Chapter 5

It was another Monday morning, just over a week after Ruth and I had first mated, and I was going to be headed out in a couple minutes. I was sipping my last bit of coffee at the table while Ruth ate a large bowl of oatmeal. I tried to not wake her when I got up, but sometimes I did anyway, and while I felt bad about it she cheerfully joined me on those mornings. It wasn’t like I didn’t appreciate the company anyway.

“Well, I think it’s time for me to get going,” I announced as I stood up. I put my mug in the sink and then Ruth followed me to the door.

“Have a good day at work Dear,” Ruth said before kissing my forehead.

“I’ll try. You too sweetheart.” I tilted my head up for a quick kiss on the lips, then I left.

When I’d made it to the job site I started pouring over the prints. The job had only been going for a few days, so I still wasn’t overly familiar with it.

“Heyoooo!!” Whooped a familiar voice right as the door started opening. A second later Tom walked in and waved.

“Hey, what’s up!” I stood up and greeted him with a fist bump.

“Not too much. It sounds like I’m going to be running this one though.”

“Uh oh, looks like I’ll have to keep an eye on you then.”

“Pffft! I’m good at my job and you know it!” He defended and we both laughed. “Anyway, is there anywhere good to eat around here?” He asked when we stopped laughing.

“There’s the usual fast food places. Funny enough, we’re also pretty close to a place called Sarafina’s. Ruth often goes there with one of her friends.”

“Hmm, any good?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been there, but it’s run by a lamia and it caters to non-humans.” I chuckled quietly to myself as I remembered that Sarafina’s mate was human. “I’ll have to see if Ruth is ok with me going with her sometime.” Tom smirked. “What?” I asked.

“Just ... you and Ruth. Can’t say I ever saw it coming!”

“Yeah, me neither!” I said with a laugh. “Ruth’s friend Sara apparently had us pegged for months though!”

“It sounds like things are going good though. I’m happy for you.” I grinned.

“Thanks. And yeah, it’s going really well.” I chuckled. “A little over a week ago we took it to the bedroom.” Tom’s joking demeanor faded.

“I thought you said that would make it permanent...” he said quietly.

“Yeah, I did.” I flashed him a reassuring grin.

“So, this is ... for the rest of your life.”

“Yep.” He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Well, you’re happy right?” My grin widened.

“Oh, for sure!”

“Alright then. Good luck!” He said with a chuckle. “Weirdo,” he teased under his breath. I didn’t bother responding. “How’d your family handle the news?” He asked.

“I ... haven’t told them yet,” I hesitantly mumbled and Tom recoiled in surprise.

“Like, nothing. Not even that you two were dating!?” I shook my head. “Dude, you gotta get on that!”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” I sighed. “I’m just nervous about what they’ll think.

“Well, you’re gonna have to rip the band-aid off eventually.”

“Maybe I’ll call my mom this evening. I figured Thanksgiving would be a good time for Ruth to meet the family.”

“Sounds like a plan, but that’s coming up quick. Anyway, I’ve got some feeders to map out. Good luck with everything.” He turned to leave, but only got a couple steps before he stopped. “One more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t think I’m ever going to stop teasing you about falling for the big furry one!” I snorted and shook my head as he left, figuring he wasn’t kidding.

The rest of the day went by at a snail’s pace, and the closer it got to the end of the day, the more nervous I got. By the time I had gotten home it felt like someone had made a balloon animal out of my stomach.

“Hello, Dear,” greeted Ruth from the kitchen when I walked into the apartment. It sounded like she was cooking. To my amazement, when I walked in the door that was exactly what she was doing.

“Hi, sweetheart. What’cha making?”

“I’m trying to make broccoli cheese soup, and I’m hoping that it’ll come out ok.” I looked into the pot she was stirring. “I found the recipe online, and thought that since you had work today and I didn’t, I could try making dinner tonight.”

“I’m sure it’s gonna be great!” I gestured for her to lean over and I kissed the side of her muzzle, making her smile.

“How was work?”

“It was alright. Tom’s running the electrical on the new job.”

“Oh that’s nice!”

“Yeah. I also told him about our recent development.” Ruth stopped stirring for a moment and turned to face me.

“How did he respond?”

“He’s happy for us.”

“That’s good,” replied Ruth with a relieved sigh.

“He also reminded me that I really need to talk to my family...”

“Yes, you do. When do you plan on doing so?”

“Probably tonight. There’s no sense in putting it off anymore. Though I’ll probably just tell them we’re together and leave out the part where it’s permanent for now. That would give them time to warm up to you before telling them they’ve got a new in-law!”

“That’s probably smart. But for now dinner’s almost ready, though I think you’ve got time to get cleaned up first.”

“Sounds good.”

I took a quick shower, and changed into a pair of sweat pants and a T-shirt. By the time I was done Ruth was just putting a couple bowls of soup on the table. I kissed her cheek before we sat down, and after blowing on a spoonful I took a bite.

“Hey, this is good!” I complimented. Ruth’s eyes lit up.

“Thank you!” She took a bit of her own. “I’m very glad you think so.” She took another bite and held it in her mouth for a moment. “It seems like it’s missing something...” I took another bite.

“I think adding a little more cheese would go a long way.” Ruth’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, that would be good!” She exclaimed.

“And now you know for next time,” I said and we grinned at each other. “Finding a recipe and making it your own is all part of cooking.” I took another bite and smiled again. “I’ll tell you what though, for a first try this is amazing!” Ruth beamed with pride.

We must have both been hungry because we ate quietly for the rest of the meal. Afterwards, I cleaned up, completing the role reversal of our typical evening routine. Once the leftover soup was put away and the dishes were done I joined Ruth in the front room. She was in her chair and had just started another crochet project. It had been a while since I’d seen her working on anything so I was happy to see her pursuing her hobby. I kissed her forehead then flopped onto the couch. Ruth put down her yarn and followed.