“I’ll get the grilled cheese, please.”

“And for me the pasta of the day.”

The small lunchroom was bright and cozy, and a sharp contrast to the gloomy winter weather outside. Zain and Nyx had sat down at a table close to the window, sharing a booth. Nyx’s horn was invisible due to a spell he had cast and his wings had shrunk to their smallest size to fit under the sweater he was wearing. Apparently he could change his wings’ size too.

“We really should get you shopping. I got only two tops and one bottom that fit you, and no coat. Aren’t you cold?”

The alicorn shrugged. “I survive. Though having a new set of clothes doesn’t sound too bad.”

Zain decided then and there, he would take him to the mall after this.

“Alright, then we’ll go to the mall after finishing our lunch. How does that sound? My treat.”

Nyx smiled. “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

# # # #

With plates cleared and stomaches filled, the two were getting ready to leave until a voice called out to Zain.

“Zain, oh my God! Have you finally found yourself a boyfriend?!”

A girl who was way too loud and oblivious to her surroundings, came up to Zain and Nyx.

“Ella! Long time no see!”

Zain got up and hugged the blonde. She was wearing a short, red dress despite the cold, but that was her usual attire ever since they had met in their first year of college.

“Nyx, this is Ellanora, a friend from college. Ellanora, this is Nyx.”

The girl stuck out her hand for Nyx to shake. “Nice to meet you, Nyx. I love your hair by the way!”

“Thanks! I love yours too!”

Ellanora smiled at the compliment and then shifted her attention back to Zain. “So, how did you two meet?”

“Oh, we’re not really -” The redhead started, but Nyx stopped him.

“We met at the library,” the alicorn started, smiling charmingly, “We were looking for the same book at the same time and ended up chatting.”

The blonde clapped her hands together in excitement. “Aw, that’s so cute!”

Zain blushed at the compliment. Ella had always been grand on the compliments, but spending their time appart for so long had made him realize he had really missed it.

After chatting about what they had been up to (Ellanora had been accepted into a position at a major bank and Zain was working at a flower shop), they got up to pay.

“Hey, what are you guys planning on doing next?”

“We were going to the mall. How about you?”

She looked up in surprise. “I’m heading there too! I have to find a present for my mom.”

“How about going together?” Nyx suggested.

“You wouldn’t mind?”

Nyx looked at the redhead to check if it was actually okay.

“We would gladly have you. I haven’t seen you in ages anyway, so it would be a great way to chat a bit more.”

# # # #

Tired but satisfied, Zain and Nyx finally arrived back home. They had bought five bags worth of new clothes, and Zain didn’t regret spending all that money one bit. The alicorn looked absolutely lit in everything.

“Really, Nyx, I’m kinda jealous of your taste in fashion. I look like a potato next to you.” Zain eyed the man who was already wearing one of his new outfits.

Nyx grinned. “Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? You’re gorgeous!”

The redhead blinked. He remembered Nyx calling him that the first night they met, but he hadn’t really taken it seriously. Back then he just thought the man simply was a huge flirt and didn’t mean anything of what he said. Now however, he knew better.

“Am I?”

The alicorn nodded. “Even if you may not believe it yourself, you’re beautiful, from the inside and out,” He chuckled, “Even though I only know you since yesterday, I can still tell that you care about me, and others around you too. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Zain couldn’t help but rest his head against Nyx’s chest, and soon he felt strong arms wrap around him, pulling him in for a hug. Zain sighed, trying to relax and enjoy this moment between the two of them. They may not be official, yet, but he already felt so comfortable in the man’s arms.

“Thank you, Nyx. I… Love you,” His confession was soft and murmured, but he was sure the other could still hear it.

“You really go at a hundred miles per hour, don’t you?” Nyx laughed softly, still smiling as he looked down.

Zain pouted. “You were the one who told me ‘I love you’ first!”

The dark-haired alicorn now fully laughed out loud. “I did, didn’t I?”

They stood there for a while, neither wanting to let go just yet. Soon the sun was setting and Zain’s stomach rumbled.

“I think it’s time for dinner,” Nyx chuckled.

“I think it is.”