Chapter 5: The Moment of Truth

Red woke up in the middle of his sleep because of the urge to use the bathroom. Red got up from his bed and headed to the room door. But, he noticed that the door was opened halfway, and Chuck was not in the room. Curious, he decided to find for Chuck. He headed downstairs, and noticed that the front door was opened too. Bomb, on the other hand, was sleeping soundly, completely oblivious to the surroundings. Red, headed out and saw Chuck standing outside of the house, looking at the night sky. Slowly, he approached to Chuck from behind.

Red: Hey, couldn't sleep?

Chuck: *surprised* Oh! Red! Did I wake you?

Red: No. I just needed to relieve myself, so I woke up.

Chuck: You do know the bathroom is in the house right? Unless, if you want to answer nature's call, literally.

Red: Well, I'm not the one outside of the house staring blankly in the sky.

Chuck: …

Red: Chuck, I know something is bothering you. If not, you wouldn't be out here in the first place. So, please tell me what is going on.

Chuck: I can't. It's too hard.

Red: Chuck, the longer you keep it, the more it will kill you on the inside.

Chuck: *sigh* It's…

Red: Yeah?

Chuck: It's about what happened during dinnertime.

Red: What about it? Did I elbow you too hard? Was I being too harsh on you? What is it?

Chuck: Not about you.

Red: *phew* Thank goodness.

Chuck: It's about Hal and Bubbles.

Red: Oh, what about it?

Chuck: They seem so…happy. They are such a perfect match.

Red: Yeah. They are.

Chuck: Yeah.

Red: Wait, this is what is keeping you awake?

Chuck: It's not just that.

Red: Then what is?

Chuck: The thing is…

Chuck was feeling so nervous and anxious, that he could feel his own heart beating rapidly. It was a cool night, but he was starting to sweat from the nervousness. So, summoning all the courage he had, he thought it was about time.

Chuck: The thing is, Red, I've always liked you.

Red: What?

Chuck: I've always had a crush on you since the first time I saw you. At the same time, I've always thought you were going to not accept me as your partner. *sigh* That's why I've been silent lately. I know you are going to say no, but I'm just letting you know. *sob* But please don't hate me for being gay and having this feeling for you.

Red: Hey, hey. Why are you crying?

Chuck: *sobbing* Because you will start avoiding me.

Red: That's ridiculous! You know what, the truth is, I've always liked you too.

Chuck: *paused* What?

Red: I was feeling the same way too. I was afraid of popping the question and feared the same too. Then, just after I heard the story of Hal and Bubbles, it gave me the confidence I need to bring it up.

Chuck: So, you're not disgusted or mad?

Red: No, why should I?

Chuck: Oh, Red!

Chuck gave Red a tight hug and started shedding tears of joy. Red returned the hug while patting Chuck on the back.

Red: There, there. It's okay. Now that the truth is out, let's make the best of it, okay?

Chuck: Okay!

Chuck's eyes glittered with glee and they stared at each other, eventually they both sinking in to a kiss. The kiss that Chuck had been waiting all this life, finally happened. In his mind, he couldn't believe that it was really happening, and he was enjoying every second of it. And so was Red. The kiss lasted for 10 seconds.

Chuck: Should we inform Bomb about this?

Red: Hmmm. Only when the time is right.

Chuck: Neat-o!

Red: Let's head back in, shall we?

Chuck: Yup! *yawn* Now, I'm sleepy.

Red chuckled as they head back into the house, quietly and slowly, as to not wake the sleeping Bomb. They both headed upstairs, and as soon as they reached the room, Red seemed to remember something he forgotten.

Red: I remembered something.

Chuck: What is it?

Red: I need to use the bathroom!

Chuck: *chuckles* You were holding it all this while?

Red: Yeah, because you were outside playing the thinking game. Be right back.

Chuck: Okay.

It wasn't long after Red finished answering his call of nature. Chuck was about to sleep in his nest.

Red: Really? You are willing to pass up the offer of sleeping together in the same nest? Come join me.

Red's nest was actually big enough to fit two regular-sized birds. Without hesitation, Chuck immediately zoomed pass the room and laid next to Red. They cuddled and Red kissed Chuck on the head.

Chuck: You can be romantic sometimes.

Red: Yeah. Goodnight.

Chuck: Goodnight, Red. I love you.

Red: I love you too.

Alas, it was the first night they spent as a couple.