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“Okay, let me start at the beginning,” he says, looking between the two of us. “Today, I got let go from my job.”

“What?”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah,” he says, nodding his head. “Long story short, I officially retired today.”

“Okay,” I say slowly.

“Congrats? I guess?” Nix says awkwardly.

“But it’s fine. It kinda made me realize some stuff. I sat down with Hazel afterwards and we talked things out. She really helped me get my thoughts in order.”

Nix and I share a look. My stomach feels like it might burst with how many butterflies are flitting around inside of me.

“And those thoughts,” I say, looking back at Dean. “They’re good thoughts?”

“The best,” Dean says, his face finally turning into a smile. The wrinkle between his brows smooths out. He reaches forward, taking my hand and then Nix’s, holding them together between his own. “These thoughts mostly revolved around the two of you.”

I suck in a sharp breath. My hand tingles where it touches both of their hands. I can’t believe this is happening.

“I’ve been thinking about you as well,” I confess, not wanting Dean to do all the work. “I’ve been thinking about both of you.”

“Really?” Nix asks, his voice hopeful.

“Yeah. Especially you, Nix. I think I’ve left far too many things unsaid.”

“I think you should say them,” Dean says, squeezing my hand. “Tell him.”

I turn my body so I’m facing Nix full on. I clear my throat, hoping the words don’t get caught. I force them out. “I’m in love with you, Nix.”

Nix’s pretty brown eyes widen in shock. His cheeks take on a red tint to them, his lips stretching into a shocked oh before sliding up into a grin.

“Oh my gods, bro,” he whispers. “I’ve been dying to hear you say that for years.”

“Well, I’ve said it.”

“Yeah, you did,” he says, pulling my hand up so that he can kiss the back of it. “I’m in love with you, too. I think I have been since we were kids and you knocked that kid on his ass after he made fun of me for being trans. That was the moment I knew I’d love you forever.”

I close my eyes against the sting of unshed tears. I allow Nix’s words to run over me, to settle inside my chest where I can hold it dear forever.

Nix loves me back. He’s loved me for years. Gods, why the fuck was I so terrified of telling him? Why have we been holding ourselves back all this time?

Right, because we were waiting for Dean to complete us. We were waiting for our third to fill in the slots. The wait was worth it because it made us who we are today, it made this moment all the sweeter because of how desperate we both were to get here.

I let go of Nix’s hand. He looks shocked but only for a moment because as soon as I have my hands free, I cup his face and pull him forward. Dean makes a noise at the back of his throat as he watches me kiss Nix for the first time.

Closing my eyes, I sink into the kiss. Nix’s lips are soft against my own, slotting together perfectly. He’s warm and soft and tender. Exactly how I always assumed kissing Nix would feel like.

My heart spins and my stomach flips violently. I pull back but Nix chases me, slotting our lips together again. It’s wonderful and life-shattering and amazing all at the same time. I feel like I’m freefalling, knowing strong arms will be there to catch me.

Those strong arms are more than metaphorical as Nix shifts, putting one arm around my back, the other finding my thigh. He holds me as he kisses me over and over, like he can’t bring himself to stop now that we’ve started. I can relate. I don’t want to stop. Nothing could stop me.

“Wow.”

Okay, maybe one thing can stop me. The sound of Dean’s voice brings me back to the present. I pull away and Nix does the same. His eyes are blown wide, his lips red from our kisses. We haven’t even kissed with tongue yet and he already looks as wrecked as I feel.

Kissing Nix felt like coming home. As I turn to look at Dean, I can’t stop wondering how his kisses will feel.