18. Cyrus

18

CYRUS

I headed into work early Monday morning so I could get a jump on some tedious paperwork, but when I arrived at the college, I realized that I wasn’t the only one who had that idea.

I tapped my finger on the glass part of my colleague’s office door and he smiled, gesturing for me to come inside.

“Irving, what a pleasant surprise to see you here,” I said as I walked in, ducking my head. “I thought I would be all alone for the next hour.”

“I’m absolutely swamped with midterms to grade,” he explained. “No doubt you’re here for the same reason.”

“Of course.” I sat down, the arms on the narrow leather chair squeezing my thighs. “Tell me, how is the life of domestic bliss?”

Irving chuckled. “Sylvan has forgone commissions on paintings entirely as he plans our wedding. I let him take the lead on it, as he had a much clearer vision of what he wanted than I did. Coffee?” He held up the small pot he kept in his office. “It’s fresh.”

“Yes, please. I suppose it’s for the best that you let him take over if his mind is set.”

“It’s true. I did make him include me in picking out the wedding bands, although we went with his choice in the end.” He handed me a cup filled to the brim with steaming hot black coffee. “They’re…made of wood.”

“Well, that’s a fun twist on the traditional ring, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so. I don’t care so long as we actually get through the wedding and things slow down a bit.”

“But you’re happy with him, aren’t you?” I took a sip of the coffee, the hot liquid burning my throat as it went down.

“Happy beyond belief.” Irving smiled, a faraway haze clouding his eyes. “Sylvan is the most wonderful person to ever enter my life. I can’t believe I almost let him go.”

“You’re a lucky man,” I said, giving him a somber smile.

“Don’t fret, Cyrus. You’ll find the one someday too. You’re still using the matchmaking service, aren’t you?”

“I actually got a match about a week ago,” I admitted. “I didn’t tell anyone because I wasn’t sure if it would stick. I’ve waited so long, you know, and it felt too good to be true.”

“That’s wonderful. Tell me about him – is he human?”

“Yes,” I said slowly, “but he’s not what you might picture as being a good human match for me.”

“Oh. You mean, he’s short?”

“Well, that, and he’s not really the romantic type. Honestly, I’m not sure how much longer we’ll last as a couple.”

Irving’s smile faded. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s all right. I’m trying to enjoy it while it lasts. It’s been so long since I’ve dated someone, I nearly forgot how wonderful it can be.”

Irving leaned forward, lowering his voice despite no one else being in the building. “And what about the sex? Is it good?”

“Irving, where are your manners?” I laughed. “Yes, the sex is rather good – great, actually. In a way, that’s the problem.”

“How could good sex possibly be the problem?”

“It’s all he cares about. He likes me well enough, I think, but the poor little fellow specifically asked for an orc because he’s been watching orc porn or something like that, and his dream is to have sex with one in real life.”

Irving sat back in his chair, taking a big swig of coffee before responding. “That’s unfortunate. What do you think of him, though? Do you like him?”

“I like him a great deal. Irving, may I tell you something confidential?”

“Of course. You know I won’t tell another soul, not even Sylvan.”

“I think I would be perfectly content spending the rest of my life with him. He would never go for it though, so I’m trying not to think too far ahead.”

“Have you told him as much?”

“Yes, I told him yesterday when we were together.”

“Then that’s all you can do. Don’t worry, Cyrus. Even if he’s not your soulmate, the right man will come along eventually and sweep you off your feet.” He frowned as he thought over the logistics of that fantasy. “Well, you might be the one sweeping him off his feet, but my point still stands. The Librarian is masterful at finding the ideal match, even if you don’t believe in it at first.”

“I know,” I sighed, “but I’m just so tired of being patient. Anyway, I should leave you to your work so that I can start on mine. Thank you for letting me unburden my woes on you.”

“Anytime, Cyrus. You’re always welcome to sit and have a chat when something is troubling you, especially relationship woes. I went through a fair share of them myself even after I met Sylvan, if you’ll recall.”

“I do indeed. I’m looking forward to the wedding and, fingers crossed, I’ll be able to bring a plus-one to it.”

Irving smiled reassuringly. “I know you will. Good luck with your little friend.”

I left Irving’s office with a weight lifted off my shoulders. My steps were light and springy for an orc and the entire world around me was a little brighter and more vibrant. What I needed to do was give Nico more time, and even if he didn’t change, I would still be here and my soulmate would still be out there somewhere waiting for me. It was all I could do to keep hoping and waiting.