TONE & STYLE:
Evocative of the films, Same Time Next Year, Boyhood, Moonlight, The Before Trilogy, Weekend, Looking and Past Lives, the series blends episodic realism with lyrical sensuality, unfolding in moments both raw and quietly monumental. Each short stands alone but also threads into the long-form arc of a love story shaped by distance, secrecy, longing, and fleeting moments of profound connection.

NARRATIVE ARC HIGHLIGHTS:

• Part 1: Sydney – A clandestine hook-up becomes more than expected.

• Part 2: San Francisco – A night of emotional clarity amidst playful banter and queer nightlife.

• Part 3: Rome – A confession of love in a family home steeped in tradition.

• Part 4: Paris – A rejection, a nightclub, a near-threesome, and heartbreak.

• Part 5: Athens – A kiss at an airport gate, the kind that lingers longer than memory.

• Part 6: Madrid – A missed connection, and a painful confession unravel everything.

• Part 7: Berlin – Possibility meets realism: “He’s never going to leave her.”

• Part 8: New York – A devastating discovery in the most romantic city in the world.

• Part 9: Melbourne – Fred’s son uncovers the truth and urges his father toward honesty.

• Part 10: Bologna – Closure, transformation, or maybe a new beginning.

CORE THEMES:

• Queer desire and identity across decades

• The ripple effects of secrecy and shame

• The search for authenticity within societal expectations

• Time as a sculptor of relationships

• Intergenerational understanding and queer legacy

UNIQUE SELLING POINT:
Hook Up??? is filmed one episode per year across a decade, capturing the real-time aging of its actors and the evolving emotional texture of their performances. This slow-burn structure infuses the series with a rare authenticity and emotional immediacy, it's not just a story about time; it embodies time. Each short film will premiere exclusively at international film festivals and will not be available online, preserving the intimacy and event-like nature of each release. The final chapter, Episode 10, will culminate in a feature-length film that weaves together all ten episodes into a singular, time-lapsed queer love story.

CHARACTERS:

Daniel

Daniel is a mid-30s gay Australian chemical engineer and academic at the University of Melbourne. Openly out and fiercely unwilling to return to the closet, Daniel carries the tension of a man who knows who he is but struggles with the vulnerability that visibility demands. Thoughtful, cautious, and emotionally complex, he craves connection but remains guarded. His conflict, between queer desire and emotional self-protection, resonates deeply with queer audiences, particularly those familiar with the pressures of performing identity in professional and public spaces.

Fred (Alfredo)

Fred, also in his mid-30s, is an American chemical engineer of Italian heritage working at NYU. Trapped in an unfulfilling heterosexual marriage and father to an eight-year-old son, Damien, Fred identifies as bisexual but compartmentalises his desires. He is sexually fluid and emotionally evasive, capable of both great tenderness and damaging secrecy. His inner world is marked by repression, guilt, and longing. The complexity of his bisexuality, particularly as it collides with societal expectations, fatherhood, and an academic career, offers a nuanced and layered portrait of identity in flux.

Cristian

Cristian is an early-30s man and PhD research academic at the University of Melbourne, Cristain is Latin American but has been in Australia long enough to have an Aussie sensibility. He presents as confidently masculine, with a full beard and grounded presence. Cristian is emotionally steady, insightful, and deeply honest. As a trusted friend and confidant, Cristian offers clarity and care, often serving as a moral and emotional compass for those around him.

Vanessa

Vanessa is a late-30s American woman and the pragmatic, sharp-witted manager of NYU’s Chemical Engineering department. Her past with Fred is complicated, laced with unresolved emotion and subtle tension. Vanessa’s life experience shape her nuanced worldview. She contrasts Daniel’s idealism with her realism, often anchoring scenes in emotional truth and professional wisdom. She moves through the world with grace and grit, quietly navigating her own desires, disappointments, and evolving sense of self.

Resigned, Daniel bids Fred farewell, and the elevator ascends to the next floor. Outside the elevator, Daniel expresses his frustration with the situation but eventually retreats to his hotel room. Alone in the room, he reflects on his actions and berates himself for his impulsive behaviour. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door, startling Daniel. He cautiously opens it to find Fred standing there with a bottle of wine. Overwhelmed with desire, Fred pushes Daniel onto the bed, expressing his intentions.

HOOK UP??? 10 Parts Synopsis.

HOOK UP??? Part 1: Sydney:

Synopsis: The story begins at a Sydney hotel/convention centre, on the hotel rooftop swimming pool, Daniel swims laps alone. Fred, on the other hand, is in his hotel room engaging in provocative chats on a hook-up app. The two men exchange messages and agree to meet in Fred's room. After a passionate evening together, they part ways, but the connection lingers in their minds.

Fast forward to the conference the next day, where Daniel, sitting a few rows behind Fred, notices him but remains unseen. After a presentation, Daniel strategically positions himself, waiting for Fred to pass by. Vanessa, Fred's colleague, stops to let Daniel pass, and they exchange smiles.

Later, at the conference after party, Daniel observes Fred entertaining a group of conference attendees with an amusing story. Daniel's colleague, Cristian, joins him and makes a remark about how attractive Vanessa is. They engage in a light-hearted conversation about relationships.

In Daniel's hotel room, he anxiously browses a hook-up app, hoping to find Fred. There’s a knock at the door and Fred enters the hotel room. They share intense moments, exploring each other's bodies.

The next morning with Daniel gazing at Fred while he showers. They engage in a conversation, discussing Fred's marriage and his experiences with sexuality. Fred shares a story about attending a swingers night with his wife, which caused strain in their relationship. After their second night of NSA sex, Daniel askes what Fred’s name is. He lies and says it’s John. Despite the complications, Daniel and Fred share a passionate kiss before parting ways.

In the hotel elevator the next day, Daniel, Fred, and Vanessa find themselves in an awkward situation. As they exchange pleasantries, Vanessa exits the lift, leaving Daniel and Fred alone. The two begin a friendly conversation, discovering mutual acquaintances and sharing their respective fields of expertise.

With a hint of playfulness, Daniel mispronounces Fred's real name (Alfredo). Surprising Fred, Daniel leans in and kisses him passionately just as the elevator reaches its destination. They hurriedly break apart, their connection undeniable. As the elevator doors close, Daniel invites Fred to his room, hoping to continue their interaction over a bottle of wine. Fred, torn between desire and his early flight, hesitates but ultimately declines, citing his need for sleep on the plane.

Resigned, Daniel bids Fred farewell, and the elevator ascends to the next floor. Outside the elevator, Daniel expresses his frustration with the situation but eventually retreats to his hotel room. Alone in the room, he reflects on his actions and berates himself for his impulsive behaviour.

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door, startling Daniel. He cautiously opens it to find Fred standing there with a bottle of red wine. Overwhelmed with desire, Fred pushes Daniel onto the bed, expressing his intentions.

HOOK UP??? Part 2: San Francisco:

Synopsis: The story continues one year later as Daniel and Fred navigate their way through a series of encounters and conversations in San Francisco. Daniel walks through the vibrant streets of San Francisco, eventually ending up at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Inside the hotel bar, Daniel spots Fred among a group of women. At the bar they reconnect and share some light-hearted banter before Daniel invites Fred to join him and the group of women he was with. Paula, one of the group of women, playfully teases Fred. Feeling uncomfortable, Fred excuses himself and leads Daniel away from the bar. Worried about the situation, Fred expresses his concerns to Daniel, who suggests they sneak away to a different place.

They end up at iconic San Francisco gay bar, Twin Peaks, where they continue their conversation over drinks. They discuss their personal lives, with Daniel revealing he is in an open relationship, while Fred admits he is dissatisfied with married life. They share their experiences and observations, exploring topics such as family, career, and self-acceptance.

As they spend more time together, the two men grow closer and head to another bar. Inside, they witness a lively drag queen and engage in light-hearted banter about singing and dancing. The evening concludes with Daniel and Fred enjoying each other's company, savouring the vibrant atmosphere of the bar.

It’s a night of reconnection, self-reflection, and the exploration of personal desires and relationships.

HOOK UP??? Part 3: Rome:

Synopsis: One year later, Daniel arrives in Rome under the pretence of attending another conference, but it’s clear from the moment he steps into the arrival hall of Termini Station that this city, this meeting, is personal. Fred is already there, waiting. Dressed in casual elegance, he greets Daniel with a familiar smirk and a half-hearted hug that lingers just a little too long for two men in a catholic city.

They walk the cobblestone streets together, sharing gelato and dodging tourists around the Trevi Fountain. Fred speaks in fluent, almost theatrical Italian, charming everyone from street vendors to café staff. Daniel watches amused and enchanted. “You’re showing off,” he teases. Fred shrugs. “You bring it out of me.”

That evening, Fred impulsively suggests a trip to his hometown, a couple of hours away by train. Daniel agrees. On the journey, Fred tells childhood stories, chasing chickens, sneaking cigarettes behind the church, first kisses he doesn’t want to admit were with boys. Daniel listens, touched by Fred’s sudden openness.

They arrive at a quaint, hillside village nestled among olive trees and vineyards. Fred’s cousins greet them at a rustic family villa. Fred introduces Daniel as a colleague visiting from Australia. The cousins are warm, sceptical, and far too observant. Over pasta and wine, they fire questions at Daniel in a mix of English and Italian. Daniel handles them gracefully, but there’s a crackle of tension beneath the surface. One cousin eyes them with suspicion.

Later, while Daniel helps wash dishes, Fred and his closest cousin, Adriana, sneak off for a cigarette. She confronts him gently, asking why he’s lying. Fred hesitates, then confesses: “I think I’m in love with him. With Daniel.” The words land heavy, even for Fred. He’s never said them aloud, not even to himself.

Adriana takes a long drag of her cigarette, then blows out a quiet “Finally.”

Back in the guest bedroom, Daniel reads through Fred’s dog-eared copy of The Leopard. Fred enters, a little drunk, a little shaken. “Adriana knows,” he says. “And?” Daniel asks. “And I told her,” Fred replies. “Told her what?” Fred doesn’t answer, instead, he lies down beside Daniel, their shoulders barely touching.

The train ride back to Rome is quiet at first. Daniel gazes out the window, watching vineyards blur into golden fields. “You told her the truth,” he finally says. Fred nods. “Did that surprise you?” Daniel shrugs. “A little.” Fred pulls out his phone and, with exaggerated bravado, plays an old Italian love song through his headphones. “You’ll like this,” he says, placing one earbud into Daniel’s ear. The lyrics are syrupy and grand, the melody sweeping. Fred mouths the words dramatically, serenading Daniel with mock seriousness. Daniel laughs, eyes welling with something that’s not quite laughter.

They arrive back in Rome at dusk. Outside Termini Station, they hesitate. The city moves around them, oblivious. Fred says, “I don’t want this to end.” Daniel replies, “It doesn’t have to.” Fred leans in. They kiss, soft, full of promise. Then Fred pulls away. “But it will,” he says, “won’t it?” Daniel doesn’t answer.

HOOK UP??? Part 4: Paris:

Synopsis: One year late, Daniel and Fred's next encounter begins in Paris, where they rendezvous at the Shakespeare and Co bookshop. Daniel guides Fred through the enchanting locations featured in the film "Before Sunset." Amidst the romantic ambiance, Fred becomes aware of Daniel's growing affection for him. Complicating matters, Fred bluntly reveals his desire for only no-strings-attached (NSA) encounters with men, leaving Daniel disheartened. Claiming fatigue from jet lag, Daniel abruptly departs, agreeing to meet later that evening. Dejected, Daniel returns to his hotel visibly upset.

Later that night, they reconvene at a gay nightclub. After a few drinks, Fred leads Daniel to the dance floor, where their bodies move to the music. A mysterious, leather-clad man catches Fred's eye, mouthing in French, "Je te veux" (I want you). Intrigued, Fred joins the man, and they share a passionate and aggressive kiss.

As Daniel watches from the dance floor, Fred whispers into the man's ear. Inviting Daniel to join them, he cautiously crosses the dance floor. Fred passionately kisses Daniel, followed by the leather-clad man. The trio shares simultaneous kisses, and the leather-clad man takes them by the hand, leading them out of the club to the street.

Upon reaching the open air, Daniel hesitates. Expressing his reservations, he suggests to Fred that they retreat to his hotel room. Unwilling to miss out on the moment, Fred adamantly refuses. Proceeding down the street, Fred and the leather-clad man share kisses, leaving a dejected Daniel behind.

HOOK UP??? HOOK UP??? Part 5: Athens:

Synopsis: A year later, at a conference in Athens, Fred and Daniel reconnect. Observing their colleagues, Vanessa and Cristian, attempting to conceal their relationship without success, Fred and Daniel share a moment of reflection. "I wonder if anyone suspects us," Fred ponders. Daniel dismisses the idea, pointing out Vanessa and Cristian's inability to hide their affection. He adds, "You never look at me like that." A handsome Greek waiter named Costas approaches them with drinks. Engaging in conversation, Daniel shares his connection to Melbourne's Greek community. Despite Fred's attempts to interject, the banter between Daniel and Costas continues. Costas suggests showing Daniel around Athens, and they agree to meet the next morning at the Acropolis.

After a tired exit from the conference, alone in the hotel lift, Fred and Daniel share a passionate kiss. The following day, they rendezvous with Costas at the Acropolis. As Costas kisses Daniel on the cheek, an awkward moment arises when Fred realizes he is not a part of the plan. After resolving the situation with an extra ticket, they ascend the Acropolis together. During their walk, Costas confides in Daniel about his gay identity, prompting Daniel to disclose his own orientation. When asked about his relationship with Fred, Daniel awkwardly clarifies that they are work colleagues, and Fred is straight and married. At the summit, Fred notices Costas's interest in Daniel, sparking jealousy. Observing their happiness, Fred is conflicted.

The next day, at the airport, Daniel prepares to board his flight. As he approaches security, Fred catches up with him, surprising Daniel with a passionate farewell kiss. The intense moment leaves them both unsteady on their legs. After saying their goodbyes, Daniel hesitates to break away, eventually departing as security closes behind him. Visibly upset, Fred wanders aimlessly through the airport, grappling with his emotions.

HOOK UP??? Part 6: Madrid:

Synopsis: A year later, the scene shifts to Madrid, where Fred eagerly anticipates Daniel's arrival. Preparing a romantic table for two at the hotel restaurant, Fred is disappointed when Daniel doesn't show up. He leaves a message on Daniel's phone, urging him to contact him upon arrival. Thinking Daniel's flight may be delayed, Fred decides to take a walk around Madrid. Simultaneously, Daniel, also opting for a stroll, listens to Fred's message.

In a split-screen scenario, both Daniel and Fred traverse the iconic Gran Vía street, looking for each other but at slightly different times. Their separate journeys lead them through various Madrid landmarks like Museo del Prado, Palacio Real, El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Templo de Debod, El Rastro Market, culminating at Puerta del Sol. The split-screen continues, capturing Fred searching for Daniel and Daniel trying to avoid Fred.

At Puerta del Sol, Vanessa meets Fred and takes him to a nearby café, where, to Fred's surprise, Cristian and Daniel are already present. Vanessa and Cristian reveal their secret romance. Despite feigning surprise, Fred and Daniel celebrate the revelation with the famous Tinto de Verano cocktail. Unbeknownst to Vanessa and Cristian, Fred and Daniel had suspected their romantic involvement for years. The unexpected disclosure adds a touch of humour to the evening, and they all share a moment of laughter and camaraderie.

On the way back to their hotel, Daniel opens up to Fred about the reason for avoiding him. Six months ago, after returning from Athens, Daniel formed a relationship with Craig and they now live together. Despite the sudden end of their connection, Fred accepts the situation, acknowledging that he has no claim to the relationship as he is still married and hasn't come out. Fred admits to Daniel that he has only recently come to terms with being gay. Reluctantly agreeing to cut ties with Daniel, they embrace and share a timid kiss, which transforms into a passionate moment.

Breaking away from the kiss, Fred confesses his love for Daniel, who believes it's a reaction to him meeting someone new. Fred counters, expressing that he fell in love with Daniel the moment they met five years ago. Daniel pushes Fred away, walking off, leaving Fred upset and in tears, feeling hopeless about their relationship. Unexpectedly, Daniel returns, stating disbelief at Fred giving up so easily. He encourages Fred to fight for their love, and they embrace, rekindling their connection.

HOOK UP??? Part 7: Berlin:

Synopsis: 1 year later, set against the raw, unflinching pragmatism and liberating queerness of Berlin, this chapter marks a pivotal moment in Daniel and Fred’s journey: the decision to share a life together.

We find them wandering, awkwardly for Fred, hand-in-hand through the city’s vibrant arts scene, gallery districts brimming with experimental installations and subversive expressions. Drawn in by a modest sign, they enter the Schwules Museum (Gay Museum). While signing the guestbook, they catch the attention of Wolf, a flirtatious gallery assistant with a keen eye for tourists. Sensing a story, Wolf asks what they’re hoping to find in Berlin. The question lingers.

Before they leave, Wolf invites them to a local gay beer bar that evening. They exchange numbers, and cheekily, Wolf mentions a gay sex party happening the next night. Daniel and Fred politely decline, this is their last night in Berlin but agree to meet him for drinks.

Later, they visit Berlin’s queer Holocaust memorial. As they stand before the stark concrete slab, Daniel speaks quietly, explaining the persecution gay men faced during the Nazi regime. Fred listens, moved, and they share a solemn, intimate silence, one of mourning, and recognition.

That night, the beer bar is packed but warm. Wolf greets them enthusiastically and introduces them to his tight-knit group: Boden, Adler, and Romer. The group is charming, cynical, and deeply curious. When Fred steps away to the bathroom, the tone shifts slightly. The friends quiz Daniel about their relationship. Daniel shares the truth: he’s moving to New York to be with Fred, but they’re taking it slow, Fred’s still married and has a child.

Adler raises an eyebrow. “He’s never going leave her,” he says flatly. The others exchange looks, but no one disagrees. Daniel forces a smile, brushing it off, but the words settle heavily in his chest.

Back at their hotel, Fred drifts off to sleep easily. Daniel lies awake, staring at the ceiling, Wolf’s words replaying in his head. He turns to look at Fred, gently brushes the hair from his forehead. Fred snores, loudly. Daniel chuckles softly to himself. Love is messy, strange, real. And it’s right here.

The next morning, at the airport, they linger at the gate, the weight of reality setting in. Daniel asks, “We’re really doing this, yeah? You’re gonna leave her?” Fred takes a breath. “It’ll take time. But not being with you? That’s not an option.” They kiss, tender, lingering, final but full of promise. As they walk in opposite directions, they keep turning back, walking backward, holding each other in sight for as long as possible. Neither of them wants to be the first to look away.

HOOK UP??? Part 8: New York:

Synopsis: One year later, Daniel is six months into his new life in New York City. He’s found a home in Chelsea, renting a charming brownstone apartment from Martin, an old academic friend. Daniel is currently working on secondment at NYU. The arrangement suits him, he’s writing again, collaborating on research, and learning to navigate the rhythms of a city that feels both foreign and deeply familiar. He often jokes that he’s living his "Carrie Bradshaw moment," sitting on the stoop, waiting for his "Big." Only this time, Big is Fred.

Fred arrives one late afternoon. They don’t speak, just embrace, kiss, undress. The tension of absence melts into a passionate reunion. Their bodies know the story even when words don’t. Later, as evening settles, Daniel wakes to the scent of garlic and tomatoes wafting from the kitchen. He finds Fred, naked but for an apron adorned with Michelangelo’s David, humming softly as he stirs sauce at the stove. Daniel sneaks up behind him, grabs his bum, kisses his neck.

"I'm getting fat," Daniel mutters, leaning in to inspect the sauce. "I think you look beautiful bello," Fred replies. "So you do think I'm getting fat?" Daniel teases. Fred laughs, hands him a corkscrew. "Open the wine, cheeky."

Dinner is simple and rich with love. They toast "Salute!" Daniel says in a cartoonish Italian accent. Fred fires back, “Up your bum!” in an exaggerated Aussie twang. They laugh. For a moment, it feels like real domesticity. Like permanence.

But it’s fleeting. As they clear the dishes, Fred pulls on his clothes. “I can’t stay. I’ve got a lecture to prep.” “What, so I don’t see you all weekend?” Daniel asks, deflated. Fred sighs. “I’m sorry. Work’s chaos right now. Monday, okay?” Daniel watches him leave, disappointment sinking into his chest.

That weekend, Martin convinces Daniel to visit a suburban food market. They stroll the stalls, sampling olives and fresh bread. But then, a gut punch, across the way, Fred, with his wife, and son. They’re laughing, holding hands. A picture of family.

Daniel ducks behind a stall, heart pounding. “He’s still with her,” he says to Martin. “I have to go. Now.” Back in the car, tears come fast. “I’m such a fucking idiot.” Martin places a hand on his back. “Men are cunts,” he offers, dryly.

Monday arrives. Daniel’s back on the stoop. The mood is different, muted, inward. Fred turns up, smiling, eager. He leans in to kiss him, to begin again. But Daniel pulls back. “I saw you,” he says quietly. Fred blinks. “What?” “At the market” pause “With her.”

Fred is silent, caught. There’s nothing to say. “I’m done,” Daniel says. He opens the door and disappears inside, leaving Fred alone on the stoop, just a man in the wrong life, in the wrong city, watching the one he loves walk away.

A month later, Fred weaves through the crowded streets of downtown Manhattan, the city's noise and movement folding around him like static. As he crosses an intersection, his eyes catch a familiar figure up ahead, Daniel. He freezes. For a fleeting moment, their eyes lock across the chaos. Time slows. Neither smiles. Neither waves. It’s just recognition, raw and silent.

And then, a pedestrian steps between them. By the time Fred moves to the side, Daniel is gone. Fred scans the street, left, right. Nothing. Just strangers. Was it really him? Or just a ghost built from memory and regret? He turns back in the direction he came, unsure whether to chase a shadow or let it fade.

Somewhere nearby, Daniel stands tucked behind a corner, his breath caught. He searches the crowd, heart racing.

Two men in a city of millions, still orbiting each other. Still not quite letting go.

HOOK UP??? Part 9: Melbourne:

Synopsis: One year later. Fred steps off the plane at Melbourne Airport, a little older, his hair greyer, a little quieter. He’s not alone, his son, Damien, now 18 years old, walks beside him, lugging a suitcase and a head full of questions. Damien’s just been accepted into a Chemistry program at the University of Melbourne. Fred is helping him move into student accommodation on campus.

Once Damien is settled, Fred lingers on the grounds, aimlessly navigating the sprawling university. At the Chemical Engineering Building, he peers through a lab window and freezes. There, among a group of students, stands Daniel, confident, animated, in his element. Fred watches silently. Daniel, mid-sentence, feels it before he sees it. He looks up and locks eyes with Fred. For a beat, the world stills. No smile. No recognition. Daniel simply turns back to his students.

Later that day, at a campus orientation barbecue, Damien nudges Fred. “Hey, that’s the guy you worked with at NYU, right?” Fred nods. “Yeah, he’s back here now.” Damien watches him. “Didn’t work out?” Fred shakes his head. “That’s a shame,” Damien says softly.

That evening over dinner, the quiet between them thickens with everything unsaid. Dessert arrives, untouched. Damien finally speaks. “So… you and Daniel were together, yeah?” Fred freezes, the words catching in his throat. “He seems like a good guy,” Damien continues. Fred manages a whisper. “He is.” Damien sighs. “Dad, come on. Live your life. You and Mum don’t even like each other. You’re miserable, and I’ve seen you happy. I remember it. A year ago, you were different. I didn’t know what was going on, but I followed you sometimes… I knew you were seeing someone. I just didn’t know it was a guy.” Fred stares, stunned. Damien chuckles. “Your big secret? I figured it out ages ago.” Fred mutters, almost to himself, “Your old man’s a fag.” A beat of silence. Damien leans in. “I don’t care. I just want you to be happy. Mum’s not. You’re not. Why keep pretending?” He stands to leave, but Fred stops him. They embrace. Fred begins to sob, years of repression, regret, longing breaking loose. Damien holds him tight.

The next day, on a busy evening on Smith Street in Fitzroy, Daniel walks with Vanessa and Cristian. They laugh together, easing into their old rhythms. They duck into a small gay bar and grab a booth. Drinks arrive. Music plays low. It feels like life, moving on. After a while, Daniel gets up to use the restroom. Inside, a toilet flushes. Daniel steps out of a cubicle and approaches the sink. He glances up, and freezes. There’s another man washing his hands. He sees his reflection in a mirror. It’s Fred. They lock eyes. Fred speaks first. “Wanna fuck?” Daniel stares, searching his face. Is it really him? Fred steps closer, takes Daniel’s hands in his own. Their fingers interlace, familiar, trembling. A moment hangs between them. Nine years. Nine cities. All the longing. All the mess. They don’t move. They just hold each other’s gaze. And finally, Daniel exhales.

HOOK UP??? Part 10: Bologna:

Synopsis: A year later. Daniel and Fred are working in the lab. Fred glances at the clock.
“Shit, we’ve gotta go.” They drop everything and hurry out.

Later. They’re back at their apartment, frantically getting ready for a function. Clothes and shoes are strewn across the bed. Daniel steps out of the bathroom in a towel, water still glistening on his skin. Fred struggles with his tie in the mirror. “Let me,” Daniel says, moving closer. He ties the knot with practiced ease. “There you go. Fuck, you look good all dressed up.” He kisses Fred, a quick peck that turns slow and hungry. “We can’t,” Daniel murmurs, pulling back. “You’re ready though,” Fred says, eyeing the towel where Daniel’s arousal is obvious. Fred pushes him gently onto the bed. “Okay, but it’s gotta be a quickie,” Daniel warns. Fred starts to undress. “Leave the shirt and tie on sexy.” Fred smirks, replying in Italian, “Sì, si, bello.” His accent drives Daniel wild.

They rush into the nearby town hall, clothes slightly rumpled but presentable. Damien is already there. “You’re late,” he says, deadpan. Fred and Daniel adjust their collars and smooth their hair. “You ready?” Fred asks. Daniel nods. “Got the rings?” he asks Damien. “Of course.” At the local town hall, guests begin to arrive. Inside, the wedding march plays. The congregation rises. First down the aisle is Damien. Then Fred, arm-in-arm with Vanessa in an elegant cream outfit. Behind them, Daniel walks with Cristian, who’s wearing a matching cream suit. They gather at the altar. The town mayor, dignified and handsome in his Italian flag sash, signals everyone to sit. He begins the ceremony in Italian. “Today we are here to witness the civil union of Vanessa and Cristian…” Fred leans in and translates softly for Daniel.

Later, at the reception, Cristian and Vanessa are drunk dancing with reckless joy. Cristian yells at the DJ to play “Nutbush City Limits.” The DJ, confused, shrugs and queues up That’s Amore instead. Fred grabs Daniel’s hand and pulls him onto the dance floor. They sway and sing to each other, laughing. Daniel spots Damien nearby, smiling at them. He breaks away to pull Damien in, forming a trio. They dance, spinning and shouting the lyrics. Damien tugs Fred’s sleeve. “You’re next.” Fred grins. “I know.” The music swells. The lights glow. The night carries on.