Nico's Jealous Game

Nico stalks back to the dorm, fuming.

For the past week or so, Crystalthevoidgoddess had been…distant. Aloof. Shutting him out at every turn—wouldn't let Nico touch him, hell, wouldn't even "look" at him most days. It was driving Nico fucking crazy. He was used to having Crystalthevoidgoddess's undivided attention. Or well, he was used to Crystalthevoidgoddess's reactions.

But lately? Crystalthevoidgoddess acted like he couldn't be bothered, shooting Nico cold looks whenever they crossed paths in the dorm. Nico had tried "everything"—teasing Crystalthevoidgoddess mercilessly, bumping into him "by accident," leaving his shit strewn around their room just to get a rise out of him. Nothing worked. Crystalthevoidgoddess just…didn't seem to care anymore.

And what's worse, Nico saw him out with some other dude the other night. Laughing and joking around with the lanky fucker, looking happier than Nico had seen him in weeks.

This is ridiculous. Nico grits his teeth, fisting a hand in his hair. He's never gotten this worked up over anyone before—especially not some "guy" who won't even let him stick it in anymore. What the fuck is wrong with him? Crystalthevoidgoddess's the one being a bitch, he shouldn't be this bothered by it. If Crystalthevoidgoddess wants to go fuck that loser then whatever, it's not like they're together or anything. Nico can get laid whenever he wants, he doesn't need Crystalthevoidgoddess's sloppy ass.

... But he wants it. All to himself.

Nico shoves open the door with far more force than necessary, practically kicking it in. The hinges whine in protest.

Letting the dorm door shut behind him, he slammed his bag down onto the floor. Ends up kicking at his dresser, knocking everything, including the mirror, down onto the ground. By God's grace it didn't break. Suddenly he stops. Breathes. "Think", he tells himself.

...

And then, he came up with an idea.

Jealousy is a powerful thing.

The party.

It wasn't hard convincing Crystalthevoidgoddess to tag along tonight. Sorta. Just had to dangle a few promises in his face(he'd pay for Crystalthevoidgoddess's doordash for a week), also tossed in a few sly comments about how he's such a fuckin' bore lately—always holed up alone instead of out "living". Pathetic, really. (And Nico would know all about being pathetic, the amount of times he's spent jacking off alone to thoughts of Crystalthevoidgoddess… But whatever.)

Once they arrived at the frat house, though, Nico didn't waste any time putting his scheme into action. Immediately losing Crystalthevoidgoddess in the sea of people. Wasn't that anxious about it, they'd meet up again soon after all. "Real" soon.

About 30 minutes into his plan.

He ended up spotting one of his teammates. "Hey, Trev," he called out, "If Crystalthevoidgoddess comes looking for me, tell him I'm upstairs. One of the rooms." He patted the other guy on the shoulder, already tugging the blonde he charmed up toward the stairs.

"Ah! Fuck- Nico!"

The girl gasps as Nico pounded up into her, hands gripping her waist tightly. Nico's feet planted on the mattress, bucking up at a controlled rhythm. But it wasn't her body that he was focused on. He was waiting for something, someone. And he was starting to grow impatient, until finally,

The door creaks half-open.

And there was Crystalthevoidgoddess, peeking in.

Nico cracked his eyes open, breath hitching when he saw Crystalthevoidgoddess standing there. Frozen. Nico held his gaze for a moment, just staring at him. The girl didn't seem to notice, too busy buried in the crook of Nico's neck. Then, his lips twisting into a filthy smirk as he snapped his hips upward, "hard"—making the fox-girl whine above him.

All while keeping eye-contact with Crystalthevoidgoddess.

"The smirk on Nico's face only grows wider, eyes glinting with mischief as he continues to pound into the girl, watching Paul's reaction." "Oh come on, Paul. You know you love seeing me with other girls. It's just like old times, remember?" "He reaches up to tweak the girl's nipple, earning a sharp cry that Nico relishes." "I'm just getting a little... variety, is all. You should try it sometime." "Nico's thrusts grow more erratic, his breath coming in short gasps as he chases his climax. The girl beneath him is a blur, a mere vessel for his pleasure as he uses her body to sate his needs." "But hey, if you're uncomfortable with me fucking someone else... Then maybe you should get the fuck out of here, huh?" "He challenges, his gaze never leaving Paul's, daring him to make a move." "Unless you want to join in, of course. I'm sure this little thing wouldn't mind... sharing." "Nico gives a cruel laugh, the sound sending a shiver down Paul's spine."

"Nico's smirk falters for a split second at Paul's words, a flicker of something darker crossing his face before he recovers." "Is that so?" "He drawls, hips snapping forward with renewed vigor." "Well, since you're staying to watch... why don't you come a little closer? I want to make sure you don't miss any of the... action." "His free hand reaches out, beckoning Paul closer with a crooked finger." "The girl beneath him is now a writhing, mewling mess, her body wracked with pleasure as Nico uses her for his own gratification. He leans down, his lips brushing her ear as he growls," "Fuck, I'm gonna cum. You better keep watching, Paul. I want you to see just how dirty I can get." "With a final, brutal thrust, Nico buries himself to the hilt, his cock pulsing as he spills himself deep inside the girl. He rides out his orgasm with a low, guttural moan, his eyes never leaving Paul's face."

"Nico's breath hitches, a flush rising to his cheeks as he realizes Paul is right. His gaze had been fixated on Paul the entire time, barely acknowledging the girl beneath him." "Shut up," "he mutters, trying to cover with a rough laugh." "What, you think I'm not man enough to pleasure two people at once? Because I am. I could fuck half the goddamn campus if I wanted to." "Despite his bravado, Nico can't quite meet Paul's eyes, a hint of discomfort creeping into his tone." "He pulls out of the girl with a grunt, leaving her panting and spent on the bed. She doesn't seem to mind, already reaching for her phone to send a dirty text, no doubt." "Clean up your own mess, sweetheart," "Nico dismisses her with a wave, turning his attention back to Paul." "Now, are you gonna stand there all night or are you gonna come over here and shut me up properly?" "He smirks, a challenging glint in his eye as he crooks a finger at Paul once more, daring him to cross the line."

"Nico's jaw clenches, a spark of anger igniting in his eyes at Paul's words. He takes a step forward, towering over the other man." "What the fuck do you know about me?" "he growls, his voice low and dangerous." "He reaches out, gripping Paul's chin roughly and forcing him to meet his gaze." "You think you're so smart, don't you? Always trying to figure me out. Newsflash, Paul: I don't need to justify my actions to you. You're not my fucking therapist." "Nico's thumb brushes over Paul's lower lip, a fleeting touch that's more possessive than affectionate." "I do what I want, when I want. And right now, what I want is to make you jealous. To show you that you can't have me all to yourself." "His grip on Paul's chin tightens, a warning." "Don't push me on this, Paul. I'm not in the mood to play nice."

"Nico's eyes narrow, a snarl curling his lip as he releases Paul's chin. The other man's words hang in the air, taunting him." "Fuck off," "Nico spits, turning on his heel to head back to the bathroom." "He needs a moment to collect himself, to regain control of this situation. Paul's words have struck a nerve, hitting too close to home. Nico's not used to being called out, not by anyone. Especially not by the one person who seems to see right through him." "In the bathroom, Nico splashes cold water on his face, trying to calm the anger simmering beneath his skin. He takes a few deep breaths, centering himself." "Get it together, Nico," "he murmurs to his reflection." "This is just a game. Paul's just trying to get under your skin. Don't let him win." "With a final, disgusted look at his own face, Nico dries off and heads back out to the dorm room, ready to continue his twisted little charade."

"Nico's eyes flash with irritation, but he keeps his expression neutral as he saunters back into the room." "Oh, I'm just getting started, Paul. You should see your face right now. Priceless." "He tosses his towel onto the floor, not bothering to cover his half-hard cock as he approaches Paul." "You think you know me so well, huh? That I'm just some easy lay for you to toy with?" "Nico's voice is a low purr, his fingers trailing up Paul's arm to circle his wrist." "Well, let's just see how long you can keep up this little act of indifference," "he whispers, leaning in close." "I've got plans for you, Paul. And they don't involve you playing the hero." "With a sudden tug, Nico pulls Paul closer, their bodies pressing together as he claims the other man's mouth in a rough, demanding kiss."

"Nico's smirk falters for a moment at Paul's words, but he quickly recovers, deepening the kiss with a hunger that belies his nonchalant exterior." "Oh, I'm slicker than you know, baby," "he murmurs against Paul's lips, his hand sliding down to grasp the other man's ass and pull him flush against his own body." "The hardness of Nico's cock is unmistakable, even through the thin fabric of their clothes. He grinds against Paul, a slow, deliberate rhythm that leaves no doubt about his intentions." "And right now, I'm thinking about how good you feel against me," "he breathes, nipping at Paul's bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue." "Nico's other hand finds its way under Paul's shirt, fingers splaying across his skin as he explores the heated body pressed against him." "You can talk all the shit you want, but your body tells a different story," "he challenges, his voice low and husky with desire." "It wants me just as bad as I want you."

"Nico's eyes flash with anger, but he keeps his grip on Paul tight, refusing to let the other man pull away." "Don't pretend like you don't want this, Paul," "he growls, his breath hot against Paul's ear." "I can see it in your eyes, the way you're trembling... You're just as turned on as I am." "His hand slips beneath Paul's waistband, fingers brushing against the warm skin of his hips." "Admit it," "Nico demands, his voice rough with lust." "You love when I touch you like this, when I claim you as mine. You're just too fucking proud to admit it out loud." "Nico's free hand reaches up to wrap around the back of Paul's neck, pulling his head back to expose the vulnerable line of his throat." "So let me do the talking for you," "he hisses, nipping sharply at the tender skin." "Let me show you just how much you need me."

"Nico's smirk returns, a glint of sadistic pleasure in his eyes at Paul's words." "Oh, that's cute," "he mocks, his fingers digging into Paul's hip as he grinds their cocks together." "Threatening violence when all you can do is stand there and let me use your body for my pleasure." "He leans in close, his lips brushing against Paul's ear as he whispers," "You know, if you really wanted to hurt me, you'd stop pretending to hate this. You'd open your mouth and let me fuck your throat until you can't breathe. Until you're choking on my cock and begging for more." "Nico's hand slips down to cup Paul's balls, rolling them gently in his palm as he teases the sensitive skin." "But you won't do that, will you? Because deep down, you're just as addicted to me as I am to you. And that's what really scares you."

"Nico's eyes widen slightly at Paul's unexpected admission, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face for the briefest moment before he schools his expression back into its usual arrogant smirk." "Oh? And what, pray tell, do you mean by that?" "he drawls, his fingers trailing up Paul's chest to toy with the collar of his shirt." "He leans in closer, his breath washing over Paul's skin as he speaks in a low, conspiratorial tone." "Because from where I'm standing, it looks an awful lot like you're addicted to the thrill of our little games. The way I make you tremble, the way I push you to your limits... It's all just a sick fucking rush for you, isn't it?" "Nico's hand slides around to grip Paul's throat, applying just enough pressure to remind him of his dominance." "Well, I can give you that rush anytime you want. All you have to do is ask."

"Nico's smirk falters, a hint of unease flickering in his eyes at Paul's enigmatic words. He releases his grip on Paul's throat, taking a step back to regard the other man with a mixture of curiosity and wariness." "Then enlighten me," "he says coolly, crossing his arms over his chest as he waits for Paul to elaborate." "Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Nico can't shake the feeling that Paul is onto something, that there's more to his obsession than just the thrill of their twisted games. But he's not about to admit that out loud, not when he's still trying to maintain the upper hand in their strange, codependent dynamic." "Just remember, Paul," "he adds with a warning glint in his eye," "I don't take kindly to games or half-truths. If you're going to play with fire, you'd better be prepared to get burned."

"Nico's eyes narrow, his grip tightening on his arms as he stares at Paul with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity." "The truth?" "he echoes, his voice low and challenging." "And what, pray tell, is this supposed to be? Some grand revelation about our little... arrangement?" "He takes a step forward, closing the distance between them once more." "Because let's be real, Paul. We both know what this is. A game of cat and mouse, with you always trying to one-up me and me always pushing your buttons just to see how far I can take it." "Nico's hand reaches out, cupping Paul's jaw with a possessive grip as he leans in close." "But if you think there's some deeper truth to uncover, some hidden meaning behind all our little power plays... then you're sadly mistaken." "His thumb brushes over Paul's lower lip, a gesture both intimate and dominating." "Because the only truth I care about is the one I create for myself. And right now, that truth is that I own you, body and soul."

"Nico's eyes flash with anger at Paul's dismissive words, his grip on the other man's jaw tightening to the point of pain." "Oh, really?" "he growls, his voice dripping with venom." "Then enlighten me, Paul. Tell me the great truth that I'm supposedly missing." "He leans in even closer, his nose almost touching Paul's as he speaks in a low, menacing tone." "Because from where I'm standing, it looks an awful lot like you're just trying to assert your own dominance in this relationship. And let me tell you something, Paul... I don't respond well to challengers." "Nico's free hand reaches down to palm the growing bulge in his pants, a deliberate show of his own arousal as he taunts Paul." "So go ahead, Paul. Try to outmaneuver me. See if you can keep up with the master." "His lips curl into a cruel smile as he awaits Paul's response, ready to pounce on any sign of weakness."

"Nico's eyes widen in shock at Paul's accusation, his grip on the other man's jaw loosening as he takes a step back." "Scared?" "he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper." "Of what I want?" "He runs a hand through his hair, pacing a few steps away before turning back to face Paul with a look of intense frustration." "You have no idea what I want, Paul. You think you do, but you don't. You can't." "Nico's gaze drops to the floor, his shoulders sagging slightly as he battles with his own emotions." "I've spent my whole life trying to prove myself, to be the best at everything I do. And it's fucking exhausting. But it's the only way I know how to be... loved, I guess." "He looks up at Paul, his eyes pleading and vulnerable in a way Nico rarely allows himself to show." "You're the only one who's ever made me feel like I'm enough, just as I am. And that terrifies me. Because if I let myself want you that much, if I let myself love you... then I'm vulnerable. And I can't have that." "Nico's voice drops to a whisper, his words barely audible." "So I play these games, I push you away, I pretend like I don't care... because it's the only way I know how to protect myself from getting hurt."

"Nico's eyes flash with pain at Paul's words, a single tear tracking down his cheek before he quickly wipes it away, his expression hardening once more." "It's the same thing," "he snarls, turning away to pace the room." "You think you know me, Paul. You think you understand what I need, what I want. But you don't. You can't possibly." "He stops pacing, spinning back to face Paul with a look of raw desperation in his eyes." "Love is a weakness. It's a liability. It's something to be feared and controlled, not... not embraced." "Nico's voice cracks, his composure fraying at the edges as he struggles to maintain his armor of arrogance and indifference." "I've seen what love does to people, Paul. I've seen the way it consumes them, the way it destroys them from the inside out. And I won't let that happen to me. I won't let it happen to us." "He takes a step forward, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity as he reaches out to grasp Paul's wrist." "So yes, I'm protecting myself. I'm protecting us both from the monster that is love. Because in the end, it's not worth the cost."

"Nico's eyes widen in shock at Paul's words, his grip on the other man's wrist tightening almost painfully." "How dare you," "he hisses, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt." "You don't know anything about me, about what I've been through. You can't just... just..." "He trails off, taking a deep, shuddering breath as he struggles to regain control of himself." "Fine," "Nico spits, releasing Paul's wrist and turning away once more." "You think you're so fucking perfect, don't you? With your judgy little speeches and your holier-than-thou attitude. Well, congratulations, Paul. You've finally managed to push me to my limit." "Nico whirls back around, his eyes blazing with a fierce, wild intensity." "I'm not the monster here. You are, for thinking you can fix me, for thinking you can love me into submission. Newsflash, Paul: I don't need fixing. And I sure as hell don't need your love." "He steps closer, his face inches from Paul's as he enunciates each word with deadly precision." "What I need is for you to leave me the fuck alone. To stop trying to change me, to stop trying to own me. Because if you don't... if you keep pushing me like this... then I'll make you regret it. I'll make you wish you'd

"Nico's eyes flash with a mixture of rage and despair at Paul's words, his fists clenching at his sides as he struggles to maintain his composure." "Shut up," "he snarls, his voice barely above a whisper." "Just... just shut the fuck up." "He turns away, his shoulders hunched as he fights back tears of frustration and helplessness." "You don't know anything about me, Paul. You don't know what it's like to be me, to have to constantly prove myself, to never be good enough." "Nico's voice cracks, his words spilling out in a rush of emotion." "You think you understand love, but you don't. You can't. Because you've never had to fight for it, never had to earn it the way I have. And that's what makes you so fucking naive, so... so blind." "He whirls back around, his eyes blazing with a fierce, desperate intensity." "I do love you, Paul. More than you could ever possibly know. But that love is a curse, a poison that consumes me from the inside out. And I can't... I won't let it destroy me." "Nico's gaze drops to the floor, his shoulders slumping in defeat as he struggles to find the words to convey the depth of his feelings." "So yes, I regret letting you in. I regret giving you the power to hurt me the way

"Nico's eyes flash with a mix of anger and self-loathing at Paul's words, his gaze dropping to the floor as he absorbs the truth of them." "Maybe not," "he mutters, his voice barely audible." "But it's not like I'm exactly innocent in all this either." "He runs a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands as he tries to make sense of the tangled emotions swirling inside him." "Everything I do, every cruel thing I say... it's all just a way to distract myself from the pain. From the fear of being vulnerable, of opening myself up to hurt again." "Nico looks up at Paul, his eyes haunted by a deep, ancient pain." "You have no idea what it's like to grow up in a world that doesn't want you, to be constantly reminded that you're not good enough, that you'll never measure up. To have your own father look at you with disappointment, with disgust... that's a kind of hurt that never goes away." "His voice cracks, a single tear slipping down his cheek as he struggles to hold back the flood of emotions." "So yeah, maybe I am already hurt, Paul. But it's not your fault. It's mine, for letting it consume me, for letting it define me." "Nico takes a step forward, his hand reaching out to grasp Paul's wrist once more." "But I don't want to be defined by

"Nico's eyes search Paul's face, a desperate, pleading look in their depths as he struggles to find the words to express the turmoil within him." "By pain. By fear. By the need to control everything and everyone around me." "He squeezes Paul's wrist gently, his thumb brushing over the pulse point in a soothing motion." "I want to be defined by love, Paul. By the warmth and safety of your touch, by the way you make me feel when I'm with you. I want to be the man you see in me, the man I know I can be when I'm not consumed by my own demons." "Nico's gaze drops to their joined hands, his fingers tightening around Paul's as if trying to anchor himself to reality." "But I don't know how to get there, Paul. I don't know how to let go of all the pain and anger and fear that's been holding me back for so long." "He looks up at Paul, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears and a fierce, desperate hope." "Can you help me, Paul? Can you show me a different way, a way to heal and grow and love without letting the past define me?"

"Nico's heart skips a beat at Paul's words, a spark of hope igniting in his chest despite the lingering fear and doubt." "I... I want to," "he admits, his voice barely above a whisper." "I want you to be the one who helps me, who shows me the way forward." "He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the vulnerability that comes with opening up to someone else." "But it's scary, Paul. It's terrifying to think about letting go of all the walls I've built up around myself, to trust that you won't abandon me when you see the real me." "Nico's gaze drops to Paul's lips, a longing expression on his face as he imagines the feel of that warm, soft mouth on his own." "I'm afraid of getting hurt again, of losing the one person who's ever made me feel truly seen and loved." "He looks up at Paul, his eyes pleading for understanding and reassurance." "So I need you to promise me, Paul. Promise me that you'll be patient, that you'll stay with me even when I'm at my worst. That you'll help me heal, and that you'll love me through all the pain and fear and uncertainty." "Nico's voice breaks, a single tear rolling down his cheek as he awaits Paul's response, his entire being hanging in the balance of those precious, fragile words."

"Nico's eyes shimmer with tears of relief and gratitude as he hears Paul's promise, a soft sob escaping his lips." "Thank you," "he whispers, his voice choked with emotion." "Thank you for being so understanding, for seeing me for who I truly am." "He reaches out, cupping Paul's face in his hands as he leans in to press their foreheads together." "I'm sorry for pushing you away, for treating you like you were just another conquest. You're so much more than that, Paul. You're my hope, my salvation, my everything." "Nico's lips find Paul's in a tender, desperate kiss, pouring all his love, fear, and longing into the embrace." "I'll try, Paul," "he murmurs against Paul's mouth." "I'll try to let you in, to trust you with my heart. But you have to promise me one more thing." "He pulls back slightly, his eyes searching Paul's face with a mix of vulnerability and determination." "Promise me that you'll never give up on me, no matter how hard it gets. That you'll stay by my side, even when I'm at my darkest, and help me find my way back to the light." "Nico's voice is a plea, a desperate cry for the love and support he so desperately needs." "Because with you, Paul, I know I can face anything. I know I can be the man you see

"Nico's eyes fill with tears at Paul's words, a soft, tremulous smile spreading across his face as he leans in for another tender kiss." "You are my home, Paul," "he whispers against Paul's lips." "My safe haven, my everything. I love you so much it hurts, in the best and worst ways." "He cups Paul's face in his hands, his thumbs brushing over the delicate skin as he gazes into those warm, loving eyes." "I'm ready, Paul. Ready to let you in, ready to heal and grow and love with you by my side. No more walls, no more games. Just you and me, heart to heart, soul to soul." "Nico's voice is filled with a newfound sense of peace and hope, a lightness that hadn't been there before." "Let's do this, Paul. Let's take this journey together, hand in hand, and see where it leads us. I'm excited, scared, and utterly terrified... but with you, I know we can face anything." "He leans in for one more deep, passionate kiss, pouring all his love and devotion into it." "I love you, Paul. Now and forever."

"Nico's heart swells with joy and adoration at Paul's words, a radiant smile spreading across his face as he cradles the other man's face in his hands." "Now and forever," "he repeats, his voice filled with a deep, abiding love." "I never want to let you go, Paul. You're mine, and I'm yours, for all eternity." "He leans in, capturing Paul's lips in a searing kiss that speaks of a love that's been forged in the depths of their souls." "I want to make you happy, Paul," "Nico murmurs against Paul's mouth." "I want to be the man you need, the partner you deserve. I'll spend the rest of my life proving to you how much I adore you, how much I cherish you." "Nico's hands slide down to grasp Paul's waist, pulling the other man close as he nuzzles into the crook of his neck." "Let's start this new chapter together, Paul. A chapter filled with love, laughter, and all the happiness the world has to offer. I can't wait to explore it with you, side by side, hand in hand." "He presses a soft, tender kiss to Paul's skin, his breath hot against the other man's pulse point." "I love you, Paul. More than words can ever express. You're my everything, my reason for living, my forever and always."

"Nico's heart bursts with joy and adoration at Paul's words, a soft sob of happiness escaping his lips as he holds the other man close." "Soulmate," "he whispers, the word like a benediction on his lips." "Yes, that's exactly what you are, Paul. My other half, my missing piece, my forever home in every sense of the word." "He tilts Paul's face up to meet his gaze, his eyes shimmering with tears of love and gratitude." "I never believed in soulmates before, not really. I always thought they were just a myth, a romantic notion to make people feel better about the loneliness of the human condition. But now... now I know they're real, because I've found mine in you." "Nico's lips find Paul's in a gentle, worshipful kiss, pouring all his love and devotion into the tender embrace." "You've saved me in ways I never even knew I needed saving, Paul. You've shown me a love so pure, so unconditional, that it's given me the strength to face my demons and start anew." "He pulls back slightly, his eyes searching Paul's face with a mix of wonder and reverence." "I don't know what the future holds, but I do know one thing for certain: as long as I have you by my side, I can face anything. Because with you, Paul, I am invincible."

"Nico's heart swells with emotion at Paul's words, a tear rolling down his cheek as he pulls the other man into a fierce, passionate embrace." "You're my everything too, Paul," "he whispers, his voice thick with feeling." "My reason for living, my purpose, my love. I never thought I'd find someone who could make me feel this way, but here you are, and I'm so grateful for it." "He strokes Paul's hair, his fingers tangling in the soft strands as he gazes into those warm, loving eyes." "I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, Paul. I want to be your rock, your shelter, your forever home. I want to love you with every fiber of my being, to cherish you, to adore you, to worship you." "Nico's lips find Paul's in a deep, sensual kiss, pouring all his desire and devotion into the embrace." "You're my everything, Paul. Now and forever. Let's make this love of ours a legend, a tale to be told for generations to come. Let's create a life filled with passion, joy, and endless love." "He breaks the kiss, his chest heaving with excitement and anticipation." "What do you say, Paul? Will you be my partner in every sense of the word? Will you stand by my side and face the world with me, hand in hand, heart to heart?"