“Seriously? I thought you were just trying to be nice earlier. In that case, I really will text you some other recommendations,” Ollie promised, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. He hesitated, then added, “So, what did you have in mind? For tonight, I mean.”
The question was casual, but Finn could hear the undercurrent of uncertainty. He realized with a start that Ollie was nervous too—that whatever was happening between them felt just as significant, just as fragile to him.
“I thought maybe we could walk?” Finn suggested. “It’s not too cold, and the park’s nice this time of year with the leaves turning. I was thinking about it earlier, and we’ve never talked aboutmuch other than the bookstore and Brooklyn. Maybe we could get to know one another better outside of those things.”
Ollie’s smile softened. “I’d like that.”
They left the store, Ollie locking the door behind them. The evening air was crisp but not uncomfortable, the sky deepening to indigo as the last traces of sunset faded. They fell into step beside each other, close enough that their shoulders occasionally brushed, sending little sparks of awareness up Finn’s arm.
“So,” Ollie said after a moment, “it seems like Brooklyn had a good time today.”
“She did,” Finn agreed, grateful for the easy opening. “It’s the most engaged I’ve seen her in weeks. She even voluntarily spoke to adults who weren’t you or Isabel’s dad.”
Ollie laughed, the sound bright in the quiet evening. “I’ll take that as a win.”
“She, uh, actually mentioned you on the way home,” Finn admitted, his heart rate picking up. “Said you were nice.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners, the amber flecks in his irises catching the warm glow from the streetlights. “What else did she say?”
Finn hesitated, then decided on honesty. “She said it’s okay if I like you.”
Ollie’s step faltered slightly. “She did?”
“Yeah.” Finn shoved his hands in his pockets, suddenly feeling exposed. “Apparently, it’s been the subject of some discussion between her and Isabel.”
“Good to see the gossip mill isn’t limited to the older generations,” Ollie said, but there was no real dismay in his voice. “And do you?”
The question was delivered lightly, almost teasingly, but Finn could hear the vulnerability beneath it. They’d reached the park entrance, the path before them winding through trees strung with tiny white lights that glowed softly in the growing darkness.
“I think you know the answer to that,” Finn said quietly, taking a half-step closer until he could feel the warmth radiating from Ollie’s body.
Ollie’s eyes met his, warm and hopeful in the soft glow of the park lights. “Maybe I need to hear it anyway,” he whispered, his gaze dropping briefly to Finn’s lips.
The simple request, so honest and direct, broke through Finn’s careful reserve. He reached out, fingers tentatively brushing against Ollie’s, the slight contact sending electricity up his arm. When Ollie’s fingers intertwined with his, Finn felt something in his chest crack open.
“Yes,” he said, his voice rougher than he intended as he gently tugged Ollie closer until their chests were nearly touching. “I like you, Ollie. More than I expected to. More than I know what to do with, sometimes.”
Finn’s free hand moved to Ollie’s waist, resting lightly against the soft fabric of his sweater. Ollie’s breath quickened, and his pupils dilated behind his glasses.
“Good,” he murmured, his hand coming up to rest against Finn’s chest, right above his thundering heart. A smile bloomed across Ollie’s face, bright and genuine. “Because I like you too. In case that wasn’t blindingly obvious.”
The last word was barely out of his mouth before Finn leaned forward, pressing his lips softly against Ollie’s. The kiss was gentle, questioning, a tender exploration rather than a demand. Ollie made a small sound of surprise that melted into a sigh as he leaned into the contact, his fingers tightening around Finn’s. As much as he wanted to keep kissing Ollie until they were breathless, Finn broke the kiss before things got out of control.
The admission, simple as it was, loosened something in Finn’s chest. They continued walking, the path curving gently through the park. Their hands brushed twice before Finn caught Ollie’s fingers with his own. The contact sent warmth spiraling up his arm, settling somewhere beneath his ribs.
“This is nice,” Ollie said softly, squeezing Finn’s hand. “Just…being. No crisis to solve, no business to save.”
“No interrupting teenagers,” Finn added with a small smile.
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the park quiet around them save for the distant laughter of teenagers at the skate park and the occasional dog walker passing by. Finn was acutely aware of Ollie’s hand in his, the warmth of him close at his side, the way their steps had naturally fallen into sync.
“Can I ask you something?” Ollie said, finally, his voice hesitant.
“Anything.”
“Are you still scared? About this?” He gestured between them with their joined hands. “About us?”
The directness of the question caught Finn off guard. He considered deflecting, offering reassurance instead of honesty, but something in Ollie’s expression stopped him. He deserved the truth, even if it was messy.
