It's been a really hectic week in my country-but the good news is, we have a new president elect, and I got this chapter done on time! I honestly worried there for a hot minute, won't lie. But we're rolling on, business as usual.
Please Remember Me Like This
Chapter 9: "No Shoes, Dancing 'Round the Living Room"
How had it been a year already?
How could it have possibly been a year since Aeric tapped his shoulder, looked at his Willowdale sweatshirt, and thanked him for the opportunity to practice there? How could it have been a year since he went to his first game?
And how could it have already been a year since their first date, and first kiss?
Barley was definitely right; time flew once you had some fun. And this whole year with Aeric had been bliss, from kissing someone for the first time to holding hands, his first dance...
And now here they were, campaigning with fliers and buttons for Prom Kings, studying together as a way to distract Aeric from the fact that his call from Willowdale about the sports scholarship he'd applied for was due, well... pretty much any day now. Aeric would hear if he was going to be a Griffin first, but with how he'd played his ass off all season, how healthy and wonderful and smart he was... there was no way they'd reject him. All Ian had was a decent essay about Dad. He had to wait with the rest of the plebs who applied for early acceptance.
Ian hated that their actual anniversary fell on a weekday where Aeric had practice, but that gave them an excuse to go all out on the weekend after, and at least gave him a bit more time to think about a gift.
Because Aeric, who always insisted he had everything, was so hard to shop for.
"Make him something to wear!" Mom suggested, as Ian made a list of ideas to try and organize his thoughts.
"I'd have to use too much magic for that to get it done on time," he dismissed, knowing Aeric would like it more if he didn't use a lot of magic for this. Sure, he started sharing more about how he'd gotten so good, but Aeric still had a little bit of distance toward it, though he seemed to be warming up a bit more since their last conversation about it.
"Get him his own Quests of Yore copy!" Barley piped up as he set up his latest campaign on the dining table, as this weekend it was his turn to host. Mom already bought two cases of Mountain Doom in preparation and planned to light candles.
"That's your solution to every gift," Ian retorted, rolling his eyes playfully. Sure, Aeric enjoyed the odd, slow campaign of Quests of Yore on occasion, but his rigorous sports schedule didn't leave much time to have fun like that. Hell, half the time they were together, Ian was either studying with him or helping him work out. Sometimes both.
"And I plan on doing the same for my beloved Queen Athena when the celebration calls for it!" Oh boy. Ian only hoped she was as into it as he was, but he couldn't imagine why she wouldn't be—it was Barley's greatest passion after fixing up Guinevere, after all.
"Well, Aeric's a fit guy, right?" Colt shrugged, reaching up to grab Mom a glass for her post-workout smoothie. "Maybe you could take another trip to the Willowdale bookstore and get him some sports equipment. He's probably going to need it for next year."
Ian thought about it, realizing that Aeric had been using his dad's old duffel from years ago, which looked like it was on the brink of falling apart. Maybe that, and some workout sweats... It could be the perfect gift. Colt had a good idea!
"Yeah, that's... really great, Colt. I think I might actually do that, thanks." Ian smiled over at his stepdad, glad that they could share a nice moment.
So he went the extra mile and not only bought Aeric the duffel and sweats, but also took the time to embroider those, as well. He seemed to love the sweatshirt from Winter Solstice, hanging it lovingly in his room with the sole purpose of not wearing it until he knew the status of his scholarship and application.
"I can't wait to match with you!" he always said, hugging Ian closer whenever he could.
Gods, Ian loved his boyfriend. He wanted to be just as close when it came to magic as they were over the summer, and he figured that would be his goal with Victoriana's blessing to share his findings. Be open with him and let him know pretty much everything he wanted to.
This wasn't just a first relationship for him—with how much they wanted to do together for the future... making everything with Aeric work perfectly again was top priority.
Which was why he got a reservation at Emerald Bites months in advance, one of the swankiest restaurants on the coast, closer to Willowdale than their neck of New Mushroomton. That would be another one of the surprises in store for his boyfriend, and Ian only advised that they should dress nicer than usual.
Which, for Ian, meant breaking out the gorgeous mushroom print dress Mom had gotten him on his birthday, and the matching heels from Aeric, paired with the Phoenix Gem necklace. Something full, pretty, and absolutely jaw-dropping to look as good as possible, coming from someone who used to stick in the shadows with his jeans before all this.
Ever since he started dressing up, though, all the attention he'd gotten had been relatively positive. He had Tina to thank for that, forcing Ian into that old cheerleading outfit in the first place and showing him that skirts could be so... fun! Much as he still loved the comfort of jeans and flannels, too. He just chocked it up to gender being a bit weird and when he wanted to wear a skirt, he would wear one. And if he didn't? Also fine.
"On my way!" he sent to Aeric, gifts in hand as he headed out the door. Any second later than their reservation and he feared it'd be taken away from them for someone else!
But they lived close enough to where, on a normal day, Ian could walk if he felt it (and Aeric often did). On a special night like tonight? Not in these heels.
Ian parked in the driveway once he noticed the absence of Aeric's parent's car left a vacant space. They must be working, or out... to give the boys a bit of private time? He'd ask once he was in.
Of course, that question left his head the moment Aeric opened the door in a nice blazer and jeans, fully put together and gorgeous, as per usual, every strand of his usually messy teal tufts in perfect waves. His dazzling violet eyes widened when he looked Ian over.
"Oh, my gosh, Ian..." It was so similar to the first thing Aeric said on their first date. "Babe, you look incredible. This is the first time you actually wore the dress out!"
"Well, I was waiting for a special occasion," Ian admitted, walking in and kissing his boyfriend on the cheek (easy to do in these heels, of course). "And this is an insanely special occasion." He held up Aeric's gift bag to emphasize.
"Why are you the best?" he sighed, stuffing his wallet in his pocket. "I know how much of a big deal this is, but we should get going, right?"
"Right!" Ian replied, smiling. "We're a little early right now, but we can't be too sure!"
"Okay, I'm all good, let's—" But Aeric paused at the sound of his phone vibrating. Blinking, Ian tilted his head, hoping it wasn't anything serious. "Oh, Shantar's Talon..." he uttered as he looked at the screen.
"What is it, Aer?" Ian asked.
"Willowdale recruiter," he said, and Ian's heart started to pound in anticipation for his boyfriend. "I'm sorry, Ian, but I really have to take this."
"Of course." Luckily they were early. He'd certainly wait when it came to a call like this, and he took Aeric's hand to show his moral support.
"Hello? ... Yes, this is him." Aeric's brows suddenly furrowed in worry, and Ian had no idea what to gauge from it. He cradled his phone on his shoulder so he could use his free hand to push his glasses up his nose. "Mmhmm... Yes, I understand."
What was this call about? Was Ian going to have to do something about all the gifts he'd gotten Aeric that had Willowdale's logo on it?
"Yes, of course... Yes, that's fine... All right... Yes, thank you... You too." The whole time, his tone seemed monotonous, stagnant, even. Ian's heart kept pounding, fearing the worst for his boyfriend.
"Aer?" he asked, as Aeric ended the call and pocketed his phone, his mouth straight, his brow still furrowed. Ian dipped his head to try and read his expression more. "Babe, you okay?"
Aeric took a moment to sigh, his head hung low. But he squeezed Ian's hand tighter before he turned to face him, and then burst out into one of the hugest grins he'd ever seen. "Ian, I got the scholarship!" he cried, laughing as he picked him up by the waist and spun him around.
"What!" Ian laughed in return, equally as elated by the news. Aeric, going to Willowdale! It was all coming together so perfectly! When he was set down, he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend tight. "I just knew you'd get it! I'm so proud of you!" And then, he added when he pulled away playfully, "Though I could have done without the theatrics."
Sighing, Aeric cupped Ian's jaw and brought him in for a deep kiss, one that conveyed all the shock and excitement he no doubt was still trying to process. When he pulled away, his grin became dopey, eyes wide like a kid in a candy store who was just told he could grab whatever he wanted. He even ran a hand through his perfect hair, and used the other to grab Ian's hand again. Ian noticed he was shaking, just a bit. "I can't believe it," he murmured. "I'm actually going to play for Willowdale. I'm actually going to be a Griffin."
Thank the gods. Ian's gift would be nothing short of appropriate, whenever Aeric eventually opened it. "Well, it's a good thing we're going out to celebrate! Our first year anniversary and your acceptance? You're so lucky!"
Aeric hugged Ian close, a little tighter than normal so he could calm himself down a bit. "Thank you for taking a moment for me to answer that," he said, kissing the top of Ian's curls. "I know it's only a matter of time before you get your acceptance from them, too."
Sighing, Ian nuzzled into Aeric's neck, taking in the calming smell of the cologne he no doubt spritzed on mere moments before his arrival. "Don't worry about me right now," he assured. "This is your moment, and I'm just glad I could share it with you. I'm just going to have to wait for my letter with the rest of the plebs." Well, acceptance decision online, that was.
"You're not a pleb," Aeric replied, pulling away just far enough to take his hand again. "You're Ian Lightfoot, and we're going to go to Willowdale together." He pulled his phone out just to check the time. "Oh, crap, now we really have to get going to be on time! But I'm still a little shaky processing this. Do you mind driving, babe?"
"Not at all," Ian laughed, holding up his keys. "I was just about to offer, anyway. You don't even know where we're going!"
They made it to Emerald Bites (the Emerald Bites!) just on time, but had to opt for valet parking instead of looking around for somewhere more reasonable. Given his call had pushed them back a few minutes, it was only fair for Aeric to offer to pay the fees and tip.
Still, it was all worth it. The day had already been going perfectly knowing that he and Ian would be going out to celebrate their first year anniversary, a year of absolute bliss and not only was it the longest relationship he'd ever been in, but certainly the healthiest so far, too. All he could hope, after Ian surprised him with these reservations, was that his own gift was enough (again, he really did go too far with his birthday).
Not to mention, they were halfway to that dream of attending Willowdale! Was it possible to be in another universe of bliss? Because he'd been on Cloud Nine since he and Ian shared their first date—and now they were about to go to college together!
Looked like he and Ian passed the dress code. Their centaur hostess, clad in the restaurant's signature emerald blazer for all employees, led them to a table to the side of the dimly lit dining room, all accents in cream and, well, emerald. Emerald curtains, emerald table liners, emerald cushions for their chairs... Ian stood out well in the flushed pink shade of the mushroom print dress, contrasted and easily the best dressed among everyone else (or maybe Aeric was just so biased to only keeping his eyes on his boyfriend).
"Your server will be by with water soon," the hostess assured, handing them menus. Aeric noted that even the little vases holding their flowers were emerald. "And I'll grab someone to light the candle for you."
"Thank you," Aeric dismissed with a smile, noting that even the candles were emerald. They really leaned into that theme. He remembered Mom said Dad took her here the night he proposed, and she did talk about how green everything was, but Aeric didn't think she was serious.
Ian looked around a moment, not glancing at the menu just yet. "Wanna see something cool?" he asked lowly, raising a brow at the candle.
Aeric tilted his head, a little confused. "Sure?"
Sitting up a little straighter, he reached out a hand toward the votive that held the little candle. "Flame Infernar," he uttered, and from his hand he produced a magical flame to the wick without his staff.
Eyes wide, Aeric inclined closer, looking at the candle as if he couldn't believe it. Magic without a staff? How was that possible?
What kind of magic was he learning with this group?
Sure, Ian had showed him notes he'd taken, which all had seemed normal on first glance. But there was a gap he was missing here—and unfortunately, Aeric, being "Giftless" as Victoriana called people who couldn't do magic, he had to be kept out of the club.
"Oh, wow," was all he could say, then pushed his glasses up his nose.
Ian opened his mouth to speak, but their satyr waitress came with glasses and a chilled bottle of water for them to share, a bread plate, along with a lighter. "Oh, I could have sworn a lighter was needed here... No matter, here's some water for you two. And our specials for tonight are poached salmon over wilted greens with wild rice, and oxtail ravioli."
Sounded fancy as hell. "Thank you," he said.
"All right, let me give you a few moments to look over the menu. In the meantime, can I get you something else to drink?"
"Oh, just water is fine, thanks," Ian assured her with a smile, knowing this wasn't the usual parties they attended, where underage drinking was the norm (and taught Aeric the complete meaning of tolerance). The wine list, though, looked amazing on glance.
"Yeah, water's good," Aeric agreed with a nod.
When she left, they looked over the menu for a moment, where he decided that, screw it, he might as well get a great steak at a famous restaurant. And with that, he thought of how he could respond to Ian's new skills, too.
Under a layer of hope that Ian was improving, and nothing nefarious went on under the surface. Because, under better circumstances, he would be insanely proud of his boyfriend.
But truthfully, all this power scared him with the fast improvement.
"You're learning so much, babe," he said with a smile, hoping not to worry Ian. "Every time I see you try something new perfectly, it's honestly so shocking, I feel like you're gonna do even better once we're in college." Tie it all together... give him the optimism he needed that he'd be accepted to Willowdale, too.
"Of course," he chuckled, continuing, "that makes my gift seem a little less relevant." He pulled his little wrapped gift from his inside pocket, sliding it across the table.
Ian's already huge brown eyes grew to the size of the small plates in front of them, and he dropped the piece of bread he grabbed from the basket.
Laughing, Aeric shook his head. "Babe, I promise you, it's not a ring!" he assured, knowing that would be Ian's reaction. "But after seeing the huge gift you got me, along with taking me here, it might be kind of small..." Though it did cost quite a bit.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Ian took a sip of water before taking the gift out of Aeric's hand. "You sure you want me to open this first?" he asked.
"Here, maybe we should do it at the same time," Aeric decided, reaching over the table to grab the gift Ian got him. "Something tells me mine won't be as special."
"Hey, you know the size of the gift doesn't matter to me," Ian replied, starting to take apart the ribbon holding the box together.
Aeric got his open first, given Ian had used a gift bag instead of wrapping, and gasped. A new Willowdale duffel, with the same loving embroidery as the sweatshirt he'd been given for Winter Solstice, and matching sweats! He had the best boyfriend in the realms! "Ian, how did you know?" he asked, breathless. Hell, now that he had his acceptance, Aeric could proudly wear this and the sweatshirt to school now! "Your magic doesn't make you see the future now, does it?"
"No," Ian giggled, pausing the unwrapping as he watched Aeric's reaction. "But I know your duffel is getting old, so I figured, might as well get you a new one, right? But there was no way you weren't going to be a Griffin."
"Well, I love it, especially the embroidery. And the sweats. And you, of course."
"I love you, too." Ian grinned, finally opening up the tiny box delicately, and gasped. "Oh... Aer, is this what I think it is?" He held up the little silver charm, his voice breathless.
"I was hoping you'd wear the necklace tonight," Aeric confessed, nodding. "It goes so well with that gorgeous dress, and I found someone who would commission a charm of your staff." As in, the splinter staff that Ian had left of his dad's magic. Not big enough to overshadow the Phoenix Gem, but enough to be a cute accent beside it.
After Ian secured the charm on the necklace, he took Aeric's hand across the table, forgetting about the bread again. "This is so special to me, babe," he said, smiling. "Yeah, Victoriana did teach me how to properly learn staffless magic, but I can only do little things, like the candle, or lifting our water glasses. I still have to use my dad's staff for most magic. And knowing that, no matter what, I have this close to my heart, too..." He placed his free hand over the necklace, sighing happily. "It's perfect. Happy anniversary, Aeric."
"Happy anniversary," Aeric repeated, leaning over the table to meet Ian's lips in a loving kiss.
As always, comments and kudos are insanely appreciated. I try to reply as much as I can.