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Tony knows what’s going on as soon as he sees the first candle. They are meant to guide him to Steve, one by one. All the way across the park, over a tiny hill where they had a picnic for their first date, to the lake where they first kissed. This is a grand romantic gesture. This is about as romantic and meaningful as Steve is capable of being, Tony knows that. He also knows that if he gets there, Steve will be on one knee, wanting an answer to a question Tony doesn’t want to think about.
The candle flickers as another warm burst of autumn wind makes more leaves fall from the trees. Tony can’t take another step. It’s not even that he doesn’t want to marry Steve. It’s just that, right now, in this moment, he feels like he’s dying. Like all he is and will ever be is coming to an unexpected and early end, leaving nothing but ashes behind. It’s not supposed to feel like this. He’s supposed to be happy. He isn’t supposed to think about the best way to tell Steve no. He’s supposed to want this. He even wants to want it, wants to run towards Steve and kiss him and cry happy tears and make him his husband-to-be but he can't.
The candle shines bright and Tony wants nothing more than for the wind to kill the flame. As if that would make any of this better. As if it would give Tony some kind of excuse for what he’s about to do. This is Steve, pouring his heart and soul out to show Tony how much he loves him. This is all anyone could ever want. The perfect proposal, the perfect night, the perfect boyfriend.
Tony takes one last look at the first candle. For a moment his eyes flicker to the second one as if he’s considering following the path. Then he turns around and, without looking back, walks away.