Dean gasped, wide eyed. “Oh my God! That’s right! We did the video shoot one year ago today. I completely forgot!”
Dean flashed a sheepish grin. “So…it’s sort of our anniversary, isn’t it? Happy anniversary, Colton!”
“Happy anniversary, Dean.” Colton gave him a soft peck on the lips. “But there’s another reason I wanted you to meet me here today.”
“What is it? I haven’t forgotten something else, have I?” he asked, biting his lip.
Colton smiled. “No, you haven’t. I wanted to have you here today, in the spot where we first met” —Colton took Dean’s hands into his own— “to tell you…Dean…I love you.”
Dean felt a stutter in his breath and a flutter in his heart.
“You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to say that to you. I love you too, Colton!” he managed to squeak through the tightness in his throat.
Dean swallowed Colton in a giant, crushing hug, his heart bursting through his chest.
Was this real, or a dream? After years of feeling lonely, being certain no one would love him, had it actually happened? Dean feared that he would never find love and build a life with a loving family. And he had all but given up hope until Colton jogged into his life one year ago on this very practice field.
“Please Colton, say it again,” Dean whispered.
Colton grinned, pulling him even closer. “I love you Dean. I love you so much it fucking hurts.”
Dean whimpered, tears falling from his eyes. “Wow! Colton Merrick loves me! I’m the luckiest man in the fucking world!”
“It’s me who’s the lucky one!” Colton pulled back, placing their foreheads together. “You have no idea how happy you make me every damn day.”
Off to the left, Dean spotted Bryce and Greg walking over. He moved to pull out of the embrace with Colton, but Colton stopped him. “It’s okay Dean, they're fine. You don’t have to pull away.”
“You talked to them?”
“Yep, we had a nice, long talk last week.”
“And it went okay? They’re cool with it?”
“Yeah! They have no problem with it…not one bit.” Colton smiled.
Dean could see them smiling, waving as they approached. He felt a warm sensation growing in his chest. Colton had come out to his friends, and they had accepted him without reservation.
“I’m so happy to hear that.” Dean beamed, waving back to them.
Bryce and Greg shook hands with Dean. “It’s good to see you guys again.”
“Likewise.” Greg smiled. “Colton told us earlier today that it was a year ago we filmed the video. I can’t believe it’s been an entire year.”
The four men walked slowly across the practice field and into the facility, chatting and laughing the entire way. Greg and Bryce were completely at ease, comfortable with Dean and Colton as they walked hand in hand.
“So, you two are living together now?” Bryce asked as he held the door open.
“Yep!” Colton boasted. “Almost six months now.”
“Dean, you deserve a fucking medal. I don’t know how you can put up with his smelly feet.” Greg punched Colton’s shoulder with a chuckle.
Colton gave Greg a shove. “Hey! My feet don’t stink.” He pointed his finger at Greg. “You'rethe one who stinks. Have you ever even used deodorant?” Colton fanned his hand under his nose.
“Fuck you! I smell like a fucking rose.” Greg launched himself at Colton, pulling him into a headlock before hurling himself at Bryce, and the three of them playfully laughed and wrestled.
Greg even pulled Dean into the action, giving him a few light jabs during their romp.
They came to the common area and situated themselves standing near the entrance to the team cafeteria.
