‘These feelings are new for me,’ Tiberius’ jaw clenched, ‘I’ve never been in love before. I want to be the best for you.’

‘You think you’re the only one with feelings?’ Aurius felt his face redden in splotches - the way it always did when he was about to cry.

Tiberius blinked once. Twice. ‘I … didn’t think…’

Aurius choked back a laugh. ‘You always think, Tiberius, it’s what I love most about you.’

A ghost of a smile haunted Tiberius’ lips, only just visible in the candlelight. ‘And the thing I love the most about you is that you barrel into every situation wearing your heart on your sleeve.’

Aurius couldn’t keep back his laugh. ‘You make it sound like a good thing.’

‘It is,’ Tiberius insisted, head bobbing earnestly, ‘I always know exactly where you stand. Just like I know when your face goes like that it means you’re going to cry.’

‘See?’ Aurius pressed the back of his hand against his eyes. ‘You’re a thinker.’

Tiberius chuckled softly, gazing up at Aurius through his eyelashes. ‘Just to be clear, are we still fighting?’

‘I don’t think we ever were,’ Aurius smiled, opening his arms for Tiberius to burrow into. ‘I’m sorry,’ he added, throat thick with tears, causing Tiberius to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

‘I’m sorry too,’ he echoed, his head resting against Aurius’ chest, atop his heart, ‘I’ll try not to overthink things.’

‘Don’t you dare!’ Aurius clutched him tighter, laughing despite his tears. ‘My beautiful genius.’

They stayed like that until the candle coughed and spluttered, unspeakably comfortable in each others embrace.