Riki awakened enveloped in warmth. With eyes still closed, she recalled what happened the previous night. All the weeks leading up to last night was something she never imagined happening to her; well, not yet, not now. She had been out of a relationship for a while so being intimate with another human was something she just imagined. The lockdown had limited physical contact with other people so she considered meeting Niko a blessing.
She wasn't the type to easily fall for anything she hadn't physically interacted with. Whether it be an object like clothes or meeting new people, She was very observant and would often take time analyzing and scrutinizing things much to the irritation of Ina or Ton when they'd go shopping or talk about a random person they saw at the mall. When it came to people, Mr. Rodriguez would often call on Riki to frontline for the company especially when they needed to deal with new clients. More often than not, Riki made good decisions when it came to judge of character and she was able to score good projects for the office.
Niko was a carefree spirit. In spite his obsessive-compulsive behavior toward things, he was quite friendly and gregarious. Little kids adored him that many of his former students and their parents still contacted him even if he was no longer connected with the last school he taught at. However, when it came to relationships, he could be a bit strict, trying to instill his discipline and love for order toward his partner; That was why his parents looked at each other when Niko introduced Riki as his new girlfriend. They knew that Niko might choke the girl with his 'rules'. They were actually surprised to see her in his room, and on his bed. Even as a little boy, Niko never wanted anyone near his things. Even his family and their house helpers could not touch or move anything that belonged to Niko for fear of being yelled at.
Living alone had mellowed Niko in his being controlling of other people. For one, he had no one to blame or get angry at if things weren't in order or misplaced in his own apartment. And, strangely, since he saw Riki from his window, he would sometimes forget to put things away immediately or in its proper place. The first few 'sightings' surprised him when he'd find a used and empty mug on the table or some of his clothes not making it to the hamper after he'd removed them. Although his apartment was still generally spic and span, there were some items that would be forgotten every now and then.
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"...Iggy..." Riki said as she slowly opened her eyes. Niko was still in deep sleep, snoring softly.
"Iggy..." Riki repeated as she tapped Niko's arm which was on her belly. Niko slept on his stomach with his arm across Riki's body and his head turned in the opposite direction. When he heard his name, he moved to lock Riki in an embrace as if she were a pillow.
"Niko...Iggy..." Riki repeated.
"Hmm..." Niko finally roused from deep sleep as he pulled Riki closer, his face buried in her hair.
Riki felt ticklish with the warm breath that Niko blew when he exhaled. "...Iggy..." she repeated as she tapped his arm.
"Hmm...five minutes..."
"No..."
"...sige na...five minutes...please..." Niko mumbled.
"Niko!" Riki said loudly when Niko refused to budge.
"What? Is it time?" Niko said sitting up, startled.
"Ano?" Riki got up and put on her robe and slippers.
Niko rubbed his face and looked at Riki. "Oh shit!"
"What?" Riki said as she walked hurriedly to the bathroom.
