9. Nico

9

NICO

I was awoken from a deep sleep by a knock at my apartment door. It jolted me awake and I rubbed my eyes, checking the time on my phone.

“Oh, shit, I need to get up and get ready for work.”

I rubbed my eyes, forgetting what it was that woke me up, and got out of bed to go make some coffee. Standing in the kitchen buck naked, I heard it again:

Thump, thump, thump.

It sounded like someone was trying to break down the door, but I doubted that was the case. If they wanted to break in, they would have done it already.

“Leave it at the door,” I called out, assuming it was a delivery or something.

It was a little early to have a package dropped off, but I didn’t tell people how to do their jobs. I also wasn’t expecting anything, but it could have been a gift. I didn’t care as long as they left me alone to drink my coffee and get dressed.

“Nico, open up! It’s me, Cyrus.”

I dropped my bag of coffee beans on the floor and they spilled out, causing me to trip and nearly fall as I scurried to the door. I flung it open, half-expecting this to be a cruel prank, but Cyrus stood in front of me as tall and orcish as ever.

“Good God, put some clothes on.” He shielded his eyes, but I laughed and stayed where I was.

“Why? We already saw each other naked once. Does it matter anymore?”

“It matters when it’s 8 in the morning, my dear fellow. I didn’t expect to see a nude man before I began work for the day.

“And I didn’t expect to see an orc waiting for me at the door. I thought you ended things pretty officially last night when you told me we wouldn’t see each other again.”

“I did.”

“Then what changed?”

“I know you want me to say that I changed, but I didn’t really. I just thought about it more and realized that I would like to spend more time with you after all. So, what do you say to a second date tonight?”

“This sounds too good to be true,” I said slowly, narrowing my eyes. “Are you sure you didn’t get replaced by a different, more adventurous orc?”

Cyrus rolled his eyes. “Do you want to date me or not?”

“Yes, of course,” I said quickly. “So, second date tonight – where at?”

“My house again. I have something to show you.”

“I hope it’s what I think it is, but even if it’s not, I’ll be there with open arms – and some other open parts, if you know what I mean.”

Cyrus shook his head. “Ugh, Nico, really . There’s a way to be tactful and that is not it.”

“I’ve never tried to be tactful so I guess it’s working, huh?” I moved out away from the door so he could come inside if he wanted. “You have time for a cup of coffee?”

He checked his watch, sighed, and said, “I suppose so. It will have to be quick.”

I finished making coffee, swept up the beans I spilled onto the floor, and put on some clothes that I found draped over the back of the old dining table chair I kept in my bedroom to put folded laundry on. There was no folded laundry on it today, only a crumpled pile of most likely clean pants and shirts. Cyrus watched as I worked, sitting awkwardly on the couch that was much too small for him.

“Here’s your coffee.” I handed him a cup and joined him on the couch, although there wasn’t really enough room for both of us when one of us was a good foot and a half taller and twice as thick.

“Thank you.” He took a sip. “Mmm, it’s good.”

“I am a chef.”

“A chef’s assistant .”

I cleared my throat. “Yeah, whatever. So, tonight at your place?”

Cyrus nodded, looking around for a place to set his cup. “Unless you need more time between dates.”

“No,” I said quickly, “not at all. Should I bring anything? Food, beverages, toys?”

“Just yourself. That will be enough, I’m sure.”

He finally handed me his cup and I set it on the windowsill behind us. “Sorry about the lack of tables. I don’t spend much time at home, and when I do, I don’t really find the need to have much surface space.”

“No need to apologize. I won’t be spending much time here either, I can assure you that.”

He got up to leave, but I stopped him in his tracks by grabbing the sleeve of his coat. He could have pushed right past me if he wanted to, so I didn’t hold on too hard. The last thing I wanted to do was to dislocate my shoulder because of a stupid little accident.

He turned to look at me, slightly annoyed. “What is it, Nico?”

“Can I have one kiss before you go?” I gave my best puppy dog eyes, hoping it was enough to charm him.

“But the coffee,” he protested. “The taste will be awful.”

“I don’t care.”

Reluctantly, Cyrus leaned down, tilting my head up to meet his. His kiss was soft and tender and once again all too short. I could have stayed there for hours, but he pulled away almost as soon as our mouths touched.

“Another one?” I asked, staring up into those dark eyes. I still couldn’t tell if they were brown or black, but I loved the color anyway.

“Not yet. Tonight I’ll give you more, I promise.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Be patient and you will be rewarded, remember?”

I smirked. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”

Cyrus closed the door softly behind him, his massive shoes thumping down the corridor as he left. I would have followed him all the way to the university if I didn’t have my own job to go to, just so I could spend a few extra hours with him.

If only Cyrus knew what he had done to me, maybe he would feel differently about our relationship, and maybe I could convince him to go all the way with me. There was still time to change his mind, and as I zipped up my coat and grabbed my keys, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was anything else I could do to get deeper into his head.