The elevator dings, and the doors open. As a unit, we guide the bedframe out of the hallway and into the back of the moving truck waiting for Tony.

“Well, that’s about it,” Tony says, slipping a small box on top of all his stuff. Closing the doors, he stands back, hands on his hips, looking at us both. “This isn’t the end. I’m seeing you both next Wednesday at our gig on sixteenth Street.”

“The Cat’s Cradle, I’ll be there,” Caleb nods, wrapping his friend in a hug.

Tony closes his eyes, squeezing him back. Sighing, he looks at me before letting Caleb go. “And don’t let this guy get fat. He likes to eat sweet treats when he’s feeling lonely,” he says, throwing his arm around me.

I hug him back. “You definitely don’t have to worry about him feeling lonely.”

Tony rolls his eyes and steps back. “Yeah, what was I thinking? This is probably the longest you two have been upright since being together.” He huffs, shaking his head.

I laugh, scratching the back of my neck. Tony’s definitely heard way too much since living with us.

“Take it easy, buddy. Don’t be a stranger,” Caleb pats him on the back.

***

“That was amazing,” I moan, sitting back on the couch.

“Right?” Caleb brushes his fingers over his plate and leans back into his seat. “Who needs sex when you have pizza?” He folds his hands behind his head and sighs. I take a moment to look over his body—his V-lines pointing directly down to where I want to go. What a sight.

I lick my lips and sigh too. “Okay, I wouldn’t get ahead of ourselves with that one. Pizza’s great, but half an hour ago? Can’t compare.” I nuzzle my face into his neck.

He laughs, running his hands through my hair. “Okay, fair. But pizza is still pretty high up there.”

“That, I can agree with,” I smile into his neck, giving him a quick bite before sitting up straight.

The apartment feels empty without Tony. I look around, taking it all in. In a few days, we’ll be right behind him. Moving into a totally new place, starting fresh. Together.

“Does it ever shock you how far we’ve come? I mean… who would’ve thought we’d end up here?” I breathe deeply. My love for him is overwhelming. Even after all this time, I still can’t believe he’s here with me right now. He chose me. And I’d choose him again and again.

He bites his lip, looking at my eyes and then at my mouth, and back again. “No way. I think somewhere in me always thought this was going to happen. I always had you right here.” He taps his chest.

I reach out and grab his hand.

“I love you so damn much,” I say, squeezing his hand.

“I love you more,” he answers, pulling my hand to his mouth and giving it a tender kiss.

I lean in and connect our lips in a soft, gentle kiss.