#thicah

For the firs time in years, Theo sat at the piano.

A light film of dust covered the instrument from months of disuse, and Theo cleared it with a puff of breath, blinking in the sudden the flurry of particles.

The fall slid easily back over the keys, which were still gleaming white. Theo tried a few experimental notes, and the ivory sprung easily under his fingers, the piano still in tune after so long.

He hesitated a moment before playing the beginnings of a familiar melody, at first with slow uncertainty, then gradually falling into the piece. He played with eyes closed, the music practiced enough in past years that the notes came back easily once recalled. It was a simple, sweet piece, and it sent Theo aching with the echo of grief he had thought long since forgotten.

He kept playing, ignoring the tightening in his chest, and only when he finished did he notice Greyson had drifted into the room, leaning on the wall beside him.

“How long since you’ve played?” He asked, voice gentle.

“Years. I wrote that piece just before Todd died.” Theo replied, voice quiet but unwavering, preoccupied with his thoughts. He’d been afraid to play for so long, avoiding the pain he’d been sure it would inevitably bring, a reminder of so much loss. It was liberating to finally put it behind him, no longer hiding from the past but moving beyond it. Theo nodded to himself, a confirmation to himself that he’d done it.

After a moment of silence, Theo reached forward and played a short melody, trying a few patterns before settling on one and beginning to add to it. Unfinished though it was, it was still a warm, hopeful tune, and a small grin decorated Theo’s face as he composed.

Greyson’s eyebrows furrowed, leaning forward to listen to the tune. “What’s this? I don’t recognize it.”

“Happiness.” Theo smiled, scribbling down the newly composed notes onto a piece of paper.

A look of understanding dawned of Greyson’s face. “For him?” He asked, reluctant.

Theo nodded, grin widening, his tune now slightly fuller with added notes. “For Micah.”

Theo allowed memories to fill his head as he composed, letting the emotion drive the music. He thought of their first kiss, Micah’s laugh and his teasing remarks, the first time Micah had stayed the night and holding him in his arms. He thought of their first week living together, and quiet meals shared over their favorite movies. He thought of waking up in the hospital an seeing Micah’s face. He thought of all the whispered ‘I love you’s and holding hands and biting and kissing and blushing cheeks. Hours passed as he composed, Greyson coming and going to listen to Theo’s progress.

It wasn’t until some time in the early hours of the night that Theo finished, surrounded by papers covered in scribbled melodies and scratched out lines. Greyson returned to the room, curious to see why Theo had stopped.

“Finished?”

“Yes.” Theo sighed and sat back, staring at the piece of paper still in front of him on the piano.

“… You really love him, don’t you?”

In response, Theo reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring, setting it on top of the piano. “I’m going to propose to him tomorrow, Greyson.”

Greyson’s eyes widened, shocked, then laughed, for once setting aside his general dislike of Micah. “About damn time.”

Theo grinned slightly, glancing up at his brother, then joined him in laughing. He ran a hand through his hair, the weight of the idea setting in and mixing with his excitement. Theo stood and Greyson pulled him into a hug. “Good luck, Teddy.”

Theo nodded, suddenly quite tired. “Thanks Greys.”

“Now go to bed, you’ve got a big day ahead of you.” Greyson turned Theo by the shoulders and ushered him towards his bedroom.

Theo moved anxiously around the house, trying to find things to do to keep him distracted. His family had responded to his message ranging from enthusiastic to skeptical, and all of them in varying degrees of surprise. As he'd expected, his aunt and uncle had agreed to come. They were the closest thing Theo had to parents after his mother had died, and he was immensely grateful for their support.

Theo hovered in the kitchen, straightening things on the counters and adjusting the chairs at the breakfast table for what must have been the hundredth time.

Greyson looked on with a raised eyebrow, lounging at the bar. He rolled his eyes and called out for Micah. "Micah, come calm down your beau here, he's losing it."

Theo checked his watch again, wishing the hour Micah was holding detention would somehow go faster. He hadn't seen Micah since they'd parted that morning, and it felt distinctly off. He'd stayed working late at the theatre as an excuse to drive Micah home.

Theo woke to his phone alarm, bleary eyed and reluctant to leave the comfort and warmth of bed. He grumbled quietly and shut off his alarm, carefully sitting up and sliding out of bed as quietly as he could. He pulled a pad of sticky notes from the bedside drawer, scribbling a quick good-morning message for Micah and sticking the note to the alarm clock. With any luck, Micah would be asleep a while longer.

--------

The trip to the beach from Greyson's house wasn't far, just a quick two minute walk down the hill. Theo sat on the sand, feeling a little pleased with himself. He'd left a series of notes around the house for Micah to find. He went over them in his head, making sure he hadn't forgotten any.

Good morning, sweetheart. The first, on the alarm clock.

Breakfast is in the oven. There's coffee, too. The second, left on the wall by the stairs. He'd made Mickey shaped pancakes, something he thought Micah might enjoy.

I love you. The third, left on the kitchen table.

You'll probably need these. The fourth, set on top of a beach towel and Micah's sweatshirt by the door.

Make a left and head straight on down, I'll be waiting for you. xo The last, stuck to the door. He'd also left a few silly doodles behind, mostly just hearts and endearments, but also a few quickly drawn cartoons of Micah and him.