Nico, aged 24
We've been living together for three years now, and needless to say it's been the best three years of my life. My entire life, I've fled from routine and sameness. No two days had ever been the same and I never had a real home, I mean, I lived in a freaking casino for 70 years! Anyway, the point is that I've always run away. My mother's death was hard enough, but after Bianca's I could never stay in one place two long because I learned there was nothing more painful than lulling yourself into a false sense of security and peace, and then having it taken from you. But you, you're magical. It's been three years and I haven't even thought about leaving once. I'm not scared anymore Will, and I guess that statement must sound so stupid to you, but you have no idea how wonderful it is to not be scared after living in terror your whole life. I owe you the biggest thank you.
I guess that's what prompted me to ask you. I'd planned out everything in advance and you, sweet, oblivious, innocent you, had no idea. It was on the night of your 26th birthday, do you remember? I'd booked out my entire restaurant to celebrate, and it was just the two of us enjoying a fantastic dinner. You must've thought it was normal enough, until we walked back outside, and the entire Grand Canal was filled with images of our friends and family back home, connected though Iris Message. They all screamed "Happy Birthday Will!" as we walked out together, and then laughed as you yelped in surprise. They "awwed" and "oohed" as you kissed me thank you under the stars in front of everyone. And then, they cheered as I got down on one knee and proposed to you, cheering even louder as you cried and nodded, enveloping me in your arms and holding me tight.
A long time later, we pulled apart, no longer boyfriends but fiancés.
-Nico
