Que sera, sera - whatever will be will be

[shadows_have_offended]

The news took a while to settle and, honestly, Neil still isn't entirely sure what to do with the knowledge. He's a college student now--or, rather, will be in September. He doesn't sign up for classes for months yet, but he's already looked over the catalog at least three times, trying to think what he'd like to do, now that he knows what he wants to do. It's all a huge relief, in a way. Maybe he can do Shakespeare in the Park again this summer. Maybe things will start to shape up more brightly.

In any case, he's celebrating. He sent out texts to all his friends, promising music and drinks and food--and a dog--to be shared by all. He tidied up a little, even, not that his apartment is ever very out of order in the first place. He doesn't really know how to decorate for a party like this, so he doesn't bother. Just makes sure there's lots of food and that the drinks are neatly arranged and that Beau's crate is set up in the bedroom, covered but open, so he can disappear if he'd like to.

He's not sure who all will come, but that doesn't really matter. He's just excited that he got in. It's the next step in his life, and it's his own step. That deserves to be celebrated no matter what.

Comments

[shadows_have_offended]

Neil shakes his head a little. The party is plenty of celebration, but he's hardly upset that Gabriel brought him a gift. It does something to his heart that he hates a little bit.

"It doesn't open for incoming students for a couple weeks," he says. "But I already looked through the catalog to see what looked good. I figure the first year, I'll try to get as many of the core classes and prerequisites out of the way that I can?"

They head into the kitchen, where the drinks are. Neil itches to hug and kiss Gabriel; he makes a gin and tonic for him instead.

[asoncalledgabriel]

"Decent idea. I've a few friends that decided to try to scatter them through four years, but... seems easier to just get them done with. But don't cram them into one semester if you can help it, give yourself breathing room to do something you really want."

Gabriel lets Neil take charge in his own kitchen, smiling a bit as he watches. "Quite the turn out," he notes, glancing back at the main room. "You've earned it."

[shadows_have_offended]

"I think I, uh, didn't plan very well," Neil admits. There's some good friends here--Rosie and Therese, his coworkers, in fact everyone here is a friend or an acquaintance--but there's also an odd knot in his chest because there's at least five men here he's been to bed with, and two of them keep tracking him with their eyes.

But he laughs it off, focusing on the drinks. He hands Gabriel his gin and tonic, holding his own scotch and soda. "Cheers."

[asoncalledgabriel]

Gabriel accepts his drink and he smiles at Neil as he gives a little toast. "Cheers," he echos, and, rather impulsively, he leans close to give Neil's cheek a kiss. He is happy for him.

He gives Neil a bit of space and sips his drink slowly.

[shadows_have_offended]

The kiss is soft and friendly, and Neil hates the little bead of heat that skips through him. Maybe very bad planning indeed. But Gabriel steps back from him, gives him space, and Neil sips his drink as well.

"Are classes going well?" He smiles a little, maybe a bit teasing. "Are things good with you and Anthony?"