Knock, Knock Knock. The two of us are immediately startled as we were currently in the middle of a difficult fight and after a quick glance at each other we both turn back to the game with the determination to win. We hear another knock and silently we both make the decision to ignore it. A few seconds later, another knock follows before a voice announces, “Make sure you’re decent, we’re coming in.”
Just as we finish the fight, Milo and Ella enter the room. Placing down our controllers and turning to look at them, the two of them look surprised to see us playing video games. Clearly they expected something else as Milo says, “I expected the two of you to be doing something else to not be answering our knocks that many times.”
Completely ignoring his statement, Cade says, “What do you two want? We were in the middle of something.”
“Wow, someone seems grumpy that he was interrupted.” Ella teases before turning serious. “We were wondering if you were planning to cook dinner or if you guys wanted to go out for dinner.”
Surprised that they were already thinking about dinner, I looked over to see that it is already 6 PM. Realizing how late it was immediately made me feel more tired than I had felt while we were playing. I had yawned several times during the last fight, but still I was able to pay attention to the game and play well. I normally stay up much later than this, but all of the flying I had done recently was catching up to me, especially in combination with my early morning.
As I look back at Cade, I find him already looking at me. “I don’t think that we’re going anywhere this evening. I’ll probably just make us a snack. We’re going to be going to bed early tonight.” Cade replies before looking back at me as if to check if I’m okay with that.
“Yeah, honestly I feel like I could fall asleep right here.” I say as I stretch my arms above my head.
“Alright then, why don’t we just go out for dinner? Just the two of us?” Milo asks Ella as he wraps an arm around her waist.
“Sounds good to me. It’s been a while since we went out for a date just the two of us.” Ella replies before turning to Cade and I and saying, “We’ll see you guys in the morning then. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” Cade and I reply simultaneously.
As the two of them leave, I immediately melt my body to the cushions as I lay back on the couch and close my eyes.
“Would you like me to make you something to eat before you go to bed?” Cade asks.
“Nope, I’m good. I should probably at least take a quick shower though. Do you mind if I go first?” I ask as I sit up to face him.
“It's all yours,” he responds. “There should already be fresh towels and washcloths ready for you to use.
With that, I stood up and made my way into the bedroom to find that he had followed me. “Do you need something?” I ask.
“No, I just wanted to be nearby in case you needed any help or anything. Plus I plan to take a quick shower after you get done there.”
“Okay” I reply as I walk over to the dresser to grab some underwear and pajamas. I had already put my toiletries in the bathroom so I quickly went into the bathroom and started the water in the shower. Stripping off my clothes I quickly get into the hot water and take one of the fastest showers I have ever taken. As I get out of the shower, I take the time to braid my hair and brush my teeth before reentering the bedroom.
Entering the room, I can see him scrolling through his phone while standing in front of the window. He already had clothes on the bed, which I reasoned was probably his pajamas. “Hello, you look gorgeous. And the braids are cute.” he says as he looks me up and down.
“Thank you.” I respond as a blush makes its way onto my face. Getting into bed, I avoid eye contact as he goes into the bathroom to shower next.
Despite being tired, I couldn’t help but think about how the day had gone. Despite just meeting him and his friends in person today, I couldn't help but feel as though I was already a part of the group. Everyone seemed to welcome me with open arms and I couldn’t have imagined the warm welcome that I had received both from Cade and his friends.
Cade especially has done everything in his power to make me feel welcome. From giving me space in his own bedroom, to helping me cook and to constantly making sure that he isn’t leaving me alone in an unfamiliar place He has been constantly thinking of what I might need or want and is constantly reassuring me about how he feels. I couldn’t have even dreamed of finding someone so perfect for me. However, I now worry that maybe everything is too good to be true. Does someone like me even deserve someone as perfect as him? After all, even my parents had disowned me.
Realizing that I was spiraling, I took a deep breath before sorting through my thoughts. My parents didn’t like the fact that I wanted to be able to support myself and that’s why they kicked me out of the house. In the years since, although they have reached out a few times, they didn’t like that I dated people often, breaking another of their expectations for me. Their disapproval had only increased once my younger sister had even gotten married and had children of her own. Unfortunately for me, they were very traditional and I knew that wasn’t the type of lifestyle I want to live.
Now, I have a successful job and my own apartment. I have had the opportunity to travel often and I’ve just found someone that I would like to spend the rest of my life with-
Before I could continue that thought, he walked out of the bathroom in nothing but a pair of pajama pants. Even though his job requires him to stay at a computer for long periods of time, it is evident that he does work out. His abs were visible and I could see his bicep as he reached up to run his fingers through his wet hair. “That was a fast shower.” I say as I look away from his body.
“Yeah, I guess.” he responds as he walks over the bed.
As I could hear his voice get closer, I couldn't help but feel nervous. I trusted him but at the same time, the realization that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him changed everything. I wanted- no I needed to make sure that I didn’t mess things up. Snuggling further into the blankets, I watch as he gets under the covers himself. Deciding to break the silence I ask, “Do we have anything planned for tomorrow?”
“We can do whatever you’d like to do. I was thinking we could enjoy some time together and maybe go on a proper date, if you’d like?” As he finishes his sentence, I look over at him to see that he was blushing slightly but looking me in my eyes, he continues, “Or we could have a date night at home? Whichever you’d prefer.”
Although going out sounded fun, I knew that I would prefer his food no matter what, so I decided to answer, “How about a date night at home? I think your food would be better than anything we could get anyway and besides I’m sure everywhere will be crowded since it is so close to Christmas.”
“Good point, date night at home it is then.” he says before turning over and saying a soft, “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” I reply as I turn away from him as well. Replaying the events of the day, I fall asleep quickly.
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