Birthday bonus

The remnants of the party, the lingering scent of cake, and the happy sighs of a recently fed puppy – Buster, their furry new addition – all contributed to the warm, contented hum of the apartment. Zoid, curled on the sofa with Buster’s head in their lap, felt a profound sense of peace. Luke, across from them, watched with an almost reverent gaze, his emerald eyes soft as they tracked Zoid’s every move. The day had been a whirlwind of celebration, a testament to their growing bond, and as the evening settled, a different kind of anticipation began to build.

Luke’s smile widened, a slow, deliberate curve of his lips that Zoid knew all too well. It was the precursor to something delightful, something that always left them breathless and wanting more. He rose from his chair, stretching languidly, his movements fluid and confident. He crossed the room, his gaze never leaving Zoid. The oversized tee Zoid wore felt suddenly inadequate, a thin barrier against the heat that was starting to rise.

“You know,” Luke murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through Zoid’s chest, “I think we’ve earned a little… birthday bonus.”