A Path That's Right for Me

Flutter

"That's completely reasonable considering everything that's happened. I'm glad you were able to make that boundary for yourself."

Roman hummed in a noncommittal fashion. He twirled around on his barstool, commenting, "I noticed you and Melia making stuff before we started our movie earlier. Were you able to finish?"

Jensen answered by presenting a beautiful necklace for Roman to look at.

The simple design consisted of a silver chain with a moonstone and alexandrite stone. The two stones dangled above the bottom curved section of crescent-shaped pendant. Turning the pendant around revealed a small, crudely-shaped engraving of a heart on the back.

Roman smiled, his pointer finger caressing the moonstone. "That's really cute."

"I'm glad you think so."

Jensen brought the necklace around Roman's neck. The metal clasps were connected so the piece of jewelry could be where it belonged.

"You... made this for me?"

Jensen scratched at his cheek, glancing off to the side when the area gained a tinge of color. "I know you like things that are less expensive, more personal. So, yeah. I thought I'd make you a necklace instead of buying you one. You really liked when I helped make you that cup for your birthday. I just figured."

Roman held back the habitual urge to say Jensen didn't need to do so much. Instead, he answered with a touched, "Thank you."

Jensen shrugged. "It's- it's nothing. We've been keeping you busy, but I could tell you were still feeling down. And now you're telling me you're having nightmares. I'd say it's pretty good timing. I just thought you could use a little pick-me-up."

Roman scooted forward so he could bring Jensen in for a proper hug. Sitting down put Roman at a shorter height and allowed his ear to rest directly atop Jensen's heart. Roman nuzzled at the spot, sighing in relief in regard to a gentle hand settling on top of his head.

They stayed that way, wrapped in each other's arms, until the electric kettle signaled it was finished. Roman's tea was prepped accordingly. They made their way back outside to sit down together. The light from the kitchen offered enough added illumination for them to see each other while relaxing on the otherwise ill-lit deck.

An arm wrapped around Roman's shoulders to keep him warm. He cuddled against Jensen and held the steaming cup of tea close to savor its aroma.

Chirping crickets and water ripples filled the silence around them.

Roman could make out a patch of moonlight between the trees on the lake's surface. The water sparkled in such a stunning way, he was partially tempted to take a late night dip. Roman would've asked if not for some persistent bad dream jitters.

"What was it about? If you don't mind me asking."

"Huh?"

"Your nightmare."

Roman fiddled with the floral design on his cup. "It... was pretty stupid."

"Stupid or not, it scared you. Bad enough to keep you from going back to sleep peacefully. That can only mean it really struck a bad chord."

Roman couldn't argue with that.

"...It was about my parents. And my ex. And Dorian. Aside from my cousin, they were trying to get me to stay with them and physically held me back to keep me away from you. When I was able to free myself and get to you, you... disappeared. Vanished right out of my hands. Them trying to grab at me again once I was alone was the last thing that happened before I woke up. You weren't next to me in bed, so... I panicked a little. I'm okay now, though."