"It's no use, Cassie," Jake's voice was irritated.
"It's not the sofa's fault Jake."
"It's a beautiful sofa darlin'," He looked down at the prim velvet sofa, barely bigger than a loveseat. "But it's not the least bit comfortable. Especially not for both of us. And I am too full to lie on the floor."
"I don't have another television. "
Jake sighed. "There's nothin' for it, we're gonna have to go back to my place. Go pack a bag, you're spendin' the night."
"Oh I am am I?" Cassandra tried to look stern but failed because she kept grinning.
"I told you, I'm spendin' every second of this weekend with you. Who knows when we'll get another day off."
"Okay," She said, acting like he'd spent an hour convincing her of his point. He laughed at her as she skipped down to her bedroom.
She didn't take very long, which surprised him. But then Cassandra was way more organized then him. She probably had all her clothes by outfit and her makeup arranged just so.
She opened a door in the little curio in between her kitchen and the small living room and grabbed a couple of medication bottles. He did wonder how she managed to keep up with those too with the life they lead. He supposed being very organized would be a good thing in this instance.
Another stray thought occurred to him as he watched her zip up her bag. Well two actually one involved where the hell his shoes were. But the other was much more important.
"Cassie?"
"Mmmhmm?" She was taking inventory of her belongings.
God this was embarrassing, but it was probably better just to burst out with it. "Are you on the Pill?"
She looked up at him, slightly startled. But she figured with everything else they'd been talking about . . . . It was a complicated answer but she decided to be simple with it. "No, with my medications it wouldn't work. I had a bad reaction to another method and well . . . . I've considered having surgery but I haven't gone through with it yet. Pregnancy wouldn't be a good idea."
"Oh."
Cassie bit her lip, misreading his reaction. "I'm sorry Jake, I never thought I'd be in a regular relationship. Never thought that children would be a factor that should have been brought up earlier."
"No, that's not. Not an issue. Look, I like kids. Love 'em. Love my nieces and nephews. And if a future with you meant children, then I'd embrace it. But don't think it's a make or break for me. This life we live . . . . Besides, can you imagine? We'd have some genius baby winning science fairs before he could walk and telling museum curators where to go by the time he was five. We'd be exhausted."
Cassandra chuckled softly, a little sadly. "That actually . . . ."
"Cassandra, don't. " He crossed the room to her, holding her close. "I meant to make you laugh."
"It's not fair, Jake."
"No, it's not. That thing in your head is not fair. The fact that we have to even think of these things is not fair. None of this is fair." He put his hand on her chin to tilt her face up to look at him. "But we are together for a reason. Fate or magic or just plain good luck. And all I want is you."
Cassandra was teary. "Even though I can't give you a baby or forever or . . . ."
"There's always hope, Cassandra, some day. But if not, it doesn't matter. I thank my lucky stars every day for you. Every day I get to spend with you is a gift. And that's enough for me. I love you, Cassie."
Cassandra was in full out tears then and Jake was terrified for a minute. "Why you cryin'?" He asked his voice rough with emotion.
"Happy tears." She said, her smile suddenly so bright it was like a beacon on a foggy night. "I love you too, oh I love you too."
Jake put his hands on either side of her face and kissed her. She actually expected passion, but what he gave her was gentle. Loving, sweet, a repeat of their first kiss. The kiss that had tasted of strawberries and sunshine and had smelled of so many things that reminded her of happiness.
When he pulled away he chuckled, "You know what else is not fair Cass?"
"What?"
"I can't make love to you because I don't have any damn condoms."
"Oh," Her hand went to her mouth, "That's why the reaction earlier."
"Uh huh. I didn't, well, I don't . . ."He scratched the top of his head. "I mean after Emma left I didn't really keep them on hand, because you know. But I should have at least been a little optimistic in this case. Considering. Every time though, some damn thing happens and I never get to the drugstore."
She laughed. "How about tomorrow morning? I'll go with you. We'll be embarrassed together. And magic better not try to take over the world!"
"Right, so, one more night. We can do this. Besides all that pasta."
"Yeah," Cassandra threw a sweater on over her tank top, he noticed she'd put her usual boots on. She started for her keys when he stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"Uh Cass?"
"Yeah?"
"Where the hell are my shoes?"
