Projection

46 • people

"Let's go for a walk."

He nodded absentmindedly and typed out a few more words. He hit ctrl + S and locked his computer. He stood up in his baggy sweatshirt and boxer shorts.

"Let me get dressed first."

Austin gave him a quick peck to the cheek before the younger man rushed off. A few minutes later, he came back wearing more appropriate day clothes.

The two locked up the apartment and headed for the same park that they had met.

"It's almost been a year since we first met, huh?"

He nodded. "Late May."

The couple walked silently through the park. It was a fairly warm day for May, and the park was full of families and dogs. Abel curled closer to Austin when they neared people; meanwhile, Austin just gave them a friendly smile and nodded.

Austin chatted aimlessly to Abel to ease his anxiety, but it didn't seemed to work much. He was still trembling slightly. After a quick stop at the local coffee shop, they returned home.

Austin watched as Abel curled up on his favorite corner of the couch and sipped his iced coffee. He walked over and have him a quick kiss to the cheek.

"I love you, Abby."

Then his shoulders relaxed.