Fragile Things (Drabble Five)
“I love you,” declared Neal one night.
It wasn’t a big romantic declaration. No one was dying. No near death experience had happened. Neal wasn’t even working on a case.
It was a totally ordinary life.
They were on the couch, curled together watching a black and white film. A bottle of half-drunk wine was placed on the coffee table. There was a deliciously fine chocolate cake that had been consumed during the movie and sips of wine. Neal wore a t-shirt and a pair of Byron’s silk pajama bottoms. Thick framed glasses were perched on his nose. Emrys was in a large tank top that hung off his thin frame and his pajama bottoms were fraying with the Batman symbol on them.
It was a night of contentment. The lovers were merely enjoying the presence of the other’s company. It was a scene that they had replayed in many hotel rooms during their brief time together. Emrys’ head tucked in the crook of Neal’s neck. Neal’s long fingers absently rubbed circles on Emrys’ hand.
They were silent for a couple moments after Neal said those three words. Neal couldn’t believe what had slipped. Emrys was enjoying the feeling of those words being released into the universe. The sorcerer and master thief slowly moved from his spot and straddled Neal across the lap.
He smiled. His eyes flashed gold and the record player started up with an old ragtime song. Another flash of gold, the lights dimmed in the room. Emrys leaned in and placed a kiss a the tip of Neal’s nose.
“I love you too,” declared Emrys that same night.