"Half Shy - Everything in You" 

1:18  ●━━━━━━───────   2:26

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❝Lights and Promises❞

The year had come to an end, and what better way to mark it than with a beautiful and tender romantic dinner under the colorful fireworks in Bellhop's backyard? Bellhop, not only Ren's adoptive father but now also Pip's business partner and father-in-law. Who would have thought that on a peculiar cold-front day several days ago, he would meet the Terra that would change his life? That silent Terra, who, now at the beginning of the new year, had brought him what was missing in his life – a happy family, an almost impossible wish given his profession as a mafioso. Thanks to Ren, it was now more than a wish; it was a reality that painted Pip's heart with an immense warmth that only increased with every color he saw in the sky, accompanied by the comfortable silence Ren provided.

In the serenity of the night, after the last flickers of fireworks faded in the sky, giving way to a romantic silence, Pip and Ren found themselves in their own corner of happiness, lying together on the nearly empty picnic blanket. The backyard, adorned with twinkling lights, became the perfect setting for an impromptu picnic under the stars, carefully crafted by Ren, an intimate refuge after the grand New Year celebration.

Pip remained lying on the blanket, holding his beloved's hand with affection, gazing at the dark sky for a moment with a mix of fascination and gratitude, savoring the warm feeling. He glanced at the food he hadn't tried yet, the dishes Ren had meticulously prepared – a feast that Ren had prepared for his beloved. Although initially unsure about the appearance of these dishes, Pip was now proud of Ren's culinary creations.

"Thanks for this, Ren... everything is just beautiful, simply the most beautiful way to end and start the year," Pip exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident but his voice soft and full of affection, not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the night or the beautifully quiet atmosphere.

Ren, in his silent nature, only nodded in response but would soon draw closer to him, revealing the affection and admiration he felt for Pip without saying a word. The picnic, a gesture of love and dedication, was Ren's way of expressing the depth of his affection for his charming partner.

"This picnic is perfect. I can't wait to try it," Pip said without hesitation, snuggling more into Ren's imposing figure, turning to him with admiration for that beautiful detail, trying to express his excitement.

Of course, his excitement wouldn't go unnoticed by Ren, who hugged Pip carefully to sit while still holding him against his body to start the feast. Ren began serving the carefully prepared delights, and Pip watched in admiration as his beloved carefully arranged the dishes, delighting in the tender scene and the delicious aroma that he could perceive, even though some of the desserts seemed slightly burnt or lacked an ingredient. Finally, after serving various portions of his desserts on different plates, Pip knew it was time to taste one, instinctively grabbing a cute chocolate cupcake that definitely looked better in the magazine.

He took the first bite, remaining in total silence, savoring that "exotic" taste. Naturally expressionless without faces, Pip, in particular, was talkative, so his silence made Ren look at him with a certain anxiety. Had he overdone it with an ingredient, or maybe the lack of an ingredient bothered him? The doubt was so great that, seeking even more closeness, Ren would break his usual silence.

"Do you like it, Pip?" Ren asked, seeking to know what was happening with his beloved.

Pip remained still for a few more seconds while he felt that peculiar flavor lingering on his taste buds. Slowly, he would place the plate aside, only to carefully embrace the Terra, laughing joyfully.

"Of course, I love it! It's not perfect... but that makes it even more special and, therefore, delicious," Pip replied. In his excitement, he would lightly bump his visor against his beloved's "cheek," leaving him completely still in a mixture of shyness and contentment, which he wouldn't contain, as he reciprocated that embrace, burying his "face" in that soft fur he loved so much about Pip.

The conversation sank into a comfortable silence as they enjoyed each other's company and the exquisite flavors that filled the air. Ren, despite his silent nature, found subtle ways to express his love, and Pip, in his extroversion, found calm and happiness in that unique connection they shared.

After satisfying their appetites and sharing discreet laughs along with those little gestures of affection they exchanged, Pip would take Ren's hands with great care, calling his attention as they faced each other.

"Ren, I want you to know how much you mean to me. You are the beacon that brightens my life, the calm in my storm. Although my life is shrouded in secrets and shadows, you are my light, my refuge," Pip confessed, his voice loaded with sincerity.

Ren, with his gaze fixed on Pip's expressive body language, only nodded with gratitude and appreciation. They didn't need extravagant words to understand the love they shared; it was present in every gesture, in every knowing look, in every touch of their soft fingers that he wouldn't hesitate to reciprocate, intertwining their fingers in an affectionate grip.

"I love you," Ren expressed, with only those simple and short words resonating with sweet solemnity, making Pip's heart resonate with an unparalleled warmth, feeling how that grip melted him.

Pip brought Ren closer for a warm hug, feeling the deep connection between them. The backyard, now enveloped in the warmth of their love, became the stage for a silent and eternal commitment.

Together, they shared the rest of the night, enjoying the food, the soft music, and the love floating in the air. As the lights of the new year faded on the horizon, Pip and Ren immersed themselves in the present, grateful for each other's company and committed to walking together into the new chapter unfolding before them. In that special corner of their world, among laughter, looks, and whispers of love, the couple found the promise of a future filled with shared moments and a love that would endure until one of them ceased to breathe.