Page 16 of Demented

Lazarus’ gaze moved from the ring to Noir’s face. “You really had that in your pocket the whole time.”

It wasn’t a question, but Noir still nodded.

Lazarus froze again for a second before blinking again, as if he couldn’t escape the shock. “I really ruined your proposal.”

He hadn’t been kidding about being on one knee, but Noir didn’t budge. “It honestly doesn’t matter how it happened, as long as you say yes.”

“Yes.”

Noir pushed to his feet. He hadn’t truly doubted Lazarus’ answer, except he worried Lazarus might be offended Noir was the one who asked. The moment felt oddly serious. Part of him wanted to smile like an idiot. The rest of him couldn’t stop showing the moment the respect it deserved. Without thinking, he fell into his training, staying stoic. He slipped the ring on Lazarus's finger. It looked a little tight, but he didn’t complain.

“Don’t do that.”

Noir’s chin shot up. He couldn’t handle Lazarus changing his mind.

Lazarus held his stare. “Don’t be fake with me. Don’t retreat behind a mask.”

“I’m not. This is me promising you the world. I want you to look at me and know I mean it. This isn’t me caught up in the moment with you. I’m not riding the high of love where reality will catch up later. We’re real and I’m very serious. I want this.”

Lazarus cupped his face and shuffled closer. “I’ll never be some normal guy.”

“Good.” Noir had never meant anything more. He wasn’t some normal guy. Why would he want that from someone else?

“I love you.” Lazarus skimmed his lips across Noir’s mouth. “People will think you’re fucking insane for marrying me.”

Noir smiled. “Good. I am insane.”

Lazarus kissed him again. His lips shaped a smile against Noir’s. “You’re amazing.”

Noir couldn’t stop grinning. He had never been happier. “I love you too.”

This time, Lazarus’ kiss turned heated. Noir wanted to tear off his clothes. Lazarus didn’t let him. The moment Noir’s hands went for Lazarus’ belt, Lazarus grabbed his hands and pulled away. “Not yet. You haven’t gotten my gift.” He headed for his toiletries bag, which still sat packed on a nearby table. Lazarus dug around until he came back with two small boxes. “I didn’t want you to think I copped out with this one.” He showed the smaller box. “Plus, I wasn’t sure if I would give it to you yet. So I also got you this one.” He shook the bigger box. They both looked like velvet jewelry boxes. “Which one would you like first?”

There was nothing Noir couldn’t buy for himself, but he was oddly giddy. No one bought him gifts out of love. Whatever Lazarus had done had come from the heart. His excitement grew by the second. “Shuffle them behind your back and I’ll pick a hand.”

Lazarus chuckled at his childishness, but did what Noir asked.

Noir motioned toward the left. “That one.”

Lazarus brought his hand around and passed Noir the bigger box.

Noir practically danced in place as he flipped it open. It was a watch. Noir was stunned. It was a beautiful piece. “Damn.” He didn’t know what else to say. The watch was exactly something he would’ve chosen for himself.

“There’s an engraving on the back.”

Noir took the watch from the box and flipped it over. He read the words aloud. “This is a tracking device.” Noir threw his head back and roared with laughter. He couldn’t stand still. He headed for the table and set the empty box aside, still chuckling. If ever there was a more Lazarus gift, Noir couldn’t think of one. He put the watch on his wrist. “I’ll gladly wear it, since you’re already tracking my phone.” Noir laughed harder at Lazarus’ shocked expression. He lifted his eyebrows. “What? You know you’re not marrying a stupid man. I’m tracking yours too.”

A smile lit Lazarus’ face. He shook his head and handed Noir the second box. “Here.”

Noir opened it without thinking and only giving it half his attention. He intended to tease Lazarus about not realizing Noir would know his every step. The words froze in his throat as he stared at the open box. A wedding band with deep set diamonds in platinum stared up at him. His chin lifted. He knew he had to look as shocked as he felt.

Lazarus shifted from one foot to the other. He shoved his hands in his pockets, looking nervous. “I didn’t want you to feel cheated out of a Christmas present by me proposing as your gift. Plus, I wasn’t really sure you’d even be willing to marry someone like me.”

Noir didn’t know what to say. There had never been two people more meant to be. They thought so much alike. It was inevitable they would end up here. Noir couldn’t find any words, so he walked into Lazarus’ arms. “There’s no greater gift.” He didn’t know how to express himself. Noir only hoped Lazarus understood. Lazarus was the biggest blessing he had ever received. His entire life had been showered in riches. He had never felt love before Lazarus gave it to him.

Lazarus squeezed him against his chest and kissed his temple. With his lips pressed to Noir’s skin, he spoke softly. “I’ll be a good husband. Whatever it takes. You know I’m too obsessive to fail.”

A watery chuckle escaped Noir as unexpected tears welled in his eyes. Boredom and unhappiness had driven him for so many years. Sometimes, he didn’t know how to handle the feelings Lazarus created inside him. Lazarus would be an amazing husband. Noir knew him. Lazarus genuinely didn’t know how to fail. They would never be apart.

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