A mint colored mug with a hairline fracture was nowhere to be seen. In its place was a shorter, rounder tea cup made of clear glass. Rainbow colored flowers danced along the lower section with its top remaining free of hand-painted art. Having an unobstructed section made it easier to see the pretty reddish brown hue of steaming tea.

Some sugar and honey gave the beverage an additional tinge of delectable flavor. Each sip brought about a pleasant, encompassing warmth.

Background music came from a replaced but equally vintage record player. Coupled with a nice, hot cup of tea and birds chirping through an open window, Dr. Hall's office felt the coziest it ever had been.

"I'm surprised you're doing as well as you are," she confessed. "But I think opening up about your assault is what you needed in terms of breaking down your biggest obstacles. I'm glad to know you're taking steps in accepting a positive support system. And it's even more amazing that you're letting yourself trust people again."

"I'm not going to lie, there are times when I feel myself trying to revert back. It's like the persona I'd built up is standing behind me- waiting for me to fall into a deep pit- so he can make a reappearance. Some days are harder than others when it comes to ignoring his call to go back to the way things were. But progress is progress. It may not be as fast as I'd like it, but it's still something. I'll give myself credit for that."

Dr. Hall nodded to herself, a gentle smile forming on her face. "How have you been coping with what recently happened with Kassandra?"

"Better than I was initially," Alessandro answered with a newfound confidence. He still felt uncomfortable talking about the woman, but he'd decided he wouldn't give her the satisfaction of cowering in her wake anymore. So even though her name was spoken into reality again, it didn't bring about a flinch or other physical reaction like it normally did. "I'll admit, there are times where I get flashbacks. Not to what happened in the office, but not exactly what happened in my room back in high school either. They kind of mesh together now into some weird conglomeration of strange imagery. Sometimes I sink a little further than I'd like. But it doesn't last too long because Lance is usually quick to notice. He helps by talking me down until I'm aware of where I actually am. It's... hm, what's a good word for it..."

"Grounding?"

"Yeah, exactly."

"How have things been with Lance now that he knows the truth? I'm sure that conversation wasn't easy for either of you."

"It wasn't, but it was one that needed to be had. There was a lot of relived pain- and a whole lot of crying. And I honestly didn't expect him to believe me since I'd never brought it up before our big fight. He took it a lot more seriously than I thought he would though. He has a lot of unspoken anger about the situation. It's not aimed toward me though- it's actually on my behalf. I know he's trying not to hover because he wants to give me some space, but I also know that he's afraid of being away from me for too long. I think he feels like he needs to protect me now that the truth is out in the open."

"And when the time came for it, he did."

"Yeah- yeah, he did."

The simple thought of Lance made Alessandro openly blush. He attempted to hide a growing smile behind a glass tea cup. His stomach and chest grew warm, and a genuine want to gaze longingly into bluish gray eyes formed.

Fortunately, he'd be able to in a few minutes.

"Have there been any other developments with you two?"

"...I can honestly and confidently say that I love him with every single fiber of my being. And I- I'm getting more comfortable with the thought of actually letting myself be honest about it. I want to tell him. Every day, I feel myself getting closer to actually doing it. I'm not sure when I will tell him, but I know I'll be able to soon. I don't- I don't want to lie about my feelings anymore. Especially my feelings about him."

Dr. Hall wrote down a short sentence before putting her notepad on the table between them. She crossed her legs over each other, propping her face up with the heel of her hand. "I'm so happy for you, Alessandro. You're starting to make strides and leaps that you didn't think you could. I appreciate you being open about the hardships too. It may take a little while for all of this to finally blow over."

"I know. But now that I'm slowly getting into a better headspace with a better circle of people, I know I'll be able to reach my end goal. It doesn't matter if it takes me another couple of years. If I'm able to find myself again at the end of all of this, it'll be worth it."

"Well, I'm looking forward to helping you get there."

A chiming wall clock signaled the conclusion of yet another session.

Humming to himself, Alessandro finished off his tea and set the cup down on the wooden surface in front of him.

He felt better having opened up about his mental state in such an honest way. It was invigorating to know that he didn't have to hold anything back. It was also just as endearing to know that he wasn't going to be judged the way he always feared he would be.

"Would you still like to come in next week? Or would you like to space out our meetings now to every week and a half? I honestly think you're steadily on your way to not needing these sessions so frequently."

"I agree with you. And I think every week and a half would be a good change. It'll help me start the process of slowly weaning."

Dr. Hall nodded in understanding. She scheduled a meeting for a Wednesday evening on her tableside calendar. "Would you like me to walk you out?"

"Sure. Lance is waiting outside, so you'll finally be able to meet him if you'd like."

"It'd be my pleasure, Alessandro."

The two walked over to the front door together. As it was pulled open, they were greeted by a cloudless, orange sky.

There wasn't much of a breeze, but the heat of summer wasn't as powerful since the sun was setting. It smelled of sweet wildflowers; a wonderful scent emanating from surrounding flowerbeds and bushes. A long, wide lawn was flourishing on either side of a concrete pathway.

Lance was seen sitting on a bench by a patch of grass full of dandelions. He was listening to music and watching the sunset, a flower propped on top of his left ear. Vibrant orange bathed his skin in a warm color.

When he looked back toward the building, a fond grin was deemed even more captivating than everything else around them.

Music was paused and wireless earphones were taken out. He met the approaching duo as they continued walking down the pathway.

"All good, big buy?" he asked with a lighthearted tone.

"Yeah, all good." Alessandro looked between both people. "Lance, this is my psychiatrist, Dr. Hall. She's going to be lengthening the time between our sessions since things are going a little better now."

"That's good. Means you're on your way to recovery." Lance shifted his attention and presented a hand. "And it's nice to meet you, doctor. I appreciate you having Alessandro in your care these past couple of years."

A heated appendage was gently grasped and shaken. Dr. Hall offered an easygoing smile. "It's nice to meet you as well, Lance. Thanks for waiting out here, by the way. I hope it wasn't bothersome."

"Not at all. Weather's great and the flowers smell nice, so it was actually pretty relaxing. Plus, I figured it'd be nice for Andro to have some company on his way home."

The psychiatrist giggled and displaced her weight onto one foot, her arms crossing over her midsection. "That's good to hear. I won't hold you guys any longer though. I hope you both have a pleasant evening. And I'll see you at our next session, Alessandro."

"Course. Have a good night, doc."

She offered a wave before walking back toward the single story establishment. Neither male made a move to walk away until she was inside. When they did, warm hands met for a routine handhold. A leisure pace was taken along the sidewalk toward their car waiting down the street.

"Nice lady. She seems really approachable."

"Dr. Hall's a little blunt, but I guess it's needed if people want to get to the root of their issues. She's nice though- and when things really get going, she's an ear to listen. I'm glad she's been the one to help me."

"Does she know about me?"

"She does. She's glad you're here with me, and she thinks you'll help pave the way in terms of me being my best self."

Lance beamed at the sentiment. Normal walking was swapped for excited skipping. Wavy strands of hair flew around his face. Blue knitted sneakers scraped against the ground with each exaggerated step.

Alessandro allowed himself to be pulled along with a tender expression.

While walking, partial focus diverted to take in the sight of an uninhabited park across the street. Red mulch stood beneath a plethora of slides, a few jungle gyms, and a set of monkey bars. Multiple swings sat a short distance away from wooden picnic tables. Surrounding trees swayed lazily in their spots. A glowing sun could be seen peeking from behind them.

"Ooh, Andro, let's go on the swings!"

He chuckled at the genuine enthusiasm. "Really?"

"Yes, really. It's a nice day, so why not?"

"...Can't argue with that logic."

A triumphant laugh was let out.

Lance glanced both ways before running across the street. Quick steps were taken past tall jungle gyms. Mulch felt squishy beneath their feet and clashed with the bright blue of the swing set's base. Black rubber seats moved in tandem with a slight air current. Quiet sounds came from metal chains dancing in the faint breeze.

Lance plopped down on a random swing with an excited laugh. He pulled himself back until he was on his toes. Both legs were picked up, sending him forward. Gentle kicks gave him enough momentum to keep swinging without going too high.

Alessandro sat down on a neighboring swing. Instead of moving, he simply braced his hands against the metal chains on either side of him. Mulch was prodded at with the tip of his worn sneaker. Green eyes glanced at a beautiful, smiling face before looking up at the sky.

It felt like they were kids again.

There was a certain innocence that came with sitting in a park together with no one else around. It was like a little piece of the universe had been carved out, specifically for them. There wasn't anyone to ruin the moment or take their attention away. The only things that existed were them, the park, and a fading sunset.

"Mind if I pick at your brain for a sec?" Alessandro asked.

"That's usually my job." Lance snickered, looking at his companion. "What's up?"

"I know this is a random question, but do you have a favorite date? Like, one that we went on when we were together in high school?"

A dark birthmark moved out of sight when a plump bottom lip was gnawed on. The action came about from trying to rummage through years worth of fun, entertaining, and romantic outings. "Hm... I have two, I think. At least, they're the ones that stick out to me. One of them was senior prom at that big, fancy hotel with the grand staircase and ice sculptures."

"We wore matching outfits to that, right?"

"Yeah. I think it was, like, red button-ups, black pants, and the dark brown suspenders we got on sale at the mall. I don't know if that counts as a date since it was a school function, but it was something we went to together. I don't know- that night just made me feel really giddy."

"Then it counts as a date." Alessandro flashed a thumbs up in approval.

Lance playfully shook his head. "The second one is when we went to the carnival together. I can't remember if that was sophomore year or junior year- was probably junior year."

"The one with the fireworks where I got you that plush from the water gun stall?"

"Mhmm. Little Macaroni the cockatoo." A tall stature deflated a bit in what appeared to be disappointment. "I... actually kept that. After we split up. Even had it back at Donovan's place. But when he kicked me out, I didn't have enough time to grab it."

"Don't worry. I'm sure I can win you a prize just as awesome as Macaroni."

"If you manage to find something more outrageous than a cockatoo, I'll be thoroughly impressed."

Alessandro looked down at his sneakers, the tip of his right shoe partially dirtied by sticky pieces of mulch. The subject of Donovan brought up another issue that still hadn't been fully explained.

"...During the whole issue with Kassandra at the office, she told me Donovan kicked you out because of a boyfriend, or something along those lines. I'm assuming she was talking about me. Is that true? Did you guys argue because of me?"

The sound of moving chains halted as a second pair of feet slid against the ground, stopping the swing.

"Kind of." Lance pursed his lips. His eyes glazed over as if he was taking a moment to think about that particular day. The one following the big kiss that happened at Heatwave. "I guess your cologne seeped into my shirt or something because as soon as he came home, he flipped the fuck out. Kept asking me where I went because I smelled like somebody else. Don't even get me started on how weird and creepy that comment was. But, since I didn't feel like arguing, I just told him that me and you hung out.

"Donovan started with his petty shit again, and we started fighting. Pretty much what happened was that he was jealous of me spending so much time with you. Tried to forbid me from seeing you- his words not mine. I told him he couldn't control who I could and couldn't hang out with. So he responded to that by telling me to grab my shit and leave."

"...I'm really mad he never got arrested for being an asshole."

"You're telling me, man." Bluish gray eyes lit up again. "But enough about him. I'm actually pretty curious to know which one of our dates was your favorite."

"Guess it is my turn to be questioned." Alessandro chuckled, a light blush forming on his cheeks. "That's an easy one though..."

***

Lakeview Park was about an hour from closing.

Tall metal streetlights stood around concrete pathways surrounded by vibrant green patches of grass. Yellow beams filtered down from oval shaped bulbs, illuminating the area in a sea of artificial sunshine. Strings of color danced along the surface of rippling water. A family of ducks swam by, three of them straying a bit toward the very tail end. Flourishing trees shielded other parts of the park; like the basketball courts, tennis courts, and jungle gyms.

It smelled like water, grass, and strawberries.

A refreshing breeze felt colder so close to the water. The yellow and brown blanket used for the picnic hadn't been picked up for warmth. Instead, contents of half eaten food remained left out; everything sitting close to a pale wooden basket. Alessandro sat cross-legged while Lance was standing a few feet away, a gray sweater which didn't belong to him draped over his torso.

He was dancing, both eyes closed, to a song playing on the radio they'd brought. Despite the tune being faster paced and energetic, Lance's movements were slow. He swayed from side to side, hands sometimes running through his hair and dragging down his neck.

A small smile was planted on his face.

A pair of green eyes couldn't look away from such a stunning view.

***

"One of our many picnic dates, I see." Lance laughed, a bit of pink coming onto his face as well. "I loved those a lot too."

Alessandro couldn't help but inwardly melt at the comment.

Alongside his nostalgic feelings, he found himself stirring in a pool of heartfelt emotions. Genuine happiness, love, tenderness—he was bombarded by multiple sensations he used to be afraid of. Now, in the presence of someone he truly cared for, there wasn't a single sign of self doubt or anxiety.

It made him come to a certain realization.

Sitting there in Lance's presence—just like when they were teenagers—made flowers bloom. Butterflies awoke from their cocoons to fly free. He made birds soar in the sky with a smile, and captivating eyes made stars seem bleak. His laugh was better than any song ever composed. His scent was more intoxicating than the most expensive flowers. Holding his hand was worth more than any material object that did and ever would exist.

There was just nothing that could compare to Lance Kade.

"It looks good on you," he said.

"What?"

"Happiness."

Alessandro sheepishly glanced down at his feet again. He smiled. "I have you to thank for that, y'know."

"Mmm, you shouldn't give me all the credit. Yeah, I'm helping you find yourself again- but you're the one who's really putting the work in. You're the one who's taking dives and crossing hurdles even though you think it's scary. I really am proud of you for that. I'm proud that you're finally letting yourself be honest about your feelings."

Green eyes traced over a few pieces of mulch. A sense of giddiness began forming. The tiniest speck of nervousness awoke as well, but it wasn't a bad feeling. It was a sensation brought to life by a growing want to say something daring. Instead of holding certain comments back, a greenlight was given for hidden thoughts to be spoken into existence.

"Lance."

The serious call of his name made him look up. "Yes?"

"You're... building something inside of me. Something warm and uncontrollable. Kind of like a fire."

"How so?"

"Every hug and caress and smile are like wooden logs. Whenever you do those things, it- it does something to me. It's like you just being yourself adds fuel to growing flames that are getting higher and higher with every moment we spend together. It's getting more wild, and I don't know if I can control it."

Sneakers scraped against the ground as a swing was abandoned. Quiet steps were taken until a pair of shoes stopped right in front of Alessandro. Both of his cheeks were cupped. His face was guided upward until he was left to bask in shimmering eyes. Raw emotion reflected in a shared gaze. It dripped from their lips and was breathed out with each soft exhale. 

Goosebumps formed when delicate thumbs glided across heated skin. A thumping heart nearly leaped out of its confines when tender words were given in response.

"If this fire is building so much... then hold me close, and set me ablaze."

Two pairs of lips met in a slow, delicate kiss. Strong arms wrapped around a slender waist. Instead of feeling butterflies, it felt like fireworks were going off in Alessandro's stomach. Everything just felt so bright and beautiful. 

"Lance, would- would you like to go on a date with me? Tomorrow night?"

A surprised reaction immediately softened. It morphed into a tender, bashful grin. Sun-kissed cheeks gained some additional color. "I'd like that a lot, Andro."