Soft Spot

Couples Outfit

“Cooooonnnnnooorrrr!”

Connor could hear Leo calling his name from what felt like miles away.

He turned around, a smile already spreading across his face. He barely had time to open his arms before Leo came rushing towards him, practically throwing himself into his embrace.

Connor laughed, catching him effortlessly. He wrapped his arms around Leo, lifted him off the ground, and spun them around in circles.

Leo burst into laughter, tightening his arms around Connor’s neck to keep himself from falling.

“Jesus, I’ve missed you,” Connor said, laughing.

“I’ve missed you more!”

“Is that so?”

“Yes!”

Connor gave him another little spin before finally setting him down. But neither of them let go. Leo’s arms stayed looped around Connor’s neck, while Connor’s hands rested at his waist.

They stared at each other for a second, both grinning.

Then Leo leaned forward and kissed him.

It wasn’t particularly graceful. They were both still smiling, and Leo nearly bumped their noses together before finding Connor’s lips. But Connor didn’t seem to mind. He kissed him back, one hand moving to the small of Leo’s back as he pulled him closer.

When they finally parted, Leo stayed close, his forehead resting against Connor’s.

“Hi,” Leo whispered.

Connor laughed softly. “Hi.”

Leo smiled, then kissed him again, this time a little longer.

“Missed you,” he murmured against Connor’s lips.

“Yeah, I got that from the running tackle.”

Leo pulled back, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. “You loved it.”

“I did.”

“Good.”

Connor brushed a strand of hair away from Leo’s face and kissed him once more.

“I can’t believe it’s been so long,” Leo said, still holding on to Connor.

“It’s been two weeks,” Connor pointed out.

“Exactly! Two whole weeks!”

Connor laughed. “You make it sound like I’ve been gone for six months.”

“It felt like forever!”

“I’m touched. Truly.”

“You should be.”

Connor shook his head, smiling, and pressed a quick kiss to Leo’s cheek.

“So, how was the trip?” Leo asked, finally loosening his arms enough to look at him.

“It was great. Japan was beautiful. We went to a bunch of places, ate way too much food, and walked so much that I thought my legs were going to file a formal complaint.”

Leo grinned. “Sounds terrible. My condolences.”

“Thank you. Your sympathy means a lot.”

“I’m a very compassionate person.”

“Clearly.” Connor chuckled. “I have to bring you with me next time.”

“Deal!” Leo immediately agreed. “But you have to take me to Disneyland.”

Connor raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you a bit too old for Disneyland?”

Leo slowly turned his head and stared at him.

It was a look that could have made a grown man reconsider every decision he’d ever made.

Connor pressed his lips together, trying desperately not to laugh.

“Say that again,” Leo challenged.

“I said—”

“Connor.”

“Alright, alright!” Connor burst out laughing, raising both hands in surrender. “I’ll take you to Disneyland.”

Leo’s expression changed instantly. “Good.”

“Anything else, Your Highness?”

“Actually, yes. I want Mickey ears.”

“Of course you do.”

“And a picture with Mickey.”

“Obviously.”

“And one of those ridiculous souvenir popcorn buckets.”

Connor sighed dramatically. “This trip is going to bankrupt me.”

Leo grinned. “You offered.”

“I did. I really should’ve thought that through.”

Leo laughed before wrapping his arms around Connor again, burying his face against his chest.

“I missed you so much.”

Connor’s expression softened. He slipped a hand into Leo’s hair, gently caressing his head.

“I missed you too, baby.”

Leo squeezed him a little tighter.

Connor rested his cheek against the top of Leo’s head, smiling to himself. Two weeks wasn’t really that long. He knew that. But standing there with Leo in his arms, he understood exactly what he’d meant.

After spending some time catching up, they decided to take a walk around the mall.

They wandered from one store to another, occasionally stopping to check out clothes. Leo seemed particularly interested in a few shops, dragging Connor inside whenever something caught his eye.

“Look at this,” Leo said, holding up a shirt against himself.

Connor glanced at it. “That would look good on you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You should try it on.”

Leo checked the price tag before putting it back. “Actually, never mind. I don’t need more clothes.”

Connor gave him a look. “Since when has that stopped you?”

“Excuse me. I have self-control.”

“Of course you do.”

“I do!”

“I’m not arguing.”

Leo narrowed his eyes at him before turning to look at another rack.

“Besides,” Connor continued, “we probably won’t need that many new clothes anyway. We’ll be fine with what we have.”

“Exactly. We need to save money. University isn’t cheap.”

“True. Although, if I see something that looks good on you, I’m buying it.”

Leo turned around, giving him the sweetest smile he could manage.

“Really?”

Connor nodded. “Really.”

“Anything?”

“Within reason.”

“Boring.”

Connor laughed and slipped an arm around his waist. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“For what?”

“For funding your shopping habits.”

Leo leaned against him. “I love you.”

“That’s convenient.”

They continued browsing, occasionally stopping to look at something before moving on. It was nice, having an ordinary afternoon together. No rushing, no particular plans. Just the two of them wandering around, talking about anything that came to mind.

Eventually, they found themselves discussing university again.

They’d already talked about it countless times over the past few months. The applications, the programmes they wanted to study, the possibility of going to the same university. They’d both agreed that the University of Iowa was a good choice.

And now, they had their answers.

They’d both been accepted.

Leo had received his offer for English Literature, while Connor had been accepted into the Education programme.

It still felt a little surreal.

“Can you believe we’re actually going?” Leo asked, walking beside Connor.

Connor smiled. “Not entirely.”

“Neither can I. I mean, we’ve talked about it for so long, and now it’s actually happening.”

“Guess we’ll have to start getting used to the idea.”

Leo stopped walking.

Connor took another step before realising he’d lost his company. He turned around.

“What?”

Leo was looking at him with a strange expression.

“What?” Connor repeated, amused.

“Nothing.”

“Then why are you staring at me?”

Leo suddenly squeaked and launched himself at Connor.

“Whoa!”

Connor burst out laughing, catching him as Leo wrapped his arms around his neck.

“What was that for?”

“We’re going to university together!”

Connor laughed. “Yes, we are.”

“Same university! Same campus! We’re actually going to be there together!”

“I’m aware, baby.”

Leo squeezed him tighter, grinning from ear to ear.

“I can’t believe it!”

Connor held him close, smiling at how excited he was. “You say that like we haven’t been talking about this for months.”

“I know, but it’s different now! We’re actually accepted. It’s official!”

“Very official.”

Leo pulled back, looking at him.

“English Literature and Education,” he announced proudly.

“Sounds about right.”

“I’m going to be surrounded by books, and you’re going to be surrounded by children.”

Connor laughed. “That’s one way to put it.”

“Just imagine. You’ll be making lesson plans while I’m writing essays about dead authors.”

“Sounds like a productive household.”

“Very academic.”

“Extremely.”

Leo laughed and leaned forward to kiss him. Connor returned the kiss, smiling when Leo pulled away and immediately kissed him again.

“I’m so happy,” Leo whispered.

“Me too.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I get to spend the next few years with my favourite person.”

Leo’s smile softened.

“Your favourite person?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Connor!”

“What? You know it’s true.”

Leo hugged him again, resting his cheek against his shoulder.

Connor gently caressed the back of his head.

They had so much ahead of them. New classes, new friends, unfamiliar places, and an entirely different chapter of their lives.

And they’d get to experience it together.

“I love you,” Leo murmured.

Connor kissed his hair.

“Love you too, baby.”

A group of high schoolers walked past them, laughing amongst themselves. One of the boys glanced at Leo, nudged his friend, and made a not-so-subtle gesture towards the birthmark covering the side of his face.

Leo noticed.

He’d noticed the looks, the whispers, and the occasional snickering for most of his life. Once upon a time, something like that would’ve been enough to ruin his entire afternoon. He might’ve lowered his head or hurried away, wishing he could disappear.

But he wasn’t that scared kid anymore.

He simply ignored them, reached for Connor’s hand, and intertwined their fingers.

“Let’s buy some couples’ outfits.”

Connor looked down at him, his expression immediately softening. He gave Leo’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“Couples’ outfits?”

“Yep. Matching shirts. Maybe matching hoodies. We could look disgustingly cute.”

Connor laughed. “Disgustingly cute?”

“Very.”

“Alright. Let’s go find something.”

They wandered through a few clothing stores before finding a pair of shirts they both liked. They came in complementary colours, with a simple design that made it obvious they belonged together without being overly flashy.

Leo held them up.

“These!”

Connor nodded. “I like them.”

“Perfect. Let’s try them on.”

A few minutes later, they stepped out of the fitting rooms wearing their new shirts. Leo immediately went to stand in front of the mirror, admiring their reflections.

“Look at us!”

Connor stood beside him, slipping an arm around his waist. “We look good.”

“We look adorable.”

“Adorable, huh?”

“Don’t ruin this moment.”

Connor chuckled and kissed his temple.

Leo turned to him. “I’m wearing this for the rest of the day.”

“Okay.”

“I mean it. I’m not changing back.”

“Alright, baby.”

Connor went to the counter and asked the clerk to pack their original clothes. Leo was still admiring their matching outfits when Connor returned with the shopping bag.

They continued walking around the mall until they came across the cinema.

“Movie?” Leo suggested.

“Sure. Pick one.”

After looking through the available screenings, they settled on a movie and bought their tickets. They also stopped by the concession stand to get popcorn and drinks.

Connor carried the large popcorn while Leo carried both drinks until they reached their seats. They placed everything in the cup holders and settled in.

The movie began.

Connor was actually quite interested in it. Leo, on the other hand, seemed to have developed a sudden fascination with Connor’s drink.

Connor noticed him reaching for it from the corner of his eye.

“That’s yours,” he whispered, pointing at the other cup holder.

“I know.”

“Then why are you drinking mine?”

Leo took another sip before answering.

“Yours tastes better.”

Connor stared at him.

“It’s literally the same drink.”

“Maybe you just have better taste.”

Connor pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh. “You’re unbelievable.”

Leo smiled and returned the cup to Connor’s holder.

For approximately five minutes.

Then he reached for it again.

Connor caught his hand.

“Leo.”

“What?”

“Your drink.”

“I don’t want mine.”

“Why?”

“Because I want yours.”

Connor shook his head, laughing quietly. He gave up and let Leo have another sip.

A little later, Leo reached for the popcorn.

Connor, remembering the drink incident, casually lifted the bucket and held it just beyond his reach.

Leo’s hand stopped in midair.

Slowly, he turned to look at Connor.

“Excuse me?”

Connor kept his eyes on the screen. “Yes?”

“Where’s the popcorn?”

“Right here.”

“Then give it to me.”

“Ask nicely.”

Leo narrowed his eyes. “Connor.”

“That’s not asking nicely.”

“Baby, please?”

Connor grinned and lowered the bucket.

Leo immediately grabbed a handful.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, you little thief.”

Leo leaned over and kissed his cheek before settling back into his seat.

Connor smiled, finally returning his attention to the movie.

He made it another ten minutes before Leo reached for his drink again.

Connor sighed.

He was never going to finish that thing.

By the time the movie ended, Leo was already thinking about what to do next.

“I want ice cream.”

Connor glanced at him as they walked out of the theatre. “You just had popcorn.”

“And?”

“And nothing. Let’s go get you some ice cream.”

Leo smiled, slipping his hand into Connor’s.

They headed to Cold Stone, where Leo took his time studying the menu despite already knowing what he wanted.

“Strawberry Shortcake Serenade,” he announced.

Connor ordered a Cookie Minster for himself.

They found a table and sat down, placing their ice cream cups between them.

Leo took a spoonful of his, looking thoroughly pleased.

“Mmm. This is so good.”

Connor tried his own. “Mine too.”

They ate quietly for a little while, chatting about the movie and debating which character had made the dumbest decisions.

Then, as expected, Leo reached across the table and stole a spoonful of Connor’s ice cream.

Connor looked up.

“Really?”

Leo blinked innocently. “What?”

“You have your own.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you eating mine?”

Leo swallowed, smiling. “I wanted to try it.”

“You’ve tried it before.”

“Maybe I wanted to try it again.”

Connor shook his head, amused. He let it go and continued eating.

A minute later, Leo did it again.

This time, Connor watched him scoop up a generous spoonful of Cookie Minster.

“Hey!”

Leo quickly put it in his mouth.

“What?” he asked, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

Connor narrowed his eyes.

“Nothing.”

Leo went back to his Strawberry Shortcake Serenade, unaware that Connor had already come up with a plan.

When Leo reached for Connor’s cup again, Connor moved it out of his reach.

“Excuse me?”

Connor dipped his spoon into Leo’s ice cream instead.

Leo’s eyes widened.

“HEY!”

Connor took a bite, deliberately savouring it.

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Connor! That’s mine!”

Connor looked at him, completely unfazed. “I wanted to try it.”

“You have your own!”

“I know.”

“Then why are you eating mine?”

Connor smiled. “Maybe I wanted to try it again.”

Leo stared at him.

For a moment, he looked genuinely offended. Then he broke into laughter.

“You little thief!”

“Learned from the best.”

Leo pulled his cup closer, shielding it with both hands.

“Fine. No more sharing.”

“Okay.”

“I’m serious.”

“Of course.”

They lasted about thirty seconds before Leo pushed his cup towards Connor.

“Here. You can have some.”

Connor smiled. “Thought you said no more sharing?”

“I changed my mind.”

“Convenient.”

“Shut up and eat your ice cream.”

Connor laughed and took another spoonful.

Leo watched him, smiling to himself. Then he reached over and stole another bite of Cookie Minster.

Connor sighed.

Some things never changed.

After finishing their ice cream, they found a bench in a quieter part of the mall and decided to sit for a while.

People walked past them in both directions. Some carried shopping bags, others chatted with friends or hurried along with their children. The mall was busy, but neither boy felt the need to be anywhere else.

Leo rested his head on Connor’s shoulder, comfortably leaning against him. Connor had one arm wrapped around his waist, occasionally rubbing his thumb against his side.

It was nice. Just sitting together, watching the world go by.

“Can you believe we’re actually going to university?” Leo mumbled.

Connor smiled, looking down at him. “You’ve asked me that about twelve times today.”

“Because I still can’t believe it.”

“It’s happening, baby.”

“I know.” Leo shifted a little closer. “New place. New people. New classes. We’re going to have so much to do.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m looking forward to the library.”

Connor chuckled. “Of course you are.”

“And the bookstores. And the cafés. And finding all the good food places around campus.”

“I’m guessing studying is somewhere on that list?”

“Obviously. I’m going to be an excellent English Literature student.”

“I have no doubt.”

Leo lifted his head slightly. “What about you? Are you excited about your Education programme?”

“Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be nice to finally study something I actually want to do.”

“You’ll make a good teacher.”

Connor looked down at him. “You think so?”

“Definitely. You’re patient, you’re kind, and you’re good at explaining things.”

“I’m not sure how patient I am.”

Connor glanced pointedly at the empty ice cream cups they’d left behind.

Leo grinned. “You’re very patient with me. That counts.”

“That’s a different kind of patience.”

“Still counts.”

Connor laughed and kissed the top of his head.

They fell quiet for a moment, watching a little girl run past her mother, dragging a stuffed animal by one arm. Somewhere nearby, a shop assistant called out a greeting to a customer.

Leo sighed contentedly.

“I wonder what our dorm rooms will look like.”

“Hopefully decent.”

“I want to decorate mine.”

“I’m sure you do.”

“Posters. Fairy lights. Maybe some shelves for my books.”

“Sounds nice.”

“And you’ll have to come over all the time.”

Connor raised an eyebrow. “All the time?”

“Obviously. What else would you do?”

“Study?”

Leo lifted his head and gave him an unimpressed look.

Connor laughed. “I’m kidding.”

“You’d better be.”

“I’ll come over.”

“Good.”

Connor tightened his arm around him, pulling him closer.

“And you can come to mine, too.”

Leo smiled. “I’ll probably end up living in your room.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Your roommate might get annoyed.”

“Then I’ll have to make sure they know you’re part of the package.”

Leo giggled, resting his head against Connor’s shoulder again.

They had so much to look forward to. A new city to explore, new experiences waiting for them, and years of university life ahead.

They knew it wouldn’t always be easy. There would be deadlines, exams, assignments, and probably more than a few stressful days.

But they’d have each other.

And somehow, that made everything seem a little less daunting.

“I can’t wait,” Leo whispered.

Connor kissed his hair.

“Me neither, baby.”