Page 43 of Fibre and Ink

“Yes please. I’ll be right back to help you carry it.” I ran outside and loaded the movie into the DVD player. I flicked on the projector and was relieved when it lit up the side of the barn. It had been a long few years since it had been used, but somehow the bulb still worked.

A small miracle. I sent thanks up to the universe, hoping in some way, Dad could hear my gratitude.

I went back inside, adjusting my shirt and wishing I could look more handsome somehow.

Aster had made us each a plate of T-bone steak, fries and steamed carrots and broccoli, all drenched in garlic butter. My stomach growled.

“This looks incredible.” I grabbed some bottles of soda from the fridge and took one of the trays. “Now, follow me, if you please.”

Aster chuckled, intrigued. “So formal.”

“Well, it’s our first dinner together as boyfriends and I wanted to make an event of it. I hope that’s not too cringe?”

“Not at all.” Aster grinned at me, his eyes sparkling. “I’m so curious I’m afraid I’m going to wet myself or explode. Maybe both.”

Chuckling, I led the way to the barn.

Aster

To say I was intrigued would be an understatement. The understatement of the century, honestly.

Whatever it was, Mickey had been fussing around outside for some time and I had dutifully not looked.

He led the way to the barn and I stopped to take in exactly what I was seeing. “Is that...?”

“You said something you missed about the city was the cinema.” He set down both trays on a hay bale “I remembered that Dad had a system for setting up a cinema right here on the farm. So, this is our celebration. I picked the movie for tonight, but any time you want to do this again, we can.”

“Any time?” Aster looked at me with wide, hopeful eyes.

“Weather allowing,” I amended. “We probably can’t do this too much in winter...”

Aster grinned and sat on the cushions, settling his tray in his lap. “I love it!”

I grabbed the remote and sat beside him. “Ready? I chose a Japanese film because you said you liked foreign cinema, but this is basically a romantic comedy from the nineties... sort of? So I didn’t think you’d have seen it.”

“Can’t wait.”

I set the movie going and we started to eat. I moaned softly. Aster had cooked the steak to a perfect medium rare and the garlic butter had melted over the fries. “This is delicious.”

Aster leaned over, careful not to tip either tray, and kissed me on the cheek. “You’re welcome, boyfriend.”

I chuckled. “Say it again.”

“Boyfriend. My boyfriend.” Aster settled back in and focused on the movie.

I tried to concentrate on my food and not the way Aster saying ‘boyfriend’ made me feel.

The film opened with quotes about dancing, and the cultural cringe Japan has, or had at the time of filmmaking, about showing affection to your partner. How embarrassing it would be to dance with them in public.

In some ways, I could relate. As Aster had experienced, society wasn’t always being accepting of trans folks. There were nasty comments online, there were nasty people legislating to make life harder for Aster, when all he wanted to do was live his life, have fun and be happy.

Heck, even gay people weren’t accepted everywhere, and I was gay as they come. Perhaps some of what I was relating to was the lead character’s stepping out of his comfort zone. As the movie progressed I saw more and more of myself in him.

I’d made myself a very comfortable life, living alone, seeing my sister, not really socializing outside of that. Knitting, doing jigsaw puzzles and watching movies was the extent of my excitement.

After what had happened with Pete, I’d been so afraid to try for more.

I’d resigned myself to a life of quiet boredom, and I might have been all right with that... but with Aster by my side, I knew boredom wouldn’t be a frequent companion.