The words against his ear make Hakeem giggle as rosiness fills his cheeks, “I could get used to dancing with you forever, Jackson.” Hakeem looks up to the elven man in his arms, who is smiling down his nose at him.
They pause where they stand in the center of a stone walkway, leaning in closer to one another. Their eyes flutter, heads tilting ever so slightly as they come together, for a kiss. This one isn’t spurred by mana drunk lack of inhibition. It is not a sweet dream during a winter storm. It’s real, laced with intent and affection. Their lips lock together, tender and warm. Hakeem pulls Jackson in closer by his waist, who in turn wraps his arms around Hakeem’s shoulders. They breathe in each other’s scents and bask in each other’s warmth. Hakeem can feel the firm muscles in Jackson’s lower back. Jackson hands wander to the firmness of Hakeem’s broad shoulders.
Silver and green mana flare around their intertwined bodies, forcing them apart, flushed and breathless. Their lips still shining from where they locked together, chests heaving as they gaze into each other’s glazed eyes.
“What was that?” Hakeem asks in a breathy exhale.
Jackson chuckles, tongue tracing his lower lip. “The same thing happenedwhen me and Eddie kissed. He thinks he felt a similar, let’s saytingle, with you. Perhaps you were both too, justifiably, distracted to notice.”
Hakeem chuckles, burying his face into Jackson’s chest to hide his flushed cheeks and giddy grin, fingers clutching at the material of Jackson’s vest. “The bonds between people can change the magic within them. Our mana match is much more susceptible to our emotions, and whatever is pulling us towards Eddie, besides ever growing fondness, must be too.”
Jackson pulls Hakeem’s out of his chest, guiding his face upwards with a gentle hand, leaning down for another kiss. Their eyes flutter close as their tongues brush together. Hakeem nibbles at Jackson’s lower lip as they pull apart, a devious grin on his face. “Do you wish to know more, Mr. Nocturne?” The name escapes Hakeem in a giggle.
Jackson sways in place, holding the genius who has found a way into his heart in his arms, humming contemplatively. “Hmm, no. Not this time. I think I’m okay with this mystery staying a mystery for a while longer. Something just for us, you know?”
Hakeem sighs into Jackson’s chest, “Just for us,” and lets himself be pulled in closer, swaying to the phantom music.
Hakeem’s brows furrow as vision goes blurry. “Dang it. My spell is wearing off.”
Jackson guides them down to the bench. “The spell for your eyes? So you could wear the mask more comfortably?”
“That’s the one. I’ll be fine, just need my-” Hakeem feels around in his jacket pockets: mask, phone, but no glasses. “Shit, I must have dropped them somewhere.” He drops his face into his hands, shoulders deflating.
Jackson rubs his back and scoots in closer. “Do you need me to wish to find them?”
Hakeem sighs into his hands, “No. Since I was a kid I learned a spell to locate them and bring them back to me. It’s draining, but does the trick.” He looks up at Jackson, eyes squinting to try and focus through the slight blurriness of his vision.
Jackson cups Hakeem’s soft cheek in his hand, who melts into the touch, “My magic, our magic, is here if you need it. I always will be from now on.”
They kiss once more. Hakeem smiles against his lips, filling his cheeks, “I know you will be.”
“Maybe I can save you both some trouble.” A familiar voice catches both their attention. Before Hakeem can ask, someone places his glasses back on his face.
Eddie smiles down at him affectionately. “You dropped these. I figured you’d want them back.” Eddie leans in closer to kiss his forehead, then turns to Jackson to grant him one on the cheek. Both men accept the gesture wholeheartedly.
Hakeem adjusts his glasses as he looks up at his hero, his Eddie. “What would we do without you?” Jackson and Hakeem scoot apart to let Eddie sit between them as he finishes putting his own mask away.
Eddie sits and pulls them both in by wrapping an arm around their shoulders. They lean into Eddie, he feels so safe and warm. “If it’s up to me, you’ll never have to worry about finding out.”
Jackson takes the opportunity to lay all his cards out on the table. He takes a steadying breath, “You guys said you had something you wanted to talk about.” Both men turn towards him. “Is it safe to say we might already be on the same page?” Eddie and Hakeem exchange a look and an eager smile, they are pretty sure they are. Jackson continues, “I haven’t been in a serious relationship in decades. I was scared for so long to let someone in, nonetheless two people. I want to try-genuinely try-to make it work with you two.”
Eddie inhales, steeling his resolve, “I’ve had a couple of boyfriends and girlfriends, the longest relationship lasting a month. We ended on amicable terms but the spark was never there for long.”
Hakeem cringes at the memory of his last so called relationship. “The last guy I kinda dated, well, we never really were official. We had some fun times but we never became boyfriends I guess. Funny enough I introduced him to his now husband, they got married last year. Lovely ceremony, beautiful couple. Me and Charlie got them matching throw blankets.”
Eddie and Jackson burst into laughter, Hakeem’s blush deepens. “Wait. Are you telling me the last guy you hooked up with, instead of dating youintroduced him to his future husband?” Jackson asks breathlessly.
“Not on purpose!” Argues Hakeem.
“That is the oddest yet cutest meet cute story I have ever heard, Hakeem,” replies Eddie.
Hakeem joins them in laughter, admitting the unlikeliness of the scenario. “It really was awkward to receive an invitation, but they both looked so handsome on their wedding day. Nour and Mazen got a laugh out of that story for a year. Back to the topic at hand, I want to give this a try too.”
“So do I,” says Eddie as he pulls them both in to kiss them on the top of their heads.
“So,” Jackson regards them both, drawing out the vowel. “I guess we’re dating now, huh?”
Hakeem leans over to give Jackson a quick peck on the lips, “I guess so,” as he reaches up to kiss Eddie’s cheek as well.
