They chatted idly about a number of things over the course of dinner; enjoying conversation about their friends here and there while spending a healthy amount of time discussing his plans for the next semester, jobs Luc had lined up and flirting with one another. They didn’t really do dates often, but it was a good feeling to have this one.

They decided on a piece of chocolate and raspberry cake for dessert, getting it boxed up to go with their wine. Both were brought out quickly enough along with the receipt. Their coats were easy enough to collect and Luc managed not to fuss when Arin helped him into his again.The air outside had cooled a few flurries floating in the air as they made their way back to the hotel. “Can’t remember the last time i enjoyed going on an actual dinner date”

“How long has it been since you were on an actual dinner date?” His brow quirked as he slid an arm around his lover, keeping Luc closer to him for a bit of added warmth as they walked back to the hotel.

“A couple years I think, wasn’t nearly as nice as this one.” He turned his head to brush his lips lightly against Arin’s jaw as they walked. “Not nearly as fancy either but you’re more than worth the extra expense, even if you kept fiddling with your tie.”

“I only fussed with it twice during dinner and one of those times was because I dropped something on it.” He huffed softly, giving Luc a gentle squeeze. “Y’know… I didn’t really date anyone between breaking up with Lys and when you and I started dating.” There’d been a hook-up or two but dating hadn’t really been on his list of priorities.

“Nothing wrong with that, you weren’t in the right headspace for it.” He tilted his head a bit so he could look at Arin for a moment. “And if you had, might not have been single when I came back.” Luc didn't think he’d have had it in him to break up a relationship, or think that would have even come up, so it was probably for the best.

“I’d like to think that I’d have found my way to you eventually.” He flashed the other man a gentle smile, leaning over to brush his lips to his lover’s temple.

“Probably but I like that it wasn’t messy or complicated.” It had just worked without changing their lives. Being with Arin had just added an extra layer but they were still the same people they’d been when they were just friends.

“Kinda nice that things weren’t messy or complicated for once” Things had been a little complicated for him when it came to Lysander being back in his life, but not in a way that it had impacted things with Luc and that made all of the difference. “Everything’s been wonderful. Actually wonderful.”

He nodded in agreement though he did have to wonder sometimes when the other shoe was going to drop and something was going to happen. “At least we know no matter what else happens we have this and each other.”

“That’s all I need.” He paused outside the door to the hotel lobby,turning Luc in his arms so that he could lean in to brush his lips to the other man’s. “You’re all I need.”

Despite the cold Luc felt his cheeks flush at the light kiss and Arin’s words. “You’re doing that thing again.” He murmured softly. It wasn’t fair how easily Arin could make him feel like he was floating with just a few words.

“I haven’t the foggiest as to what you’re talking about.” His voice remained soft as his lips moved against his lover’s, holding him close for a moment before gently nudging him back. “It’s too cold out here.”

“You’re a horrible romantic sap.” He laughed as he pushed the door open, tugging Arin in after him so they could hed to the elevators. “And you know you’re one.” Not that he minded in the slightest.

“You say that like you haven’t become just as bad since you started dating me.” He laughed as he followed the other man inside, hitting the elevator call button once they reached it. “Who’s the one who arranged all of this?”

“You’re the one who suggested we get a hotel for the night.” Even if he had been the one who’d picked out the hotel and gotten reservations Luc was still going to count it as Arin’s idea.

“I didn’t think you’d take me seriously.” He was still grinning as he tugged Luc into the elevator, slipping his arm around the other man once they were both inside and heading up to their floor.

“Didn’t think I’d take you up on the suggestion to do something different for the holiday?” He raised a brow as he leaned against his lover. “I did go a little overboard maybe but it’s something neither of us have done before.” Plus it meant they had the suite to themselves and a perfect view of the fireworks without the crowds.

“I thought we would be staying home and watching fireworks at midnight on the television, if we hadn’t gotten distracted otherwise.” He smirked softly, resting his head against Luc’s as he held the other man to him.

“You like it though?” Arin had seemed to like the whole thing so far so he didn’t think he’d gone too far. Staying at home was how he had spent new years for a while, preferring that to the crowds and parties, but he wanted to do something special with Arin.

“I love it.” He turned his head to brush his lips to the other man’s cheek as the elevator door popped open, nudging the other man out into the hall. “Perfect way to spend the evening with you.”

“Except for the dress clothes and tie?” He grinned, voice teasing as he headed down the hall to their room. Arin did look good dressed up even if he fiddled with his clothes.

“You keep on me about that, but I’ve been better tonight than I was the last time you had me in a tie.” He snorted, shaking his head slowly as he got the room key out of his wallet, holding it out to Luc.

“You have been, doesn’t mean I’m not going to tease you about it.” He smiled as he got the door open, stepping inside so he could set the bag with the wine and their cake on the small counter by the door.

“That isn’t very kind of you.” His tongue clicked against the roof of his mouth as he tsked softly at his companion while sliding out of his coat so he could hang it up in the closet by the door.

“I have to have something. You're too perfect otherwise.” He grinned, shrugging out of his coat. “And I get to do it so rarely,”

“Hardly perfect.” He took hold of the other man’s coat, leaning in to brush his lips to Luc’s neck. “You’re beautiful, you know.”

“Perfect for me.” He had told Arin that probably hundreds of times and it hadn't changed. He shivered slightly at the kiss on his neck, arms sliding around his lover.

“That’s what matters in the end, isn’t it?” His brow lofted as he leaned back slightly, eyes drifting over the other man’s face. “Really looking forward to starting this new year with you.”

“Mmhn.” He smiled, tugging Arin back in for another soft kiss. “I am too. It should be a good one for us.”

“I don’t see it being anything other than perfect.” He murmured softly before returning the kiss, gently running his fingers through the other man’s hair.

“With you it can't be anything else.” He smiled, hands sliding down Arin’s chest lightly. He knew between the two of them they could take on the world.

“Now who’s the sap?” He teased, brushing his lips against the other man’s ear with a grin on his lips, knowing the other man would be able to hear it in the tone of his voice.

“Takes one to know one.” He murmured with a soft laugh. “If you're going to keep doing that, and I'm not saying you shouldn't, we should maybe move away from the door?”

“What kind of retort is that?” He laughed, gently nudging the other man away from him so they could both make their way a little further into their hotel room. “Takes one to know one… Who even says that anymore?” He couldn’t help but grin, shrugging out of his suit jacket.

“Everyone I assume.” He shrugged of his jacket and tossed it over the back of a chair before slipping his shoes off. “Doesn't change that you're a sap.”

“Everyone who’s still in middle school or high school, maybe.” His grin broadened as he stepped up behind his lover, slipping his arms around Luc’s middle to drag the other man back against his chest.

“Pretty sure it's still just everyone.” He laughed as he was pulled back, leaning easily against his lover. Reaching up he ran his fingers through Arins hair gently. “You just don't get out enough to hear it.”

“So you think I need to get out more?” He rested his chin on Luc’s shoulder, tilting his head towards the other man’s touch. “I thought you liked that I’ve been spending time in.”

“Not going to complain about you spending time with me, just dont want you getting bored being a house husband.” He turned his head to brush a light kiss against Arins cheek. He wondered briefly if Luc had said that intentionally or if it had been a slip of the tongue without thinking. Uncertain as to how he should react he at least knew he wouldn’t be able to hide the way he’d held his breath for a moment-- not with Luc in his arms as he was. He gave the other man a gentle squeeze, closing his eyes as he tried not to think too much on it. “... House husband, hm? Not going to start making me wear an apron in the kitchen, are you?”

Luc flushed slightly as he realized what he said moments after he said it. He hadn’t meant to let something like that slip out but saying it didn’t feel entirely wrong. The way Arin reacted at least didn’t seem bad so he hoped it hadn’t been the wrong thing to say. “Don’t know. Could get you one with stars and ruffles, let you cook breakfast with nothing else on?” His voice was slightly teasing but there was a hit of desire behind it.

“Might have to veto the ruffles.” He smirked as he brought one hand up, running his fingertips slowly along Luc’s jaw. He tilted the other man’s head enough that he could easily brush a kiss to the corner of his lover’s mouth. “... Is that something you’ve been thinking about?”

“Getting you an apron? Not really. Though it would have to have ruffles or lace or it wouldn’t be a proper apron.” His fingers ran down along Arins’ arm, smile on his lips. He wasn’t avoiding the question, at all, he’d answered it.

“Plenty of chefs wear aprons that don’t have ruffles or lace or anything else that would get in the way while they’re in the kitchen…. And you know that’s not what I meant, Luc.” He brushed his thumb lightly over the spot he’d just kissed, leaning back just enough to let his eyes meet the other man’s.

“Those aren’t ‘housewife’ aprons though.” He knew Arin would be able to hear the quotations around the word despite his hands not being free. When Arin leaned back a bit and called his bluff his cheeks flushed a bit darker. “No … maybe.. I ..” He bit his lip for a moment but didn’t take his eyes off his lovers. “No .... i don’t think about it because i already, i know this is how i want to spend the rest of my life so i don’t have to wonder and god I sound stupid.” Closing his eyes he leaned his head against Arin’s shoulder.

He held the other man’s gaze until Luc closed his eyes to hide against his shoulder. His arm tightened its hold around the other man, lips brushing against Luc’s ear when he finally responded. “The answer would be ‘yes’, just so you know, if you were actually going to ask.”

Luc squeezed his eyes closed tighter for a moment before tilting his head just enough he could look at Arin again. “I don’t have a ring or a fancy set up or something special .... you’d, you would want to?”

He loosened his hold on the other man as he looked up, giving his lover enough freedom of movement that he could turn to face him. “I don’t need anything fancy, and I’ve already got the most special person in my life right here. We don’t need anything or anyone to tell us what we should do, or how we should go about showing anyone else how we feel…. But if it was something you wanted, and you were asking-- I’d say ‘yes’ in a heartbeat.”

He shifted to slide his arms around Arin’s neck, leaning into a soft kiss for a moment. He didn’t think his insides had felt like they were in as many knots since the first time he’d kissed Arin. He didn’t even know what he was thinking. They hadn’t been dating that long but he knew Arin was it. It didn’t matter who they’d been before, wasn’t because of that, or maybe it was but that didn’t matter. “Arin ...would you marry me?”

“Yes.” The word was spoken softly against Luc’s lips, just managing to get it out before catching his lover in a kiss. His arms had slid around the other man firmly once more, using his grip to lift Luc against him as his tongue slid past the other man’s lips.

His arms tightened around Arin’s neck as he was lifted up, returning the kiss as a soft squeak was lost between their lips. That hadn’t been something he’d intended to ask, hadn’t even thought about asking, but it felt good. A new year and the start of something new for them.