Page 22 of Size Doesn't Matter

“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.

19

NICO

Igot what I’d been waiting for on Friday night. My heart nearly exploded out of my chest when I saw the text from Cyrus and, hands shaking, I opened it to read it in full:

I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning, bright and early. Get a good night’s rest, because you’re going to need it.

“Thank God,” I breathed. “Cyrus, man, you know how to keep someone on edge.”

With my weekend plans cemented, it was hard to fall asleep despite Cyrus’ request for me to come well-rested. I would need it, he’d told me. What did that mean? Were we finally moving on to the next step? Was he going to…no, I couldn’t allow myself to get my hopes up. It was probably more of what we’d already been doing: playing around with toys or something else fun but safe. Whatever it was, I would eagerly lap up the attention as long as he was willing to give it to me.

I threw some things into a bag as soon as I had confirmation that I would be seeing Cyrus. I packed enough to stay the whole weekend if he asked me to. I wanted to be as prepared as possible.

I got up way too early Saturday morning, took a hot shower to wake up, and hopped in my car, hoping Cyrus would be awake when I arrived. If he wasn’t I would just have to sit out on his doorstep in the cold for a while. It was nothing I couldn’t handle.

He’d left me a space to park out in front of his house and I pulled up a little too quickly, scraping my tires on the curb. The lights in the living room were on, which meant he was awake. Cyrus was much too conscientious to forget to turn the lights off before going to bed. I knocked on the door before pressing my ear to it to listen for his footsteps.

“Cyrus, it’s me, Nico. Sorry, I’m a little early,” I called to him.

The door swung open and I pitched forward, tumbling into Cyrus’ arms.

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