entrancelogs | there's no storm we can't outrun

Who: Garrett Hawke & Cullen Rutherford
Where: The roof
When: February 5th
Rating: PG
Summary: Two dorks who just want to do something nice for each other.
The Story:

[The last couple months have been... a challenge, to say the least. Being turned into a polar bear had been a nice change of pace, but when it's followed up with your mostly dead family, it loses a lot of impact. But through it all, Cullen had been there. Had talked him down, gotten through to him, had been there. He knows their shared mantra, but he hates that Cullen has shouldered so much of his pain without a word.

So he wants to do something. It's been some time since they've been able to just relax and enjoy an evening together, without some issue or another hanging over them. So while Cullen is off doing... something, he isn't entirely sure, he gets a few things from the closets and heads to the roof to begin setting up the surprise.

The real surprise is that Cullen is also up on the roof, setting up a surprise of his own. He could go back downstairs and wait, but... nah.]

Well. This is awkward.

[Under one arm is a pile of blankets, in his other hand is a picnic basket.]

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[ He would do a better job of this at home. He knows where he would want to take Garrett, places that fit the occasion. He- is at something of a loss here. What Garrett deserves is a break from Wonderland, but Wonderland is all they have, and gestures-- Cullen smooths out the blanket on the floor. Gestures like this are his parnter's strength, more than his own. If nothing else, it makes him more determined to provide for the occasion. At his feet lie blankets and pillows, every comfort and warmth for them to stay on the roof after at dusk.

Cullen is about to set up food and drink as well, when the door opens behind him. His eyes widen as he turns. Much too soon. ]

Maker, did I leave--

[ He reaches into his pocket and feels a note. Written to say that he expects Garrett on the roof. Not carelessly left behind in their room after all. ]

What are you... [ But his words trail off, just as his eyes trail to the blankets and basket in Garrett's arms. An incredulous laugh escapes him. ] You. You, ah. You had the same idea.

[A matching laugh leaves him and he shrugs as much as he can.]

I did.

[The short distance between them is immediately crossed so Garrett can deposit his pile of blankets with Cullen's already large share, and the basket is set to the side.]

I wanted to -- You've done so much for me lately, I just wanted to make sure you know how much I appreciate it.

[ Cullen takes the basket, and Garrett's hand to boot. ]

You've been through enough to deserve it.

[ He presses their foreheads together. He can't make Garrett's family live, he can't bring them here. He couldn't pretend they were a blessing, rather than a curse. He can do little, he knows. ]

Let me at least give you a break, all right?

[ He pulls Garrett closer, towards where he has already set up, almost. Motions for him to sit. ]

[Garrett squeezes Cullen's hand and settles his other hand on Cullen's waist.]

So have you.

[Their foreheads touch and Garrett closes the distance to press a chaste kiss to Cullen's lips. It takes actual restraint to keep it chaste, but there'll be time for that later.]

Only if you let me give you one, too.

[He lets himself be pulled, and makes himself comfortable in the blanket setup. Then tugs Cullen down to join him, or rather, into his lap.]

I'm serious, Cullen. You need a break too.

I'm fine, [ he answers routinely, and sinks down to his knees. Pauses, and remembers his promise to both of them not to wield his well-worn reply quite so mechanically. So, dutifully, he considers, and amends: ]

...I am. I promise. Just so as long--

[ He finds his place in Garrett's lap, shifting until he sits with his back comfortably to him, neck craned to look back up at his face. Cullen breathes out slowly. ]

As long as I get to keep you out of danger for a while.

[Garrett is more than fully prepared to gently remind Cullen about his promise, but he catches himself and that simple fact brightens Garrett's smile a thousandfold.]

So long...?

[He pulls Cullen closer, settling his face against his throat to breathe in his scent and press a kiss there. He's not actually trying for something, he just wants to shower Cullen in affection. Garrett huffs a laugh, his breath warming Cullen's skin.]

I'll do my best. But that doesn't mean you can throw yourself at danger in my stead.

[ He considers, barely for a moment. He already knows the lengths he would go to, to see Garrett safe and well. Cullen traces his arm, until he finds his hand. Squeezes it tightly. ]

No promises.

[ Garrett will protest. Later Cullen might let him. But first, Cullen muffles him with a kiss before he can. ]

[He is definitely going to protest, repeatedly and loudly, when Cullen gives him an opportunity. But for now, he's content to let it go so he can kiss Cullen until their lungs burn and they desperately need air.]

I love you. Even if you're determined to throw yourself on a sword for my sake.

[He swallows, trying to decide the best time to bring this up. But perhaps, given the hurdles in their way up until now, maybe it's best not to wait any longer.]

Marry me, Cullen. I wanted to make a big show of it, this marvelous, fantastic display but I can't wait any longer. Not after everything that's gotten in our way. Marry me.

I love you too...

[ More he wanted to say, he thinks, about hoping neither of them will need to find the sharp end of a blade, about-- He trails off, forgets, because- marry me. Marry him. Yes, of course. Cullen swallows dry. ]

Marry- marry you...

[ Yes.

Cullen shifts, never breaking eye contact, until he sits on his knees in front of Garrett, both of them face to face, when he replies--

When he wants to reply by asking if Garrett is sure, and saves his breath, because he knows the answer. He knows that he could ask, and if he'd let Garrett, then he might just believe the answer himself. Yes, Maker, of course.

And all the same, deep down, quietly on the worst days, or perhaps through some event's cracks, he'd never stop being afraid. ]

I- I want to. Even here, knowing we might-- I really want to.

[ He reaches for Garrett's hands as he says it, squeezes them tight. Breathes, once, enough to know his voice will be steady long enough. ]

But we can't. I can't- let you, not yet.

[His smile is so bright it might as well be the sun, and he waits for Cullen's answer with his heart in his throat.

It goes south quickly, and Cullen moves from his lap to stare him in the face and his brows knit together. He'd been expecting -- no, hoping for a yes but this seems like... He doesn't know what this seems like.

He wants to. So why does it seem like he's going to say no? Garrett reaches out blindly for Cullen's hands, only to be beaten to the punch.]

What -- What are you saying? Is... I don't understand, Cullen.

there's no storm we can't outrun

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