gavin away in some fancy dinner, but he wanted to do something so he didn’t feel left out.

He had a reason to show Gavin he loved him and he was going to fucking use it.

((So Geoff had this idea right…))

Time seemed to be wrong when Gavin Fucking Free woke up well rested. He stretched his arms upwards like he was a short person trying to grab a top shelf item, and looked to the place where Geoff should have been only to find a little grey elephant in his place. A rose rested in the stuffed animal’s trunk and Gavin gingerly took the flower from it’s place, smelt it and rested it on his nightstand. He opened the note attached to the elephant's ear and read it.

The nose reminded me of you.

Gavin rolled his eyes, whispering ‘oh bollocks,’ before slipping away from his bed and going to the shower.

He let the warm water soak his skin while he massaged soap on himself, a slight draft made his skin erupt in goosebumps as Geoff slunk his arms around Gavin’s waist and pressed his still dry chest onto Gavin’s back.

“Did you like your present?” Geoff muttered into Gavin’s neck, tickling him. “I could have done without the insult but the little guy is cute, you big donut.”   “Insult? You know I love your nose.” Geoff said as he pressed kissed on Gavin’s neck, nipping at the skin. Gavin leaned backwards into the touch and hummed, the feeling of warm water and kisses filled his nerves with a weird feeling of love.  

Gavin tilted his head so he could give Geoff an open mouthed kiss, Geoff tasted like the aftermath of alcohol and Gavin tasted like sleep. Eventually both the men’s fronts where touching as Geoff placed one hand on the middle of the blonde’s back and the other hand was slowly going south to touch Gavin’s ass. The younger responded readily to the advances, slowly grinding his hips against Geoff’s while threading his fingers through the tattooed man’s wet hair.

He broke the kiss first as Gavin wanted to mark Geoff’s collarbone in a hickey, slowly he made his way down, kissing Geoff’s stomach, and then lower, kissing his thigh. Eventually Gavin breathed cold air accidently on Geoff’s cock, making him hiss while Gavin giggled an apology. Gavin took Geoff in bit by bit, making sure to relax his throat because the most unsexy thing you can do is throw up while giving a blow job. Eventually Gavin got comfortable enough to bob his head up and down and Geoff groaned in appreciation, Gavin swirled his tongue around while keeping his hands on Geoff’s thighs so the older didn’t fuck his mouth. He gently moved his thumb in a circle around Geoff’s inner thigh and Geoff couldn’t do anything about but mutter a ‘Fuck, Gavin.’

Geoff reached a hand down to pet Gavin’s hair, a feat that was difficult to do in the shower since his hair was slicked down from the water. The linoleum wall felt too cold against Geoff’s back but it was either lean on it or lean uncomfortably forward while getting head but Geoff didn't wanna dwell on that. He wanted to dwell on the way Gavin felt, how warm his mouth was and how cute it was Gavin worked so hard on his gag reflex to blow him. With every movement of his head and every flick of the tongue Geoff could feel himself nearing the end. Geoff muttered Gavin’s name out as a warming just in time for him to pull away so his hand could do the rest. Geoff came when Gavin kissed his lips and Geoff tasted himself; his cum was quickly washed away, down the drain with the rest of the used water.

And then there was Gavin, still uncomfortably hard and itching for release.

Geoff stroked his partner slowly, Gavin eliciting a quiet hum when Geoff’s hand clasped his dick. He pumped up and down, muttering encouragements because he knew Gavin liked it. Telling Gavin how good he was, how proud he is that he managed to give him head and not gag, how cute he looked when he was wet from the shower.

How much he loved him.

Gavin just nuzzled his head into the crook of Geoff’s neck and hummed happily, occasionally biting Geoff’s shoulder to stop himself from making noise. He sighed a ‘Geoff’ and he picked up the pace, going faster and faster as he kissed Gavin’s mouth. The only reaction Gavin could muster was opening his mouth slightly from the pleasure. The next ‘Geoff’ was more forceful, as the older man decided to leave a bruise on Gavin’s neck. The last Geoff was louder, not a scream but not a whisper as Gavin came.

The water ran cold as Gavin scrambled out of the shower, his face had a nice after sex smile while Geoff was left with dealing with no warm water.

Gavin stepped on a rose. Not the same rose that was tied to his elephant, this one was different. It was white, kinda bent from Gavin’s weight barreling down onto it, but nevertheless Gavin though it was perfect.

He sat down at breakfast and stuffed his mouth with cereal, Geoff flicked leftover water into Gavin’s face while he sat down to eat with him.

“Arent you glad I never listen to you?”

“What you going on about?”

“You know what I mean Gavin, you totally didn’t want to celebrate valentine's day but yet here we are.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Geoff said dismissively, “How many roses did you find?”  

“Two.” “Well theres five around the house dipshit, if you find them all I’ll give you a prize tonight.” “A sexy prize?” Gavin said, wiggling his eyebrows in an obscene manner.

“We just fucked. It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you what it was.”

There was a rose on the kitchen table, which brought Gavin’s count up to three.

Now you have to understand, Gavin HATES surprises. Just tell him what he wants to know and you won’t have to look at his pouty lip anymore. But Geoff has grown immune to Gavin’s whinings, and the brit knows that, so he complies to Geoff’s dumb game and puts the three roses he’s found in a coffee mug on the kitchen counter with enough water to help them survive a night or two.

((Gavin, what happened to the white one?

Ahh well you know))

The fourth flower was a doozy, Gavin went out of his way to overturn every couch cushion in the house, forcing Geoff to clean up Gavin’s awful mess. Destruction was Gavin’s game but when it came to cleaning up he’d be the first to leave. Turns out, it was outside right on top of the grill. An unnaturally blue rose perched in the place where Geoff shines the brightest that isn’t the bedroom, of course. The man was a genius at cooking and Gavin was grateful he didn’t have to cook at all, surely they’d be dead by now if Gavin even dared to touch the stove.

Gavin honestly expected the fifth flower to be in their sex drawer. So Gavin was stuck ruffling through some questionable items, vibraters, ropes, anything really, you name it they had it.

Except for roses. There were no roses in his dirty little drawer and Gavin was starting to get antsy. He had turn the house upside down entirely and he still couldn’t find the damn thing. It was going to drive him nuts if he never did and Gavin didn’t want that.

So Gavin opened the fridge to get some bevs and there that fucker was.

In a beer bottle, another red rose sprouting proudly; Gavin took the flower from the bottle, took a sip and drained the nasty liquid down the drain.

He felt strangely sorry for the rose, but also happy he’d found all of them. So he took his little coffee cup filled with roses and water and nearly dropped the thing in Geoff’s lap.

“Great job,” the man said, “Go get dressed, ’ll drive you somewhere nice.”

Gavin quirked an eyebrow up in disbelief.

“Not to nice. You know me.”

---

The fair is not nice. It wasn’t sex and it wasn’t a dinner but Gavin looked down at the world from the top of the ferris wheel and felt like he was at home. The lights dazzled in front of him and he was around so much happiness that it made his head spin. He clutched Geoff’s arm and nuzzled his face into the other man’s shoulder while Geoff squeezed Gavin’s hand lightly.

“Isn’t it pretty buddy?” “Breathtaking.”

“Yeah i knew you’d like it.”

And for the first time in Gavin Free’s life he was forced to slow down and look. No busy outside world, just him and the most important person in his life looking out at Austin’s horizon while a few hundred people shuffled at their feet.

It was life living life in slow motion, and Gavin loved every millisecond of it.

And when the wheel started turning again he kissed Geoff until they both reached the bottom, because Geoff knew how to take Gavin’s breath away, he knew how to slow the younger one down and mellow him out for a few seconds.

The whole car ride home the air was thick with appreciation and rekindled feeling of nervousness when you’re around the person you love for the first time. Kisses were sweet and with love while Gavin could get used to have a slow motion valentine’s day every year.

Lazy Sundays were always a favorite indulgence of the two British men; curled up in bed well beyond the time the sun had risen over the horizon. Today was no exception to that pattern, with the two men tangled together in bed and breathing slowly in synch in their slumber. The older, and more burly of the two was the first to wake once the beams of sunlight escaped from around the curtains and struck his face. He groaned lowly as he stirred, movement limited by the scrawny body covering his own. He gave a tired smile as he scanned over the face of the man, whom appeared so content and relaxed in his rest. The elder man, Dan, moved a hand from his side to gently stroke back his bangs so the light would hit the lids covering his eyes.

"Hey, c'mon B." Dan spoke, voice a bit hoarse from sleep. Gavin whined dramatically as he twisted his body away from him, doing his best to resist the others attempt to rouse him. Dan laughed quietly as he wrapped his strong arms around his form and pulled him back into his chest. 

"No no, none of that. Time to get up. You promised B, don't forget that." Dan reminded, watching as tired eyes fluttered open to glance up at him. His hair was more wild than normal, a result from tossing and turning all night. Dan had learned to deal with the others restless movements, no matter how much he contemplated kicking him out and onto the floor every night."

"Wot? Where are we goin'? 'M not rememberin' a promise." Gavin spoke, voice thicker with sleep than the other man. He blinked slowly, eyes fluttering tiredly in a threat to close once more to the comfortable cloak of sleep.

"I told you yesterday I wanted to take a stroll in the park 'round noon, and you said, and I quote, 'Sure thing B! Sounds top!' did you not?" Dan questioned, raising a brow at him. Gavin groaned in agony again as the other responded, rubbing his face with his hands. 

"I just woke up B... can't we wait just a couple more hours?" Gavin whined at him, pouting unhappily at the unimpressed look he was recieving. 

"No, because if we did do that, you'd just fall right back asleep and then give me the same speech when you woke back up." Dan replied simply, patting his cheek once before shifting to get up on his feet. "Now get up." He concluded, ignoring the following protests the smaller brit gave. 

It took a good hour before the two were finally out in the park for their walk. Dan had fought the man every inch of the way too, becoming suspicious and confused when the other went from protesting vehemently to rushing him instead when he didn't get out the front door fast enough. He had simply chalked it up to another strange quirk of Gavin's and thought nothing else of it other than that. They strolled through the park, baggy shirts and hoodies covering their bodies as they walked hand in hand. Gavin would pull his phone out every few minutes to text someone, but other than that it was a moment that was simply devoted to them. Dan found it perfect, and he believed he couldn't pick a better moment to share something with Gavin.

Of course, it would have helped if the other hadn't beaten him to it.

"You know B, I think it's about time we got married." Gavin spoke casually, catching Dan off guard as he spoke.

"What??" Dan sputtered as the other spoke, looking to him in shock. The other was grinning, a faint blush on his face as he looked up. 

"You heard me. Come on B, marry me?" Gavin questioned, earning a more shocked look from Dan.

"No! Gavin!" Dan groaned in irritation, noting the look of heartbreak and confusion on his face. 

"Wha..? No..?" 

"No! Not, no to the question! No to I was gonna be the one proposing to you!" Dan groaned in annoyance, frowning at him.

"Well, I guess I beat you to it." Gavin huffed back to this.

"You didn't even do it right!"

"Oh come off it. There's no right or wrong way!"

"Gavin! I'm supposed to propose to you!" Dan growled in irritation as the other waved it off so casually. "It's supposed to be special and romantic! Not just a casual question like 'hey, what's the time'?"

"Ay! I'm no girl B, I don't need any of that nonsense!" Gavin protested, frowning at him. 

"Too bad! I'm gonna propose to you!" 

"All right, fine then! Do it, B! Ask me to marry you!" Gavin finally gave up, throwing his hands up in the air in defeat. "Well?"

"I have to wait for the right time." Dan simply replied to him, grabbing his hand again to start walking once more.

"I'm getting really minged off now. If you aren't going to do it now, why are you complaining you dumb, stupid dummy?" Gavin griped at him, irritation overtaking the delight the other wanted to marry him just as much as he wanted to marry the other. 

"Patience. For once, have some of it." Dan offered in response to this. He found slight amusement at the mini hissy fit the other was throwing, silently seething all the while as he walked. Dan knew he'd get over it quickly once he actually proposed to him. He, unlike his partner, had actually gone through the trouble of buying an engagement ring like a proper gentleman. 

It wasn't for another twenty minutes, when they had reached the center of the park where the flowers and activity was especially high per square inch when he decided it was the right time. He moved to grab the man's hands, smiling at him as he began to speak.

"You've always been my best mate, B. You drive me crazy sometimes, but over all you're a pretty decent boyfriend." He started, watching Gavin roll his eyes at how he was going about this. "I love you B, I really do mean that. You really are the best thing that ever happened to me, and I don't ever want to let you go, and so, I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He grinned, vaguely noticing the small crowd that had gathered. He wasn't exactly whispering the words intimately to him in private. It was probably the most interesting thing that would happen during most of these people's days. 

"So, Gavin David Free," Dan spoke, moving down onto one knee and letting go of one of his hands. He fished a box out of his pocket with that hand, moving to open it and present the ring to him.

"Will you marry me?"

There was absolute silence, everyone holding their breathes around them. Of course, Dan already knew the answer if earlier's conversation revealed anything. His grin slowly strained as he saw Gavin looking past him, making an exaggerated humming sound and tapping his chin with his fingers.

"Hmmmm... well, let me think about it... I mean, there are lots of pros and cons to weigh... lot's of math to do and considering." Gavin continued, looking over Dan's head as he pretended to be in thought. 

"Gavin, I swear to god.." Dan muttered between gritted teeth, understanding the other was just messing with him purely for the purpose of being a dick.

"Hmmm..." Gavin hummed continuously, the crowd around them staring wide eyed at how long it was taking. Surely he would have answered by now, and many feared the embarrassment of the man if he said 'no' to him.

"Aw, why not? Sure, I'll marry you." Gavin finally grinned, glancing down at Dan's obviously miffed expression. Dan just exhaled with the rest of the crowd, slipping the ring on as they clapped for them. Dan smiled as he stood back up to hold him tightly and kiss him, arms wrapping around his waist as they fit together perfectly like a memorized pattern. 

"What are you doing?" Dan muttered as he felt Gavin move his hands off his neck, staying behind his head as he fiddled with something.

"Well, 'm texting Michael back to tell him I wasn't responding because I was getting engaged." Gavin grinned against the other's lips. Dan rolled his eyes slightly, but the smile couldn't be wiped from his face even if he truly were annoyed with him.