“We need something unmistakable,” Mabon repeated quietly. “Something that makes our intentions crystal clear. Something he can’t possibly misinterpret.”
“Without revealing we’re dragons,” Urien added.
“Or getting mauled by Basil.”
“Or looking like stalkers.”
Mabon closed his laptop. “So, a grand gesture that clearly indicates romantic interest from all three of us, doesn’t involve supernatural revelation, bypasses the homicidal cat, and doesn’t make us look like creeps.”
The three of them looked at each other.
“We’re definitely doomed,” Rux said flatly.
“No, we need data,” Mabon announced. “Empirical evidence of successful human courtship strategies.”
Rux lifted his head from the sofa with a groan. “More internet articles?”
“No.” Mabon grabbed the remote for the television they rarely used. “Something more...comprehensive.”
Twenty minutes later, all three of them sat in the media room with takeaway containers scattered across the coffee table. The television displayed a menu of romantic comedies, each poster featuring couples in various states of dramatic embrace.
“This feels wrong,” Urien muttered, but he’d already claimed the oversized armchair and pulled Mabon down to sit on the arm.
“It’s research,” Mabon corrected, scrolling through options. “We’re studying successful courtship patterns.”
“We’re watching people pretend to fall in love while eating noodles at midnight.”
“That too.”
Mabon selected the first film - something called10 Things I HateAbout You. The opening credits rolled while Rux distributed chopsticks.
Two hours later, Mabon sat forward, nearly knocking his empty container to the floor. “Did you see that?”
“The singing? On the stairs? In front of the entire school?” Rux had migrated from the sofa to sit on the floor between Urien’s knees, Urien’s hand absently running through his red hair. “Hard to miss.”
“It was a public declaration,” Mabon said, rewinding the scene. “Clear and unmistakable. He sang to her in front of witnesses.”
“We are not singing to Sam.” Urien’s tone brooked no argument.
“I’m not suggesting…” Mabon paused. “Actually, can any of us sing?”
“No,” Rux and Urien said together.
“Right. Next film.”
Love Actuallyfeatured multiple storylines, each couple navigating obstacles toward their happy ending. Mabon made notes on his phonewhile Rux leaned back against Urien’s legs, tilted his head, and pressed a kiss to Urien’s knee. Urien’s hand stilled in Rux’s hair, then continued the gentle motion.
“The sign confession,” Mabon said, pausing on the scene where a man declared his feelings through handwritten cards. “Silent but clear. No misinterpretation possible.”
“He also showed up at her house on Christmas,” Urien pointed out. “While she was with someone else.”
“Details.”
“Important details.”
Rux twisted to look up at Urien. “You’re thinking too hard.” He reached up, pulling Urien down for a proper kiss. “We’re researching, not planning a siege.”
“It feels like a siege,” Urien murmured against Rux’s mouth, but his shoulders relaxed.
