Page 92 of Amid Our Lines

“Martin doesn’t think I’m out of your league,” Eric added after a beat, when Adrian still hadn’t said anything. Andhangon a sec.

“Martin knows?”

“Matteo recognised me from some gossip that linked me to Lucas.”

Bloody hell.

“Why the fuck doesn’t anyone tell me a fucking thing around here?” Even as he asked, Adrian was pretty sure he already knew the answer—Martin would claim he hadn’t wanted to give Adrian a reason to walk away from something good. “Anyway,” Adrian added, a hint bitter. “Martin is biased. Of course he wouldn’t think you’re out of my league.”

It didn’t have to mean what it did, could have been a mere testament to their friendship. Eric inhaled sharply, though, and held the air for a moment before he nodded. “Not quite as clean and easy as you said it was, huh?”

“He only told me recently.” To make a point. To shove Adrian headfirst into a realisation he now wished he could walk away from.

‘Is he the last guy you want to wake up with?’

“And how do you…?” Eric didn’t finish, holding himself very still, gaze steady even though his face was shadowed. It took a moment before Adrian connected the pieces.

“I never felt that way about him.”Only you. “And he doesn’t feel that way about me anymore either—Matteo is his guy. They’re happy, and that’s really all I want for him.”

“Good.” Eric’s face performed some complicated emotional dance before his mouth firmed. “And Martin might be biased, but that doesn’t mean he’s wrong. I… I mean, it’s probably a bit obvious, right? But I’m in love with you.”

It was like the first snowfall of the season—silent and magical, coating the world in wonder.

Adrian inhaled, weightless. “But you said you wanted casual.”

“And then I fell in love with you.” Eric didn’t infuse the words with particular gravitas—just stating the obvious. He was watching Adrian with keen attention, waiting, and of course Adrian knew what for, ofcourse. But he was still reeling from whiplash emotions.

He’d thought he’d lost Eric. He still wasn’t sure he hadn’t.

“You’ve been in love before.” Unlike Adrian.

Eric hesitated for a tangible moment before he shook his head. “Not like this.”

“What do you mean?”

“So, my sister has this theory about versions.” Fondness pulled at the corners of Eric’s eyes. “Like we’re all multiple versions of ourselves, depending on where we are, who we’re with, and so on. And the more versions you know of a person, the more you know them. But also the more they know you, because you react to them and they react to you. And also, the more you know, the more you can be truly in love with them.”

That was … a lot. Especially with Adrian’s mind spinning.I’m in love with youplayed on a loop, shining a light into the darkest corners of his brain.

“I think you lost me,” he said, trying for a smile that felt right, if a little wobbly. “Not—I mean, notme. You didn’t lose me. Just … not sure what you meant with all those versions?”

“Right, yeah. I’m not explaining it very well, am I?” Eric ducked his head, the sides of his mouth hitching up. “How about this? If every person is a rainbow, then maybe with other people, I let them see some blue and green, possibly a hint of yellow. With you, I feel like it’s the whole spectrum of colours. And to me, you’re a rainbow.”

“Jesus.” Adrian puffed out a short laugh, rubbing a hand down his face. “Are you gay or a poet or something?”

“Or something.” Eric shifted to rest his elbows on his thighs, gaze heavy. “I think I know you, better than any of the people I dated before. And I think you know me better too. Because you wanted to, and because I let you.”

It felt true. And yet.

“I didn’t even know you’re…”Someone, when I’m mostly not.“That you’re famous.”

“Only in niche circles,” Eric said with a gentle shake of his head.

“Successful,” Adrian amended.

“That’s just about the least important thing about me.”

“Easy for you to say.”

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