Elias lies on the bank of the river, his forearm over his face to block out the sun. He heard Christopher and Toby splashing around in the water.
Toby promised to take them on a trip to get a break from running Phoenix. As if he'd been summoned, he heard Toby's voice getting closer. Elias sat up and saw him standing on the water's edge.
His hair sparkled in the afternoon sun and a smile played at his mouth. Toby turned, smirking. "How's the view? Or is this better?"
Elias felt his face heat up as he took in Toby's muscled arms and chiseled abs. "Much."
Toby laughs as he sits next to him. They're silent for a while, watching Christopher dive under the water and them come back up.
Elias sighed, Taking Toby's face and kissing him softly. Toby hummed out his approval as he cupped the back of Elias's neck, his tongue sliding against his.
Christopher made a gagging sound. "Get a room!"
Elias pulled away and looked over at him. Christopher was smirking at them, a camera in hand.
"I totally got that pic." Christopher waved a square piece of paper around. "It's a keeper."
Toby laughs and Elias shakes his head.
Giggling, Christopher ran into his tent.
"I've had some ideas as of late," Toby muttered.
Elias turned toward him head cocked, listening.
"And um...they're not here in Phoenix."
"Ok." Elias blinked. "I'm all ears."
Toby reached up and pushed Elias's hair from his face. "I want to have...kids, just not here."
"Who's going to run Phoenix when we leave?" Elias asked.
Toby beamed. "Levi and Jordan offered to do it."
"Well...ok then." Elias kissed him. "Let's do it."
Christopher appeared behind Toby, the camera aimed at them. Toby swallowed, clearly nervous as he reached into his backpack.
He got on to one knew and held a black box out.
Elias's eyes widened as he reached to open the lid. A gold band with their names carved on it greeted him.
He took it out and smiled. "It's really pretty."
Toby reaches for the ring and takes his hand, he looks up waiting for permission to put it on.
"I think this is your part," Elias whispered.
Toby smiled. "Will you marry me?"
Elias watched a tear slide down his cheek, Toby's chest was rising and falling rapidly.
He blinks, eyes watering as Toby slides the ring on his finger.
"Yes." The answer will always be yes. "I love you."
Toby leaned in and kissed him. "I know." he pulled him closer. "It's us forever. I promise."
Christopher's aunt came to pick him up an hour later. They had met her two months after the fight. They watched the car until it was a speck in the distance.
Later, when Elias is on his back looking up at the ceiling, Toby between his legs, his fingers digging into his back; he knows Toby was right.
It's just them.
Together. Forever.