Page 136 of Gratification in Gluttony

“And then they did move in, and it was very pleasant. We shared common interests such as documentary films and historical festivals. We also had a common friend group, so it was nice having someone to attend social events with.”

“Of course, makes perfect sense,” Toni said.

“And while we sometimes disagreed, we got along very well. They were clean and quiet. They paid their rent on time. Sometimes, they would sit next to me on the couch while we watched documentaries, and I did not despise when our thighs touched.”

Toni nodded. “That’s great. We all know that doesn’t happen a lot for you.”

“Yes, they were a wonderful friend and roommate. They even invited me to take part in their sister’s wedding festivities. I was in the pictures and everything.” Zef smiled minutely. “It is a fond memory; I was very grateful to be included.”

Their smile fell. “But then, they started wanting more physical affection and asking about sharing a bedroom, which I did not understand. We had two bedrooms; there was no need to share. And I would not be comfortable sharing a bed with them. It was not the answer they desired.”

Judging from the expressions on everyone else’s faces, Toni was not crazy for making the assumptions he had. Validation!

“Why did they move out?” Tad asked. “Did they screw you over? Do I need to take care of them? Because you know I will.”

“Do not be silly, Tad,” Zef said with a dismissive wave of their hand. “It was nothing like that. They simply, out of theblue, requested me to partner with them in procreation and the raising of young. I told them I had no interest in such things, especially with them. They grew irrationally upset; there were so many tears.”

Gem looked like he was ready to explode, and he was only holding back because his lowest hand was clutching Toni’s thigh, nails digging in painfully. Willow was physically covering her mouth, like it was the only thing keeping her quiet. Even Quin and Glyma were grimacing.

“So, just to sum up,” Toni said casually. “Denys liked you. You said, ‘Sorry, no thanks.’ Then you said, ‘How about you move in with me?’ They do, and you live together for two years, enjoying common interests, hanging out with common friends, and attending family events together.

“Then they start wanting affection and sharing a bed and having children with you. And when you didn’t want those things, they were very sad, and they moved out. Does that about cover it?”

Zef cocked their head, wings buzzing as they, seemingly, cataloged Toni’s words. Then they nodded. “Yes.”

“And you were just roommates,” Toni said.

Again, they said, “Yes.”

“Makes perfect sense.” Toni leaned back in his chair. “Sorry the roommate thing didn’t work out, though.”

“As am I,” Zef said sadly. “Though the last two months were not as pleasant. They started to make me feel uncomfortable, so perhaps it is good that we parted ways. Anyway, I must use the restroom.” They stood abruptly and disappeared down the hall.

The second the bathroom door shut, Gem hissed, “Oh my gods, they were dating Denys and they didn’t even know it!”

“We have to tell them, right?” Oliver said.

“I don’t think that would be beneficial,” Quin said.

“Zef would be mortified,” Willow said.

“And they’d probably feel really bad,” Jude said.

“Yes, for inadvertently leading Denys on for two years,” Liel said.

“Hey, we don’t know that’s what happened,” Toni said in defense of his friend. “Denys was a Rhopa, so there was clearly a cultural difference, and things get lost in translation all the time.”

“Especially with Zef,” Glyma said. “They don’t always pick up on things.”

“Not unless they’re clearly stated,” Rusty said.

“And it seems like Denys made a lot of assumptions if they thought Zef was gonna be down for popping out eggs on a random Tuesday,” Toni said.

“Zef lays eggs?” Jude asked.

“Yeah, and they can do it all by themself,” Oliver said with a snicker. “Isn’t that wild?”

The sound of a toilet flushing reached Toni’s ears and he said, “They’re coming back. Listen, we can never, ever tell them, okay? They’ll be so upset, and if I ever see Zef cry, I’m pretty sure it’ll kill me or something.”

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