and most likely will run the entire estate from. We have other smaller stores, and some are unique to older and rare books. We even have some businesses that restore old books and sell them to museums," Oscar explained, taking the occasional sip of his whiskey.
Daphne went on to ask more questions such as which books they had restored and where they were now. Alfie had toed off his shoes and cuddled into Matt's side, holding his whiskey tumbler with both his hands, taking a sip here and there. Matt had his arm thrown over Alfie's shoulder, holding him close.
"I’m glad that you two are finally together," Oscar said, looking at the cuddling pair. Alfie just smiled at his father while Matt gave a relieved and truly happy smile, showing how much his acceptance meant to him.
"I plan on moving into the apartment once my lease is over," Alfie revealed, and the pair saw the satisfied smile on both parents' faces.
Shortly after the whiskey was drunk, goodbyes were said, and promises of more outings and dinners were made.
The car dropped them off first. The driver was more than willing to drive Daphne home as it was far too late to get a taxi. It was safer that way, and Daphne was more than happy to have a safer way home. She kissed both men on the cheek and climbed into the car. The red tail lights drifting off into the distance.
Matt and Alfie came back to an excited Sam that kissed their faces all over. Having fed Sam before they left, both men did their nightly routine and climbed into bed. This time in Alfie's bed.
Smiling, Matt ran his fingers down Alfie's back as the man rested on top of him while Sam had claimed the one corner of the bed.
Alfie had drifted to sleep. His face was relaxed and body lax where it rested against Matt. The last thing he saw before sleep claimed him was the resting face of his liberator .
Chapter Nine
Five months had passed, and the relationship had only grown. They had some small agreements about small things that were quickly talked out. They had agreed to never go to bed mad at each other.
The lease on Alfie's apartment had come up when it was three months away from expiring. Alfie had informed the landlady that he would be moving out and in with his boyfriend. The old lady smiled and patted his arm. She wished him good luck and a long and happy life.
Alfie had decided to sell most of his furniture from his old apartment and keep small items. Like an old bookcase, obviously his books, pictures and a very, very old chest and some other knick-knacks.
With the money from the furniture, they decided to make the apartment their own with new furniture and paint. They did it in small increments..
***The happy couple spent most of their time together but still have their “me” time. Alfie had his office and Matt in the living room, watching his sports and studying for his upcoming exams.
When Alfie saw Matt getting too worked up, he would either take Matt by the shoulders and lead him to the couch to their bedroom to smother Matt with kisses.
The other way Alfie got Matt to relax was with something tasty to eat. It usually got Matt to stop what he was doing and take a small break to enjoy what Alfie had made for him.
Alfie would always, no matter what route he took, help Matt afterward by reading his notes and books he needed to learn from out loud, stroking Matt's hair with soft and gentle fingers.
It worked wonders as Matt stressed less and learned more as Alfie made Matt take regular breaks and fed him healthy foods. What surprised Matt the most was Alfie signing them up to a gym. They decided to go to the gym in the mornings, only for an hour, just to do cardio and use the showers as Matt still could not put a lot of stress on his knee.
His knee did get stronger the more they went to the gym. Alfie had gotten more fit as well and had learned to love his morning jogs. They soon started to do more and make their morning gym time slot longer by half an hour.
Both men loved the healthy changes it brought to the other. They fell more and more in love as time passed. They also earned more about the small habits of the