Aurélien had been seeing Palis for nearly two full seasons, from Hamis up until Yaris. It was hard to believe one fateful meeting at a party thrown by his parents had sparked an interest that burned into unabashed flirting and courtship. Though no label had been pasted to their relationship, Aurélien was in no rush to put one there, simply enjoying the warm companionship that Palis brought.
Perhaps the label was tacit, unspoken but understood by the both of them. Or, perhaps, it was more understood by one rather than the other. Either way, Aurélien didn’t let the lack thereof prevent him from seeing the man that brought him so much happiness. Talks with Palis often let him forget about the stresses of his work, instead focusing on getting lost in the lakes of Palis’ heterochromatic eyes that he loved so much. Palis was that welcome distraction, that itch that instead of being annoying, brought unexplainable comfort and pleasure when finally scratched. They had yet to express themselves more than a kiss and loving touch, but the flame remained lit and burned with a promising brightness.
Today was one of Aurélien’s days away from the office. It was a day he had taken in anticipation of what was being held, a carnival and show that Palis had nearly begged him to come to. Palis knew well that Aurélien was not one for such unadulterated festivities, prefering to keep to himself and enjoy the company of Palis in the calmness of their own flats. Yet relationships were give and take, and if he wanted anything to do with Palis in the future, he’d have to bend to the guilt-tripping that Palis so unashamedly took part in.
Aurélien couldn’t lie. It made him happy to see Palis happy, to see the childish wonder that gripped the younger man as soon as they trod into the festival grounds. He didn’t initially share that same wonder, nor did he indulge so heavily in the mysterious festivities, but he played the part for Palis and let himself be swept away in the environment. Surprising to himself, he enjoyed every moment of it and found himself belly-laughing when he was made fun off by the entertainers instead of being annoyed that his dignity was being attacked. Who knew what fun it was to have all your defenses stripped bare?
The couple began to settle into the flow of the crowd leading to the main tent of the event. Aurélien trailed behind Palis as the shorter man led the way through the crowd. He had a bucket of popcorn in one hand and a stuffed animal clutched in the other from a game he won on Palis’ behalf. He used his height to survey the crowd as they walked, catching all the faces of gleeful adults and children as they all moved as a unit towards their destination. There was to be a grand show in the tent and all would be there to see it, and all could barely wait. Even Aurélien felt excitement buzzing in his belly as he had grown comfortable with the feeling of jovialness around him.
He and Palis came into the tent and found their positions in the crowd about halfway between the tent’s entrance the the main stage. Aurélien tucked the stuffed prize under his arm and used that freehand to muss Palis’ strawberry strands before moving to take his seat beside the younger man. The rested the stuffed dragon on the ground and placed the popcorn in his lap, stealing a few kernels off the top to pop into his mouth. Munching away, he found Palis’ hand with his own, moving to give it a gentle and loving squeeze.
The lights had been dimmed and the announcer’s voice boomed with bright life. Aurélien’s attention was drawn to the stage. This was to be quite a show.