Hard To Believe

Quentin woke up early remembering the end of the previous day. He went with his father to shop for appetizers, a special breakfast and ingredients for a salad that Maryl would make when she arrived to have breakfast with them. Ted also bought new glasses for drinks as he only had specific ones for beer, wine and whiskey. He also acquired a new set of white plates, a dark yellow sousplat, light gold cutlery and a tablecloth in light cream tone. The excuse was that they would have a larger amount of people. Deep down Quentin suspected it is to impress Margo and especially Eliot.

As they were on their way shopping, Ted asked about how their date had gone. Quentin was well aware that there was no point in deflecting the conversation.

"Dad I know you're curious. It is ok. Hum, Eliot made us a picnic. He was thoughtful and brought my favorite sandwich and other treats, plus a great wine. We made small talk for a while before I asked a question that was bothering me."

"What did you ask?"

"If he believes I love him." Quentin saw that his father expected more than that, and he continued. "He replied that…that he believes, hum, now."

"And that's not enough for you?"

Quentin is happy that his dad is driving. He is nervous about reliving everything he had felt that afternoon. It is actually the first time he stop to analyze it.

"Yes, but…you know…I…"

"Calm down son."

"I love him so fucking much. He was perfect this afternoon. He pampered me, he was honest in his response, he was gentle when he touched my hand, and he had so much affection in his eyes." Quentin doesn’t want to look at his father. His eyes are closed and all he can see is Eliot's face.

"Curly Q, why are you in so much pain if it was that good?"

"Because I want…I really want to believe him, but I've spent so much time telling myself no…telling myself he would never love me back, and now, now it's hard to believe that all my dreams can be real, and that I can live this love."

"Even though it's hard for you to believe him right now, you don't have to suffer over this. He is courting you; let him continue to do so. This guy won't give up and it could do you a lot of good to get his attention."

"You may be right." Quentin took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to relax. He let himself be carried away by the moment, focusing on his father's excessive purchases. He never seen him so excited.

He got up to help his father with breakfast. Maryl will be arriving soon. He shaved and showered, changing into a new jeans and a white button-up shirt. Going down, he find his father already preparing the pancake batter that today will have blueberries, the special guest's favorite. He made orange juice, set the table, and made toast. There is cheese, ham and apricot jam.

Maryl arrived and they had coffee talking animatedly. She was beautiful, wearing a long dress, with long sleeves, printed in shades of burgundy and white. She said how Quentin's magic is strong and how she could feel it in the model airplane. They talked about Brakebills. She is curious to meet all his friends.

It was a partly cloudy day but no rain forecast. Quentin set up the table in the backyard using a spell to increase its size and another to duplicate the chairs, this way everyone could sit comfortably. In a corner under the roof, he created a space to a smaller table, where they could prepare some drinks. Near the porch, he opened a huge cream-colored garden awning to protect from the sun, which Maryl brought.

He spread out the tablecloth and set the table with Maryl’s help. She placed flower arrangements she had brought. She asked his help to extend a hammock of lamps in case they stayed until dark. It would be beautiful and welcoming. They done it together. She is a good woman and he liked her more by the minute.

Ted is happy with himself. He made meatballs, garlic knots, crabmeat ravigote and mozzarella sticks. He never made so much variety, but he wants to make it good for his son's friends, cater to all tastes. He wanted Quentin to seize the day and be more comfortable with Eliot. His son always felt too much, suffered too much, loved too much. He wants to help his son in some way, but he knows it is up to Q. Yesterday when they talked, he could feel his son starting to open up to love again. His mind has bad days. That can always get in the way of him seeing what's in front of him. Quentin is brave and given a little more time, he will be as happy as he deserves.

When he finished preparing everything, he called his son to put the spell that would keep the food perfect. Magic could be wonderful. He went to change. Cooking can be messy sometimes. He took a quick shower, put on a new beige shirt with burgundy stripes that he got from his girlfriend, and brown pants. He was going down the stairs when the doorbell rang. He went to the door. When he opened it he saw Julia's smiling face, and behind her all his son's friends. He cannot help but notice how tall and handsome Eliot really is. His son has good taste.

"Julia! Always a joy to see you!" He gave the girl a tender hug. She is using jeans and a royal blue long-sleeved top

"The pleasure is all mine Ted!"

"Penny, how are you my boy?" He gave him a quick hug. Penny is wearing baggy dark brown slacks and an orange smock with an earth-toned scarf around his neck.

"Surviving these madmen." Complaining but he is laughing.

"Queen Kady! How are things?" He hugs her affectionately. Kady being Kady is wearing a black blouse and black jacket. Jeans in a medium tone and black boots completed the bad girl look.

"I already told you I'm not Queen Ted!" She hugs him with the same affection.

"You are my dear, you are."

He then looks at the bespectacled boy who is wearing jeans and a light blue long-sleeved blouse, and a navy blazer. "You must to be Josh! I'm looking forward to trying your cooking!" He approached and Josh hugged him like the others.

“Thanks Sir. I am happy to be here. I hope you like what we have done. I hear you also cook well.”

"I'm just an apprentice. Let's go in."

Behind Josh is a beautiful woman who even without the crown had an air of royalty. Her beautiful red dress, with high black boots, made her even more imposing.

"High King Margo. It's an honor to finally meet you." He waits for her reaction to see if he can hug her, and she did.

"Our little Q kept me waiting too! I have only heard good things about you Ted. I can call you that, can't I?"

"Sure! Please be welcome to our home."

He then looks at his son-in-law. Eliot is wearing beige pants with a floral shirt in shades of green. He seems to be unsure. Does he expect some rejection? He cannot let him think that, not even for a second.

"Eliot! Give me a hug. I've wanted to meet you for so long!" He can see the surprise on the boy's face and step forward to meet him. Eliot finally give in, and hug him back, without saying anything. Ted speek softly just for him to hear: "Don't worry son. Everything will be fine." Eliot can't say anything. He just gave Ted a sincere smile before accompanying him into the house.

Julia led the way and the entire group passed through the kitchen and into the backyard where Quentin and Maryl are. Ted introduces Maryl to everyone in the group.

Quentin hugged them all. Margo give him a friendly slap before hugging him for being such a brat to her, but she also apologized. He knows that everything is going to be okay between them. He is nervous. How would he greets Eliot? Never a handshake. A pat on the shoulder don't feel right either. He can see that Eliot is coming towards him but stop before entering his personal space. He also doesn’t seem to know what to do. They looked into each other's eyes. Quentin gave a shy smile, which is reflected on Eliot's face. He then thought he hugged everyone, but the one he wanted to hug the most. The man he loves is within reach and he wants that hug more than anything. He reach out and touched Eliot's arm and they finally embraced.

Tears filled his eyes as he fells every part of Eliot's body pressed against his. His body heat warmed him, bringing comfort to his aching heart. He has no idea how long they held each other. When they pulled away, he can see that Eliot has tears in his eyes too. They are both a little embarrassed, but they walk away and Eliot and Josh went into the kitchen to take care of the food and drinks.

The entire afternoon was much more pleasant than Eliot had anticipated. Ted warmly received him. They talked a little alone, even before lunch, and his words moved him.

"Eliot, I know my son is being a little slippery, but have a little patience. The hug he gave you today is a sign. He won't cut you out of his life. Everything will work out. Q just needs affirmation. Show him your feelings, not just with words, but with actions."

"Thanks for taking me in. I don't deserve it."

"Yes, you deserve it. You are my son's love. Future husband, I hope. You can count on me, son. For me you are already part of the family."

"Thank you! You are a real father. Quentin is lucky."

"I'm sorry you didn't have a good family. Everyone must be loved while growing up. Now you have your friends and me. You can talk to me whenever you need." He got another hug and had to control himself not to cry profusely.

After greeting Q, he went to make drinks for everyone. He still felt Quentin's body against his and couldn't resist glancing at him as often as possible, earning a few shy smiles. Seeing the blush on Q's face fill up his heart with hope. He can feel that he already have his friend back. He just wasn't sure he would have his love, but he will fight for it.

After preparing several drinks and placing them in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves, he went to take a glass of PKC's signature drink to Q, hand delivering it. He wants to make a peach and plum drink, but he is afraid it would be too much, so he made the first one he ever gave him. Quentin blushed once more as he accepted the drink, and his heart quickened when their fingers touched as he passed the glass. Eliot was feeling like a teenager again. Too many feelings at once.

"Thanks El."

"You're welcome. I know it's going to be difficult for us to talk today but I'd like to arrange another meeting with you."

"Yeah, it's not going to work with all of them here. I will text you tomorrow. I have to work, you know."

"Okay. I will wait for you. As for the drink, any special requests?"

"Nope. You know I like everything you do. Even when you just pours me wine."

Gorgeous and powerful Quentin, who with just one smile can tear Eliot down, and makes his heart, beat so hard, it could never belong to anyone else.

"Okay, I'll take care of you." He winked before walking away. He noticed Maryl looking directly at them with a curious gaze.

The appetizers are delicious and Ted is glad with the compliments. Quentin is happy. Everything is going better than he could have imagined. Eliot and him exchanging glances and smiles the entire time. He never had to move to get a glass. Eliot brought him everything, including water. Maryl eyed them, scrutinizing, whenever they were close. She doesn't have a negative expression, so he didn't give a second thought.

They are enjoying themselves and when they sat down to lunch, Eliot sat across from him. It is hard to concentrate on what everyone was saying with El facing him. He barely noticed the delicious food Josh and Eliot had prepared. Roast beef with potatoes, carrots and a roasted pumpkin purée with garlic and rosemary. Spaghetti with herb and mushrooms sauce, which Josh assured are not hallucinogenic. Fresh homemade bread, and the green salad that Maryl made, brought a freshness and lightness to the food. They sat at the table for hours, eating, laughing and telling stories. Eliot didn't let the wine glasses empty and served everyone using his telekinesis. His elegant hands served only Quentin.

23 brought music to the place and put on an eclectic set list, pleasing everyone. At some point before dessert, a song made Eliot and Quentin look at each other immediately. Joshua Radin - Only You. It was Brian and Nigel's song. They are looking at each other and Eliot stretch out his long leg until he can touch Quentin's foot with his. For a few moments, they went back in time and it is undeniable that they are both thinking about their past time together. Their first kiss happened while this song was playing at an event Nigel took Brian on their first date.

They only stopped looking at each other when Julia made a fuss demanding dessert, making 23 laugh. Julia and Kady helped Josh bring out all the desserts plates and a platter with a chocolate fudge layer cake with caramel buttercream. It was perfect and Ted couldn't help but grab a second slice. Maryl laughed and said he was acting like a child. Everyone drank some water while enjoying Josh's creation.

Margo got everyone up to dance a little. According to her, that meeting is a party, and there is no party without moving your body. She tweaked the playlist and put on a more danceable song and even Ted, who rarely dances, got excited. Margo was the first to dance with him and then Julia. Kady gave her turn to Maryl who had previously danced with Josh and Eliot. Quentin danced with everyone and when the music quickly changed to a slower one, he was face to face with Eliot. The taller boy grabbed the opportunity without thinking twice. He moved even closer to Q.

"May I have the pleasure of this dance?" Eliot actually bow as he asks the question.

"Yes." Quentin can feel his face heat up, and knows it must be redder than ever. Eliot put his left hand on his waist and take his right hand in the other, in an old fashion way, maintaining some distance. Gradually they let their bodies get closer, until they are so close that nothing else in the world matter. At the end of the music, they move away slowly and realize that everyone is sit down and they are the only ones left dancing.

The rest of the day passed in the blink of an eye. Soon the lights were on and they ate what was left of their lunch. When it was time to go, Margo hugged Quentin so tightly he thought she would never let him go. Eliot was the last one to say goodbye to him and after the hug, he placed a soft kiss on his forehead that Quentin knew he would fell for hours.

He busied himself loading the dishwasher. He froze the leftover for another day. After lowering the table and putting it back in place, he undid the duplication spell on the chairs. He turned off the lights but didn't remove them. They are beautiful and Ted could use them again.

When he finally went into the living room, he saw that Maryl was leaving. He said goodbye to her, went to his room, and threw himself on the bed, clothes and all. He wasn't drunk but all the emotions of the day had exhausted him. He was so lost in thought that his father's voice calling his name startled him. He jumped up, sitting on the bed.

"Sorry I scared you son. Just wanted to say goodnight. Our day was a success, wasn't it?"

"Yeah. Better than I could have imagined."

"I really like Eliot. Seeing the two of you bonding again made me happy."

"I can't deny I liked it too." Quentin gave his father a dreamy smile, while leaning on his forearms, relaxing a little more.

"He was around you all the time. He made you special drinks. He served your food, you danced together…I thought it was very romantic."

"Do you want to embarrass me?"

"Sorry son." Despite the words, Ted's smile shows he is not sorry. "I'll leave you alone. Good night."

When Quentin decided to take off his clothes for bed, he heard a message ringing on his phone.

'Hey Q.' Eliot is writing.

'I want to tell you that I loved every minute of our day. Thank you for allowing me to spend this time with you. I look forward to our next meeting. Goodnight my love.'

Quentin felt a heat in his chest and decided to say what he really thought.

'I really want to meet you again, spend more time together. Maybe tomorrow. Goodnight El.' He fell asleep still feeling Eliot's lips on his forehead.

Quentin woke up from a dream about Eliot. He didn't remember details but it was a happy dream. Today Q has an important item to deliver. He got ready and went downstairs, turning on the coffee machine, made toast and scrambled eggs when he heard his father coming down.

"Morning."

"Good to meet you son. I'm going to spend the night at Maryl's house and I wanted to warn you not to worry about me."

"Ok Dad. I like her, you know."

"I know, and she likes you."

Quentin put the eggs and toasts on the table while Ted got plates and mugs. When they started eating, he remembered something and decided to ask.

"Yesterday, I caught Maryl looking at me and Eliot, hum like a lot. It was more when we were close. She... well, I am thinking if she has something against two guys..."

"Oh my God, no! Definitely not." Ted left his fork on the table and, folding his hands, said. "She told me why she was looking at you guys, and it has nothing to do with homophobia or anything negative. Although she explained why, I think it is up to her to talk to you. I assure you, there is nothing to worry about."

He looks at his father's expression and relax. It can be anything. Perhaps she heard something about Eliot or his previous life at Brakebills. After all, after everything they told her yesterday, she must have been even more curious about all of his friends.

Quentin spent the morning working to finalize the delivery of a magical object that stored energy, as the one Fogg and Mayakovsky have. It is simple but demanded care as it still has remnants of powerful energy. He is so focused; he is startled by the message on his phone. Eliot. He cannot help but smile.

'Hi Q. Are you busy?'

'Hey. Yeah.'

'I was hoping I could convince you to have lunch with me.'

'Sorry, but today, I have tons of work. I don't even know if I'll have time to go out to lunch. I need to finish a repair.'

'OK. I will let you work. Shall we talk later?'

'Yeah. I'll call you.'

It took Quentin a while to get back to work, but he managed to regain his focus. He has no idea how much time had passed when he heard someone entering the store. It is a deliveryman with flowers and a bag with a plate of curry chicken, cutlery, a glass and iced tea. The card explained everything.

'I couldn't leave you without eating properly. I wanted to hand it over in person, but I would get in your way. Yours, El'

Quentin smiled. His father said El is courting him and now he can’t deny it anymore. It is wonderful to be the center of attention of the man he loves. He picked up the phone and sent a voice message.

"Thanks El. I loved the surprise. I am glad you are, hum, taking care of me. I will call you later. I want to, you know, want to see you again." He realize that it is going to be difficult to go back to work. Eliot had turned his world, which was a beige palette, into a psychedelic explosion of colors. He smell the bouquet of peonies and it is impossible not to want to throw himself into the arms of that man.

He made a huge effort to finish the energy vessel’s repair. He performed a test to make sure he hadn't made any mistakes, because of his foolish heart that kept repeating Eliot's name. After an hour the vessel's owner came to fetch it, and Quentin called it the day. It was time to think about Eliot and send him a message.

"Hi El. I was wondering... would you like to come over to my father's house. We can order some Japanese food and talk. If you have another appointment, hum, we'll schedule another day. Whatever works best for you."

"Q, my schedule is yours alone. Just say when and I will be there. I already know where we will be ordering dinner. Only the best for you and me."

Quentin couldn't stop smiling as he listened to the message.

"You can show up around 7PM. I'll be waiting for you."

"See you soon, darling."

He went straight home, using the portal at the back of the shop a second time. He took the bouquet, placed it in the living room, and went upstairs to take a quick shower and change into clean clothes. He put on some cologne that Julia had given him months ago and he had never used. It smelled good and he wanted to be okay, so Eliot wouldn't give up on him.

Eliot giving up on him. When that thought crossed his mind, almost innocently at first, his brain snapped. Was he just courting him for sex? He is far from Margo. Will he miss her and go back to Filory? Quentin didn't feel special. His broken brain wasn't letting him think straight. He needed to fight those thoughts. Eliot would arrive any minute now.

He go down the stairs slowly and into the kitchen. What was he even going to do there? Wine. He found two bottles but didn't get them. Grabbed two glasses and was taking them to the living room when the doorbell rang. He went straight to the door, holding two glasses in one hand so he could open it. He was startled to see his mother and ended up dropping one of the glasses.

"Quentin will you ever change?" She gave him a hard, reproving look. "Keep breaking everything you touch?" He is in shock. Instead of Eliot, he is seeing the first person who deeply hurt him.

"What are you doing here?" His voice is almost a whisper.

"I'm your mother. I have a right to come here, don't I?" Her voice is authoritative and angry. Shows no affection towards him.

"I…I…I don't know." He is stuttering. He is feeling enormous pressure, his head…he cannot think. He thought he was over his mother and now he can't even talk to her.

"What did I do wrong to have a son like you? You still live with your daddy." Her face has a cruel look. "You're a good-for-nothing, aren't you Quentin?"

"You're not going to talk to him like that!" Eliot almost screamed when he heard the last sentence uttered by that woman.

"I'm his mother. I can talk whenever I want. I don't know who you are but you can go away."

"No. You're leaving." As he said this, Eliot placed himself between mother and son. His height helped him to assert himself and he used his High King voice.

"Don't meddle. You have nothing to do with this!" Anger had turned her face red.

"You are wrong. If you don't leave I'll call the police!" Eliot was trying to keep things under control. He felt his emotions wanting to throw that woman away. Keeping the pose, he picked up the phone, dialed 911 and put it on speakerphone.

"You idiot. Are you really calling the police?"

Eliot didn't answer. He just gave her a smile that showed he was in charge. When they answered the call, he start to say that there is a strange woman trying to break into the house. When she turned and left, stamping her foot, he thanked the attendant, informing her that the person had left, and hung up.

He immediately turned to Quentin, who was still standing there, looking uncertain and a little lost. He knew that. He had dealt with this several times during the mosaic, and once in Boston. With a gesture, he picked up the shards of glass from the floor, placing them in a nearby vase. Gently took the other glass from Q’s hand and levitated it until it landed on top of a piece of furniture. Smoothly he placed his hands on the shoulders of that man who is so strong, but in need of help.

"Q, darling. Let's go inside." He spoke softly and waited for him to look at him. When their eyes met, he saw the tears welling up in his beautiful chocolate eyes and slowly hugged him. They stayed like that, at the front door of the house for a few minutes. When he felt Q finally relax a bit he spoke again.

"Come on baby. Let's sit on the couch to get more comfortable."

Q’s answer was only a slight shake of his head. He turned him a little so they were side by side and directed him towards the couch.

Eliot sat up and brought Quentin into his lap, hugging him tenderly, running one of his hands up and down his back. He could feel the boy's breath lower on his neck where his face was hiding.

There was no way of knowing how long they stayed like that. Quentin needs time for his mind to collect itself. It would be good if he took his medicine. Eliot didn't even know the name of Quentin's mother but one thing he did know, she is just as horrible as his father. They were not the same but they were toxic to the same extent.

He felt Q move in his lap and took the opportunity to talk to him again.

"Q, sweetheart, you would be more comfortable lying down. Can I take you to your room?"

"Hum hum." They were not words but they already meant an evolution.

"Okay. I will pick you up and carry you. You don't have to move."

This was the perfect time to say thanks for being telekinetic. He could get up with Q without changing his position, keeping him against his chest and go upstairs. He remembered the day before, when Ted had commented that Q's window overlooked the backyard. He headed towards it and stopped in front of the first open door but it was an office with a sofa. He went to the end of the hall and knew he was in the right place.

There is a piece of clothing and a towel thrown over a chair, and there is a bookcase on the opposite side. The walls were white with wood accents on the shutters. A simple but comfortable room. The queen-sized bed had blue and white bedding with a light blue comforter. With a simple gesture, he lifted the covers to deposit the precious man in his arms on it.

Q looked at him again and Eliot took the opportunity to remove his shoes and socks.

"Q, I'm going to change your clothes to let you rest better."

He pulled away and opened the bureau drawers until he found two soft cotton T-shirts, one black, and one white and two sweatpants in different shades of gray. He approached again and carefully removed Q’s jeans and button-down shirt and dressed him with the white shirt and the darker gray pant. He adjusted two pillows and helped Q until he lay down. When he pulled away, he finally heard him speak.

"Are you leaving?"

"Only if you ask me to."

"Please, don’t go."

"I will stay honey." Looking at the center of his universe, Eliot knew what he must to do. He saw his medicine on the bedside table. "I'll get water."

He quickly went to the kitchen and brought a bottle of water and two glasses, depositing them next to the medicines. He poured a glass and turned to Q who was looking at him, still in the same position he'd left him in.

"Baby, you need to take your medicine. You'll feel better later."

Quentin nodded and took whatever Eliot handed him.

"Want to go to the bathroom?"

"No."

"OK, but I need to."

Eliot went to the bathroom and, on his way back, he had some water and took the other shirt and sweatpants that he had taken before, taking off his clothes. Q's clothes were short on him, but he just need to be there for his love. He lay down and after getting comfortable he opened his arms and Quentin once again snuggled close to his chest. He kept humming a lullaby until he realized that Q had fallen asleep. He fell asleep shortly afterwards with his arms full of his favorite nerd.

Quentin woke up feeling warm, comfortable and safe. It is still dark. He doesn't know what time is it. Two long arms held him close to the chest where his head rest. The rhythm of breathing and heartbeat, that he could hear, gave him a peace that he miss in his lonely mornings. It took him a while to remember what had happened the night before. The harsh, mean words his mother said to him, echoed in his ears again and his body tensed.

Automatically he felt Elliot's arms holding him a little tighter. "Q, love, are you okay?"

"Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you up."

"No, I woke up just before you did." Eliot lifted a hand and stroked his hair. "Want to talk?"

"I am not sure."

"OK." He kiss the top of Quentin's head and say. "Whenever you want, I'll be here."

They stay quiet for a while but Quentin realizes he needs to speak. Deep down he knows it would be better talk to Eliot. He start to move away from Eliot, who, for a moment, doesn't want to let him go, but slowly release him. Q prop his head on one hand and look at him.

"El, me, you...what I mean is thank you. I didn't think she can still affect me that much."

Eliot mimics his position and reaching out with his other hand gave his arm a gentle caress.

"No need to thank me. Now I understand your mom is just a toxic person like my fucking dad is."

"Maybe." He took a deep breath and continued. "When I saw her before she didn't affect me. Not like, you know."

"You weren't well when she arrived, were you?"

"Nope. I, you know, sometimes..."

"I know." Eliot reached up and caressed the side of his face. "Q you're under pressure at work, and I think that, even if I don't mean to, I may be putting more pressure on you."

"Yeah, a little bit, but..." He was quiet and his eyes held a doubt that shouldn't be there.

"You can tell me anything."

Quentin nodded slightly before continuing. "You, I feel, I feel safe with you."

At that moment, Eliot saw a hint of a smile, which took away his fear of being sent away. He feared that Q would prefer Julia by his side at this moment. "That's all I want."

"Before, yesterday, hum, today, I don't know what time it is...I…I thought if even my mother can't stand me, how could you?"

"Quentin, there isn't a world where I don't want you by my side, even if my cowardice makes me say otherwise." He reached his hand down until he found Q's hand that was between them, took it and guided it until it landed on his chest. "This heart is yours. Now that I've conquered my fear and realized that it's possible for you to love me, I won't leave you, unless you ask me to."

"You can get tired of me, of my, of my broken brain."

"Never. We have proof of concept that fifty years wasn't enough for us."

"You didn't have much of a choice."

"I did, just like you did. We chose to be together." He pressed Q's hand a little more against his chest before continuing. "I always thought that I wouldn't be enough for you. You would get tired of me, seeing that I am not all that my Brakebills persona showed. I've always been told I'd never find love or have a family."

"I saw you from the beginning. Underneath the facade. You said you didn't love, you acted like you didn't care about anything, but you loved all your friends."

The comment made Eliot smile because Q is right. He release his hand to caress the face of the man he loves, one more time. Quentin closed those beautiful brown eyes that had been staring at him so honestly, but he hear an appreciative sound. His heart began to pound when he feel Q's hand grip the shirt he is wearing. He came closer and kissed his forehead, lingering on the contact of his lips on Q’s skin. Q's hand let go of the shirt and hugged him. Eliot backed up until his back is against the mattress, bringing Q with him. They held each other again and Eliot could now use both hands to keep his love close to his heart.

They were silent for a few minutes, snuggled and at peace. Eliot wants that joy every day, every night. Being with Q is the complement of his life. They have a lot to overcome but it is easier next to the one you love. He feel while Quentin relax into sleep and kisses his head one more time before finally drifting off to sleep too.

Eliot awoke with daylight breaking. They hadn't closed the curtain the night before. His focus was just on making Q feel good. They had shifted positions in their sleep, Eliot spooning Quentin. He realized that it was not the brightness that woke him, but the movement of a hand caressing his arm. Eliot kissed him on the head before saying anything.

"Morning Q."

The petting stopped but he could feel that Q is still relaxed. "Morning El." The affectionate gesture return and Eliot know he can spend the rest of his life that way.

"Do you have to go to work? I don't know what time it is, but I don't want to leave you alone even though you're doing better."

"I have a device to deliver but, to be honest, I don’t want to go." He turn in bed enough that he can look at Eliot. "I'd rather laze around with you if you want to spend time with me."

"I will always want to spend time with you sweetheart. How long will it take to repair the device? I could go with you to the store, help you if you want, and from there we could go somewhere for lunch, watch a movie, whatever you want."

"Help me?"

"Yes, help you. Cooperative spell. We've never tried before, just you and me."

"Yeah, never."

"I don't want to get in your way honey, but whatever you prefer, I'm all yours." Quentin smiled and blushed and Eliot, despite loving to see him blush, worried that he was putting pressure on him. "If you want to be alone, I..."

"No." Quentin reacted quickly. "I want you to stay with me El. I am just getting used to the idea that you really love me, and that, you know, you won't leave again. Like I said before, it is hard to believe that we can be together. I am working on it."

"I still have a million years to apologize to you." Eliot once again caressed that beautiful face and Q's hand came to rest over his.

"El, I..."

"Baby, wait. I want you to know that nothing is more important in my life than you are. You were already important, back at Brakebills, but I didn't want to show it. I always disguised it and I think I deceived everyone, even myself. I was the most miserable men while in Filory, just because I was away from you." He smiled slightly looking deep into the eyes of the man who is perfect for him. He has more to say.

"I need to tell you Q that I've learned from my mistakes. I won't walk out of that door, scared of my feelings again. I am scared now, but I am here, and I'll be with you until the end of time, if you want me to. I love you, I'm in love with you and I admire you." Eliot now realized that his vision is blurred with unshed tears. He noticed that Q was also emotional. "You are beautiful and I am not talking about this wonderful face or that firm body, that you always hid with clothes bigger than your size, but, and above all, your soul, your heart. No one have any idea of how it feels to be loved by you, live and share every day with you. I was lucky enough to live with you for a few months as Nigel, and more than fifty years at past Filory, and I still don't think it is enough. I want more, much more time with you."

Eliot sees a tear roll down Quentin's face and gently touches it with his index finger. Q closes his eyes to the touch and murmurs; "I love you El."

"Knowing you love me is all I need right now babe."

Quentin opened his eyes and slowly approached Eliot. He gave a soft, chaste kiss, almost a brush of lips, and then held the man he loves tightly, burying his face in the space where it always fit perfectly, between Eliot's neck and shoulder, inhaling his scent. He is home.