unbreakable bonds

ch. 18

Four months had passed since Zee and Nunew officially became mates, and every day since had only deepened their bond. They had shared so many moments—big and small—that had brought them closer, making them feel like they had known each other for years rather than months. As the weeks went by, they found themselves spending more and more time together, rarely wanting to be apart.

It was during one of their quiet evenings together, sitting side by side on the couch in Zee’s home, that the topic came up.

“Do you ever think about us… moving in together?” Nunew asked, his voice soft but filled with a certain excitement. He had been mulling over the idea for a while, but now felt like the right time to bring it up.

Zee paused for a moment, his hand gently resting on Nunew’s thigh. “I’ve been thinking about it too, Nhu,” he admitted, his eyes meeting Nunew’s with sincerity. “We already spend most of our time together. It just feels… natural to want to share a home.”

Nunew smiled, a warmth spreading through his chest. The idea of waking up next to Zee every day, of sharing a space that was truly theirs, filled him with a sense of anticipation. “It does, doesn’t it? I mean, we’re mated now. It feels like the next step.”

Zee’s eyes softened as he leaned closer, pressing a gentle kiss to Nunew’s temple. “It’s not just the next step because we’re mated. I want this because I love you, and I want to build a life with you.”

Nunew’s heart fluttered at Zee’s words, and he couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face. “I love you too, Hia. And I want that life with you.”

The decision to move in together felt right, like everything in their relationship had naturally led them to this point. They spent the rest of the evening discussing what it would be like to share a home—what their routine might look like, what little quirks they’d have to adjust to, and even how they’d decorate the space to make it truly theirs.

“I guess we’ll have to figure out whose place we’ll live in,” Nunew said with a small laugh, though the excitement was evident in his voice.

Zee chuckled, pulling Nunew closer into his arms. “I think we can find a way to make it work. Whether it’s here or somewhere new, as long as we’re together, it’ll feel like home.”

As they continued to talk, the reality of moving in together became more and more tangible. They discussed their schedules, how they’d handle shared chores, and even what meals they’d enjoy cooking together. It wasn’t just the logistics they were excited about—it was the idea of creating a home together, a space where their love would grow even stronger.

For the next few weeks, Zee and Nunew made plans, visiting potential new homes and discussing which place felt the most like them. It wasn’t just about finding a house—it was about finding a place where they could truly build their future.

One evening, after a particularly long day of house hunting, Zee turned to Nunew with a thoughtful look. “What do you think about staying here for a while? We don’t have to rush into finding a new place. My home is your home.”

Nunew smiled, leaning his head against Zee’s shoulder. “I like that idea, Hia. I love it here with you.”

Zee kissed the top of Nunew’s head, a feeling of peace settling over him. “Then it’s settled. We’ll take our time and figure out the rest as we go. What matters most is that we’re together.”

And with that, they made the first step toward building their home together—a place where their love could flourish and where their bond would only grow stronger with each passing day.