Chapter Text
Audrey's still not convinced. Or maybe she doesn't want to be. She turns her head away from Nathan, and takes another sip of her coffee. But when she turns back to Nathan, she has a smile on her face. She puts her arms back around Nathan's neck and she crinkles her nose in that supercute way she has.
"Let's ignore that for now. You know that thing with the shirt was a ridiculuously ace moment, right?"
"Thanks," Nathan laughs a bit nervously. He wants to rub his neck but Audrey's hands are in the way. He's pretty sure he's blushing and it's his turn to look away, down between them at their entwined legs. Audrey pulls his face back up to hers and she gives him a brief kiss, keeps his eyes on hers with a hand on his cheek, before continueing.
"It was very cute. Stuff like that is one of the many reasons I love you. You don't need to feel bad about it."
He's gotten more used to thinking of himself like that, as 'ace' or 'demi', largely because of Audrey but he's still uncertain about stuff like this. It's still so recent. He's not quite sure he's ready for joking. He's unsure of his reaction, so instead of saying anything, he leans into Audrey for another kiss. There are so many things in his life that don't make sense, but *this*? Being with Audrey, it always makes sense. Once they break apart, Nathan knows they need to start get ready for the day.
"We should get up. It's gonna be a long day. "
Audrey doesn't make a move to get up but looks at him thoughtfully.
"I didn't mean anything bad by mentioning your ace moment. But if that still makes you uncomfortable I can keep those thoughts to myself. I know this 'acceptance' thing can be difficult."
"No, it's... I... I'm still getting used to it. It makes sense. Knowing helps a lot of things about me make better sense. But... I don't know. Acknowledging it still feels... odd."
"Do you want to tell people?"
Nathan cruches his face, "That would just feel weird. I'm with you, and it makes sense. I don't see what the point would be."
Audrey's smile is strained, "OK, so I will definitely not say anything if Duke comes back."
So they are back here. "You mean 'when'. He will come back... And maybe I'll tell him," Nathan shrugs and looks down, "he is pretty much my best friend."
"You are not obligated to tell anyone you don't want to or before you're ready. Best friend or not. IT took me a while to tell you about being bi. You just figured this out. It can wait until you're ready."
Nathan shrugs again. "That's true. I guess I'll see how I feel about it later."
He kisses her again, hating how to mood got ruined like this. He holds onto her face afterwards, looking deep in her eyes, "I'm happy I realized this, and I'm happy I told you."
"Me too," Audrey's smile is genuine this time and as she strokes his cheek, Nathan can't hold his feelings back.
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Ready to start the day?"
Audrey groans, "Ugh, I guess. I'll follow you."
Nathan grins, kisses the top of her nose and leaves her alone on the bed. Audrey sighs and gets up to get dressed. Today is going to be a long day.