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The floor was comfortable. It really shouldn’t be and it wasn’t clean by any means. His clothes were scattered all over the floor and dust bunnies hid under his bed. But, Wilhelm didn’t mind it as much. Not when Simon was holding him and running his fingers through Wilhelm’s hair.
They had just finished a movie – their attempt to forget the dread and anxiety that hung over them because of the video. (That damn video. Who the fuck thought they had the right?!)
When the movie had finished, they had a little time left before Wilhelm got picked up so they decided to just sit together in silence, savoring each other’s presence.
Wilhelm indulged himself in the comforts of Simon's lap, burying his nose against his boyfriend’s shirt, breathing in the faint scent of citrus and vanilla. Simon let out a soft giggle, probably feeling tickled, before sobering again.
They laid there in silence for several more minutes before Simon finally spoke up.
“Do they want you to stop seeing me?” he asked, solemnly.
The sadness in his tone broke Wilhelm’s heart.
“Yes,” replied the prince, honestly. He squeezed Simon’s arm to reassure him. “But, I don’t want to. I want to be with you.”
“Will you tell them that?”
“Yeah. I’ll talk to my mom. Erik will be with me.”
Simon hummed. “Is he coming soon?”
Wilhelm peeked at his watch (a birthday present from his brother) and cursed out loud as he reluctantly scrambled out of Simon’s hold and struggled into a sweater.
“How are you feeling?” Simon asked from the floor.
“Like I’m going to throw up,” Wilhelm admitted, wrapping a scarf around his neck.
Simon got to his feet and slowly approached him. He placed a comforting hand on Wilhelm’s shoulder, their eyes meeting.
“You can do this. You’re brave.”
Wilhelm’s chest warmed at the utter trust and belief Simon had in him. Despite Wilhelm’s hot and cold attitude at the beginning of their relationship, despite this video ruining their lives, Simon still stayed.
Wilhelm gladly welcomed the kiss the shorter boy pressed against his lips. His lips were warm and soft. When they pulled apart, the prince wasted no time in pulling his boyfriend close, wrapping his arms around him as Simon tucked his head against his shoulder. Wilhelm didn’t want to let him go.
“Thank you for not leaving me alone in this,” whispered Simon.
“We’re in this together,” Wilhelm whispered back to him.
Hand-in-hand, the two boys left the room, refusing to be apart for even a second. Neither of them knew exactly what was going to happen after Wilhelm leaves. So they were taking advantage of the little time they have left with each other.
Outside of Forest Ridge House, they waited. It wasn’t long until the sight of a dark blue Lamborghini followed by two black SUVs appeared. The cars parked right in front of the boys.
Wilhelm tightened his hold on Simon’s hand as Erik emerged from the Lambo.
“Hey, brother,” the Crown Prince greeted.
Simon’s grip loosened, allowing Wilhelm to greet his brother with a tight hug. Erik rubbed his back and the familiar scent of his cologne eased the tension in Wilhelm. His big brother would make things better like he always did.
“How are you?” Erik asked.
“Is that a trick question?” Wilhelm mumbled.
Erik chuckled as he pulled away and turned to Simon. “Hello there, Simon. How are you?”
Simon shrugged. “As good as I can get with everything.”
Wilhelm smiled as he watched his brother and Simon hug, Erik rubbing Simon’s back like he had done with Wilhelm. He was grateful that the two got along, even if they often teamed up to tease him. But, at the end of the day, Erik was in his and Simon’s corner. It made Wilhelm less apprehensive about facing his parents.
Erik and Simon ended their hug.
“I’m sorry this happened to you both,” said the Crown Prince, looking at them both, solemnly. “It’s vile. And we’ll get to the bottom of it. Once we find out who is behind this, we will get you justice.” He turned to Simon. “Wilhelm tells me that you’re having trouble with reporters?”
Simon looked surprised and looked over at Wilhelm with a small glare. Wilhelm shrugged. He knew Simon didn’t want to make a big deal out of it but Wilhelm was worried, okay? Simon didn’t ask for all this attention. And Wilhelm knew, first hand, that things could escalate, sometimes. So, of course, he told his brother.
“Kind of,” the boy replied. “They keep knocking on our door and bothering my mom and Sara. They tried to follow me to school a couple of times this week so I left through my window today.”
Erik nodded his head in understanding. “Don’t you worry, Simon.” He waved at one of the bodyguards who walked over. “This is Malin, she’ll be watching over you and your family for the time being.”
The woman smiled at Simon with a respectful nod.
“And don’t worry,” Erik continued, just as Simon opened his mouth to protest. “I’m using my personal funds and not the Crown’s. No taxpayer money, I promise.”
Simon’s mouth still fell open. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
Erik smiled and patted him on the arm. “You’re important to Wille and, therefore, important to me. So, please, accept my help.”
For a moment, Wilhelm was afraid that Simon would say “no” and have to endure the unwelcome presence of the paparazzi. But, when Simon sighed and nodded, the prince let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank you,” said Simon to Erik before turning to Wilhelm, who was grinning at him. “And thank you.”
Erik clapped his hands. “Alright! Wille, it’s time to go. You got your bag?”
Wilhelm pointed to the overnight bag he had packed that sat on the stairs next to him. Erik signaled to one of his bodyguards and the man picked up the bag and carried it to one of the SUVs.
“Let’s go, then.”
But, Wilhelm didn’t want to go. He wanted to stay with Simon, cuddle with him in front of a movie, and let his boyfriend kiss his worries away.
“Wille,” Erik called out, again.
Sighing, Wilhelm nodded. “Can you give us a minute?”
“Alright. Simon, take care, okay?”
“Thank you, Erik,” the other boy replied.
Erik turned on his heels and headed for his Lambo, his bodyguards following suit and heading for the cars. Simon’s new bodyguard, Malin, moved away to give them some space and Wilhelm was grateful for her consideration.
Wilhelm took both of Simon’s hands in his. “I’ll call you tonight, okay?”
Simon flashed him a sweet smile. “I’ll be waiting.” He squeezed Wilhelm’s hands. “You’ll be okay. You’re brave, Wille.”
That was the second time Simon said that. But, Wilhelm didn’t feel brave. In fact, he felt like a coward, relying on his older brother to save him and fix things. But, Simon thought he was brave and Wilhelm wanted to be.
“I have to tell you something,” said the prince, his heart racing. “I… Simon, I…”
Simon’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Are you breaking up with me or something?” he asked, half-joking and half-serious.
Still, Wilhelm panicked. “What? No! No, of course not! No!”
His boyfriend chuckled. “Okay, then what is it?”
Wilhelm had no idea where the burst of courage came from (maybe it was from Simon, himself), but he blurted it out.
“I love you.”
Simon’s eyes widened.
A second passed… Two… Three…
Dread pooled in Wilhelm’s stomach and he wanted to throw up even more.
“Y-You… you don’t have to say it back,” he said, quickly. “I know that was random, I’m sorry, but I just needed to tell you and I don’t know what’s gonna happen when I get home but I-.”
Lips pressed against his, silencing him, as hands gently cradled his cheeks. For a moment, Wilhelm couldn’t move out of confusion. But, soon, his arms wrapped around Simon’s waist, bringing the smaller boy closer as Wilhelm deepened the kiss. He was practically tipping Simon over now, so desperate he was to be as close as he possibly could to this boy.
Wilhelm didn’t want to let him go. Wilhelm wanted to keep kissing him, pour all his love into him. Simon made him feel brave, made him feel alive. And Wilhelm wanted him to know.
He would have stood there for all eternity, kissing Simon. But, of course, it wasn’t meant to be. The loud, sharp honking of a car horn broke the moment.
“If you keep kissing your boyfriend, Wille, we’ll never leave!” Erik called out.
Groaning in frustration as Simon pulled away, Wilhelm flashed his brother a rude finger gesture over his shoulder.
Simon giggled. “He’s right, you know. You have to go.”
Wilhelm sighed in resignation. “Fine.”
“And Wille?” Simon smiled, affectionately at him. “I love you, too.”
And just like that, Wilhelm felt the weight lift off his shoulder. His heart began beating faster and not in the bad, anxiety-laden way it usually did.
Grinning, Wilhelm pulled Simon into his arms again, hugging him, tightly, and savoring the moment before reluctantly releasing him. He kept his eye on Simon as he walked backwards towards Eric’s car. Simon didn’t look away even as Wilhelm got into the car and Erik began to drive off.
Wilhelm turned around in his seat to lock eyes with Simon. Their eyes never strayed until the other boy was just a small dot in front of the looming dormitory and then disappeared altogether.
The door to the Queen’s office had never looked more intimidating than it did now.
As a child, it used to bring Wilhelm comfort because his mother was on the other side, waiting to hold him and run her fingers through his hair. But, as he got older, his mother got colder. She stopped holding him. She stopped running her fingers through his hair. She stopped being his mother and became the Queen of Sweden. Wilhelm couldn’t even remember the last time she hugged him that wasn’t for the cameras.
He didn’t want to go in.
A gentle hand touched his back.
“It will be okay,” said Erik, softly. “I’m sure she’s already thought of something to fix this.”
Wilhelm felt his chest tighten and he raised a hand to rub it. “She’s disappointed in me.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Easy for you to say, you’re the favorite.” Wilhelm didn’t mean to sound bitter but he couldn’t help it. “You’ve never done anything wrong in your entire life! You don’t have to beg for her love like I have to!”
“Wilhelm.”
Erik’s voice was hard and stern, every bit the crown prince that he was. It made Wilhelm want to cower in shame.
He must have flinched or something because Erik’s face softened and he sighed as he pulled Wilhelm into a side hug.
“I’m not as perfect as you think,” he said. “And we’ll discuss that at another time. Right now, this is about you and the fact that your privacy was violated. Public figure or not, you don’t deserve this. No one does. And mother will fix it, okay? Trust me.”
And Wilhelm did trust his brother. So, he nodded.
Erik straightened his back and the younger prince followed his lead. Almost simultaneously, they put on their prince personas.
Wilhelm let his brother step forward and knock on the door. They were immediately summoned in by their mother’s voice, prim and proper. It gave no emotion away.
Queen Kristina sat behind her desk, spine straight, and face neutral. Standing, dutifully, next to her was Prince Consort Ludvig. Their father smiled, encouragingly, at them, a much more comforting presence than their mother.
“Erik. Wilhelm. Please, sit.” Their mother gestured to the two armchairs in front of her desk.
The princes sat and Wilhelm resisted the urge to bring his hand to his chest to curb the anxiety still brimming there.
“Let’s not dawdle on the reason you’re both here,” Kristina said.
Wilhelm’s hands twitched where they laid folded on his lap.
“Wilhelm, I’m very disappointed in you.”
He tried to not let the words stab him in the heart.
“We sent you to Hillerska to stay out of trouble and, yet, what have you done?”
“Mama, it’s not his fault and you know that,” Erik chimed in and Wilhelm felt a gush of love for his brother. “They were filmed without permission. We have to be focusing on searching for the person responsible.”
Kristina’s lips pressed into a thin line, as if she was contemplating something dire.
“We have already found the culprit,” she finally said.
Wilhelm’s eyes widened and he felt himself rise from his seat. “Who is it?” he demanded.
“That doesn’t matter-.”
“I need to know who was lurking outside my window, Mama! I can’t sleep knowing that there’s someone out there, watching me and my boyfriend like it’s their right!”
Erik’s hand wrapped around Wilhelm’s arm, urging him to sit back down.
“Tell us, Mama,” said the older prince, calmly. “It’s Wilhelm’s right to know. And I hope you have a good punishment in mind for that bastard and-.”
“We will do no such thing.”
It was Erik’s turn to be thrown off. “What? What do you mean?”
A strange look flashed across Kristina’s face before she schooled it to a neutral expression. She glanced quickly at her husband, asking him a silent question. Ludvig let out a breath and nodded.
“They need to know,” he said, quietly.
“Know what?” Wilhelm asked. “What do you know?”
At that, Kristina sighed. Looking them both in the eye, she answered, “It’s August.”
Wilhelm’s world came crashing down.
“Our security traced the video to his phone. He has confessed to me and has apologized for his thoughtless actions.”
“He should be apologizing to me!” Wilhelm screamed, shooting up from his seat again. “That bastard!”
“Nevertheless, since he is a member of this family, there is no need to take any more action.”
“He ruined my fucking life!”
“If the public finds out, it will cause an even bigger scandal of there being unrest within the Royal Family and we can’t have that! We have to be a united front!”
“I can’t believe you would do this to me!”
They were family, were they not? They were supposed to be on Wilhelm’s side! He was their son!
Wilhelm had been betrayed before, by so-called friends who didn’t mind using him for clout and views. But, his family? August? His parents?
Their betrayal hurt most of all.
“How can you side with him?! Why would you-.”
He was interrupted by Erik’s hand on his arm again. Wilhelm turned to tell him to fuck off but then he saw his brother’s face.
He had never seen that look on his brother before. Erik was always calm and composed, neutral even when needed, always the voice of reason, and never lost his cool.
Now, the calm was gone. There was a fire in his eyes and, for the first time, he was glaring without any hint of humor. And at their mother?!
Wilhelm couldn’t recall a time when Erik ever looked at the Queen without respect.
“Unacceptable,” the Crown Prince stated, voice cold.
It appears that Wilhelm wasn’t the only one surprised by this demeanor. Kristina seemed at a loss for words when Erik spoke up.
“August will be punished, one way or another,” he continued.
Kristina got her bearings together again. “This is not your call to make and it is not your mess to clean up.”
Erik slowly rose from his seat. “Wilhelm is my brother, my family. I’m on his side. And as his brother, I also have a say in this. I want August punished.”
Wilhelm could only stare as his brother defended him.
Kristina closed her eyes as she inhaled and released. When she opened them again, she still appeared firm.
“Erik, this is not your job.” Then, she did something she had never done before: she ignored her firstborn. “Now, I’ve already had a meeting with the PR team. We believe that it’s best to nip this in the bud now so you will be issuing a statement denying your involvement in the video. We’ve already arranged an interview-.”
“No.”
For a second, Wilhelm thought it had been him who said it out loud. But he hadn’t opened his mouth.
Instead, it was Erik who did.
And, clearly, Kristina did not expect defiance from her older son. “Excuse me?!”
“You will do no such thing,” said Erik, coldly. “I don’t know why you think this is the best solution, Mama, but it’s not. This is the worst thing you can do!”
The Crown Prince’s voice rose in volume with every word.
“You’re letting a criminal who filmed two minors and posted it on the internet, scot-free! You’re supporting child pornography!”
Kristina’s face turned red. “Now, wait just a minute-.”
But, Erik refused to be spoken over. “And what more, you want Wilhelm to lie to our people! Our people! And if this gets out, then what?!”
“It won’t,” Kristina insisted. “I am trying to protect your brother, Erik! Do you know the kind of scrutiny and criticism he will endure for being… with a boy?!”
Erik was practically red in the face, now, too.
“We are Sweden! We are one of the most progressive countries in the world in terms of LGBTQ+ acceptance! The Royal Family supports many projects and charities related to the cause! But, you won’t even let Wilhelm be himself?!”
“It’s not like that. I’m just-.”
“You’re not protecting him! You’re ashamed of him! You’re afraid of what this will look like to the people who may not accept a gay prince.”
At this, Wilhelm spoke up. “Um, I don’t actually know if I’m gay.”
His parents and Erik looked at him. This probably wasn’t the right time to discuss his sexuality but he already started.
Wilhelm swallowed the lump in his throat. “I don’t know what I am, exactly. But… I know that I love Simon. And I don’t want to deny that it’s me in the video. I don’t want to say anything, at all! Can’t I just be… me? I just want everything to be back to normal.”
He was hoping his mother would finally understand. But, to his disappointment, she shook her head.
“That’s not something we can afford, Wilhelm. I know you think your… relationship…” She said it like it hurt her to do so. “...with this boy is something that will last. When you’re young, love seems like the most important thing. I, too, had an unfortunate romance before I met your father. But, believe me when I say, this is the best thing for you.”
Wilhelm could feel his breath leave his body and he fought the hot tears threatening to leave his eyes.
“It’s not the best thing for me,” he said, already feeling defeated. “Mama, it’s not. This won’t make me happy.”
“This is not about your happiness, Wilhelm-.”
“Stop it.” Erik moved forward until he was practically touching the Queen’s desk. “Enough! This is ridiculous! The answer is plain and simple but you’re making it more complicated than it needs to be!”
“Erik-.”
“I’m sick and tired of this, Mama! You tell me often that I’m the Crown Prince and, therefore, should be more involved and take charge. But, when it comes to it, you dismiss my thoughts and ideas! What is the point of preparing me for the throne if you don’t let go of some of your hold on it?!”
“Erik, this is not up for discussion right now-.”
“Either you punish August and let Wilhelm decide on whether or not to release a statement or… or you can find yourself a new heir.”
Struck speechless by that declaration, Kristina stared at Erik. So did Ludvig. And Wilhelm.
“What are you doing?” Wilhelm managed in a soft voice. “You don’t have to go that far.”
Erik turned to him with a smile. “You’re my brother so I’m on your side. Simon’s, too.” He turned back to the Queen. “So, I’ll abdicate if I need to.”
“You will do no such thing.”
“Yet, I know you can’t stop me.”
“You’re bluffing. You wouldn’t.”
“Do you want to try me, Mama?”
Kristina, once again, was struck speechless as she stared at her oldest son. Her face was that of confusion, incapable of understanding what was happening and why Erik was choosing to abdicate rather than just going along with her plans. But, Wilhelm knew she wouldn't want to risk it. Not this.
Finally, she seemed to regain her resolve. “We can’t publicly punish August,” she continued to insist. “It won’t look good for us.”
She paused for a second, probably hoping for some agreement. She received none.
“What do you suggest then, Erik?” she decided to ask.
Erik took a moment to think. Wilhelm caved and brought a hand to his mouth and began to bite on a thumbnail.
For a minute or so, there was only silence in the Queen’s office. You couldn’t even hear a breath. Kristina’s finger laced on top of her desk fidgeted.
“I agree that we can’t publicly punish August,” said Erik, finally. “He’s family, but now I’m beginning to doubt the validity of that. But, I refuse to let him walk away with no consequences. We’re paying for his tuition right now, are we not?”
Kristina nodded, stiffly.
“We can continue to do that. But, not in Hillerska. I refuse to have him anywhere near my brother and his boyfriend. Have him removed and shipped off elsewhere. I don’t care where but I want him far, far away from Wilhelm and Simon. And far, far away from me because I don’t know what I’ll do if I see his face. And, also, his tuition is no longer a freebie. Have him pay back every cent we’re spending on him.”
Kristina looked like he just slapped her but, nonetheless, she nodded. “Anything else?”
Wilhelm felt his brother wrap an arm around him, bringing him closer to his side.
“Wilhelm will decide how to respond to the video. Not the PR team and not you.”
Erik looked at him again. “What would you like to do? If you want to be silent, we can. But, if you want to say something, it will be what you want.”
Whatever he wanted?
Wilhelm had never been given the choice before.
And, now, with his brother’s encouragement and the thought of the boy from Bjarstard who held his heart, he already knew exactly what that was.
Despite his worries and anxiety, Simon managed to smile and laugh as he played a game of Rummy with his mother, Sara, and Ayub. (Rosh was at football practice. She was bummed about missing another chance to beat them all.)
There was no news from Wilhelm all day. None. His mother said that no news was good news so Simon tried to keep this in mind.
When Ayub won a round and his mom called out for a rematch, Simon asked Sara to pass the bowl of chips. Losing many rounds made him peckish.
“Oh, shit,” mumbled Ayub.
“What is it?” Simon asked before taking a quick drink of water.
“The Royal Court has released a statement regarding the rumored video of the prince that went viral last week,” his friend read from his phone.
Immediately, Simon put down his glass and scooted closer to him to read the article, too.
“We condemn the unlawful release of the viral video that showed Prince Wilhelm and his partner in a private moment. The Royal Court will be taking action, privately, and are asking the press and the people of Sweden to please respect the prince’s privacy.
A message from Prince Wilhelm: I went to Hillerska to focus on my studies but along the way, I met a wonderful person and made a connection. Everyone is allowed to live as they please, gay or straight. Although I do not know exactly how I identify, I know that I am happy with my partner and we are in a committed relationship. I ask that you please respect his and his family’s privacy as they are not public figures. Thank you.”
Just as Simon finished reading, there was a knock on the door.
Everyone looked at each other. They weren’t expecting company.
“I’ll get it,” Simon told them, already on his feet and making his way to the door.
He really hoped it wasn’t more press. Although, with the new bodyguard, there was some reassurance she wouldn’t let anyone through who didn’t have their approval.
When Simon opened the door, he felt all his worry leave his body.
Wilhelm stood outside with a small smile, his favorite plaid red scarf wrapped around his neck. “Hi.”
Simon lunged forward, practically throwing himself into Wilhelm’s arms. The prince held him tightly, burying his face into Simon’s neck.
“I read the statement,” Simon whispered against Wilhelm’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
“I told you,” Wilhelm replied. “We’re in this together.” He gently pulled away and flashed Simon a grin. “Besides, Erik helped. I wouldn’t have had the courage to stand up to my mom without him.”
“Damn right!”
Simon laughed as Erik popped up behind Wilhelm, holding what looked like Wilhelm’s bag.
“I nearly shit myself!” he continued. “Do you know how scary our mom is?!”
Simon laughed. “I probably shouldn’t shit talk the Queen in front of her sons and her employees...”
He glanced at Malin who was standing guard by the door. She was holding back a grin, he could tell by the way her lips twitched.
“But yeah,” he added anyway. “So, what are you doing here? I thought you were staying at the palace until tomorrow?”
“I didn’t want to be at home. It’s… awkward.” Wilhelm looked almost embarrassed as he squeezed Simon’s hand. “And… I needed to see you.” The prince bit his lip, looking nervous all of a sudden. “I was wondering if I could… stay the night?”
Feeling giddy at the prospect, Simon eagerly nodded. “I mean, I’ll have to ask Mama but she likes you, so I’m sure it will be fine.” He looked over his boyfriend’s shoulder at the Crown Prince. “You’re welcome to stay, too, Erik. We’re playing cards.”
Erik raised his brow in surprise and disbelief. “Um… thanks… But, I shouldn’t.”
Wilhelm suddenly transformed into a puppy, reaching out to clutch at his brother’s coat sleeve. “No way! Stay! Please?”
“Yes, please?” Simon added, putting on a sad puppy look to match Wilhelm’s.
Simon could swear he heard Malin chuckle but he couldn’t turn around to check. Erik looked amused by the pleas sent his way.
“Fine, fine,” he decided, chuckling. “One hour shouldn’t hurt.”
Simon and Wilhelm cheered before bounding inside the house. Simon wrapped his arm around Wilhelm’s as he pulled him into the living room where everyone was. Immediately, Linda got up and wrapped her arms around the prince in a hug.
“How are you, cariño?” she asked as she pulled back.
“I’m fine, Linda,” replied Wilhelm with a soft smile.
“Can Wille stay the night, Mama?” Simon asked.
As if his mother would say “no” – she loved Wilhelm.
Just then, Erik entered and everyone in the room turned to look at him. To his credit, the Crown Prince didn’t falter. Instead, he put on a charming smile.
“Good evening, everyone,” he greeted, putting Wilhelm’s bag down on the floor. “I’m Erik, Wilhelm’s older brother.”
As if no one knew who he was.
“I hope you don’t mind me crashing the party but Simon invited me in for a game of cards?”
“Oh.” Simon’s mother seemed to have broken out of her daze. “Of course! Please, sit. Make yourselves at home. I’ll go get more snacks.” She looked at Sara. “Sara, will you help me in the kitchen, please?”
“Sure,” said Sara, her eyes still on the Crown Prince as she moved to follow their mother to the kitchen.
Erik sat next to Ayub and flashed him a friendly smile. “And you are?” he asked, holding out a hand.
“Oh. Uh, Ayub. Nice to meet you… uh… sir?”
Simon tried to hold back a laugh, rarely seeing Ayub this flustered.
“I’ll take your stuff to my room,” Simon said to Wilhelm as he picked up the bag and headed to his bedroom.
He heard Wilhelm follow behind him.
“Simon…”
“Hmm?”
“There’s something I have to tell you… about the video.”
Simon paused just outside his doorway and turned around. Wilhelm looked upset. And Simon didn’t like that.
“I… the video…” the prince stammered.
Simon put the bag down and took his boyfriend’s hands in his. “Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to tell me tonight.”
Wilhelm shook his head. “It’s important-.”
“I know,” Simon interrupted, gently placing a hand on Wilhelm’s cheek. “But, tomorrow, okay? We both went through a lot these past few days. We need a break. So tonight, we’re going to sit with my family and play Rummy. We’ll eat junk food and just laugh and be happy, okay?”
Wilhelm seemed to be considering this before he nodded and smiled.
“I love you,” he said, softly.
Simon’s heart melted. “I love you, too.”
He pecked Wilhelm’s cheek before letting him go and picking up the bag again. He dropped it off at his room, placing it at the foot of his bed. His mother would probably bring in the air mattress later, even though they all knew it would never be used.
Holding hands, they went back to the living room where they found a bit of a ruckus. Linda and Sara had returned with more snacks so the coffee table was full of bowls of chips and bottles of soda. Ayub had gotten over his flustered state over Erik and the two were laughing like best friends.
Wilhelm seemed to freeze beside him, his awestruck gaze on the sight. Like he was taking it all in. And Simon just watched him.
“What are you two doing over there?” his mother called out. “Come! Sit! We’ll start another round. Wilhelm, Erik, do you know how to play Rummy?”
“I do, I played it in Uni,” said Erik, as he pushed his sleeves up.
“I don’t,” said Wilhelm as Simon pulled him to a spot on the couch.
It was a tight fit, seeing as Ayub and Erik were on it too but Simon didn’t mind. He liked being pressed to Wilhelm’s side.
“I’ll teach you how,” said Simon as he gathered their cards. “We can play together?”
“No fair!” Sara called out.
“If you’re playing as a pair, we all should, too!” added Ayub. “Erik, wanna be partners?”
“We’ll take them on for all they’re worth,” Erik replied and the two slapped hands.
Linda laughed. “Fine, fine, we can do pairs. Sara, you’re with me then.”
“We’ll crush all of you!”
Clutching his own cards, Simon snuggled into Wilhelm’s side, the latter’s arm coming up to wrap around his shoulder. Simon looked up at him and their noses bumped.
“Hi,” he giggled.
Wilhelm pecked his nose. “Hi.”
“Stop flirting and start playing, you nerds!” Ayub hollered.
“Jealousy is ugly, Ayub!” Simon hollered back.
Everyone laughed and Linda declared that she and Sara should go first because ladies, first.
Meanwhile, Wilhelm pulled Simon closer.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“What for?” Simon asked.
“Just... for being with me.”
Simon smiled. “Of course. We’re in this together, remember?”
Wilhelm nodded. “Yeah.”
And no matter what happened tomorrow or the next day or the day after, Simon knew they always would be.