As soon as I said those words, Skye’s face lit up and started blushing. They were so cute and I wished I had captured that face on camera.

“I have romantic feelings for you, Skye. I don’t know how but it started after you let me know that you took the train ride just to see where I lived. That was very romantic, though I would have freaked out if it were anyone else. You are an amazing pianist and musician, and I’m so glad to be able to hear you play. Your passion for music is unmatched, and the way you talk to me is just something I wish I could hear every day. But yes, I’m in love with you, Skye Long. Will you be my partner?” 

Again, I wasn’t expecting to say all of this in a hospital room, but the opportunity was handed to me by Skye, and of course, I didn’t want to miss that chance. Skye seemed satisfied with what I had to say, as instead of giving me an answer, they cupped my cheeks and leaned in to kiss me. 

The kiss was absolutely electrifying. It was something I never experienced before, as I had never been kissed on the mouth by someone who I romantically loved. The feeling was overwhelming, but also just right at the same time. Skye really was a good kisser, and I felt slightly out of breath after the kiss. 

“I take it as a yes, then?”

Skye continued to smile and nodded their head. 

“Yes, I would love to be your partner, Lee Yang.”

I smiled and then took their hand to place it between mine. Skye then brought my hand closer to them so that they could kiss the back of my hand. I felt very loved.

“This is the happiest day of my life. The love of my life finally said yes to me.” 

“Love of your life? Isn’t that too soon to determine that, Skye?”

“Nah, I have been waiting for over 10 years, you’re definitely the love of my life.”

As corny as that sounded to many, they were the right words to say to me. Deep down in my heart, I knew I was a romantic person, despite having issues finding love as an aroace person. Being aroace didn’t mean that you didn’t want any romantic interest, rather you would face issues finding the right person for you since it may not be a stereotypical date.

After being discharged from the hospital the next day, Skye came to pick me up. It was then realized that this was their first full day as my partner. They were so sweet and I was glad I finally gave in to the feelings towards them. After they dropped me at my house with their car (as it turned out, they did have a car, which made me wonder why they liked to take the train), we started talking when we were in the house.

“Lee, what does dating you entail? I know you’re in the aroace spectrum, so I don’t want to do anything that might turn you off. Is kissing okay? Oh god, I should have asked yesterday, I’m so sorry.”

I laughed to diffuse their worries. 

“You’re fine, babe. As I said before, I’m demisexual and demiromantic, so that means I can only feel romantic and sexual attraction towards someone whom I have a deep emotional bond with. That’s you by the way. I’m good with most PDA, that includes kissing and holding hands. I’m also cool with sex, I know many aroace folks are sex-averse, but I’m actually sex-indifferent. I don’t really care for sex, but I’m willing to do it with my partner if they want to.” 

The first and last part definitely caught Skye by surprise, but I figured I should be as open as I can, since they were also very open to me. Also, Skye was definitely a "babe", specifically my babe.

“Babe? I’ll accept that, my love. Babe feels right for me. I see, yeah I’m also good with most PDA. Regarding sex, we can talk more about it down the road. I don’t need sex to be in a good relationship either, so I’m glad we have that understanding at least.” 

I smiled at their acceptance of my pet name for them. I also liked the pet name they gave me, since they already declared that I was their love of their life, so “my love” seemed appropriate. 

“So, my love, now that you’re out of the hospital, can we have an official date later this week? Also, are we still doing our music sessions this weekend?” 

I snorted. As if they could escape our sessions when we had spent most of our time together.

“Sure, I’m free most nights, as you already know by now, so if you want to have dinner or a movie date, just let me know. And yes, of course, just because we’re dating, doesn’t mean we have to change up our routine. I still love jamming with you, babe.”

Whatever Skye was worried about, they turned it into a smile. The smile that looked good on them, the smile that I sorely missed despite seeing them smiling every time they saw me. 

“Okay, let’s plan for a movie and dinner date this Wednesday, and I’ll see you Friday night as well as I’m free on that night, then we’ll have our music sessions on the weekend. Do you think you would want to sleep at my place instead so that you don’t have to commute?” 

Skye was a sweetheart and I definitely didn’t mind sleeping at my partner’s place. Despite it being a very new relationship, I already had sleepovers at their place and vice versa even when we were only friends.

“Sure, thanks for offering. I’ll make sure to bring some extra clothes so that I don’t need to bring them every time. Also, bring some of your clothes here too, the offer goes both ways, and I would love to have you over if we do the sessions at your place.”

“Thank you, my love, I already have saved some space in my closet for you. Whenever you’re ready, you can use the space.”

I felt very fortunate. I finally found someone who I liked, no, loved, who loved me back. Everything just felt right.

It was a Monday, and though I got the day off for being discharged from the hospital, I had to go to work tomorrow. I didn’t want Skye to leave though, so I thought of asking them to stay for the night instead. It seemed like Skye was already prepared for my request, as they brought their duffel bag from their car. I chuckled at the sight of my babe carrying their duffel bag. 

“I see you’re already prepared. You’re taking the bed by the way, I’ll sleep on the couch as usual.”  

I usually let Skye sleep on the bed when they slept at my place as they were taller than I was. Initially, they didn't feel OK doing so, but they reluctantly agreed after I insisted. I didn't have issues sleeping either as the couch was comfy to me. Hearing what I said though, Skye immediately protested. 

“My love, you should take the bed instead. Have a good night’s sleep. I don’t mind taking the couch this time.” 

I sighed. They had a point, but I couldn’t bear seeing them sleeping on the couch when there was enough space on the bed for two people. Wait, we could just share the bed. We were partners after all, and I was sure they weren’t in the mood for anything else other than kissing and cuddling anyway as we discussed earlier.

“Babe, just take the bed. I’ll share my bed with you.” 

Skye blushed hard. They definitely didn’t expect me to offer half of my bed.

“Okay, my love. Feel free to put a pillow barrier if you need to though.”

“Nah, I trust you, babe. Also, how would I get my kisses and cuddles if we had pillow barriers in between anyway?”

They laughed because it was true. Lee Yang did love their kisses and cuddles, especially by Skye Long.

And thus, this was how I first shared my bed with my babe, or in their terms, the love of my life.