Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s a rainy day in New York. But something about the droplets tapping a rhythm against the surface of Wille’s car as he’s sitting inside feels oddly calming. He finds himself drumming his fingers against the steering wheel absent-mindedly as he waits. 

Soon enough, the doors from the passenger’s side open, but he doesn’t startle. He was expecting it. 

“Hi,” Simon quickly climbs into the car to shelter himself from the rain. He has the hood of his purple hoodie on, the piece of clothing a little wet despite it being a short walk for him from the therapist’s office to here. 

He leans over to greet Wille with a quick kiss before turning to fasten his seatbelt, signalising that they are ready to go. Wille starts the car. 

They drive in silence for only a short moment before Wille can’t stop the question that’s just begging to be asked. 

“How was it?” 

Simon shrugs at first. 

“It was alright.” 

His boyfriend never shares a lot from his therapy sessions. Which is totally okay, Wille would never pry these details from him. But it doesn’t stop him from wondering what exactly Simon is discussing out there. If he’s talking about him, his family, just his feelings? As curious as he is though, he lets Simon tell him whatever he wants. Which really is not a lot. 

He knows that, apparently, the therapist is a nice and warm woman in her thirties. That’s basically what he read on her profile but it was nice to hear that Simon confirms. He also said that although it’s not really easy for him to talk to her about all this stuff, she makes the atmosphere welcoming enough that he’s trying. And the fact that she knows Spanish is also something his boyfriend has deemed useful. 

That must be enough for now. It’s only been their third session today. 

Has Wille noticed any progress so far? Not really. But he also wasn’t expecting any. 

The truth is, these things take time and it’s different for everyone. Boris and him for example seemed to have  hit it off basically right away. It doesn’t mean that it has to be the same for Simon and his therapist Ana though. 

What matters is that Simon is trying. As frustrating as this process seems to be for him. 

Mostly, he’s been irritated with himself that it takes him so long to open up. He admitted so to Wille, so he tried to explain that it’s just different for everyone. The problem is that Simon wants immediate results and he’s struggling to grasp that it’s a process. So he’s been quite demotivated after his first session. But recently, it seems like he’s letting go of the expectations he set for himself and just letting it all unfold the way it goes. 

“How was your day?” Simon asks as he’s leaning against the window and staring outside. 

“It was fine. Mostly just paperwork at the office. I’m going to the court first thing in the morning tomorrow though. I have like three trials lined up.”

“Sounds like a busy day.”

“It’ll be fine,” Wille just waves off. He’s got quite used to the workload now. “Are you going to the studio tomorrow?” 

“Yeah, I think so.”

Simon’s been in and out of work these past few weeks, his schedule proving to be quite irregular. There are some days when he struggles to even get out of bed. But there are also ones where he’s not exactly full of energy, more like he’s trying to catch up on all the time that he says he’s wasting. He can spend basically the whole day in the studio then but Wille’s not sure how fruitful those days are. He talked to Alice again though and they discussed maybe trying to fix his schedule a bit, since Wille doesn’t think it’s very healthy if he keeps going like this. His body can only take so many of these unregulated days. 

The recent weeks have been spent on trying, there’s definitely no denying that. 

“Do you remember that Indian place on Madison Avenue we wanted to try?” Simon asks, a bit out of the blue, so catching Wille by surprise a little. 

“Yeah,” he replies though because it does ring a bell. 

“Do you think we could stop there to pick up some food? I’d kill for some curry.”

Wille can’t deny that he feels quite taken aback with such a suggestion. For the past weeks, Simon has been barely eating. More times than he can count, Wille had to force some food into him because it was so concerning. The fact that he not only seems to be hungry now, but also is requesting a meal feels huge. Him getting his appetite back feels like a good sign. 

“Sure, we can make a pitstop,” Wille tries for his voice not to show how elated he is, knowing Simon would probably get annoyed with that. He never thought he’d be this delighted with a thought of a curry dish though. “You want to eat there or take to go?”

“To go please, I’m kind of tired.”

“Of course,” Wille more than understands how draining those therapy sessions can be so he totally doesn’t blame him for not wanting to be out in public now. But if he can admit this to himself, he kind of does miss their little dates where they would go on a lookout for some nice place. Of course, he’s more than willing to give Simon all the time he needs before he decides he’s ready to go back out there. It’s just a detail he can’t wait to go back to one day. Hopefully, soon. 

Wille reaches for Simon’s hand, thank the heavens for automatic gearshift again, and laces their fingers together gently as they continue to drive. 

He doesn’t really even try to hide his smile but if Simon notices, he doesn’t comment. 

Wille should really work on his cooking skills. 

As well as time management skills actually. 

To say that he’s in the middle of his attempt at making arepas from scratch when Simon returns home would be an understatement. He’s merely at the beginning and he already feels he must have messed something up. 

The kitchen counter is currently covered with a sheer layer of flour, yet the dough in the bowl is still too sticky, gluing to Wille’s fingers uncomfortably. Technically, he knows that to remedy it he should use more flour, but it feels like he’s already put half of the bag in there. 

He really begins to doubt if it will come out edible.

“Hey!” Simon greets from the front door as he enters upon returning from the studio. 

What first answers him is Wille’s frustrated groan as he tries to drop the ball of dough back into the bowl. Yet this task proves impossible now. 

“Hi,” he says eventually, still trying to remove the sticky mixture from his fingers. 

“What are you doing?” Simon frowns as he comes closer and throws a look around the messy kitchen. 

Wille sighs. 

“I’ve been trying,” he emphasises “to make arepas to surprise you with.I found a recipe on TikTok. Ugh, I should have just called your mom,” only now this idea hits him. He was too convinced that he could handle the recipe labelled quick and easy . It seems to be neither quick nor easy though. “Why didn’t I call your mom, goddamn it-” Wille keeps berating himself but what cuts him off is the sound of a laugh. 

He raises his gaze from the forsaken dough to see Simon pressing his lips together, trying and failing to suppress a laugh which in the end makes it out of his mouth.

Only now it hits Wille that it’s the first time he’s hearing his boyfriend laugh in what feels like forever. 

It’s an infectious sound. So is the smile slowly making its way up to Simon’s face. Such a beautiful sight. Wille takes a moment just to appreciate it, having missed it so much, before he feels himself burst out laughing too. 

And so, they stand in their kitchen space filled with ridiculous giggles. 

Once Simon calms down a bit, he rounds the counter to come closer and inspect the mess the dough is. He looks up at Wille and bites down on his grin. 

“Thank you,” he says, his voice genuine. “This is very sweet.”

Wille can’t just not smile himself. Seeing Simon like this, with a bright smile and laughing eyes… he’s been wishing for such a view to grace him again for who knows how long. This can only mean progress. 

“Sorry it didn’t work out,” Wille winces, now slightly embarrassed. 

His boyfriend’s expression doesn’t phase. He only shakes his head fondly. 

“I think we can still fix it,” he states and reaches for the bag of flour. “Have you tried adding more?”

“It feels like I put the whole bag in there!”

Simon chuckles again. 

“A bit more won’t make a difference then.” 

Wille just laughs back but supposes he’s right. 

They work together, Simon adding the flour as Wille keeps kneading the dough. Soon enough, it becomes less sticky, almost enough to be peeled off from his fingers, which is a relief. 

“How are you doing?” Wille risks the question after they’ve been working in a comfortable silence. 

First, he gets a sigh in answer. 

“Better,” Simon replies then and looks up to meet his eyes. Wille tries to search in his face if he really means it. He doesn’t notice any signs of untruth there. Simon nods, as if confirming it once more. “I’m doing better.”

Wille takes in his answer with a slow nod, allowing himself a tentative smile that he sees being mirrored on his boyfriend’s lips. 

“You?” Simon shoots the question back before looking back at the dough which finally is solid enough. 

“I’m doing good,” Wille says. “I mean, irritated that apparently I can’t follow a simple recipe.”

“They always make it look easier than it actually is,” Simon replies with a laugh. “But look, you made it!” He points triumphantly at the bowl. 

Wille snorts and shakes his head amusingly. 

“With your help though,” he points out. 

Simon is still smiling when he looks back at him. 

“Well, good thing I’ll always be here to help then.”

“Me too,” Wille means way more than just the cooking and somehow, he can feel that Simon gets it. His boyfriend looks at him lovingly before touching his cheek. 

“I love you,” he says genuinely, with no more hints of amusement.

“I love you too,” Wille smiles before pressing their lips together softly, in a sweet kiss. He wants to reach out and bring his boyfriend closer but Simon stops him as he pulls back. 

“Do not touch me with those hands,” he remarks and only now Wille remembers that his palms are now covered with flour as well as the residues of dough. 

Simon keeps eyeing him in a mockingly serious manner as Wille raises his hands in a surrendering gesture. 

“Go wash your hands so we can finish up,” he rolls his eyes fondly and Wille dutifully moves towards the sink. “What are we doing for the filling?”

“I… haven’t thought of this,” Wille admits and earns himself another chuckle. 

“Let’s see what we got then,” Simon retorts and goes to check what’s in the fridge. 

And Wille hasn’t even realised how much he’s missed moments like this. Just bustling around the kitchen, laughing, cooking together. It may be such a little thing but it makes an immense sense of joy spread throughout his whole body.

He hopes that from now on, moments like this will become a more common occurrence in their home.

“I think I’m going to call my mom.” 

They’re laying on the couch, after having just eaten the very much edible arepas, when Simon speaks. Wille pretends not to be surprised, glad that his boyfriend’s eyes remain on the tv in front of them, not on him. Simon has his head pillowed on Wille’s chest as he’s been playing with his curls gently. Wille hopes Simon doesn’t notice the way his movements flatter for a short second before picking up. 

“Yeah?” He just prompts and can feel Simon nod. 

“Yeah. I haven’t spoken to her in a while because of how I’ve been feeling and… I feel like she deserves some explanation. And an apology.” 

“I don’t think there’s anything to apologise for,” Wille states carefully. 

“There is. I know she’s been worried.”

Wille presses his lips together, not sure what to say. Yeah, Linda has been worried, he’s aware of that. She has been for a while now. Wille did tell Simon about that one time she called to ask how he’s doing, but also admitted he hasn’t shared with her what really is up. Simon did say it was better this way and that he’d speak to her about all this soon. He still hasn’t got around it though. 

Which is fine because it’s his thing to tell. He shouldn’t rush and, in Wille’s opinion, he doesn’t owe anyone an explanation nor an apology. But at the same time, he can see why Simon would want to explain some things to Linda, to give her a clearer picture of what he’s been dealing with. 

“If you feel that you’re ready to talk to her then sure, it sounds like a good idea.” He retorts. 

Simon sighs heavily. 

“I’m kind of scared though,” he admits.

“Why?”

“That she’ll be mad that I haven’t told her anything? I don’t know…”

“Älskling, I don’t see a world where Linda would ever be mad at you,” Wille’s words bring out a meek chuckle out of Simon. “Besides, she has no reason to be mad. Yes, you took your time with this but now you’re telling her everything so it’s all good, really.”

“I hope so…” Simon trails off. With another heavy breath, he raises from the couch. “Wish me luck, I guess.”

“Do you want me to be with you when you call or…”

Simon shakes his head before he can even finish the question. 

“I’ll be in the bedroom,” he retorts and lets himself press a quick kiss to Wille’s cheek before retreating to the other room.

Wille looks after him with a heavy sigh. As proud as he is of Simon for doing this, he’s also a little nervous and worried himself. He has no doubt that Linda won’t make Simon feel bad about anything that happened, but he also knows that Simon himself carries around a lot of guilt now. He feels like he has to make up for the time he spent feeling unwell. It’s like he was frozen while the whole world kept going around. And it’s overwhelming and hard for him to catch up now. 

Wille took it up on himself to try to make sure he isn’t taking too much upon himself though. But still, just as Wille came to find out, there are some things his boyfriend just has to do on hid own. The call with his mom feels like one of them. 

Trying to focus on whatever is on tv proves to be unsuccessful for Wille as he keeps wondering what is currently going on behind the bedroom door. Still, he’s above eavesdropping and knows it wouldn’t be the right thing to do, but he also needs to take his mind off this a bit. Right now, he’s kind of grateful the kitchen is still a mess after dinner so he can actually get to cleaning up. 

He’s not sure how long this whole process takes from him, but he’s just finishing polishing the counter when he hears the bedroom door click. As he looks up, he’s met with his boyfriend hesitantly making his way out of the room. Simon’s moves are a bit shaky and upon further assessment, Wille sees the streaks of tears still not fully dry on his cheeks. 

“Hey,” he steps around the counter and approaches him “come here.”

Without hesitation, Simon falls into his open arms, crying softly. 

“Shh, it’s okay,” Wille runs his hands up and down his back comfortingly. 

“She was so worried, Wille,” Simon says, his voice breaking. “She said she could feel that something was up but didn’t want to push I-, she wasn’t mad. Just so worried.”

“She’s your mom, of course she was.” Wille states softly. 

“And it made me feel so bad,” Simon continues through his sniffles. “But she just said she’s glad I’m telling her now and that she’s here for me… She even offered to visit but…”

“Would that be something you want?”

He can feel Simon shake his head. 

“I need to get more settled here. I don’t want her to see me like this,” he admits but then releases a shaky breath. “But I just miss my mom.” 

Wille squeezes his eyes shut, glad that Simon can’t see how his own face twists in pain. 

“I know, baby.” 

It takes a moment before Simon is ready to pull back from his embrace. Once he does so, he runs a hand over his face, wiping away the newly arrived tears. 

“I’m sorry,” he says. “I really thought I’m doing better and now-”

“Älskling, you are doing better,” Wille urges. 

“Doesn’t feel like it.”

“You just talked to your mom. That took a lot of bravery and I really think it’s progress.” 

Simon considers his words for a while before letting out a sigh. 

“I guess,” he retorts. “It did make me feel a bit better, I think. Like, I got something off my chest?”

“That makes sense,” Wille follows after his questioning tone. His boyfriend flashes him a smile but it’s one that’s gone shortly. 

“That was exhausting,” he admits. Wille reaches out to cup his face delicately. 

“I’m very proud of you.”

Simon snorts. 

“What has it come to, that you’re proud of me for talking to my mom,” he scoffs. 

“I’m always proud of you. Whatever you do.” Wille retorts and earns himself another brief smile. 

“Can we go to bed?” Simon asks then. 

“Yeah, sure.” 

He lets his boyfriend lead him back to the bedroom where they finish getting ready for the night. Although seemingly chill, the day does feel a bit exhausting. Probably because of all the emotions. 

But when he wraps his body around Simon’s in their bed and feels him melt into his touch, it feels like everything will actually be okay. 

The first thing Wille is hit with in the morning is panic. 

He gets only one blissful second of that state between still dreaming and being awake, before he realises that the bed is empty next to him. 

Sitting up so fast that his head almost spins, he looks around, but finds no trace of his boyfriend. His heart picks up in speed as he quickly climbs out of bed and heads out of the room. 

Only upon seeing his boyfriend out there, safely bustling around the kitchen, his dread eases. Wille lets out a relieved breath as he steps further into the room. Simon hasn’t noticed him yet. He’s wearing one of Wille’s t-shirts that’s hanging on him loosely and a pair of boxers. Something about such a cozy, domestic sight of him makes Wille smile. Although his steps still are cautious as he feels a bit suspicious of such a scene. 

“Hey,” he throws out tentatively, making Simon turn from where he had his back to him. 

“Oh, hi, morning,” he smiles before returning to whatever he’s preparing at the counter. 

“You’re up early,” Wille’s statement sounds a bit like a question as he takes a seat. “Didn’t you say you don’t have to be at the studio until noon?”

“Yeah,” his boyfriend confirms. “Doesn’t stop me from spending the morning with my boyfriend, does it?”

Well he does make a point. It’s just… such mornings haven’t really been a common thing for a while. Wille can’t help but be a bit surprised.

Recently, Simon getting up earlier than usual means he’s having one of his guilty days, as Wille started to call them. This kind of a day when he tries to catch up on everything and throws himself into a whirl of work. Not a very productive one though, it’s more like work for the sake of working. Wille hopes today is not one of these. 

“Here’s your coffee,” Simon slides a hug towards Wille on the counter. “Breakfast will be ready soon,” he inches his head towards the oven where Wille supposes the food must be cooking. 

Wille wraps his fingers around the pleasantly warm mug as his brain is still catching up with the current situation. Simon seems to be doing fine. He’s up early, making breakfast, humming under his breath… Wille hates how cautious he’s become of those calm, seemingly happy moments nowadays. He’s scared to finally let himself believe that things are turning for the better because what if they suddenly go south again? He’s not sure how many more revelations like these he can take. 

“Thank you,” Wille looks up from his coffee and smiles at his boyfriend. “This is very sweet of you.”

“Literally the least I can do to try to make up for everything.”

“What do you mean?” Wille frowns after taking a sip of his coffee. He forgot how much he loves it when Simon makes him one. It’s always perfect, somehow better than when he makes it himself. 

“You know,” his boyfriend shrugs. 

“I don’t know actually,” Wille admits “because there is no making up to be done.”

Simon sighs and looks at him with some sort of pleading eyes. 

“Wille, I’ve been acting very shitty-”

“You haven’t been acting shitty, you’ve been going through something-”

“I know,” Simon cuts in calmly, “but it doesn’t mean it didn’t affect you. And I haven’t exactly been in the right space to support you recently. I know you have your own struggles too and I’ve just been adding up to that because you had to worry about me-”

“I’ll always worry about you,” Wille chimes in “because I love you.”

Simon tilts his head and smiles softly but there’s some sad edge to it. He reaches to take one of Wille’s hands and lace their fingers together gently. 

“I know. And I love you and worry too, so… I guess what I’m trying to do is thank you. For all that you’ve done for me.”

“That’s literally nothing. And I know you’d do the same if the situation was reversed.”

“That’s not nothing, Wille,” Simon shakes his head. “You stood by me when I was miserable, got me help… I really appreciate it. Without you, I’d still be hopeless.”

“Don’t say that.”

“But that’s the truth. So… Thank you. And if there’s anything I can do to-”

“No, there’s no making up to do.” Wille stresses once more. “All you can do is just… get better, keep smiling?”

Simon snorts but a smile does indeed begin to stretch his lips. 

“That’s such lame talk.”

“It’s the truth!” 

His boyfriend’s smile widens and he shakes his head amusingly. Then he squeezes Wille’s hand, a more genuine expression appearing on his face. 

“But seriously, thank you.”

“I’ll take the thank you then,” Wille states. “You’re welcome. But there really is nothing to thank me for. You know I just want you to be happy, feel safe and okay, right?”

“I know. And I want the same for you.”

“Well, I am happy as long as I’m with you.”

“I really need you to shut up now, you’re almost crossing the cringe line.”

His words just make Wille gasp dramatically. 

“Sue me for being happy with my boyfriend, I guess.”

“Mhm, pretty sure you’d win if anyone sued you.”

“And you’re talking about cringe…” Wille shakes his head, mockingly offended which makes Simon roll his eyes fondly. “Come here,” he tugs at their joint hands, suddenly wanting to have his boyfriend closer. 

Simon rounds the counter till he can stand in between Wille’s open knees. He takes Wille hands in between his palms, brushing his hair away from his face delicately and just looking at him for a moment. His soft eyes are filled with so much more sunlight and that special spark of his nowadays. It’s a joy to see. 

“Can I have a good morning kiss?” He asks, and who is Wille to deny him anything? He nods before pressing their lips together softly, feeling both of them smile into the kiss. 

“Good morning, sunshine,” he says once they part, still keeping his eyes closed, soaking up the blissful feeling. 

“Good morning, baby,” Simon’s sweet voice reaches him, only making him smile harder. 

A good morning indeed. 

“Hey!” 

Wille is busy at the counter, almost missing his boyfriend’s greeting through all the sizzling that’s currently going on around him at the stove. Still, it’s like he can just feel Simon’s presence whenever he’s around, so he can be sure it is indeed him who just made it home. 

“Hi! Dinner is almost ready,” he calls back before switching off the stove and turning to where his boyfriend is toeing off his shoes at the front door. “How was-” 

He pauses once Simon comes to face him, utterly confused about what’s happening. 

“What is that?” He points to, what he can grasp from his place is, a ball of grey-ish fur in Simon’s arms. 

His boyfriend stands frozen for a second as if busted, before his eyes drop to his hands as well. 

“Oh, this,” he says as if only now realising he’s holding something. “Well this… is a cat. A kitten actually!” 

This makes Wille only more confused. His gaze keeps switching from the cat to Simon, who doesn’t really offer any more explanation. 

“And what is a kitten doing in our apartment?” He asks. 

“So, funny story,” his boyfriend begins then. The flash of a smile that appears on his lips seems slightly embarrassed but also remorseful. “Melanie’s cat had kittens. Many. So she brought a bunch of them to the studio today and asked if any of us wanted any because she can’t handle so many.”

Wille keeps listening but there’s nothing more that follows. 

“And you took one?”

“Mhm.” 

Wille thinks of something to say but his brain comes out empty. He opens his mouth once, twice, but still, his boyfriend returning home with a kitten in his arms is something he has difficulty wrapping his head around apparently. 

“Look,” Simon starts then, probably trying to break through Wille’s initial shock “I know I should have discussed it with you before bringing him home. But we did talk about wanting a cat, right? So… Wille, just look at him.”

Wille sighs but does come closer to look at him and… Well, there’s no denying the cat is cute. 

Not only cute. He’s adorable. 

“He climbed into my lap basically as soon as Melanie set him down. It was so cute, Wille,” Simon recalls, almost dreamily. 

The cat’s deep, hazel eyes keep staring back at Wille pleadingly. The grey fur blended with white seems so soft he almost reaches out to touch it and when he meows softly… Well, Wille is a goner. 

Simon seems to notice as he bites down on what without a doubt is a victorious grin. 

“So?” He prompts and holds the kitten a bit higher. “Can we keep him? Please?”

Now Wille has two pairs of pleading eyes staring back at him and well, he’s a weak weak man when it comes to his boyfriend. And he gets only weaker when there’s a kitten involved, it seems. 

“We’ll talk about it after dinner,” Wille decides because yes, as much as he’s a goner, it has to be a responsible decision if they want to keep a pet. 

But who is he even trying to fool, of course they’re going to keep him. 

Simon must somehow read it from his expression because he still seems elated with the dismissal of the talk.

“Can we eat on the couch?” He asks once Wille, with a heavy heart because he does want to keep looking at the cat and most preferably pet it, moves towards the kitchen again. 

“Sure,” he quickly plates the food and returns to the living room where he’s greeted with an adorable view of his boyfriend playing with the cat. This is a lethal combination for him, Simon and a cat. It’s cuteness overload when his boyfriend scratches him behind his ears as the cat meows with delight. 

Wille clears his throat, drawing Simon’s attention away from the cat to hand him his plate, which he accepts with a smile. Wille drops on the couch too and the cat takes interest in the new human as he crosses the small distance to rub against Wille’s leg and pur softly. He smiles, reaching to pet him and oh his fur is so soft. It’s like touching a cloud. 

They eat in silence which is only disrupted by a meow or a purr here and there, both of them paying more attention to the cat than the food, as he seems to be getting more and more comfortable on the space of their couch. And damn, once he stretches and then lays down in between them, fitting so well in here… Wille knows they’re not letting go of him. 

“How was your day?” Simon asks as he puts his finished plate back and the coffee table, now finally being able to pet the cat properly. 

“It was alright. Tough case though. A father who definitely has more than enough money refusing to pay child support,” he smiles sourly even at the memory. “It literally wouldn’t change much for him considering his income yet still.”

“He sounds dumb then,” Simon remarks. “It’s going to cost him more to get a lawyer and go through trial than it would to just pay the kid what he owes.”

“Exactly,” Wille agrees. “Whatever, we’re going to make him pay anyway, so,” he shrugs. 

“As you should.” 

“How was your day?” 

“It was fine,” Simon says but a bit hesitantly. 

“Yeah?” Wille prompts to make sure. “Everything okay at the studio?”

“Yeah, everything is good,” his boyfriend states. Yet, it feels like there’s something more he wants to say. Wille waits patiently, watching as Simon bites his lip and shifts to sit on the couch a bit more comfortingly, almost startling the cat in the process. “Actually, there was something we discussed in therapy recently.” 

“Okay. You want to talk about it?” Wille encourages tentatively. 

“Yeah, it was like… something so obvious that I can’t believe it hasn’t occurred to me before Ana said it but… Anyway, she asked me what I usually do to cope when I feel down like this. And I said that I write my songs. That I use them to sort of… pour my feelings out, you know, to deal with them.” Wille nods along his words. “So yeah, then she asked me if I’ve been doing that now and I said that yes. And that it’s actually kind of frustrating because I’m writing songs almost every day and it doesn’t seem to help anymore, you know? I still felt miserable so… And I was really scared of what it could mean. That, I don’t know, I’m not as passionate about music anymore or something. And that thought terrified me.”

“But then she asked something that just… hit right where it was supposed to, I guess. She said: okay, but do you actually write songs about how you’re feeling or do you just write songs about what you expect people want to hear?” Simon shrugs, letting out a self-deprecating laugh. “She was right. I didn’t write songs about how I feel because I didn’t think anyone would want to hear a ballad about a homesick boy feeling miserable. I tried to give the people at the studio a hit that could be my first single, show them that it was worth it to take me on. But in the process of that… I think my songs lost all the genuinity that they had. And that’s what I hated about them and what was so frustrating. That they stopped feeling like me.”

Wille listens, his heart breaking a bit inside his chest. Simon must have been in such denial about his feelings he wanted to bury them deep below everything, refusing to acknowledge them and trying to force on something different. One of the things that he loves the most about his boyfriend as a person but also as an artist is how genuine he is. That’s what makes the music so real. And now he gets why it felt so wrong for him not to write about how he feels. Because it simply wasn’t the truth and for Simon, the best things come out when they’re real. 

“So,” his boyfriend continues then, “after the therapy session, I went back to the studio and started writing. A totally new song. About what I’ve been going through and how I’ve been feeling… And it actually made me feel so much better,” he admits, his voice going quieter as if his throat was tightening. He lets out a shaky breath, trying to compose himself. 

“Baby…” Wille’s not sure what to say. All he knows is just how proud he is of Simon for, even if with some help, coming to this realisation and overcoming the struggle to actually create something genuine. He wishes he could find the words to describe just how huge it is. That Simon found his passion and spark again. That it was actually always within him. That what was lacking was just the real element of him.

But somehow that’s the hardest. Being vulnerable, opening yourself up like this, sharing an experience that was difficult to go through. Simon is so brave for doing that, much braver than Wille thinks he’d ever be. 

“This is amazing,” is all Wille can manage for now. He hopes Simon can feel some of his pride through his touch as he squeezes his hand.

“Yeah,” his boyfriend agrees. “I played the bits and pieces I have for now to the people at the studio and they loved it. They said it should be my first single I release under the label.”

“What?!” Wille sits up straighter. So abruptly the cat does indeed startle. Oh, he won’t have an easy life with them. “Älskling, this is huge!” 

“I know,” Simon just laughs but the joy is evident on his face.

“I’m so proud of you,” Wille says. He doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to contain the pride he feels for Simon. It’s such a huge feeling it feels like it’s running through his whole body, leaving a pleasant warmth that he hopes Simon can somehow feel too. “This is incredible.” 

“Yeah, it feels like things are starting to fall into place a bit,” Simon dares to admit. His eyes find Wille’s then and they shine with not only hope but also gratitude. “And it’s all thanks to you.” 

Wille smiles, caressing his boyfriend’s hand delicately. Then it hits him that he shouldn’t take the credit. That this is not his doing. That it’s Simon working on himself, making progress, overcoming the darkness that he found himself in. 

He shakes his head. 

“No, älskling. That’s all you.”

“Come on,” Simon rolls his eyes but he’s still smiling. “We both know that without your help, without you urging me to get help actually-”

“Yeah but all the work you’ve been doing… that’s all you, baby. Sure, I might have played a part but it was a very small one.”

“I don’t think it was small,” Simon protests lightly. “All your support, being by my side… It means a lot.”

“I know. And I know you appreciate it but that’s something I’ll do always. Good days, bad days, no matter what. And I know you’re just the same.” 

“Of course,” Simon covers their joint hands with his own, caressing Wille’s palm.

“I’m really glad you’re learning how to handle all these emotions and everything,” Wille starts. “But I think this whole thing has also taught me a lot.”

“Like what?” Simon frowns, sounding curious. 

“Well, for once, that love can’t fix everything,” Wille admits. “Because I love you, so much. And for a moment I felt really bad that despite all that, it still wasn’t enough to make you feel better.”

“I’m so sorry, Wille-”

“Don’t be,” Wille stops him quickly before he can spiral. Although he already can see the tears forming in Simon’s eyes at his confession. Still, it felt like something he finally had to admit. Simon has been so honest with him about how he’s feeling recently. It’s only fair Wille does the same. Simon deserves to hear it all. “That’s not on you and not on me either. It’s just how it is. That sometimes, love isn’t enough.”

“But it helps,” Simon tries. 

“Yeah, it does help a lot,” Wille agrees. “But this also took you wanting a change, you taking a step forward, getting help. And I’m so proud of you that you did,” only now it hits him how wet his own voice sounds. “That was something Boris told me actually. That there are some things both of us just have to do on our own. Some needs that we need to fulfill separately, while all the other can do is stay supportive and be a rock. And it has nothing to do with the love we feel for each other, just with the fact that we’re still independent humans, I guess. But whatever happens, I will always stand by you, you can be sure of it.”

“You too,” Simon says, his voice shaky.

“I know,” Wille reaches to cup his cheek. Simon’s eyes are full of unshed tears but this time, he can see they are not exactly ones of sadness. Maybe not of joy too but of appreciation and gratitude maybe. That’s what Wille feels in this moment at least. 

He leans in to kiss his boyfriend, a gentle press of lips that feels like the relief of coming home. A proof that no matter how exhausted or miserable they might be, they can always fall back onto each other. And that they will always be ready to catch each other. 

They both smile once their lips detach and damn it, Wille will never, ever get tired of seeing Simon smile so brightly like that. 

What pulls them out of this blissful moment is the sound of Simon’s phone vibrating from the table. Wille groans as his boyfriend glances at the screen before picking the device up. 

“It’s Alice,” he explains. 

“Didn’t we agree on no work calls after 7 pm?” Wille asks although he knows he’s right. Because he was the one who set this rule up himself with Alice. 

“Means it could be something important then,” Simon retorts and he does have a point. He answers. “Hi, Alice, what’s up?” 

Wille can’t really hear what his manager is saying but he can watch how the conversation plays out on Simon’s face. A mix of emotions is unfolding there now. 

“Yeah. What?” Simon asks almost shocked. “W-what are you talking about?” 

Before Wille can panic that something is wrong, he can see how the disbelief on Simon’s features transforms into joy. 

“Are you joking?” He questions whatever Alice told him. “Two weeks?” Another hint of shock but now it’s all beneath the delight. “Okay, yeah sure, we can make this happen. No, no, no, this is just insane,” he laughs. “Thanks for calling. Yeah you too, bye.” He hangs up and immediately turns to Wille with a grin.

“What’s up?” Wille already feels himself smiling though.

“They got me an appearance on a tv talk show,” Simon beings to explain. “I’m going to perform my new song and talk about it a bit.”

“Oh my god, Simon!” 

“But it’s in two weeks. Which means we have to finish the song and rehearse by then.”

“Wait, by the song you mean the song? The new one?”

“Mhm,” Simon presses his lips together but his eyes are still shining happily. “This is crazy.”

“Yes it is but oh my god!” Wille’s vocabulary seems to have been reduced because yeah, this is kind of insane. All he can do is throw his arms around his boyfriend now and squeeze him in an embrace. “I’m so proud of you, baby.”

“Thank you,” Simon hugs him back tightly. “There’s so much to do!” Only now it seems to hit him how little two weeks actually are. 

But Wille has no doubts he can make it. When Simon has a goal set, there’s no way he’s not reaching it. 

“But that’s the good kind of work, right?” He asks once they pull back. 

“Yeah,” Simon nods. “I’m kind of excited.”

“As you should be, älsking, this is amazing!” 

“Oh my god,” Simon falls back against the couch with a huff punched out of him. He keeps shaking his head, as if still disbelieving what just happened. 

It is hard to believe, maybe, how fast things are moving forward now, but that’s the only part that’s difficult to grasp. Besides that, he’s always known that Simon is incredibly talented and destined for great things. Seems like some of them are coming now. 

Wille steals another kiss from his lips, leaving them both smiling. 

“So proud of you,” he says again because it bears repeating. And is definitely worth it considering the smile Simon graces him with in answer. 

Throughout all that, the cat is observing them curiously, meowing as if he wanted to express his pride too. Simon and him chuckle at his contribution. 

“So…” Simon points with his head to the cat, a not so innocent expression playing on his features. 

Wille sighs and doesn’t even try to hide his smile. 

“Yes, he can stay.”

Simon basically squeals with joy as he reaches for the cat to hug him. Wille watches the display of affection fondly as he grabs their earlier abandoned plates and wanders into the kitchen to clean up. 

“What should we name him?” He calls out over his shoulder to where his boyfriend is still playing with the cat. 

“Hmm,” Simon thinks out loud. “Maybe Prince?” 

Wille arches an eyebrow at that. He puts the plates down and throws a curious expression at his boyfriend. 

“Prince? I didn’t know you had some liking for the monarchy.”

“I meant, as after the musician,” Simon chuckles. 

“Oh,” well that makes so much more sense actually. Wille glances at the cat again and yeah, he can see it. He’s not sure why, but the name somehow fits. “Prince it is then.” He agrees. 

Simon grins back in answer and it only solidifies how good of a choice it is. 

Well, it seems that their little family has just gained itself another member.

After a quick trip to the store for some cat essentials, the day comes to an end as Wille settles in bed. With Simon still in the shower, he checks his schedule for tomorrow’s work. He has a trial at the court set in the afternoon and besides that, it’s stuff in the office. Just as he’s putting his phone away, Simon emerges from the bathroom. 

“All good?” Wille asks as his boyfriend strides towards the bed. 

“Mhm,” Simon nods but instead of climbing into bed on his side, he climbs into Wille’s lap instead. 

Which is not of course a bad thing. Quite the opposite actually. 

Wille’s hands instantly go to rest on his hips. Simon smiles at this basically automatic reaction. His palms travel to Wille’s neck, fingers caressing the skin there delicately and drawing random patterns. For a moment neither of them says anything, but neither also moves further. Simon looks at him as if considering. But Wille’s not sure what. 

“What?” He asks in a whisper eventually but only gets a shrug in answer. 

“Nothing, can’t I look at my beautiful boyfriend for a moment?” A playful note clings onto Simon’s tone. Wille lets out a quiet chuckle. 

“I guess you can. If I can too.”

Simon rolls his eyes. He bites his lip before leaning in closer, so he can touch their foreheads together. 

“I missed you,” he whispers into the limited space between them before pressing their lips together. The kiss is long, nearly stealing all the air from Wille’s lips. 

“Yeah?” He prompts once they part to take a breath. Simon nods, brushing their noses together delicately. It’s like something magnetic gets created between them. A pull that Wille finds unable to resist so soon enough, their lips are on each other’s again. 

This time, he reaches for more. His hands travelling along Simon’s back, mapping the soft skin delicately till his boyfriend gasps into his mouth. Simon’s fingers tangle in his hair, running through it almost frantically, like he can’t find just one spot to hold onto and Wille gets it. Because he feels just the same. 

The kiss ends too soon again but Wille uses this moment to pose a question, not letting Simon chase after his lips immediately. 

“Do you want to?” He asks and can feel that his boyfriend hesitates before giving a nod. 

Not convincing enough. 

“Are you sure?” Wille inquires. 

“Yeah, I’m…” Simon lets out a tense chuckle. “I’m just a bit nervous.”

“Why?” 

“Because it’s been a while…” He retorts. “And I know it’s because of-”

“What you’re definitely not going to say now is that it’s your fault. Because it isn’t,” Wille cuts in before he can even finish. He gets a sigh in answer. 

“But it is-”

“Simon,” Wille resists the urge to shake his boyfriend because this is truly ridiculous “this isn’t anybody’s fault. We just haven’t had the time or weren’t in the mood. Which is totally okay.” 

Yeah, they haven’t been intimate for a while but so what? Has Wille missed it? Of course, he always wants to have his boyfriend close. Would he ever go through with anything while Simon wasn’t doing well? Of course not. Their relationship is so much more than just sex.

“Okay,” Simon seems to believe him now. “Yeah, I’m sorry, I’m just… I don’t even know,” he ends up just shaking his head. 

“You know we don’t have to do anything, right?” Wille makes sure to put it out there. “We can just cuddle or go to sleep. Whatever you want.” 

“No, I want to do it, just…” He lets out a breath. “Yeah, I’m a bit nervous, sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Wille takes his face in between his palms delicately “but remember, it’s just us,” he says because with them, it really is that easy. “And I would never do anything to hurt you or make you uncomfortable, you know that, right?”

“I know, of course I do,” Simon states instantly. “And same.”

“I know,” Wille smiles and runs his hands up and down his back comfortingly. “So, are you sure?” 

“Yeah,” Simon nods. “I am. Are you?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, kiss me then.”

Wille doesn’t have to be told twice. 

He gathers Simon even closer to him, till there is no space between them and their bodies connect as much as possible. Simon dives in to shower Wille’s neck with kisses, placing his lips everywhere he can reach. He lets his head fall back, giving him more space to work with.

And everything would be perfect, as if not the loud meow interrupting them. 

Simon doesn’t seem phased by it though, simply continuing his ministrations. While Wille on the other hand would prefer for Prince not to witness what’s about to happen in this bedroom. 

“Simon,” he gently tugs at his boyfriend’s hair to detach him from his neck. 

“What?” Simon asks, dazed. 

Wille points with his head towards where Prince is currently stretching next to their bed. Simon whips his head around to look. 

“So?” He turns back to Wille with a questioning gaze. 

“So? I don’t want him to be here while we do this,” Wille states in a whisper, not even wanting the cat to hear. 

“Come on, Wille,” Simon’s amusement is clear in his tone while Wille finds no reason to be amused right now. 

“I don’t want to traumatise our cat!”

“He’ll be fine.”

“How do you know that?” 

“Ugh,” Simon groans and turns back towards Prince, trying to point him towards the door. “Prince, come on, out,” he encourages. 

Apparently, they have a very well-behaved kitten because Prince does begin to retreat. 

Or he just knows better. 

“See? Problem solved,” Simon turns back to him victoriously. “Do you want me to close the door too?”

“Yeah, that actually would make me feel better.”

“Wille, it was a rhetorical question!” 

“But what if he comes back?!”

“Oh my god!” Simon climbs out of his lap and strides towards the door to shut them. “All good now?” He asks. 

“It will be when you come back here, yeah.” Wille smirks and his boyfriend shakes his head but all traces of any sort of irritation are gone from his face now. 

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Just come here,” Wille puts his arms towards him. As soon as Simon is within reach he  drags him back into bed and flips them around, so now he’s on his back while Wille hovers above him. They both chuckle at the sudden, unexpected switch. “So much better now.” Wille doesn’t really give Simon time to respond, he’d probably only have some sarcastic remark to make anyway, before kissing him again. Always an effective way to shut him up.

He slides in between Simon’s legs and his boyfriend wraps them around him, urging him even closer. Tilting Simon’s head back, he deepens the kiss, letting their tongues dance together, pulling moans deep from their throats. It’s addictive and damn, Wille has missed it so much. Having Simon close like this, making him feel good. 

“Take off your clothes,” Simon pants between them, already out of breath although they haven’t gone further than making out yet. Somehow, it makes this whole thing even hotter. 

“I’m only wearing boxers,” Wille says, earning himself an impatient groan. 

“That’s still clothes, please take them off.”

Wille chuckles but does as he’s asked. Then instantly removing the only piece of clothing Simon is wearing too so they can finally be skin to skin. 

It’s hot and it’s urgent, and intense. And it’s everything Wille wants right now. The rush, the desperation to stay as close as possible, to connect. Both of them impatient yet wanting to draw it out. 

His fingers travel along Simon’s sides, prompting a breathy moan. He detaches their lips only to press them against Simon’s neck, sliding lower on his path, leaving open mouth kisses all over his chest before swirling his tongue around his nipple till Simon arches his back. His palms are in Wille’s hair again, tugging at the strands pleasantly. 

“Wille, please,” Simon gasps, now totally melting under Wille’s ministrations. His chest heaving and his voice breathless. “I need you.”

Well, Wille’s never been able to deny him anything. 

He climbs back up the valleys of his body, making sure to press a kiss anywhere he can anyway. It must be a sweet torture for Simon since he’s growing more and more impatient. But Wille did promise himself to take his time. 

“You’re so perfect,” he says once he’s face to face with his boyfriend again. He brushes away a stray curl from Simon’s face and loves the way he leans into his touch once he rests his palm against his cheek. 

“Please,” is Simon’s only response, his vocabulary seemingly reduced to this one world. 

And all this, Simon being so responsive, so needy, so impatient, it’s also doing it for him and fueling all the desire that’s already threatening to spill out. 

Hastily and without letting their lips disconnect, Wille blindly reaches to the drawer on his right. Once he locates the lube, he still wastes no time, getting to it right away, excited for more. 

“So beautiful,” he whispers as his fingers keep working their way inside Simon. Their lips are so close, almost touching as if not the constant gasps escaping “you’re so amazing, so hot, so kind, talented-”

“Is this your idea of dirty talk?” Simon bites back, grinning back at him around the moan that leaves his lips when Wille slides his fingers further. 

“It’s my idea of reminding you how perfect you are.”

Simon laughs softly, using the grip he has on Wille’s hair to make him look at him. 

“So are you,” he says when their eyes meet and Wille feels a pleasantly hot shiver run through him. He seals their lips in a deep kiss again.

There’s a layer of sweat growing on their bodies and Wille runs his hand over Simon’s damp curls to keep them away from his face. The air gets thicker, temperature running high when they are pressed limb to limb like that. It feels like every sliver of Wille’s skin is burning, yet still asking for more. 

“I’m ready,” Simon states breathlessly, wrecked and impatient. 

“Are you sure?” Wille still checks in and gets a nod in answer. 

“Yeah. Just go slow.” 

“Of course.” 

He doesn’t want to take his eyes away from Simon’s face when he enters him, but the purely hot pleasure that floods him makes this task nearly impossible. 

“Fuck,” Simon’s hand lock around his arm, needing something to hold onto as he squeezes his eyes shut. His expression is not exactly pained but definitely strained. 

“You’re okay?”

“Yeah, just a lot. But keep going, please.” 

Wille does so, slowly sliding in further, observing every little change that happens on Simon’s face, seeing the exact moment when it finally morphs into bliss. Wille allows himself to let go then, the pleasure pulling him in and leaving him breathless as he keeps moving against Simon, slowly but deeply. 

Simon’s legs wrap around him, his palms sliding along his back, nails leaving delicate scratches as he keeps panting into Wille’s ear. As intoxicating as the sound is, Wille longs to pull more noises out of him. He changes the angle a little, rocking into him faster which earns him a loud moan. He hides his grin against Simon’s neck, biting down on the skin there gently. 

“Just like this,” Simon keeps rolling his hips against him, creating a delicious friction that Wille can’t get enough of. He wants to go faster, to finally reach the release but also wants to draw it out, having missed this feeling so bad. “Fuck,” Simon’s fingers lock around the bedsheets in a tight grip “please don’t stop,” he pleads desperately. 

Wille wouldn’t even dare to think of stopping, but Simon’s words only keep urging him on. 

“You feel so good,” Wille says, pressing a line of kisses against his neck before reaching his lips again. Simon pulls him in, making their lips meet in a wet, frantic kiss. “I’m close.” This feels too good and he’s already on edge, only hoping Simon will follow through shortly. Judging by his desperate nod, he’s not far behind then. 

Their movements grow more hectic now as they’re chasing after the release. It’s so close Wille can taste it from Simon’s tongue when they kiss, such an overwhelming feeling he feels it in his whole body. It’s like a wave crashing against the shore, sweeping over everything in its wake. That’s how the pleasure begins to make rounds in Wille’s body, leaving nothing else than pure, deep satisfaction. 

Simon is breathing heavily beneath him, his body still shaking slightly with the aftershocks. Wille lays his head on his chest, unable to move, hearing his fastened heartbeat. Yet, the sound is calming. 

He’s not sure how long it takes them to recover but after a while, Wille manages to lift his head so he can look at his boyfriend, who still seems to be floating on the high. He gives Wille a tired, yet satisfied smile. It’s still somehow so radiant that Wille cannot not smile back. 

“I love you,” gathering enough strength he moves further up Simon’s body to be able to whisper these words against his lips and then instantly taste his smile. 

“I love you,” Simon whispers back and pulls him back for another kiss. 

Once they somehow get their breathing under control and the room falls into a comfortable silence, suddenly, there’s a loud meow followed by the sound of scratching against the door. 

All they manage to do is burst out laughing uncontrollably, exhausted yet amused. 

Prince might have to get used to some stuff with them.

Autumn is hitting New York in full swing. Wille tightens his coat around him as a gust of wind blows against him when he’s exiting the metro station. A difficult task since he’s holding a bag full of takeout in one hand. But he somehow manages to do so, as he swiftly navigates his way to the studio. 

In all the time that they’ve been here, which still isn’t that much, just a few months, Wille has only visited Simon at work a handful of times. And all those times, it was planned. Not like this today. 

He really shouldn’t feel nervous. It’s not like Simon is going to kick him out for showing up unannounced.

Right? 

Finding himself in front of the studio’s front entrance, Wille grapples with the pocket of his coat to pull out his phone. He’s pretty sure Simon once sent him a message with which floor and which room he’s usually in while at the studio so hopefully, it will be the same one this time. 

“Wille, hi!” Just as he manages to wrestle his phone out, he hears his name being called. He turns to see Riley there, one of the musicians Simon works with. 

“Riley, hey,” he greets and offers them a smile “how are you?”

“I’m well,” they say before taking a drag of the cigarette in their hand. “You?”

“I’m alright.”

“Nice to see you here,” Riley eyes him maybe not critically but definitely with a bit of a mischievous expression. “It feels like it’s been a while.”

“Yeah. Decided to surprise Simon with lunch,” Wille admits. 

“That’s actually so sweet,” they admit and then hesitate for a moment. “I’m glad to see he’s doing better.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Have you heard the new song?”

“No, Simon doesn’t like to show me stuff before it’s finished.”

“Right,” they seem to remember how he mentioned it already and they both chuckle. “Well, it’s a really good one. Can’t wait to perform it next week. It’s going to be crazy.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Wille smiles. 

“Simon is rehearsing in room 32 now, just so you know,” Riley informs him then. “It’s just at the end of the hallway to your left when you enter.”

“Thank you so much,” he replies, actually very grateful for the tip. “Do you think I can just come in or…”

“Yeah, go ahead,” Riley waves off a bit dismissively “I think everyone in there knows who you are by now.”

Wille can’t help but chuckle at that.

“Thanks. See you around, Riley.”

“Mhm, hopefully sooner this time.”

“If Simon lets me, then sure.”

“Please, he’s obsessed with you. He’d literally have you here all the time if he could,” they roll their eyes fondly. 

“Bye,” Wille shakes his head amusingly as he steps away, seeing Riley wave at him with a smile. 

Once he does make it inside, it’s true that nobody takes notice of him. There is someone at the front desk but they just smile as Wille walks past to get to the room Riley mentioned. 

As he walks along the hallways looking for the room labeled 32, he can hear the soft tones of the piano. The faint sounds already create a beautiful, emotional composition that Wille feels himself getting lost in with each note. He’s sure he finds the right door without even looking at the number, as upon coming closer, he can hear Simon’s voice and even make out a few lyrics of his new song. 

Is this a game we play? 

I’m tired of the pain

I miss your smile

Your face is numb these days

Can we take a minute

Just get lost within it

Want it to be all I promised you to be…

Wille quickly shakes his head, trying not to think too much on these lines. And since he has immense respect for Simon’s work and his choice as of when to show him the final product, he knocks on the door and enters. 

The piano stops and Wille indeed finds his boyfriend inside. The surprised expression passing by on his face disappears quickly, morphing into a soft smile once he sees it’s Wille who interrupted him. 

“Hi,” Wille greets, offering a bit of an awkward wave but he’s still in a bit of a daze. 

“What are you doing here?” 

“I brought lunch,” he holds up the paper bag “best sandwiches in New York. According to Maddie, at least.” 

Simon tilts his head and looks at him with tender eyes. He’s so beautiful when he’s happy like this. 

“I’m actually starving,” he admits. “Come here,” he moves to make more space for Wille at the piano bench so they both can fit. “I hope you brought some for yourself too.” 

“Well, I am hungry too,” Wille states and soon produces two sandwiches from the bag, handing one to Simon. 

“Thank you. This is very nice of you,” his boyfriend says and gives him a kiss on the cheek. 

Wille looks around as they begin to eat. The room is simple, basically just the piano in here, white walls and wooden floors. 

“Do all instruments get rooms like this?” He asks. 

“Yeah, most. There’s like a bunch of these rehearsal rooms here. They’re really cool.” Simon replies over chewing a bite of his sandwich. 

“Nice,” Wille gives an approving nod. 

“Is this you checking up on me?” It’s Simon asking now. Wille frows and throws him a questioning look. “You coming here. Did you want to see how I’m doing?” His boyfriend explains. 

“First, I always want to know how you’re doing, yeah. But second, I did just want to have lunch with my boyfriend,” he admits and Simon’s slightly wary expression softens. “Plus, you’d kill me if I went to another cool place without you.”

“You and your lunch dates with Maddie…” Simon snorts. 

“Not my fault my superstar boyfriend has been in rehearsals for the whole week!” 

Simon rolls his eyes and turns to look at him, his eyes shining a little with remorse. 

“I’m sorry. I know I’ve been busy.” 

“Don’t apologise,” Wille shakes his head and swallows the food. “I’m glad you’re doing what you love.”

“I promise that after the performance things will let up a bit though. This is just super last minute-”

“Baby, I know,” Wille assures once more. His last intention was to make Simon feel guilty about his work now. Especially since he’s seeing how much joy it’s begun to bring him again. 

Even if Simon returns late from the studio now, it’s like he’s still buzzing with energy. He keeps animatedly telling Wille how the process of the song is going, shares his ideas for what’s next and it’s just… Wille thinks that this is how it’s supposed to be, how he’s supposed to feel about all this. And it brings him so much happiness to see his boyfriend like that. 

“So, when do I get to hear it?”

“Hear what?” Simon’s brows furrow cutely. 

“The song,” Wille rolls his eyes because it’s pretty obvious. “You’re finished with it, right?”

“With writing, yeah. We want to record later today.”

“Okay, perfect. Then I can hear it, like, right after, right?” 

“Mi amor…” Simon trails off, a little abashed. 

“What? Where are my boyfriend privileges?” 

“They’re still here just…” Simon hesitates and lets out a breath. “I guess I’m a bit nervous to show you this one.”

“Why?” Wille looks at him a little suspiciously. 

“Because… it’s kind of about you so…” His boyfriend admits. 

“Wait, wasn’t it supposed to be about you and how you feel?” Wille recalls, now confused. 

“It is, just…” Simon struggles his way through the answer. “It is. But it’s also about how you’ve been helping me through it.”

Oh. 

That shuts Wille up for a second. 

It’s just a very sweet concept. 

“But you’ve written songs about me already,” he can’t help but point out.

“Yeah but this one just feels very vulnerable so…”

“You don’t think I’m going to like it?”

“I mean, I hope you’ll like it-”

“I’ll love it,” Wille shrugs. He has no doubts. 

Simon throws him a deadpan gaze. 

“Say that after you’ve listened.”

“I already know I will but please let me listen, please…”

Simon throws his head back with a laugh at his pleading tone. When he looks back at Wille, there’s amusement written all over his face. Wille just pouts, still hoping to win him over. 

“Ugh, okay I’ll let you listen later tonight,” his boyfriend bends and Wille almost wants to do a happy dance. He’s so excited to hear something Simon’s been working on so passionately. 

Wille presses a kiss to his lips to express his gratitude. That’s the best form of payment he can think of right now. 

“Do you want to know what the song will be called?” Simon asks then and duh of course, stupid question. 

“Yeah, of course.”

“It’s called the one.”

Oh. 

Wille looks back at him and he’s sure the emotion is evident on his face. It’s such a simple phrase yet for them, it means so much. Because they are each other’s the ones . It somehow feels huge that Simon wants his first single under the label to be called like that. Such a subtle thing, yet so meaningful. 

Wille reaches for Simon’s hand in his lap and tangles their fingers together. 

“I love you,” he says once their eyes meet again, receiving a soft, beautiful smile from his boyfriend. 

There are no other words he can think of saying now because these have always meant so much more than just the feeling for them. And somehow, even without any words, they both have known that. 

“I love you too,” Simon smiles and thankfully, decides not to comment on just how moved Wille feels by a simple song title. Actually, Wille thinks he gets him. “You’ll come with me, right?” His boyfriend’s question throws him off a bit. 

“Come with you where?”

“To the talk show.” Simon replies. “Alice will be there too but I’d really want you to be there.”

“If you want me to be there, then I’ll be there,” Wille states without further ado, earning himself a smile from Simon.

His boyfriend drops his head on his shoulder and begins to play some random melody on the piano, the soft sounds filling the space. Wille closes his eyes and just thinks: this is everything . 

Backstage at a tv talk show is probably the last place Wille, or at least the Wille from like two years ago, would imagine himself in. Yet here he is. 

The perks of having a superstar boyfriend, he guesses. 

Alice is standing by his side, overseeing the whole process of Simon getting mic-ed up and ready for the performance. Riley and Asher have already taken their places on the little stage, by the guitar and the drums respectfully. 

And Wille? Well, he just hopes he won’t cry as soon as Simon opens his mouth to sing. But he’s pretty sure it’s hopeless to think so. 

Because he loves the song so much. It’s so beautiful, so vulnerable, just so true. It feels like everything Simon’s been through is there but it’s dressed up so well in words that sometimes, you have to read between the lines a little. This kind of songwriting is becoming Simon’s forte now. 

Musically, it’s nothing less than perfect too. Beautiful intro on the piano which soft sounds continue on, later being joined by some heavier guitar and drum beats. Wille knows he’s no music critic but for him, that’s the most amazing piece of music ever created. Call him biased maybe,

But Simon’s fans seem to agree. It hasn’t even been a day since the song is out, yet the internet has been flooded by a lot of love and understanding for the song. Lots of people commented that they can relate to it on different levels and Simon cried when Wille read him those comments. Because this is also a part of why he’s doing this. To show people that they are not alone in feeling like this. And that there is hope for a change and for healing. 

Once the crew guy deems Simon all set, he turns to where Wille and Alice are standing. 

“How are you feeling?” Wille asks. 

“Terrified,” Simon replies without further ado. Nobody can blame him. It’s his first time performing like this, at a tv show that’s aired all across the States. “But a bit excited too.”

“You’ll do amazing,” Alice states, something about her neutral tone making the statement come out even more authoritative. 

The programme isn’t live. Thankfully, because that would probably send Simon into a whole other frenzy, so they’re here to record what will be broadcasted later tonight. So, that’s some relief. 

“Places!” Someone calls on set and people begin to move. 

Simon steps up to Wille for a quick, good luck kiss though. 

“Good luck,” Wille gives his hands a reassuring squeeze, trying to transfer the residues of any calm energy he might have left to him. Although he knows everything will go perfectly, he’s slightly nervous too, sue him. “You’ll do great.”

“Okay,” Simon lets out a breath, apparently, choosing to believe him. “Let’s do this then,” his gaze switches from Wille to Alice, who reaches out to squeeze his shoulder in encouragement.

“Go be the star that you are,” Wille adds and Simon offers him a grin before skipping back towards the stage. 

Wille and Alice keep watching as Simon settles by the piano, discussing some last details with a crew member and sharing smiles and thumbs up with Riley and Asher. 

“I haven’t even asked you yet,” Alice speaks from his side then. “What do you think of the song?”

Wille throws her a deadpan gaze. 

“What do you think I think?” He asks ironically, which makes her crack a smile. 

“Thought so,” she retorts and they both share a smile. 

Truth is, him and Alice have bonded a bit over the past few weeks. All because of the common goal they share, which is taking care of Simon and making sure he’s doing okay. But well, it’s been nice to have someone on his side, especially during the harder times. He could count on Alice to reach out to him when something was bothering her about Simon, or with some studio updates his boyfriend forgot to mention. Wille’s not sure if it’s friendship yet, but it’s definitely something. 

There’s another call on set and then the host appears. A man named Connor Hill, after whom the show was named. It’s been airing for over a decade now and has captured the hearts of the American audience, making it one of the most watched programmes on a Friday evening. 

So, no pressure. 

Some more commands are called, the cameras start rolling and well, here they go.

The audience gathered in the studio claps as the host makes his appearance, as enthusiastic and charming as ever. 

“Hello and welcome to Late night with Connor Hill!” He starts his intro. “I am Connor Hill and we have a lot of fun in store for you tonight. First up! The up and coming star who’s just released his newest single. If you don’t know him yet, it’s high time to get familiar. Performing the one, give it up for Simon Eriksson!” 

The cheers sound again and Wille feels like he’s holding his breath before the first notes of the piano start. 

Simon is focused, his fingers gliding over the keys elegantly. A view Wille’s been graced with so many times. One that reminds him of many homes. Of Simon’s bedroom back in Barcelona where he first saw him play, of his own place in Stockholm where he used to watch the videos of his boyfriend playing, of their apartment here which now constantly is filled with the sounds of this instrument as Simon practices. 

And then Simon starts singing and that’s how Wille knows that he’s home right now. 

Feeling lost

What’s my cause

Is this what’s meant to be?

Climb on top

Never stop

Be who you want to be

Is this a game we play? 

I’m tired of the pain

I miss your smile

Your face is numb these days

Can we take a minute

Just get lost within it

Want it to be all I promised you to be

Simon’s voice sounds softly, curling around the words delicately, singing them out with such emotions it makes Wille’s heart squeeze in his chest. He can already feel the tears welling up in his eyes and Simon’s barely finished the first verse. In the corner of his eyes, he can see Alice glancing at him but she doesn’t comment. Just continues to stare ahead at Simon then, her arms clasped upon her chest and a proud smile playing at the corners of his lips. 

Simon smoothly moves to the chorus, the tones of the piano blending together as he creates a sort of stronger melody during this part. 

Still the one who’s always pulling me back

Still the one who’s been missing my love

Still the one who’s always there by my side

All the time

Still the one who has had all my trust

Still the one who I burn for with lust

Still the one that I’m ready to fall for

Again and again

Want to give you the world

‘Cause you’re giving me hope.

As discreetly as he can, Wille wipes the tears from the corners of his eyes. There’s always been just something about watching Simon perform that he can’t explain. It’s in the way he sings so passionately that it makes you feel all the emotions and relate to the lyrics. In the way he feels the music with his whole body, basically letting it take over. Wille missed watching him like this and he knows Simon missed it too. The thrill of performing that brings him so much joy. 

The guitar and drums join for the second verse, the chorus and then bridge, bringing the song to a new level. What started as a soft ballad does now get a bit of a kick, yet the piano is still leading the way and it’s more like the other instruments are just accompanying it, not overpowering it. 

It’s beautiful. Perfect. Wille can’t find any other words to describe it. 

Way too soon, the song ends. Yet right away the studio erupts into loud applause and cheers. Wille feels himself smiling so widely his face almost hurts, as he joins into the cheers with Alice. 

Simon seems just as emotional but he’s keeping it together quite well. Wille knows that it’s probably the adrenaline that’s still running through him, preventing him from believing that this is really happening. He stands up from the piano bench and gives a small bow towards the camera, mouthing a thank you. 

“Simon Eriksson everybody!” The host himself is clapping loudly too. “Give him a big round of applause!” 

So the audience continues cheering as Simon quickly runs to hug Riley and Asher, probably whispering thank yous to them too. Then he makes his way towards the other side of the stage to join the host, as it has been planned. Wille wishes he could just run up to hug him now though. 

“What a performance, wow!” Connor still is gushing as Simon and him shakes hands. “You are a vocal powerhouse, young man!” 

“Thank you,” Simon answers laughingly before the host points him to a seat. 

“So, I’ve been told that this is actually your first time doing this,” Connor begins the talk show part now as he himself sits behind a desk. “A talk show slash tv performance?”

“Yes and it feels totally insane right now,” Simon admits. “I’ve had a bunch of performances here and there but nothing’s ever been televised or… So yeah, this feels pretty huge! Thank you so much for having me.”

“Of course! We are the ones that should be thankful you graced us with such an amazing performance!” Connor remarks. “But let’s go back a bit: is this your first ever single?”

“Not exactly,” Simon begins to explain. “I’ve been releasing music for like two years now I think, but it’s all been just self-releases. So this is my first single under Harmony Horizon, the label I signed with.”

“Wow, amazing! This feels like a huge deal then. Can you tell us a bit about the journey that has led to the release then?”

“I mean, it really has been quite a journey,” Simon laughs. “I moved here to New York from Spain when I got the record deal.”

“Quite a journey indeed! So you didn’t live in New York before?”

“No, I literally moved with my boyfriend a few months ago.”

“And how has that been? What do you think about New York?”

“I really like it but…” Simon hesitates a little, releasing a bit of a shaky breath. “I’m not going to lie, it’s been a bit of a tough process for me. Moving so far away, to such a different environment… I’ve been feeling quite homesick and all but… I’ve had amazing support, got some help and I’m really doing better now, so…” He trails off. 

“Yeah, I can only imagine,” the host nods sympathetically. “I’m a born and raised New Yorker, can’t really imagine myself living anywhere else!” 

“Yeah, I think for a moment I couldn’t either. But then I met my boyfriend and my perspective on that sort of changed. And now, getting the deal here, it was just too good of an opportunity to pass out on.”

“Oh yeah, totally. But why did you change your perspective then? After meeting your boyfriend, you said,” Connor inquires. 

“We were doing long distance before moving here,” Simon recalls. “I was living in Spain and he was in Sweden. So technically, when we became serious, I think I started to warm up to the idea of possibly having to move. Because if we wanted to be together, and we did want to be together,” he emphasises, prompting a few laughs from the audience “at least one of us would have to. Well, maybe I didn’t expect it to be so far away but… here we are now!” 

“So you ended the long-distance with moving here?”

“Yes. So in the end I got so much more than just a job here,” Simon laughs. 

“Oh yes, a perfect deal!” Connor joins in. “Let’s circle back to the new song a bit though. Because I think you described the feeling of being homesick quite well in there, am I right?” 

“I mean, I do hope so. This is what it’s about. How I’ve been feeling after moving here, what I’ve been going through… How it felt like I had everything I wanted, yet still something was missing. And I know that’s a bit of a grim picture but I hope this song feels as hopeful to the audience as it does to me. That although things may seem grim after such a huge, life-changing event, there’s hope it will get better, that you will get better.”

The audience gives a round of applause after that. Wille smiles. 

“That is very beautiful and a feeling I think that many can relate to,” Connor sums up, for the first time sounding more serious than on the joking side. “So in these sort of dark moments, what gives you hope?” 

“I mean, cliche answer but my music,” Simon smiles. “I use my songs to deal with everything that I’m feeling, so writing this one has actually been quite healing. And yeah, besides that, all the support I’ve been getting. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do all that, release the song, get the help that I needed, without my boyfriend though. He’s definitely the one that’s giving me hope too.”

Wille rolls his eyes. Simon really does tend to give him too much credit. 

“Is he the titular the one then?” Connor asks with a sly smile. 

“I mean, yeah,” Simon admits. The question did put him in the corner a bit. But Wille told him that he’s fine with Simon discussing their relationship, as long as it’s just some surface stuff. Since Simon admitted that the song is in a way about Wille, they did expect questions like this so he’s sure his boyfriend was prepared. 

And well, Wille does not mind the ego boost sometimes. 

The fact that it’s on national television is a bit crazy though. 

“He’s been so supportive and patient with me throughout all this,” Simon retorts, his eyes shining a little. “And he has been an inspiration for many of my songs. A muse, as my team at the studio says,” he rolls his eyes fondly. Wille can hear Alice stifle a chuckle. “He’s been helping me a lot through everything that’s been going on, so… Yeah, he is the one. Always ready to pull me up when I’m down, always catching me, just… being by my side and supporting me. Even when I’m a lot. He’s sticking right through it and I could not be more grateful.” 

The audience awws and Wille feels his cheeks heat up. Alice reaches out to squeeze his shoulders in support. 

“That is so beautiful,” Connor states approvingly. “I think we can wish everyone a love like that, right?” The audience seems to agree as another wave of cheers sounds through them. “So besides that amazing song, which is out now on all the streaming platforms so make sure to give it a listen, what else are you cooking up?” 

“I’m definitely working on an album,” Simon admits with a smile. “Yeah, we have a lot of songs already so that’s definitely the plan. And my team at Harmony Horizon is really amazing, letting me take the lead to make this album as me as possible. Which I appreciate so much because I want my debut album to give you a feel of who I am as an artist as well as a person. So yeah, an album is something that’s in the works, for sure.” 

“Well, what an amazing news we’ve just heard!” Connor cheers. “You definitely have to come back once the record is out then!”

“It’d be my pleasure.” 

“Thank you so much for the beautiful performance and the amazing talk, Simon, I wish you all the success!”

“Thank you so much.” 

“Give it up for Simon Eriksson one more time!” The host encourages. “And make sure to check out his newest single the one , out now! We’ll be right back!” 

Cheers sound again as Simon and the host exchange some more pleasantries before someone yells cut. Then there’s more people moving, changing set-ups, camera angles and all. But Wille only has eyes on Simon, impatiently waiting till he’s done talking with the host. Thankfully, soon enough, his boyfriend is free. And of course the first place he runs to is Wille’s arms. 

Wille, of course, catches him, wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace and burying his face in his neck. 

“You were amazing,” he whispers against his skin. 

“I feel like I’m still shaking,” Simon says before pulling back a little. “I didn’t say anything embarrassing, I did?” He panics then. 

“No, you were perfect,” Wille supplies quickly. 

“You did great,” Alice confirms with a squeeze to his shoulder. “Everyone is nervous their first time. But you managed really well.” 

“Thank you,” Simon lets out a relieved breath. 

“I’m so proud of you,” the words were just begging to be out of Wille’s mouth. Simon not only delivered an amazing performance, but also spoke about his struggles and that’s huge. Proud doesn’t cover it actually but Wille doesn’t know what else to say. 

He wraps an arm around his boyfriend’s waist, pulling him closer so he can place a soft kiss against his temple. Simon instantly melts against his side and looks up at him with a smile. 

“How are you feeling?” Wille asks. 

“I’m alright but exhausted though,” Simon replies. 

“Let’s get home then?” 

His boyfriend nods before stealing a quick, sweet kiss from his mouth. It leaves them both smiling. 

“Just FYI,” Alice starts then. She has a phone in her hand now and speaks again after a bunch of vigorous clicks against the screen. “There’s a few fans outside, Simon.”

“Oh,” a small sound leaves Simon’s lips. 

“We can just quickly walk past them if you’re too tired,” Alice offers and Wille nods along. 

“Yeah, I have the car in the front.” 

“No, it’s fine,” Simon speaks softly. “I can come meet them for a moment.”

“Are you sure?” Wille inquires. It’s totally up to Simon but he just doesn’t want his boyfriend to take on too much right now. 

“Mhm, yeah,” Simon nods. “It’s nice that they came.” 

He takes Wille’s hand as Alice leads them towards the elevator, where they go down and head towards the exit of the building. Through the glass doors, Wille can see a small crowd has indeed gathered there. Maybe around fifteen people, conversing passionately and clearly waiting. 

“You can still change your mind,” Wille leans in, to Simon to remind but his boyfriend shakes his head. 

“It’s okay, let’s go,” he decides and so they leave the building. 

Immediately, the sound of cheers surrounds them as the fans notice them exiting. Simon offers them all a wave and a smile. And Wille has to say that they are being very respectful. Nobody pushes towards his boyfriend, all of them just waiting patiently till he approaches. Some of them have photos they ask to sign, with some, Simon takes photos and takes his time to chat a little. Wille even hears some Spanish being thrown around and smiles. He knows his boyfriend doesn’t get that many opportunities to speak his native tongue here. 

Wille chooses to hang in the back though, keeping his eyes on Simon and the crowd. Just observing, ready to step in if anything concerning was to happen. The building’s security also is on alert so it makes him feel better that there’s more eyes on the situation. 

“Do you need a ride home?” He asks Alice who is still hanging out by his side. 

“No, I actually live nearby,” she replies and then turns to him, taking her eyes away from Simon and the fans. “Make sure he gets some rest today.”

“Of course.” Wille nods at her solemnly. 

“We love the one so much, Simon!” He hears some of the fans speaking excitedly. 

“Thank you, it really means a lot,” Simon replies genuinely while signing a photo another fan hands to him. 

“When is the album coming out?” Some other fan shouts out the question. 

“I wish I could tell you but I actually have no idea.” Simon’s answer prompts a few chuckles. “It’s still very early stages.”

“Well, we’ll be waiting and streaming the one in the meantime,” one fan retorts but the rest hums in agreement. 

After making sure everything that was supposed to be signed is signed  and everyone who wanted has a picture, Simon finally steps away from the crowd, retreating towards where Alice and Wille are standing. 

“Thank you guys so much for coming. I hope you’ll keep enjoying the single,” he bids the fans goodbye as they cheer and wave back at him. As he turns back to Wille, he can see that his boyfriend is a bit overwhelmed. Yet he’s pretty sure the people didn’t notice. Wille just knows him too well to notice the subtle changes in his expressions. 

“All good?” He asks once Simon is within reach and wraps a comforting arm around his waist. 

“Mhm, yeah,” his boyfriend flashes him a smile. “Let’s go home?” 

Wille nods and they both turn to state their goodbyes to Alice. 

“See you tomorrow,” she says after hugging Simon. “You have some interviews scheduled to promote the single. I’ll send you over all the details.” 

“Thank you, you’re an angel,” Simon smiles at her gratefully. 

“Just doing my job,” she shrugs, prompting him to roll his eyes fondly. “See you around, Wille. Take care of this one,” she inches her head towards Simon again. Wille nods as she steps away and gets on her way. 

They also set on the short walk to where Wille parked the car. Once they make it inside, Simon drops heavily onto the passenger seat. If he was exhausted right after the tv appearance, the encounter with fans must have completely drained him. Wille reaches out to rest a comforting palm on his thigh. 

“You really did amazing today,” he says again. 

Simon tilts his head towards him. There’s a tired, yet satisfied smile on his lips. 

“Thank you,” he rests his palm above Wille’s, caressing it gently. 

“Also,” Wille holds his hand up and then reaches towards the backseat to retrieve the box, before presenting it to Simon. His boyfriend frowns but takes it into his hands, a bit suspicious. “Donuts from the place you like so much,” Wille explains and his Simon’s expression morphs into pure joy. 

“Oh my god, I love you,” he says and begins to dive into the box vigorously. “Thank you so much, mi amor.” 

“Well, a kiss in thanks would be nice actually,” Wille remarks. 

Simon throws him an unimpressed, yet amused gaze before leaning in to indeed give him the requested kiss. 

“Thank you so much, you’re the best boyfriend in the world,” he says against his lips before following with one more, very much welcomed kiss. 

“Mhm, that’s better,” Wille hums and starts the car as Simon begins to devour his sweet treat. 

It’s only a few minutes into the drive when his boyfriend speaks again, with his mouth half-full of  a chocolate glazed donut. 

“Wait, don’t you have to be back at work?” He asks, probably only realising now that it’s still pretty early in the day. Wille doesn’t blame him, he’s had a lot on his hair today and a lot of emotions to juggle on top of that. 

“No. Cleared my schedule for the day,” Wille replies. “So, I’m all yours.” 

“Hmm, I do love that.” His boyfriend retorts dreamily. 

“What do you want to do?” 

“Come home. Cuddle with my boyfriend and our cat. Probably take a nap.” 

“Sounds like a perfect day to me,” Wille states and sees Simon smile in the corner of his eye. 

They don’t get to drive for a lot more, since soon they are met with an enormous traffic jam. Wille sighs. He still tends to forget how horrible New York traffic is and it always comes back to bite him in the ass. He leans back in his seat a bit. It will be a longer way home than he expected. 

“Want one?” Simon offers him a donut and well, since they’re stuck here anyway, Wille accepts. 

Sitting here like this, the noises of New York City a little faint behind the closed car doors and windows, munching on the very much delicious donuts, it actually feels kind of cozy. 

And well, there’s no other person that he’d prefer to be stuck in traffic with than Simon. He does make everything, even the most mundane things better.

“It has its charm, doesn’t it?” His boyfriend prompts then as he’s looking outside the window. 

“What?” 

“New York.”

“You say that while we’re stuck in traffic?” 

Simon snorts but Wille sees he’s smiling once he turns to face him again. He lets his head fall against the headrest, a slightly pensive expression appearing on his face. 

“I guess I’m only just noticing it now,” he retorts. 

“Well, I’m glad you think so then,” Wille takes his hand in his, lacing their fingers together gently. They always fit together so well. 

When Wille looks at him now, at the loving eyes, beautiful smile, now slightly messy hair that he loves so much on him, all on the background of New York unfolding outside the car window behind him, he has to admit: the city does have its charm. Although, maybe it’s just Simon that’s bringing out the best of it. 

Being faced with a such a beautiful view of his gorgeous boyfriend, Wille just has lean in to kiss him. So he does. 

“I love you,” he says. The truest words of all that are on his lips every time he has Simon close. 

His boyfriend cups his cheek, running his thumb against the skin tenderly. 

“I love you too,” he replies with a smile and they share another kiss. 

The cars in front of them begin to move then so, regretfully, Wille pulls away to focus back on the road. Their hands stay linked though, with Simon playing with their fingers. A familiar and comforting touch. 

They’re heading home. But actually, home is wherever Simon is.