This is fantastic. it's tender and sweet and I know it's going to cheer me up when I reread it, I can tell. The last two lines in particular define the story for me - how much they care for each other, how much Brad cares and this optimism in their future together that's just radiating from them.

I absolutely love protective and smitten Brad here. I love how self-aware he is about the entire situation as far Nate is concerned and yet he won't make a move because he cares too much and wouldn't risk hurting Nate. It's precious.

Usually I'm not a big fan of too many real life references in my fiction. It takes a really skilful writer to incorporate all those references and make them work rather than make it look like simple name-dropping, but here it works. It sets the mood, It really paints a picture of what their world is like, what it sounds like - alien but utterly fascinating at the same time.

I have one question - other than a most humble request for more stories in this 'verse - chorizo con chocolate??? That sounds like a really, uh, special combination.

Really loved this. Thank you for sharing.