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Carter nods carefully. He touches his fingertips to the glass of the window as a firework rains down sparks in the shape of a weeping willow. “Those are my favorite.”
“They’re beautiful.”
“Yes,” Carter whispers. His eyes fill with tears so he hurries to wipe them away. He doesn’t want to miss a second of this. “So beautiful.”
“Do you want me to go to the bedroom?” Nathan asks. “I don’t want to encroach on this.”
Carter reaches back, pressing his hand over the one Nathan has on his hip. “Stay.”
Nathan steps closer, wrapping his left arm around Carter’s waist. From his ankles to the top of his head, Carter is now pressed firmly against him. His ass and thighs sting, but the pain is distant. It has no real power over this moment.
The fireworks slowly build in intensity, the show getting louder and brighter and slightly chaotic. Carter’s heart races.
“Nathan?”
Nathan shifts his head where he’s resting it on top of Carter’s. “Yes?”
“I meant it.”
“Hmm?”
“The other night, when you - we - on the floor, and I said… you know, and then later I said I didn’t mean it.” He waits a beat, wondering if Nathan will ask him to clarify. He doesn’t. “I lied. I meant it.”
He feels the way Nathan’s breath hitches against his back. Nathan’s fingers flex where he’s holding him. “I love you too, Carter.”
“I know.” Carter wipes at his eyes again. His throat feels tight. He can hear it when he speaks. “I just don’t know if after everything we’ve been through together… I don’t know if it’s enough, Nate.”
Nathan releases a slow breath. “I worried that was the case.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t. You don’t have to be sorry for a goddamn thing, Carter.” Nathan presses a kiss to the crown of his head. “Whatever happens with us, I just want you to be happy, okay? That’s all I want for you.”
“What about you?”
Nathan stays quiet for a few seconds before whispering, “Let’s enjoy the show.”
Carter wants to push the issue.
He also wants to enjoy the show.
Leaning back against the man behind him, ignoring the ache and sting of his body, he watches as the finale begins. The sky is alive with color. The weeping willow fireworks are scattered throughout, making him smile each time.
“Nathan?” Carter asks as one last firework shoots into the sky.
“Yes?”
“Maybe when this is all over…” he takes a breath. The firework explodes. It’s huge and bright and beautiful.Maybe they could be huge and bright and beautiful.“Who knows… maybe I’ll fall in love with Travis.”
“Yeah.” Nathan tightens his hold on Carter. “Maybe you will.”
