Reluctantly, I open my eyes.
Jude gazes back at me with glassy eyes, tears already falling. “Listen to me. Yes, you’re asexual, and I’m not. But just because I’ve enjoyed sex before doesn’t mean I need it to be happy. Even if I did, I’ve got all the tools I need to take care of that by myself.”
I try to laugh, but my breath hitches on a sob instead.
“I love you, Oliver. I love you exactly as you are. Your love satisfies me more than any sex I’ve ever had.”
The floodgates burst open, and I can’t hold back my tears any longer. I weep into Jude’s chest, and they cradle my head with gentle, soothing fingers.
“God, I love you,” I sob.
“I love you so much,” Jude whispers. “Always.”
Soon, a louddingechoes from the kitchen, and I steady my breathing. “Pizza time?” I ask.
Jude nods. “Pizza time.”
While Jude handles the pizza, I gather the blankets from Jude’s room and resume building Fort Cuddle Puddle.
“It’s glorious,” Jude remarks.
I stand back to admire it, even snapping a picture. “It truly is.”
Once the pizza is consumed, we change into comfier clothes and settle into Fort Cuddle Puddle. We consider watching a movie, but never actually get around to it, because we end up lost in conversation. We talk about everything. We talk about nothing. All the while, we never break physical contact. Eventually, we’re horizontal, and I can feel myself drifting in and out of sleep.
“Hey, Oliver?”
“Hm?”
“I consent to sharing a bed with you tonight.”
I snort. “Thank you, Jude. I also consent.”
Jude giggles, then nuzzles into my chest. “Sweet dreams, love.”
“Sweet dreams, beloved.”
Friday, November 28, 2025
Waking up next to Jude is nothing short of a dream come true.
Somehow, I stir before my alarm sounds, giving me a moment to savor this peaceful moment with my sleeping Jude. They’re not quite in my arms, but close enough that their face is nuzzled against my chest, with one arm draped over my torso as if holding on for dear life. Their features are relaxed, completely still except for the gentle rise and fall of their chest, and I can feel their warm, steady breaths through the thin fabric of my shirt.
The amount of affection coursing through me is overwhelming. This is far better than anything I could have dreamed for myself. It’s everything. I could lie here all day, and I’d be the happiest man alive. Jude is here, and they want to be here, dozing peacefully by my side. And they love me. Jude loves me, and I love them.Holy shit.
Unable to resist, I gently run my fingers through their soft, strawberry-blonde hair, reveling in its softness. They inhale sharply, eyes fluttering open.
“Sorry,” I whisper. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
As our eyes meet, Jude smiles and relaxes again. “Morning, handsome,” they rasp, snuggling into me.
I cradle them close, pressing a kiss to the top of their head. “Good morning, love. How did you sleep?”
“Better than I have in a while,” they say, voice muffled against my chest. “You?”
“Same,” I reply. “I never want to leave.”
“Me neither. But what time do we have to leave?”
