Oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god. What is he doing?

Carmen’s cheeks are flushed a bright, angry red colour, a visual painting of his dreaded embarrassment spreading across his acne ridden skin.

Because you’re sat there on his bed, an absolute vision beneath the covers, eyes wide and bright and watching him with swollen, bitten lips. Those lips that were on his mere minutes ago. Those soft, soft lips.

He’s been teased about this day relentlessly by Mike and Riche, hounded for having reached his eighteenth birthday and somehow managing to have never been laid. And he’s talked himself up, built up so much confidence, but now that it’s actually happening, he’s just frozen.

Because he’s sat in just his boxers, with a pillow over his lap even though he knows that you know what’s hidden beneath it. Yet when he looks in your eyes, he doesn’t see a single ounce of teasing. He sees love.

A love that’s been there since you were twelve, for god’s sake.

“We, uh… we don’t have to do anything, y’know… We can just, uh..”

Carmy has never been more relieved than when he sees that grin break out across your face, and it isn’t long until he’s sporting a matching one as your arms open for him.

Within seconds, he’s stretched out on top of you, his head on your chest with his eyes closed, his legs and arms wrapped ‘round you in this massive bear hug. He’s really living up to that ‘Bear’ nickname right now.

His chin rubs against your bare chest, and his hair tickles your collarbones, but he really doesn’t care. Large, warm hands paw at your chest as the most comforted, calmed sigh leaves his chest.

How the hell is he supposed to focus at school when he can see you sat in front of him now that he's seen you like this? The love of his life. He's always been a sentimental man.

He’s comfortable. He’s safe.

It was silly to think you ever had to rush.

“Love you…, I love you…, so much….”