Baby, let me be your man
So I can love you
And if you let me be your man
Then I'll take care of you, you
For the rest of my life, for the rest of yours

outfit | gift | @cyril

Niles isn't entirely sure how he found out about today's significance, if he's being honest. He just knew that he'd had this date circled three times in the bright pink pen Zyra uses sometimes in his wall calendar, to remind himself. He never did end up needing the reminder. The date burnt on the back of his mind, quiet and out of sight, until last week.  Then it came to the forefront with alarming force and Niles was left scrambling to make arrangements and make sure everything was perfect for the day. First order of business, was, of course, making sure he even could have Cyril for the night. Which was...okay, no, it wasn't any of his business. They weren't just meeting to roll in bed together anymore, no. They were no-dating each other, going out for dinner and lunch and shopping and impromptu picnics in the park sometimes but they weren't dating. They weren't because such things didn't happen to Niles and Cyril deserved better and he still smelt of other men more often than not, even though he never did tell Niles anything. And it was...fine. It was because he was always bright and happy when he was with Niles and didn't seem to hate this thing they had going on and Niles told himself it was enough. It was more than enough, especially when he thought he'd have lost everything when he had first taken the leap. But he hadn't and he and Cyril were closer than ever now and he was happy. It didn't change the fact that it had made the back of his throat burn with bile when he sent Cyril a note asking if he'd be free tonight. Because that was a thing. Cyril wasn't his, Niles didn't have any claim on his time. Time that was shared with others.

Yeah, let's not focus on that. Because Cyril had said yes, he had agreed and told Niles he'd be free. If he were being honest, he didn't even know if the boy knew Niles was aware of the significance of the day. Probably not, since he never mentioned anything and Niles hadn't wanted to ruin the surprise so he also kept quiet. After getting the go ahead from the boy, he had rushed to make sure everything was...perfect. Because Cyrol was perfect and Niles wanted this to be too. He deserved it, his the boy did. And if he could never have him for real, never could be the one Cyril needed, then he'd try to at least be memorable in whatever way he could. It wasn't easy, Niles had to admit it. The Chutne Jidlo didn't cater to the likes of him and getting a reservation had been a trial and a half. Luckily, Cassian's Death Eater wasn't entirely useless and he had a word with whoever it was and guaranteed they'd have a table, a perfectly placed one at that. Niles was paying, though. He insisted on it, he'd be the one to pay for everything or he'd do nothing at all. This...it was something he needed to do. If this was the first of many or the only birthday he'd be able to spend with Cyril, it didn't matter. What mattered was that Niles wanted it to be special, to be something he did for Cyril. Reservations done, he had to go and see if he even had anything appropriate to wear. Which, uh, no. Zyra stepped in halfway through his first horrid breakdown and helped him pick something that wasn't too out of character but still nice enough to the restaurant. It also didn't bankrupt him so that was nice too.

Then...then Niles went hunting down for a gift. It was hard. What he could give Cyril that the others he saw couldn't tenfold? It would be ridiculous to try and outdo them, he'd seen before just exactly the kind of expensive stuff those blokes gave the boy in order to court his affections. So he wouldn't compete. Niles looked everywhere, in muggle London too, and nothing fit. Until he was walking back home after a particularly bad job and he saw the necklace on display. The shop had been long closed, then, but Niles was there bright and early the next day and burnt half his savings to get the delicate, pretty thing in a gift box and then hid it underneath his pillow at the flat. The other half of the money would be to cover the expenses of the night and Niles had absolutely zero regrets about it. How could he? That had been money he started to put away to the college fund his parents started and he never really...stopped. Not even after he was bitten and realised that he'd never go to university, never make anything out of himself. This way, at least, it would make someone happy because it sure as hell wasn't going to make him.

Gift bought and reservations made, Niles had fretted the entire week until the day finally came and he went to pick Cyril up at his place. Tight lipped about what they were going to do and without giving out any idea that it was even something other than their usual dates, Niles Apparated both of them to the Alley and held Cyril's hand all the way to the restaurant, looking for the world as if he was just taking the boy out to a stroll - despite being better dressed than ever before. Niles kept a light stream of his usual nervous chatter, giddiness at being able to hold Cyril's hand completely visible in his dumb face.

Abruptly, he stopped and took a turn, guiding Cyril to the restaurant and giving his name. They are led to a nice table, on the back, hidden from the rest but with a nice, enchanted view of a garden at nighttime. Niles could even smell the flowers from it. Pulling a chair for Cyril, he nervously tugged on his jacket and then sat down. "Surprise? Happy birthday, pretty boy"

outfit

Cyril didn't have clients today. Usually that would be a respite, he would admit. He didn't like having clients, not anymore. It used to be fun, once. He got pretty things and it was literally profiting from others wanting him. He didn't used to care about being treated like a thing, like a piece of meat. It didn't matter because he couldn't have anything else, he was what he was and he came from where he came and pretty boys like him ended up doing what he did. He didn't let himself resent his position because it was the best he could do, even if he studied and worked and got another job, it wouldn't change what he was. So he tried to have fun, tried to make the best of it. Now... now it was harder to see the good in all of it. Now he didn't care so much about the trinkets and the candy and the nights out. Because he could afford his own pretty things, he had two jobs and Ad made good money so he didn't have to pay any rent. Because nights out were only meant to show him off, to ease their own conscience before showing him to dark rooms and leaving bruises behind. Because none of it made up for the emptiness they made him feel now. He hadn't used to pay attention to it, he hadn't minded it because that was how things were. Except they weren't, not anymore, because Niles- Niles made him feel good, happy and warm. Niles liked him for who he was, Niles saw him as more than just a pretty little thing to stare at and own. So yes, normally he would be happy at not having clients for a night, especially if he got to spend that time with Niles. But today was... different.

He did feel guilty, he really did. Niles wanted to date him, even after Cyril told him what he was and what he did, he still wanted to date him. Didn't think it made him worth any less. It was sweet, very sweet. Niles didn't seem to understand why that was so important to Cyril, calling him that, but he'd never had a sweet person in his life before. He didn't understand the significance, though that was okay. Maybe it was for the best. Cyril tried really hard. Made as much time as he could, always went out if he was asked, always invited Niles to do things. Picnics and coffee dates and nights out and shopping trips. It was fun, it was so nice. He really loved it. What did it matter if he scrubbed himself almost raw before seeing Niles, trying to wipe the scent of all those men from him? Their touches and their breath. What did it matter if he had to spend minutes upon minutes tracking down every single bruise to heal it, so Niles wouldn't see? It didn't, not if it meant keeping Niles if only for a little while more. Not if it meant that he'd keep this warm, sweet man from realising how much exactly he had overestimated Cyril's worth. So even though he really hadn't felt up to going out tonight, he'd done his best. Gotten dressed up and pretty, smelling sweet of jasmine and honey. Nails perfect, hair soft, skin clear, lips glossed. It was his birthday, and the only people that ever recognised it were his mom and Ad, though now Di was also thrown into the mix. They got him things, books he liked and candy and pretty little things. They were the only people who cared, though, and he never told anyone else. Not even the few friends he had. He just... didn't want to make a big deal out of it. He was twenty one now, and that was the only thing that changed. Just one day older, another day forwards. That was all.

Niles' invitations were never denied, though, unless he truly had to work and had no way to postpone it. Being cheerful was hard sometimes, but Niles' presence always made it easier. Always made him feel at home and safe and secure. So he'd said yes and beamed at him and kissed him when he arrived to pick him up. Took his hand and trusted Niles to apparate them wherever he had planned for them to go. Most times he didn't even ask questions, Niles was wonderful so wherever they went would be wonderful. It seemed like a regular night out, something normal. He could do normal, he could push all thoughts about the day's date away and just focus on Niles' chattering. It was soothing, relaxed and just what he needed to relax himself. He held on to Niles' hand with one of his and his arm with another, looking around and answering or asking questions when it was his turn to speak. He could do this, he could. Until they were turning into the Chutne, which was... well, a familiar place, but not with Niles. With Niles they went to coffee shops and relaxed bistros and this wasn't that... but they were let in, Niles had a reservation. That was when it started getting hard to breathe. This couldn't be what he thought- Niles didn't know- They were led to a table, in the back, by the moonlit garden, pretty and delicate. Niles looked nervous and Cyril... had to look stunned. Happy birthday, pretty boy. He loved it when Niles called him that, but it took him a few seconds to process the first two words.

"That's..." Cyril blinked and looked around. "For... my birthday?" Cyril really felt like crying, he had to admit. This was... so unexpected. If he had told his friends, they may have tried to do something. His friends were mostly purebloods, though, who couldn't go around being seen with halfblood who- nevermind. The point was that Niles- Niles was so- "...amazing." He really ought to cry, right about now.

If he'd said that he wasn't nervous about this, he'd be lying something hardcore. Cyril had never mentioned anything about his birthday, after all, and Niles was sure there was a reason. Maybe even a good one that didn't have anything to do with him or with how the boy still saw other people that weren't Niles. That was what he wanted to believe, really, because the other option was the problem being Niles and this would feel invasive as heck. So yeah, he'd ignored all his questions and doubts and gone ahead anyway because he could take rejection and anger but what he could not take was Cyril think he was less than absolutely important to Niles. Really, that he had thought that he wasn't good enough to date broke his heart every time he thought about it - never mind that Niles was the one that wasn't good enough in the end. He needed to show the boy that he was important, that he mattered, even if those fuckers he went out with couldn't see the absolute treasure they had in their hands. Even the occasional flash of temper he could see was endearing - and a little worrying, since Niles didn't want Cyril to leave because he fucked up - instead of irritating as it always was with everyone else. It was almost cruel, the way Cyril was everything he could ever have wanted and...he couldn't have it. Eh, it was fine in a horrifyingly painful kind of way. Niles was used to not getting what he wants anyway, it's just another precious thing in the long line of what's been denied to him. At least with this- at least he was allowed a taste. It would be enough.

Cyril's reaction made all the worry and fretting worth it a thousand times over. Niles had a very brief moment of panic when Cyril was silent and then looked like he was about to cry up a storm but apparently that was a good thing and he let out a breathless laugh, half hysterical and half relieved, taking the boy's hands in his and bringing them to his mouth for a kiss, gentle and sweet. He was sure that all he felt, all the lo- everything was reflected in his eyes as he watched Cyril but he couldn't care less. Couldn't because the boy looked happy and really surprised and like- he looked like Niles had done something spectacular instead of just- he was sure Cyril had been to this restaurant many times and to others even fancier. Whatever he gave him today wouldn't be unique because the boy's had better for sure. And yet he needed to do so for Cyril to see he cared. That he was important. Apparently, the message was successfully delivered. "Yes, pretty boy. For your birthday. A special day deserves a special night," beaming, Niles kissed the boy's hands one last time before letting go, just as the waiter brought over the menus for them. Cass' pet Death Eater had given him some pointers on food and wine so Niles was able to select something that he was sure wouldn't be awful, something sweet enough for Cyril's delicate palate. The wine was even pink, which was hilarious. "I'm glad you liked it, really. I know it's not much and that this is no news to you but I thought the muggle world would be rather confusing and I wanted something that was familiar enough so I wouldn't embarrass you and-"

He had to cut himself off before he started rambling too much. Even though he knew the younger bloke didn't mind his stupid tendency to run his mouth, tonight wasn't about him and he wouldn't make it about himself. No, everything would be Cyril tonight - as would his entire life if the pretty boy let him and oops there he went again with the unreal expectations. Niles had to stop that. It made sleeping at night a lot harder than it should be. "I mean, uh, I wanted to do something nice for you?" He rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed, but not looking away from Cyril for a single second. He didn't think it was possible, honestly, since the boy was the most enchanting thing in any given place. Those gorgeous eyes were huge and wet and happy and Niles- he just thought it was really worth it. Whatever he had to do to be here, what he had to pretend not to see or hear or smell, it was worth it if he could have Cyril for himself.

tags: Cyril

outfit

This feeling will last forever

baby, that's the truth

    Cyril wasn't the product of a loving relationship, or even of an accident on a willing night. Cyril was born in captivity, like some of those pretty animals at the London zoo, in a dingy one-bedroom apartment in Tower Hamlets, overlooking the river. His mother had been alone, but with little, three year old Addison with her. He doesn't remember living there, doesn't remember Nathan, but he thinks that his birth marked his entire life onwards. Natalie had never wanted children, in her line of work it was unavoidable eventually, but it was also another mouth to feed and a sentence to many months without work. A responsibility, different than one's own safety. He knew that if she'd had the choice, she wouldn't have kept either of them, and he didn't blame her. He himself didn't want children, he was lucky he couldn't have them. Not with only male clients. Cyril understood her and he didn't blame her, and he also understood why she didn't drop them off at an orphanage as soon as she was free. Beyond running the risk of Nathan getting a hold of them after that, or them being separated by whatever parents possibly adopted them... she'd grown to care for them while in captivity. Unwanted as they were, they weren't unloved. He didn't want to think about what might have happened to him if Nathan had gotten his hands on him. Dion told the most horrible stories, sometimes at night he thought about that alternative reality and it made him vomit. So he'd stopped thinking about it.
    It was best not to think about any of that. Not now and not ever. What did any of that matter, when he was here? Here, in a nice restaurant that he could pretend he'd never been to before. Out with a man he- he cared a lot about. Celebrating his birthday of all things. Nothing else mattered right now, he was in the moment, bursting with surprise and joy. Such earnest surprise. He didn't know how Niles had found out but he had and here they were. Cyril knew that werewolves had a hard time making a living, he'd never expected anything like this from Niles. Didn't need it from him, being with him was more than enough to make it better than anything else anyone could give him. He knew that Niles did illegal things, the other man had never hidden it, and he had never cared. People did what they had to do, people didn't always do good things but that didn't make them inherently bad. He had never met a man kinder than the one sitting across from him right this second, no matter what his occupation might be. What did Cyril care if he hurt people? As long as Niles was fine, then it didn't make a shred of difference to him. As long as he could keep Niles a while longer, everything would be perfect.
    "Niles, that's so-" he swallows, trying to find the words, eyes big. "I never celebrate my birthday, I... I never really had a reason to. Wasn't really... worth it? Thank you, it's so sweet." Niles kissing his hands was just like him, really. So kind and warm and perfect, treating him like he was the most precious thing in the world. Cyril never wanted to lose that, this warm feeling of being completely and utterly accepted. This feeling of peace and safety and belonging. He wished to be Niles' and Niles' alone. Merlin and Morgana how he wished he could give him that. "You'd never embarrass me, Niles. I love it, I'd love anywhere you take me to."
    Beaming sweetly, though his eyes were still wet, he leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. Chastely, because they were in public and the waiter was right there, but still intimately. This was so much more than he expected, not because of the location but because of the amount of thought and effort Niles had put into it. "It's wonderful. Perfect. You're amazing." Blinking, the happy tears dispersed without falling and his smile grew even brighter. Gently, he squeezed Niles' hands in his own.

TAG: @niles ╳ Outfit: Link ╳  717 Words

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

For the life of him, Niles couldn't figure out how someone as amazing as Cyril ended up with such a low self esteem. The boy was perfect from his head to the tip of his toes and was sweet and smart as well. A healer, by Morgana's glittery tits. Sure, he had his moments where it looked like everything was pointing to an epic tantrum and sometimes Niles didn't really understand how his mood could be so mercurial but that was inconsequential. What mattered was that Cyril was, like, the best humanity had to offer and it was clear in so many different ways that Niles thought it was obvious for anyone. One of those things you just accepted, you know? Sky's blue, water's wet, Cyril is perfect and amazing. At least, for him, to be allowed to see him, touch him, kiss him and have him...it was like being allowed entrance to heave. Niles didn't believe in any of that shite, of course, and even if he did he wouldn't have been granted entrance to a place where the good people went. But if he did believe in it...he didn't think he'd find it better than being in Cyril's arms for as long as he was allowed to be. It was the strangest of things, really, to want so badly something he'd never thought possible to even exist, much less belong to him.

And, in a way, now Cryil was his. There was still the smell of other men in his skin, Niles knew he wasn't the only one. But that was okay because he knew now that he was the only once Cyril truly, honestly wanted. The rest was...necessary. It was work and it didn't mean anything and Niles had meant it when he'd said that it didn't matter to him. That it didn't make Cyril a bad person or any less perfect. It hadn't when he'd thought that his pretty boy had other lovers and it didn't now. He was, of course, relieved. The feeling of not being adequate wasn't one he was unfamiliar with but it had stung particularly sharp to have the obvious confirmed to him - that he was never, and would never be, good enough for Cyril. And now that he knows the truth...the feeling didn't go away and probably would never go. But he was relieved to know that, for some reason, Cyril chose him, wanted him and that he thought Niles was enough. He was wrong but that didn't matter. What mattered was that he wanted Niles, that he hadn't freaked out and left when Niles dropped the L-word back during an emotionally draining conversation. That was the only thing that mattered right now, that would ever matter. The rest? He could fucking deal. Besides, it wasn't like he deserved anything of what he got here, with this boy. Whatever this was, it felt like borrowed time to him and he'd make the most of it.

Dinner tonight, the celebration of his birthday...it was a way Niles could thank him for everything he did. That he was doing. Thanking him for being his, for allowing him to have that. It wasn't something he was going to take for granted, not something he'd ever not be thankful for. "Celebrating the fact that you're alive is always worth to me. I don't think I'll ever find a more worthy reason to be happy," Cyril looked so happy now and it made all of this worth it. If he could keep his pretty boy smiling, he'd burn down the world. Anything for him. He was still holding Cyril's hand and didn't really think that he was going to let go any time soon. Soft, small hands. So precious. He kissed them again. "I'm pretty sure you'll regret saying that, all of that. Especially if I take you camping or something," he laughed, knowing that he'd never do that with his soft boy. Cyril wasn't made for rough living like camping. "I can be pretty embarrassing, you can admit it."

The kiss made him smile, almost too bright. His cheek always ended up hurting when he was with Cyril, the best sign of having a good time. Niles had been ready to wipe away any tears that fell but, apparently, Cyril's happiness was great enough to make them dry. Their hands joined, holding each others. It was perfect, yes. "Nah, not me. You just inspire me, that's all." He stopped and let go of Cyril's hands to pick up something in his pocket. A box, flat and square. "I have something for you."

tags: @ baby boy

outfit

words: 767

THIS FEELING WILL LAST FOREVER

BABY, THAT'S THE TRUTH

    What truly ruled Cyril's life was his childhood. Now, he wasn't saying that he was particularly childish or anything of the sort, though he did tend to throw tantrums every now and then. No, what he meant was that everything that happened when he was small and all of the habits he created then and his standards for what was normal and right, that was still all in place. He had his night job because his mother had done it, because his brother did it, because selling yourself was just an easy way to make money. Well, easy in a way. He kept doing it because it was normal for people of his social class with his appearance to do it, and because he found it hard to separate himself from that even if he didn't like it anymore. Even if he hated it now. That was an extreme example, but it also came into play with things like birthdays. Like now. He never celebrated his birthday because he didn't feel the need to, because in his eyes there was nothing really to make a big deal about. At the same time, he knew that he didn't place any importance on all of that because as a child they'd never celebrated his birthday. It was a complicated thing. Partially it was because his mother didn't really have the means to do so, it was also because the entire reason for Cyril's existence was... a bad memory. Yet, she had tried to get him a special cupcake sometimes, or a bracelet, or maybe took the night off to go with them to the park. There was always something that made it special, but at the same time it always felt forced. Limited. Ad tried to cheer him up, tried to do things that would make the day nicer, and while he did appreciate it... he didn't exactly need it. Of all the things he needed, a birthday wasn't one of them.
    Now, he should have expected something like this from Niles, he really should have. His boyfriend -and wasn't that word something that always made a happy shiver crawl up his spine?- was someone who made such a huge effort to make him happy, to see him smile. Cyril deserved maybe half of the lengths Niles went to for him but he knew that nothing he said would change what Niles wanted to do. It was very sweet of him, it was actually quite amazing and it had nothing to do with the fact that Cyril had rarely known stringless kindness before. He tried to be the same for Niles. Tried to make him happy, tried to make him smile. Looked after him even if Niles didn't realise it. Just how was it that he always had some snack on him, in case Niles got hungry? That his fridge was always fully stocked when Niles came over. That he was accidentally always busy around the full moon, at the hospital or with his studies? Niles didn't know that Cyril knew and in a way, that was a terrible thing. It was another thing that proved that Cyril didn't deserve him. That and the night work. By all accounts, Niles should be the only one in his bed, but he wasn't. For pay, of course, but it was still a level of intimacy that he would like to only keep to his boyfriend. Still, it was hard to walk away from what he knew. Niles did so much and Cyril did so little. He wondered why he had been blessed with something like this and he could never find an answer.
    "You're a sap, Niles. I like that." He giggled, leaning over the table to kiss the corner of his mouth. Softly, chastely. They were in public, in a very nice place. Still, he could rarely hold back when he wanted to kiss Niles. "Camping? If you took me camping, Niles, it'd be proof that you didn't know me at all." He shuddered at the idea. Sleeping on the ground, even if it was in a sleeping bag and on a matt, would never ever work for him. All that unhygienic stuff. Living out in the wilderness like cave people. No, he had a perfectly comfortable king size bed and he would use it. "I still don't think you're embarrassing, though."
    Niles had a habit of putting himself down a lot. Cyril didn't have to study psychology to know that it was all linked to his lycanthropy. Wether he accepted his own condition or not probably had little to do with it, rather it was all connected to the effect that lycanthropy had in his life. Niles was a Ravenclaw, he was so smart and he loved animals and he was a hard working, curious person. Being a criminal wasn't something for him, hurting people wasn't something for him. He hadn't gotten to go to university and he was forced to do work that would never fit with his sense of self. Of course he'd keep putting himself down. Cyril didn't want that to continue, he wanted to help with that. After all, Cyril loved- oh.
    Flushing a bit at his own thoughts, he focused back on the conversation. "Do I?" He'd been about to laugh when a small box was pushed to him, so he blinked and looked down. What was this? He brought it closer, looking up at Niles in confusion. "A birthday gift?" Carefully, he opened the box and- that was- "Oh, it's beautiful!" A wide smile parted his lips and he looked back up at Niles, beaming. He leaned over and kissed him properly, full on the mouth. "It's so lovely, I love it! Will you?" He held up the necklace for Niles to put it on him.

TAG: @ niles ╳ Outfit: - ╳ Word Count:  The contest is over so nah

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

The world was a pretty shitty place, in general. To make things worse, it was also full of shitty people that didn't care about anything other than themselves, other than what they could gain from tearing others down. Somehow, he hadn't noticed that until he'd been bitten. Or, rather, until he'd stupidly almost got himself killed and Cass saved his sorry arse by biting him. Before, back at school, Niles had faced life with unfaltering optimism and he hadn't really regretted it, not really. It had served him well back then, even though his parents had thought him irritatingly naive. In the end, it had got him many friends and also plenty of heartache. He'd hurt people, unknowingly, by acting like that. Being bitten also meant growing up in almost painful ways and realising many things that he'd ignored before. Not on purpose but ignored nonetheless. And it hit him so hard, then, that it left him reeling for a while. At first, Niles had quite thought that things were only as bad because he was a werewolf. Surely things couldn't have been so bad before, when he was still human. Funnily enough, it hadn't been Cass to set him straight but his mother instead. Chloe had tsked at him, shaking her head, and told him that his naivete had been endearing - but it'd been about time for it to end already.

He could see where she was coming from, really. Pragmatic people like his parents would've despaired of him and his obliviousness. And whilst he couldn't say they were thankful or even anything other than mournful for his lycanthropy, they likely considered his growing up the sole good point about the whole matter. Niles- well, he couldn't say he was glad for not living in ignorance anymore, to be rather honest. The world was fucking bleak, to put it mildly, and sometimes it was hard to keep the upbeat tone of his general personality when everything seemed to be against him, to hate him. Not Cass, not the pack, not his parents. Just....everything else. It seemed like...not Cyril either - but that was still up in the air. Because...he didn't know. Niles' biggest secret was still a secret and whilst he knew that he could trust Cyril with it, that he'd never hand him in or hurt him or even hate him...he also didn't know if Cyril would stick around. And it sounded horrible to say it because his boy wasn't awful or shallow or anything but this would be the straw to break the thestral's back, so to speak. Of all things about Niles that were less than ideal, this might be the deal breaker. He wouldn't even blame Cyril - who would? Niles had nothing to offer to begin with, really, and then he'd put this fucking weight on someone that had nothing to do with it. Nah- it was unreasonable to expect it. And he didn't.

But- was it selfish of him that he wanted it to last regardless? That he didn't care it would end, that he just wanted to hold onto it for as long as he could, so he could have the memories afterwards. Probably, yeah. Niles hasn't done a single selfish thing in his life as of late, though. He deserved it, didn't he? Just a little bit, Mordred's sketchy bloodline, hadn't he been denied everything that he wanted enough? Especially lately, with Cass tormenting him with thoughts of university and whatever it was. What was up with that man? He didn't even want to know, not really. It was working for them, Cass was happier. If only he could stop dangling impossible things in front of Niles...

"For you? Yeah, always," he winked at Cyril, liking it that he was so happy, that he didn't seem upset or angry that Niles had arranged this without telling him. That had been a possibility that he'd decided to ignore because he'd do it anyway. He snickered. "Oh, I know. I'd do that fully aware that I'd be poking the bear with a short stick. In this case, a very angry and cute koala that is likely to pout me to death," he smiled into the kiss and then cupped Cyril's face for a moment, before pulling away. Right. In public. And in a fancy place where his kind didn't belong in. Right.

Niles watched as Cyril opened the box, scrutinising his expression to try and guess what he thought about the gift. He'd- well, he wasn't exactly insecure about it except that he totally was. Of course he was. Cyril was so perfect, shopping for him was nigh impossible. "Did you like it?" His smile widened and he accepted the delicate chain, motioning for Cyril to turn around before fastening the necklace around the slender neck. Then, he pressed a kiss to the soft skin. "There you go, pretty boy."

tags: @ perfection

outfit

words: 815

THIS FEELING WILL LAST FOREVER

BABY, THAT'S THE TRUTH

    If Niles asked, Cyril would be his forever, that he was sure of. It wasn't a thought he should have ever allowed himself to entertain because he was absolutely sure that Niles would have enough of him one day. Sooner or later. He was sweet and so kind and intelligent and he deserved so much better than someone like Cyril. Yet he loved Cyril, he'd said it, and Cyril- he couldn't allow himself to say it back. He would mean it, he was sure of that, and that was the problem. Cyril had never loved anyone before and he didn't think he could take it. Admitting that he loved someone who would eventually leave him. Grow tired of his shallow, spoiled ways. Grow bored of his body and his vapid laughs. Maybe he'd just give up because of the night job Cyril couldn't seem to shake off, or maybe he'd decide that he didn't want to trust Cyril with the fact that he was a werewolf. Cyril knew- maybe the fact that he'd known before Niles told him would be a deal breaker, even if Cyril had never wanted to know and wouldn't have poked into his business by his own volition. Cyril loved Niles, he'd never felt this happy with anyone in all his life. He didn't think he ever would feel this happy again, not unless Niles was with him forever. Was he a fool to hope? Yes, he was, but he did it anyway. Merlin and Morgana and everyone else, how he wished Niles would keep him. So they could be like this forever.
    "Charmer." He laughed lightly, reaching out to squeeze Niles' hand. How comfortable this was, how warm and lovely. He'd never felt like this in his life, especially not on his birthday. The fact that Niles had not only dug enough to find out the date, but cared enough to organise this... well, it was the sweetest thing. Shit- he was so in love. "That's an on point description, Niles, you've got a way with words." He giggles softly. "Especially the koala part, because you'd definitely be carrying me everywhere, in that case." It's a pity when Niles takes his hands back, Cyril always loved being touched by him. So warm and safe. However, he knew that propriety was a thing that had to be kept in places like this. Having grown up in one of the working neighbourhoods of Birmingham, which was already a working city, he wasn't really used to this stuff. Yes, clients brought him over, but then he was just an arm piece. Just pretty. They often told him off for not behaving here and he had learned the hard way to be... polite and contained. He thought it was all rubbish. If they were paying to be here -technically, Niles was paying- then how they behaved was their business. Fuck everyone else. So he reached out again and held Niles' hands with his own, playing with his fingers. 
    "I love it, thank you so much." He leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to Niles' lips before tracing a delicate finger over the pendant on the necklace. Niles went to so much trouble, even got him such a lovely little thing- and that made him think about the fact that he didn't know when Niles' birthday was. He had told Niles about his night job but not the why, not about his mother or Nathan or either of his brothers. Cyril loved him and he loved Cyril, but they hadn't shared much at all. He didn't know who Niles' parents were, didn't know what they did. They talked but they talked about daily things, casual things, likes and dislikes and normal conversations. Nothing more. He squeezed the little stone a bit, smile softening a bit. Oh, he wanted to know Niles better. He wanted to know everything about him. "You know my tastes so well. I... we don't really talk much about other things, do we?" Squeezing Niles' hand a bit, he took a sip of his drink. They know what they work as, they know what house they were in at Hogwarts, favourite subjects. No history, just facts. "When is your birthday, Niles? We're going to celebrate yours too. I'll start planning... in the morning, I think my thoughts will be occupied with other things tonight." He giggled lightly, looking up at him with bright eyes,

TAG: @ Niles ╳ Outfit: Link ╳ Word count here

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[googlefont="Wire One"]

Let Me

Give me your body and let me love you like I do
Come a little closer and let me do those things to you
This feeling will last forever, baby, that's the truth
Let me be your man so I can love you

He'd thought long and hard before actually settling in his place for their birthday celebration. On the one hand, Niles knew that Cyril liked the restaurant and was familiar with it - always a positive point when preparing a surprise. It was never good to surprise someone so much that you threw them in a too big loop. He hadn't wanted Cyril to be uncomfortable or unhappy in any way, and that had been the heaviest point in favour of this posh pureblood breeding ground. But he'd also wanted something that wasn't associated with...everything else. Everyone else. He never asked about that other stuff but he knew the kind of people who had the gold to spare to hire Cyril. Hire- fuck, it left an awful taste on his mouth. But he had said that a job was a job, hadn't he? And he'd meant it too. But he didn't think it would've been easy to be here and know that it was a place frequented by Cyril in...other sort of situations.

Luckily, Niles had been wrong. Whatever reservations he'd had about it, about coming to this restaurant with his love, they proved to be entirely unfounded. And he should've known better because how exactly did he expect to be able to pay attention to anything but Cyril anyway? This was their night - Cyril's night, really - and it had been hella stupid of Niles to think his mind would've been anywhere else. This place didn't matter. The sort of people who came here didn't matter. What was important was the surprise in Cyril's face, the delight, the way he hadn't been expecting anything and was honestly touched by Niles' efforts to please him and to make his birthday memorable. The first of many, if he could help it. Because Niles knew that he'd keep Cyril forever, if it was allowed. That he'd never let him go, no matter what. There were things one just knew, that were sort of universal truths no matter what and this was one of them, to him.

"Just for you, baby boy. Just for you," it's almost funny that Cyril called him a charmer because Niles had always been a flirt but no one had ever called him charming. He was sort of funny, yeah, and he could flirt like the best of them when he wasn't invested in it but charming...it was going a little too far. And yet this boy really meant it, he believed that. For some reason, he always thought the best of Niles. Maybe one day it wouldn't be so, when he finally gathered the courage to tell him the truth, but it was the best thing in his life. There weren't many good things in it but Cyril was responsible for most of them already. "I'm always a poet, you should've known that before. And you say that like it's a bad thing - carrying you everywhere. I'll have you know that I consider it my sacred duty, you," he tapped the tip of Cyril's nose, playfully, beaming when the boy chose to keep their hands together, playing with his fingers.

Did Niles care about what people thought? Fuck, no. But he had Cyril to think about too, couldn't just do whatever he wanted without thinking of his boyfriend. But if the boyfriend in question didn't care...if he thought they shouldn't hide or anything....Niles wasn't going to complain.

"I'm glad you do, baby boy. It was hella easy to shop for you, you know? Just had to find the prettiest, most delicate thing in the shop that was also pink," he winked and laughed, beaming at that soft kiss. This was very...romantic, just like he'd wanted it to be. A new start for them both, in a way. They- they'd make it work. And then he made a face at the words because it was true but not quite. It was...complicated. But there was no reason why they shouldn't change this, not really. "You're right, I guess, but we can change it. This between us? It's just starting and we don't need to hurry. I'm not going anywhere, baby boy." Not unless Cyril wanted him to, that was. It would take that to push him away. "Uh, the third of January? I mean, in the morning is just a little too soon, you know? What kind of birthday celebration takes months to plan?" he tapped Cyril's nose again. "But yeah, save tonight for me. Today is about your birthday and the celebrations don't stop here."

Thee waiter brought over the weirdly pink wine for them and Niles sipped his own, watching Cyril. "What else would you like to know?"

@ light of my life ⁂ outfit ⁂ 778 ⁂ notes

THIS FEELING WILL LAST FOREVER

BABY, THAT'S THE TRUTH

Cyril had never gone on dates before Niles. Sure, there had been nights in which he and a client went out to eat something or whatever, but none of that counted as a date. That was work and he didn’t even like them. But before Niles, he had never really given anyone or anything a chance. If they wanted to date him, he said no, because that wasn’t something he could do. He worked at night, he had clients, and getting involved with anyone outside of that would only end up in heartache. Niles hadn’t asked him out first- not until it’d been a month or two of casually sleeping together every once in a while. Even then, it had been hard for Cyril to say yes, but he eventually had. Because he already knew Niles, because they’d gotten close even without actually dating. That was enough for him to take the chance of telling him, because he couldn’t start dating Niles without him knowing this. What was before that didn’t technically count, that was what he’d been telling himself to not feel guilty about letting him know before. But then he had to, and he did, and Niles accepted it. Accepted him. Didn’t treat him as if he were dirty or used, as if he were immoral or a slut or anything like that. He didn’t ask questions, he accepted Cyril as he was and with all the baggage he had. Niles was the best man Cyril had ever met and he was so lucky that Niles wanted him like this. Wanted to keep him.

“Good. I’m a very jealous person, I’ll have you know.” He giggled, eyes glinting with amusement as he teased. No, there was nothing for Cyril to be jealous of. Niles was very handsome, very attractive. With beautiful eyes and sharp features, with his tattoos and his broad shoulders, with his smile and his cropped hair- and everything about him. Yes, Cyril was quite possessive because he knew that other people would want him. Desire him. But only for his looks. None of them would ever understand how truly good he was, how sweet and how caring. How his appearance may be wonderful but it paled in comparison to Niles’ heart. “I do know that. Make me swoon every time you open your mouth.” That wasn’t even an exaggeration, Niles truly did do that. With all his outlandish compliments that still sounded completely natural and earnest when they came from from. Because Niles did mean them, no matter how overkill they sounded. Cyril really loved that about him, his dramatics for speaking. “Is it, now? I love it, I love being carried by you. Makes me feel tiny.” Never mind the fact that he actually is far shorter than the average male and therefore could be considered tiny for a man, but Cyril… had never liked calling himself a man. Boy was always something he could identify with, but man? Not so much. It was weird and he was fine with that.

“Oh, really? Yeah, I guess I am that easy when it comes to gift giving. But I’m glad you’re paying attention.” Grinning, he nodded and leaned over, pecking him briefly on the lips. He had very simple tastes, even if they weren’t very common. He was very glad Niles hadn’t gone to any undue trouble in arranging all of this, it was already so much more than Cyril had ever expected. It was all so amazing. “Good- I don’t think I could let you go anywhere anyway.” He offered a cheeky wink, though they both knew that Cyril would let him go if he truly wanted. He was glad that Niles didn’t, though, because that would break his heart. And this was just starting, his love was right. They had their whole lives ahead of them, to spend together, to get to know each other. “I hoped not. There’s a couple of things in my closet you’ve never seen on me before.” Cyril couldn’t help but smirk. Yeah, he’d plan something for Niles’ birthday, something big and special. Right now, though? He wanted to focus only on them and tonight. So he reached out to sip at his wine and let out a pleased sound. It was good. Sweet. “Well… let’s start with fun stuff. Were you ever sent to detention at school?”

TAG: @ Niles ╳ Outfit: Link ╳ Word count here

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.