Julian hated being late on the best of days, but he really didn't want to be late tonight. How often did he get to hear his boyfriend lecture a bunch of DC society types on as amusing a topic as "How to Swallow Something Bigger Than Your Head"?

He slipped into the back of the Reptile Discovery Center just as Emmett was introduced, and he happily watched from the shadows. Emmett was at ease in front of an audience, and the large constrictor in the tank obliged him by eating a completely drugged-out...hedgehog? Beaver? Julian couldn't tell...exactly on cue. The beautifully-coiffed matrons squealed and took hurried gulps of their martinis when the snake unhinged its jaw and gulped down its dinner.

After his talk, Emmett made his way to Julian, stopping several times along the way to meet and greet. When they were standing face-to-face, Julian could see uncertainty take a little bit of the joy out of Emmett's broad smile.

"Hey, E," he said softly, and reached out to thread their fingers together. He could feel Emmett relax.

A few minutes later, he felt his own smile broaden when Emmett stopped a distinguished-looking man and said, "Dr. Adams, I'd like you to meet Julian - my partner."