Disclaimer: Game of Thrones is D&D's property, after being GRRM's property. Or else, Lancel would be the happiest kid in Westeros, should it be mine.
Summary: It had started with a simple and harmless enough talk between those two.
WARNING! THIS STORY CONTAINS THEMES SUCH AS SEXUALITY, A MALE PAIRING ( A MAN LOVING ANOTHER MAN ). IF YOU DO NOT FEEL AT EASE WITH THOSE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SKIP TO ANOTHER STORY.
The power of words
Chapter 22
Standing in line, waiting to be called, Theon wondered how fast the school year had flown! He briefly thought of the ridiculousness of the situation, waiting to be called to receive a piece of paper and a handshake, still, he felt as if he had accomplished more in a year than in his life. A year ago, he was his past self, a man he liked, true. But nowadays, he was more, he had realized he was more than he believed himself to be, he was dating someone he deeply loved and he had never felt so peaceful in his short existence. He was also trying to fight his tears. Seeing Asha in the crowd, he was expecting it. She had never missed any event in his life. Seeing his mother had made his heart swell.
"My baby boy is receiving his diploma, I must be there!" She had pleaded with the doctors.
They had agreed for her to attend, as long as her daughter was to be with her at all times. The entire Stark family was there as well and he knew how busy Eddard and Catelyn were these days, with all the business meetings the man had to attend. Still, he had declared that this day, no business was to be done, he had a foster son to celebrate. Lancel was there, looking at him with pride. Faithful to his word, Euron had come too, sitting near Alannys, trying to remain discrete. He was trying and Theon was grateful. But above all, what shook him to the core was the message he had received on his phone in the early morning. From Balon. It had been short but it had meant the world to him.
Congratulations.
Truth be told, he didn't really know what to make of it. Balon hadn't reached out to him ever since he kicked him out. But he liked to believe it was his way of reaching out. He'd see for himself later. It was still a pleasant surprise. Maybe his father wasn't so bad after all.
"Mister Theon Greyjoy."
He went to the stage, shook the dean's hand and received his diploma.
"If you'd like to say a few words."
He grinned.
"I'd like to."
He took the mic.
"It is true that I obtained this diploma by myself. After all, I was alone facing the exam papers. But it doesn't mean I didn't have help on the side, especially this year. The past few months have been quite rough on me but I have been able to rely on the help of the people I love. My sister, who never gave up on me."
Asha smiled.
"My mother whose kindness always cheered me up. My uncle who recently reached out to me. My friends. My second family, the Starks, who took me in in my hour of need as if I had been their son. My brother from another mother, Robb. But one person has stood out this year and ever since he showed up, I can say without any doubt that he's the reason I get this happy ending today. If I'm allowed to, I'd like to ask him to join me."
The dean agreed.
"Lancel, please." Theon called
If the young man complied, he was forcing himself to look straight ahead, trying not to feel all the eyes on him, to block the whispers away from his ears. He loved Theon, he was grateful to be included in his speech but why did he have to ask him to come to stand by him? And why on Earth was Euron recording this?! This seemed out of character for him and he doubted Theon asked him to save this as well, it wasn't in his nature. It meant his boyfriend was planning something and it involved him. He didn't like that. Oh, he liked surprises but not in front of strangers! And why did his smile had to make him forget about all of this?!
"I meant what I said." Theon said, looking at him. "You came into my world this year, you rocked it. And not just mine. I don't know if I have to thank the Seven or the Drowned God but whoever I have to thank, I'll never be thankful enough for him inspiring me to go and talk to you when you were having lunch by yourself."
"I'm glad too." Lancel softly replied
"I love you."
He managed to not gasp at him. It wasn't the first time Theon told him he loved him but he had never said it in front of strangers. He knew it wasn't out of shame, Theon just wanted to take things slow, something he could understand and he actually liked it. His resolution fell as the man dropped to his knee, taking a ring out of his pocket. He wasn't the only one, the crowd seemed taken by surprise as well.
"Will you marry me?"
Lancel seemed so out of it Theon was worried he'd actually faint. Then, seeing his eyes sparkle with excitement and joy, he didn't even have to hear his answer to know what his reply was.
"Yes!"
Lancel didn't even hear the spectators cheering and applauding, his mind set on Theon capturing his lips.
Nestled against Theon, Lancel enjoyed the warmth of his body.
"You have something on your mind." His fiancé said
"I don't."
"You tend to be straighter when you are worried."
He sighed. He couldn't hide anything from him.
"What is it?"
"I was thinking... About the engagement."
Theon remained silent.
"Don't get me wrong, I am over the moon!" He eased him. "Even more when I know how commitment scares you, so for you to ask me to marry you, it's yet another proof, if I needed one, that you love me. But knowing how scary this can be for you, I want you to know we don't have to go all the way or you don't have to feel that you have to, for my sake. I love you. And I know you love me just as much. I don't care if we don't get married and if I remain the eternal fiancé.
The former student kissed his brow.
"You're sweet. But I mean it. I really want to marry you. It doesn't have to be right now, I can wait until you finish college yourself. But I'll definitely put a wedding ring on this finger. And, in the meantime, we can celebrate being engaged by doing those travels we talked about."
Lancel smiled.
To Be Continued