“For actually telling me the truth,” Jimmy said with a bright smile. “For finally trusting me. This is what I’ve wanted for so long, Rod.”
“Mm.” Cold’s lips twitched up in a small smile. “Consider it an early wedding gift.”
“Yeah. I’m sorry I messed up your really sweet and awesome proposal.” Jimmy cringed.
“It’s all right. You were very much preoccupied being a brat,” Cold snorted affectionately.
“It really was beautiful,” Jimmy said quickly. “You really went all freakin’ out. Did you tie all those shells to the chairs yourself?”
“I did.” Cold grimaced. “Gave myself a papercut putting those ridiculous little lanterns together.”
“Aw, my poor baby!” Jimmy took Cold’s hands, inspecting them for damage. He found the offending cut on Cold’s left thumb. “Hmm, do we need to call Dr. Queen? Do you need stitches?”
Cold chuckled, assuring him, “No, I think I’ll survive.”
“Here.” Jimmy nuzzled his hand against his cheek and kissed his thumb. “Better?”
“Mmm. Perfect.”
“Thank you,” Jimmy said sweetly. “Your sacrifices have been noted, and they will not be forgotten.”
“I don’t suppose that means you’re going to say ‘yes’ this time, are you?”
“No, but...” Jimmy paused, sitting up and wincing as his sore ass grazed the covers. He leaned back against the headboard as he finished, “But I’m willing to wear the ring.”
Cold was surprised, scanning Jimmy’s expression as he asked flatly, “Why?”
“Because wearing a ring is a sign of intent,” Jimmy replied easily. “I definitely intend to marry you one day. I love you and I’m yours, always. Just like you’re finally trusting me and opening up, I’m going to trust you.”
“Trust that I can properly woo you into agreeing to our wedding that’s only a few weeks away?” Cold drawled, rolling his eyes as if in great physical pain.
“Exactly!” Jimmy laughed, kissing Cold’s cheek sweetly.
“You’re still coming to the wedding, whether you agree to it or not,” Cold warned, slipping his hand into his coat to bring out the ring.
“Gonna have Jules drag me to the altar if I don’t?”
“Possibly.” Cold grinned. “Perhaps I’ll send Tamerlane after you instead. He’s a bit more subtle.”
Jimmy had a smart remark all lined up, but his chest felt light when he saw the ring between Cold’s fingers. He smiled shyly and offered out his hand.
Cold slid the ring on and kissed Jimmy’s hand. “Mm, do you like it?”
“I love it,” Jimmy said, smiling at the little diamond that had come from his mother’s ring. He would always have a piece of her with him now. He tried to keep smiling, and he hated how his eyes began to sting with tears. “It’s... it’s perfect.”
Cold immediately pulled Jimmy into a tight embrace, soothing, “It’s okay, Jimmy. I’m here.”
“I know,” Jimmy said, too physically exhausted to hold back a soft cry, “but she’s not.”
Cold tenderly set Jimmy in his lap and eased back against the headboard with Jimmy burying himself into his broad chest. He petted Jimmy’s hair, rocking him gently while being mindful of his sore bottom.
“I’m sorry,” Jimmy whimpered, trying to stop himself from openly sobbing. “Th-that was just all really intense, and I was so freakin’ mad at you and, and I saw the ring and now—”
“Jimmy,” Cold cut in, smothering a warm kiss against his brow. “Don’t apologize. The things we do can leave you vulnerable to your emotions, a fact that I’m well aware of, and I don’t mind in the slightest.”
“But, but—” Jimmy couldn’t argue as more tears bubbled up. He grimaced and leaned into Cold’s embrace with a fresh cry. “I’m just so broken!”
“And so am I,” Cold said quietly, tilting Jimmy’s chin to gently kiss his lips. “We can pick up the pieces together. Let me help you. Let me take care of you... let me love you.”
