#thread: flashback

They’d been flirting—rather subtly, for the most part—for a few weeks now. Xavier liked shopping, but definitely not enough to be going to a store to buy shirts and jeans three times a week. What he liked, and what he went to the store for, was the cutest store clerk he’d ever laid eyes on: Wren Southwick. Finally, after all the back and forth lines and looks and smiles, the younger male gets Xavier’s number and they start texting, and soon enough, there’s a knock at the artist’s door, one he answers a bit too eagerly.

“Hey,” he greets him with a charming grin. “You really do live like five minutes away, huh?” he adds in, the smile still decorating his face for a few moments before he steps aside to let Wren into the apartment. Xavier’s place isn’t the biggest, but the minimal furniture and the all white walls make it seem a lot more spacious. “Come in. Can I fix you a drink?”

Alys stared at the ring on her finger. It was small, yes, but it meant everything. It was an escape from her father. It was the promise, the guarantee of a new life. It was Daryn. He had proposed last night, as the summer heat clung to their skin, as the alcohol made her fuzzy and giggly, as their teeth clashed together. Yes, yes, yes, she had chanted.

She shifted in the bed, rolling over to face Daryn. He was sprawled on his stomach, hair stuck to his forehead with sweat. She stroked his cheek, I'm going to marry him. He's going to be my husband and a thrill went through her.

A thought overtook her and she stilled. She gently shook Daryn by the shoulder until he woke, bleary-eyed and smiling. "Hey babe," he said, as he pulled her in closer, nuzzling her neck.

Alys went with the feeling for a moment, smiling against Daryn's neck. "You know, we gotta tell my dad and brothers."