Azrael walks into my apartment as we get back from the restaurant via the metro. Azrael apparently doesn't take the metro that often, opting to driving or being driven so it was a little entertaining to watch him look around and observe the moving trains and announcements.
Coming inside, he pulls off his coat, and carefully hangs it up and also opts to pull of his shoes as I do.
"So," I say as I walk to the living room of my apartment and sit down on a couch, Azrael following behind me, "what would you like to watch?"
"Oh, um," says Azrael, "anything you'd like to is fine with me."
"I can put on one of my streaming subscription channels and see what's popular," I offer.
"I like that idea," says Azrael.
"Alright," I say as I take a remote of my TV and start to log in and then it's on.
Scrolling through some of the TV shows, I find one about aliens and civilizations, and seeing nothing else really, I put it on. In seconds, there's a show playing with a dramatic opening and entertainment is ready.
"Here," I say as I pat the couch while I also stand, "I'll go get some drinks and snacks, so you wait here."
"Oh, do you need any help?" asks Azrael.
"No, I'll manage," I say with a smile.
"Okay," says Azrael and sits back down.
I nod and then head to the kitchen. Inside, I grab cups, drinks, chips, and also a jar of candy that I know Azrael really likes. Walking back, I see Azrael quietly watching the TV.
Sitting down next to him, I offer him the jar of candy, which he smiles at.
"Oh, thank you," says Azrael.
"I know you like these," I say with a smile of my own.
"I feel I'm always getting things from you I don't deserve," says Azrael.
"I don't think so," I say.
"Is there anything you'd like?" asks Azrael.
I tilt my head and think for a minute, before smiling.
Reaching over, I lift Azrael onto my lap, before leaning backwards and resting him on top of me while I am under him with my arms around his waist. Azrael startles, before he then relaxes in my hold. My head and back rests on one of the arms of the couch, and Azrael's chest is on my chest. That way we both can watch the TV and still be close.
"Is this enough?" asks Azrael.
"I'd say it is," I reply.
"Are you sure?" asks Azrael, turning his eyes up at me that are wide.
I smile, and lean down to kiss his forehead.
"You worry too much," I say, "and it is."
"If you say so," says Azrael, but smiles, and places his head back on my chest.
The TV goes off about relations between artifacts and their background, and the implications they have on history. I like watching this type of show as it keeps you thinking and wondering.
"Oh, speaking of," I say as I talk to Azrael, "when would you be comfortable with talking to my parents about us?"
I talk about this now because I recall the other day I talked with my parents and family, and gave the happy news about Azrael and my official love-life.
"Oh," says Azrael, his cheeks reddening, "whenever you'd like me to."
"They already know about our relationship," I divulge, "and also knew that I liked you."
"What?!" yelps Azrael in shock, "You, when, what?"
"Calm down," I say with a laugh as I pat his back, "they knew I liked you when you first went to Texas with me, and I told them about our situation a few days ago."
"Though," I continue, "I'll have to update them on our status, and say that we're officially boyfriends now."
"What was their reactions?" asks Azrael.
"They think you'll make a nice addition to our family," I say, "and they also think you're very cute by the way."
Azrael blushes so hard, that I laugh again. Pulling him close to me, I kiss his cheek, just happy that what I said is true, and I have him in my arms now after months and months of being near without any romance.
"You really are cute, as they think," I say.
"Wait," says Azrael as he understands something, "we went to Texas, in November."
"Yes?" I say.
"You liked me since then?" asks Azrael.
"I think I liked you since I saw you," I say, "I just didn't know it. But soon I did, and moved in on you."
"Is that why you broke up...with your girlfriend then?" asks Azrael.
"I'd say so," I say as I recall that relationship, a lifetime ago, "there was somebody else I wanted to be with rather than the person at that time. Not that Christine was bad, but was not exactly what I wanted."
"That flatters me," says Azrael, his red face still apparent.
"When did you start to have some feelings for me?" I ask curiously.
"I...I'd say since you tried to get work for yourself from me," says Azrael, "you might've inadvertently burst a bubble I put around myself, or inserted yourself into it. And, I guess I kept you there so that you were always on my mind."
"Really?" I ask thinking that was not what I intended, "That's what started it?"
"I'd say so," says Azrael, "I think that also put us in proximity, and...may have let me see you more often."
"If it means anything, I thought you were very...not beautiful, though you are, but just pulled my eyes to you when you were in the same room."
"I'm something to look at?" asks Azrael, "I'd think I'm rather average."
"I'd think it doesn't matter if you were average or not, because you are the love of my life," I say with a smile.
"You too," replies Azrael.
Not really thinking, I pull Azrael closer to me for a kiss, and then he's kissing me back. A soft touch between us.
It's hitting me now that Azrael who said himself he feared love, can love so passionately. It's so nice, and I have to appreciate it, and Azrael.
"Are you okay?" I ask as we stop, "With loving, and kissing?"
"I wasn't, at first," admits Azrael, turning his eyes down, "it's something I've never done before. There's still flashes behind my eyes of horrible thoughts."
I find his eyes as he looks up at me.
"But...I also know that you're not at all bad, and you'd never hurt me. Never have, and you still don't. That's enough for me."
"You too," I say, "well, except for that one time a few days ago, but then we're together now. You've always been compassionate. You're enough for me too."
"Thank you," says Azrael.
"No problem," I say, and smile, "now, how about another kiss?"
Azrael, smiling, leans back toward me.