I stretched as I lifted myself out of bed—Robin’s bed.

  Memories of last night flickered through my mind. I was in love. I expressed that love.

  And we played Fallout: New Vegas until three in the morning.

  Everything was perfect.

  Robin rolled over, pulling me back into bed. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “Currently? The restroom.”

  “I’ll allow it,” they said. “You’re going to have to make it up to me later.”

  I smiled and kissed them. “Deal.”

  Pulling on my clothes from the previous day, I laughed, “Does this count as a walk of shame?”

  “Nah,” Robin replied. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the exact opposite.” Their cheeks flushed. “I’m still tingling.”

  “Chicken fingers and Fallout will do that to a person.”

  They sat up stretching. “True. There is no greater vice.”

  A few minutes later we were in the kitchen trying to decide on breakfast.

  “I can make some eggs, toast and bacon,” I offered.

  “You—you know how to cook?”

  “I’m actually really good at it.” I said. “I made the Japanese fusion menu for The Rubber Duck—at Cameraperson’s request, of course.”

  Robin’s mouth dropped open.

  I waved my hand in front of their face.

  “Robin?”

  “Cook for me. Now.”

  I opened their fridge and took inventory: eggs, bacon, green peppers, cheese, onion. Good enough.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  I preheated a pan. Robin watched as I chopped the peppers and onions like a ninja. Bacon fat crackled and danced as it cooked to perfection—not too crispy, not too chewy.

  I drained most of the fat, cracked two eggs into the pan, sprinkled some salt and pepper and waited. At just the right moment, I tossed in the bacon, cheese, and veggies. One flick of my wrist and the omelet folded perfectly. A few practiced flips, a gentle slide onto a plate, and a sprig of parsley to finish.

  I bowed to Robin. “Your food, my love.”

  I started on mine, Robin sat and stared at their plate. “You made this? The egg isn’t even green, the bacon looks like bacon. You, sir, are more awesome than I thought.”

  They took a bite, tears streaming down their face. I swear they were levitating.

  “Oh. My. God.” They closed their eyes, moaning. “I’m never letting you leave.”

  I sat down and started eating. “As you wish.”

  “I love you. I might love your food more.”

  “Want to know why I don’t cook professionally?”

  “Why? You’d be great.”

  “Cooking is my love language. Emotions are hard. Cooking is second nature.”

  Robin nodded. “I’m really glad you love me.”

  “I’m really glad you had leftover fried chicken.”

  We finished eating in silence.

  I cleaned up the kitchen, kissed Robin, and started gathering my stuff. “I should run home and do the whole get ready for work thing.”

  “If you must.”

  I kissed them. “I’ll see you there.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  I didn’t want to leave. I forced myself. I needed to think. I needed clean clothes. Most of all, I needed my medicine

  I started my walk home. It was only a mile or two from their house. I meant to process the past week, but all I could think about was Robin—their eyes, their voice, their laugh, the way they walked. Everything.

  I unlocked my door and stepped inside. Something felt off. I turned toward my bedroom to grab clothes, then sat on the bed and looked around. It was like staring at a sepia photograph. This isn’t home. Not anymore. Not without them.

  Robin is home.

  I packed a bag, grabbed my medicine, tossed everything in the car, and left for work.

  Anxiety followed.

  It’s only been a week and a half. Are we—am I—ready for this? Can I even ask Robin if they'd want to live together? What if we break-up? What if we get married? What if we divorce? What if—

  Fuck.

  I need to pullover.

  This can’t be happening.

  Fuck.

  Darkness.

  ~

  The morning after chapter is always so heartwarming. I was really looking forward to this one.

  The end caught me by surprise.

  So, you say, it’s a tragedy!

  Nope.

  You’ll figure this out buddy. Just hang in there.

  I have faith in you.

  …Kinda.

  ~

  The River and Friends Series - River and the Bug, The Adventures of Alison Alistair, and The Reaper Wears a Scarf. Please check them out!