“As long as you want.”
Those words sank through my veins, transmuting into something deeper. Because when it came to Cay, I wanted forever.
Epilogue
Cay
Six months later
“Are you ready, babe?” I yelled to Beck, who’d closed himself in the walk-in closet an hour before. Was he sewing that costume from scratch? Geez. Or was he nervous? I knew why I was stressed out of my fucking mind, but why was he?
“It feels like a copout,” came Beck’s muffled voice.
“It’s not.” I rested my forehead against the door and sighed. “We’re not wearing the same costumes as last year. Well, not really. Come on out. Let me see my Batman.” I made kissing noises that should annoy Beck enough to lure him out.
The door swung open, and I nearly fell forward before I caught myself on the wall. “We’re dragging all our friendsto this con, and we’re reusing costumes.” Beck huffed, crossing his arms.Hellopecs in Batman spandex.
“Exactly, most of them haven’t seen us wearing these.” I flapped my red cape. “And since they agreed to come, let’s not make them wait.”
Beck grumbled and leaned against the doorframe. Dear god, he was the hottest man I’d ever seen. The sound that left me was of a man wanting to be devoured.
“Then again, maybe we could revisit that walk-in-closet fuck? You in this costume will forever remind me of that night.”
Beck kissed me on the cheek and walked past me. “When we’re back home. I hate being late.”
I threw my hands in the air. I hadn’t been the one stalling all this time.
An L and a cab ride later, we entered the venue packed with cosplayers and people in regular clothing, browsing the stands, taking photos of each other, and chatting. The enormous building looked like an airport from the outside and a geek kingdom from the inside. At least on this occasion. The main hall with its high ceiling was decorated with banners of movies, shows, and comics, the stands in neat rows filled with T-shirts, figurines, and magnificent collectibles. I couldn’t buy too much, or my shit wouldn’t fit at Beck’s—our—apartment. Inhaling the mix of perfumes, spandex, and hairspray, I recognized the mix as oneof geeky fun. The very buzz of the place energized me, the colors lifting my already high spirits.
“There you are!”
I turned at Wes’s voice and bumped into a white, red and blue shield with a resounding thunk. “Whoa, that’s solid.” I knocked on it, marveling at the impeccable paint job.
Wes’s lean muscle worked perfectly with the Captain America costume he was sporting, including a helmet with a big A in front.
“Thanks! Alex helped me make it. She showed me the garage she works at, and it was like watching Robert Downey Jr. building the first Iron Man suit in a cave, I swear!” He grinned. “For a second there, I almost wished I wasn’t gay.”
“You still wouldn’t have a chance.” Alex winked at him and sucker-punched his shoulder.
Wes flinched and rubbed the spot. “Ouch. Besides, I’m not a masochist.”
“Yes, Mr. Pillow Princess.” Alex rolled her eyes. “So we’re looking for a gentle Bucky for you today, huh?”
“I didn’t say that. But attentive, definitely.” Wes smoothed a hand down his chest and looked around as if a bunch of Buckys was about to descend on him.
I blinked twice and chuckled as several guys in Winter Soldier costumes walked by and saluted to Wes.
“You did a fantastic job, Alex,” Beck said, poking Wes’s shield.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Alex, usually wearing butch clothing, was now dressed as Harley Quinn. Her red-and-black leggings with playing card diamonds in opposite colors matched her usual style while, at the same time, making a great closet cosplay piece, complete with a huge mallet in her hand.
“Are you offering your help with future cosplay accessories?” Beck’s eyes sparkled with interest. He glanced at me, and I knew he was planning couples costumes already.
“Depends on what you need, but I can—” Alex grunted as arms wrapped around her from behind.
“Hello, stranger.” Maisie let her go and gave us all a wave. Her red wig contrasted perfectly with her green dress and stockings, all topped with vines strewn around her—a perfect Poison Ivy costume.
“Hi there.” Alex’s unexpected drawl sounded like Joey saying, ‘How you doin’?’ but with no effect on Maisie as she pecked her on the cheek quickly, then waved someone over.
