The Cypher’s Kiss: A Choice Based Short Story
By Cathleen Rootsaert
I CAN'T
"I'm not sure," you say. “These feelings are... I don’t know... New? Confusing, for sure.”
They look away. The silence is brutal. You've ruined everything and hurt someone you care for. Instant regret. You probably should have lied. Growing up with Regulators you came to value honesty because they absolutley didn’t.
Ammien takes your hand and the regret screaming in your head disappears. They smirk and tilt their head. "Thank you for being honest with me. You're… unique, you know." They take your hand and place it gently over their heart. "Do you feel how fast my heart is beating?"
"Is it always like that?"
"No. Just for you." Their eyes are soft and wild at the same time, and you can't imagine them belonging to someone else.
“Have I just confused you more?”
"I don’t know... maybe?” you smirk. “I want to figure this out, Ammien. Tomorrow we can go speak to Freelancer Yarrow. We’ll ask for his advice. Come up with a plan. Okay? I'm sure we can convince him."
“Okay,” Ammien smiles and laughs, a little. You can’t help but smile and laugh, too. You feel awkward and happy. Maybe the dark days of loneliness – the waiting, hoping – are behind you.
They sit on the bed and fall backwards, arms flung over their head. They’re giggling now in a way that makes the whole room sparkle.
"You’re happy," you ask?
“Yes.”
“It’s late.”
“It is.” They sit up. “Since, we're going to sort this out tomorrow... can I... I want to stay.” They look up at you – so vulnerable. “I love you. I don’t want to go home alone. You could just hold me until I fall asleep."
You sit beside them and take their hand and say,