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

“If you’d like, or we can start looking for a place to make ours, if you want to go that far.”


That twinge of fear returned, causing his heart to skip. “No, here’s fine. It’s very you and I like that.”


“But you’ll add some of you, right?”


“Of course. That’s what will make it ours.”


“Ours,” echoed Makai. “I like the sound of that.”


Something nagged at Nolan, a little worm wiggling around in his mind trying to get his attention. He closed his eyes, letting it come to him, and when he grasped it fully, he let out a gasp, sitting up abruptly. He startled Makai, who merely stated at him, eyes wide.


This whole time Nolan had been clutching the key, but now he reached for the scrapbook. “I get it now,” he exclaimed, barely containing his joy. “Today’s another nine. We have to put it in the book.” 7


Chapter 12