Embracing His Syn (Nothing Special 2)

“Of course she did,” Doug scoffed.

Furi threw his hands up in defense. “Okay, okay, was just being sure.”

“And it’s not because she got us that huge line of credit with the bank for our business either. She supports everything that I do, man. Always has my back you know? Fuckin’ sweet as hell, not all needy and demanding like a lot of girls. She’s a hard worker and smart but not afraid to let me be the man in our relationship. That’s the type of women you don’t let get away,” Doug said seriously. “And she and my mom are inseparable, dude.”

“Well, that’s it right there. If your mom loves her, that’s when you know you got a winner,” Furi joked. But Celine was a phenomenal girl and she did truly love his best friend. When she offered to get them the credit to ensure they had everything they needed for the shop, Furi had hugged her on the spot, damn near crushing the petite lady. She didn’t just believe in Doug, she believed in both of them, and for that Furi loved her too.

“So have y’all talked about a date?” Furi asked downing the last of his diabetes inducing sweet tea.

"In the Spring of next year. She wants to go to a beach or something and have a small ceremony on the water with just family and close friends."

“Nice, dude. That sounds perfect.”

“Will you be my best man?”

Furi didn’t answer. He stared at his best friend for a few long seconds before he stood up and Doug knew what Furi wanted to do. He grabbed him and hugged him tight right there in the middle of the restaurant. He kissed Doug on the cheek when he pulled back. “Fuck yeah! I’d be honored, man.”

They sat back down completely ignoring some of the perplexed stares. “Best man gets to plan the bachelor party, right?” Furi grinned devilishly.

“Wonderful. I got a gay man throwing my bachelor party. I can’t wait.” Doug shook his head.

Furi started singing off-key, waving his napkin over his head. “It’s raining men, hallelujah. It’s raining men. Yeah, yeah!”

They were still laughing on their way to Doug’s car. “Hey, come have a drink with me after we finish, to celebrate.”

“Okay. I’m supposed to meet Syn at his place tonight, but he won’t be in until late. How about we go to my uncle’s place?”

“Cool.”

Doug hadn’t admitted it yet, but Furi knew his best friend admired Syn. They’d had a rough start, but he’d get them to come around eventually. They would have to learn to accept each other because both men were permanent in Furi’s life and equally important. Doug only wanted Furi safe, and Syn had saw to that. When Furi told Doug about Syn’s co-workers' protectiveness, he’d been relieved that they weren’t the assholes they’d come off as during the Illustra questioning. Doug was quickly warming up to the thought of him and Syn.

‘Not Like This’

Furi was on his second rum and coke and Doug was probably on his tenth. They were playing pool, dancing, laughing, and joking like a couple of teenagers. Furi couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun. Syn had texted him and told him he’d be late, but to wait in bed for him. It was almost two a.m. and when Cel called, she’d teased Furi, asking him to put his boyfriend in a cab and send him home. Cel had always called Furi Doug’s boyfriend. He wondered what she'd call him now that Furi had a real boyfriend. Furi pulled the unneeded drink from Doug’s hand and ushered him outside. Doug draped his long limbs around Furi’s neck, almost making them stumble onto the street.

“You need some help Furious?” Jared asked on his way out of the pub.

“Naw, I got him,” Furi laughed. Jared was finished with his shift. After bouncing all night Furi didn’t want to delay him getting home because of his and Doug’s silliness.

“Alright. I’ll see you later.” The big guy waved and headed to his car in the back parking lot.

Finally the yellow cab pulled up. “I love you, man,” Doug slurred heavily and placed a wet, sloppy kiss on Furi’s cheek before he was able to finally shove him in the back of the vehicle.

“I’ll see you tomorrow buddy. If you’re not too hung-over. Go home and have drunk sex with your fiancée.” Furi slammed the door and tapped the roof of the cab, watching it disappear around the corner.

Furi went back inside and saw there were only a few stragglers cashing out their tabs. Furi sat at the bar and picked up his drink, downing the rest of it in one gulp. He slid it back and Cindy quickly asked if he wanted another. Furi thought about it for a second. “Uhhhh, no, I’m good thanks.”