The weather is crappy, the fire is crackling, dinner is cooking, and Makai is nervous.<br><br>He's having dinner with his boyfriend Nolan, and there's something extra special about this date. He planned it all perfectly in his mind and rehearsed exactly what he wants to say. But now, when the moment has presented itself, Makai struggles to find the words.<br><br>Maybe the gift he has waiting will say it all.

A Tale of Nine

He’d turned to Makai, and in the middle of a remark about the spandex outfit worn by the superhero, Nolan cut-off Makai. The kiss started out sweet, tentative, a trace of salt from the popcorn still on Makai’s lips. A heartbeat later it deepened as Makai melted against him, the chill of the winter evening disappearing as it became just the two of them. Nolan distinctly recalled the feeling of Makai’s hand against the back of his neck, the other on the small of his back. He’d placed his on Makai’s hips, slipping them around for a full embrace.


“I loved that night,” Nolan said softly. “I think it was the night I knew.”


“That it was the real thing and not some fling.”


Makai moved closer, putting his arm around Nolan. He planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “I’m glad it turned into something more. I think this is the happiest I’ve been in a very long time.”


Chapter 7