The sprinklers had just come on, and even though they weren't supposed to be there, Ian felt safe beside Mickey inside the worn down dug out.

"Come on, why would you want to marry me anyhow?" the dark haired ten year old asked.

"So I could kiss you anytime that I want," Ian said, leaning in.

"Kiss me, and I'll cut your fucking tongue out," the other boy teased running out into the sprinklers. Ian smiled, and couldn't help but to chase after him.

Ian jolted awake. The dream had felt so real, he knew that once upon a time it had been. Mickey and him... but that was a long time ago. He shook himself awake, going over to join his editor and publicist at their computers. Ian had gotten out of Southside, and made his way to New York where he had become an up and coming writer.

"Ian, this book will make your career," his publicist sighed, noticing that he was up. "Where did you get such wonderful ideas?"

Ian blushed, fumbling at his wrinkled suit. His book wasn't too different from the life he had had growing up...only it had a happy ending... But if he had told anyone in his New York life that that was what it was like growing up in Canaryville they would say he was exaggerating...and he was...sorta.

"I'm sure Mr. McBryan is very tired," his editor reprimanded. "It's been a long week for us all. We should get some rest before the interview."

Ian couldn't help but agree, and soon was saying goodbye to his amazing team. He caught a taxi back to his apartment, where he was greeted with a room full of roses. On every surface were roses in every color. Their vibrant colors brought life to the room, and without a doubt in his mind, Ian knew who they were from. Pulling out his phone, he saw that he had one missed call from Linus.

"Hey, babe. I know how stressed you are about your book release, but you're going to be amazing! There's a rose for each moment I thought about you. I love you, and I'll see you at the club."

Ian smirked. What had he done for his life to get so good? He caught a few hours of sleep, before heading to the club, where the party was at. His publicist, Andrea, had rented out the place and invited all sorts of famous authors and critics...and Ian couldn't help but be nervous. As soon as he arrived he was surrounded by famous bloggers and writers, as well as some very prestigious members of the press. There were hundreds of questions being thrown at him, some of which Andrea deflected gracefully, and others which Ian tried to answer for himself. It would be a lie to say that he didn't feel relieved when he saw a tall dark haired man making his way towards him.

"Linus!" Ian cried, going over to meet him. "I'm so glad you could make it."

Linus beamed. "For you anything."

And suddenly the press stopped asking questions about his book, and started asking questions about their relationship. It took awhile, but soon enough Ian and Linus made their way to a booth where they could get some privacy.

"So have you thought about my offer?" asked Linus.

"Christmas in Ireland sounds wonderful-" Ian started.

"But?"

"Well I dunno. It just seems a bit extravagant," Ian shrugged.

"I always thought you wanted to see Ireland. You're family is from there and all," Linus said taking his boyfriend's hand.

Ian swallowed. Linus was right, Ian McBryan was from Ireland. But ever since that weird dream he had, and all the questions about his book, he couldn't help but think more and more about Southside. "Right...I've just been so distracted by this book."

Linus turned Ian's hand over in his and kissed his palm. "I know sweetheart. I'll go get us some drinks."

Ian smiled as he watched Linus go, and was surprised to see his best friend drop into the empty seat.

"Christmas in Ireland? Ooh sounds like things are getting serious!"

"Kira, what have we said about eavesdropping?" Ian laughed.

The girl rolled her eyes. "He's totally going to propose to you."

"You think?"

Kira laughed, shaking her head. "Ian, that boy is so in love with you. And if you don't say yes, I will."

Ian nodded, laughing as well. "Go, before he gets back."

"See you, McBryan," she said with a wink.

Ian was still smiling when Linus returned with two flutes of champagne.

"Missed you," Ian said leaning in.

"Did you?"

"Mm, yeah." Ian said kissing the other man.

Linus pulled away. "Let's not start anything we can't finish."

Ian smirked. "What, you too tired to handle all this?"

"Well we do have my mother's charity brunch tomorrow-"

Ian groaned. He had almost forgotten that he had agreed to go with Linus to his mother's awful charity gala the next morning. "Can't we just skip?"

Linus tutted gently, "I don't think the mayor of New York would be too pleased if her son skipped her gala."

Ian sighed. "Alright. I was just really looking forward to having a night together."

Linus gave him a sad smile. Because of their crazy schedules, it had been weeks since they had last had sex. "I know babe, soon. I have an early meeting tomorrow, but I'll send a car to pick you up. Alright?"

Ian sighed, nodding.

"See you tomorrow," Linus got up, and pecked Ian on the cheek.

Ian gave a small smile before staring down into his champagne. What he wouldn't give for a beer right now...

"Why are you looking so glum?" Kira asked, joining her friend once more.

"God, this damn book has been such a cockblock, and now there's this damn charity brunch that we need to go to so Linus doesn't feel like he can spend the night," Ian growled.

"Rough, how long's it been?" asked Kira.

"Month and a half."

Kira let out a low whistle. "Jesus, you need to get laid."

Ian tipped his head and gave her a look that screamed ya think? "I always thought that being in a solid relationship meant that you didn't have to wait so long in between fucks."

Kira sighed. "C'mon, Linus must be better than all those one night stands you used to have."

Ian flushed. Kira may be his best friend, but they had never really talked much about the logistics of his sex life. "I mean he's fine. It's a bit vanilla, but-"

"You kinky boy, Ian McBryan!" exclaimed Kira. "But for real, Linus is a hot piece of ass-"

Ian laughed. "I know, I know. I adore his ass, and his abs, and his dick and-"

Kira covered her ears. "Alright. I get it. Let's stop talking about what you two do in bed."

Ian slouched down. The party would be over soon, and it was already getting late. "I should go."

"Ditching your own party?" Kira asked.

"Something like that. I have things I need to do at home," Ian explained.

Kira nodded. "What should I tell them if they notice you're gone?"

"Make something up. Whatever you want," Ian said standing to go.

"Alright, I'll tell them you're having mad bathroom sex with a stranger-"

"Kira!"

"Kidding!" The girl had the audacity to laugh. "Go do your lame boring shit. I'll see you soon."

Ian nodded and managed to leave the party. Once he got home he took his meds and went off to bed. He wasn't usually so reckless when it came to his pills, but in the past 24 hours he had been a bit preoccupied. He had been so focused on getting everything ready that he had forgotten to take them in the morning, which had left him feeling a bit off all day. Perhaps that would explain the dream he had had, although right now he was trying to forget all about it. He intended to sleep off the tremors, and be fully rested for when he would have to deal with Linus' mother. Damn, that woman was a bitch.

Ian got up early, went for a run, took his meds, got into a shower, and was dressed to go before 8 o'clock. By 8:15 a car pulled up and Ian recognized Linus' driver, Max.

"How's it going?" Ian asked.

"Alright, Mr. McBryan. Mr. Carlisle is in a meeting, but he asked that you wait for him," Max explained, pulling up to what looked like a loading dock. Ian was ushered in, where he was greeted by Linus' personal assistant.

"Ah, Mr. McBryan. Mr. Carlisle has requested you come this way."

Ian frowned. The building was dark, except for emergency lights. He was led down a long hallway, towards a set of doors where Linus was waiting.

"Linus, what's going on?" asked Ian.

"So my offer. Christmas in Ireland, maybe 200 or 400 people?"

"For Christmas?" Ian asked, as Linus took his arms and led him through the doors.

"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of our wedding," Linus said. Ian could tell he was smiling.

"Our what?"

And then Linus was kneeling down. "Ian McBryan, will you marry me."

Lights clicked on, and Ian found himself in the midst of a jewelry store, attendants standing behind all the cases...and the man he loved on his knee before him. Ian caught the words Tiffany and Co. printed on teal boxes, and again he looked into Linus' brown eyes.

"Are you sure? I mean you can still-"

Linus stood up, putting his hand on Ian's neck. "I never ask a question I don't know the answer to. Now Ian, at the chance of being rejected twice, I'm gonna ask you again. Will you marry me?"

Ian grinned. "Yes. Of course."

Linus kissed him chastely, before pulling away. "Pick whichever one you want, darling."

As if trained for those words, the employees began to pull out row upon row of rings, setting them so that Ian could make his choice.

Ian had chosen a simple wide silver band, with a single diamond in the center. He couldn't stop kissing Linus' on the neck as they drove to meet with his mother. He was so happy. On cloud nine really, until he heard what Linus was saying.

"We should call your parents, let them know the good news," Linus said tugging at his pocket to pull his phone out.

Ian froze. He hadn't exactly told Linus about how broken his family was, Frank always on a bender and Monica living somewhere else. "I think this is the sort of news they would want to hear in person. I was actually thinking of flying back home to tell them."

"To Chicago? Want me to come?" asked Linus.

"No! I mean, yes of course I do, but it's been five years. I think I need to go talk to them first you know? Clear the air a bit?" Ian asked.

Linus nodded. "You know I have to meet them sometime."

Ian pulled away. "I know. I just want them to be prepared...not to just show up with a fiance in tow and just surprise them. If that makes sense."

"Of course it does, babe." Linus kissed Ian on the temple.

"So for now, can we just keep it under wraps?" Ian asked tentatively.

Linus nodded. "Alright."

Ian sighed. "Thanks."

The car pulled to a stop. "Ready to face her?"

Ian tensed up again. Mayor Anna Carlisle was a tough old woman, who scared the living shit out of Ian. He wasn't sure that she actually approved of Ian, although he knew she was fine with her son being gay. He figured it was probably because she didn't think a writer was good enough for her son...but then again she never seemed to think anyone was good enough for Linus...

"Hey, babe. Are we good?" Linus asked.

Ian nodded, and felt himself being tugged out of the safety of the limo. He was immediately blinded by the flash of the press, and deafened by their questions. His sole comfort was Linus' hand in his.

"Linus, darling!" Anna cried out, pulling her son into a hug. "Is there anything going on that I should know about?"

Linus answered her hushed question through his teeth, "not at all."

Anna turned to Ian. "And Ian! How lovely to see you again."

Her grip tightened on his left hand, there was a panicked look in her eye. She pulled up his hand, exposing it to the press.

"You're engaged?!"

There was no hiding it now.

I was thinking how well this story would work for gallavich, and I decided I just had to write it! Let me know what you think in the comments. ~T.W.o.W.