I had to talk to someone about the move after I arrived back home, after having an early dinner with my babe. (Well, home for not much longer since I was moving in with my partner). It was a huge milestone in my relationship with Skye, and who better than my best friend, Jess? As usual, instead of calling her directly, I texted her that I wanted to talk to her.

Me: Jessssssss, guess what? I have something to tell you. Are you free to talk?

Like clockwork, she immediately gave me a call once she read the message.

“Yes, Lee? I’m free for a bit before Matt’s taking me for a dinner date.”

I decided to drop the bombshell.

“Jess, I’m moving in with Skye. Before you ask, they were the one who asked me to.”

I could have sworn Jess was screaming into the pillows, or at least that was what it sounded like to me.

“Yes, finally, yes! You both seem so sweet for one another, I’ve seen the pictures on Instagram. They are treating you so well. When’s our double date by the way? We have to catch up more!”

I agreed with her sentiment. It was time for Jess and Matt to meet my babe.

“Aww, thanks. Yeah we should. Are you free later this week? Maybe you could help me move in. I don’t have a lot of stuff personally, but I’ll need some help. I can treat you to lunch and dinner if you do, Matt included, obviously.”

Jess started laughing and basically yelled at Matt, who was apparently in their office, to see if he was available. As it turned out, they were both available on my planned move-in date. Matt also had a pickup truck which was perfect for a small move like mine.

“Yup, we’re both available. So, are we doing this double date later this week then?”

“Thank you so much, Jess! Tell Matt I love him too, though probably not as much as you. Yes, we shall have our double date after the move.”

Jess snickered. “Yeah yeah, I know. I love him more than you too. See you later. Text me your new home’s address too so that we can plan our route.”

“I will, thanks for everything again, Jess. You and Matt are my lifesaver.”

I ended the call on a happy note, feeling very fortunate to have Jess and Matt in my life. I knew Jess was my ride or die at this point, but I was glad that Matt seemed to be fine with me as well, and I knew I could trust the both of them with everything.

The days passed by quickly and before I knew it, it was the moving day. As I expected, I didn’t have too many things to move. I decided to leave the existing furniture and fixtures in my sister’s care, since she would be moving in a few days after I move out. The only large boxes I had were my books and clothes, since those were mine and I really wasn’t wanting to part with my books. 

Jess and Matt arrived earlier than I expected, and with the three of us, we moved everything I had from my house to Matt’s pickup truck in about 30 minutes. I made sure to stop by the nearby café and ordered something refreshing to drink for the three of us, since they were helping me to move into Skye’s house for free, so that was the least I could do.

We were on our way to Skye’s house when I received a text from the person in question.

Babe <3: Are you on your way already? I have the space for you ready for the move!

Babe <3 sent a photo.

I looked at the photo closely. It seemed like Skye really left a lot of space for me to use. Their bookshelves were a lot emptier, and their closet had more space than ever. I was wondering where they put their existing stuff, when they sent me yet another message.

Babe <3: Don’t worry, I just gave most of the books I no longer need away to the local library, and donated the clothes I no longer wear to charity. 

Me: Aww, that’s nice. Thank you for giving me the space. 

Babe <3: Of course, my love. I’m so excited to have you here forever.

Forever. Right, I was their forever.  They have been saying this for a while now, but it only started to hit me when they said it recently. They were my forever too, come to think of it.

Yet again, my thoughts were interrupted by Jess, who looked at me quizzically. 

“Was that Skye? I swear you’re whipped for them at this point.”

“Shut up, but yes, that was Skye. They were showing me the space I will have when I arrive at our home.”

Matt chuckled at our conversation. I guess he overheard what we were talking about, which wasn’t too surprising since we were all in the same car, and he was driving.

“Jess dear, Lee being whipped for Skye isn’t that surprising. Plus, trust me, I’ve seen how you’re whipped for me.”

That earned a shove from Jess, while I started laughing at Jess. Matt rolled his eyes at her and flashed a smile at me. I could tell he, too, was very much in love with Jess, and I was happy for the both of them.

Soon after that conversation, we reached Skye’s house, where they were waiting for me outside on their porch. They ran up to me and gave me a hug and a kiss on the mouth. I was expecting the hug, but I didn’t expect the kiss. I reciprocated both anyway, remembering to breathe this time.

“Okay you two lovebirds, we need to move your shit into the house. Chop chop!”

I rolled my eyes at Jess, who was carrying a box, while Matt grinned at her statement and carried another box. Skye let me go soon after, their face turning red, but quickly recovered and carried yet another box. With 4 people this time, we were done with the moving in 15 minutes. I decided that unpacking will happen later, after my stomach is filled with food. 

Skye knew that everyone was relatively exhausted, but we already agreed to have a double date with one another, so we instead ordered pizza for lunch and Chinese for dinner. I did promise the both of them I would treat them to both lunch and dinner after all, so it was fair that they got what they promised.

Jess and Matt didn’t seem to mind either, and started asking Skye questions ranging from their profession to their hobbies. Jess knew the full story of my past with Skye, but Matt didn’t, so it wasn’t too long before Matt asked how Skye knew me. I didn’t really want Skye to be in an uncomfortable position, but Matt deserved to know the truth after all.

“It’s a long story, but I was Lee’s bully in school. I was very jealous of them, and did some awful shit towards them which I’m still feeling very guilty to this day. It was after I left the school when I realised I was in love with Lee.” 

Skye then looked at me, their face looking very apologetic, with their eyes tearing up but not crying. 

“I’m sorry, my love. I just can’t believe that you would still say yes after all I have done to you. Thank you for being by my side.”

I teared up as well, and went to Skye for a hug. 

“I know, and I’ve already forgiven you. Just treat me well like you currently do, and I’ll always be by your side.”

Matt’s expression changed when he heard Skye’s answer. He knew from the gist of my conversations with Jess about a bully, but didn’t connect the dots until now that Skye was the bully. He didn’t seem too upset by the revelation, though he gave Skye a very threatening warning.

“I see. Just so you know, I can tell you’re treating Lee very well, but if you ever hurt him again, these fists and more are coming for you, and I’ll make sure you have the worst day of your life.” 

I snorted. Matt’s threat may seem deadly, but the Matt I knew was absolutely kind-hearted and he wouldn’t do anything he said unless he was forced to. Skye’s face turned serious but also guilty-looking, and nodded furiously at Matt’s words.

“I promise, I’ll never hurt Lee again. They are the love of my life, and they deserve to be treated like royalty.”

Matt nodded at Skye’s answer, looking relatively satisfied. Jess also seemed happy at Skye’s answer and embraced Matt who seemed startled at her move but welcomed it regardless.

I decided to open a bottle of white wine, since none of us liked red wine. I poured four glasses and passed the drinks to everyone for a toast. 

“Cheers to the move and to a good relationship with our loved ones.”

Deep down, I knew Skye meant everything they said. I was already feeling spoiled, but now I can feel being spoiled every single day by my babe.