Finally, e smiles, eir cheeks burning red, and says, “I’m ready now, though.”

And I smile back because I can’t even count the number of hours I’ve spent wishing I could kiss em. But now I can.

And so I do.

I try to wrap my arms around eir neck, but they aren’t long enough, so they just dangle awkwardly off eir shoulders, which I might feel worse about if Devin’s arms actually had a mission. Instead, one hand creeps awkwardly against my arm while the other stays limp at eir side. I laugh against eir mouth, and e laughs back, our giggles getting mixed together in a rush of breath and warm faces.

When we finally pull apart, all I want to do is pull em back to me, but I don’t. I twine our fingers together and say, “Thank you for the present. I just realized I hadn’t said that yet.”

Devin smiles wide enough to get my head spinning. Then e says, “You’re welcome. We should go back to the party, yes?”

And I nod because at least once we’re inside, I can get lost in our time together and try to forget that in three weeks, I’ll be on the road to California and away from em again.

Step 11: The Gesture

It’s the world-crushing move to save the relationship.

Saturday, July 28

Howdyheather posted:

So, is the Meet Cute Diary officially over? There haven’t been any new posts in a month. I guess the mod ran away after the leaked story thing came out? Anyone have any new recommendations?

Jjstiles replied: It’s so heartbreaking. All over one story too. I loved that blog!

Bimeariver replied: I don’t have any recs. The MCD really was one of a kind.

Umbrellaella replied: I’m not giving up yet. Maybe it’s just a hiatus?

“Wait, e did what?”

I roll my eyes, but I don’t mind explaining the story again. My parents are settling in at the new house, and there’s a ton of noise on the other end as they move everything in, but I wanted to call my mom and catch up a bit before Devin gets here.

I’m in the kitchen with Brian helping him make curry when there’s a knock on the door, and my heart skips a beat.

“Sorry, Mom, gotta go. I love you!”

I hang up, tucking my phone into one of my massive back pockets.

Devin smiles at me as I open the door, quickly extending eir hand and holding out a Thai milk tea with boba. I grin. I mean, we’ve basically spent every day together since camp, but since I can actually sleep in now because we usually meet up after lunch, e’s taken to bringing me other gifts besides coffee.