Arthur and Nick had always been close, but something shifted when they reached eighteen.
It wasn't sudden, more like a steady unraveling, like something that had always been there but had just started taking shape. Arthur couldn't identify the exact time it shifted, but he knew the signals had been there all along.
Maybe it was the way Nick had started calling him late at night for no reason, his voice lower than normal, lingering on the line even when there was nothing left to say. Maybe it was the way Nick's touches had begun to feel different, not in their placement, but in their intent: a hand remaining on his knee longer than required, a thumb stroking his wrist absentmindedly, a stare that burned a little too deeply.
Arthur persuaded himself he was dreaming it. That Nick was simply being Nick: casual, loving, and tough to interpret. But then, sometimes made it undeniable.
Like the time they were at a classmate's birthday celebration. The music was loud, the air dense with the fragrance of barbecue and the slight bitterness of alcohol. Arthur wasn't much of a drinker, but Nick had grabbed two bottles of beer and handed him one, nonetheless.
"Just one," Nick had said, clinking their bottles together.
Arthur rolled his eyes but took a sip.
Everything was well until another guy, one of their classmates, Ken, came over and struck up a conversation with Arthur. Ken was polite, a touch flirtatious, but Arthur scarcely noticed.
Nick, however, did.
Arthur wasn't sure when it happened, but at some point, Nick had drifted closer, his body language altering. At first, it was subtle, a tiny grimace, the way he positioned himself between Arthur and Ken, like a barrier.
Then, Ken laughed, reaching out to brush a stray hair from Arthur's forehead.
Arthur barely had time to respond when Nick grabbed his wrist, yanking him away.
"We need to go," Nick replied, his voice tense.
Arthur blinked. "Go where?
Nick didn't answer, just kept going, dragging him along until they were away from the party, standing under the glimmer of a streetlamp.
Arthur yanked his arm free. "What the hell was that?
Nick's jaw was tight. "That guy was all over you."
Arthur frowned. "He was just talking."
"He touched you," Nick added, his voice tinged with something strange, something that made Arthur's stomach flip.
"So? Arthur challenged, crossing his arms. "Why do you care?
Nick inhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair. "Because you're mine."
The words hung in the air between them, weighty and unheard.
Arthur's breath hitched.
Nick seemed to grasp what he had said at the same time Arthur did, and for the first time, he looked nervous.
"I mean…"
Arthur stepped closer. "Say it again."
Nick gulped. "You're mine."
Arthur's heart pounded. "You can't just say something like that and not mean it."
Nick stared at him, really looked at him, and something in his gaze softened. "I do mean it."
Silence spread between them. The streetlamp above them flickered, creating shifting shadows against the sidewalk.
Arthur licked his lips, his throat dry. "Nick…"
Nick sighed, stepping further closer, so close their breaths mingled. "You have no idea how long I've felt this way."
Arthur barely had time to digest it when Nick reached out, fingers hesitating before brushing over his jaw. His contact was warm and grounding, and Arthur leaned into it without thinking.
And then, Nick kissed him.
It wasn't rushed. It wasn't forceful. It was slow and delicate, like he was worried Arthur could pull away. But Arthur didn't; he couldn't.
The world seemed to shrink, the distant hum of the metropolis dissolving into nothing. All that existed was Nick, the way his lips brushed against Arthur's, the way his hand found Arthur's waist, bringing him closer.
Arthur's mind was spinning. This was Nick, his best friend, the youngster who had been by his side for years, who had been there for every bruised knee, every terrible day, and every dream whispered into the night.
Nick pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against Arthur's. "Tell me to stop, and I will."
Arthur let out a nervous breath. "I don't want you to stop."
Nick let out a gentle giggle, his fingers tracing patterns against Arthur's waist. "Good."
They stayed like that for a long time, just breathing each other in.
That night, as they sat on the terrace, Nick turned to him, eyes probing. "You've been quiet."
Arthur hesitated and then said the words he had been keeping in for so long. "I think I'm in love with you."
Nick smiled slowly and knowingly. "Took you long enough."
Arthur puffed. "Shut up."
Nick laughed, reaching across to connect their fingers. "I love you too."
Arthur's breath caught. "Really?
Nick nodded. "Yeah, I have loved you for a long time.
Arthur swallowed, his fingers tightening around Nick's hand. "Promise me something."
"Anything."
"Promise we won't lose this," Arthur pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper, "No matter what happens."
Nick clasped his hand. "I promise."
Arthur believed him. And promise me, too, that you won't betray me, Arthur. "I promise," Arthur responded.
And for the first time, he felt like he genuinely belonged.