Blue's fingers are linked with mine, his grip soft but firm on my hand. He loves holding hands, a strange sort of pride on his face when we go out together, as though he wants to show the whole world the companion he's chosen to walk with. I've never experienced an affection quite like it and it makes me glow.

I gaze down at our hands, sighing in content as he guides us into Starbucks.

"I'll grab your drink." He says, pressing a quick kiss against my forehead.

I roll my eyes, knowing that it's not necessary, he's not even working today, but also knowing that it is completely pointless to argue. And he does make my coffee the best.

I move to a corner table and sit down, resting my chin in my palms as I watch Blue in complete raptures. He moves so confidently, purpose in every action and a stern concentration in his expression, as though this is the most important thing he'll do all day.

I glance to the left, smiling when I spot Aidan emerge from the break room. I send him a little wave, which he returns wholeheartedly.

When I spot Blue making his way over I stand up eagerly, taking my mug from him.

"Thank you," I mumble, a squeak escaping me as something jolts my elbow. I steady the mug in my hand, placing it on the table quickly.

"Watch where you're going." Blue hisses, his tone acerbic and I glance up quickly, sighing at the petrified look it induces on Aidan's face.

"I'm really sorry, Blue!" He squeaks.

"It's fine, it was an accident." I assure, but Blue doesn't look appeased.

"Don't apologise to me. You bumped into him." He says, gesturing to me.

Aidan glances at me nervously, biting his lip.

"I'm sorry." He says quietly and I smile.

"It's fine. No harm, no foul." I insist.

"And you. Stop being so surly." I add, pinching Blue's arm.

He glares playfully at me, but even as he does his expression warms and softens until finally he wraps his arm around me, tugging me closer.

The boy in front of us looks beyond perplexed at the transition of grumpy, storm-cloud Blue. He watches us warily, like it might all be a dream.

"This is Aidan. He's the new guy." Blue mutters, gesturing to the boy in front of us.

"I know, we've met. Nice to see you again!" I say.

Aidan smiles half-heartedly at me, his eyes flickering to a suspicious looking Blue.

"In which case, Aidan, this is Grey. My boyfriend." Blue says, his tone sounding a little like a warning. He loves saying that. My cheeks warm at the thought, leaning against Blue fondly.

Aidan looks between us comically, as though he can hardly believe it.

"You have a...and he's...? Oh, uh...of course!" He says quickly and I laugh.

"You have a problem with that?" Blue asks, raising a brow. I watch Aidan swallow tensely, his head shaking quickly.

"He doesn't have a problem with gay people, you idiot. He can't believe that you have landed Grey. Neither can I, to be honest." Rex mutters, appearing beside us and I laugh.

Blue looks put out while Aidan's cheeks are rosy and warm. His fingers fumble awkwardly in front of his apron, looking unbelievably sheepish.

"Grey's always so nice when he comes in. I just...I never thought that..." He stumbles and I shake my head. Only making things worse.

"What are you saying? That I'm not nice?" Blue asks, but I recognise the shiny, teasing gleam in his eye.

"That's exactly what he's saying, my love." I remark, caressing Blue's cheek.

"I'm nice to you." He says, pouting.

"Sometimes." I say and he rolls his eyes.

"Much nicer than before." He reasons.

"That's the craziest part about all of this," Rex comments to Aidan, gesturing to us vaguely.

"Blue basically bullied Grey for two years. You think he's surly now? That's nothing. Grey managed to beat him down through smiles and sheer kind-heartedness." Rex continues.

I can feel my cheeks blush while Blue sucks his teeth.

"It was hardly bullying." He mutters.

"You told me the sight of me made you sick." I comment cheerfully.

"Yeah, because I was always so nervous to see you!" Blue argues and I grin, feeling victorious.

"I hate you." Blue mutters.

"I love you." I parrot back, laughing when Blue's cheeks go pink.

"I see it now." Aidan says thoughtfully.

"This is bullying." Blue scorns, sitting on one of the chairs, arms folded like a discontent toddler.

Rex looks nauseated by this entire exchange and leaves quickly, sending us a final wave before disappearing into the break room.

I sit down opposite Blue, our knees just brushing against each other and he immediately moves closer.

Blue smiles at me, a warm, fond smile that makes my stomach flutter.

Then he scowls, glancing up to his right.

"You can go." He says, but it sounds much more like a suggestion.

Aidan, who was awkwardly hovering, nods quickly before disappearing after Rex.

I give Blue a pointed look and he shrugs.

"He was hanging around, and I wanted to spend time with my boyfriend." He says, completely unapologetically as his hand wraps around one of mine.

And when he puts it like that, it's hard to be mad.

_

A/N 

For anyone out there accusing me of publishing a fluff-filled filler chapter...

guilty.

But I'm giving you another update too so hush x