"Alright, that's it for today!" Leo exclaimed as he closed his laptop shut. "If I study anymore then my brain is going to melt and drip right out of my ears."
"Thanks for the beautiful mental image," Milan cringed.
"What? Are you saying you won't be with me if my brain melts out of my ears?" Leo fake gasped. "I'm hurt, Mila, I thought I meant more to you than that."
"I will still like you if you're a brainless zombie." Milan replied with a playful roll of his eyes.
"And what if I turn into a frog?"
"Haven't you read the fairytale? I'll kiss you. Duh."
"What if I turn into a worm?" Leo questioned, a thoughtful look on his face.
"I'll still be with you."
"Spider?"
"Okay, I have to draw the line here." Milan shook his head. "I might have to break up with you then."
"You know what? I'd be offended but I understand." Leo nodded.
"I should get back home now," Milan said, before getting up from the chair.
"Already? I thought you were staying the night." Leo frowned.
"I was?"
"Yeah," Leo shrugged, "I mean, only if you want to."
"I'll text my mom to let her know," Milan replied with a shy smile.
"Cool." Leo leant forward to give Milan a quick peck, "what do you want for dinner?"
"Are you cooking again?" Milan's face lit up, making Leo chuckle. "Or are we ordering?"
"How about I make some pasta?"
"Sounds perfect," Milan grinned.
Leo gave Milan some space to talk to his mom, and went down to start preparing for dinner.
Even though the two forgot to set an alarm, Leo fortunately woke up around an hour after they laid down for their nap. He couldn't help but smile as he remembered how adorable Milan looked when he was sleeping. Well, he looked adorable even when he was awake, but that's another matter altogether.
It was hard to believe that a few months ago, Leo didn't even know who Milan was. Sure, he remembered seeing him around in school, and in his classes, but he never paid him any attention. He was just another face in the crowd, and now he was the only face that Leo sought after in every room.
Milan went from being nobody, to being one of the most important people in Leo's life. Not only that, his warmth and his ability to only see the good in people was so contagious that it made Leo want to be a better person. It made him want to open up his heart that he had locked and hidden away. And Milan didn't even mean to do it, it just happened.
Leo didn't have any experience in love or relationships. But he had seen people around him be in love. He always noticed how Kai's face would light up every time Roan would walk in the room, and how Roan's voice would shift each time and become softer when he was talking to his husband.
Milan's presence too, always lit up Leo's day. Every moment that they were away from each other, he was all that Leo could think about. And when they were together, Leo just wanted time to freeze. He wanted those moments to last forever.
Leo had even started looking forward to waking up in the morning just so he could get up and pick up Milan for school. Mornings and school, two things that he absolutely dreaded before Milan came into his life. Leo mentally thanked Mr. Sorkin for making him join the Mathletes, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
Leo never believed in perfection. It was just an illusion in his opinion. What could seem perfect one day, could very well become what you despise the next. But he could never see himself despising Milan. Milan was nothing short of perfect in his eyes. And if that was an illusion, then he no longer cared.
Leo was falling for Milan, if he hadn't already. And for the first time in years, he wasn't afraid of opening his heart to someone. He could no longer see a future where Milan was not a part of his life.
The thought of losing Milan was terrifying. But if Milan was to hurt him in the end, even then each and every second spent with him would still make it all worth it.
Leo's thoughts were disturbed by the sound of footsteps. He was soon joined by Milan, who kissed his cheek and wrapped his arm around Leo. He was excited about spending the night together, and so was the other boy. He couldn't help but wonder what was in store for them.
Leo once again gave Milan the duty of stirring the pot, and Milan did it with utmost care and concentration. As if the sauce would disappear if he was to look away for even a moment. It didn't take long to cook this time, it was much simpler than what Leo had made for lunch. But the taste was delicious regardless of the time it took.
The two ate, and Milan made Leo promise that he was going to cook for him more often. Leo chuckled, but agreed, feeling glad that at least Milan liked something about him.
That train of thought caused a stinging feeling in his chest.
Whereas Milan was perfect, Leo couldn't help but wonder what he brought to the table. In his eyes, he was a failure. He was rude, and dumb, and ill-mannered. He was too careless, and never committed to anything. Why would Milan ever love him back?
"Everything okay?" Milan asked, looking concerned as he noticed how Leo's face fell out of the blue.
"Why are you with me?" Leo couldn't help but question. "You can do so much better."
"Hey," Milan frowned. This was the first time he was seeing Leo be so vulnerable in front of him. "How can you think like that? You're everything I could ask for in a boyfriend."
"But I have nothing to offer, there are guys so much smarter and better and-"
"Leo." Milan furrowed his brows, keeping his hands on Leo's cheeks to make the older boy look at him, as he spoke with all the sincerity in the world. "Ever since I met you...you've been like a guardian angel. You've taught me how to stand up for myself, taught me that what I want matters too. You're so goddamn kind and you're so much more talented than you give yourself credit for."
"Milan..."
"Even when I'm not with you, just the thought that you're mine is enough to brighten up my day. I would've missed out on so much and would've stayed in shell if it wasn't for you and your support." Milan paused to take a breath. "You're...you're the best thing in my life, Leo."
"I love you." Leo couldn't help but blurt out. Milan's eyes widened, as he looked taken aback. Leo was about to freak out, but before he could do that, Milan broke out in a huge grin.
"I love you." Milan leant forward to connect their lips. There was both a softness and a sense of desperation in their kiss as they held onto each other for dear life. Leo finally felt himself calm down as he pulled Milan closer to him than was humanly possible.
Leo hadn't said these words to anyone except Maya ever since his dad died. And saying them out loud, and actually meaning what he said, made his heart beat just a tad bit faster. He was no longer scared of it, but happy.
"I love you. I love you. I love you." Leo repeated over and over again. Milan smiled, and reconnected their lips.
The two stayed in the kitchen, making out passionately as they gripped each other's clothes, desperately wanting to take them off. Milan pulled back, giving Leo a look that wasn't too hard to decipher. Leo knew what it meant, and he nodded, feeling ready. Leo grabbed Milan's hand, as the two rushed upstairs to his room.
Their shirts came off almost instantly as Leo gently pushed Milan on the bed. His legs were dangling off, as Leo unbuttoned his pants and pulled them down. Milan helped speed up the process, before sitting up and untying the knot of Leo's sweatpants.
"Uh," Milan bit his lower lip nervously. "Are you sure about this?"
"Absolutely."
"Then this might kill the mood but, um, I need to use the restroom to, you know..." Milan trailed off, making Leo chuckle.
"Hurry up." Leo bent down to give Milan a peck. The other nodded as he got up and rushed to the bathroom.
Once Milan was gone behind the door, Leo fell onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. His heart was still beating out of his chest, and he couldn't wait to finally show Milan just how much he loved him.
***
chapter 37 is up on patreon and buymeacoffee! links in bio.
on that note, delicate will have around 40-42 chapters in total, so it's coming to an end ;-;