I was on my way back from work. I walked to a taxi stop and got into one. Once that trip was over I continued walking. A shelter caught my eye. I walked over to it and entered. I looked around the room. I saw puppies and a.. parakeet of all things. "Sir what can I do for you?" The receptionist asked and I walked over to him.

"Hello," I said. "I was just having a look. Say, have you got any cats?" The man behind the counter blinked. He then stood up.

"Follow me," he said and I did so. He led me into the back of the shelter. I gazed around. There was a lot more animals. "We're here." The reception boy stopped by a small pen. I saw kittens of all shapes and sizes. A ginger one was looking up at me, meowing curiously. I picked the kitten up and she mewed in surprise.

"Talkative, aren't you?" I asked her. She blinked at me. The boy was watching us.

"Do you want to adopt her?"

"I mean, my boyfriend would love a cat." I said, now stroking the kitten on her head.

"Boyfriend?" The boy asked surprised.

"Yes, a boyfriend. Why? Do you have a problem with that?"

"Oh no, no, I was just surprised. You just don't strike me as one who would be gay." I stared at him blankly. I was bi but I wasn't gonna tell him that. "A-Anyway, shall we start the adoption process?"

"Okay," I said. Still holding the kitten, I followed him back to the front. Once I was back in front of the counter the boy left to find the papers. I felt my phone vibrate. I placed the kitten on the counter and checked it.

Where r u?

I hesitated answering Alder's message. I didn't want him to know about her just yet.

Getting groceries.

Oh okay. I'm on my way home.

Crap. I had to get home before him if I wanted to keep the kitten a secret even for a little bit. And now I had to get groceries as well. Fortunately, there was a gas station not to faraway from our house. The boy came out with the papers which I filled in I also bought a food bowl and water bowl. And I bought food for the kitten.

Soon enough, I got home. I placed the grocery bag on the counter. The kitten was on my shoulder. I took the cat stuff and kitten to a spare room. I placed her food and water bowls down and then I placed her down. I'd gotten her a litter box as well and a scratching post. I filled her two bowls. "Okay. This is where you're gonna be living for the next few days. I will visit you. I'm gonna surprise your other father with you." She mewed and I stroked her.

"Sully?"

"I have to go now," I told the kitten. "But I'll see you soon." I crab-walked into my and Alder's room and into the bathroom. I washed the cat hair off my hands and I changed out of my work outfit. I changed into normal clothes. I walked into the lounge. "Hello, Alder," I said.

"Sully!" He said wrapping his arms around me and then bending his legs.

"Tough day?" I asked. He stood up.

"Yes. We're currently working on a new thing and it keeps breaking."

"Oh wow."

"Yip."

"Want to watch Hamilton videos to help you feel better?"

"We could..." I walked over to the couch. We started to watch.

"Better?"

"I do feel better..." I smiled at him. "Why does it keep breaking though?"

"Maybe because it's new?" I suggested.

"Probably." My gaze travelled over to our room.

"I'm coming back," I said as I left to go to our room. I got out my phone. I texted my mother.

Mom. Help.

What's wrong?

You know what we discussed earlier?

Yes.

I'm scared.

Why? It surely isn't that hard?

Mom. Have you met me? Remember how I reacted with her?

Sullivan, that was six years ago and that was quick crush.

Yes. But Alder is my best friend, and I'm dating him. It just feels weird that I'd be..... my best friend.

Sullivan. You love him. He loves you. A lot of people end up doing that.

But...

Sullivan. I know you're scared. But he'll notice you acting strange eventually. You have to do it. You WANT to do it. That's why you're asking me in the first place.

....

Sullivan.

I know Mom. I'm scared but I'll do it. I'm just scared he won't accept. Like 'we are moving to fast' or y'know.

Sullivan. I know he will accept. I've seen you two.

But...

If you don't do it, you'll never propose to him. You've wanted to do it for weeks, so just do it.

Okay, but not today.