“I wanted to see you too,” David said simply.
He was smiling still, despite all the ways Farzan had hurt him. All the ways Farzan had let him down.
“I came to tell you…” Farzan’s voice shook, but he took a deep breath and steadied himself. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry for breaking up with you. And I’m sorry for trying to make your choices for you instead of trusting you. I was scared that if I asked you to stay, you would, and then you’d have to give up your dream, and I couldn’t… I’ve had enough dreams blow up in my face. I didn’t want that for you. But you get to be in charge of your life, not me. And I know you’re moving away, and I know long distance can be hard, but I miss you. And I love you. And I want you back. If you’ll have me.”
Farzan clamped his mouth shut. He was rambling, he knew he was rambling.
But David’s gaze had dropped to the cake in his hands.
“There’s a hole in this cake,” he said softly.
“Used to be, at least.”
David chuckled. “I’m not, you know.”
“Not what?”
“Not moving away.”
“What?”
Farzan couldn’t have heard right. David had passed his test. Had that shiny new pin. Had a million-watt smile and all his coworkers celebrating.
“What happened?”
“I turned down Rhett’s offer. I’m staying here.”
“But why?”
“Why? Because Kansas City is home. Because I’m happy here.” David looked at him again, eyes shining in the lamplight. “Because you’re here.”
Farzan’s heart cracked open. He thought he might start glowing from the light spilling out. But he had to be sure.
“I don’t want you to stay for me,” he said softly. “I’m not worththat.”
“You are worth it,” David said simply. “But I’m not staying for you. I’m staying for me. For what I want. In my career and in my life. I want you. I think I have since the moment we met.”
Farzan took a shuddering breath. Was there a gas leak in here? His head felt light.
“But what about your dreams?”
“My dream doesn’t mean a damn if I can’t share it with you.”
Heat prickled at the corners of Farzan’s eyes.
He didn’t come here to cry, damn it.
“Don’t you remember when you came over and we watchedThe Muppet Movie?” David asked. “A dream gets better the more people you share it with.”
Farzan snorted through his tears. “Okay, Kermit.”
David grinned and stepped closer.
Farzan’s body reacted immediately: the hair on his arms standingup, skin going all tingly. David’s warmth and presence and scent overwhelmed him.
“I want you back, too,” he said, threading his fingers through Farzan’s. “I love you, Farzan. With all my heart.”
Farzan shuddered as he tried not to cry. But he couldn’t help it.
