anything and everything

Richard x Merek 3

1 year, 365 days. Richard snuck a glance at the man sitting across from him. He didn't think he'd ever been to a restaurant this fancy before. He was from a well off family but this was on an entirely different level.

But Merek said it was fitting for their anniversary.

Merek noticed Richard looking at him and smiled. "Done eating?" He guessed.

"Yeah." Richard set his fork down. He hadn't finished his full plate but he could bring the rest home. "What's do I owe you?"

"You know the rules. It's my turn to pay for dinner." Merek shook his head. Richard felt bad Merek had been paying for most of their dates so they agreed to switch off.

"But this is a lot..."

"It's nothing. I'd do it every day for you." Merek dismissed his concern. "Oh, and I've got one more gift for you."

"You can't. You already got me two gifts and dinner." Richard tried not to look at the small gift bag Merek took from beside his chair where it had been sitting.

"I think this one will be your favorite." Merek ignored Richards concern, offering him the bag.

"It's too much."

"I promise it's not expensive. The gift cost just under $3." Merek was hoping it being cheap would get Richard to accept just one more gift.

Richard still hesitated but then gave in, accepting the small blue bag from Merek and carefully untying the ribbon.

He felt the cool metal of the small item before he saw what was in the bag. He carefully removed it and looked at the silver key in his hand.

"What's this to?" Richard asked Merek.

"My house."

Richard's heart jumped to his throat. A key to Merek's house? Sure he stayed over plenty but this was a big next step!

"You don't have to decide just yet, take a few days to think about it if you need. But... I was hoping you'd move in with me?"

"I..." It was true that Richards lease ended soon. He was planning on finding a new apartment and had been looking with Merek's help a lot the last few weeks.

"Think it over. Dont rush yourself into any decisions." Merek reached over and gently took Richards hand.

"Thank you." Richard nodded. He'd think about it. He gently squeezed Merek's hand before letting go.

"I want to kiss you so bad right now." Merek told Richard softly.

Richard glanced around. No one was really paying attention. He leaned forward and gave Merek just a quick peck on the lips. "Later."

"Are you staying the night?" Merek guessed. He'd planned on Richard staying on their anniversary. Lilly was having an over night with Ellie so they had the house to themselves. Richard already had a few drawers full of clothing at Merek's anyways.

"I have to test out the key sometime."

*
*
*
*
*

"What did you think of lunch?" Merek asked his sister.

Corri, the sibling whose wedding Merek met Richard at, had come to visit them. Her husband was away for a work trip. Now 7 months pregnant she wanted to be with family just in case there was an emergency and she needed some help. Besides, she wanted to visit her little brother.

"Baby liked it. They're so fussy, always making me sick when I eat certain foods." Corri said, patting her large baby bump.

"Well that's good." Merek laughed. They'd gone out to a semi nice restaurant but nothing too fancy. They'd decided to take a walk around the sculpture park after dinner just to enjoy the views. It was just the three of them, Lilly was out with friends.