first... [rylan villanueva]

synopsis: first time being referred to as 'partner.'

It took a while for Rylan to become comfortable being seen with you in public. Usually, they'd call that a red flag. In their case, well, they think they deserve a little bit of leeway. Because you see, a relationship between an IAOS employee and a supernatural already raises some eyebrows. Make that a hunter and their former bounty? Well.

You can imagine how that is.

But once they got used to it, they thought you two would be okay. They never cared much for others' opinions to begin with, so it wasn't long before they were swinging your arm around without a care, rather than with a pinprick of anxiety down their spine.

Except things were not fine. Because they forgot that when you're in a relationship with someone else, chances are that strangers might think you're not. And those strangers, depending on how bold they are, might potentially, maybe, possibly ask to take you out on a date.

And it's not like they're the type to get jealous. Well, sure, they might get a little heated if those strangers take it too far, but they know they have nothing to worry about. You can handle yourself, at any rate, and it's not the first time this has happened.

Except this time, Rylan nearly spits out their drink when they hear the words.

"Ah, sorry. My partner is just over there."

Partner.

There are only a few reasons you'd be saying that. One, you ran into a fellow bounty hunter at the café the two of you are at and you're pretending Rylan works for IAOS to get the other person off your back. Two, you're pretending you're in university and Rylan's your partner for a school project.

Or…

Rylan glances up just in time for you to give someone an apologetic smile. The stranger laughs good-naturedly and waves you off, commenting something about how "they're very lucky to have you." Except Rylan's so dazed it takes them a few minutes until they process that.

A moment later, you say your goodbyes and start walking over to the table. Rylan got their drink a couple of minutes ago, but you were informed you had to wait a bit for the café to restock. Hence why the other person probably thought you were single.

"Hey."

"Did you just get hit on?" Rylan blurts.

You arch an eyebrow at the blunt question, placing your glass down. "I didn't think you were paying attention. But yeah, I did. They backed off pretty quickly when I told them I was with you though."

"You called me your partner."

"Yes?" You look amused. "Are you not?"

"Well, yes, but—" Rylan shakes their head, their usual confidence nowhere to be seen. "I think that was the first time I heard you call me that."

Understanding dawns on your face. Your lips form an 'o' shape; Rylan has to resist the urge to lean over the table and kiss you right then and there. They can feel the heat rising to their cheeks, but they refuse to be called out for it, taking a sip of their drink to hide their face.

You pick up on it anyway.

"Aw, Rylan. I always forget I have this effect on you."

Rylan presses their hands to their cheeks. "Nope."

"I do."

"Nope. You don't. I was just commenting."

"But you liked it, didn't you?"

A flurry of butterflies erupts in Rylan's stomach. Liked it? They don't know how to describe it. They haven't heard someone refer to them so fondly in years. A decade, even.

For all their bravado, the two of you know that Rylan's biggest fear is being left behind. It was the biggest obstacle in your relationship, with you slowly teaching them they don't need to run because not everyone leaves. And though they have no doubts about how now, knowing you willingly come back to them always leaves them lightheaded.

"Maybe," Rylan mumbles.

"What's that?"

They take their hands away from their face. "I liked it. Is that what you want to hear?"

You smirk and lean back into the booth. "Yes."

"You've gotten cheekier since we started dating."

"And who do you think I got that from?"

Rylan narrows their eyes playfully. They reach over and take a piece of your croissant, popping it in their mouth with a smirk of their own. "No idea where you got it from, but that person must really be something, huh? Think you could introduce me to them someday?"

You shake your head. "You're a scoundrel."

"Only for you, darling."

You laugh and push Rylan's face away as they lean closer, this time trying to take a sip from your straw. But even though they fail, they're not deterred. They got what they wanted, after all.