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"You could just move in."

It was said with a laugh, with a 'who cares' attitude. I made it sound like it was just like he'd asked me what the best choice for cereal was: milk or water; but underneath the false bravado I was a nervous wreck.

We'd been together for the better part of two years now. Jack was an integral part of my life now, and he stayed over most of the week anyway. It seemed natural for me to ask him. The first time I'd thought it was a shock to me. But then I'd rolled it around in my mind for a few months. Did I want Jack to move in? Did I want to see him every day? Well, even more than I already did. Would we kill each other? I had so many questions warring for answers that I made lists. I made a list of pros and cons of asking him to move in. I made lists on good days, and even more on bad days- just to be sure. I made lists during weeks with no sex, and during weeks that I fucked him every night. Each and every time the pros side was at least twice as long as the cons. My next step was getting the opinion of my oldest friend. I was nothing if not thorough.

~*~*~Line~*~*~

Koz was standing by his car, holding the door open for Sandy when I walked up. The blonde waved in hello, and Koz nodded.

"You two got a tic? Need some advice." I asked. They nodded.

The three of us settled in Sandy's office; he had more chairs. He climbed up behind his desk and I suddenly felt like I was visiting a therapist.

"I hope you and Jack didn't have another fight." He scowled. Jack always went to him when we fought. It was amusing.

"No actually, if all this turns out how I want, it'll be a really good thing." I cleared my throat and shuffled to the edge of my seat. "I've been thinkin' lately, and I want to ask Jack to move in with me."

Sandy clapped his hands over his mouth to cover his manic grin as he bounced in his seat. I looked at Koz and found him mouth agape, and wide golden eyes staring at me.

"What?" I asked.

"It's about bloody time, you wanker." He groaned. Koz dug out his wallet and handed his fiancé a one hundred dollar bill. Those bastards had bet on me. "We were actually talking about this the other night, weren't we little star?"

Sandy nodded. "Yep. He put money down on you asking this Easter, and I told him it would be sooner. I was right! I told you so!" He explained in utter delight.

They tittered back and forth about bets, pools, and next time inviting North and Anna to join; more money, they agreed.

"Wait, wait, wait," I said, taking hold of the conversation again. "I don't care about gambling on our friends. What do you two think about me asking him? Do ya think it'd be a mistake or not? Or would it freak 'im out?"

Koz scoffed at me. "Heaven's no Aster. We think you make a wonderful couple. You two bicker about everything, but it works for you. It's about time you offer the next step. I think he'd be overjoyed." Koz smiled warmly and clapped a hand on my shoulder.

"After he lets the offer sink in, that is." Sandy added.

"What offer?" Anna's voice startled us as we whipped to stare at her.

"Aster's going to ask Jack to move it with him!" Sandy explained.

Anna clutched the files she held to her breast and smiled, showing off perfect bright white teeth. "Are you really?! That's so great! When are you gonna ask him? Where? Are you planning anything special?!" She shot of questions like torpedoes.

"Calm down, мой сладкий." North's voice boomed. He came and stood behind Anna. "What it commotion?" He said, peeking in.

"I'm wanting to ask Jack to move in with me." I rushed. All these drongos airin' my business. No respect.

"This is wonderful! Now you will not be so grumpy!" He laughed a belly shaking laugh. He and Anna squeezed into the already full office and began talking plans with Koz and Sandy.

'Oh, he could do this. They could spend the day here. How about if he brought flowers, or sang to him! How romantic! Oh- Emma could help! She'd be so excited!'

I scowled. No doubt Anna would be calling Emma to start planning. At least I didn't have to worry about telling his twin; but I didn't want Jack to find out from anyone else but me. I wanted to be the one to ask him. My watch told me that he was off work, and probably already at the apartment, so I slunk my way out of the crazed gathering and went home.

As I opened the door Jack's voice was the first thing I noticed. It was coming from the kitchen so he was most likely cooking. Walking around the short hallway I saw him: earbuds in, hips wiggling, waving a spoon in front of his face loudly serenading the stove. I stood quietly and watched. This is something I don't think I'd ever tire of coming home to. He was amazing.

"Oh! Hey Bunny. I'm trying out stir-fry, and you get to be the test subject." He smiled and turned back to the stove. "By the way," He continued, sounding slightly annoyed. "I that toothbrush holder for a reason. Stop putting your toothbrush next to the toilet. Do you know how nasty that is?" He gagged.

"I can't help it if you changed everything up. I don't even know where you put half anything anymore. You know this place better than I do now." I laughed and wrapped my arms around his waist from behind. He leaned into me, depositing the stir-fry into a large bowl and grabbing two plates.

"You said I was welcome whenever I wanted. You knew I came with a bit of ocd." Jack remarked sarcastically. He arranged the plates, and I got the glasses and flatware. "I'll draw you a map, if it'll make you feel better, 'roo." He smirked as we sat down.

"Or, or- " I snorted. "You could just move in."

I steeled myself for his reaction. Jack had paused with his fork in his mouth. His eyes widened as he took the fork away, food still on it.

"Was that a serious statement?" He asked. I nodded. "You really want me to move in with you?"

"Yes. I do."

"Why?" Jack asked, genuinely confused.

"You're over here more than you're at your own apartment, for starters." I raised a brow at him; he looked away with a blush. "I want you here. It feels like home when you're here." I said gently, giving him a warm smile. Food forgotten, he launched himself over the table.

We moved him in the next day.

End.

мой сладкий- my sweet.