The ex-boyfriend

The cake distracted most of the guests. But Daniel realizes with a sigh of resignation that Jeremy makes his way through the crowd with John in tow.

"Love, whatever happens now, I am sorry." Alex looks at Daniel worriedly only to see an exasperated expression on his face.

"Jeremy, how nice of you to directly come over." Daniel's words are dripping with sarcasm. He knows that his ex-boyfriend is up to no good.

"Oh, cut the crap, Daniel and introduce us." Jeremy waves his hand impatiently.

Daniel sighs deeply, accepting his fate of being ordered around. But he quickly gains back his smile when he faces Alex. "Love, this impatient youth is my friend Jeremy." When he sees Jeremy arche an eyebrow, Daniel realizes that the truth won't be long buried. So he decides to directly add "He is also my ex-boyfriend." Daniel smiles at Alex apologetically. He can imagine how awkward this situation is for his lover. But at the same time it is something unavoidable. He is still friends with Jeremy so the three of them would have to interact eventually.

Alex' eyes widen. Ex-boyfriend. Someone Daniel loved before him. Alex can't help but compare himself to the other man. They are nearly of the same height, but Jeremy is clearly more athletic. The piercings and the tattoo give him an image more fitting of a mafia boss' boyfriend. Alex already feels insecure. But before Daniel can ease his worries, help comes from an unexpected side.

"Oh come on, don't be so dramatic. You look like the runner-up in one of those miss-universe-competitions. What's the point in comparing us? Even if I would be 10 times more handsome than you, what does it matter?" Alex' wide eyes lock on Jeremy. He is clearly puzzled. Jeremy only laughs. "In the end you managed to tie him down and I couldn't. So don't rub it in my face."

Alex doesn't understand it. Tie Daniel down? As in being in a relationship?

Daniel smiles at Jeremy genuinely. "Love, Jeremy is right. Don't compare yourself to him. I know it is awkward but both Jeremy and I have made our decisions and ended up with different people. Here, the big guy is John, Jeremy's boyfriend of two years."

While Alex shakes hands with John Daniel leans in to whisper in his ear "And just between us, you are far more beautiful."

In an instant Alex' face turns beet red. Jeremy snorts. "Don't make dirty talk in a crowd. Perverted geezer."

Daniel and Jeremy start bickering. Now with the attention no longer focused on him Alex finally manages to get his bearings. He interrupts the two and stretches his hand towards Jeremy "Jeremy, nice to meet you. My name is Alex." Alex breathes in deep. "Daniel's boyfriend." He can't stop the proud smile on his face when he says this. Daniel's boyfriend.

Jeremy looks him up and down, openly evaluating him. Alex tenses. He realizes that Daniel and Jeremy still being friends means that Daniel values Jeremy's opinion. He subconciously straightens his back. After what felt like an eternity Jeremy finally nods. "Good, 'Daniel's boyfriend'. You better treat him well. We all look out for him like he looks out for us. As long as you are good to him we are good to you."

Alex smiles. Being good to Daniel? Jeremy doesn't have to say it to him for him to behave that way. "I love him. So it is in my interest too to treat him well." Daniel looks at Alex surprised. He didn't expect him to openly admit his love in front of a person he just met. His heart feels warm in his chest. He quickly pulls Alex towards him and places a kiss on the top of his head. Near his ear he mumbles "I love you, too."

Alex looks up at Daniel. They are clearly lost in their own world. Just when Daniel leans down with his eyes on his lover's lips Jeremy exclaims "Okay, I get it. He passes. I will back off." Towards John he adds "Come, John. Let us steal some cake before we get out of here. When I look at those two I can't keep my cool."

John's face shows a knowing smile. He nods towards Daniel and Alex before he places an arm across Jeremy's shoulders, guiding him away. He leans down and whispers "You just want to get me in bed. Just admit it. I am happy to comply."

"Hmmpf. Who would with you." But John knows the truth so he just laughs and pulls his boyfriend a little closer. The two quickly disappear in the crowd that gathered around the cake.

"Puh. I feel like I passed some kind of test." Alex slumps visibly.

"Haha, in a sense you are right, love." Daniel smiles, his eyes follow Jeremy and John with a warm expression. "Jeremy and I were together when we both weren't in a good place in live. My parents just died and I took over the group. We spent two years together with many ups and downs, always fighting, venting our pent up anger and frustation with life at each other. We both cared deeply for each other and still do but being lovers was too exhausting. We weren't meant this way. So we stayed as friends. At first it was a bit awkward but we got back on track. I didn't have any other relationship after him until I met you and I don't like casual affairs. But Jeremy is different. He got in a lot of trouble over the years and I tried my best to protect him. But he is kind of self-destructive, so there was only so much I could do. Then, two years ago he met John. John may look like a muscle head but he is a kind guy that treats him well. When Jeremy first introduced him to me I put him to the test much worse than what Jeremy did to you. After everything we just want each other to be happy with whoever we think suitable." Daniel's eyes that showed an expression like he was lost in memories finally focuses again only to shift towards Alex. "And he can see that you are good for me. My relationship with Jeremy never was as stable or future oriented as ours. We were together to pass the present in a more bearable way. But with you I not only want the present but I want the future. And I don't only want it to be bearable. With you I want warmth, a family, love and joy."

Alex looks at Daniel. His gaze is finally without worries about the other man. He leans closer towards his boyfriend "Me, too." Alex stands on the tip of his toes and gives Daniel a light peck on his lips. He quickly retreats and smiles at Daniel's surprised look.

"Haha, don't look so proud. You really grow bolder by the minute." Daniel teases.

With a smile Alex answers: "Just because you let me."