C.W. Profanity

A few months later, Lucas’s birthday arrived, and Sergio had planned something special. Using his savings, he managed to buy a second-hand piano. With the help of another custodian, they worked tirelessly to restore it as best they could.  

Although his partner rarely expressed his emotions openly, having his own instrument was something deeply meaningful to him —something Sergio had picked up on from the professor’s notebook.  

That evening, when Lucas returned to his new apartment, the first thing he saw was the striking sight of the piano in the living room. Resting on it was a note in Sergio’s handwriting: “Happy Birthday”.

Lucas stood frozen, his heart pounding. His hands flew to his head as he tried to process what he was seeing. A moment later, Sergio emerged from the kitchen, carrying a birthday cake, his face glowing with a mix of pride and excitement.  

For once, the professor couldn’t contain himself. Words poured out of his mouth in a rush of profanity and amazement.  

“Shit, fucking shit! What have you done?! I can’t believe this. HOLY… CRAP! It’s the best thing anyone’s ever given me!”  

Sergio placed the cake on the piano and walked up to Lucas, pulling him into a warm hug.  

“I knew you’d like it,” he said, smiling.  

“It’s perfect, my love!” Lucas exclaimed, putting his hands to his face in disbelief. Without warning, he leaned in and kissed Sergio with such enthusiasm that it left him breathless.  

Still in awe, Lucas sat down at the piano. Without hesitation, he began to play a lively melody, moving his fingers over the keys. His boyfriend watched, listening intently, his mind drifting to memories of their younger days. Despite all the challenges they had faced, Sergio felt certain that they would be okay.  

When the song ended, Lucas stood and walked back to Sergio, taking his hands in his own. His green eyes were serious yet filled with determination as he shared something he had been holding back.  

“I've been researching your criminal record,” he expressed, “and I want to sue the people who put you in prison.”

Sergio's eyes widened in alarm. "Lucas, no. They're dangerous. They could hurt you. I couldn't forgive myself if something bad happened to you."

But Lucas’s smile was confident, reassuring him with his composure. “They’re already in jail. If we work with other victims, we’ll have a strong enough case to ensure that the bastards who framed you get what they deserve. I have friends who can help, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re recognized for the honest man you are.”  

Sergio’s legs felt weak, and he sank into a chair, overwhelmed by the professor’s declaration. The thought of clearing his record, of shedding the label of a criminal, was something he hadn’t dared to hope for. With his help, the life he had always dreamed of —a life free of judgment and fear— seemed suddenly within reach.  

“You don’t have to do this for me,” the custodian whispered, his voice trembling.  

“I want to,” Lucas replied firmly. “You deserve this.”  

Tears welled in Sergio’s eyes as he stood and embraced Lucas as tightly as he could. “Thank you. I don’t even know how to put into words what this means to me.”  

The apartment fell into a comfortable silence. The newly restored piano stood proudly in the living room. Sergio’s eyes kept drifting back to it, and he couldn’t help but smile. He was happy that he had been able to give Lucas something so meaningful, something that allowed him to express his most authentic self through music.  

“It’s yours, Lucas,” he thought, his heart full. “And I’m so happy for you.”